PDR 3.0: POD DIVER RADIO

Joe Cocozza sits down with Dr. Nicholas Bird, hyperbaric physician, former Air Force flight surgeon, former DAN Chief Medical Officer, and current hyperbaric department leader at Virginia Mason in Seattle, for a deep discussion on hyperbaric medicine, diving injuries, and the expanding role of hyperbaric oxygen treatment. Dr. Bird explains how hyperbaric medicine applies to decompression illness, including decompression sickness (DCS) and arterial gas embolism (AGE), and why divers need to understand the difference between the bends, pulmonary barotrauma, pneumothorax, and other lung overexpansion injuries. He also breaks down how hyperbaric chambers are used to treat diving injuries, why oxygen first aid matters, and why not every chamber is equipped to treat injured divers. The conversation also explores current and emerging research into hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT / HBO2) for PTSD, traumatic brain injury, and other neurological conditions, including the work being done internationally and what it may mean for veterans, military personnel, and future patients. PDTV is working with the Paragon Dive Group online dive shop. Use code PODDIVER and save 5% of order. https://www.paragondivestore.com/ LINKS: 1. Print Magazine Article about Naval Experimental Dive Unit http://traffic.libsyn.com/poddiver/PDMAG-05_NEDU1998.pdf 2. Fitness to Dive: A Scuba Doctor's Checklist. https://youtu.be/IeE5Yp6vdiY Hyperbaric medicine is: DCS vs AGE Pulmonary barotrauma, pneumothorax, and pneumomediastinum Why ascent rate is only part of the decompression equation US Navy tables vs dive computers and gradient factors Oxygen first aid and treatment priorities Why dive insurance and emergency planning matter Hyperbaric oxygen research for PTSD and TBI If you are a technical diver, recreational diver, commercial diver, public safety diver, military diver, dive professional, or diving medicine nerd, this is an important conversation. #HyperbaricMedicine #DCS #AGE #DecompressionSickness #DivingInjuries #HyperbaricOxygenTherapy #ScubaDiving #TechnicalDiving #DiveMedicine #NicholasBird #DAN #MilitaryDiving #PublicSafetyDiving #UnderseaMedicine #PodDiverTV Chapter markers 00:00 Introduction and Dr. Nicholas Bird's background 03:15 Hyperbaric medicine, DCS, and AGE explained 11:30 Lung overexpansion injuries, bolting, and barotrauma 19:06 Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for PTSD and brain injury 24:32 Dive planning, oxygen first aid, and finding the right chamber

In this episode of Pod Diver TV, Joe Cocozza sits down with Luis of IANTD to tackle one of the biggest questions in modern scuba: what actually counts as technical diving today? From the early days of IAND and nitrox training to modern trimix, cave diving, decompression diving, and closed circuit rebreathers, this conversation breaks down how the definition of "tech diving" has evolved — and why different agencies, instructors, and divers still see it differently. We get into: • the IANTD view of technical diving vs. "Tech Lite" • whether cave and overhead environments are always technical • why depth alone does not tell the full story • recreational trimix and progressive diver development • the controversy around recreational CCR / rebreather training • bailout philosophy, checklists, and risk management • helium costs, narcosis, and why more divers are looking at rebreathers • where technical diving may be heading next Pod Diver TV in a conversation amongst divers who are passionate about diving. If you are interested in technical scuba, cave diving, rebreathers, decompression procedures, Rrimix, or the future of diver training, this episode is for you. Please like, subscribe, and turn on notifications. It helps support Pod Diver TV and allows us to keep producing serious long-form conversations for serious divers. PDTV is now working with Paragon Dive Group. Shop for dive gear, use code PODDIVER and you will save 5% To save money and help support the channel. goto: https://www.paragondivestore.com/ LINKS: Pod Diver Radio episode on Nitrogen Narcosis with Dr. Richard Vann: https://poddiver.libsyn.com/pod_diver... IANTD: https://iantd.com/ Pod Diver Lodge: https://www.poddiverlodge.com/ Pod Diver TV: https://www.poddivertv.com/ CHAPTERS: 00:00 What is technical diving in 2026? 01:40 IANTD history: from IAND to tech diving 05:00 What counts as "technical" — depth, deco, caves, and overheads 09:15 Tech Lite, recreational trimix, and diver progression 14:10 Recreational CCR, bailout philosophy, and safety culture 21:00 Helium costs, narcosis, rebreathers, and the future of tech diving

