The Bottom Dwellers Dive Shack

Recorded live at underwater intervention New Orleans 2024. Our first diver panel sponsored and hosted by Bottom Dwellers Media. We had a great time talking with seasoned dive supervisors including hall of famer John Roat of Mako Marine. We were also joined by Jeffrey Gazerack from Moffatt and Nichol, Troy Gessner of Integrated Underwater Services, Trevor Heintz supervisor for Orion Marine and owner of Pressure Junkiez wetsuits, and myself Armando Gonzalez dive supervisor with Moffatt and Nichol and host of the Bottom Dwellers Dive Shack. The panel was moderated by Ducky. The host of Dive Shack Confidential, another show from Bottom Dwellers Media. Ducky's show deals mostly with the ins and outs of gulf diving. Make sure to tune into both shows! We had a great time and great conversation about what it takes to be a good dive supervisor. Big thanks to @ADCI and @Stevestruble for letting us host this amazing discussion.

Part two. We have Ol' Pete back on to clear a couple things up and tell us all about his side gig as a part time cut man. The second half of the audio was not recorded due to internet problems.

The only IMCA dive medicine instructor in the US, that we know of, comes on and talks about teaching at DIT in Seattle. From killing bad guys to teaching how to keep someone alive on a dive job. This episode takes some fun twists and turns! Listen in and enjoy this first part of a two part set. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thebottomdwellersds/message

We talk about the latest happenings at CDT dive school and the past couple weeks events. Johnny comes out as his alter ego “el Gato Diablo”, and LB did some nerdy scuba show seminar. All this and more! Recorded while on the road in Mississippi. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thebottomdwellersds/message

This special joint episode with @diveshackconfidential discusses the current drama unfolding at Commercial Diving Technologies out of Hudson, FL. We also touch on the drama with small diver businesses vs the ghost Goliath of derpsea locker and their army of bots. Tune into this special explosive joint episode! Please follow both shows for the latest updates to date news in the commercial diving business! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thebottomdwellersds/message

One minute you're swimming along scuba diving, and the next minute you're getting your arm torn off. All he was doing was hunting for fossils minding his own business. No one ever get attacked by gators they said. They're more afraid of you. Only the gators that are fed by people are a problem...Bs! Listen in as Will recounts the tale of his harrowing escape from the clutches of this prehistoric menace. The alligator that almost killed him is still out there somewhere in the waters of South Carolina, so diver beware. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thebottomdwellersds/message

pressure makes diamonds. We catch up with Trevor and talk diving and wetsuits. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thebottomdwellersds/message

The return of “EL Gato”! Johnny is back and alive in the dive shack. Episode has thrills and plenty of spills as we slosh our way through the last couple weeks. We give an update on the water tower diver death and have a quick phone call on air with a special guest. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thebottomdwellersds/message

We had another diver death. Carlos Medina passed away during the course of his work cleaning out a water storage tank. We go over what we know and give an update on where we are at in the investigation. For the second half of the show, we have Bobby Chacon on to talk about the similarities of the I-35 bridge collapse and the Key bridge collapse in Baltimore, Maryland. We talk about what divers can expect during the course of work doing recovery and salvage. AJ Lee comes back on the show to fill in for Johnny as Co-host. Johnny is currently lost in Las Vegas. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thebottomdwellersds/message

A commercial diver has died during the course of work on 3/12/24. He was working in the Gulf of Mexico during jetting operations. Listen in for up to date information and details surrounding this tragic accident. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thebottomdwellersds/message

On a February day in 1969, off the shore of northern California, a US Navy crane carefully lowered 300 tons of metal into the Pacific Ocean. The massive tubular structure was an audacious feat of engineering — a pressurized underwater habitat, complete with science labs and living quarters for an elite group of divers who hoped to spend days or even months at a stretch living and working on the ocean floor. The Sealab project, as it was known, was the brainchild of a country doctor turned naval pioneer who dreamed of pushing the limits of ocean exploration the same way NASA was pushing the limits of space exploration. As Americans were becoming entranced with the effort to land a man on the moon, these divers, including one of NASA's most famous astronauts, were breaking depth barrier records underwater. Sealab tells the little-known story of the daring program that tested the limits of human endurance and revolutionized the way humans explore the ocean. Listen to this Amazing episode featuring Scott Mullholland, director of Man In The Sea Museum. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thebottomdwellersds/message

