Podcasts about nation podcast

Tonight on the Angery American Nation Podcast, Angery American welcomes author John Michael Layne, creator of Seasons of Ash, for a conversation about survival fiction, resilience, community, and why stories of collapse and rebuilding continue to resonate during uncertain times. Why do readers connect so strongly with these stories? What do they reveal about human nature? And why do themes of preparedness, sacrifice, leadership, and community seem more relevant than ever? Join us live as we explore the enduring appeal of survival stories and discuss the lessons they can teach us about facing adversity in both fiction and the real world.

It’s been a big year for the Denison Big Red, and although that hasn’t completely trickled down to the Denison football team, we thought we’d check in with coach Jack Hatem. The North Coast Athletic Conference has definitely been in transition of late, with John Carroll joining the league in all sports, and WashU in football specifically, and Denison lost its rising junior quarterback, Tyler Green who elected to transfer. More about that in a moment. Hatem talks about how his team has to raise the level of its game to compete in a much stronger conference, what the quarterback situation will look like at Denison, what he’s learned from the national championship coaches at his school, why he stays in the game and why he loves recruiting when, in fact, he is pretty near retirement age. Plus, his taste in music. There’s also been a bunch of change at Susquehanna, where new coach Chris Pincince is a Division III head football coach for the first time, and is coaching in D-III for the first time in nearly a quarter-century. It’s a good thing he and former coach Tom Perkovich are old friends, because Pincince talks about the hole they were left, with eight players having transferred out and so far, the transfer portal only having brought one person in. But a number of assistant coaches stayed to help the program have continuity, giving Pincince a leg up on the D-III learning curve, and Region 2 Defensive Player of the Year Galen Limantour is back as well, which is a huge boost for Susquehanna. About Tyler Green — his transfer to John Carroll means Denison will still have to face him in conference the next two years, and JCU was in sore need of a quarterback for 2026. We’ll talk about that, plus answer your mailbag questions. That and more in this edition of the D3football.com Around the Nation podcast. The D3football.com Around the Nation podcast is a weekly conversation about NCAA Division III football, and has been running since 2007. Hit play, or subscribe to get this podcast on your mobile device. You can subscribe to the Around the Nation Podcast in Apple Podcasts, and many other places. You can also get this and any of our future Around the Nation podcasts automatically by subscribing to this RSS feed: http://www.d3blogs.com/d3football/?feed=podcast Here’s how to find us on some of the major podcasting apps: Apple Podcasts: D3football.com Around the Nation Podcast iHeart Radio: D3football.com Around the Nation Podcast Spotify: D3football.com Around the Nation Podcast Photos: Denison athletics photos by Jace Delgado, Susquehanna athletics photo by Kim Howes

In episode # 304 of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar De Jesus and Zac "The Pool Boy" Nicholas sit down with Jeremy Young and Orlando Gadea from Fluidra to reveal one of the biggest pool industry technology launches in years: the all-new AquaLink Edge platform. This isn't just another automation panel. Fluidra shares how AquaLink Edge is built around edge computing, smarter equipment communication, local processing, enhanced homeowner experiences, and a future ecosystem designed to help pool professionals run more efficient and profitable businesses. The conversation dives deep into automation, connected equipment, wireless communication, AI-driven pool management, smarter service operations, and how Tracker IO is helping transform the way pool companies manage routes, inventory, service calls, and customer experiences. Whether you're a pool service professional, builder, repair technician, retailer, or industry leader, this episode provides an exclusive first look at where pool technology is heading and how it will impact your business over the next decade. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introduction & Welcome 02:00 Meet Fluidra's Jeremy Young & Orlando Gadella 06:00 Heritage Pro Service Academy & Pool Pro Challenge Updates 08:00 Jeremy's Journey: From Pool Construction to Fluidra Innovation 15:00 Why Education & Training Matter in the Pool Industry 24:00 Orlando's Background in Digital Technology & Why He Joined Fluidra 27:00 The Official AquaLink Edge Reveal 28:00 Edge Computing vs Cloud Computing Explained 30:00 Creating Better Pool Owner Experiences 32:00 New In-Can Display & Home Display Features 35:00 Why Pool Automation Must Work Without Internet 40:00 Built-In Flow Monitoring & Smarter Equipment Control 43:00 Five Years of Development Behind AquaLink Edge 47:00 Easier Setup, Faster Installation & Wireless Communication 52:00 Personalized Access for Homeowners, Service Pros & Airbnb Properties 56:00 Service Mode Improvements & Smart Notifications 01:03:00 Wireless Equipment Discovery & Future Product Ecosystem 01:08:00 Customer Experience vs Traditional Automation 01:15:00 The Future of Connected Pool Equipment 01:19:00 Tracker IO & The Future of Pool Service Management 01:27:00 How Data Will Transform Pool Businesses 01:32:00 Future Integration Between Pool Builders & Service Companies 01:35:00 AquaLink Edge Release Timeline & Launch Plans 01:37:00 Final Thoughts & Closing Remarks A special thank you to our Visionary Partners for supporting Pool Nation and helping us elevate the pool industry through education, training, and community: The SPPA BluRay XL AquaStar Pool Products Natural Chemistry Raypak Heritage Pool Supply Group Hayward Pool Products Poolside Tech Pool Brain Nidec / US Motors Encore Brands OnCore Filtration Your commitment to pool professionals helps us continue delivering world-class education and content to the industry.  

Bobby Deren and Kristian Dyer discuss the latest in Rutgers football recruiting. 

