Send us your Questions. We would love to hear from you!!

🎙️ In this powerful and heartfelt episode, Chastity opens up about her personal journey following a traumatic brain injury sustained in a recent car accident. She shares the emotional impact of her injury, the complexities of recovery, and how it has affected her identity—especially her love for scuba diving. Through candid conversation, we dive into the often misunderstood world of invisible injuries, discuss the importance of mental health, and highlight the resilience it takes to adapt to a new normal.

This episode is a testament to human strength, vulnerability, and the healing power of grace.

💡 Takeaways

• Chastity sustained a serious traumatic head injury in a car accident.
• Post-accident, she struggles with cognitive and emotional challenges.
• Communication and processing information have become difficult.
• Invisible injuries are often misunderstood—people assume you're fine.
• She feels guilt over being unable to dive or work.
• Chastity is actively working with medical professionals on her recovery.
• Scuba diving remains a key part of her identity, even if she can't currently participate.
• She advocates for self-compassion and acceptance through the healing process.
• Acknowledging a “new baseline” is crucial for moving forward.
• Brain injury recovery is non-linear and filled with uncertainty."

🕒 Chapters

00:00 – Introduction and Context of the Injury
02:23 – Details of the Accident and Initial Reactions
05:07 – Cognitive and Emotional Impact of the Injury
08:14 – Understanding Traumatic Brain Injury
11:15 – Navigating Daily Life Post-Injury
14:31 – The Challenge of Returning to Diving
16:59 – Maintaining Passion for Scuba Diving
19:44 – Finding a New Normal and Self-Compassion
23:52 – New Chapter
23:58 – Introduction to the Podcast and Legal Disclaimer

🧠 Keywords

Traumatic brain injury, scuba diving, emotional impact, recovery, personal journey, medical emergency, brain health, resilience, coping strategies, mental health

Support the show

👍 Keep up with Just Go Diving:

Like us on Facebook: Facebook

Follow us on Instagram: Chastity Stern (@just_go_diving_podcast) • Instagram photos and videos

Follow us on YouTube: Just Go Diving Podcast - YouTube

Send us your Questions. We would love to hear from you!!

Ever wondered how to get scuba certified but don’t know where to start? 🤿 In this episode of Just Go Diving, Chastity and Joel break down everything you need to know—from picking the right certification agency (PADI, SSI, NAUI—what’s the deal?!) to what actually happens in your scuba training.

We’re talking e-learning, pool skills, open water dives, and yes—the dreaded mask removal. 😱 Plus, we’ll answer the big question: Can you actually fail your scuba course? (Spoiler: Yes, but don’t panic—failure is just part of the learning process!)

So grab your gear and let’s Just Go Diving! 🌊

🎧 In This Episode:
✅ How to choose a scuba certification agency
✅ What to expect in e-learning, pool training & open water dives
✅ The essential gear you’ll need (and what you can rent)
✅ The skills you’ll master—including safety stops, buoyancy, and underwater communication
✅ Why keeping a dive log actually matters
✅ Can you fail scuba certification? What happens if you do?

💬 Got questions? Hit us up in the comments or check the show notes for links to the different scuba agencies to help you decide which is right for 

Links to SCUBA Training Organizations:

NAUI https://www.naui.org/

PADI https://www.padi.com/

SSI    https://www.divessi.com/en/home

SDI/TDI https://www.tdisdi.com/

GUE https://www.gue.com/

BSAC https://www.bsac.com/home/

CMAS https://www.cmas.org/

🔹 Follow & Subscribe for more episodes on diving tips, gear reviews, and wild underwater adventures!

#ScubaDiving #JustGoDiving #ScubaCertification #Diving101 #UnderwaterAdventures

Support the show

👍 Keep up with Just Go Diving:

Like us on Facebook: Facebook

Follow us on Instagram: Chastity Stern (@just_go_diving_podcast) • Instagram photos and videos

Follow us on YouTube: Just Go Diving Podcast - YouTube

Send us your Questions. We would love to hear from you!!

In this episode of the Just Go Diving podcast, Chastity and Joel explore the various scuba diving certification organizations available to divers. They discuss the differences between major organizations such as NAUI, PADI, SSI, SDI, GUE, BSAC, and CMAS, highlighting their unique teaching methods, philosophies, and the importance of choosing the right organization based on individual needs and goals. The conversation emphasizes the significance of instructor quality and the diverse paths available for divers to enhance their skills and knowledge.

