Synopsis
UFC 218 preview, Thanksgiving recap, Blue Bird Days and much much more with the boys of 1609.
Episodes
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Airey Bros Radio Ep. 395 — Coach Mike DeRoehn, Lakeland University Wrestling: Rebuilding the Muskies, S&C & D3 Culture
23/09/2025 Duration: 01h34minOn Episode 395 of Airey Bros Radio, we sit down with Coach Mike DeRoehn, Head Wrestling Coach & Director of Strength & Conditioning at Lakeland University (NCAA Division III).Now in his 7th year overall leading the Muskies (3rd in his second stint), Coach DeRoehn has nearly two decades of coaching experience at Lakeland, UW-Platteville, and UW-Oshkosh. He’s built a reputation for rebuilding programs, producing NCAA qualifiers and Scholar All-Americans, and creating the “Muskie Tough” culture that extends across Lakeland athletics.In this conversation we cover:Rebuilding Lakeland Wrestling with leadership & stabilityThe “Muskie Tough” S&C system that guides every sport at LakelandCommunity-first culture with Headlocking Hunger & Sharpen the AxeLakeland’s Co-Op program (paid jobs + academic credit for athletes)Recruiting pipelines from Wisconsin, the Midwest & New JerseyDeveloping Scholar All-Americans & NCAA qualifiers
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Restarting Wilberforce University XC/TF | Coach Dean Freitag on Building an HBCU NAIA Program, Race Walking, & Year-1 Goals | ABR
18/09/2025 Duration: 01h07minOn this episode of Airey Bros Radio, we go belly-to-belly with Coach Dean Freitag, the new Head Cross Country & Track & Field Coach at Wilberforce University—the nation’s first private HBCU.A two-time NAIA Race Walking National Champion, Freitag shares how he’s rebuilding Wilberforce XC/TF from zero athletes to over 50 in less than a year. We cover recruiting philosophy, HBCU athletics, building a team culture, double-threshold training, and what it means to “embrace the suck.”
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From NJCAA Champion to D1 Builder: Coach Isaac Wood’s Vision for Pacific Cross Country | ABR 393
16/09/2025 Duration: 48minReturning guest and program-builder Coach Isaac Wood joins Airey Bros Radio to break down his next big challenge: launching the men’s cross country program at the University of the Pacific and re-energizing the women’s team in Stockton, CA. Fresh off five NJCAA national titles at Salt Lake CC and Coach of the Year honors, Wood explains how he’s translating JUCO dominance to NCAA Division I, why Pacific is a sleeper academic powerhouse, and what “UOP RG” (the regen mantra) means for culture, recruiting, and results. We get into year-one goals, West Coast Conference competition, race-day mindset vs. workout warriors, developing athletes into pro prospects, long-run routes through Lodi vineyards, and the season slate (San Francisco opener, Hawai‘i trip, big Minnesota test, Bronco Invite, WCC in Spokane, Regionals in Sacramento). If you’re a recruit, parent, or running nerd, this one’s loaded with actionable insight.
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D3 Building Blocks with Drew University’s Sean Robinson: Culture, Recruiting & Raising a XC/TF Program Ep. 392
11/09/2025 Duration: 53minDirector of Cross Country & Track & Field Sean Robinson joins Airey Bros Radio to unpack how he’s building Drew University into a Division III contender—after a decorated two-decade run at Morris Hills HS (10 state titles, 21 sectionals, NJSCA Hall of Fame). We cover honest D3 recruiting (why grades = money), the value of liberal arts & internships near NYC, data-driven training with gait analysis, and the mindset shift from “win” to “win or learn.” Robinson also details Drew’s first All-American (Sage Hendershot, 2024), school records, and hosting the Landmark Conference XC meet.You’ll hear about:Building a D3 program from the ground up—staffing, systems, cultureD3 merit aid vs. athletic $$$ and how academics unlock offersCampus/training: “The Forest,” trail access, Madison safety, NYC internshipsManaging athletes in the social-media era: focus > comparisonHands-on coaching: gait analysis, injury prevention, Google Classroom workflows2025 outlook: deeper rosters, first meet notes, and hosting
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Ep. 391 — Frank Perrelli: NJ State Champ → Cornell All-American → Treigning Lab Oklahoma