🧬🧪 Download audio podcast with Dr Vann about the science of HPNS: https://youtu.be/T9hUkwgKGfE?si=G3vH47Nn5No-wb8O 📚 Recommended Reading: The Physiology and Medicine of Diving – Bennett & Elliott The Terrible Hours – Peter Maas U.S. Navy Diving Manual (Rev. 7) 👥 Featured in This Episode: Joe Cocozza – Tech Diver, Underwater Videographer, Host Terrence Tysall – NAUI Worldwide Director of Training ⚠️ Why This Matters There's a growing trend of misinformation in technical diving content online. This episode cuts through the noise and emphasizes: Going back to source material Understanding real physiology Respecting the history of diving pioneers 🔔 Support the Channel If you value serious, in-depth diving discussions: 👍 Like📺 Subscribe🔔 Turn on notifications It helps us continue producing high-quality, no-BS scuba content. 🌊 About This Series This is part of our Technical Diving Myth-Busting Series, where we break down: 1️⃣Common misconceptions: 2️⃣Bad training carryovers 3️⃣Misinterpreted science 00:00 – Intro: HPNS Myths Revealed ! 01:00 – Welcome to NAUI Headquarters 02:00 – The Salvage of the Submarine USS Squalus 02:09 – Helium doesn't cause HPNS. 04:04 – What is HPNS? 06:04 – Support the podcast: Subscribe and tell a dive buddy. 08:05 – Sheck Exhley 10:08 – Deep Bounce Tech Dives. 13:42 – Why is it important to know about the pioneers of tech diving? 17:00 – Final Thoughts

Retired Master Chief Petty Officer and U.S. Navy Master Diver Rick Bettua joins Joe Cocozza on Pod Diver TV for a powerful, story-driven interview about what it takes to become a Navy Diver and the mindset that keeps you alive when everything goes sideways. Rick shares how a Super Bowl halftime "Navy Divers" ad sparked his dream, how he literally got himself to dive school, and why Navy diving is as much leadership and mental toughness as it is underwater skill. We cover Navy Diver training, mission realities (ships husbandry, submarines, salvage, security operations), and the hard lessons that forged Rick's career plus the principles he wants every diver to remember: STOP • THINK • ACT and Never Ever Quit. If you're a scuba diver, tech diver, or current/former military, this episode is packed with motivation, history, and real-world dive culture. Featured: Rick Bettua Author of Breathe: A Survivor's Tale (Navy Master Diver stories + the events that led him to write the book) Order a copy of Rick's book at: https://www.amazon.com/Breathe-Master-Divers-Survival-Tales/dp/1637898215 When scuba diving in North Florida come stay with us at the Pod Diver Lodge: www.poddiverlodge.com Chapters: 01:34 Introduction to Rick's Journey 03:20 The Inspiration to become a Navy Diver 04:26 Joining the US Navy at 17 05:35 First Ship… not a diver yet. 07:29 A Deal is a Deal ! 10:00 The Dream Begins. Attending Second Class Diver School 13:57 Swimming against the Frogmen 16:28 First Assignment as a Navy Diver 21:03 Duties of a US Navy Diver 23:25 The dangers of diving on Submarines 27:34 Making Master Chief Petty Officer 29:30 What does it take to be a USN MASTER DIVER 33:00 LEADERSHIP: Diving is the FUN part. 38:09 Surviving a SHARK ATTACK. (Warning Graphic Content) Keywords / SEO: U.S. Navy Diver, Navy Master Diver, Technical Diving, Navy diving, Navy diver training, ND pipeline, dive school, ships husbandry, submarine diving hazards, salvage diving, shark attack, military diving, leadership, mental toughness, stop t

Using the toilet can kill you… at least if you're living for weeks inside a saturation chamber. In this Pod Diver TV episode, Joe Cocozza sits down in Lisbon, Portugal with former Portuguese Marine and commercial saturation diver João Rainho to unpack what life is really like as a sat diver. João walks us through his path from spearfishing Marine to IMCA-certified commercial diver, North Sea contractor and finally saturation diver working worldwide. He explains how sat systems work, why divers spend 28+ days pressurized instead of bounce diving, and how an entire vessel—from cooks to life-support techs—exists to keep a handful of divers alive around the clock. João breaks down the pay and danger myths around saturation diving: which sectors actually pay well (North Sea, Norwegian, Dutch, UK), where safety slides (Gulf of Mexico, Persian Gulf, parts of Africa), and why some new divers quit after a single sat. He talks candidly about long hitches away from family, the psychological strain of living in a steel tube, and the strange realities of everyday life under pressure—including how flushing the toilet the wrong way can be fatal. We also hear about his dream expedition: crossing the Atlantic from Lisbon to New York underwater in saturation mode. If you're curious about commercial diving, offshore oil and windfarm work, deep decompression, or what sat life is really like beyond the movies, this interview is for you. To watch video goto: https://www.youtube.com/@poddiver

Join me on the show floor at DEMA for two rapid-fire interviews on underwater lighting for videography. We talk beam quality, color accuracy, CRI/TLCI, wide vs. spot beams, diffusion, battery management, burn times, mounting, and how to build a travel-friendly rig that still looks cinematic. First up is Keldan on color science, filters, and matching ambient light; then Ultralight walks through arms, clamps, and buoyancy to position lights precisely (and keep your rig neutral). If you shoot wrecks, reefs, or macro, this is a compact masterclass in getting better results underwater. Gear & topics mentioned Underwater video lights, high-CRI LEDs, color filters, domes/diffusers, arms & clamps, buoyancy floats, cable vs. onboard power, action cam vs. mirrorless rigs. 👍 If this helped, please Like, Subscribe, and drop your favorite lighting tip in the comments. Chapters 00:00 – Intro 00:24 – Keldan Interview 05:26 – Ultralight Interview Hashtags / SEO tags #DEMA #UnderwaterVideo #ScubaDiving #UnderwaterLighting #Keldan #Ultralight #Videography #WreckDiving #MacroVideo #CinematicDiving #CRI #TLCI #Backscatter #DiveGear