Episode 303 Pool Nation Podcast is a Best of Episodes. This is a packed three-hour-plus episode with three segments (the Raypak heat pump deep dive, the Women's Summit podcast, and the Pool Nation Awards crew show) Pool heat pumps are the future of pool heating, and in this episode the Pool Nation crew breaks down exactly how they work, why they beat gas heaters on cost, and how to sell them without scaring off your customers. Host Edgar De Jesus sits down with Raypak's Brad Duncan and Akshaya Shekhar for a no-nonsense heat pump deep dive built for working pool service pros. Learn how heat pumps work, why they are becoming increasingly important across the industry, and how to position them as a long-term solution that delivers real value for your customers. Then we hand the microphone over to the women of Pool Nation for a powerful recap of the Third Annual Pool Nation Women's Summit. Hear firsthand stories about leadership, authenticity, confidence, mentorship, and what it takes to thrive in a traditionally male-dominated industry. We also take a deep dive into the Pool Nation Awards, discuss why nominations matter, spotlight some of the industry's rising stars, and share inspiring stories from pool pros who are making an impact every day. Whether you're a one-person operation, a growing service company, a repair technician, or a business owner looking to scale, this episode is packed with practical takeaways, business lessons, and industry insights. ⏱️ CHAPTERS 00:00 Welcome to Pool Nation: Meet the Hosts & Guests 02:00 Why Heat Pumps Are the Future of Pool Heating 05:00 Meet Brad Duncan & Akshaya Shekhar from Raypak 08:00 Heat Pump Deep Dive Begins 09:00 How a Pool Heat Pump Actually Works 10:30 Heat Pump Performance by Climate & the 80/80/80 Rule 13:00 Can a Heat Pump Heat a Spa? 14:30 COP vs Gas Heater Efficiency Explained 17:00 Why Combining Heat Pumps & Gas Heaters Changes Everything 19:30 Heat/Cool Models: Turning Hot Pools Into Profit Centers 21:00 Initial Investment vs Long-Term Savings 24:00 Selling Heat Pumps Without Scaring Customers 25:00 The Maserati vs Beetle Explanation Every Pool Pro Should Know 26:00 Pool Nation Women's Summit Special Begins 27:30 Women's Summit Recap & Industry Updates 32:00 Meet Janie Flawless & Jeanette Horn 39:00 The Growth of the Women's Summit 46:00 Finding Your Voice & Being Your Authentic Self 53:00 Leadership Lessons & Personal Growth 59:00 Sponsor Break 1:04:00 Pool Nation Live Returns 1:11:00 Pool Nation Awards Nominations Recap 1:18:00 Why Pool Nation Awards Matter 1:24:00 Recognizing Pool Pros Who Make a Difference 1:33:00 Pool Nation Conference & Heritage Event Updates 1:36:00 Education Funds & Industry Opportunities 1:43:00 30 Under 40 Spotlight: James Broderick 1:52:00 Customer Education & Building Trust 2:03:00 30 Under 40 Spotlight: Aiden Dunn 2:08:00 Growing a Business & Right-Sizing Your Route 2:16:00 30 Under 40 Spotlight: Nick LaPoint 2:25:00 Competition vs Community in the Pool Industry 2:33:00 Using Data to Build a Better Pool Company 2:40:00 Final Thoughts & Sponsor Break 2:46:00 Lessons From the Next Generation of Pool Pros 2:51:00 Inside the New Training Headquarters 2:54:00 Gold Medal Pools: The Origin Story 2:59:00 Surviving the 2008 Economic Crash 3:02:00 Building Massive Commercial Water Features 3:11:00 The Dallas Cowboys Connection 3:13:00 Closing Thoughts

3 NEW AUTHORS. NO SAFE CONVERSATIONS. Angery American is joined LIVE by newly published authors Russ Sawyer, Dave Haddock, and Nick Meacher for an unfiltered conversation about survival fiction, preparedness, publishing, storytelling, and the realities of the world today.

Bobby Deren and Kristian Dyer discuss the latest in Rutgers football recruiting. 

Bobby Deren and Kristian Dyer discuss the latest in Rutgers football and hoops. 

In Episode 2 of the Dealer Nation Podcast, David Villa and Tommy sit down with Brad Wise, US Marine, Stephen Jones, and Matt Lewis for a real conversation about the current state of the car business.They discuss dealership leadership, culture, customer behavior, lead handling, employee pricing, the future of automotive retail, and what separates winning stores from struggling stores in today's market.Real operators. Real conversations. Real dealership insight.

Episode 302 of the Pool Nation Podcast What if your pool business has been warning you about bigger problems... and you just haven't been listening? In this episode of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar De Jesus, John “JJ Flawless,” and Zac “The Pool Boy” Nicholas dive deep into one of the most important business conversations pool pros can have: the signals your business sends you every single day. From burnout and busy work to growth plateaus, employee problems, customer issues, and financial blind spots, the guys break down why so many pool companies mistake movement for progress. This episode sets the stage for a powerful multi-part conversation on how to recognize the warning signs before they become major business problems. They also discuss: → The illusion of success in the pool industry → Why growth without systems creates chaos → The importance of listening to your numbers and team → How experienced business owners identify patterns before disasters happen → Why “one pool at a time” thinking can limit long-term growth → Pool Nation Boot Camps and the $25,000 Pool Pro Challenge → Encore Filtration's Dirty Filter Contest → The Heritage Pro Service Academy in Van Nuys, California If you're a pool service professional trying to scale your company, improve profitability, build a stronger team, or simply avoid burnout, this episode is packed with real talk and business insight from three pool pros who have lived it. Chapter Timestamps 00:00 – Pool Nation Podcast Intro 01:00 – Zac gets Edgar sick 03:00 – John talks family, graduation season & podcast studio plans 07:30 – International Swimming Hall of Fame experience 12:00 – The hidden importance of pool pros in the swimming industry 16:30 – Heritage Pro Service Academy announcement 18:00 – $25,000 Pool Pro Challenge qualifiers 20:00 – Pool Nation Awards updates & category changes 21:00 – Encore Filtration Dirty Filter Contest 24:00 – Edgar's AI-generated “Smokey and the Bandit” John photo 29:30 – Sponsor break 34:30 – Zac discusses rebuilding and refining The Pool Boys brand 36:30 – Why successful businesses never stop evolving 39:00 – Your business is talking to you every day 41:00 – Listening to the warning signs in your company 44:00 – Fixing problems vs solving root causes 49:00 – The illusion of success in pool service businesses 52:00 – Why busy does not equal productive 54:00 – The danger of comparing your business to others 56:00 – Scaling too fast and losing control 57:00 – Final thoughts on business growth and self-awareness 01:07:00 – Closing remarks Special Thanks to Our Valued Sponsors & Visionary Partners A huge thank you to our sponsors and partners who continue supporting the pool industry and Pool Nation: → SPPA → BlueRay XL → AquaStar Pool Products → Natural Chemistry → Raypak → Heritage Pool Supply → Hayward Pool Products → Poolside Tech → Pool Brain → Nidec / US Motors → OnCore Filtration → Encore Brands Your continued support helps us educate, inspire, and elevate pool professionals everywhere. Heritage Pro Service Academy Join us in Van Nuys, California for the Heritage Pro Service Academy powered by Pool Nation. Hands-on training includes: → Heater installation & troubleshooting → Automation setup → Variable speed motor training → Pump installation → Cool deck application → Live Pool Pro Challenge qualifiers Registration is FREE thanks to the Heritage Education Fund. Visit PoolNation.com to register today. Encore Filtration Dirty Filter Contest Think you've found the dirtiest pool filter in the industry? Submit your worst filter photos and videos for a chance to win cash and prizes from Encore Filtration.   #PoolBusiness #PoolService #PoolNation #PoolPro #PoolServiceBusiness #PoolIndustry #Entrepreneurship #PoolCleaning #PoolRepair #BusinessGrowth #PoolRoute #SwimmingPoolIndustry #PoolTech #ServiceBusiness #PoolNationPodcast

