Behind The U

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Behind the U, the official podcast of Miami Athletics, features entertaining and engaging interviews with Hurricanes past and present, giving listeners exclusive insight into what makes The U one of the most storied and fascinating programs in college athletics.  

Miami Hurricanes


    • May 13, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • every other week NEW EPISODES
    • 45m AVG DURATION
    • 195 EPISODES

    4.7 from 127 ratings Listeners of Behind The U that love the show mention: josh, interview, hearing, amazing, always, great.


    Ivy Insights

    The Behind The U podcast, hosted by Josh, is an absolute must-listen for any fan of the Miami Hurricanes. With his incredible ability to extract insightful and informative content from his interviewees, Josh truly excels at his craft. Each episode is an enjoyable and engaging experience that takes listeners on a journey through the rich history of the Hurricanes.

    One of the best aspects of this podcast is Josh's skill in conducting interviews. He has a knack for asking thought-provoking questions that delve deep into a guest's experiences and perspectives. He effortlessly draws out fascinating anecdotes and behind-the-scenes stories that provide fans with a unique insight into the world of college football. Whether it's talking to legendary coaches or former players, Josh ensures that each conversation is captivating and entertaining.

    Another highlight of The Behind The U podcast is its ability to transport listeners back in time. For those who grew up as Canes fans in the 80s and 90s, this show is like a nostalgic trip down memory lane. From reliving iconic games to reminiscing about favorite players, the podcast brings back cherished memories while also shedding light on lesser-known details. It's a fantastic way to connect with the team's storied past and gain a deeper appreciation for its legacy.

    While there are few criticisms to be made, one possible downside of this podcast is its focus solely on Miami Hurricanes football. While understandable given its name and purpose, it may limit the appeal to listeners who are not specifically fans of this particular team or college football in general. However, for those who are passionate about all things Hurricanes-related, this niche focus is actually one of the show's strengths.

    In conclusion, The Behind The U podcast is an exceptional listen for any enthusiast of Miami Hurricanes football. With Josh's exceptional interviewing skills and his ability to evoke nostalgia while also providing fresh insights into the team's history, each episode is a treat for fans old and new alike. The passion and dedication that Josh brings to his podcast make it a top-tier choice for anyone who wants to dive deep into the world of college football and the Miami Hurricanes.



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    Latest episodes from Behind The U

    Episode 195 - Matt Merritt

    Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2025 58:20


    Josh Darrow checks in with Canes running backs coach Matt Merritt, who talks about growing up in Germany and Belgium, how his father introduced him to football, how he rose through the coaching ranks, why he decided to come to Miami, the running back tradition at the U, and his coveted collection of German national soccer team jerseys.

    Episode 194 - Cody Woodiel

    Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2025 46:25


    Josh Darrow catches up with Canes tight ends coach Cody Woodiel, who talks about growing up in Mississippi, his playing days as both a tight end and offensive lineman, the phone call on the golf course that changed his coaching path, what he's learned from Mario Cristobal as a coach and recruiter, and his thoughts on Miami's current tight ends group.

    Episode 193 - Chiara Pellacani

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2025 33:27


    Josh Darrow checks in with NCAA champion diver Chiara Pellacani, who talks about growing up in Italy, how she matriculated to Miami, working with UM coaches Randy Ableman and Dario di Fazio, her experience at the Tokyo and Paris Olympics, her goals on the collegiate and international stage, and what she likes on her pizza.

    Episode 192 - Mark Cooper

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 8, 2025 47:41


    Josh Darrow catches up with former Canes and NFL offensive lineman Mark Cooper, who talks about transitioning from Lou Saban to Howard Schnellenberger, his switch from tight end to left tackle, protecting Jim Kelly, how the Canes started to build a powerhouse program, finding an NFL home in Denver, finding time to sneak back down to the Keys to fish, and getting inducted into the UM Sports Hall of Fame.

    Episode 191 - Jai Lucas

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 1, 2025 41:07


    Josh Darrow sits down with new Canes men's basketball head coach Jai Lucas, who talks about his basketball upbringing, what he learned from his NBA father, his interactions with Kobe Bryant and LeBron James as a youngster, how he got into coaching, what has shaped his philosophy along the way, and why he's excited to take the reins in Coral Gables.

