
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

Aug 1, 2024 • 54min
LIVING ON THE EDGE with guest Dai Andrews
Dai Andrews, a world record-holding sword swallower, escape artist, and master of mind over body, discusses his unique career path on this week's episode of Deep Dives. Andrews dives into his fascination with the extraordinary, which began at a young age. He details the challenges and triumphs of being a teenage performer and how his time spent honing his craft in Europe shaped his skills. The interview explores the mechanics and risks of sword swallowing, including Andrews' experience swallowing some extraordinary swords. Andrews also sheds light on the scientific explanation behind sword swallowing and his involvement in medical research related to the practice. The discussion dives into Andrews' other skills, including escape artistry and mind over body feats, and how he incorporates elements of comedy and music into his performances. Don't miss this episode of Deep Dives!

Jul 24, 2024 • 1h 6min
MASTER OF MEMORY with guest John Graham
This week we dive deep into the fascinating world of memory with John Graham, USA Memory Champion and International Grandmaster of Memory! This episode of Deep Dives explores John's incredible journey from average memory to superhuman feats. We debunk common misconceptions about memory, uncover the power of memory techniques, and learn how they can be used to remember names, numbers, and even a shuffled deck of cards in record time! John also sheds light on the science behind memory, the benefits of training your brain, and offers practical tips and exercises to boost your recall. Whether you're looking to enhance your focus or simply want to remember everyday information more effectively, this episode is packed with valuable insights and inspiration to unlock your memory potential. Don't miss it!

Jul 17, 2024 • 1h 10min
STRIKING A CONVERSATION with guest Bill Spigner
Ever wonder what it takes to become a bowling legend? Buckle up for a strike of an interview with hall of famer Bill Spigner as we explore his incredible journey! We'll unearth the moment that ignited his passion for the sport, the heroes he looked up to, and the challenges he faced on his path to becoming a pro. Bill will pull back the curtain on the demanding life of a professional bowler, detailing his daily routines, unforgettable victories and how he balanced his career with family life. But this episode is more than just strikes and spares! We'll delve into the science behind the perfect shot, conquer the mental game with strategies to stay focused under pressure, and learn how to read lane conditions like a champion. Plus, Bill shares his invaluable coaching wisdom, offering tips for aspiring bowlers of all levels, from avoiding common mistakes to the importance of finding a qualified coach. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who wants to take their bowling game to the next level, or simply enjoys a captivating story of dedication and triumph.

Jul 10, 2024 • 1h 7min
MIND OVER MATTER with guest Christophe Fox
Prepare to have your mind blown! In this episode, we delve into the captivating world of mentalism with the incredible Christophe Fox. We explore his initial fascination with the art, the dedication it takes to hone his skills (including overcoming stage fright!), and the psychology behind pulling off those mind-bending feats. We also discuss the key differences between mind reading and mentalism, and how audience participation plays a crucial role in creating an unforgettable experience. Get ready to learn the secrets behind the magic (without revealing any trade secrets, of course) and discover the valuable impact mentalism can have on corporate events and keynote speeches.

Jul 3, 2024 • 1h 7min
BLASTING OFF with guest David “The Bullet” Smith
On this week's episode of Dive deep Dives we go headfirst into the world of human cannonball daredevilry with the legendary David "The Bullet" Smith! Get ready for a thrilling ride as Smith, a legend in the daredevil circuit, discusses the adrenaline-pumping world of launching himself through the air at heart-stopping speeds. He'll reveal the meticulous training, the mental focus required to conquer fear, and the split-second decisions that make the difference between a triumphant landing and a potential disaster. But Deep Dives doesn't shy away from the realities of this dangerous profession. Smith will open up about the physical toll it takes on the body, the close calls that have tested his courage, and the unwavering passion that keeps him defying gravity. Whether you're a thrill-seeker yourself or simply curious about the psychology of pushing human limits, this episode of Deep Dives with David "The Bullet" Smith promises to be an unforgettable exploration of courage, calculation, and the exhilarating world of human cannonballs.