Join Angery American as he welcomes Paul Christopher Co-Founder of Lostways Survival and Homesteading to the podcast. Paul Christopher, co-founder of Lostways Survival and Homestead, grew up in Aberdeen, North Carolina, learning to live off the land through hunting, fishing, building, and preserving food. His upbringing instilled in him the self-reliant skills he now calls “the lost ways.” After 22 years as a fireman on specialized rescue teams, his passion for teaching led him to share these skills through courses in bushcraft, homesteading, and survival across the country, encouraging others to preserve traditions before they disappear.

Bobby Deren and Kristian Dyer talk Rutgers basketball and football.

The mailbag is pretty active in this podcast, with listeners chiming in with questions about how Concordia (Wis.) will do in transitioning from the NACC to the CCIW, whether this year’s new technology in Division III will be added more smoothly than last year, what Trinity (Texas) was leaving behind in leaving its long-time conference home, and which mascot matchup would be our favorite. We’ll also talk about the new quarterback transferring into UW-Oshkosh, and finally get Coe and UW-Oshkosh schedules finalized. Plus, we have two guests: Trinity (Conn.) head coach Jeff Devanney and Ithaca coach Brandon Maguire. At Trinity, the day we’ve all been waiting for is arriving, where the NESCAC is finally allowed to go to the playoffs. The Bantams are all smiles. If you missed it, the conference presidents have been holding NESCAC football teams back for about 30 years while all other sports have been permitted to play on past Week 11. Devanney talks about how that changes the recruiting pitch, both for incoming student-athletes and a handful of key players who have an extra year of eligibility to be used. At Ithaca, Maguire gets promoted from within and talks about how many of the 96 players on the roster they managed to get to stick around after the previous coach left right before Christmas. Why did they players who stayed, stay? What does Ithaca need to get back to the very top of the Liberty League standings and get to the playoffs? What are the Bomber alumni most concerned about? That and more in this conversation. That and more in this edition of the D3football.com Around the Nation podcast. The D3football.com Around the Nation podcast is a weekly conversation about NCAA Division III football, and has been running since 2007. Hit play, or subscribe to get this podcast on your mobile device. You can subscribe to the Around the Nation Podcast in Apple Podcasts, and many other places. You can also get this and any of our future Around the Nation podcasts automatically by subscribing to this RSS feed: http://www.d3blogs.com/d3football/?feed=podcast Here’s how to find us on some of the major podcasting apps: Apple Podcasts: D3football.com Around the Nation Podcast iHeart Radio: D3football.com Around the Nation Podcast Spotify: D3football.com Around the Nation Podcast Photos: Trinity (Conn.) athletics photo by Isabella Calagna; Ithaca athletics photo; North Central athletics photo by Mark Black; 

In Episode 301 of the Pool Nation Podcast, we bring you a special “Best Of Pool Nation” compilation featuring some of the most impactful conversations, emotional moments, business lessons, and industry insights from the podcast. From pool business growth strategies and operational efficiency to powerful conversations about water safety, leadership, and industry innovation, this episode highlights why Pool Nation continues to be the leading voice for pool professionals across the country. You'll hear incredible discussions with industry leaders from Heritage Pool Supply, AquaStar Pool Products, Terry Arko, Steve Barnes, and more as we dive into topics that every pool pro, service company owner, repair technician, and industry professional can relate to. This episode covers: → Pool route efficiency and operational growth → Building stronger pool businesses → Leadership and mentorship in the pool industry → Water safety awareness and Every Child A Swimmer → Pool industry innovation and training → Pool Nation Hall of Fame stories → Business systems, scaling, and profitability → The future of pool industry education If you're a pool service company owner, pool technician, builder, retailer, or manufacturer looking to grow your business and stay connected to the pulse of the swimming pool industry, this episode is packed with valuable insight and inspiration. Time Stamps: 00:00 – Welcome to the Pool Nation Podcast 01:00 – Heritage Pool Supply leadership and behind-the-counter perspectives 10:00 – Transitioning into the pool industry and learning the business 18:00 – Retail management, distribution, and customer relationships 24:00 – AquaStar partnership and Every Child A Swimmer initiative 42:00 – Casey's emotional water safety story and drowning prevention awareness 52:00 – AquaStar's mission and pool safety innovation 58:00 – Pool Nation Hall of Fame special segment with Terry Arko & Steve Barnes 1:10:00 – Industry recognition, education, and legacy building 1:24:00 – Pool business operational efficiency discussion 1:33:00 – Route optimization and maximizing profitability 1:41:00 – Time management and scaling a pool service business 1:44:00 – Closing thoughts and Pool Nation community updates Special Thanks To Our Visionary Partners & Sponsors A huge thank you to all of our incredible sponsors and visionary partners who continue to support Pool Nation, pool industry education, and the growth of pool professionals across the country. Your partnership helps us continue building the #1 platform for swimming pool service, repair, business, and leadership education. Thank You To: → Heritage Pool Supply Group → AquaStar Pool Products → Raypak → Natural Chemistry → BlueRay XL → Hayward Pool Products → US Motors → SPPA → Poolside Tech → Pool Brain → OnCore Filtration → Encore Brands  