05/09/2025 Duration: 01h03minEpisode 391. We go belly-to-belly with Frank Perrelli (@fvp_iv • @treigninglab_ok) — NJ State Champion, Cornell NCAA All-American, 2x EIWA Champ, University National Champ, 4x U.S. Senior All-American & U.S. Open runner-up — now leading Treigning Lab Oklahoma, bringing Coach Sam Calavitta’s performance system to Stillwater.In this episodeJersey roots ➝ Delbarton ➝ Cornell with Coach Rob Koll & Mike GreyFrom Spartan Combat RTC coach to building Treigning Lab OKScience vs. simplicity in wrestling trainingTesting that matters: VO₂ max (treadmill), RMR, body comp (BIA), HTMA (hair mineral analysis), targeted labsNutrition & weight cuts the right way (food-first, individualized micros, essential amino acids, omegas)What most wrestlers miss in S&C (breathing/diaphragm strength, recovery metrics)Working with elite athletes and prepping for Worlds (RBY, Trent Hidlay)Frank’s daily routine (4am, red light, compression, training) & family life in StillwaterChapters 00:00 Cold open & ABR intro03:
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Episode 390 — Ross & Marshall Von Erich: AEW/ROH Trio Champs, Dustin Rhodes, Texas Ranch Shows & Carrying the Legacy
02/09/2025 Duration: 01h12minEpisode 390. The Von Erich Brothers are back! Ross & Marshall Von Erich join Airey Bros Radio to talk life in the Texas Hill Country, launching family events at the Ironwood Barn, winning the ROH World Six-Man Tag Team Titles with Dustin Rhodes in the Sons of Texas, their path from MLW Tag Team Champions to AEW, and how they honor the Kevin Von Erich legacy while blazing a new one.If you love AEW, Ring of Honor, classic Texas wrestling, and the Von Erich family story—this one’s for you.Topics: AEW, ROH, Dustin Rhodes, Tony Khan, MLW, Stranglehold entrance theme, Ironwood Barn, Texas Hill Country, training, injury comeback, frequencies & routines, conspiracies (Old World/Tartaria), Goldberg, The Iron Claw, Von Erich legacy.Follow & Support Airey Bros Radio
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Jeremy Hartman: Powerlifting, Wrestling & Building Stronger Athletes | Airey Bros Radio #389
29/08/2025 Duration: 01h05minWelcome back to Airey Bros Radio! In Episode 389, we go belly to belly with Jeremy Hartman — a 6x USA Powerlifting National Champion, IPF World Medalist, and 2023 National Coach of the Year. Hartman has dedicated his career to building youth athletes, wrestlers, lifters, and multi-sport competitors through his platform Hartman Performance.In this conversation, Jeremy shares lessons from training at Westside Barbell with Louie Simmons, coaching Division I wrestlers, developing high school athletes, and creating a system that blends strength training, mental toughness, and long-term athlete development.We dive into:
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Belly to Belly with Coach Joey Martinez | Menlo Wrestling’s DII Rise & NCAA Transition
26/08/2025 Duration: 01h16minIn Episode 388 of Airey Bros Radio, we go belly to belly with Coach Joey Martinez, Head Men’s Wrestling Coach & Director of Wrestling at Menlo College.Coach Martinez has led the Oaks for 16 seasons and just guided the program through a historic year — their first as an NCAA Division II program, capturing the inaugural MPSF Championship, winning the program’s first NCAA national title, producing 3 individual NCAA champions, 10 All-Americans, and going undefeated at home.In this deep dive, we cover:Coach Martinez’s origin story from athlete to coach and 16 years leading Menlo WrestlingTransitioning from NAIA to NCAA Division II and the challenges of the two-year postseason ineligibilityRecruiting philosophy: California roots, national reach, and finding the right student-athlete fitBuilding culture, character, and maturity in today’s athletesThe role of parents in recruiting and student-athlete developmentMenlo’s tight-knit community, business school focus, and Bay Area opportunities for athletesAlumni supp
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Legacy of Southern Regional Wrestling | Coach John Stout on Championships, Rivalries & Building a Dynasty
22/08/2025 Duration: 01h04minIn Episode 387 of Airey Bros Radio, we sit down with Coach John Stout, the legendary former head coach of Southern Regional High School Wrestling. Over 18 seasons, Coach Stout led the Rams to 3 NJSIAA Group Championships, 12 Sectional Titles, 17 District Team Titles, and developed state champions including Frank Molinaro (NCAA Champion & Olympian) and Glenn Carson (Penn State All-American).We dive deep into:The rise of Southern Wrestling and its dominance in New JerseyThe epic Jackson vs. Southern rivalries that packed gyms across the Shore ConferenceHow building strong rec and middle school programs created lasting successWhy public school rivalries may never be the sameStories of state champions, underdogs, and coaching philosophyHis proudest moments as a coach and father, including raising Ivy League student-athletesIf you’re a New Jersey wrestling fan, coach, or athlete, this episode is a must-listen.
