Deep Blue

Max Hall once hit rock bottom, but he now calls it the best thing that ever happened to him. In this podcast episode, Max shares his powerful journey—from battling drug addiction to rebuilding his life and founding a recovery center to help others do the same. Hall also recounts some of the biggest decisions in his life, sharing life lessons he's learned along the way.

Setema Gali seemed to have it all: a big house, a thriving business, and even a Super Bowl ring. All outward success indicated he had arrived, but he still felt God prompt him to do something more. When the 2008 financial crisis destroyed everything he created, how did he find the strength to rebuild? In this episode, find out how Setema went from the lowest of lows to becoming a leading success coach.

Bruce Mitchell had solidified himself as a stellar defensive lineman. But during the offseason when coaches asked him to switch from the defensive side of the ball to the offensive line, how did he develop his game enough to become an integral reason for the success of the 2024 BYU football team? Listen to his story on this episode of Deep Blue's Practice Chats.

Cougar fans know Mark Durrant for his amazing and funny color commentary on BYU men's basketball radio broadcasts, but does he exist outside of that sphere? Shockingly enough, he does, and he's actually quite interesting! The self-deprecating analyst tells how he was able to make a name for himself beyond the success of his parents and siblings. He also expounds on his days playing for the Cougs and how it created long-lasting relationships in his life.

Ben Bywater had everything going for him heading into the 2023 BYU football season. But when a career-ending injury obliterated plans, how did he find the strength to keep going? In this episode, hear Ben's perspective on his brutal injury and how trials from his mission prepared him for adversity.

Why would two prominent BYU Football players start a podcast focusing on Sunday School lessons from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints? For Connor Pay, it’s about using his platform to inspire far beyond the football field. Connor opens up about the faith crisis that led to a deep conversion to the gospel of Jesus Christ, and he describes how his and Chase Roberts' podcast, "Two Point Conversion," came to be.

When John Beck returned from his mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he hoped for a successful career as BYU Football's starting quarterback. But when the football program faced major challenges and John struggled on the field, how did he find the courage to push through? In part two of our interview, hear how John navigated the beginning of his collegiate football career to orchestrate one of the most memorable plays in BYU football history.

Former BYU Football quarterback John Beck's NFL career didn't go as planned, but he's made a name for himself as one of the best quarterback coaches in the nation. In this Part 1 episode, John shares how he transitioned from the NFL to become an elite quarterback coach, overcame adversity in high school, and navigated a rocky start to his recruitment at BYU.

How do two people who speak different languages and come from different countries become as close as siblings? According to Richie Saunders and Fousseyni Traore: be good at basketball. In this episode, they discuss how Fouss ended up living with Richie's family, how Richie helped Fouss adapt to the US and learn English, and what their relationship means to them today. They also discuss the madness that ensued following Mark Pope's departure and Kevin Young's hire.

Leon White had high hopes for BYU's Football team entering the 1984 season, but his world turned upside down with the devastating news of his father's cancer diagnosis. In this podcast episode, discover how Leon faced an unimaginable choice and found strength in his father’s encouragement to stay with the BYU football team. His mission became clear: to lead his team back to the Holiday Bowl in his hometown of San Diego, giving his father a final chance to see him play. Discover the powerful story of a son’s love, a father's support, and the unforgettable memory of becoming a national champion.

When LaVell Edwards was hired as BYU's head football coach, he needed the right quarterback to lead the passing attack. That quarterback was Gary Sheide. In this podcast episode, Sheide talks about how he initially refused LaVell's recruiting offer but eventually came to Provo to become the most prolific passer in school history, propelling the program to new heights.

Why would a credentialed NBA coach decide to become the head coach at a university he never attended? The quick answer: God works in mysterious ways. In this episode, BYU Basketball Coach Kevin Young details the pivotal moments in his life that have led him to being the coach of the Cougars. He also talks about his vision for the basketball program and why he's ready for the challenges that lie ahead.

Most high school athletes dream of playing professional sports; few dream of coaching them. Why was new BYU Athletics Hall-of-Famer Brian Billick drawn to a career in coaching football at such a young age? In this episode, Coach Billick describes getting into coaching, working his way to the NFL, and leading the Baltimore Ravens to their first championship. He also talks about his BYU Football playing days, helping the Cougars to their first bowl game, and what his BYU Athletics Hall of Fame induction means to him.

When the BYU Cougars entered LaVell Edwards' final season in 2000, quarterback Brandon Doman was buried on the depth chart. But late in the season, they turned to Doman to save their season when the Cougars were depleted by injuries and faced the prospect of sending LaVell out on a losing record. In celebration of 100 years of BYU football, Jason Shepherd interviews Brandon Doman to discuss saving LaVell Edwards' final season, the dominance of the team in 2001, and what it was like coaching and being fired from his alma mater.

How do you capture the essence, history, and entirety of BYU Cougar Football in one book? Sounds like a tough task, but that's what Brett Pyne and Duff Tittle, two long time BYU Athletic Department employees, set out to do in their book "100 Years of BYU Football." In this episode, the book's authors go over some lesser-known facts about BYU football history and the significant time periods that have made BYU football what it is today. They detail unique stories of LaVell Edwards, the start of football at Brigham Young Academy, and the athletic program's impact on bringing people closer to Jesus Christ.

The Cougar's cornerback, Marque Collins, dreamed of playing wide receiver. How did he end up guarding that position instead? Find out why he made the switch, and why he is grateful for needing two medical redshirt seasons in this edition of Deep Blue's Practice Chats.

BYU Football wide receiver Darius Lassiter was raised in a unique situation. His uncle, former NFL football player Kwamie Lassiter, adopted him when he was still in grade school. Why? In this podcast episode, Darius explains what it was like growing up in a home with a former professional football player, how his family dealt the with passing of Kwamie, and the worry and wait while the NCAA determined whether he could play one final season at BYU.

As impressive as it is for a football team to go 14-1, why do we still celebrate BYU's 1996 season decades later? Former Cougar's tight end Chad Lewis returns to the Deep Blue podcast to explain the importance of that season. He discusses crucial wins in the Pigskin Classic, the WAC Championship, and BYU's first New Year's bowl game against Kansas State Wildcats, the same team BYU is playing this weekend.

Tyler Batty knew from a young age he wanted to play professional football. Little did he know that his football pursuits would enable him to help those in need. In this episode, BYU Football's star defensive end discusses his equine therapy non-profit, his goals of playing in the NFL, and the decision to return to BYU one more year before turning professional.

After the sudden passing of his mother, Hinckley Ropati was faced with choosing where to play football after competing at Cerritos College. How did his mom's legacy help convince him to become a Cougar after the team had previously rejected him for being too short? In this episode, he discusses what his mother's life means to his family, what he's done to make her proud, and how he uses his faith to help deal with tragedy. He also talks about how he has climbed the depth charts through his trust in God, his coaches, and himself.