Takeaways

The Just Go Diving podcast is for entertainment purposes only.
Choosing a scuba organization can be challenging due to the variety available.
NAUI is known for its personalized courses and quality over quantity.
PADI is widely recognized and has a strong global presence.
SSI offers flexible courses and free online theory materials.
SDI is known for its innovative approach and solo diving certification.
GUE focuses on rigorous training and high standards for divers.
BSAC is a well-respected organization in the UK with a club concept.
CMAS emphasizes long-term training and community engagement.
Instructor quality is crucial for successful scuba training.

Links to SCUBA Training Organizations:

NAUI https://www.naui.org/

PADI https://www.padi.com/

SSI    https://www.divessi.com/en/home

SDI/TDI https://www.tdisdi.com/

GUE https://www.gue.com/

BSAC https://www.bsac.com/home/

CMAS https://www.cmas.org/

keywords scuba diving, certification, NAUI, PADI, SSI, SDI, GUE, BSAC, CMAS, dive training

Support the show

👍 Keep up with Just Go Diving:

Like us on Facebook: Facebook

Follow us on Instagram: Chastity Stern (@just_go_diving_podcast) • Instagram photos and videos

Follow us on YouTube: Just Go Diving Podcast - YouTube

Send us your Questions. We would love to hear from you!!

Have a question for Just Go Diving?  Need to know what equipment to use for snorkeling or scuba diving? All questions welcome!

https://justgodivingpodcast.buzzsprout.com/

In this engaging conversation, Chastity and Karyn explore various aspects of scuba diving, including the importance of refresher courses, initial diving experiences, handling equipment failures, and reflections on learning from failures. They emphasize the significance of muscle memory and practice in ensuring safety and competence in diving, while also sharing personal anecdotes that highlight the challenges and joys of being a diver.

Takeaways

• The opinions expressed are not a substitute for professional scuba instruction.
• Refresher courses are essential after a long break from diving.
• Muscle memory plays a crucial role in diving skills.
• Practicing skills in the water is necessary for competence.
• Equipment failures can happen, and it's important to stay calm.
• Diving experiences can vary greatly among individuals.
• It's vital to check your gear before diving.
• Panic can lead to poor decision-making underwater.
• Learning from failures is part of the diving journey.
• Diving should be a safe and enjoyable experience.

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to Diving Adventures

00:31
Reflections on Diving Skills and Training

03:29
The Role of Ego in Diving

18:40
Introduction to the Podcast and Legal Disclaimer

keywords scuba diving, refresher courses, diving experiences, equipment failure, diving skills, muscle memory, diving safety, diving training, underwater challenges, diving community, public safety diving

Support the show

👍 Keep up with Just Go Diving:

Like us on Facebook: Facebook

Follow us on Instagram: Chastity Stern (@just_go_diving_podcast) • Instagram photos and videos

Follow us on YouTube: Just Go Diving Podcast - YouTube

Send us your Questions. We would love to hear from you!!

Have a question for Just Go Diving?  Need to know what equipment to use for snorkeling or scuba diving? All questions welcome!

In this engaging conversation, Chastity and Karyn explore the world of scuba diving, discussing Karyn's journey from snorkeling to becoming a certified diver. They delve into the experiences that inspired Karyn to dive, the differences between certification agencies like PADI and NAUI, and the importance of safety and preparedness in diving. The conversation also touches on the challenges of diving frequency and the investment in gear, highlighting the realities of being a diver and the desire to make the most of their skills.

Takeaways

• Karyn's initial interest in diving stemmed from snorkeling experiences.
• The adventure of seeing underwater life motivated Karyn to become a diver.
• Diving in Hawaii was a transformative experience for Karyn.
• The certification process can vary between agencies like PADI and NAUI.
• Safety is a crucial consideration for divers, influencing their training choices.
• Many divers may not fully understand what to do with their certification after getting it.
• Investing in diving gear can be significant, especially for infrequent divers.
• The pressure of planning a diving trip can lead to rushed decisions in certification.
• Diving frequency can be limited by family and geographical factors.
• Karyn expresses a desire to dive more frequently and not let skills go to waste.

