Braden Brown’s journey to becoming BYU Football’s director of mental health and mental performance started after his NFL career ended, all thanks to his wife’s suggestion to give the field a try after deciding coaching football players was not the way to go. But Braden’s life experiences on and off the field helped him to become the guy who is now trying to build mentally strong Cougars.

Curtis Brown is one of the greatest running backs in BYU football history. But after his freshman season in 2002, he found himself at the bottom of the depth chart and seriously considered transferring. How did he fight back to the top and become the school's leading rusher a few years later? In this episode, Brown chronicles his journey to BYU, the most memorable plays from his record-setting career, and his conversion to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Kyle Collinsworth was poised to have a stellar career at BYU. But after an ACL injury threatened his basketball career, how did he overcome that injury and come back stronger than ever? Collinsworth shares how receiving an impression from God led him to improve his nutrition, which expedited his recovery, and how his improved nutrition and relentless work ethic landed him in the NBA.

C. Shane Reese was offered his dream job. BYU alum Andy Reid wanted to hire the statistician to work for the Philadelphia Eagles. So, how could someone who loves sports analytics turn down such an offer? In part two of our conversation with BYU's President, Reese talks about what went into his decision to stay at BYU, growing up in New Mexico, and how a conversation with another BYU president helped convince him to stick around Provo as a student.

Shane Reese never applied to be the president of Brigham Young University nor was he aware he was even being considered for the role. How did this lively statistician end up with this unique assignment? In this part 1 episode, he outlines the appointment process and dives into what a day is like for the president of BYU. He also elaborates on the importance of BYU athletics in achieving the university's broader goals.

Former BYU Basketball center Aly Khalifa entered the transfer portal just a day after recording an interview with host Jason Shepherd. So, why are we releasing this episode after he decided to transfer to Louisville? Well, Aly loved his time at BYU and the conversation with him was fascinating. The former BYU Cougar discussed what it was like growing up in Egypt, getting noticed internationally for his play, and adjusting to life overseas. He also talked about what it's like to practice his Muslim faith in a place like BYU, especially during Ramadan.

Following an incredible 2021 season at Baylor, Gerry Bohanon was on top of the world. After leading the Bears to the Big 12 Championship game and a Sugar Bowl victory, Gerry expected to continue his collegiate career at Baylor as the starting QB. But it didn’t happen. So, how did he overcome that disappointment? In this second part episode, Bohannon details his journey from Baylor to South Florida, eventually to BYU, and how he found strength in God along the way.

BYU quarterback Gerry Bohanon has fought hard to return to the football field. A horrific injury on his throwing shoulder could have ended his career. So how did he make it back? Bohanon shares how his relationships with God and his family powered him through, and how a guy from a tiny town like him can make it big.

BYU wide receiver Keelan Marion can talk a big game. So, where did he learn that confidence? And why does it seem like Keelan's always smiling? Find out in our first edition of Deep Blue's Practice Chats.

After nearly a decade of investigating the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Tom Holmoe woke up one day and was ready to be baptized. Why the sudden change of heart? In part 2 of our interview with the Cougars' Athletic Director, Tom explains the role his wife, family, and a dream played in his conversion. He also tackles his NFL and coaching careers, his relationship with the late LaVell Edwards, and the legacy he hopes to leave at BYU.