The Dani Ariza Podcast

We sat down with Tom Layman — sportswriter, videographer, and author of the golf fiction novel  Level Par  — for one of our most honest conversations yet. We dig into the book's central character Jake Steadman, a former prodigy standing over the most important shot of his life, and what it really means to find redemption through the game. Tom also shares what he's learned about the mental...

Brian VanDongen is the creator of From the Drop Zone, a golf newsletter built on real opinions and a genuine love for the game. In this episode, Brian tells the story of why he started it, what keeps him writing, and shares his honest takes on where golf stands today. Casual, candid, and zero filler.

We took the conversation off the mic and onto the simulator. In this bonus episode with DJ Senatore of Badlands, we break down some of the best golf shoe brands on the market right now — the ones you know and the ones you should know — and settle it the only way that makes sense. On the course. Sort of. A more relaxed hang with real talk about golf footwear, style, and what DJ actually recommends...

Not every golf shop is created equal. In this episode of the Bridgewater Golf Collective, we sit down with DJ Senatore, owner of Badlands — a golf retail store built around carrying the best, most hard-to-find apparel brands in the game. DJ breaks down how he curates his inventory, why he bets on brands that most shops won't carry, and what he sees happening at the intersection of golf culture...

If your back hurts after every round and nothing you've tried seems to fix it for good — this episode is for you. We sat down with Dr. Ash Billimoria of Strive2Move to talk about why golfers specifically struggle to get out of the back pain cycle, and why most treatments only mask the problem instead of solving it. The golf swing is one of the most demanding rotational movements the body makes...

Diamo Streaser didn't take the easy road to become a PGA Head Professional. In this episode, we sit down at one of New Jersey's most underrated private clubs to hear the real story behind the grind. What does it actually take to become a PGA Head Professional? In this episode of the Bridgewater Golf Collective podcast, we sit down with Diamo Streaser — Head Pro at Watchung Valley Golf Club in Watc...

🎙️  New Podcast Episode: Orson Rosas  ⛳️ In this episode, we sit down with  Orson Rosas , the man who accomplished something truly wild:  playing every public golf course in New Jersey . What started in  2015  as a personal challenge turned into a seven-year journey that wrapped up in  2022 —hundreds of rounds, countless miles, and a deep dive into the true landscape of NJ public golf. We talk ab...

In this episode, we sit down at Plainfield Country Club with Jason Bataille and Ryan Hager to explore the unique relationship between an elite competitive golfer and his coach/instructor. We dive into how trust is built over years of work, how honest feedback shapes performance, and why great golf at the highest amateur level is never a solo effort. Jason and Ryan share stories from golf trips, to...

In this episode of the BGC Podcast, we sit down with Mike Puorro, creator and host of The Drop Podcast, for an honest conversation about what it really takes to build a golf media brand from the ground up. Mike shares how The Drop started—what pushed him to press record for the first time, the doubts and fears he faced early on, and the lessons he learned by staying consistent when growth wasn’t g...

In this episode, we head to Golf Cave to play 9 holes and sit down with Chris Derogatis, Assistant Golf Professional at NJ National, to talk about his journey in the game and what it really takes to build a career in golf. Chris didn’t grow up playing the game at a young age. He picked up golf at 14 and quickly fell in love with the process — learning, practicing, competing, and committing to impr...

In this episode, I sit down with Steve Locker, CEO and Founder of Beacon Financial Group. Steve brings over 30 years of experience as a financial advisor and a remarkable background as a former All-American lacrosse player—an uncommon combination of elite athletics and long-term business leadership. Beyond his professional career, Steve is a proud and deeply involved member of Raritan Valley Count...

The BGC Podcast Episode 4 Guest: Kevin Russell, Dan Psinakis & Jason Bataille Episode 4, Dani sits down with two-time club champions at Raritan Valley Country Club Kevin Russell, Dan Psinakis & Jason Bataille for an honest, fun conversation about competition, friendship, the stories behind the wins and much more! #raritanvalleycountryclub #golf #golfclub #countryclub #rvcc

The BGC Podcast Episode 3 Guest: Matt Jerkovich & Tim Foley Episode 3, Dani sits down with long time members of the Raritan Valley Country Club Matt Jerkovich and Tim Foley to learn about RVCC, what makes this club unique, golf insight, club history and much more! #raritanvalleycountryclub #golf #golfclub #countryclub #rvcc

The BGC Podcast Episode 2Guest: Justin Rabinowitz from Rehab Chiro Coach & Strive2MoveIn in Episode 2, Dani sits down with Justin Rabinowitz from Rehab Chiro Coach and Strive2Move to talk business, growth, change, what it really takes to scale and more! We discuss his coaching program to the strategies that separate those who grow from those who stay stuck, this conversation is packed with ins...

The BGC Podcast Episode 1 Guest: Brian Battista (Head Pro at Raritan Valley Country Club) & Campbell Wentworth-Ping (Assistant Pro at Raritan Valley Community College) To kickoff season 3, Dani sits down with Brian Battista, Head Pro at Raritan Valley Country Club and Campbell Wentworth-Ping, Assistant Pro at Raritan Valley Community College, to discuss golf, life, business and much more! #gol...