Off Gassing: A Scuba Podcast

Inspiration has a chaotic nature. Never has it been linked to things like routine or consistency; never has it informed you of its itinerary. It shows up in the most unexpected moments. A not-so-pleasant start to a holiday would lead Curtis Connor to have a chance encounter with inspiration. An encounter that would reunite him with an activity from his past. Deadfoot Diver Podcast, adaptive diving...

The most difficult journeys bear the most fulfilling rewards. In the beginning, scuba diving was a challenging endeavor for Alex Dimasacat. In his determination to overcome, he has developed a passion and dedication to this sport. This passion has now become a family pastime. The challenges, the rewards, the unforgettable moments he can now share with those closest to him. The wrecks of Subic Bay,...

At a young age, Mirko Bevenja was introduced to the underwater world, a moment he describes as shocking and exciting. This experience would become a driving force to seek opportunities for learning and exploring within the aquatic environment. An opportunity he now shares with all who are willing to take the time to learn. The Triton Technical Diving Team, the pros and cons of rebreather diving, d...

It was a great honor and privilege to have Lee Kian Lee on the podcast. He has been at the forefront of pushing exploration, not just in Malaysia but all over Southeast Asia. From his early days enjoying the sport recreationally to his pursuit of technical diving, he is on a mission to seek the unexplored. A mission where danger is ever-present, but safety never takes a back seat. The Malaysia Cav...

The water-filled passages of Florida are known for the strength of water flow. To enter many of these areas, one must be determined and “climb” their way in, not an easy task. On the other hand, It's amazing how easily and willingly one can be pulled into the world of cave diving. Stretch Altenhein's roots in diving began in the Northeast. Here, he would find a passion for technical divi...

Written by Marc Crane of Tek Deep Asia. August 2021 About Marc Crane: Marc started diving in 1991 in the waters off the south coast of England from where he hails. Working as a divemaster during his gap year he has been a full time scuba professional since 1995 (still on his gap year), and has worked and dived in the Red Sea, Mexico, Australia, the Mediterranean, East Africa and throughout South E...

Most certified divers began their pursuit as an extension of their leisure activities—certified on holiday, certified out of curiosity, certified by their choosing. Don Mirra became certified as part of his military training. What began as a mission-driven task has now evolved into a meditative, blissful, serene experience. From military to recreational to technical diving, sidemount, solo diving,...

As young adults, many of us are faced with choices that will lay the foundation for adulthood. What may seem to be the “right” choice, isn’t always the best choice. A decision was made, and Bogi Krossteig has never looked back. Founding North Atlantic Diving in the Faroe Islands, he has pursued a career in diving that all started with three pieces of a puzzle, which he describes as his holy trinit...

The largest group of freshwater lakes on earth resides in North America. Here, you can find Richard Tessell on a mission to introduce divers to the unique, amazing, and challenging diving offered throughout this massive body of water. Equally, he is on a mission to further his own education and abilities when it comes to the aquatic environment. Midwest Underwater Explorers, importance of diversif...

Undeterred by world events, Danielle Dillman pursued her goal of becoming a certified diver. Starting as a dive tender at a local aquarium, she was introduced to the possibilities of the underwater world. Currently employed at the Georgia Aquarium, I get a chance to chat with her about some of the controversies surrounding aquarium diving and the importance of the research and conservation efforts...

Change is good, change is inevitable, change is mandatory. Late last year, Global Underwater Explorers updated and made changes to its standards and protocols. Some new courses were introduced, some older courses tweaked, and some names were changed. I invited GUE Recreational Program Director Gemma Thomas back to the podcast to clear up some confusion, gain insight, and chat with her about the “w...

GUE instructor, PADI Course Director, Musician, Dive magazine editor, Technical Diver, to say that Jesper Kjoller is a man who wears many hats would be an understatement. In this episode, I get a chance to sit down with him and hear his story. A journey that brought him to Dubai, where he resides as the Marketing Manager for the deepest pool in the world. Not just a pool but an experience waiting...

Remote explorations come with challenges that many would not dare to pursue. Logistics, planning, and mental preparation needed for such a task are not for those who do not welcome adversity. In this episode, I sit down with renowned explorer and GUE instructor Max Fahr. It was great to sit down with Max to hear his thoughts about the importance of proper training and teamwork. From his early days...

