The Badger Connect Podcast brings you exclusive, in-depth conversations with the people who shape Wisconsin Athletics. Hosted by Mike Heller, this premium podcast and video series goes beyond the headlines with coaches, athletes, media members, and insiders from across the Wisconsin Badgers landscape. Each episode features a relaxed, long-form conversation designed to give fans access, insight, and stories you won’t find anywhere else. New episodes drop every Thursday. Video episodes and full access are available at BadgerConnect.com.
On Episode 22 of the Badger Connect Podcast , Mike Heller sits down with Wisconsin football teammates Matt Jung and Chris Brooks Jr. for a conversation that’s equal parts football and personality. From how their friendship developed to life inside the Badgers program, the two share stories, jokes, and a few moments fans probably haven’t heard before. If you’re looking for a laid-back conversation that gives you a better feel for the people behind the helmets, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. 🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts or watch the full episode here on YouTube. Subscribe for new episodes every week featuring Wisconsin student-athletes, coaches, and Badger legends. Your inside connection to Wisconsin athletics. Each week, Mike Heller sits down with Badger athletes, coaches, and legends to bring fans closer to the programs they love. New episodes drop every Thursday. Join the community at BadgerConnect.com
Wisconsin men’s hockey teammates Finn Brink and Grady Deering join Mike Heller on Episode 21 of the Badger Connect Podcast! The two Badgers discuss their paths to Madison, the culture inside the Wisconsin hockey program, what it’s like playing for Coach Hastings, and their goals for the upcoming season. They also share stories from the locker room, their friendship as teammates, and what Badger fans can expect on the ice this year. If you’re a Wisconsin hockey fan, you won’t want to miss this conversation. Subscribe for more exclusive interviews with Wisconsin student-athletes, coaches, and alumni. 🔴 Become a Badger Connect member for exclusive content, giveaways, and behind-the-scenes access: https://badgerconnect.com #BadgerConnect #OnWisconsin #Badgers #WisconsinHockey #CollegeHockey #NCAAHockey #MikeHeller #FinnBrink #GradyDeering Your inside connection to Wisconsin athletics. Each week, Mike Heller sits down with Badger athletes, coaches, and legends to bring fans closer to the programs they love. New episodes drop every Thursday. Join the community at BadgerConnect.com
Episode 20 of the Badger Connect Podcast features Wisconsin Director of Athletics Shawn Eichorst. Eichorst joins Mike Heller to discuss his return to Wisconsin, the experiences that prepared him to lead the athletic department, and his vision for the future of Badger Athletics. A Wisconsin native and former member of the UW Athletics administration, Eichorst returns to Madison after leadership roles at Miami, Nebraska and Texas. The conversation also explores the rapidly changing landscape of college sports and what it will take for Wisconsin to succeed moving forward. Watch the full episode and subscribe to the Badger Connect Podcast for more conversations from across Wisconsin Athletics. #onwisconsin #badgers #mikeheller #wisconsinfootball #wisconsinbadgers #badgerconnect #badgerfootball Your inside connection to Wisconsin athletics. Each week, Mike Heller sits down with Badger athletes, coaches, and legends to bring fans closer to the programs they love. New episodes drop every Thursday. Join the community at BadgerConnect.com
Episode 19 | Abu Sama III Wisconsin’s newest running back, Abu Sama III , joins Mike Heller on Episode 19 of the Badger Connect Podcast. The explosive Iowa State transfer discusses why he chose Wisconsin, what drew him to Madison, his fit in Jeff Grimes’ offense, and what Badger fans can expect from him this season. Sama also reflects on his college journey, including his breakout performances at Iowa State, and shares his goals as he begins the next chapter of his career in the Cardinal and White. Your inside connection to Wisconsin athletics. Each week, Mike Heller sits down with Badger athletes, coaches, and legends to bring fans closer to the programs they love. New episodes drop every Thursday. Join the community at BadgerConnect.com
Episode 18 of the Badger Connect Podcast with Mike Heller features Wisconsin men’s basketball players Hayden Jones and Jackson Ball. Two of the newest members of the Badger basketball program join Mike Heller to discuss their journeys to Madison, adjusting to life as Division I student-athletes, and what excites them most about the future of Wisconsin Basketball. In this conversation, Hayden and Jackson share stories about: 🏀 Their recruiting experiences and why they chose Wisconsin 🏀 The transition to college basketball 🏀 Building relationships with teammates and coaches 🏀 Life off the court and adjusting to Madison 🏀 Their goals for the upcoming season and beyond 🏀 What Badger fans can expect from them in the future Get to know two of the young faces of the Wisconsin program in a fun and candid conversation that offers an inside look at the next generation of Badger Basketball. Watch now and subscribe to the Badger Connect Podcast for more exclusive conversations with current and former Badgers. #BadgerConnect #WisconsinBasketball #BadgerMBB #OnWisconsin #MikeHeller #WisconsinBadgers #CollegeBasketball #Podcast #HaydenJones #JacksonBall Your inside connection to Wisconsin athletics. Each week, Mike Heller sits down with Badger athletes, coaches, and legends to bring fans closer to the programs they love. New episodes drop every Thursday. Join the community at BadgerConnect.com