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From New Jersey Roots to NCAA DII Powerhouse: Coach Mark Del Monaco on Leading Tiffin University Track & Cross Country
18/08/2025 Duration: 01h02minIn Episode 386 of Airey Bros Radio, we go belly to belly with Coach Mark Del Monaco, the newly appointed Director of Track & Field and Cross Country at Tiffin University. A proud New Jersey native with coaching stops at Metro State, Cal State East Bay, and Minot State, Coach Del Monaco has built a reputation for developing nationally recognized NCAA Division II programs and producing All-Americans, record-holders, and champions.In this conversation, we cover:Coach Del Monaco’s journey from La Salle University runner to DII head coachHis approach to scholarships, recruiting, and international talent pipelinesBuilding culture, character, and the right “fit” at TiffinThe balance of administration vs. athlete-first coachingCross country and track insights, from double threshold training to facilities advantagesWhat to expect from the Tiffin Dragons in 2025 and beyondWhether you’re a student-athlete, parent, coach, or fan of NCAA DII athletics, this episode is packed with lessons on leadership, program buildin
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Back to the Roots of BJJ with Joe Ahlert: Renzo Gracie Lineage, Old School MMA & Real-World Self-Defense
15/08/2025 Duration: 01h13minIn Episode 385 of Airey Bros Radio, we go belly to belly with Professor Joe Ahlert — a 4th-degree Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt under Renzo Gracie, East Coast MMA pioneer, and co-founder of Duncan Defense Consultants.With over 30 years of experience, Joe has trained with legends like John Danaher, Royce Gracie, and Renzo Gracie, competed in the underground days of MMA, and built a thriving academy in New Jersey focused on self-defense, sport BJJ, wrestling, Muay Thai, and firearms training.We cover:The old-school NYC BJJ scene with Renzo & DanaherHow BJJ has evolved from the 90s to todaySport jiu jitsu vs. real-world self-defenseCross-training benefits for wrestlers & martial artistsStarting Duncan Defense Consultants & concealed carry safetyAdvice for new students, competitors, and those returning to the matsWhether you’re a white belt, a competitor, or a parent thinking about martial arts for your kids, this episode is packed with wisdom, history, and practical training tips from one of the Eas
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Airey Bros Radio Ep. 384 – From NAIA Champion to Adams State: Luca Madeo’s Rise, European Championships, and Next Chapter in Distance Runnin
12/08/2025 Duration: 46min6x NAIA All-American and 2025 NAIA 10K National Champion Luca Madeo returns to Airey Bros Radio for his second appearance, and a lot has changed since April. In this packed episode, Luca takes us inside his whirlwind summer—winning the German Half Marathon Championship (U23 & Men), running a 28:59 10K PB, placing 17th at the U23 European Championships, and announcing his transfer from the University of the Cumberlands to Adams State University—one of the most dominant distance programs in NCAA history.We dive deep into:Training & racing across continentsWinning national titles in challenging conditionsTransitioning from NAIA to NCAA DIIThe benefits of training at 7,500 feet in Alamosa, ColoradoRepresenting Germany on the European stageLong-term goals from NCAA competition to a professional careerWhether you’re a distance running fan, a student-athlete considering a transfer, or just love stories of grit and ambition, this is an inside look at one of Europe’s fastest rising talents.
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Grit, Gold & the Grind: Coach Ken Harnden on Sprint Culture at Auburn
07/08/2025 Duration: 01h06minOn Episode 383 of Airey Bros Radio, we go belly to belly with Coach Ken Harnden, Auburn’s Associate Head Track & Field Coach and a two-time Olympian. With 25 NCAA champions, 170+ All-Americans, and 19 Olympians developed under his guidance, Coach Harnden has helped transform Auburn’s sprints & hurdles group into one of the most dominant forces in collegiate track & field.This one’s for the sprinters, hurdlers, coaches, and parents seeking the right fit — on the track and beyond.
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Olympian to Architect: Matt Gentry on Building UChicago Wrestling
04/08/2025 Duration: 57minNCAA Champion. Two-time Olympian. Rookie Coach of the Year. In this episode of Airey Bros Radio, we go belly to belly with Matt Gentry — Head Wrestling Coach at the University of Chicago — to explore how he’s blending world-class wrestling experience with elite academics to build something special in NCAA Division III.From his journey at Stanford to competing for Canada in two Olympic Games, Coach Gentry shares why he believes Division III is a hidden gem for driven student-athletes. We cover his recruiting philosophy, creating a high-performance culture, the D1 vs. D3 conversation, and why UChicago might be the best-kept secret in college wrestling.