Always breathe; never hold your breath, the most important rule in scuba diving. The equipment allowing us to follow this rule is often neglected when it comes to proper care and maintenance. Chatting with Sam Johnson, a full-time repair tech on the island of Hawaii, I get a chance to hear his perspective and insight when it comes to this side of the industry. Common problems, unsafe practices, nu...

I first met Farzad Atefi, better known as Faz, while cave diving in South Sulawesi, Indonesia. Within the first few minutes of meeting, it was very apparent the love he has for this sport. A friendship was formed as we navigated our way through overhead environments, followed by engaging conversations while enjoying beverages. It was great to have Faz on the podcast to catch up, even better, to he...

Written by Marc Crane of Tek Deep Asia. August 9th 2021 About Marc Crane: Marc started diving in 1991 in the waters off the south coast of England from where he hails. Working as a divemaster during his gap year he has been a full time scuba professional since 1995 (still on his gap year), and has worked and dived in the Red Sea, Mexico, Australia, the Mediterranean, East Africa and throughout Sou...

Late last year, I had a chance to meet up with Edd Stockdale while he was on vacation in Bali. We met at the House of Crane, poured a few glasses of rum, and enjoyed a conversation. In this episode, I hear about his work with the Finnish Scientific Diving Academy, his teaching philosophy, Gradient Technical Diving, past mentors, mine diving, and much more. Please Enjoy. Website: https://gradient-t...

In this takeover episode, Simon Bailey interviews Nick Hogle. Yes, the tables have turned, and I now join as a guest to share my journey. It was amazing to sit down with Simon and cruise down memory lane from my first breaths through my progression. A story that starts in Thailand, grows in Texas, enhanced in Mexico, and continues to flourish in Southeast Asia. I think there is some chat about a p...

In this conversation, I speak with Gabriella Gough about her first breaths through her progression to earning a divemaster certification. A journey she embraced with the help of her local diving community in Southern California, a journey that led her to earn a spot in The Ventura County Sheriff Search and Rescue Dive Team. An education in marine biology, embracing challenges, the beauty of kelp f...

In this conversation, Nouf Alosaimi shares her journey with Red Sea Citizen, emphasizing the importance of community in ocean conservation and her goal to empower more women to become involved in the sport. Speaking at the World Economic Forum, the impact of diving on environmental awareness, changing perceptions about sharks, an unexpected love for drysuits, and much more. Please enjoy. Instagram...

In this episode, I speak with Piotr Kuświk as shares his inspiring journey into scuba diving, detailing his initial experiences, training, and the challenges he faced along the way. He discusses the Santi Scholarship, a program that provided him with advanced training and opportunities to dive in unique locations. Throughout the conversation, he emphasizes the importance of community, skill develo...

Leaving a career in software, Parasu Komaradat, also known and Por, pursued his passion for diving. As he progressed, he naturally found his way into technical and overhead diving. Based out of Thailand, he has become one of the most respected and well-known instructors in Southeast Asia. Past mentors, exploration, mine diving, podcasting, teaching the next generation of divers, and much more. Ple...

In this episode, I get a chance to speak with Putri Mulyani Nurdin from Indonesia. From experiencing her first breaths underwater to traveling to some of the most amazing dive destinations throughout Indonesia. Forming friendships and creating memories while on her path to becoming an instructor. The importance of family, the joy of traveling to new locations, her passion for diving, and much more...

Growing up, Helene-Julie Zofia Paaman has always been an ocean lover. It would be on the island of Koh Tao, where she would take her first breaths underwater, but she was not the biggest fan. Years later, she found herself slowly falling in love with the sport and eventually becoming an  instructor while spending time in Egypt. Eventually, making her way back to Denmark, she would take up underwat...

Magdalena Męcik found her way to diving while completing her master's degree. Her curious nature, along with the passion she observed from the members of the scientific diving club, propelled her to learn more. Gaining recognition for her hard work awarded her an Open Water Course, and she immediately fell in love with the aquatic environment. Now, as Vice President of the Scientific Underwat...