    Episode 190 - Kyle Bellamy

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 11, 2025 60:06


    Josh Darrow checks in with Miami's Director of Applied Metabolic Sciences Kyle Bellamy, who talks about the growth of the Canes' sports science department, how his group assists the football team's development and performance, how he transitioned from a baseball player to his current role and what he would include in his favorite smoothie.

    Episode 189 - Damione Lewis

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 4, 2025 51:47


    Josh Darrow catches up with new Canes defensive tackles coach Damione Lewis, who talks about his coaching path, his coaching philosophy, what motivated him to return to him alma mater, his initial thoughts on defensive coordinator Corey Hetherman, his favorite moments playing at Miami, his pivot to radio after his NFL playing days and the time he and Ray Lewis wrestled in the locker room.

    Episode 188 - Cindy Kessler Miller

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 5, 2025 62:55


    Josh Darrow checks in with former Canes golfer Cindy Kessler Miller, who talks about walking on at Miami in 1975, helping the Canes win back-to-back national titles, embarking on her pro career, how she found teaching as her calling, her turn on a reality TV show, her upcoming book, and getting inducted into both the LPGA Professionals Hall of Fame and the UM Sports Hall of Fame.

    Episode 187 - Holmes Braddock

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 28, 2025 69:35


    Josh Darrow talks all things Miami with legendary Canes fan Holmes Braddock, who like the University of Miami celebrates his 100th birthday this year. Holmes discusses how he arrived at UM after World War II, his time managing the student union and recruiting students, his memories of Mark Light Field and the Orange Bowl, his favorite Canes players and coaches, his role in desegregating Miami-Dade schools, and his lucky jacket that has witnessed all five of UM's football national championships.

    Episode 186 - Darius Rice

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 21, 2025 46:00


    Josh Darrow catches up with Canes basketball great Darius Rice, who talks about why he chose Miami, some of his favorite moments as a Cane, his professional basketball journey that took him around the globe, his uncle Jerry Rice's legendary workouts, and how he reacted when he found out he was selected to the UM Sports Hall of Fame's Class of 2025.

    Episode 185 - Justin Fitzpatrick and Bailey Marasch

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 14, 2025 64:32


    Josh Darrow checks in with Justin Fitzpatrick and Bailey Marasch from the Canes football creative staff, who talk about what brought them to Miami, how they create content day to day, and how they tackled the Heisman Trophy campaign for quarterback Cam Ward from ideation to design to production to distribution and all assets and points in between.

    Episode 184 - Glenn Cook

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 10, 2024 65:14


    Josh Darrow checks in with former Canes linebacker and current Cleveland Browns assistant general manger Glenn Cook, who talks about why he chose to play at Miami, how he pivoted to baseball after college, how he broke into football scouting, the intricacies of player evaluation, what makes a great NFL front office, and how he would write up reports on some of UM's great players.

    Episode 183 - James Jackson

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 26, 2024 37:53


    Josh Darrow catches up with former Canes and NFL running back James Jackson, who talks about what initially drew him to football, why he came to Miami, the incredible group of running backs he played with at UM, how the 2000 team set the table for the 2001 national title run, which of his teammates he still keeps in touch with and what he thinks of this year's team.

    Episode 182 - Rayshawn Jenkins

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 12, 2024 46:55


    Josh Darrow checks in with former Cane and current Seattle Seahawks safety Rayshawn Jenkins, who talks about growing up in a big family in St. Petersburg, why he decided to come to Miami, switching to the defensive side of the ball in college, navigating his NFL career, his future coaching aspirations, and his newly developed passion for real estate.

    Episode 181 - Eric Mac Lain

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 28, 2024 31:10


    Josh Darrow catches up with ACC Network analyst Eric Mac Lain, who talks about how the Canes have looked so far this season, what excites him about quarterback Cam Ward, his take on the rest of Miami's schedule and what he recalls about Clemson's program build during his playing days.

    Episode 180 - Lamar Thomas

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 22, 2024 48:29


    Josh Darrow checks in with former Canes and NFL wide receiver Lamar Thomas, who talks about why he chose to come to Miami, how desire and depth helped fuel those national championship runs, the brotherhood that the Canes culture has created through the years, what FSU Week means to him, and his excitement for how the current group of Canes are playing.

    Episode 179 - Lamar Miller

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 14, 2024 36:35


    Josh Darrow catches up with former Canes and NFL running back Lamar Miller, who talks about growing up in Miami, the numbers he put up in high school, why he chose to come to UM, playing football and running track for the Canes, getting drafted by his hometown Dolphins, how he would run behind UM's current offensive line, and the group of Canes he still works out with.

