Badger Connect Podcast

From Division II football to starting center for the Wisconsin Badgers, Stylz Blackmon has taken an incredible path to the Big Ten.

On Episode 36 of the Badger Connect Podcast, Mike Heller is joined by Wisconsin offensive lineman Stylz Blackmon to discuss his journey from Augustana University to becoming a starter on Wisconsin’s offensive line.

Blackmon’s journey included a unique decision-making process, including a three-day fast as he considered transferring from Division II Augustana. Now, he’s making the most of his opportunity to compete at one of college football’s most recognizable programs.

Hear more about Blackmon’s path to Wisconsin, the challenges of transitioning to Big Ten football, and what it means to represent a program known for its tradition of outstanding offensive linemen.

Subscribe to the Badger Connect YouTube channel for more conversations with Wisconsin athletes, coaches, alumni, and more!

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#WisconsinFootball #Badgers #StylzBlackmon #BadgerConnect #B1GFootball

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

Mike Heller is joined by Wisconsin Women’s Basketball freshman guard Giselle Janowski, one of the state’s top high school basketball players who chose to stay close to home and continue her career with the Badgers.

A standout at Pewaukee High School, Janowski earned multiple All-State honors, scored more than 1,700 career points, and helped lead the Pirates to a WIAA State Championship in 2024.

Despite a coaching change at Wisconsin during her recruitment, Janowski remained committed to the Badgers and is now part of an exciting group of in-state talent helping build the future of Wisconsin Women’s Basketball under Head Coach Robin Pingeton.

Subscribe to the Badger Connect YouTube channel for more conversations with Wisconsin athletes, coaches, alumni, and more!

Learn more and become a member at BadgerConnect.com.

#WisconsinWomensBasketball 

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 Volleyball takes center stage on Episode 34 of the Badger Connect Podcast!

Mike Heller is joined by Wisconsin Volleyball junior setter Morgan Van Wie, a Waunakee, Wisconsin native who grew up dreaming of wearing the Cardinal and White.

A standout at Waunakee High School, Van Wie earned All-State, All-Conference, and Academic All-State honors before joining one of the nation’s premier volleyball programs. Now in her third season with the Badgers, she’s continuing to develop while contributing to a program with a tradition of excellence.

Morgan joins the podcast to discuss her journey from Waunakee to Wisconsin, growing up a Badger fan, the culture inside the Wisconsin Volleyball program, and what it’s like competing alongside some of the best players in college volleyball.

Get to know the hometown Badger and hear more about her experiences on and off the court!

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

Mike Heller is joined by Wisconsin outside linebacker Sebastian Cheeks, who has emerged as one of the nation’s most disruptive defensive players this season.

Through the first five weeks of the 2026 season, Cheeks led all of college football with 27 quarterback pressures, according to Pro Football Focus, while recording an impressive 23.9% pass-rush win rate.

The fifth-year senior joins the podcast to discuss his journey from North Carolina to Wisconsin, his development as a player, stepping into a leadership role on the Badgers’ defense, and what it means to wear the Cardinal and White.

Get to know one of Wisconsin Football’s defensive standouts as the Badgers look to build on their momentum throughout the 2026 season.

Subscribe to the Badger Connect YouTube channel for more conversations with Wisconsin athletes, coaches, alumni, and more!
 

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 Basketball takes center stage on Episode 32 of the Badger Connect Podcast!

Mike Heller sits down with Badgers forward Austin Rapp!

Rapp shares more about his background, what led him to Wisconsin, his early impressions of this year’s team and his teammates, and what Badger fans can expect from him on the court this season.

Get to know one of the stars of Wisconsin Basketball as the Badgers get ready for the season ahead.

Subscribe to the Badger Connect YouTube channel for more conversations with Wisconsin athletes, coaches, alumni and more.

Learn more and become a member 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

Wisconsin Hockey takes center stage on Episode 31 of the Badger Connect Podcast!

Mike Heller is joined by Badgers Joe Palodichuk and Zach Schulz for a conversation about life inside the Wisconsin Hockey program, their journeys to Madison, the chemistry inside the locker room, and what it means to wear the Cardinal and White.

Get to know Joe and Zach away from the rink while also hearing their perspective on the season and what it takes to compete at the highest level of college hockey.

Subscribe to the Badger Connect YouTube channel for more conversations with Wisconsin athletes, coaches, alumni and more.

Learn more and become a member 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

Wisconsin Football tight end Jacob Harris joins Mike Heller for Episode 30 of the Badger Connect Podcast!

Harris takes fans inside his journey to Wisconsin, his development at tight end and what it takes to compete at the Big Ten level. He talks about life inside the Badgers program, his relationships with his teammates and coaches, and the work that goes on behind the scenes each week.

Get to know Jacob beyond the football field as he shares more about his story, his personality and his experience representing Wisconsin.

Episode 30 — Jacob Harris | Wisconsin Football

Watch the full conversation and subscribe for more exclusive interviews with Wisconsin 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 Women’s Basketball Head Coach Robin Pingeton joins Mike Heller for Episode 29 of the Badger Connect Podcast, and this time she’s joined by her husband, Rich!

Robin and Rich talk about their journey together, the role basketball has played in their lives and what the opportunity to come to Wisconsin has meant for their family.

Robin also discusses taking over the Badgers program, building a new culture in Madison and her vision for Wisconsin Women’s Basketball. Rich adds a different perspective on life alongside a college basketball coach and the experiences they’ve shared throughout Robin’s coaching career.

Get to know Wisconsin’s new head coach both on and off the court in Episode 29 of the Badger Connect Podcast.

Episode 29 — Robin & Rich Pingeton

Subscribe for more conversations with Wisconsin athletes, coaches and Badger legends.

#WisconsinBasketball #Badgers #BadgerConnect #OnWisconsin #WomensBasketball

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 Basketball Associate Head Coach Joe Krabbenhoft joins Mike Heller for Episode 28 of the Badger Connect Podcast!

Krabbenhoft talks about the Badgers, his role on Greg Gard’s staff, the upcoming season and his journey from playing at Wisconsin to now coaching at his alma mater.

And with Vikings-Packers coming up Sunday, the conversation couldn’t stay entirely on basketball. Joe is a Vikings fan, so he and Mike get into the rivalry and this weekend’s matchup.

Plenty of Wisconsin Basketball, a little NFC North trash talk and much more with Joe Krabbenhoft.

Episode 28 of the Badger Connect Podcast — available now.

Subscribe for more conversations with Wisconsin athletes, coaches and Badger legends.

#WisconsinBasketball #Badgers #BadgerConnect #Vikings #Packers

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 Football specialists take center stage on Episode 27 of the Badger Connect Podcast!

Gavin Lahm and Sean West join Mike Heller to talk about their journeys to Wisconsin, life as specialists for the Badgers, and the work that goes into a part of the game that often only gets noticed when the pressure is on.

Gavin and Sean share stories from inside the Wisconsin program, break down the unique relationship between a long snapper and specialist unit, and give fans a look at what goes into preparing for game day.

They also talk about their paths to Madison, competing at the Big Ten level, and plenty more from behind the scenes of Wisconsin Football.

Episode 27 of the Badger Connect Podcast — featuring Gavin Lahm and Sean West.

Subscribe to Badger Connect for more conversations with Wisconsin athletes, coaches and Badger legends.

#WisconsinFootball #Badgers #OnWisconsin #BadgerConnect #CollegeFootball

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