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EP 381 – Teyon Ware: New Era at UNC Wrestling | Coaching, Recruiting & Building from the Ground Up
01/08/2025 Duration: 40minFresh off his hiring as the new head wrestling coach at the University of Northern Colorado, 2× NCAA Champion and 2011 World Team member Teyon Ware joins us for a raw and real conversation—literally pulled over on his ride home from Fargo. We dive into his coaching philosophy, vision for UNC Wrestling, faith-driven leadership, and what it takes to build a program from the ground up.From his dominance at Oklahoma to coaching stops at Wyoming, Binghamton, and OU, Coach Ware now leads a D1 program on the rise in Greeley. This one is for wrestlers, coaches, and families navigating the ever-changing world of college athletics, NIL, recruiting, and mentorship.
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Ep. 380 – NJCAA AD Roundtable: Championship Culture & JUCO Leadership
28/07/2025 Duration: 02h48minSix powerhouse leaders. One epic roundtable. In this 3-hour deep dive, we’re joined by some of the top NJCAA Athletic Directors whose programs ranked among the best in the 2025 Ron Case Cup. From transfer portal strategy to student-athlete support, recruiting, NIL, fundraising, and building lasting program culture — this is everything you need to know about thriving in junior college athletics.⏱️ AD Guest Lineup:00:01:05 – Deron Clark, New Mexico Junior College
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Airey Bros Radio Episode 379 – Learfield Directors' Cup Roundtable: Leadership, Culture & Championships in NAIA & NCAA D2
24/07/2025 Duration: 01h28minIn this powerhouse edition of Airey Bros Radio, we sit down with four of the top athletic directors in the country—representing elite programs across the 2025 Learfield Directors’ Cup standings. From national titles to cross-sport excellence, this roundtable dives deep into how these ADs lead with purpose, culture, and long-term vision.You’ll hear from:Chris Kraftick – University of the Cumberlands (NAIA)Jayme Pendergast – Life University (NAIA)Joe Reich – Wingate University (NCAA DII)Kimberly Pate – University of Indianapolis (NCAA DII)We talk championship building, NIL realities, facilities, coach development, student-athlete experience, fundraising, and what it takes to compete with the Grand Valleys and Lindsey Wilsons of the world. Whether you're an AD, coach, recruit, or parent—this is must-hear insight on collegiate athletics done right.
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Ep. 378 – Building a Jersey Powerhouse: Coach Billy Ashnault on Leading CBA Wrestling
22/07/2025 Duration: 43minFrom Rutgers standout to head coach at Christian Brothers Academy, Billy Ashnault has transformed CBA Wrestling into one of New Jersey’s top programs. In this episode, Coach Ashnault joins us to talk about:CBA’s rise to state and Shore Conference dominanceThe evolution of NJ high school wrestlingBalancing elite training with academicsCoaching philosophy, summer camps, and building a national scheduleLessons from South Plainfield, Rutgers, and family legacyThe role of mentorship, discipline, and why culture wins championshipsIn this episode of Airey Bros Radio, we go belly to belly with Coach Billy Ashnault, head coach of Christian Brothers Academy (CBA) Wrestling. Since taking over in 2018, Coach Ashnault has led CBA to new heights in New Jersey’s Shore Conference and state scene, including:
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Ep. 377 – Building a NJ Wrestling Dynasty with Coach Gerry Tabbachino of Southern Regional
18/07/2025 Duration: 01h01minCoach Gerry Tabbachino is a Shore Conference legend and one of the architects of Southern Regional’s high school wrestling dynasty. In this powerful episode of Airey Bros Radio, we go belly to belly with Coach Tabby to talk about his 38-year coaching journey, the rise of Southern wrestling, and the values that shaped generations of NJ wrestlers.From North Bergen roots to Shore Conference dominance, Coach Tabbachino reflects on community, coaching transitions, rivalries, Frank Molinaro’s Olympic run, and why Southern is the modern-day Paulsboro.
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Ep. 376 – Brad Upton: Stand-Up, Stride by Stride — From Track Coach to Touring Comic
15/07/2025 Duration: 01h09minIn Episode 376 of Airey Bros Radio, we’re joined by Brad Upton, a former high school teacher and track & field coach who’s been grinding the stand-up comedy circuit for over 35 years. Brad shares the steady evolution of his career—from coaching sprinters and teaching high school, to opening for Joan Rivers and Jeff Foxworthy, to finding unexpected viral success online in his 60s with more than 250 million views. This isn’t a story about overnight fame—it’s about doing the work, sticking around, and letting your voice find its audience.