    Episode 178 - Roland Smith

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 7, 2024 32:09


    Josh Darrow checks in with Miami's director of high school relations Roland Smith, who talks about playing on Canes title teams under Jimmy Johnson and Dennis Erickson, how he got into high school coaching, the dominant programs he built at Miami Central and Northwestern, how Mario Cristobal recruited him back to UM, and how his experience and ties to South Florida are helping recruit the next generation of Canes.

    Episode 177 - Jimmy Graham

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 23, 2024 36:16


    In the second of a two-part conversation, Josh Darrow talks to legendary Canes tight end Jimmy Graham about the immense challenges he faced growing up in North Carolina, his connection to his mentor Becky Vinson, how he got drafted into the NFL, learning from Jeremy Shockey and Drew Brees early in his career, his extensive charitable endeavors, and his decision to participate in the Artic Challenge.

    Episode 176 - Jimmy Graham

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 16, 2024 47:38


    In part one of a two-part conversation, Josh Darrow catches up with legendary tight end Jimmy Graham, who talks about why he chose to play basketball at Miami, how he transitioned to football, what he learned from other Canes NFL greats, how “Top Gun” launched his lifelong love of flying, and why he devotes so much of his time to helping military veterans.

    Episode 175 - Mike Rumph

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 9, 2024 31:23


    Josh Darrow checks in with former Canes cornerback great and current director of player personnel Mike Rumph, who talks about how he conducts tours for recruits, his favorite spots on UM's campus, how much the university has grown over the years, how he was recruited as a player, his days in the secondary with Ed Reed, and what fueled the Canes' incredible three year run from 2000-02.

    Episode 174 - Jason Taylor

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 2, 2024 48:08


    Josh Darrow catches up with Canes defensive line coach Jason Taylor, who talks about the path to his legendary football career, playing for renowned coaches such as Jimmy Johnson and Nick Saban, his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, how he transitioned into coaching, why he decided to work with Mario Cristobal at Miami, what excites him about this season, and the incredible work his foundation does in South Florida.

    Episode 173 - Maurice Sikes

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 26, 2024 38:29


    Josh Darrow catches up with former Canes defensive back Maurice Sikes, who talks about the historic Canes run from 2000-02, his talented teammates on both sides of the ball, the UM-Florida rivalry, growing up with recent Hall of Fame inductee Andre Johnson, his thoughts on the upcoming season, and how he transitioned to his current line of work as a Coral Gables police officer.

    Episode 172 - Josh Pate

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 19, 2024 50:13


    Josh Darrow chats with the host of 247 Sports' The Late Kick with Josh Pate, who talks about the upcoming college football season, how he thinks the Canes will fare, the players on Miami's roster that he's expecting to shine, what he admires about Mario Cristobal, his thoughts on the 12-team playoff and the state of college football, and how he has been able to grow his show and his audience.

    Episode 171 - Joe Echevarria

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 12, 2024 30:44


    Josh Darrow talks to the University of Miami's Acting President and Chief Executive Officer Joe Echevarria, who details his journey from the South Bronx to Coral Gables, how UM launched his career at Deloitte, where his longtime passion for UM's sports programs took root, some of his favorite Hurricanes moments, how athletics continues to elevate the institution's brand, and how the university is striving for excellence in all its pursuits.

    Episode 170 - Meesh Powell

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 5, 2024 35:56


    Josh Darrow visits with Canes defensive back Meesh Powell, who talks about pivoting from baseball to football in high school, why he decided to walk on at Washington, how he eventually earned his scholarship, his favorite moment of the Huskies' 2023 run, what it's like to face quarterback Cam Ward, what intrigues him about Lance Guidry's defense, and how he's providing veteran leadership in Miami's locker room.

    Episode 169 - Francisco Mauigoa

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2024 28:20


    Josh Darrow checks in with Canes linebacker Francisco Mauigoa, who talks about growing up in American Samoa, how popular football has become there, moving to California in high school, why he decided to transfer to Miami from Washington State, how he's preparing for the upcoming season, the inspiration behind his jersey number switch, how he tackled offseason workouts, and what he thinks of a certain new video game on the market.

    Episode 168 - Anez Cooper

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 22, 2024 35:18


    Josh Darrow catches up with Canes offensive lineman Anez Cooper, who talks about growing up in Alabama, his multi-sport background, why he gravitated towards football and the offensive line, why he chose to attend Miami, how Mario Cristobal and Alex Mirabal have helped make him a better lineman, and his thoughts on the upcoming season.

