Episodes

  • Deep Blue Returns

    Deep Blue Returns
    Aug 23 2023
    The Deep Blue podcast is making a comeback. New host Jason Shepherd dives into the real-life stories of former and current BYU Cougar athletes and coaches. These stories will awe, inspire, and excite you. The brand new season begins on August 29th. New episodes will post each Tuesday.
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    1 min
  • John Wardenburg: Coming Full-Circle

    John Wardenburg: Coming Full-Circle
    Oct 14 2025
    John Wardenburg is a natural fit as a coach. But when he was let go from his dream job, how did he recalibrate? Find out in this episode of Deep Blue.
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    50 mins
  • Trace Eddington: The *Other* Voice of the Cougars

    Trace Eddington: The *Other* Voice of the Cougars
    Oct 7 2025
    Trace Eddington never imagined his voice would one day boom through LaVell Edwards Stadium and the Marriott Center. After a stellar audition, he became the PA announcer for BYU football and basketball—until an unexpected cancer diagnosis threatened the career he loved. Hear his story of faith and resilience, and how relying on God helped him face one of his greatest trials.
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    43 mins
  • Practice Chats: Sam Vander Haar and Garrison Grimes

    Practice Chats: Sam Vander Haar and Garrison Grimes
    Sep 30 2025
    In this edition of Practice Chats on the Deep Blue podcast, producer Cleon Wall interviews BYU punter Sam Vander Haar and long snapper Garrison Grimes. The duo discusses playing together for the first time, the perfect snap, the mental side of the game, and if Sam practices tackling.
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    15 mins
  • Gifford Nielsen Part 2: Revolutionizing College Football

    Gifford Nielsen Part 2: Revolutionizing College Football
    Sep 23 2025
    Gifford Nielsen dreamed of playing basketball, but a surprise prompting, a rough start, and a little faith led him to become BYU’s All-American quarterback—and the face of a football revolution. In part two of this Deep Blue conversation, Elder Nielsen reflects on LaVell Edwards’ bold decision to commit to the pass, the arrival of football guru Doug Scoville, and how BYU’s offense changed the landscape of college football. He also shares his NFL journey, his unexpected rise in broadcasting, and how every step—both planned and unplanned—led him to a calling as a General Authority Seventy of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
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    33 mins
  • Gifford Nielsen Part 1: Why BYU Must Succeed

    Gifford Nielsen Part 1: Why BYU Must Succeed
    Sep 16 2025
    Few athletes have influenced BYU football and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as much as Gifford Nielsen. But how did a Provo kid who once dreamed of basketball become a legendary BYU quarterback, an NFL veteran, and eventually a General Authority? And what did he learn about joy, faith, and leadership while serving across the world—even in West Africa—before returning to reflect on BYU Athletics’ global impact? In part one of our two-part Deep Blue conversation, Elder Nielsen shares stories of testimony, adversity, and vision, and how those experiences shaped both his life and his love for BYU.
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    29 mins
  • Jordan Brady: The Scenic Route to Success

    Jordan Brady: The Scenic Route to Success
    Sep 9 2025
    Jordan Brady’s road to becoming a successful basketball coach was anything but typical. From a small-town upbringing to professional stints overseas and an unexpected turn coaching in the G League, how did he learn to lead under pressure—and what lessons has he carried into his role as Director of Player Development for BYU Basketball? In this episode of Deep Blue, Jordan opens up about the influence of his father, the challenges of raising a family while chasing coaching jobs across the country, and how he found purpose through basketball and faith.
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    50 mins
  • AJ Dybantsa: The Making of a Superstar

    AJ Dybantsa: The Making of a Superstar
    Sep 2 2025
    Few college athletes have drawn as much attention as AJ Dybantsa—hailed by many as the top basketball prospect in the nation. How does he stay grounded despite the hype? What role does faith play in his rise to national stardom? And how is he using his platform to give back to those who need it most? Find out in this episode of Deep Blue.
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    25 mins