In this double disclaimer episode get an inside look into sat diving and traveling as a commercial diver. From California to Texas to Nigeria and everywhere in between, Phil tells us like it is. Dive schools buckle up and take note. We got a good one here. Real diver talk from real divers. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thebottomdwellersds/message

We continue our conversation with retired FBI Diver, Bobby Chacon in this thrilling episode. We start with the underwater investigation of the Lacy Peterson Murders. It gets a bit graphic, so listeners be advised. We then talk about Bobby's work on the "Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders" TV show. We learn about gun safety on set, while we go over the tragic shooting death involving Alec Baldwin, in which Bobby was called in to offer his expertise during the initial inquiry. Bobby shares his story involving a Narco cocaine submarine and the Narco Dive Team. We also talk about his teams role in the I-35 bridge collapse which happened on August 1, 2007 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 9/11 affected many lives in our generation and Bobby was there. He saw the towers being hit from an airplane taking off from the same terminal the hijackers were in. He recounts his day and the roles his team played in the following investigation. Bobby also tells us about an audible docuseries that he worked on called "After the Fall" which is a compilation of first hand accounts of the investigation and personal stories from former FBI agents. This is a long episode but definitely worth the listen! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thebottomdwellersds/message

Plane Crashes with AIDS blood, anthrax diving, catching murderers, Russian mob hits, and some great insight for divers involved in body recovery. A packed episode as we have Bobby Chacon in the Bottom Dwellers Dive Shack! Stay tuned for Part II coming soon as we dive deeper into the details of some of the cases that Bobby has worked on. Episode Summary brought to you by Riverside.fm. In this conversation, Bobby Chacon shares his journey from being a lawyer to becoming a diver for the FBI. He discusses his background and how he ended up joining the FBI dive team. Bobby also talks about his experiences recovering evidence from the TWA Flight 800 crash and building the FBI dive program. He explains the training and equipment used by the team and the different diving techniques employed in their operations. The conversation covers various topics related to diving, including workplace experiences, diving equipment and techniques, challenges in implementing diving standards, the impact of water conditions on decomposition, and the emotional toll of recovery dives. Bobby also opens up about the emotional impact of his work and the coping mechanisms he developed. He emphasizes the importance of seeking help and support, both from loved ones and professional resources. The conversation highlights the need for protocols and support systems for recovery teams and the evolving attitudes towards mental health in the public service industry. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thebottomdwellersds/message

An in between episode with LB Diver and Johnny where we give an update on the Miami hookah death from last year. We also talk a bit about the Texas and some upcoming trips/events. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thebottomdwellersds/message

New Episode of The Downline. Commercial diving isn't just about construction and oil. We have an amazing conversation about engineering and diving. Listen in as we speak with Ikaika Kincaid, Laura Miller, and Colton Powell of Consor Engineers, an ADCI member company. Consor has a wealth of experience performing commercial diving and underwater structural assessments. We are pleased to have them on the Downline to help highlight the role that engineer divers and technicians play in keeping our infrastructure and waterfront structures operating. Don't forget to subscribe to The Downline on all major podcast platforms! Spread the word and tell anyone interested in commercial diving. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thebottomdwellersds/message

Dr. Keith Van Meter and Bobby Delise come on the show and talk about the groundbreaking new concept for hyperbaric treatment. They answer some tough questions and explain why this is the next and needed step in emergency hyperbaric treatment. From diving injuries to gun shot wounds this van is versatile and will save lives. Dr. Van Meter also talks about his career as a hyperbaric dive doctor. This episode was recorded live at underwater interventions 2023 in New Orleans, Louisiana. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thebottomdwellersds/message

We had such an amazing interview with Mary Bonnin on location in Panama City, FL. She is the United States of Americas First ever female, “MASTER DIVER “, and she is still currently the only female master diver. Mary Bonnin earned her initial diving qualification in 1977. She graduated from First Class Diving School in 1981 at the top of her class and was the first woman to qualify as a diver first class. During her seven years as a Navy diving instructor, Bonnin trained more than 1,000 divers. In 1990, she earned the title of MASTER DIVER , and became the first woman master diver. BTW she is still the only US navy females MD. She was inducted into the Women Divers Hall of Fame in 2001. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thebottomdwellersds/message

In this episode we recap the events of last month. We had a great time during the winter break and can't wait to bring you new episodes! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thebottomdwellersds/message