In this special episode, host Joe Cocozza sits down with veteran cave explorer and former Navy diver Brian Kakuk to talk about a remarkable PTSD program based at Dean's Blue Hole on Long Island in the Bahamas. The nonprofit, founded by Brian's friend Kevin James, is called PTSD – Progress Through Scuba Diving, and it uses guided scuba dives as a powerful tool to help veterans and other trauma survivors work through PTSD. Brian explains how a week of simple, supported dives in the calm, deep waters of Dean's Blue Hole — combined with daily check-ins and recorded interviews — has led many participants from anxiety, insomnia, and even suicidal thoughts to feeling calmer, more present, and genuinely hopeful again. We also touch on why the underwater environment can be therapeutic, how pressure and weightlessness may affect the brain, and why the program now urgently needs sponsors, donors, and word-of-mouth support to bring more veterans to the Bahamas.

Episode 234 of PDR 3.0: POD DIVER RADIO, host Joe Cocozza takes you to the show floor at DEMA in Orlando for a live presentation by Alex Fogg, Chief of the Okaloosa County Natural Resources team. Alex walks us through how Destin–Fort Walton Beach, Florida has turned decommissioned vessels into a world-class artificial reef program—and why their newest project, sinking the legendary SS United States, is about to create the largest artificial reef in the world. You'll hear the full story arc of the SS United States: from record-breaking transatlantic ocean liner, to asbestos-ridden "ghost ship" tied up in Philadelphia, to a carefully remediated, 1,000-foot artificial reef planned for ~180 feet of water in the Florida Panhandle. Alex breaks down the environmental cleanup, Coast Guard and EPA approvals, and $10.1M project budget, plus the nerve-wracking tow under the Walt Whitman Bridge and the final site selection about 21 miles offshore of Destin–Fort Walton Beach. Along the way, you'll also learn how Okaloosa County has worked with the U.S. military, ship owners, and mapping experts to create reef sites like the Mark Countess and Spirit of Norfolk, pioneered 3D photogrammetry for dive planning, and laid the groundwork for long-term research and dive safety on the SS United States—including partnerships with Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, LSU, and efforts to improve hyperbaric chamber access for Gulf divers. In this episode you'll hear about: How Destin–Fort Walton Beach built a modern artificial reef program using retired vessels and military "target" ships The history, specs, and Cold War role of the SS United States and why she still holds the transatlantic speed record The remediation checklist: fuel tanks, PCBs, wiring, and why prior work in Turkey/Ukraine saved millions of dollars Stability tests, hull inspections, bitts analysis, and the Coast Guard's "Captain of the Port" requirements before the tow How the team chose the final deployment site on clean sand, away from natural reefs and live military test ranges Plans for a land-based museum using the funnels, radar mast, and recovered artifacts—and "pop-up" SS United States exhibits around the region Long-term monitoring of the wreck, fish tagging, and what this project means for dive tourism and local economics If you're a wreck diver, tech diver, Florida Panhandle regular, or just a maritime history nerd, this episode is a deep dive into what it really takes to turn a legendary ship into a safe, exciting dive site. inks & Resources (add to your Libsyn show notes) Pod Diver Radio – home & archives: https://www.poddiver.org/ Pod Diver Radio PDR 3.0 on Libsyn: https://poddiver.libsyn.com/ PodDiver Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pdr-3-0-pod-diver-radio/id270165444 Apple Podcasts Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2k8DNUwVPwinXUzODaMASe Spotify Pod Diver TV (YouTube): https://www.youtube.com/@poddiver YouTube Pod Diver Lodge – Cave-country Airbnb for divers: https://www.poddiverlodge.com/

The Battle of Midway: PBY Aviator Interviews Interviews were conducted with LtCmdr Lee McLeary USNR and LtCmdr Bill Cullen USNR, who served as pilot-navigators onboard PBYs Flying Boats during the Battle of Midway. These interviews took place in 1999 on Midway Island, during a reunion of Battle of Midway veterans. Ensign Lee McLeary, who was 21 at the time, shared the harrowing experience of his PBY being shot down, resulting in the loss of five crew members. After the crash, Lee and four other crew members survived for 2.5 days in a life raft before being rescued by the PBY navigated by Ensign Bill Cullen. #usnavy #battleofmidway #usmc #PBY #scubadiving #history #midwayisland #ww2 #usn #navalaviation

BATTLE OF MIDWAY: June 4, 1942. The Battle of Midway was the seminal naval battle in the Pacific Theater of World War II. It was a battle between US Navy and Japanese Aircraft Carriers for control on the Midway Atoll 1100 miles west of Hawaii. In June of 1999, I was on the island for a reunion of battle veterans. I got to interview Cmdr Dick Best. Cmdr Best was a Dive Bomber pilot who sank two of the Japanese Aircraft Carriers.