Episode 17 of the Badger Connect Podcast with Mike Heller features Wisconsin hockey legend Ron Vincent. Recently named to the University of Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2026, Vincent looks back on his remarkable Badger career, including winning the 1981 NCAA National Championship, playing for legendary coach Bob Johnson, and the lifelong friendships formed during one of the greatest eras in Wisconsin hockey history. Vincent also shares what Wisconsin means to him and reflects on the honor of being recognized among the all-time greats in Badger Athletics. Watch now and hear from one of the true legends of Wisconsin Hockey. #BadgerConnect #BadgerHockey #WisconsinBadgers #RonVincent #MikeHeller #OnWisconsin Your inside connection to Wisconsin athletics. Each week, Mike Heller sits down with Badger athletes, coaches, and legends to bring fans closer to the programs they love. New episodes drop every Thursday. Join the community at BadgerConnect.com
Wisconsin Track & Field and Cross Country has a new leader, and it’s a familiar name for Badger fans. On Episode 16 of the Badger Connect Podcast, Mike Heller sits down with Chris Solinsky, the newly appointed Director of Track & Field and Cross Country at Wisconsin. One of the most decorated student-athletes in Wisconsin history, Solinsky returns to Madison after successful coaching stops at Oregon, Florida, and William & Mary. A Badger Hall of Famer, five-time NCAA champion, former American record holder, and now the leader of Wisconsin’s track and cross country programs, Solinsky discusses his journey back home and his vision for the future of the program. (Wisconsin Badgers) In this episode, Chris shares: • What it means to return to Wisconsin as Director of Track & Field and Cross Country • His experiences coaching at Oregon, Florida, and William & Mary • The culture that makes Wisconsin track and cross country special • His vision for recruiting, development, and competing for championships • Memories from his legendary career as a Badger athlete • The future of Wisconsin Track & Field and Cross Country Whether you’re a longtime track and cross country fan or simply enjoy hearing from leaders across Wisconsin Athletics, this conversation provides a fascinating look at one of the most accomplished Badgers ever to wear the Motion W. 🎙️ Hosted by Mike Heller Subscribe to Badger Connect for exclusive interviews, premium experiences, member events, and behind-the-scenes access to Wisconsin Athletics. Your inside connection to Wisconsin athletics. Each week, Mike Heller sits down with Badger athletes, coaches, and legends to bring fans closer to the programs they love. New episodes drop every Thursday. Join the community at BadgerConnect.com
Episode 15: Chris Clark | Director of Rowing For nearly three decades, Chris Clark helped shape one of the most successful programs in Wisconsin Athletics history. Now serving as Wisconsin's Director of Rowing, Clark joins Mike Heller to discuss his remarkable journey, the evolution of Badger rowing, and what makes Wisconsin such a special place to build a championship culture. In this episode, Chris shares stories from his coaching career, lessons learned from nearly 30 years at Wisconsin, the unique tradition of Badger rowing, and his perspective on leadership, culture, and developing student-athletes. Whether you're a lifelong Badger fan or simply enjoy hearing from leaders who have built lasting success, this is a conversation you won't want to miss. Subscribe to the Badger Connect Podcast for new episodes every week featuring athletes, coaches, and personalities from across Wisconsin Athletics. #Badgers #WisconsinRowing #BadgerConnect #WisconsinAthletics #ChrisClark #MikeHeller #OnWisconsin Your inside connection to Wisconsin athletics. Each week, Mike Heller sits down with Badger athletes, coaches, and legends to bring fans closer to the programs they love. New episodes drop every Thursday. Join the community at BadgerConnect.com