Subscribe to The Downline! The official podcast for The ADCI. In this amazing episode we talk with Blair Mott of Kirby Morgan Dive Systems. A great conversation about equipment and the importance of diving with genuine Kirby Morgan products from authorized dealers. This episode was recorded at Underwater Interventions 2023 in New Orleans, LA. The Downline is the official podcast of ADCI and is hosted by Phil Newsum the Executive Director of ADCI. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thebottomdwellersds/message

Live on the floor of UI for day two. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thebottomdwellersds/message

Wow! What a day! A recap of underwater intervention day 1! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thebottomdwellersds/message

An important episode for all divers in all fields that you don't want to miss. We discuss the hyperbaric crisis we are facing with Julio Garcia, the Director of Hyperbarics at Springhill Hospital in Mobile, Alabama. He shares many stories about treating diving injuries and tells us the awful truth regarding diver care. More and more hyperbaric facilities are closing doors to divers and denying care. Can anything be done? Listen in and learn about this hyperbaric desert that we are in. Please share this podcast with your friends and loved ones that dive. On the show as a cohost was Jeffrey Gazarek, the ADCI gulf coast chapter chair. Thanks to all who made this episode possible. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thebottomdwellersds/message

In this second episode recorded while on the road in Florida, we speak with one of my early dive mentors, Jeff Lane. He tells about his story as an army diver, commercial diving contractor, and dive supervisor with Consor Engineers. This episode was recorded with a live audience in downtown Panama City. We had a great time reminiscing, shucking oysters, and talking about raising kids in this tough business. A great episode by working divers on the job and on the road. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thebottomdwellersds/message

In the first Panama City, FL episode, we invite Frank Lasch over and talk about his career as a navy diver and then commercial dive company owner. We had special guest co-host Johnny “The Legend” Santiago for this episode. Frank was an awesome guest and can't wait to hang out again next time I'm working in Panama City. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thebottomdwellersds/message

Wow! What an episode! We get an inside look into being a fishery diver with Doug Brown. He tells us some wild stories! Learn about “Cali Style” diving, old timers smoking crack and diving, underwater fighting, and the big dollars you can make in this high risk niche of commercial diving. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thebottomdwellersds/message

We had a great time with diver AJ Lee. AJ shared with us how he started in the industry and his current status as a commercial diver. But it wasn't all serious talk!

Mike Wheatley comes on the show and spews his knowledge all over the place. You DIT graduates know him, love him, hate him, he's a diver so he don't care! It's an amazing show with a guy that's been around the block and is now teaching young divers how to work and make it in the biz! An amazing show that you don't want to miss! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thebottomdwellersds/message

We start our new season with updates and news from the diving industry! We talk about what we've been doing and where LB diver has been lately. We're excited and ready for a new season full of fun and adventure! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thebottomdwellersds/message

Episode with Johnny and LB! We talk about the new dive supervisor's handbook and the creation of a new diver's association. LB gives his two cents on how to make safety changes and the feelings of non-divers from overseas trying to make an impact in American diving standards. Burn the house down or gather intelligence and work with industry leaders? Your thoughts? We also talk a little bit about the bachelorette tv show and having a commercial diver on the show. A thought provoking episode that is sure to drive a conversation in the dive shack! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thebottomdwellersds/message

***By now we all know what happened to those on the OceanGate sub. But in this episode, we dive deep into the tragic incident involving the OceanGate submarine and the importance of safety in underwater exploration. We had the privilege of speaking with Jon Council, who's diving experience spans 40+ years with 30+ years as a scientific research diver, submersible pilot/instructor and Aquanaut, and current president of the Historical Diving Society. Join us as we explore the risks and rewards of underwater exploration and the steps we can take to ensure the safety of those involved. A breakdown of the 1st ever HDS Explorer Mission and some early details of what to expect for the 2nd Explorer Mission. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thebottomdwellersds/message

Great episode about diving in SoCal! Some tips and advice about how to make it in a cut-throat high dollar market. You want to be a diver?! Listen to John Blunt and gain some insight about this competitive trade. We talk about ship husbandry and some of the type of work that goes into keeping trade and commerce flowing. We also have a great “oh sh!t” story that will help dive crews in similar situations. Keep listening and following for real world information from working divers. Change through education, communication, and sharing experiences! A show for working divers by working divers! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thebottomdwellersds/message