The RMS Republic: The Billion dollar Shipwreck of GOLD The Backstory: The RMS Republic was a White Star Line steam-powered ocean liner built in 1903. In early morning of 23 January 1909, while sailing from New York City to Gibraltar, the Republic was in a collision with SS Florida in 1909 in which she sank in 270 feet of water aprox 70 miles off of Martha's Vineyard. At the time there where multiple reports that she was carrying gold and mixed coin worth $250,000 (in 1909 dollars) to be used as payroll for the US Navy's Great White Fleet. In addition to the US Navy coin-monies shipment, various sources reported on a much larger cargo, $3,000,000 in US gold Double Eagles. Among these, The Washington Post reported, "Three million dollars in gold coins lies in the rotting hulk of the White Star liner Republic, lost off Nantucket in January, 1909. Today, those coins would be worth a Billion Dollars. Captain Martin Bayerle discovered the wreck of the RMS Republic in 1981 and in 1987 he launched a salvage effort. I was the video engineer on the documentary crew of that expedition. The expedition was successful in targeting and excavating their target area, but failed to locate the gold, however. " A perfect landing at the wrong airport…" With new information all these years later, Captain Martin Bayerle finally thinks he knows where the gold is. With its current value, that cargo would be worth over a Billion Dollars. This is a story of shipwreck diving, history, international politics and a life long quest for treasure. In the summer of 2022, Captain Martin Bayerle returns to the site of the RMS Republic and we will be there with him.

From Truk to Pandora: Kirk Krack on Tech Freediving & Avatar A sit down with Performance Freediving International founder Kirk Krack to unpack the emerging discipline of technical freediving. Kirk explains how PFI's partnership with TDI/SDI fits into the broader "all things diving" ecosystem, then dives deep into what truly separates a snorkeler, recreational freediver, spearfisher, competitive freediver, and a technical freediver. We get into the hard physics and physiology: using nitrox and high-O₂ mixes on the surface to reduce decompression stress, accelerate surface intervals, extend bottom time, and build safer safety-diver protocols—while still managing the very real risks of oxygen toxicity and DCS in repetitive deep breath-hold profiles. Kirk shares field experience from Deja Blue safety operations, long scooter dives in Truk Lagoon, and over 250,000+ technical freedives on the set of Avatar: The Way of Water. If you're a tech diver, CCR diver, or advanced freediver curious about applying gas management, ppO₂ limits, and decompression thinking to breath-hold diving, this is your gateway episode into the world of technical freediving.

Sep 11th 20th Anniversary Episode. Joe and Arielle talk about their recollections from the events of that day. We would like all listeners to share their stories as well. Leave comments, send us an email or an audio file.

Human Factors in Diving: Part 3 "Reducing Error Producing Conditions." We wrap up our Human Factors discussion with Gareth Lock. We discuss error producing conditions, network influence mapping and how to improve learning from incidents. We also preview the upcoming Human Factors in Diving Conference. In Sept 2021 there will be the online Human Factors in Diving Conference. For more info and how to attend goto: https://www.hf-in-diving-conference.com/

On this episode of Pod Diver Radio, host Joe Cocozza sits down with longtime friend, cave diving buddy, and PADI big brain Karl Shreeves, Training Director at the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI), to unpack a topic that underpins everything we do underwater: psychomotor skills in diving. Joe kicks things off by comparing his time on the BJJ mat to time underwater—how jiu jitsu forces you to integrate brain, body, and nervous system in real time—and asks Carl how that same idea applies to scuba and technical diving. From there, they dive into what psychomotor skills actually are, why "muscle memory" lives in your nervous system (not your quads), and how complex dive procedures become automatic over time, like riding a bike or nailing your buoyancy without thinking about it. Carl breaks down: The difference between motor skills and motor procedures (finning vs. air-sharing vs. valve drills) Why young divers often pick up skills faster—and what really holds many adults back How aging, injuries, and rotator cuffs affect tech skills like shutdowns and why sidemount can be a smart adaptation The role of habit, attitude, and learning interference in both good and bad in-water behavior Why under stress you default to your habits, not your "plan," and how to build the right automatic responses They also touch on neuroplasticity, language learning, freediving, yoga-style breath control, and how all of that crosses over into being a better, safer diver and instructor. If you're a dive pro, tech diver, instructor, or just a training nerd who wants to understand how people actually learn skills—and why some skills stick while others don't—this episode will give you a fresh lens on both your own diving and how you teach it. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychomotor_learning

Human Factors in Diving Psychological Safety and Just Culture: Gareth Lock, author of the book "The Human Diver" talks about the two key concepts in dive safety analysis. Psychological safety and just culture. - Psychological Safety is the belief that you won't be punished or humiliated for speaking up with ideas, questions, concerns, or mistakes. It's a shared belief held by members of a team that others on the team will not embarrass, reject, or punish you for speaking up. - Just Culture is a concept related to systems thinking which emphasizes that mistakes are generally a product of faulty organizational cultures, rather than solely brought about by the person or persons directly involved. In a just culture, after an incident, the question asked is, "What went wrong?" rather than "Who caused the problem?". In Sept 2021 there will be the online Human Factors in Diving Conference. For more info and how to attend goto: https://www.hf-in-diving-conference.com/