Episode 14 of the Badger Connect Podcast features Wisconsin Men’s Basketball players Zach Kinziger and Will Garlock. Zach and Will join Mike Heller to discuss their basketball journeys, what led them to Wisconsin, and their experiences inside the program. The conversation covers their player development, team culture, life as a Badger student-athlete, and what fans can expect from the future of Wisconsin Basketball. This episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at two rising members of the program and the work that goes into competing at the highest level of college basketball. Watch now or listen wherever you get your podcasts. Your inside connection to Wisconsin athletics. Each week, Mike Heller sits down with Badger athletes, coaches, and legends to bring fans closer to the programs they love. New episodes drop every Thursday. Join the community at BadgerConnect.com
Episode 13 of the Badger Connect Podcast features Wisconsin quarterback Colton Joseph and his father, David Joseph. Colton joins Mike Heller to discuss his journey from Old Dominion to Wisconsin after a breakout season that earned him Sun Belt Offensive Player of the Year honors. The conversation dives into his dual-threat playing style, adapting to Madison, and the excitement surrounding the future of Wisconsin Football. David also joins the podcast to share stories about Colton’s upbringing, their family’s football background, and what it has been like watching his son’s journey to becoming one of the most talked about quarterbacks in college football. Watch now on YouTube or listen wherever you get your podcasts. Your inside connection to Wisconsin athletics. Each week, Mike Heller sits down with Badger athletes, coaches, and legends to bring fans closer to the programs they love. New episodes drop every Thursday. Join the community at BadgerConnect.com
On Episode 12 of the Badger Connect Podcast, Mike Heller sits down with Wisconsin Football Director of Recruiting Pat Lambert. Pat shares insights into the recruiting process at Wisconsin, the changing landscape of college football, and what it takes to identify and bring elite talent to the Badgers. Watch the full episode on YouTube #onwisconsin #badgers #badgerconnect #wisconsin #wisconsinfootball Your inside connection to Wisconsin athletics. Each week, Mike Heller sits down with Badger athletes, coaches, and legends to bring fans closer to the programs they love. New episodes drop every Thursday. Join the community at BadgerConnect.com
Former Wisconsin Basketball standout Brian Butch joins the Badger Connect Podcast to announce his new role as the Badger Connect Communities Relations Coordinator. In this episode, Brian joins Mike Heller to discuss the launch of Badger Connect Communities, a new statewide initiative focused on connecting Wisconsin schools and communities with Wisconsin Athletics through exclusive content, experiences, and opportunities. We also dive into Brian’s basketball journey, broadcasting career, passion for Wisconsin athletics, and why this new program matters to communities across the state. Watch now and learn more about what’s ahead for Badger Connect Communities. #BadgerConnect #BrianButch #WisconsinBadgers #BadgerConnectCommunities Your inside connection to Wisconsin athletics. Each week, Mike Heller sits down with Badger athletes, coaches, and legends to bring fans closer to the programs they love. New episodes drop every Thursday. Join the community at BadgerConnect.com
Your inside connection to Wisconsin athletics. Each week, Mike Heller sits down with Badger athletes, coaches, and legends to bring fans closer to the programs they love. New episodes drop every Thursday. Join the community at BadgerConnect.com
Pro Football Hall of Famer Joe Thomas joins the show. Mike Heller sits down with Joe on location at Six Springs Farm, the home of his “Hall of Fame Beef,” for a wide-ranging conversation that goes beyond football. Joe reflects on his journey from Wisconsin to the NFL, what it took to sustain a Hall of Fame career, and the mindset behind his success. The conversation also dives into life after football, including building Six Springs Farm, his transition into the cattle business, and what drives him in this next chapter. This episode offers a unique look at one of Wisconsin’s all-time greats, both on and off the field. The Badger Connect Podcast is presented by Badger Connect — giving fans closer access to Wisconsin athletics through exclusive content, events, and experiences. Learn more or become a member at https://www.badgerconnect.com Your inside connection to Wisconsin athletics. Each week, Mike Heller sits down with Badger athletes, coaches, and legends to bring fans closer to the programs they love. New episodes drop every Thursday. Join the community at BadgerConnect.com
Former Wisconsin Basketball standout and current assistant coach Brad Davison joins the show. Brad sits down with Mike Heller to reflect on his time as a Badger, the moments that defined his playing career, and what it meant to wear Wisconsin across five seasons. He shares insight into the mindset that helped him compete at a high level and the leadership that made him a staple of the program. Now on the coaching staff, Brad discusses the transition from player to coach, what he’s learned on the other side, and how he’s helping shape the next generation of Wisconsin basketball. The conversation also dives into the current state of the program and what fans can expect moving forward. The Badger Connect Podcast is presented by Badger Connect — giving fans closer access to Wisconsin athletics through exclusive content, events, and experiences. Learn more or become a member at https://www.badgerconnect.com Your inside connection to Wisconsin athletics. Each week, Mike Heller sits down with Badger athletes, coaches, and legends to bring fans closer to the programs they love. New episodes drop every Thursday. Join the community at BadgerConnect.com