Jun 26, 2024 • 1h 2min
TOP DOG with guest James Webb
This week on Deep Dives, we sink our teeth into a conversation that's sure to leave you hungry for more! We sit down with the world-famous competitive eater, James Webb, also known online as JWebby Can Eat. Currently the #5 ranked competitive eater in the world, JWebby is the odds-on favorite to devour the competition at next week's Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Championship, the indisputable Super Bowl of competitive eating.
Get ready to be amazed as we delve into JWebby's incredible journey. We'll explore his rise to social media stardom,where he first captured the world's attention. We'll hear about his experiences conquering outrageous food challenges across the globe, each pushing the boundaries of his seemingly bottomless stomach. JWebby will pull back the curtain and reveal the secrets behind his success. He'll discuss the intense training techniques he uses to prepare for these epic battles,transforming his body into a competitive eating machine. He'll also share the mental focus required to stay calm and collected under the pressure of the bright lights and roaring crowds.
Whether you're a seasoned competitive eating enthusiast or simply curious about the dedication and strategy it takes to become a world-class champion, this episode of Deep Dives is a must-listen! Tune in to the full episode [link to your podcast episode] to hear JWebby's inspiring story and gain a deeper appreciation for the fascinating world of competitive eating. You won't want to miss it!

Jun 19, 2024 • 1h 8min
JINGLE ALL THE WAY with guest Cary Reich
In this episode of Deep Dives, we sit down with the legendary jingle writer Cary Reich. Cary takes us on a musical ride through his 40-year career, sharing stories of crafting epic jingles for Budweiser, Terry Ho’s Yum Yum Sauce and countless local businesses. He reveals the secrets behind his creative process, the challenges of the industry, and how technology has transformed the jingle landscape. Whether you're a jingle enthusiast or simply curious about the music that sticks in your head, this episode offers a fascinating look into the world of jingles. Tune in and discover the stories behind the sounds that sell. Deep Dives can be found on all major listening platforms.

Jun 12, 2024 • 54min
UNDER THE SEA with guest Hannah Fraser
In a captivating episode of the "Deep Dives" podcast, we had the privilege of interviewing the legendary mermaid, Hannah Fraser. Hannah, renowned for her mesmerizing underwater performances and unwavering ocean advocacy, shared her extraordinary journey from a childhood dream to becoming a real-life mermaid. She recounted tales of swimming with majestic creatures like whales and sharks, using her platform to raise awareness about marine conservation, and the challenges and triumphs of pursuing such a unique career. Hannah also delved into the deeper meaning behind her mermaid persona, revealing the transformative power of connecting with nature and embracing one's true self. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking inspiration, a deeper understanding of the ocean's wonders, and a glimpse into the extraordinary life of a woman who turned her wildest dreams into reality.

Jun 5, 2024 • 52min
DREAM JOB with guest Derek Hales
In this episode, we dive deep into the world of sleep with Derek Hales, the renowned "mattress guru" and founder of NapLab. Derek takes us into the world of a mattress tester and behind the scenes of his meticulous testing process, revealing the secrets to finding the perfect bed for a restful night's sleep. From bounce and edge support to pressure relief and cooling, he breaks down the key factors that contribute to a mattress's comfort and performance. Derek also shares his insights on the evolving mattress industry, discussing the latest trends and technologies that are revolutionizing the way we sleep. Whether you're a side sleeper, a back sleeper, or somewhere in between, this episode is packed with valuable information and expert advice to help you make an informed decision about your next mattress purchase. Tune in to discover how a good night's sleep can transform your health, well-being, and overall quality of life.

May 30, 2024 • 1h 1min
PLAY BALL! With guest Zack Hample
In our season premiere episode, we delve into the extraordinary world of Zack Hample, the renowned baseball collector with over 12,000 balls to his name. Hample recounts his lifelong passion for the sport, detailing his meticulous strategies and relentless pursuit of rare and significant baseballs. He shares captivating tales of snagging Alex Rodriguez's 3,000th career hit and Mike Trout's first home run, offering listeners a unique glimpse into the mind of a dedicated collector. From the challenges of navigating crowded stadiums to the thrill of securing a coveted ball, Hample's stories are both inspiring and entertaining, making this episode a must-listen.