Human Factors in Diving Part 1: An Introduction Gareth Lock is a retired RAF officer and dive educator who is the Director of "The Human Diver". This is an organization that's mission is to improve the safety and performance of divers thru the study of Human Factors. Human Factors are the physical or cognitive properties of individuals, or social behavior which is specific to humans, and influence functioning of technological systems as well as human-environment equilibria. The safety of diving operations can be improved by reducing the frequency of human error and the consequences when it does occur. Gareth wrote the seminal book on the this topic: Under Pressure: Diving Deeper with Human Factors purchase on Amazon: Gareth's website is: https://www.thehumandiver.com/ The 2021 Human Factors in Diving Conference is: https://www.hf-in-diving-conference.com/

The Philosophy of Technical Dive Instruction: a discussion In this episode of Pod Diver Radio, host Joe Cocozza sits down with James and Marissa from Hidden Worlds Diving to dig into the philosophy behind modern technical and cave diver training. This isn't a gear-review show—it's a deep dive into how tech divers are made, not just certified. From their early days learning directly from the pioneers of technical diving to running a busy cave and rebreather operation in North Florida, James and Marissa share why true mastery can't be crammed into a 3-day checklist course. They break down mentoring vs. minimal standards, what "skill mastery" should really look like, and why environment-specific training in high-flow Florida caves is a completely different animal than blue-water decompression dives. You'll hear candid stories about gas-switch failures, sidemount setups that almost ended up in the closet forever, and why hiring a local guide or instructor can save you both money and misery. The team also tackles cave etiquette, conservation, and how over-extending mainlines and dumbing down dives can actually hurt the next generation of tech divers. If you're a wreck or tech diver thinking about going overhead—or you're already in cave country and wondering how to choose the right instructor—this episode will give you a brutally honest roadmap. Tags (SEO / tech-diver focused): technical diving training cave diving instruction Florida cave diving sidemount configuration NAUI technical diving rebreather and trimix training Ginnie Springs cave diving Hidden Worlds Diving

Interview with Shawn Clark about how he overcame the challenges of Cave Diving when he only has one leg.

TRAINING on the OPTIMA CM: Chest Mounted CCR: PART-2 Training report on the CM w/ Lamar Hires of Dive Rite. On location at Blue Grotto Dive resort in Williston FL. For more info check out: https://www.diverite.com/products/uncategorized/o2ptima-cm/ To join the Optima CM Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/267267033283934

TRAINING on the OPTIMA CM: Chest Mounted CCR PART-1 Training report on the CM w/ Jared Hires of Dive Rite. On location at Royal Springs FL. For more info check out: https://www.diverite.com/products/uncategorized/o2ptima-cm/ To join the Optima CM Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/267267033283934

Sidemount + rebreathers = the modern cave diver's playground. In this episode, Joe sits down with cardiologist, tech instructor, and KISS instructor trainer Dr. Doug Ebersole to unpack the design, history, and real-world use of KISS's two sidemount rebreathers: the Sidekick and the Sidewinder. Doug walks through how the original Sidekick evolved from a semi-closed cave exploration tool into a full CCR, and how a custom project for a double-amputee Marine, Josh Houghtaling, led to the creation of the Sidewinder—now one of the most popular sidemount CCRs in the cave community. You'll hear how each unit is configured, how counterlung placement impacts work of breathing, what's involved in trimming and weighting, and when you might choose a Sidekick over a Sidewinder for extreme restrictions. Doug also shares how some divers use the Sidewinder as a bailout CCR or even convert it into a lightweight "backwinder" for long recreational boat dives. If you're a cave or tech diver eyeing sidemount rebreathers—or trying to decide which KISS chassis matches your mission—this episode will give you a clear, practical comparison from someone who teaches and dives both.

Broadcast from High Springs in the heart of North Florida cave country, this episode of Pod Diver Radio goes deep into cave diving etiquette, culture, and how tech training has changed over the last few decades. Joe sits down with his original cave instructor, Terrence Tysall – now NAUI's Director of Training and VP of Operations, Cambrian Foundation co-founder, former Texas A&M DSO, and long-time explorer. They look back at the early days of cave and trimix diving, mentorship from legends like Tom Mount, Bill Hamilton, and Sheck Exley, and how today's gear and training culture have reshaped who's going into the overhead. Using real recent dives at Ginnie Springs, Little River, and Peacock as case studies, Joe and Terrence break down what good cave etiquette looks like – exits having priority, scooter behavior in the Eye, not dropping on top of someone's deco, and how to interact with open-water divers in caverns without being "that" cave diver. Terrence also tackles bigger questions: – Why are some instructors only tech diving when they're teaching? – How social media and ego are driving Dunning–Kruger in the caves – Why checklists, gas analysis, and old-school line protocols still matter in a high-tech world – Five practical ways we can bring the community spirit back to cave country If you dive caves—or want to—this episode is a reality check on how we treat each other underground and how to keep the culture from devolving as the sport grows.

