The Bottom Dwellers Dive Shack

By Bottom Dwellers Media LLC

Dive deep into the underwater world with LB Diver and Johnny V. Join working commercial divers covering subjects from underwater welding to SCUBA diving. Our 30+ years of combined experience gives you an exclusive peek into what it’s like being a professional diver. We are the world’s first commercial diving podcast and the best educational resource for the learning diver.

Listen on Spotify Send voice message

Available on

Report content on Spotify

Get Nasty, Be Nasty, Dirt Nasty Diving

The Bottom Dwellers Dive Shack Feb 15, 2022

00:00

01:11:34

Best Episode Ever and “My life in a new timeline”

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. We also talk about how I died in the south and am now living in an alternate timeline.

Apr 17, 202401:12:48

Death and Destruction: Diver Deaths and Bridge Collapse with special guest Bobby Chacon

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.

Mar 29, 202401:13:39

Bobby Chacon (FBI RET) in "The Good, The Bad, and The Diver" - Part I

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.

Feb 14, 202401:15:04

Miami hookah death and Texas

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.

Feb 07, 202446:32

The Downline-ADCI podcast: Engineer Divers with Consor Engineers

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.

Jan 31, 202401:09:49

Hypervan: Life Saving Technology, Mobilized

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.

Jan 24, 202401:05:07

Mary Bonnin, USN -The First and Only Female Master Diver

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.

Jan 17, 202401:16:56

Winter break recap and the rambling man

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!

Jan 10, 202401:01:16

Keeping it Real with Kirby Morgan- “The Downline” ADCI podcast episode

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.

Dec 27, 202301:02:24

Underwater Intervention 2023 Day 2 (11/30/2023)

Live on the floor of UI for day two.

Dec 06, 202338:22

Underwater Intervention 2023 Day 1 (11/29/2023)

Wow! What a day! A recap of underwater intervention day 1!

Nov 30, 202358:49

“Dive and let Die” the hyperbaric wasteland

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.

Nov 22, 202301:27:47

Panama City Nights Part 2 with Jeff Lane of Consor Engineers

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.

Nov 15, 202301:07:25

Panama City Nights with Frank Lasch of EXND

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.

Nov 08, 202301:23:25

Diving for Crack, Geoducks, and Urchins in the Pacific Northwest with Doug Brown

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.

Nov 01, 202301:03:15

3 Stooges in "Shallow Water Hi-Jinks and Diver Follies!"

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! 😄 We also had a blast just hanging out and enjoying each other’s company. Laughter echoed through the shack as we shared hilarious stories drank some beers and just enjoyed each other’s company. So grab a beer (if you can) and enjoy this fun slap stick episode of the Bottom Dwellers Dive Shack.

#podcast #podcaster #podcasts #podcastersofinstagram #diving #commercialdiver #commercialdiving #divinglife #commercialdivinglife #fun #hardhatdiver #hardhatdivers #workingdiver #deepwater #shallowwater #offshorediving #inlanddiving #scubadiving #diveschool #getdiving #getbent #podcastlife #podcastshow #podcastepisode #bottomdwellersdiveshack #porttowndivers #bottomdwellersmedia

Oct 25, 202338:46

If you get me a cup of coffee I’ll tell you how to stay alive

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!

Oct 18, 202301:28:29

Season 4 Opener

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!

Oct 13, 202330:29

Limeys and Yanks… Can’t we all just get along?!

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!

Jul 12, 202348:14

OceanGate Sub tragedy and the first HDS Explorer Mission

***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.

Jun 25, 202301:05:08

Diving in the LBC with John Blunt

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!

Jun 20, 202301:06:45

An episode about nothing

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.

Jun 07, 202358:40

Being Safe and At The Ready with Jeffrey Gazarek

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.

May 18, 202301:27:00

The Return of the Kings

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!

Apr 19, 202351:16

A Yanks guide to diving the North Sea

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.

Mar 15, 202301:31:29

The Downline: Commercial diving in the Gulf of Mexico, and how to succeed

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.

Mar 08, 202301:18:39

Sewer Divers with DirtyWater Don and The Legend (Cortes was also there)

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!

Mar 01, 202301:58:28

Bustin’ Bubbles with Greg Barefoot

We have a fun and educational episode with Greg about dive medicine and hyperbarics. An episode that is sure to be a favorite!

Feb 22, 202301:35:13

Just a welder doing diving sh!t! With Marena Kanzler

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!

Feb 15, 202301:40:23

BD Bierclub episode: Nation Golf Co. with Adam Hawk and Ryan Engle

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.

Feb 08, 202302:10:60

Diving into Space - Ep.2 The Aquanaut, Dr. Michael Gernhardt

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

Feb 01, 202301:42:51

Wet Pay: The career of Sam Humphrey

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!

