The Scuba Diving Podcast

Latest Episodes:

83 | Growing Coral Reefs 50x faster is possible through Coral Vita's unique land-based process Jan 06, 2024

Show notes

Alannah Vellacott is truly a creature of the Caribbean Waters, in every possible sense. She's been famously dubbed "The Real Life Little Mermaid" by many notable figures, and for good reason.

Aside from freediving, scuba diving, working on several Shark Week episodes, and simply living the Island Life we all dream about… she actually works to preserve and rebuild the very world that sustains her lifestyle (and the planet, for that matter!)

Land Based Coral restoration with Coral Vita is a unique process that she explains with great enthusiasm during our interview. It's a system that allows coral to grow up to 50 times faster than it would in the wild, helping revitalize dead or dying reefs.

Alannah is wildly connected, seen working with the likes of André Musgrove, Cristina Zenato, Scuba Radio, and even Samuel Jackson.

A flagship citizen of Grand Bahama Island, Alannah is armed with a B.Sc. in Biological Sciences, with an extensive resumé ranging from Cape Eleuthra Institute, BREEF, Perry institute for Marine Sciences, and a Scuba Instructor with over 16 years of diving.

I got to hang out with Alannah at The 2023 DEMA show in New Orleans, where she not only represented Coral Vita, but put on a show with fellow Mermaids bringing an incredibly fun vibe to the festivities.

BIG THANK YOU: All underwater footage, facility footage and drone footage of Coral Restoration and Bahamas footage courtesy of Coral Vita.

Alannah’s contact info:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/alannahvellacott/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alannahvellacott

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alannahvellacott

Coral Vita Website: https://www.coralvita.co/

Alannah Vellacott Personal Website: https://www.alannahvellacott.com/

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Kenny Dyal is the host of The Scuba Diving Podcast:

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kenny_dyal

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sweetwater_scuba

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/realkennydyal

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kennydyal

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RealKennyDyal

www.sweetwaterscuba.com

82 | Ellie Hudson is the content marketing Brains behind big scuba names like DAN, PADI, & DeeperBlue. She also hosts Girls That Scuba’s Podcast Dec 18, 2023

Show notes

Ellie is as charming as she is talented, with more big scuba names under her belt than… maybe anyone. Known by her screen name as “Scuba Ellie”, she’s responsible for connecting Scuba Diving with the rest of the world in profound way. She works using brilliant visual photography, videography, editing, and just being awesome at diving.

She creates content for the dive industry full-time, she’s a Scuba Instructor, and dives everything from the tropics to drysuits, aluminums to doubles.

Ellie discusses how to handle social media burnout, negative comments, and of course what NOW fills her cup. If you’re like so many people trying to build your brand or following, she shares some sage advice for any creative diver that's willing to listen.

I was fortunate enough to spend some time with her at the DEMA show, sit on a panel discussing social media with the dive industry, and finally, the after parties from Deeper Blue to Bourbon Street.

PS: I’m still waiting on that scuba skating video…

Ellie’s contact info:

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@scubaellie

IG: https://www.instagram.com/scubaellie/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@scubaellie

Girls that Scuba Podcast-

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3V4xukj4zRBu2cwkDipzlo?si=311597e7d56a4927

Apple:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/girls-talk-scuba/id1678990880

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Kenny Dyal is the host of The Scuba Diving Podcast:

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kenny_dyal

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sweetwater_scuba

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/realkennydyal

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kennydyal

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RealKennyDyal

www.sweetwaterscuba.com

81 | Scubapro Rep & Navy Seal Ed Rasmussen gets candid with his opinions of Recreational scuba diving today, & working as an Equipment Rep Dec 08, 2023

Show notes

Ed Rasmussen is part of the Scubapro Team, including the Deep Elite Global Team, a Scubapro global government manager. Ed was also an active Navy Seal, who went on regular deployments. He is now a Divemaster, helping to liaison the recreational dive industry with defense departments, law enforcement, and emergency services.

Ed is a big supporter of those who served in the Armed Forces. He’s received an avalanche of subscribers to his now-iconic Instagram page @ ecrazz

-loaded with facts and historical video ranging from equipment breakdowns to covert operation footage.

Ed now enjoys diving for the sheer joy of it, bringing a wealth of expertise, experience, and valued perspective that very few get to hear.

He was as pleasant as he was knowledgeable to finally meet in person, and I’m fortunate to say I have a new friend in the diving world.