Interview with Cardiologist Doug Ebersole MD talks about PFOs (Patent Foramen Ovale) which is a suspected risk factor for DCS (Decompression Sickness). PFO is a relatively benign cardiac defect that creates a passage in a wall that normally separates the left and right upper chambers of the heart. PFO is found in about 25 percent of adults. If gas bubbles form after a dive, the venous bloodstream will carry them to the right side of the heart. In divers with PFO, the bubbles could pass through the opening, bypassing the lungs and theoretically putting the diver at an increased risk of decompression sickness (DCS). For info about the study. https://dan.org/alert-diver/article/study-update-pfo/

Sub Surface Ecology in the Underwater Caves of the Rivera Maya Interview with Dr David Brankovits PhD about the cave ecology and the food web in the underwater caves of the Yucatan Peninsula. Dr Brankovits is a Cave Diver and Biogeochemist. In his aquatic cave field work, he has made important discoveries of the food webs of underwater caves. He is currently working at Texas A&M University. Also he an expert in Marina Chemistry and an investigator for Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. His paper on anchialine fauna from the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico, can downloaded here: https://checklist.pensoft.net/article/19103/

Shipwreck Diving the Warships of Guadalcanal Exploration Leader Terrence Tysall recounts the expedition to the World War 2 shipwrecks of Guadalcanal. Terrence discusses the history of the battle and the diving technology required to dive shipwreck in the 450fsw depth range. We also discuss the genius of a plan to go back to Guadalcanal...... The Naval Battle of Guadalcanal consisted of a series of sea engagements related to the Japanese effort to reinforce their land forces on Guadalcanal. The Japanese under Admiral Yamamoto Isoruku organized a convoy, embarking 7,000 troops. In conjunction with their troop landings, Japanese naval forces were to bombard US Marines in order to destroy U.S. aircraft that posed a threat to the Japanese ship movements. Ultimately, U.S. naval forces prevented the Japanese bombardment and sank most of the enemy troop transports. The only two U.S. Navy flag officers (Rear Admiral Daniel J. Callaghan, Rear Admiral Norman Scott) to be killed in a World War II surface engagement were lost in this battle. Two U.S. light cruisers, four destroyers, and 35 aircraft were lost; three destroyers were damaged. The Japanese lost two battleships, one heavy cruiser, three destroyers, eleven transports, and 64 aircraft. Japan's defeat also ended the enemy's final significant attempt to dislodge the Allied forces in the eastern Solomons.

CAVE DIVE DISCUSSION at the Pod Diver Lodge. Interview with Woody and Gus of the DIVE TALK podcast. The guys came down for a week of diving in North Florida Cave Country and they stayed at the Pod Diver Lodge. Check out there podcast at: https://divetalkmedia.com. Check the YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCb9sy84UQUOAL5To0IPotpw For more info about staying at the Pod Diver Lodge goto: www.poddiverlodge.com

Interview with Mike Ange about the 1996 NOAA Expedition to dive the wreck of the USS Monitor. From the early days of technical diving. #USNavy #TechDiving #Trimix #NOAA

Introducing the POD DIVER LODGE. We chat with Pete Murry Chairman of the Scubaboard.com and Cave Diving Geologist Jerry Murphy at Episode at the Pod Diver Lodge in High Springs Florida. The Pod Diver Lodge is a lodge from cave divers for cave divers. Check us out at www.poddiverlodge.com #DiverChat #CaveDiving #scubaboard

We sit down with Gary Ward of Defer Diving and the NGO Caribbean Reef Buddy to explore how ecotourism is powering real reef protection in Grenada. Gary and his team train volunteers to collect reef monitoring data, run a coral nursery (with locally trained coral gardeners), and lead weekly lionfish culls that have turned an invasive predator into a community resource—from restaurant menus to artisan jewelry. Hear how baseline data guides action, why youth programs create the next generation of reef stewards, and how dive travel can leave a lasting legacy. We also talk dive ops at Defer Diving (from Discover Scuba to IDC pro training) and how visiting divers can plug into hands-on conservation. Highlights Ecotourism that funds measurable marine conservation Training programs for reef surveys (fish, benthic, coral) Coral nursery → out-planting elkhorn coral with local gardeners Weekly lionfish removals, derbies, and building market demand What visiting divers can do to help—ethically and effectively Subscribe for more conversations at the intersection of diving, science, and conservation

Native Spirit Scuba, it is the first diving operation owned and operated by native Grenadian citizens. On the beach at Native Spirit Scuba (Radisson Grenada Beach Resort) with owner Adrian and coral-gardener Paulina after two stellar dives. First up: the HEMA—a 50-meter cargo wreck resting around 100 ft/30 m—stacked with life: eagle rays, nurse and reef sharks, turtles and schooling fish. Then we drift Shark Reef on the Atlantic side, a site Adrian scouted back in the '90s that lights up when the current runs—juvenile sharks, rays, lobsters and more. Paulina explains Grenada's coral-nursery program—growing staghorn in underwater nurseries, cleaning structures, monitoring growth, and transplanting colonies back onto threatened Grand Anse reefs. We also talk Native Spirit's smooth beach launch (ankles only!), pro crew, and why wreck + reef days here are perfect for recreational divers who want big-animal encounters without technical complexity. For more info Telephone.: (473) 439-7013 Mobile: (473) 420 -1080 , 415-1080 Email: [email protected] http://www.nativespiritscuba.com/index.htm

PROJECT GRENADA. Technical Diving on Grenada: CCR/Shipwreck diving on the MV Shakem. We interview Aquanauts Grenada head instructor Paul Ward about the dive. We also discuss the upcoming GRENADA TECH DIVING JAMBOREE that is being sponsored by Aquanauts Grenada. For more info about tech diving and GRENADA TECH DIVING JAMBOREE goto http://www.aquanautsgrenada.com/en/ Or you can call them: From the UK 020-8144-8606 From the USA 850-303-0330 DIRECT AUDIO DOWNLOAD Episode PD-195 #ExpeditionGrenada Expedition Grenada. Day 8.

