
Deep Dives
Deep Dives is your passport to the extraordinary. Each week, uncover the hidden depths of fascinating and unique careers through in-depth interviews with the people who live them. Gain exclusive insights into their journeys, challenges, and triumphs as they share their passions and expertise. Whether you're seeking career inspiration or simply love a great story, Deep Dives delivers captivating conversations that will leave you informed and amazed.
The show is hosted by Matthew Samuels, Samuels has a background in broadcast journalism and won an Emmy Award during his tenure at CBS News.
Latest episodes

Dec 18, 2024 • 1h 2min
FROZEN FRONTIERS with Guest Cody Townsend
In this thrilling episode of Deep Dives, Myles Gross and I sit down with legendary professional skier Cody Townsend, who takes us deep into the world of extreme skiing. Known for pushing the limits of what’s humanly possible on the slopes, Cody has skied some of the most dangerous and remote mountains on the planet, earning him a reputation as one of the sport’s most fearless athletes. In our conversation, Cody shares the stories behind his most intense descents, including the risks, challenges, and rewards of navigating unpredictable terrains. We dive into the mental and physical preparation required for skiing at this elite level, how he stays motivated after all these years, and what it’s like to continuously redefine the boundaries of adventure sports. If you’re a fan of action sports, love hearing about daring feats, or are curious about the mindset it takes to push past fear, this episode is packed with inspiration and adrenaline. Listen now to hear Cody Townsend’s incredible story and get an insider’s view of a life lived on the edge.

Dec 11, 2024 • 1h 2min
MAKING WAVES with guest Brendan Burke
In this fascinating episode of Deep Dives, we take a dive into the world of underwater archaeology with Brendan Burke, the Virginia State Underwater Archaeologist. Brendan gives us an insider's look at the challenges and thrills of exploring shipwrecks, lost cities, and historical sites hidden beneath the water's surface. We discuss how these discoveries help rewrite history and the cutting-edge technologies used to map and recover submerged artifacts. Brendan shares his most memorable dives, the mysteries still waiting to be uncovered, and what it takes to preserve our submerged cultural heritage. Whether you’re passionate about history, exploration, or just curious about life beneath the waves, this episode is full of awe-inspiring insights!

Dec 4, 2024 • 57min
PAWSITIVELY PERFECT with guest Kim Berkley
In this episode of Deep Dives, gust host Jordan Krawitz and I had the pleasure of interviewing Kim Berkley, an award-winning dog trainer and a champion at the prestigious Westminster Dog Show. We delve into her fascinating journey in the world of competitive dog training, exploring the dedication, techniques, and unique bond she shares with her dogs that have led her to success. Kim also shares behind-the-scenes insights into what it takes to compete at the highest levels, the challenges she’s overcome, and the rewarding moments that make it all worthwhile. Whether you’re a dog lover, aspiring trainer, or just curious about the world of dog shows, this conversation offers a captivating look into a truly unique and inspiring career.

Nov 27, 2024 • 57min
BEE-ING A CHAMPION with guest Navneeth Murali
In this episode of Deep Dives, I had the pleasure of interviewing Navneeth Murali, a multiple-time spelling bee champion who has made a significant mark in the world of competitive spelling. We delve into his journey from his first spelling bee to his impressive victories, exploring the dedication, strategy, and mental toughness required to excel at such a high level. Navneeth shares behind-the-scenes insights into the world of spelling competitions, the challenges he faced, and how he balances his academic pursuits with his passion for spelling. Whether you're a fan of spelling bees or simply curious about what it takes to be the best, this conversation offers a fascinating glimpse into the mind of a champion.

Nov 20, 2024 • 1h 5min
THE CHASE with guest Jennifer Walton
In this thrilling episode of Deep Dives, I sit down with Jennifer Walton, an extraordinary storm and volcano chaser who has ventured into some of the most dangerous and awe-inspiring environments on Earth. Jennifer shares her captivating experiences of chasing supercell storms, witnessing volcanic eruptions up close, and the scientific passion that drives her to explore nature's most powerful forces. We also dive into her inspiring role as a trailblazer for women in storm chasing, proving that girls who chase can hold their own in this high-stakes, adrenaline-fueled world. Tune in to hear about the heart-pounding moments, the close calls, and the deep respect she has for the raw power of our planet. This is an episode you won't want to miss!

Nov 13, 2024 • 59min
ROCKET MAN with guest Terry Virts
In this episode of Deep Dives, I had the incredible opportunity to interview Terry Virts, a retired NASA astronaut who has spent over 200 days in space, including a mission as Commander of the International Space Station. Terry shares captivating stories from his time aboard the ISS, the challenges and triumphs of space exploration, and his unique perspective on our planet from above. We also delve into his transition back to Earth and the lessons he's carried forward from his extraordinary career. Whether you're a space enthusiast or just curious about life beyond our atmosphere, this conversation offers a fascinating glimpse into the life of an astronaut. You won’t want to miss Terry's insights on what it truly means to be a citizen of the universe.

Nov 6, 2024 • 1h 5min
THE ART OF LANGUAGE CREATION with guests David and Jesse Peterson
In this episode of Deep Dives, I had the incredible opportunity to interview David and Jessie Peterson, the brilliant minds behind some of the most fascinating constructed languages in popular culture. Known for their work on iconic shows like Game of Thrones and The 100, David and Jessie share their creative process, the challenges of building entirely new languages from scratch, and how these languages contribute to the richness of fictional worlds. Whether you're a fan of linguistics, world-building, or just curious about the art of language creation, this conversation offers a deep dive into the intricate craft that makes these languages come alive on screen. Don't miss this episode to get a behind-the-scenes look at the magic of language creation!

Oct 30, 2024 • 51min
INTO THE WILD with guest Dr Mireya Mayor
In this episode of Deep Dives, I had the privilege of interviewing Mireya Mayor, a world-renowned primatologist and fearless explorer often dubbed the "Female Indiana Jones." We journey through her extraordinary career, from her groundbreaking discoveries in remote jungles to her thrilling experiences on the television series Expedition Bigfoot. Mireya offers captivating stories from her expeditions, insightful perspectives on wildlife conservation, and a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to explore the unknown. Her passion for uncovering the mysteries of the natural world is contagious, and her stories will keep you on the edge of your seat. Whether you're a lover of adventure or passionate about the natural world, this episode is sure to inspire and captivate you. Don't miss it!

Oct 23, 2024 • 57min
FOOD FOR THOUGHT With Guest Abbey Thiel
In this episode of Deep Dives, I had the pleasure of interviewing Abbey Thiel, a brilliant food scientist whose work delves into the fascinating world of how science shapes what we eat. Abbey shares insights on the chemistry behind some of our favorite foods, the innovations happening in food technology, and how she navigates the challenges of creating products that are both delicious and sustainable. Whether you're a food lover or just curious about the science behind your meals, this conversation with Abbey offers a fresh and engaging perspective that you won't want to miss. Her passion for food science is contagious, making this episode both informative and truly enjoyable.

Oct 16, 2024 • 1h 8min
THE WINGMAN EFFECT with guest Thomas Edwards
In this episode of Deep Dives, I had the pleasure of interviewing Thomas Edwards, the visionary founder of The Professional Wingman. Thomas shares his journey from helping friends navigate the dating world to building a successful business that empowers individuals to find meaningful connections. We dive into his unique approach to modern dating, the art of building confidence, and the psychology behind creating lasting relationships. Whether you're single or simply interested in the nuances of human connection, this episode offers valuable insights and practical advice that you won't want to miss.