A good fun episode with Johnny and LB Diver. We talk about scuba divers and commercial diving. We recently presented a seminar at the Long Beach Scuba Show and give you a little preview about that. We really had a blast recording this episode and hope you have fun listening to it. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thebottomdwellersds/message

We drink some whiskey and have a chat with Jeffrey Gazarek ADCI Gulf Chapter Chairman and Moffatt and Nichol Engineers. Recorded while on the road in New Jersey, we talk about recent safety drills and training we conducted. A great episode with some great dive stories from the Gulf and our thoughts on being ready to rescue a diver if need be. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thebottomdwellersds/message

Back from a long spring break, we pick up where we left off! A lot of new developments and great things in the works. Feels good to be back! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thebottomdwellersds/message

Do you want to make big bucks in the North Sea? We've all heard the tales of our diving forefathers in the North Sea. It's not as easy to get out there as it used to be. In this episode, my buddy, Aaron Dack gives us the roadmap to how an American diver can make it in the North Sea, just like he did. This is definitely an episode that you are going to want to listen to multiple times. If you have anything to add, please leave a review in the comment section and let us know if there's anything Aaron forgot to mention. We dispel some of the myths and give you the real numbers as to how much, you can make as a North Sea Diver. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thebottomdwellersds/message

A great episode that you need to hear! For those that haven't done so, please subscribe and follow “The Downline”, the official ADCI podcast. Get real information and insight into the oil and gas industry related to the Gulf of Mexico. We speak with Pat Jeffries and William Bratkowski, two industry leaders, who give up to date news and advice. An episode that is good for any company, diver, or tender working in the GOM. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thebottomdwellersds/message

Boners and sewers. Diving and TV. We talk to the guys of the hit TV show, “Sewer Divers”, Dirty Water Don gives us an inside look into how the show came about and what goes into it. We also clear up the infamous “welding” episode. Don also talks about how he recently got bent pretty bad and what Johnny “The Legend” did to help him. We tell you about boner diving and how that is the official term. It's amazing that these guys started the bonerush! They're actually finding stuff too! It's a long action packed episode that you don't want to miss. Feel free to DM, email, or call me with any questions! Log onto our website and don't forget to pick up your “Boner Diver” shirts! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thebottomdwellersds/message

We have a fun and educational episode with Greg about dive medicine and hyperbarics. An episode that is sure to be a favorite! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thebottomdwellersds/message

A welder, diver, and TikTok wet towel influencer? Marena makes it into the dive shack and talks about her journey so far. A 6th year diver, she's finding her groove and making a name for herself in the commercial diving community. She talks about her viral wet towel videos on TikTok, being on the “Breaking Bobby Bones” show, and working with monster cats in the gulf waters of Texas! A true tradeswoman that is all about that diver life grind! A great blue collar episode for the working diver! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thebottomdwellersds/message

Wow! What a great time hanging out with Adam and Ryan of Nation Golf! Bringing style, swagger, and that old school feel back to the game! We have some beers and talk about the game we all love and hate! This episode is great for everyone looking to get out on the course. We share some great diver stories and learn about the movement Nation Golf has started. We recorded on location in beautiful San Clemente, CA at the Nation Golf offices. Want to buy some great Nation Golf gear? Head on over to NationGolf.com and use discount code Fellowship15 at checkout! Dive Shack and Bierclub listeners will get 15% off your order. We encourage you to save it for the new Nation collection at the end of February. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thebottomdwellersds/message

Dr. Michael Gernhardt, astronaut, commercial diver, scuba diver, aquanaut, engineer, and Nogi award winner. These are just titles but his career and achievements are legendary. From “spacewalking” to walking the ocean floor on NEEMO missions! He recently retired from @NASA but is still making strides in space exploration working in the private sector for Jeff Bezos @blueorigin . Michael talks to us about how he went from diver to astronaut and the exciting developments with the Artemis program! With exclusive information only told on this show! An episode for the diver, scientist, dive medic, and those with dreams of working in space!  #space #nasa #universe #astronomy #science #galaxy #moon #stars #earth #astronaut #scifi #mars #alien #physics #astrophysics #planets #spaceexploration #spaceship #milkyway #trends #viral #commercialdiving #scubadiver #podcast #iss #spacewalk #zerogravity #artemis #aquanaut #science --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thebottomdwellersds/message