What does it actually take to turn an underperforming rooftop into a market leader?In this episode of Dealer Nation, powered by iPD Agency, four top operators break down the real blueprint behind their biggest store turnarounds — from “ground zero” to President's Award, Ford Elite, #1 Kia in the state, and top‑3 Nissan in the U.S.You'll hear from:Bill Vueleman – General Manager, Crain Ford (Little Rock, AR)Matt Lasco – Owner, Lasco Ford & Grand Blanc Mitsubishi (Fenton, MI)Roland Lynn – General Manager, Clay Cooley Nissan & Don Davis Nissan (Dallas, TX)Mark Lowe – General Manager, Don Franklin Kia & Hyundai Somerset (Somerset, KY)They unpack how they:Took stores from ~20–40 units a month to #1 in their state or regionRebuilt culture, pace, and energy so customers feel the difference the moment they walk inUsed math and targets (inventory, headcount, traffic, closing ratios) to reverse-engineer growthBalanced lead volume vs. lead value and when to cut low-performing vendorsTurned used cars into a growth engine using non-traditional acquisition (service drive, equity mining, social buying centers, KBB/ICO, OEM channels)Approached EV and hybrid demand realistically by market (rural, metro, big-city)Structured daily training, sales meetings, and “Power Hour” style sessions to lift underperformersPromoted from within and built leaders, not just salespeople, to sustain the turnaroundIf you're sitting on a store that's capable of more—or trying to scale from “good” to “top 10 in the nation”—this is a tactical, numbers-driven conversation you can take straight back to your rooftop.

Bobby Deren and Kristian Dyer discuss the latest in Rutgers basketball and football. 

In Episode 300 of the Pool Nation Podcast Edgar and John sit down with Mike from Quick Shop Pools and Bellafina Outdoors to talk about the future of pool construction, pool design, and pool business mentorship. If you are a pool service pro, pool builder, or pool business owner looking to grow, this is the pool podcast episode you cannot miss. Mike spent 20 years in law enforcement working federal fugitive task forces, including the team that helped apprehend Whitey Bulger, before going all in on the pool industry. Today, he runs one of the most innovative pool construction companies and pool design showrooms in the country out of Huntington Beach, California. Pool pros who have walked through Bellafina Outdoors are calling it the Disneyland of pool design. We also welcome Luz, Director of Operations at Bellafina, who brings over 20 years of brand and marketing experience into the pool industry, plus Thomas from PAL Lighting and Michelle from Heritage Pool Supply for a full Pool Nation studio conversation on pool builder education, customer experience, and elevating the pool trade for the next generation of pool pros. IN THIS POOL NATION PODCAST EPISODE: - How Mike built a pool construction business from the ground up - The real story behind the Whitey Bulger fugitive apprehension - How the 2008 crash shaped a new vision for the pool industry - Why pool builder mentorship is the missing piece in pool construction - The Bellafina Pro Academy and the future of pool builder education - How to deliver a true pool design experience to homeowners - Why collaboration beats competition in the pool industry - Heritage Pool Supply's quarterly open house partnership with Bellafina POOL NATION PODCAST TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Welcome to the Pool Nation Podcast 02:00 Thank you to our Pool Nation sponsors and partners 08:30 Meet Mike from Quick Shop Pools and Bellafina Outdoors 10:30 Heritage Pro Service Academy pool boot camp June 6 in Van Nuys 14:30 From law enforcement to the pool industry 16:30 The Whitey Bulger story behind one of America's biggest fugitive captures 21:30 Surviving the 2008 crash and launching a new pool design model 25:00 Why mentorship for younger pool builders matters 30:00 Inside the Disneyland of pool design showrooms 38:00 Why healthy competition makes the entire pool industry stronger 46:00 Industry tea: big changes coming to the pool industry 47:30 Luz on bringing fresh marketing talent into the pool world 58:00 Thomas from PAL Lighting on pool and landscape lighting design 01:08:00 The Outdoor Plus partnership and the tower of fire bowls 01:13:00 Introducing the Bellafina Pro Academy for pool builders 01:17:30 Heritage Pool Supply quarterly open house at Bellafina 01:24:30 Final thoughts for pool pros THANK YOU TO OUR POOL NATION PODCAST SPONSORS: SPPA, Blueray XL, AquaStar Pool Products, Natural Chemistry,   Raypak, Hayward Pool Products, EnCore Brands Heritage Pool Supply Group, Pool Brain, Poolside Tech, Nidec OnCore Filtration