    Episode 167 - Rafe Schlesinger

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 15, 2024 40:39


    Josh Darrow checks in with Canes pitcher Rafe Schlesinger, who talks about growing up on Long Island, how he transitioned from football and hockey to baseball, why he came to Miami, how he has developed as a pitcher over three seasons in Coral Gables, how he's mentally preparing for the MLB Draft, his clothing line, and how he's worked to manage his tics and become an inspiration to others.

    Episode 166 - Amy Deem

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 8, 2024 45:14


    Josh Darrow catches up with Director of Track and Field and Cross Country Amy Deem, who talks about how she arrived at Miami, what hurdles she faced early in her career, how her program has intersected with Canes football over the years, how she and her staff recruit across so many events, how triple jumper Russell Robinson has progressed from walk-on to national champion and her fondest memories from coaching Team USA at the 2012 Olympics.

    Episode 165 - Jessica Lopez

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 1, 2024 49:41


    Josh Darrow checks in with Associate AD for Academic Services Jessica Lopez, who talks about overseeing the football team's academic pursuits, her relationship with Mario Cristobal, how her staff works with student-athletes on a daily basis, how her science background has helped her navigate her role in athletics, and how the football team achieved a perfect NCAA APR score this past year.

    Episode 164 - Alexa Noel

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 4, 2024 32:24


    Josh Darrow catches up with return guest and newly crowned national champion Alexa Noel, who talks about winning the NCAA women's singles title, what it took to win six matches in six days, what she did to celebrate, why she chose to play at Miami, her connection to Caitlin Clark, and how much she's looking forward to playing in the U.S. Open later this summer.

    Episode 163 - Shirelle Jackson

    Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2024 44:44


    Josh Darrow chats with UM's Executive Associate Athletic Director of Student-Athlete Development Shirelle Jackson, who talks about the department's community service efforts, how her office assists with life skills and career development, some of her favorite student-athlete success stories, and how her own experience as a track and field student-athlete help her navigate her current role.

    Episode 162 - Alex Westover

    Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2024 45:30


    Josh Darrow talks with new Miami graduate – and former Sebastian the Ibis – Alex Westover, who details his big bird reveal at graduation, his commencement speech, his favorite mascot appearances, his favorite celebrity encounters, what The U means to him and what's next for him, including training for triathlons.

    Episode 161 - Tricia Cullop

    Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2024 37:31


    Josh Darrow checks in with new Canes women's basketball head coach Tricia Cullop, who talks about growing up in basketball-crazy Indiana, how she broke into the coaching ranks, what she learned as a young head coach, how she markets her programs, what fuels her team's style of play, what intrigued her about the Miami job, and her excitement about the continued growth of the sport.

    Episode 160 - Nijel Pack

    Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2024 38:06


    Josh Darrow catches up with Canes men's basketball standout Nijel Pack, who talks about his journey to Miami, how his father has influenced his basketball career, what he learned going through the NBA pre-draft process, how he expanded his shooting range, Coach L's history with guard production, and his memories of the 2023 Final Four run.

    Episode 159 - Grace Lopez

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2024 28:13


    Josh Darrow chats with Canes volleyball standout Grace Lopez, who talks about growing up in Puerto Rico, what drew her to volleyball, why she decided to come to Miami, how she bounced back from knee surgery, and what contributed to her breakthrough All-ACC freshman campaign.

    Episode 158 - Mathieu Schneider and Tom Immello

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 18, 2024 50:44


    Josh Darrow checks in with two members of the University of Miami's club hockey team, which recently captured the AAU Division III national championship. Center Mathieu Schneider talks about growing up as the son of an NHL star, why he chose to attend UM, and the road to the title; and coach Tom Immello, a retired New York City firefighter, talks about taking the reins of the program and the joy coaching the team has brought him.

    Episode 157 - Sara Byrne

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 10, 2024 42:38


    Josh Darrow catches up with Canes golfer Sara Byrne, who talks about growing up in Ireland, what factored into her decision to attend Miami, her record-setting round at the Hurricane Invitational, her goals as she eyes a professional golf career, her newfound love of baseball, and where to find the best potato waffles.