Read more about Ed on the official Scubapro site: https://scubapro.johnsonoutdoors.com/us/global-dive-team/ed-rasmussen

Follow his IG here: https://www.instagram.com/ecrazz/

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Kenny Dyal is the host of The Scuba Diving Podcast:

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kenny_dyal

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sweetwater_scuba

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/realkennydyal

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kennydyal

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RealKennyDyal

www.sweetwaterscuba.com

80 | Stephan Whelan is the most influential person in Scuba Diving, & founder of DeeperBlue Dec 01, 2023

Show notes

Kenny sits down with the founder of Deeper Blue, the world’s largest community for scuba divers.

Stephan is larger than life, throwing the number one party to be at during the number one scuba diving gathering on the planet. His love of the ocean flows like a perfect cocktail. Always upbeat, hilarious, and seems to be close friends with the entire worldwide scuba industry (I’m kind of not kidding).

He explains what DeeperBlue does, how it got started, the future, and what he would love to see improve in the dive industry as a whole.

His passion for scuba and freediving is on full display everywhere he goes. Not only during our interview, but throughout the DEMA show, and pretty much anywhere else there was fun happening… Stephan was there. Never an ego or point to prove, just a fun-loving, water-obsessed human being.

Further (and by total coincidence) Stephan & Kenny were both invited to a Panel for social media influencers to discuss with the audience some of their secrets to success. The event took place at the DEMA convention center in New Orleans, hosted by the scuba legend Tec Clark.

Friends were made, good times were had, and the whole Sweetwater crew hopes to follow up again for more of Stephan and DeeperBlue!

DeeperBlue has an app, a podcast, news articles, forums, and an absolutely stellar social media presence. If there is something happening in the world of diving, Deeper Blue is a part of it.

Main website:

https://www.deeperblue.com/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/deeperbluedotcom

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/deeperbluegram

Youtube:

https://www.youtube.com/deeperbluevideo

DeeperBlue App-

Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/deeperblue-com/id894987002

Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mobiloud.android.deeperblue&pcampaignid=web_share

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Kenny Dyal is the host of The Scuba Diving Podcast:

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kenny_dyal

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sweetwater_scuba

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/realkennydyal

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kennydyal

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RealKennyDyal

www.sweetwaterscuba.com

79 | Using Magic to Teach Scuba Diving absolutely blows my mind! -With Scuba Magician Chef Anton Nov 25, 2023

Show notes

Chef Anton is an Award-winning magician who can actually teach and certify a PADI scuba specialty course using underwater magic!

He uses magic to help make scuba diving concepts easier to understand, relieve anxiety, and foster better learning.

Further, it helps paint a better picture of concepts like nitrogen buildup, compression and expansion, and all those core fundamentals that can be tough to grasp for new divers. Aside from making learning easier, underwater magic makes everything a LOT more fun!

I was completely mesmerized during this interview. He performed REAL magic tricks right in front of me and the crew (And I promise, no camera tricks!)

He’s an IDC staff instructor, offering a real specialty certification for scuba diving professionals, and specialty certification for scuba diving students, along with an underwater magic starter pack. His execution is just as impressive as his welcoming, warm, and hilariously charming personality.

In fact, one of his recent scuba students, Avery Fisher, not only learned how to do magic, but performed so well she literally broke the world record for most magic tricks performed underwater (38 tricks in 3 minutes)! As if that wasn’t impressive enough, shes only 13 years old! See the offical Guinness World record page here: https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/news/commercial/2023/11/young-scuba-diver-plunges-head-first-into-new-magic-hobby-to-break-underwater-rec-761221

Chef Anton’s Scuba Magician website:

https://scubamagician.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scubamagician/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@scubamagician3354

ChefAnton@ScubaMagician.com

See the Guinness world record holder Avery Fisher’s underwater magic video: https://youtu.be/54jUjRVIZhg?si=uEnmaM85DqJM6cwR

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Kenny Dyal is the host of The Scuba Diving Podcast:

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kenny_dyal

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sweetwater_scuba

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/realkennydyal

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kennydyal

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RealKennyDyal

www.sweetwaterscuba.com

78 | Scuba Instructor & Beach Patrol over 40 years, the WILD yet charming perspective of Legend Don Bouer Nov 20, 2023

Show notes

A fixture in the Daytona Beach area, Don Bouer has one of the most unusual takes on just about anything water related. He’s a master of aquatics, spending decades protecting swimmers & tourists in one of the busiest beaches in Florida, which also happens to be the home of the shark attack capital of the world, New Smyrna Beach (Ponce Inlet). It’s also known as a dangerous area for swimmers due to the currents, waves, rip tides and tidal changes, combined with such a high number of annual visitors.