We interview Sam Humphrey! An amazing man and diver. I first met Sam on the job working for Global Diving and Salvage. It's great to see and read his book about his career. Sam suffered a motorcycle accident that left him paralyzed and ended his dive career. We are so grateful that he was able to overcome a terrible accident and write a book chronicling his diving career. The book pulls no punches and is a fun look into the diving business decades ago. Sam's book is entitled Wet Pay and it comes highly recommended by us! Find his book on Amazon! Check this out! https://a.co/d/2USDXDr Chad Kasin a former dive shack guest and friend of Sam stops by as well to reminisce and say hi! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thebottomdwellersds/message

We are so honored that Don Barthelmess and Leslie Leaney chose to come on our show and share the story behind the Deepwater Diving Monument. This project is to be placed in Santa Barbara, California, a city rich in diving and maritime history. This beautiful statue stands in honor of the pioneers worldwide in the diving industry. We also learn a little bit about Don Barthelmess' dive career and his record breaking dives. Leslie also tells us about how he came to start the Historical Dive Society in Santa Barbara. A packed episode with lots of great diving stories and rich in history. Please support this monument project and buy a bronze statuette at https://www.deepwaterdivingmonument.com/ Own a piece of diving history! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thebottomdwellersds/message

We are joined by Kelly “The Long Beach Mermaid” and Guest Host Dennis Trilles of Craftbeer LB. We have several beers provided by Dennis and also have some Dirty Prospector Apple Brandy! Kelly tells us all about the mermaid lifestyle and what it takes to be a real life mermaid! A fun episode and a look into the undercurrents of the mermaid world! Dennis also tells us the latest happenings in the local beer scene with a beer news segment! Please follow Kelly on instagram @fintasticdesigns her sea and mermaid inspired clothing line. Follow Dennis @craftbeerLB on instagram for news on his latest events, and also, follow us on social media and donate to the Bottom Dwellers Sea Camp Scholarship fund, https://guideddiscoveries-bloom.kindful.com/?campaign=1224361 every little bit helps to change the life of a Long Beach youth! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thebottomdwellersds/message

We talk about a recent death that happened of a friend during topside work. Terrible tragedy and a reminder to stay vigilant, keep out of pinch points, and the importance of having an exit strategy. We update our listeners on our future plans and recap some of our recent events. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thebottomdwellersds/message

We have Ken Kuhlman on the show to talk about what happens if diving is not working out. Some may not be able to find work right away, dive work may have dried up, you find out that commercial diving is not what it's all cracked up to be, or your body may not be cut out anymore for the rigors of diving and heavy construction; what do you do? We go over a couple pathways that you can take, that will still provide income for your family and fill some of that need for adventure. Ken shares his personal experiences as an NDT tech and rope access technician. A lot of his time was spent working at Disney, diving and on rope access. A great follow up episode from our last! #diver #commercialdiving #NDT #NDTlife #ropeaccess #engineering #bottomdwellersdiveshack #podcast #newepisode #new #trending #trends #scuba #scubadiving #disney #disneyjobs #welder #diveschool #work #bluecollar #construction #testing #spotify --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thebottomdwellersds/message

It was great talking with Dusty, a newly graduated diver from Santa Barbara Marine Tech. He shares his school experiences starting out culminating with his first working dive 6 months after graduation. An entertaining episode and definitely one that dive students should listen to! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thebottomdwellersds/message

We had to post this episode on the dive shack! Brian owner of Poseidon brewing talks with us about how he went from Navy Diver to brewery owner! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thebottomdwellersds/message

Amazing episode of redemption and perseverance. Listen to Kenyatta Kalisana tell his story of how he was a prisoner and eventual graduate of Chino State Prison's dive program. After a successful career he returns to prison to become the new dive instructor at Chino. A great episode that goes full circle and shows you how the dive program at Chino Prison is rehabilitating and changing lives for the better! Please listen, like, follow, and share this story with others! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thebottomdwellersds/message

Great episode with the Bottom Dwellers crew talking about our latest adventures and our work diving on the Queen Mary. We talk about a phone call we received from one of our listeners asking about diving with a stopped up ear. A conversation about safety and the foolish use of climbing harnesses as a diving harness. We also touch on our new show the Bottom Dwellers Bierclub and encourage our listeners to like and follow. A good episode with pertinent information for the diver out in the field! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thebottomdwellersds/message