On Episode 208 of the Fish House Nation Podcast presented by Catch Cover, co-hosts Chris Larsen and Al Escobedo break down what to do when the fish just aren't biting in your wheelhouse. From making subtle location adjustments to changing presentations, lure profiles, colors, noise, and bait positioning, the guys share practical strategies to turn a slow day on the ice into a productive one. Chris and Al discuss how electronics, underwater cameras, tip-ups, and sonar can help you confirm whether you're actually on fish, while also explaining when too much technology—or even too much light and noise inside the fish house—might actually hurt your bite. They also dive into the importance of scouting, hole placement, generator noise, live sonar pressure, and how small changes like getting baits higher in the water column can trigger more strikes. If you've ever set up on what looked like the perfect spot only to struggle getting bites, this episode is packed with real-world ice fishing adjustments that can help salvage your next trip and put more fish on the ice. For more information, visit https://catchcover.com/read-blog-articles/

In Episode 299 of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar, John “JJ Flawless,” and Zac “The Pool Boy” break down one of the most important conversations every pool pro needs to hear — the signals your business is sending you every single day. From pricing mistakes and route inefficiencies to hiring too late and chasing the wrong growth, this episode dives deep into the real challenges pool service companies face — and how to fix them. But that's not all…

The biggest news for Division III football coming out of the NFL draft was, as usual, not about a player getting drafted. We are accustomed to that by now, sadly, and no amount of tweeting is going to convince the NFL to draft D-III players. But for Tyren Montgomery, the contract offer came. And for four additional players so far, the rookie minicamp invite arrived. And on this podcast, we talk to Montgomery, the former John Carroll wide receiver, now a member of the Tennessee Titans, about his route to the NFL. If you read our feature on Montgomery last September, you already know the back story. He talks about what he’s been working on since the season ended, how many calls his agent got on his behalf, what he likes about the Titans and why he chose them out of the number of offers he received. We also chat with Bethany coach David Blake, who joins the Bison this year and brings a number of new ideas to the sideline after a wide variety of past experiences, including flying jets in the Navy and then working for the Judge Advocate General’s office. How that experience plays out as a first-time head coach is really fascinating, and is worth a listen. This includes some interesting uses of music during practice and workouts, and a really unique title for one of his assistant coaches. Other topics of discussion include, of course, the demise of Anna Maria College and the Anna Maria football program, the future arrival of St. Anselm from NCAA Division II, the St. Francis schedule, the new WIAC commissioner and the intriguing Week 1 matchup between UW-River Falls and Southern Virginia. In addition, we take your questions on the following topics: What is our opinion on D-III schools scheduling teams? Who has set themselves up for a playoff bid? And how many games and teams are we able to watch per week? Links: Tyren Montgomery feature, September 2025, Trading in his high tops That and more in this edition of the D3football.com Around the Nation podcast. The D3football.com Around the Nation podcast is a weekly conversation about NCAA Division III football, and has been running since 2007. Hit play, or subscribe to get this podcast on your mobile device. You can subscribe to the Around the Nation Podcast in Apple Podcasts, and many other places. You can also get this and any of our future Around the Nation podcasts automatically by subscribing to this RSS feed: http://www.d3blogs.com/d3football/?feed=podcast Here’s how to find us on some of the major podcasting apps: Apple Podcasts: D3football.com Around the Nation Podcast iHeart Radio: D3football.com Around the Nation Podcast Spotify: D3football.com Around the Nation Podcast Photos: John Carroll athletics; Bethany athletics; Saint Anselm athletics

Former Louisville HC Karen Ferguson joins the coaches to talk her career arc, the NCAA soccer environment and a little pickleball. The coaches then discuss current portal news and the five year eligibility situation. Give a listen, tell a friend.

Bobby Deren and Kristian Dyer highlight the latest in Rutgers Football. 

In Episode 298 of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar and Zac are joined by industry experts Robbie Walker and Michael Viegas from Solenis to break down one of the most misunderstood areas in the pool industry — spa, hot tub, and cold plunge water chemistry. If you've ever treated a spa like a pool… this episode will change everything. We dive deep into: Why hot water chemistry behaves completely differently The truth about biofilm, bacteria, and “human juice” in spas The real differences between chlorine, bromine, and biguanide systems How aeration, temperature, and bather load destroy your chemistry Why your sanitizer disappears overnight The rise of cold plunges and wellness systems And how pool pros can turn spas into a profitable service category This is a must-listen for pool service pros, repair techs, and anyone looking to level up their understanding of water chemistry — especially in smaller bodies of water like spas and hot tubs.

Bobby Deren and Kristian Dyer discuss the latest in Rutgers basketball and football. 

One Nation, hosted by Brian Kilmeade, airs on the Fox News Channel on Sunday nights at 10 PM ET. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The NFL Draft is coming up this week, and Division III has had only three players drafted since 2012, all of them offensive linemen who were thought of quite highly and drafted quite highly: Ali Marpet of Hobart, Ben Bartch of St. John’s and Quinn Meinerz of UW-Whitewater. If Division III has a player drafted from any position other than O-line, it’s probably most likely to be Ty Montgomery of John Carroll, who we talked about back in Podcast 404. Why has it been so hard for D-III guys to get drafted lately? We bring in a player agent to talk about what he’s seen in two decades of representing Division III football talent, what NFL teams are looking for and what the prerequisite is before one ever even gets to a Pro Day. John Perez, who played D-III ball at William Paterson, talks us through it. It’s a new day at Loras, as the Duhawks have a new head coach in former St. John’s defensive coordinator Brandon Novak, are hoping to generate some buzz of their own in Dubuque, Iowa, and looking to take a step forward for a program which hasn’t won more than five games in a season since 2008. Novak has filled his key assistant coaching slots with some young guys, he inherits a non-conference schedule already laid out for him, and he has to adjust from wearing red for more than a quarter-century to purple. We also talk with Mike Phelan, whose first year as head coach at Franklin & Marshall was incredibly successful, as the Diplomats won their rivalry game and won the Centennial Conference’s automatic bid. He talks about NFL hopeful Gary Lewis, a wide receiver for F&M last year, plus Phelan talks about who his mentors are as a coach and who he gets advice from when needed. In addition, we take your questions on the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference managing to snag an automatic bid, and on Anna Maria College getting essentially a vote of no-confidence from the state of Massachusetts. Where might podcast co-host Patrick Coleman end up going for a game in Week 1 of this season? We discuss the story of Ithaca’s Derek Slywka and his pro football journey. And Patrick and fellow co-host Greg Thomas have some news about the immediate future of this podcast. Our guests on this podcast: Loras coach Brandon Novak, Franklin & Marshall coach Mike Phelan, John Perez of Perez Sports Associates. Links: A look at the old Loras Fieldhouse, from 2018 on D3hoops.com That and more in this edition of the D3football.com Around the Nation podcast. The D3football.com Around the Nation podcast is a weekly conversation about NCAA Division III football, and has been running since 2007. Hit play, or subscribe to get this podcast on your mobile device. You can subscribe to the Around the Nation Podcast in Apple Podcasts, and many other places. You can also get this and any of our future Around the Nation podcasts automatically by subscribing to this RSS feed: http://www.d3blogs.com/d3football/?feed=podcast Here’s how to find us on some of the major podcasting apps: Apple Podcasts: D3football.com Around the Nation Podcast iHeart Radio: D3football.com Around the Nation Podcast Spotify: D3football.com Around the Nation Podcast Photos: Loras athletics; Franklin & Marshall athletics