Don teaches scuba diving, swimming, and seems to know someone everywhere we turn. He’s eccentric, fun, full of energy and his positive outlook on the world around him is beyond contagious. You can’t help but have a good time and feel like there’s something good about everyone and everything after spending just a few hours with him.

His answers are reliably atypical, and even his (casual) independent scuba instruction company name is called “Aquatic Alternative”. He teaches private scuba lessons at both his customers’ and his own pace, and isn't afraid to take whatever time is needed.

Don answers questions ranging from swim tests, teaching scuba on the knees, backplate and wing, and peeing in the wetsuit. He also drops his opinion on why scuba diving has been so male dominated (although changing for the better), and of course just about anything else you’d wanna know.

At 77 years old at the time of this interview, he finally tells us exactly what he’s looking forward to the most (and it’s worth the wait).

Don is a people person, and just flat out a fun human being to be around. He was one of the first-ever interviews on this show, so I HAD to pay my respects and see what he’s been up to for the last 2.5 years.

Just before filming, we had an unexpected move to the ocean beachfront. So apologies for the wind noise…I got rid of some of it, but hopefully doesn’t detract too much!

Don can be contacted at https://www.instagram.com/bouerdon/

https://www.facebook.com/don.bouer

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Kenny Dyal is the host of The Scuba Diving Podcast:

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kenny_dyal

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sweetwater_scuba

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/realkennydyal

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kennydyal

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RealKennyDyal

www.sweetwaterscuba.com

77 | As Paper Dive Logs become Obsolete, the Buddy App allows Validation with ALL scuba agencies Nov 08, 2023

Show notes

This is the only app that verifies and works for ALL agencies. So any active professional can verify any diver, on any dive. The other big thing that caught my attention was the fact that in books- a signature or stamp leaves with the diver or student- so there’s no way for that professional to show how many logs they’ve verified, and they both lose contact as soon as that book closes. I’m 100% all for these, vs paper that can get lost, destroyed, and doesn’t keep that connection on both ends. As a professional or dive instructor, you only need to fill out one log for the dive, then send out for validation to your divers or students. That alone sold me on this feature! Although I’ve already interviewed Alexis in Hawaii (on site) about this app, I keep finding new things that make it special, and are worth discussing on my channel. With the official 2023 Summer now entering the holiday season, Buddy is making waves throughout the industry as a disruptive platform that’s quickly changing the landscape for scuba divers. The world of diving is going to look very different 1-2 years from now, with the rapid adoption of the Buddy platform. The Buddy Dive Log app has the best of all the agencies like PADI, SSI, NAUI, and goes well beyond the capabilities of Manufacturer apps like Garmin, Suunto, Apple Watch and many others. It combines all the features into one, without those barriers that divide the already-small industry even smaller. Connecting buddies of ALL agencies is the skeleton key of all future growth. It’s clean, works smoothly, easy to use, and is easily the most comprehensive diver app YET. It got me excited enough to continue interviewing and discussing this incredible new tool. Not to worry, it’s even set up for those that aren’t certified yet, so literally anyone can download this app (and of course, it’s free). If you’d like to contribute, submit your own story, or maybe even write for Buddy, go directly to their website, or click here: https://divewithbuddy.com/discoverstories Professional Divers, Operators, Facilities, Resorts, or Dive Shops: Get Buddy for Business https://buddyforbusiness.com – Download Buddy App for iOS https://apps.apple.com/us/app/buddy-dive-log-community/id1588860327 Download Buddy App for Android https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.divewithbuddy.app&pli=1 https://www.tiktok.com/@divewithbuddy https://www.instagram.com/divewithbuddy/ — Kenny Dyal is the host of The Scuba Diving Podcast: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kenny_dyal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sweetwater_scuba Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/realkennydyal LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kennydyal Twitter: https://twitter.com/RealKennyDyal www.sweetwaterscuba.com

76 | Comedian tries Scuba Diving for the first time ever! -with "OMGitswicks" Oct 27, 2023

Show notes

"OMGitswicks" tries scuba diving with Kenny and the Sweetwater Crew, and lives to sit down and talk about it!

Not only do we talk about that first experience scuba diving, but what it’s like running a social media personality with millions of followers, and making content everyday.

In fact, some swimmers down at a remote freshwater spring in Florida immediately recognized him while we were getting ready to dive.

Wicks is just as funny in person as he is with his sketch comedy, and wild Florida observations.

We talk gators, crocodiles, hurricanes, Big Summer vs Summer Jr, and of course, Super Humidity. I also asked him his favorite character, favorite post, and when he felt like it went big.

Finally, OMGitswicks hints at what’s coming around the corner, Publix, and of course the Blue Crab that had it out for him.