Jan 25, 202301:17:33

Preserving history while making it! The Deepwater Diving Monument Project with Don Barthelmess and Leslie Leaney

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!

Jan 18, 202301:32:12

Mermaids are real? A BD Bierclub exclusive with Kelly the Long Beach Mermaid

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, guideddiscoveries-bloom.kindful.com/?campaign=1224361 every little bit helps to change the life of a Long Beach youth!

Dec 14, 202259:55

Accident causing death and holiday season

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.

Nov 23, 202236:00

No dive work? "Testing" the waters of Topside NDT

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

Nov 09, 202257:09

Gettin while the Getting is Good: Entry Level Tender/Diver Dusty

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!

Oct 26, 202201:06:42

From Dive station to Fermentation, Bierclub episode

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!

Oct 19, 202258:47

Land Locked and Locked Up - with Chino State Prison Dive School Instructor Kenyatta Kalisana

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!

Oct 05, 202201:09:50

God save the Queen... Mary of Long Beach

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!

Sep 21, 202259:42

Determined to Succeed with Lisa Correa the First Female African American Seabee Diver

This episode was recorded live at Poseidon Brewery. We sit down and have Lisa Correa in the dive shack. She is the first female African American Seabee diver and she talks about the tough road to become a diver in a male dominated industry. We learn about what a Seabee diver does and how to be successful during and after military diving. A fun beer filled episode that is sure to be a favorite of all divers! Also listen to the Bottom Dwellers Bierclub episode featuring the owner of Poseidon Brewery, a former US Navy diver, Brian AKA "Ollie", dropping on 09/14/22.

Sep 07, 202201:17:60

Dive into Ballast Point Brewery with Jeff Lozano of Dedicated to the Craft podcast

A change of pace with a preview episode! We are starting a new show and wanted to give our divers a chance to listen to it!

We have a fun and wild conversation about Ballast Point in Long Beach. We talk about the humble beginnings of Ballast Point and have an intimate discussion about beer culture. A great episode for anyone that wants to know more about the brewing scene and the work that goes behind every great tasting beer at Ballast Point. Don't forget to head over to our YouTube page to see some amazing video of the beautiful location in Long Beach! We go behind the scenes and talk with everyone from the chef to the customers! An amazing intro episode into the world of The Bottom Dwellers Bierclub!

Dont forget to like and follow our Instagram @BottomDwellersDS and our other show, The Bottom Dwellers Bierclub, as well as following us on Instagram @bottomdwellersbierclub

You can also log on to TheBottomDwellers.com to stay up to date with the current episodes.

Also, Like and follow our guest, Jeff Lozano's podcast Dedicated to the Craft on all major platforms!

This episode was sponsored by Willies Tin Shop distillery, you can find their products at Roxanne's Bar at 1115 E Wardlow Rd, Long Beach, CA 90807 or go to their website at www.rox.bar

Aug 29, 202201:10:39

Oilfield Divers Monument with Rusty Wright

We talk with Rusty about the inception and progress of the oilfield divers monument being unveiled in Morgan City, Louisianna on April 29th, 2023 and how you can be a part of this historic endeavor. We also hear a little bit about Rusty's career as an oilfield diver in the Gulf of Mexico. A great episode for the past, present, and future working diver. Preserving our heritage through the remembrance of those that came before us. Please donate! Log on to the oilfielddiversmonument.org to donate and become a part of history!

Aug 10, 202247:44

From The Jersey Shore To The Ocean Floor

We talk with Commercial Diver Anthony Tedeschi about his work and passion for diving. He is a scuba master diver, wreck, and cave diver that talks to us about the importance of mentorship and training in both the commercial diving and recreational field. We also talk about his teams discovery of a Nazi U-boat and the amazing stories that arose from the discovery. Treasure, wrecks, Nazi ghost submarines, beer, scuba, what more could you want from an episode! give him a follow on instagram @Narceddiving and go to narceddiving.com

Aug 03, 202201:15:45

The Diving Sisterhood featuring Amanda Schindhelm

We had a blast talking with Amanda Schindhelm the VP at Marine Solutions Inc. A very inspiring episode that is a must listen. She is an accomplished engineer diver and tells us her story coming up in a male dominated industry. Her struggles, triumphs, and advice for the young female diver.

Jul 27, 202258:20

Diving Antarctica

Come with us to the frigid waters of the Antarctic Where we speak with John Ditkoff about his stent at the Palmer Station diving for USAP. welding, scientific dives, polar plunges, and the Shackleton Bar. It’s Definitely on our bucket list to get out there. You don’t want to miss this episode!

Jul 20, 202201:11:25