In Episode 297 of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar De Jesus, John “JJFlawless,” and Zac “The Pool Boy” sit down with Jose Perez, founder of Encore Filtration also now officially known as The Duke of Dirty Filters. This episode goes deep into one of the most overlooked yet critical components of pool service: filtration  and why it directly impacts water quality, efficiency, customer trust, and profitability. Jose shares his journey from air filtration into the pool industry, why most pool pros are losing money on filters without realizing it, and how innovation, pricing strategy, and protecting the service professional are reshaping the industry. This isn't just a product conversation it's a business conversation about margins, competition from online retailers, and what it really takes to build a sustainable pool service company. If you're a pool pro, service company owner, or industry professional this episode will change how you think about filtration, pricing, and long-term growth. ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome to the Pool Nation Podcast 01:30 – Introducing Jose Perez (Encore Filtration) 04:15 – Why filtration is overlooked in the pool industry 08:20 – Jose's background: From air filtration to pool innovation 13:45 – Taking the leap into entrepreneurship (no customers, no guarantees) 18:30 – The biggest gaps in the pool filtration market 23:10 – The real problem: Online pricing vs. service profitability 29:40 – Why protecting pool pros matters (and why most manufacturers don't) 36:15 – The truth about margins, pricing, and customer trust 42:00 – Innovation beyond the product: thinking differently 48:20 – The FIT Kit concept (solving real field problems) 54:10 – How to build loyalty through customer experience 59:30 – The future of filtration & industry standards 1:05:20 – Technology center & raising the bar in testing 1:10:45 – Why “good is not good enough” in business 1:15:30 – Final thoughts & lessons for pool pros 1:18:00 – The birth of “The Duke of Dirty Filters”

Bobby Deren and Kristian Dyer discuss the latest in Rutgers Basketball. 

Bobby Deren and Kristian Dyer discuss a quiet opening to the transfer portal season for Rutgers Basketball. 

One Nation, hosted by Brian Kilmeade, airs on the Fox News Channel on Sunday nights at 10 PM ET. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In Episode 296 of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar breaks down the pool service business systems that help companies scale without losing control. This is Part 2 of the series and it moves from the problem to the solution. If you want to know how to scale a pool service business, this episode walks through the systems that protect profit, improve consistency, and make growth sustainable. Edgar covers the real structure behind pool business growth, including chemical systems, route structure, service consistency, repairs, customer communication, and the numbers every pool pro needs to know. If your company is adding pools but still feels chaotic, these pool business systems can help you create repeatable results and build a stronger operation. This episode is for pool service business owners who want better route efficiency, stronger margins, improved customer retention, and a clearer path to scaling. If you are trying to grow your pool service company without breaking your operations, this episode gives you a practical roadmap. Timestamps 00:00 Intro and Part 2 overview 03:00 What systems really mean in a pool business 07:30 Why operations break before money 12:00 Chemical systems and hidden profit leaks 20:30 How to control chemical creep 28:00 Route structure and profit 36:00 Drive time and margin loss 44:00 Service consistency and reputation 52:00 SOPs and repeatable results 59:00 Repairs and captured profit 1:08:00 Customer communication and trust 1:17:00 The numbers every pool pro must know 1:26:00 What real scaling looks like 1:34:00 Building one system at a time 1:41:00 Final thoughts and Matrix invite Sponsor Section Special thanks to our Pool Nation Visionary Partners for supporting the podcast and the pool industry. SPPA Blu-Ray XL AquaStar Pool Products Natural Chemistry Raypak Heritage Pool Supply Hayward Pool Products Poolside Tech Pool Brain Nidec Oncore Filtration EnCore Brands

E-295 Pool Nation Podcast. If you've ever felt like your pool business is growing… but somehow getting harder, more stressful, and less profitable—this episode is for you. In this episode, Edgar breaks down one of the biggest problems in the pool industry: why companies break when they try to grow. And more importantly, what you need to fix before it happens to you. This isn't about working harder. It's about understanding what growth actually does to your business. Because growth doesn't fix your business…

In episode # 294 of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar De Jesus sits down live at AquaStar with Bryan Chrissan and Michael Kraus to break down one of the most important topics in the pool industry today training, repetition, and real-world experience. From early career mistakes to high-level field knowledge, this episode dives into what it really takes to build confidence, skill, and success in the pool service industry. You'll hear real stories from the field including costly mistakes, hard-earned lessons, and the power of mentorship along with a deep conversation on how education in the industry has evolved from basic classroom learning to hands-on, immersive training. Whether you're a new pool tech or a seasoned pro, this episode will challenge how you think about learning, growth, and what it takes to become elite in this industry.