This was the funniest interview I’ve ever had the pleasure of doing, I hope you have as much fun as I did!

Make sure to follow his channels, Plus let him know how you felt about this interview by joining him on his very regular LIVE shows! (on all platforms)

Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6tkMmQhGztI28XMuKslGwg

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/omgitswicks/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@omgitswicks

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/omgitswicks239

Get the scuba t-shirt: https://omgitswicks.threadless.com/designs/scuba-wicks/mens/t-shirt/premium?color=black

—

Kenny Dyal is the host of The Scuba Diving Podcast:

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kenny_dyal

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sweetwater_scuba

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/realkennydyal

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kennydyal

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RealKennyDyal

www.sweetwaterscuba.com

75 | Scuba Radio host Greg Holt & Kenny discuss diver mentality, what motivates divers, & why people love diving Oct 20, 2023

Show notes

Kenny was invited in-studio to interview the host of Scuba Radio, Greg “The Divemaster” Holt. Founded in 1997, Scuba Radio is the oldest (and only) nationally syndicated terrestrial radio show for scuba divers (that’s like OG radio on the dial!) His interpretation of why people go scuba diving gives some serious food for thought. We discuss motivations for going scuba diving, why people tune into his show, golf vs scuba, some issues facing the dive industry, and even the late Jimmy Buffett.

This whole show is basically a bunch of divers talking about diving at a waterside Tiki Bar.

Scuba Radio is fun, energetic, doesn’t take itself too seriously, and just about anyone can get on the show if they ask nicely (hey, they even had me on!)

Scuba Radio airs LIVE every Saturday

LIVE number: 1-888-88-SCUBA

Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/live/2sSjx97ekyc?si=jeOpg09OrMi2177a

Listen to ALL of the episodes on your favorite podcast channels:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Ep37qEIEjHBOmRewm2ukQ?si=722ee3ebc35141df

Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/podcast/scuba-radio/id73800944?mt=2&ls=1

Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9zY3ViYXJhZGlvLmNvbS9mZWVkL3BvZGNhc3Qv

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scuba.radio/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/scubaradio

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063727054505

https://scubaradio.com/

—

Kenny Dyal is the host of The Scuba Diving Podcast:

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kenny_dyal

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sweetwater_scuba

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/realkennydyal

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kennydyal

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RealKennyDyal

www.sweetwaterscuba.com

74 | Social Media is now the lifeblood of Scuba Diving, & anybody who wants to succeed should take note! Oct 11, 2023

Show notes

In my continuing showcase series of the Buddy App, we talk about Social Media and the integration of the “Sharebuilder” feature. While the app’s ability to integrate with social media accounts might seem like a meager topic on the surface - social is now the bloodline of Scuba Diving interest, and is indispensable for attracting new divers.

We discuss the importance of social (for all its flaws) in diving, due to its visual nature. Alexis and her Buddy team did not overlook this critical element of the diving community, and went above and beyond.

Although I’ve already interviewed Alexis in Hawaii (on site) about this app, I keep finding new things that make it special, and are worth discussing on my channel.

With the official 2023 Summer launch completing its fourth month in existence, Buddy is making waves throughout the industry as a disruptive platform that’s quickly changing the landscape for divers, freedivers, and snorkelers.

The world of diving is going to look very different 1-2 years from now, with the rapid adoption of the Buddy platform.

The Buddy Dive Log app has the best of all the agencies like PADI, SSI, NAUI, and goes well beyond the capabilities of Manufacturer apps like Garmin, Suunto, Apple Watch and many others. It combines all the features into one, without those barriers that divide the already-small industry even smaller. Connecting buddies of ALL agencies is the skeleton key of all future growth.

It’s clean, works smoothly, easy to use, and is easily the most comprehensive diver app YET. It got me excited enough to continue interviewing and discussing this incredible new tool.

Not to worry, it’s even set up for those that aren’t certified yet, so literally anyone can download this app (and of course, it’s free).

If you’d like to contribute, submit your own story, or maybe even write for Buddy, go directly to their website, or click here: https://divewithbuddy.com/discoverstories

Professional Divers, Operators, Facilities, Resorts, or Dive Shops: Get Buddy for Business

https://buddyforbusiness.com

–

Download Buddy App for iOS

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/buddy-dive-log-community/id1588860327

Download Buddy App for Android

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.divewithbuddy.app&pli=1

https://www.tiktok.com/@divewithbuddy

https://www.instagram.com/divewithbuddy/

—

Kenny Dyal is the host of The Scuba Diving Podcast:

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kenny_dyal