    Episode 156 - Duke Johnson

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 3, 2024 29:16


    Legendary Canes running back Duke Johnson makes a return visit to the podcast where he and Josh Darrow chat about his NFL career, the intricacies of the running back position, his favorite coaches, his recent return to UM and how he's looking to positively impact the next generation.

    Episode 155 - Daniel Cuvet

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 26, 2024 20:14


    Josh Darrow checks in with Canes baseball freshman sensation Daniel Cuvet, who talks about how he gravitated to baseball as a youngster, why he chose to stay close to home to attend Miami, what has contributed to his sizzling start to the plate, his reaction to the “Danny Dingers” moniker, and his goals for both himself and the Canes this season.

    Episode 154 - Russell Robinson

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 19, 2024 28:21


    Josh Darrow catches up with newly crowned NCAA indoor triple jump champion Russell Robinson, who talks about coming to Miami as a walk-on, what he has learned from head coach Amy Deem and jumps coach Rob Jarvis, how he turned in the performance of his career at NCAAs in Boston and what's next as the Canes begin their outdoor campaign.

    Episode 153 - J.D. PicKell

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 13, 2024 51:11


    Josh Darrow chats with the host of On3's “The Hard Count” J.D. PicKell, who talks about the state of college football, what excites him about spring ball, what he anticipates from the Canes this upcoming season, his days as an Ivy League running back and how he broke into the college football media business.

    Episode 152 - J.D. Arteaga

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 22, 2024 48:55


    Josh Darrow visits with Canes head baseball coach J.D. Arteaga, who talks about growing up a Canes fan in Westchester, playing with Alex Rodriguez all the way through high school, why he chose to play at Miami, how he became one of UM's legendary pitchers, his transition from player to coach, how he's approaching his first season as skipper and the people who have inspired him on the road to securing his dream job in Coral Gables.

    Episode 151 - Pat O'Donnell

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 14, 2024 51:01


    Josh Darrow catches up with former Canes and current NFL punter Pat O'Donnell, who talks about growing up a Canes fans in South Florida, playing with the Kelce brothers at Cincinnati, why he transferred to Miami, how his one season at UM helped prepare him for the league, the intricacies of punting at the highest level, and how he enjoys promoting his Dad SZN venture.

    Episode 150 - Brevin Jordan

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 7, 2024 52:48


    For our 150th episode, Josh Darrow catches up with Houston Texans tight end and former Canes standout Brevin Jordan, who talks about why he chose to attend Miami, how he teamed up with Will Mallory to form a dynamic pass-catching duo, how the Texans earned a division title this past season, what he would tell young college players today and the impact his mother has had on his life both on and off the field.

    Episode 149 - Branson Deen

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 30, 2024 40:55


    Josh Darrow checks in with Canes defensive lineman Branson Deen, who talks about transferring to Miami from Purdue, what he learned matching up with the likes of Michigan and Ohio State, his “knowledge wars” with Matt Lee, the future of the Canes in the trenches, how he's preparing for the NFL Draft and why he decided to pursue a degree in industrial engineering technology.

    Episode 148 - Cam McCormick

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 23, 2024 70:01


    Josh Darrow catches up with Canes tight end Cam McCormick, who talks about his incredible journey to his final season of eligibility, including his injury history, his perseverance in the face of adversity, how his mother has helped along the way, why he followed Mario Cristobal from Oregon to Miami, and what he's looking forward to as he suits up for the Canes again this season.

    Episode 147 - Javion Cohen

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 17, 2024 50:01


    Josh Darrow checks in with Canes offensive lineman Javion Cohen, who talks about growing up in Alabama, committing to the Crimson Tide and winning a national title, why he chose to transfer to Miami, what he learned from Mario Cristobal and Alex Mirabal, how he is preparing for the NFL Draft and what he expects from the Canes in 2024.

    Episode 146 - Jaden Davis

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 9, 2024 54:13


    Josh Darrow catches up with Canes cornerback Jaden Davis, who talks about growing up in Broward County, why he committed to Oklahoma out of high school, why he decided to transfer to Miami for his graduate season, what he learned from Lance Guidry, what excites him about the future of the Canes and how he's preparing for the NFL Draft.

    Episode 145 - Ken Masuhr

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2023 42:58


    Josh Darrow visits with new Canes head soccer coach Ken Masuhr, who talks about his coaching journey, what he learned from successful stops at Penn and Vanderbilt, how he has developed his coaching and recruiting philosophies, what intrigued him about the Miami job, his first meeting with his new team and how he plans to build the program going forward.

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