Bobby Derena and Kristian Dyer discuss the latest in Rutgers football and basketball. 

Bobby Deren and Kristian Dyer preview Rutgers' upcoming spring practice. 

In episode #293 of the Pool Nation Podcast, we sit down with industry leaders Alicia Stephens and Michael G to break down what innovation really looks like in the pool industry—and why it matters more than ever for pool service pros, retailers, and business owners. From next-generation pool chemicals and faster-dissolving chlorine technology to AI-powered training platforms and the future of education, this conversation goes deep into how the industry is evolving—and how you can stay ahead of it. We're not just talking about products—we're talking about thinking differently, solving real problems, and building a better experience for your customers. You'll hear how innovation is reshaping: Water chemistry and treatment strategies Pool service efficiency and troubleshooting Retail and customer experience Training, certifications, and workforce development Plus… we tease some major upcoming industry disruption you're going to want to keep your eye on

Bobby Deren and Kristian Dyer discuss the latest in Rutgers athletics. 

In Episode 292 of the Pool Nation Podcast “Best of Pool Nation” episode, host Edgar, along with co-hosts John “JJ Flawless” and Zac “The Pool Boy” Nicholas, bring together some of the most powerful conversations from the Pool Nation Podcast. This episode highlights the voices of pool professionals across the country who are helping shape the future of the swimming pool industry. From leadership lessons and business growth to real stories from the field, this episode captures the spirit of the Pool Nation community and the passion that drives pool pros forward. You'll hear insights from industry professionals including Jennifer Melee, Kristen Meow, Megan Hightower, Alicia Rowe, and more as they discuss their journeys in the pool industry, the challenges they face, and the lessons they've learned along the way. In this episode we discuss: • Leadership lessons from pool professionals • The importance of community and networking in the pool industry • Building strong teams and company culture • The challenges pool professionals face in the field • Growing and scaling a successful pool service business • The power of education and training in the industry Whether you're a new pool technician, seasoned pool professional, or pool business owner, this episode delivers inspiration, real-world insight, and valuable lessons from the Pool Nation community. The Pool Nation Podcast continues to bring together the leaders, innovators, and professionals who are helping raise the standard in the swimming pool industry.   ⏱️ Podcast Timestamps 0:00 – Welcome to the Pool Nation Podcast 1:00 – Special “Best Of” episode introduction 2:00 – Zac shares leadership lessons after visiting Gold Medal Pools 4:00 – Culture, leadership, and motivating your team 5:30 – Kristen's trip to New Jersey and pool industry observations 7:00 – Megan discusses balancing family and running a pool business 8:20 – Jennifer shares hurricane recovery challenges in Florida 11:30 – The impact of major storms on pool businesses 13:00 – Alicia Rowe joins the conversation 14:30 – Work-life balance and running a pool company 17:00 – Pool Nation Awards and Pool Girl of the Year nominations 18:00 – Behind the scenes of Pool Nation events 20:00 – Industry partnerships and innovation 23:00 – Corey's journey into the pool industry 26:00 – Mentorship and opportunity in aquatics 29:00 – Innovation in pool equipment and technology 34:00 – Aquastar pipeline filter discussion 38:00 – The future of innovation in the pool industry 41:00 – Hands-on training and educating pool pros 45:00 – Why education is critical for the next generation of pool professionals 49:00 – The power of networking and community 53:00 – How relationships shape careers in the pool industry 58:00 – Preparing for the Pool Nation Awards and conference 1:02:00 – The future of Pool Nation and the industry

Bobby Deren and Kristrian Dyer discuss the latest in the Rutgers sports world. 

In episode #291 of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar De Jesus, John “JJ Flawless,” and Zac “The Pool Boy” Nicholas sit down with Michelle Cook from Heritage Pool Supply to discuss the launch of the Heritage Pro Service Program and what it means for pool service professionals across the industry. Michelle Cooke Transcript The conversation dives deep into how Heritage is moving beyond the traditional distributor model to become a true partner in helping pool pros build stronger businesses. Michelle shares the vision behind the new Heritage Pro Service Program, including: • Loyalty rewards designed specifically for service professionals • Monthly rebate payouts through a debit card system • Transparent tracking of purchases and rewards • A brand-new education platform and certification opportunities • Vendor training sessions and Pro Talks every week • The launch of the Heritage Pro Service Academy in partnership with Pool Nation This episode also explores the larger mission of raising the standard in the pool industry by providing pool pros with better tools, better education, and stronger business support. If you're a pool service professional looking to grow your business, improve your technical knowledge, or connect with a stronger industry network, this episode is packed with valuable insights. ⏱️ Episode Timestamps 0:00 – Welcome to the Pool Nation Podcast 1:30 – Introducing Michelle Cook and the Heritage Pro Service Program 3:30 – Industry travel, events, and building the pool pro community 9:00 – Michelle's background in the pool industry 16:00 – Heritage's culture and commitment to pool pros 20:00 – What makes Heritage different from traditional distributors 26:00 – The origin of the Pool Tech program 32:00 – Why Heritage launched the new Pro Service Program 36:00 – Rewards, rebates, and supporting small service companies 42:00 – How the rebate and loyalty program works 47:00 – Tracking purchases and rewards through Heritage Pool Plus 52:00 – Monthly payouts and financial benefits for pool pros 56:00 – Education and training opportunities for service professionals 1:03:00 – Certification credits and professional development 1:08:00 – The Heritage Pro Service Academy with Pool Nation 1:18:00 – Why education is critical for the future of the industry 1:24:00 – Business growth, leadership, and scaling a pool company 1:35:00 – The vision for raising the professional standard in the pool industry 1:45:00 – Final thoughts and closing remarks

