The Diving Pod

Episode #243 Max Flory Demo & Quick Hitter

In this episode, Heath and Aaron give their perspective on last chance meets and share their opinions on how athletes and coaches should approach them. They also discuss feet-first entries, why they matter, and common things they see on deck that can impact scoring.

Everyone should also head over to The Diving Pod YouTube channel to watch the Max Flory mentor demo, where Max breaks down key concepts that can help divers improve their performance and preparation.

Episode #242 Winter Nationals Review

In this episode of The Diving Pod, we break down everything that stood out from the recently completed USA Diving Winter Nationals. From breakout performances by young athletes to veterans showing why they continue to raise the standard, Winter Nationals once again proved to be one of the most important checkpoints in the domestic season.

Episode #241 Manny Pollard

This week’s episode features Manny Pollard, a name that carries real weight in the diving world. Manny’s journey has taken him from being a standout diver at Minnesota, to sharpening his coaching craft as an assistant diving coach at Texas, and now back home where he’s building something special.

Manny joins the pod to talk about launching and running a Minnesota-based program with one clear mission: developing divers the right way and preparing them for the biggest stages in the sport. We dive into his philosophy on long-term athlete development, what he learned coaching at an elite collegiate program, and how he’s using those experiences to shape the next generation.

This episode is packed with insight for young divers, parents, and coaches who care about growth, consistency, and doing things with purpose.

Episode #240 Winter Nationals Preview

In this episode of The Diving Pod, we dive into everything you need to know ahead of the 2025 USA Diving Winter Nationals. We break down the key storylines heading into the championship, highlight the athletes to watch on both springboard and platform, and explore how this year’s event will shape the early road toward the 2028 Olympic cycle.

Episode #239 Mohamed Farouk (Miami & Egypt)

In this episode, The Diving Pod sits down with Egyptian Olympian and current University of Miami standout Mohamed Farouk. Mohamed shares the story of his remarkable journey—from growing up in Egypt and discovering the sport of diving, to developing into one of the nation’s top athletes and ultimately representing his country on the Olympic stage.

He reflects on his transition to the University of Miami, what it’s been like training and competing as a Hurricane, and how the program has helped elevate his performance to new levels. Mohamed also dives into the unique challenges and opportunities he faced coming from a country with a developing diving scene, and how those early experiences shaped his mindset and work ethic.

Looking ahead, Mohamed opens up about his ambitions for the 2028 Olympic Games, giving listeners a glimpse into the training, focus, and personal drive fueling his next chapter.

This episode offers a powerful blend of international perspective, resilience, and high-performance insight—don’t miss it.

Episode #238 Andrew Bennett (Minnesota)

In this episode, we sit down with Andrew Bennett, standout senior diver at the University of Minnesota, to dive into his unique journey through the recruiting process and what ultimately led him to join the Gophers. Andrew shares what it’s been like training under legendary coach Wenbo Chen, offering insight into Wenbo’s coaching style, training environment, and the lessons that have shaped his development as an athlete.

Andrew also opens up about his experience at the U.S. Olympic Trials, reflecting on the mental and physical preparation, the atmosphere on deck, and what he took away from competing on one of the biggest stages in the sport.

Packed with perspective, honesty, and behind-the-scenes stories, this episode gives listeners a closer look at one of Minnesota’s senior leaders and the path that brought him to the top of collegiate diving.

Episode #237 Max Flory Mentor Program (Miami & DDC)

In this episode of The Diving Pod, we welcome Max Flory, current Team USA diver and rising leader in the sport, to talk about his brand-new Max Flory Mentor Program. Balancing his own elite career with a drive to support the next generation, Max shares why he felt compelled to create a mentorship platform while still competing at the highest level.

Max dives into how his experiences—both the highs and the challenges—shaped the program’s design. His goal is to help today’s divers develop in every area: technical refinement, training habits, mental preparation, navigating the pressures of high-performance sport, and even life management outside the pool. By offering individualized guidance, Max hopes to elevate athletes in ways he wishes were available earlier in his own journey.

Interested divers, parents, and coaches can reach out directly at mentor@maxflory.com.

And for Diving Pod listeners, Max is offering an exclusive 15% discount on new sign-ups. Use code DIVINGPOD15 when you join!

Episode #236 Ryan Rougeux (Louisville)

In this episode, we sit down with Louisville Diving Coach Ryan Rougeux, whose story is a true testament to perseverance, hometown pride, and passion for the sport. From growing up in Louisville to guiding one of his divers to the Olympic final stage, Ryan’s journey is anything but ordinary.

We dive into how he built a top program right where it all began — the lessons learned along the way, the evolution of Louisville Diving, and what it means to reach the sport’s highest level.

Whether you’re a coach, athlete, or simply love a great underdog story, this conversation is packed with insight, authenticity, and inspiration from one of the sport’s most grounded and driven minds.

Episode #235 Juliette Landi (Auburn & France)

In this episode of The Diving Pod, we sit down with Auburn freshman Juliette Landi, one of diving’s most exciting young talents. Despite only beginning her diving journey around 2021–2022, Juliette has already made an incredible leap — earning a spot to represent France at the 2024 Olympic Games. 🇫🇷

Juliette shares what it’s been like stepping into the sport so recently and adapting to the elite level so quickly. She talks about her unique athletic background, growing up with high-level gymnastics coaches as parents, and how that foundation has shaped her approach to training, competition, and mindset.

From discovering diving to performing on the world stage, Juliette’s story is a fascinating look at rapid growth, resilience, and what it takes to excel in a new sport.

Tune in to hear Juliette’s journey, her experience at Auburn University, and her perspective on chasing big goals in a short amount of time.

Episode #234 Ben Wilson (Auburn & Australia)

In this week’s episode of The Diving Pod, we’re joined by Auburn freshman Ben Wilson, a talented diver from Australia who shares the story of how he found his way to the NCAA and the Auburn Tigers. Ben walks us through his unique recruiting journey, from training Down Under to connecting with Auburn’s powerhouse program, and reflects on the transition to college life in the U.S. He also opens up about his goals for the future—both in collegiate diving and beyond. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about opportunity, ambition, and what it takes to chase your dreams across the world.