The voice of the Badgers joins the show. Matt Lepay sits down with Mike Heller to reflect on his Hall of Fame broadcasting career and the moments that have defined Wisconsin athletics over the years. From stories behind the mic to his perspective on what makes a great play-by-play call, Matt gives a behind-the-scenes look at the craft of calling games at the highest level. The conversation also touches on his relationship with broadcasting legend Bob Uecker, how the role of a play-by-play announcer has evolved, and what he’s watching for in the upcoming seasons across Wisconsin sports. If you’ve listened to the Badgers over the years, this is a deeper look at the voice you know and the preparation that goes into every call. The Badger Connect Podcast is presented by Badger Connect — giving fans closer access to Wisconsin athletics through exclusive content, events, and experiences. Learn more or become a member at https://www.badgerconnect.com Your inside connection to Wisconsin athletics. Each week, Mike Heller sits down with Badger athletes, coaches, and legends to bring fans closer to the programs they love. New episodes drop every Thursday. Join the community at BadgerConnect.com
Badger Connect is a membership platform built for Wisconsin fans who want to get closer to the teams they love. Members receive exclusive content, behind-the-scenes access, and opportunities to participate in weekly giveaways and experiences throughout the year. Pro and Elite memberships include eligibility for premium experiences such as tickets, practice access, suite experiences, and autographed memorabilia, while Starter members receive exclusive content and insider coverage. 👉 Learn more and join today: https://www.badgerconnect.com Your inside connection to Wisconsin athletics. Each week, Mike Heller sits down with Badger athletes, coaches, and legends to bring fans closer to the programs they love. New episodes drop every Thursday. Join the community at BadgerConnect.com
Episode 5 of The Badger Connect Podcast features Wisconsin Men’s Hockey Head Coach Mike Hastings. With the Badgers headed to the Frozen Four, Hastings sits down with Mike Heller to discuss the path to this moment, the culture inside the program, and what it takes to compete at the highest level. He also shares perspective on building a championship-caliber team and the excitement surrounding this postseason run. It’s a great behind-the-scenes look at Wisconsin Hockey at the perfect time. 🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts ▶️ Watch the full episode on YouTube Your inside connection to Wisconsin athletics. Each week, Mike Heller sits down with Badger athletes, coaches, and legends to bring fans closer to the programs they love. New episodes drop every Thursday. Join the community at BadgerConnect.com
Episode 4 of The Badger Connect Podcast features Wisconsin Football Offensive Coordinator Jeff Grimes. Coach Grimes sits down with Mike Heller to discuss his path through college football, lessons learned along the way, and his approach to developing an offense. He also shares what drew him to Wisconsin and his vision for the future of the Badgers. It’s a great behind-the-scenes look at one of the key leaders shaping Wisconsin Football. 🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts ▶️ Watch the full episode on YouTube Your inside connection to Wisconsin athletics. Each week, Mike Heller sits down with Badger athletes, coaches, and legends to bring fans closer to the programs they love. New episodes drop every Thursday. Join the community at BadgerConnect.com
On this episode of the Badger Connect Podcast, we’re joined by Wisconsin Volleyball Head Coach Kelly Sheffield and his wife Cathy Sheffield. We talk about the rise of Wisconsin Volleyball, what it takes to sustain success at the highest level, and how their partnership has played a role throughout the journey. From recruiting and player development to the culture inside the program, this is a behind-the-scenes look at one of the premier teams in college athletics. Badger fans will also enjoy stories from their time in Madison, what makes the Wisconsin fan base special, and how the program continues to evolve year after year. The Badger Connect Podcast is hosted by Mike Heller and features conversations with Wisconsin athletes, coaches, and insiders. New episodes drop every Thursday. Your inside connection to Wisconsin athletics. Each week, Mike Heller sits down with Badger athletes, coaches, and legends to bring fans closer to the programs they love. New episodes drop every Thursday. Join the community at BadgerConnect.com