Episode 290 Pool Nation Podcast - Are you stuck at 200 pools and can't break through to the next level? In this powerful episode of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar, John,  and Zac sit down with Adam Beech, founder of Pool Brain, to break down the real reason pool service companies struggle to scale. It's not hustle. It's not marketing. It's not “better techs.” It's consistency. Adam shares how he scaled his pool service company past 1,000 pools and why traditional checklists, rockstar technicians, and reactive management nearly kept him stuck. If you're a pool service business owner looking to grow from 100 to 500 pools (or beyond), this episode dives deep into: • Why hiring “better techs” doesn't solve scale • The hidden cost of inconsistency • Checklists vs. true workflow systems • How green pools destroy profit margins • Why turnover crushes scaling companies • How automation and AI are changing pool service operations • Reducing chemical costs by up to 40% • Eliminating margin bleed • Building a business that runs without you This episode is packed with real-world operational insights for pool professionals, service companies, and owners who want to build structure instead of chaos. If you want predictable growth, better margins, and fewer fires to put out; this one is for you. ⏱️ EPISODE TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – Welcome to the Pool Nation Podcast 01:30 – Why most pool companies hit a growth wall 05:00 – The myth of the “rockstar technician” 12:00 – What inconsistency really looks like at scale 18:30 – Hustle vs. structure: why effort isn't enough 22:00 – Why checklists fail in pool service 30:00 – What a true workflow system looks like 36:00 – PSI readings and preventing green pools 44:00 – Chemical automation & margin control 52:00 – AI tab dosing explained 1:05:00 – Eliminating training bottlenecks 1:15:00 – Inventory automation & Heritage integration 1:25:00 – The future of AI in pool service 1:40:00 – Remote monitoring, Water Guru & automation 1:55:00 – Final thoughts: Building scalable pool businesses

Bobby Deren and Kristian Dyer answer Scarlet Nation reader questions. 

The Scarlet Nation podcast returns to talk more Rutgers football and basketball. 

In Episode 289 of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar De Jesus, John “JJ Flawless,” and Zac “The Pool Boy” recap the energy and momentum from the Western Pool & Spa Show and the Southwest Pool & Spa Show, then dive into powerful conversations featuring some of the brightest rising stars and top sales professionals in the swimming pool industry. This episode highlights: The impact of industry trade shows on pool service businesses Leadership development and next-generation talent in aquatics The importance of customer relationships and pool education What separates top-performing sales reps in the pool industry The Pool Nation Awards 30 Under 40 nominees Sales Rep of the Year nominees and what drives their success You'll hear stories of resilience, entrepreneurship, business growth, and the mindset it takes to build a sustainable and profitable pool service or pool building company. Whether you're a pool service professional, pool builder, sales rep, or industry supplier, this episode delivers insight, motivation, and practical takeaways to help you level up your business. If you're serious about growing your pool company, scaling operations, improving customer retention, and becoming a true Pool Pro — this episode is for you.   ⏱ Episode Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome to the Pool Nation Podcast 01:00 – Western & Southwest Pool & Spa Show Recap 03:00 – Zac's Idaho adventure & team banter 09:00 – Introducing 30 Under 40 Male of the Year Nominees 13:00 – IPSA Education Fund & Investing in Industry Training 15:00 – James Broderick's Journey: From Pandemic Startup to Growth Through Referrals 21:00 – Pool Education & “Pool School” for Homeowners 24:00 – Sales Rep of the Year Nominee Introduction 28:00 – Sales Rep Leadership, Market Growth & Industry Relationships 32:00 – Andrew's Career: Distribution to Manufacturer Rep 40:00 – Daniel's 30-Year Industry Journey: Retail, Service, Building & Manufacturing 48:00 – Relationship-Driven Sales & Building Market Trust 55:00 – Industry Growth, Mentorship & What's Next for Pool Pros

Bobby Deren and Kristian Dyer discuss the latest in Rutgers hoops and what lies ahead. 

Former NFL All-Pro safety Kerry Rhodes is in for Rob, and he and Kelvin explain why LeBron James spending so much of his career playing in the ‘Leastern Conference’. Plus, Lakers Nation podcast host Trevor Lane swings by to discuss all the biggest headlines around the Los Angeles Lakers heading into the second half of the NBA regular season.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 288 Pool Nation Podcast. Are you busy… or are you actually building a profitable pool service business? In this episode of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar, John, and Zac break down one of the biggest traps in the swimming pool industry: confusing being busy with being successful. As we head into peak pool season, many pool pros find themselves working longer hours, adding more pools, and filling every minute of the day — but still feeling overwhelmed, stressed, and underpaid. This episode dives deep into: • Why long hours don't equal profitability • How busyness hides skill gaps and financial problems • The dangerous cycle of “organized chaos” in pool companies • Why scaling without readiness leads to burnout • How to transition from technician to operator • The role of planning, pricing, and financial clarity in sustainable growth If you're a pool service business owner trying to grow, scale, or simply survive the busy season without burning out — this conversation is for you. Because readiness isn't about knowing more. It's about making better decisions before chaos hits. ⏱️ Episode Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome to the Pool Nation Podcast 01:00 – Why “Busy” Doesn't Mean Profitable 05:30 – Western & Southwest Pool Shows + Boot Camp Updates 08:45 – The $10,000 Pool Pro Challenge & Raypak AVIA Giveaway 12:00 – The “Busy Trap” in the Pool Industry 15:00 – Hustle vs. Structure: Why Long Hours Aren't the Answer 19:00 – How Busyness Masks Skill Gaps in Pool Service 22:00 – Stop Being a “Field Medic” – Fix Root Causes Instead 25:00 – The Illusion of Success in a Packed Schedule 28:00 – Why Adding More Pools Isn't Always the Solution 31:00 – Warning Signs You're Running in Organized Chaos 34:00 – Creating Space in the Day for Preventative Work 41:00 – Readiness vs. Reaction: Making Better Decisions 45:00 – Where Pool Businesses Get Stuck as They Grow 50:00 – Financial Readiness as a Competitive Advantage 56:00 – Final Thoughts: Work Smarter, Not Just Harder