Sitting on the beach in Grenada with waves at their feet, Joe Cocozza and explorer–filmmaker Jill Heinerth recap a perfect tech-diving day with the crew from ScubaTech Grenada. First up: the legendary Bianca C – a 600-foot "Caribbean Titanic" with a wild history of multiple sinkings, explosions, and rescue by the people of Grenada. Captain Sal brings the wreck's story to life, while tech instructor Evelyn walks us through the dive plan: free descent to the stern, drifting the wreck from 160 ft shallows to deco, DSMB pickup, and effortless tech support (doubles, 50% deco gas, CCR support – all waiting on the boat). Then it's off to Purple Rain, a fish-rich reef where clouds of juvenile reef fish, low lionfish counts, and healthy corals show why Grenada and Carriacou are a "fishy" diver's paradise. Evelyn also explains why Grenada is an ideal place to learn and train – from recreational diving all the way up to CCR and Advanced Trimix instructor, all in warm, clear water with easy boat logistics and real shipwrecks. If you've ever dreamed of doing serious tech diving in flip-flops, with your gear carried to the boat and a cold drink waiting after deco, this episode will put Grenada & ScubaTech at the top of your dive-travel list.

We visit Tyrell Bay, Carriacou (north of Grenada) to talk with Richard and Diane, owners of a local dive operation steps from the beach. They share how they built a relaxed, concierge-style shop—complete with a private jetty and dinghy pickups for cruisers—and why Carriacou's 38 dive sites keep photographers and explorers coming back. We break down two signature dives—Sisters Rock and Tropical Hill—plus the island's hands-on fight against the invasive lionfish (weekly culls, restaurant partnerships, even artisan jewelry). Most sites sit inside the Sandy Island Oyster Bed Marine Protected Area, where biomass and juvenile fish thrive. Hear how teaching local eels to predate lionfish reduced sightings on popular reefs and why Carriacou feels like "old-school Caribbean" diving done right.

On this first Expedition Grenada Sound Scene Tour, Joe Cocozza and explorer–filmmaker Jill Heinerth take you along from their breakfast table on Grand Anse Beach to the dive boat and back again. Jill shares the not-so-glamorous reality of red-eye flights, rushed uploads for a Japanese TV crew, and arriving in paradise on zero sleep. Joe and Jill paint an audio picture of their beachfront base at Coyaba Resort—bird nets, volcanic mountains, British-Caribbean vibe, and all. Then they walk the 85 feet to Eco Dive Grenada to meet marine biologist and dive operator Christine Finney, who gives a crash course on Grenada's geography, underwater volcano Kick 'em Jenny, and the island's leeward dive sites. In the afternoon, the team splashes into the Molinière–Beauséjour Marine Protected Area to explore Flamingo Bay Reef and the world's first underwater sculpture park. From long, shallow macro dives over fishy reefs to art installations transforming into living coral, this episode puts you right on the boat for Day One of Expedition Grenada.

A sitdown with legendary explorer, instructor, and authorJeff Bozanic to dissect what really kills rebreather divers — and how to break the accident chain before it reaches the fatal endpoint. Bozanic walks through the true incident picture for CCR vs open circuit, why early adopters skew the stats, and how advanced cave and deep wreck missions intersect with a steep learning curve on new life-support technology. Using detailed case studies (including a trimix instructor fatality involving wrong bailout gas, missing regulator, entanglement, and an isolation valve in the wrong place), he shows how most CCR deaths are not "one big mistake" but layers of small errors stacked together. Key technical topics include: Why rebreather incident rates appear ~10x higher than OC — and why that comparison is misleading How OC muscle memory (dropping a reg, response to gas emergencies) can be lethal on CCR The role of checklists: why long ones get ignored and how a short, targeted pre-dive CCR check could prevent 60–80% of known fatalities Human factors, complacency, and the "I got away with it last time" mindset in advanced dives Why 5-minute prebreathe "CO₂ tests" are functionally nonsense and how hypercapnia destroys your ability to self-assess Where rebreather tech, procedures, and training are headed over the next 20 years If you dive or teach CCR — especially in caves, deep wrecks, or mixed-gas environments — this episode is a blunt, data-driven look at accident analysis for rebreather diving and the mindset required to keep pushing the envelope without becoming a statistic.