Chapters

00:00
Karyn decides to get Scuba Certified

04:50
Experiences as a Certified Diver

09:34
Understanding Diver Safety and Preparedness

14:23
The Role of Ego in Diving

15:50
Legal Disclaimer

Support the Show:

👍 Keep up with Just Go Diving:

Like us on Facebook: Facebook

Follow us on Instagram: Chastity Stern (@just_go_diving_podcast) • Instagram photos and videos

Follo us on YouTube: Just Go Diving Podcast - YouTube

keywords scuba diving, diving adventures, certification, PADI, NAUI, safety, diving gear, Hawaii, snorkeling, diving experiences

Support the show

👍 Keep up with Just Go Diving:

Like us on Facebook: Facebook

Follow us on Instagram: Chastity Stern (@just_go_diving_podcast) • Instagram photos and videos

Follow us on YouTube: Just Go Diving Podcast - YouTube

Send us your Questions. We would love to hear from you!!

Have a question for Just Go Diving?  Need to know what equipment to use for snorkeling or scuba diving? 

In this episode, Chastity Stern shares her journey to becoming a scuba instructor, discussing the challenges and experiences that shaped her teaching philosophy. She emphasizes the importance of learning from students and how scuba diving has positively impacted her personal growth and confidence. The conversation also touches on the passion for diving and the commitment to safety in the sport.

takeaways

• Chastity became an instructor to help others like herself.
• Teaching is a two-way street; instructors learn from students.
• Scuba diving has enriched Chastity's life beyond the water.
• Confidence in scuba translates to confidence in life.
• It's important to acknowledge what you don't know.
• Chastity values the safety and well-being of her students.
• The journey of learning is ongoing for both instructors and students.
• Scuba diving fosters a sense of community and shared passion.
• Teaching diving is about love for the sport, not financial gain.
• Chastity's experiences as a diver shape her teaching approach.

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to the Just Go Diving Podcast

00:21
Why did Chastity become an Instructor

02:18
Personal Growth Through Scuba Diving

06:34
The Reality of Being a Scuba Instructor

08:50
Introduction to the Podcast and Legal Disclaimer

scuba diving, instructor journey, personal growth, teaching philosophy, confidence, scuba community, learning, passion, safety, diving experiences

Support the Show:

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2429945/support

Support the show

👍 Keep up with Just Go Diving:

Like us on Facebook: Facebook

Follow us on Instagram: Chastity Stern (@just_go_diving_podcast) • Instagram photos and videos

Follow us on YouTube: Just Go Diving Podcast - YouTube

Send us your Questions. We would love to hear from you!!

Have a question for Just Go Diving?  Need to know what equipment to use for snorkeling or scuba diving? 

Summary
In this engaging conversation, Chastity Stern shares her journey into the world of scuba diving and her motivations for starting a podcast. She discusses her experiences with different types of diving, including cold water and public safety diving, and emphasizes the importance of community and continuous learning in the diving world. The podcast aims to provide valuable insights, tips, and encouragement for divers of all levels.

Takeaways

• Chastity's journey into diving began later in life.
• Cold water diving presents unique challenges and rewards.
• Diving experiences vary greatly between environments.
• The podcast will cover gear setup for different diving conditions.
• Community support is crucial for successful diving.
• Continuous learning is essential in the diving community.
• Chastity aims to share her hard-earned lessons with new divers.
• Improvement in diving can be measured in small increments.
• The podcast will explore various diving topics and experiences.
• Diving is not just about the act, but about the knowledge and community behind it.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Just Go Diving Podcast
00:36 Chastity Decides to Do a Podcast
04:22 Types of Diving: Cold, Warm, and Public Safety
04:48 What is your favorite type of diving?
06:40 Podcast Topics and Goals
09:02 Final Thoughts and Future Directions

Keywords

scuba diving, instructor journey, personal growth, teaching philosophy, confidence, scuba community, learning, passion, safety, diving experiences

Support the Show:

 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2429945/support

Support the show

👍 Keep up with Just Go Diving:

Like us on Facebook: Facebook

Follow us on Instagram: Chastity Stern (@just_go_diving_podcast) • Instagram photos and videos

Follow us on YouTube: Just Go Diving Podcast - YouTube