Interview w/ Kirk Krack & Mandy Rae Krack of Performance Free-diving International about the sport of Freediving. We go "in-depth" and discuss the philology, history and mindset to succeed in the sport of Free-diving. Kirk Krack is Kirk, is freediving, coach and instructor trainer. He is one of the world's foremost authorities on the professional aspects of freediving education. Mandy Rae Krack is a world champion free-diver and record-holder. She set the women's world record for constant ballast by diving to a depth of 88 metres (289 ft) on one breath. (PD188 FREE AUDIO DOWNLOAD HERE)

Interview with Dr. Kernagis, who is a cave explorer and a scientist in the area of human performance optimization and risk mitigation for operators in extreme environments, such as those working in undersea diving.

Free Diving Discussion with Stephan Whalen from www.deeperblue.com Stephan discuss details about Free diving training and the different aspects of free diving.

Cave Dive Training Discussion: Interview with Ralph DiPanfilo of NSS-CDS about the progression of Cave Diving Training from Cavern Diver to Full Cave Diver. PD-183

In this episode of Pod Diver Radio, Joe sits back down with Dr. Richard Vann of Divers Alert Network (DAN) to unpack what "safe" really means when it comes to decompression. Dr. Vann explains why decompression sickness (DCS) is rare in warm-water Caribbean-style diving—on the order of 1–2 cases per 10,000 dives—and why cold-water wreck diving under similar depth/time profiles can see up to 15 times higher risk. He breaks down the two pillars of decompression safety: Probability of getting bent Severity of the hit (from mild joint pain to serious neurological injury) We look at how different communities define acceptable risk—from the U.S. Navy (who dive with chambers on standby) to North Sea and Gulf of Mexico commercial operations—and why their numbers and tolerance levels don't look the same as recreational diving. Joe and Dr. Vann also talk about the upcoming DAN Technical Diving Conference, and why collecting real dive profiles and incident reports from tech divers is critical to improving decompression models for both technical and recreational communities. If you're a tech or cave diver, this is your gentle nudge to log your dives, share your data, and help push the science forward.

Richie Kohler and his personal "Life Aquatic". We interview Richie Kohler at Beneath the Sea 2016 and discuss what it is like on the inside of tech diving and TV production industry. Joe and Rich share stories about how similar the reality is to the Bill Murray movie; "The Life Aquatic". FREE AUDIO FILE DOWNLOAD HERE

Recreational Diving with Tropical Sea Divers in Boca Chica Dominican Republic. We interview the Alexandre Cottier about diving and lifestyle in The DR. http://tropicalseadivers.com/

The Pod Diver Crews heads down to go Cave diving in the Dominican Republic. We meet up with the folks at Cave Hunters DR. We dive two cave systems 1. La Jeringa Cave 2. Padre Nuestro Cave For more info goto CAVE HUNTERS DR

CMAS: The World Wide Underwater Federation (Confédération Mondiale des Activités Subaquatiques) CMAS is an international and multi-faceted organization that promotes scuba training, aquatic sports and the aquatic sciences. It is one of the oldest and most extensive dive training systems. While in the Azores we interviewed Mr Joao Gomes-Pedro, he discusses the history and philosophy of CMAS and the future of international dive training. We also discuss the new term that scuba divers should be aware of: "Aquaticity" A diver having the ability and skills to be confident in the water.

Mystery of the Last Olympian: Titanic's Tragic Sister Britannic. (new book) Interview with Richie Kohler at DEMA 2015 about his expeditions to the HMS Britannic and his new book about the same. For more info about the book goto: https://www.bestpub.com/mystery-of-the-last-olympian.html Direct Download of PD172 Audio File.

Interview with Martian Parker of AP Diving about the Inspiration Closed Circuit Rebreather. PD171: We discuss, the development history, CE approval and what's new in 2015 for Inspiration CCR. Including; the new color Vision Electronics and HUS.

Five hundred years of shipwreck history. We interview Dr Jose Neto and Dr Pedro Parreira. Marine Archeologists at the Azores Regional Directory of Culture. We discuss the rich nautical history of the Azores and shipwreck diving in the Azores. DOWNLOAD AUDIO PODCAST

We explore Algar do Carvão, a volcanic vent located in the central part of the island of Terceira. We interview Laura Barbosa from Association of Mountaineers Azores. Terceira has over 60 dry lava caves. Cave exploring is amazing way to spend the day when you can't go diving. For more info about the caves of Terceira. Goto www.mountanheiros.com

Joe Cocozza reports from São Miguel in the Azores, with Miranda van der Linde, head marine biologist at Futurismo. Miranda shares how she went from studying sperm whales in New Zealand to spending "one season" in the Azores… and never leaving. She explains why this mid-Atlantic volcanic archipelago draws an incredible variety of cetaceans: deep offshore drop-offs, seamounts, upwelling, rich plankton blooms, and squid-filled canyons that create a buffet for whales. You'll learn the difference between toothed whales like sperm whales and baleen whales like blue and fin whales, why some are residents while others are migratory visitors, and how photo-ID research using fluke patterns helps scientists track individuals across the North Atlantic. Miranda also walks us through the Azores' remarkable transition from whaling hub to whale-watching hotspot, and how responsible ecotourism—strict approach rules, no feeding, education on board, and long-term data sharing with universities—helps protect these animals while supporting the local economy. If you've ever dreamed of seeing blue whales, sperm whales, and dolphins in the wild—and want to understand how to do it ethically—this conversation from the docks of São Miguel is your field guide.