Nickals and Dimes

In this episode of Nickal’s and Dimes, the gang sits down with Zack Ryder for a conversation packed with laughs, insight, and behind-the-scenes stories from one of the top programs in the country.

Zack kicks things off by talking about the intense workouts with the Penn State wrestling team and even admits he was a little nervous to jump on the podcast. From there, the guys dive into Zack’s recruiting class and his journey through the sport.

We also hear about Zack’s early days—coming to Penn State camps as a kid, how he got into wrestling, and how his dad helped start a wrestling club that played a big role in his development. Zack shares why he chose Penn State, what tournaments are next, and how he’s preparing for the upcoming season.

The crew also talks about the mental side of being a redshirt athlete, the challenges that come with it, and Zack’s long-term goals moving forward.

*This episode was recorded before Zack entering the transfer portal. We wish him nothing but the best with his decision.*

Download the DraftKings Sportsbook app now and use code BO - new customers can get $150 in bonus bets when you bet just $5.

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00:00:00 Zack Intro

00:00:30 Workouts for the Wrestling Team

00:07:43 Zack Being Nervous For Pod

00:18:38 Zack's Recruiting Class

00:27:24 Bo and Tony as Roommates

00:32:32 Download DraftKings Sports book

00:33:55 Zack coming to Penn State for camps as a kid

00:41:03 How Zack Started Wrestling

00:43:34 This episode is sponsored by Huel

00:44:42 Zack's Dad starting a wrestling club

00:47:56 Zack's Choice on going to Penn State

00:54:26 Zack's Next Tournament

01:06:37 Zack's Plan Heading into next season

01:13:35 Zack's Plans for next year

01:17:48 Being a Redshirt is HARD

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This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp — go to http://betterhelp.com/bo to get 10% off your first month.

Welcome back to Nickals and Dimes! In this episode, the boys sit down with content creator and former college wrestler Cayden Henschel. With over 500,000 YouTube subscribers, Cayden has become one of the biggest voices in wrestling media, using his platform to help grow the sport and bring a fresh perspective to the wrestling world.

The conversation kicks off with Cayden reflecting on his last college wrestling match and what it meant to close that chapter. He shares how he first got started in wrestling, and later, how he made the transition into content creation. From filming his early videos to growing his channel into one of the most popular in the wrestling space, Cayden walks through his creative journey.

We also talk about who Cayden looks up to, what it really takes to be a creator in today’s digital world, and how he’s planning the next steps in his career. He shares valuable advice for people just getting started with content and gives his thoughts on how wrestling can continue to grow through social media and storytelling.

This episode is full of insight for wrestlers, creators, and fans alike. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more from Nickals and Dimes!

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00:00:00 Cayden Intro

00:00:25 Cayden's Last College Wrestling Match

00:07:53 How did Cayden Start Wrestling

00:12:34 How Cayden got started making content

00:19:50 Who Cayden Looks up to

00:25:31 What it takes to be a creator

00:34:11 This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp

00:35:37 What is Cayden going to do next?

00:43:24 Advice to people starting content

00:54:33 How does Wrestling grow?

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In this episode of Nickals and Dimes, the boys break down all the chaos, highlights, and storylines from the 2025 NCAA Wrestling Championships.

We kick things off with the biggest shock of the tournament—Wyatt Hendrickson beating Gable Steveson in one of the wildest upsets in NCAA history. From there, we dive into Penn State’s domination in the team race and what continues to make their program unstoppable.

The conversation takes a turn as we discuss the hot topic of steroids in wrestling and Meyers Shapiro's comments made after his lost to Tyler Kasak. Then it’s time to debate—who deserves the 2025 Hodge Trophy?

We also share our favorite matches and standout performances from the tournament, from underdog runs to all-out wars on the mat. Plus, big news hits as Masanosuke Ono signs with Penn State, adding more fuel to the Nittany Lion dynasty.

And yes, we talk about Donald Trump making an appearance at the tournament and the buzz it brought to the arena. To wrap it up, the boys chat about Lucas Byrd’s viral moment with his girlfriend and how it became a fan-favorite storyline.

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00:00 Wyatt Hendrickson beating Gable Steveson

10:08 PSU Dominating the team race

18:16 Steroids in Wrestling

22:19 Who will win the Hodge?

25:34 Favorite Matches and Performances from the tournament

38:14 Ono Signs with Penn State

40:46 Trump at the tournament

46:39 Lucas Byrd and his Girlfriend

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In this episode of Nickals and Dimes, the boys are joined by some of the best minds in wrestling—NCAA Champions David Carr and Michael Macchiavello, along with World Champion Stevan Micic—to dive deep into the 2025 NCAA Wrestling Championships.

The crew goes weight class by weight class, breaking down the biggest matchups, potential upsets, and key storylines heading into the tournament. With firsthand experience at the highest levels, David, Michael, Bo, Tony, and Stevan bring expert insight into what fans can expect when the best wrestlers in the country hit the mat.

Who’s taking home titles? Which weight classes are the toughest? What underdogs have the best shot at making a run? The boys debate it all, making their predictions for each division.

Hope you guys enjoy the episode! Drop a comment below if you’re planning on going to the tournament and let us know your picks.

NCAA Bracket to follow along: https://www.ncaa.com/_flysystem/public-s3/files/2025%20D1%20Wrestling%20brackets.pdf

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Tony: https://www.instagram.com/ant_thechamp_cassar/

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00:00:00 Intro

00:01:15 157lb Predictions

00:08:12 165lb Predictions

00:17:48 Heavy Weight Predictions

00:23:15 125lb Predictions

00:31:14 133lb Predictions

00:44:59 141lbs Prediction

01:02:53 149lb Predictions

01:13:15 174lb Predictions

01:32:40 197 Predictions

01:50:07 184lb Predictions

02:11:21 Team Race (aka the race for 2nd place)

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In this episode of Nickals and Dimes, the boys sit down with Josh Barr, one of Penn State Wrestling’s rising stars. From stepping into a powerhouse program to navigating the ever-changing world of college athletics, Josh gives us a deep dive into his journey so far.

The conversation kicks off with Josh sharing what it’s been like starting for Penn State and adjusting to one of the most competitive rooms in the country. He opens up about his mentality when it comes to competition, how he first got into wrestling, and the recruiting process that led him to PSU.

The topic of NIL in college wrestling takes center stage as Josh discusses its impact on athletes and how it’s changing the sport. He also reflects on his redshirt year, the challenges of making the jump to 197 lbs, and how he’s been handling the transition.

The episode wraps up with Josh talking about his faith, the role it plays in his life, and the real question—why does everyone have goatees on the team?

Don’t miss this episode full of insights, laughs, and wrestling talk! Like, comment, and subscribe to stay updated on all things Nickals and Dimes!

This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp — go to http://betterhelp.com/bo to get 10% off your first month.

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GO FOLLOW MY SOCIALS:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/nobickal1/?hl=en

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GO FOLLOW TONY'S SOCIALS:

Tony: https://www.instagram.com/ant_thechamp_cassar/

DON'T FOLLOW RONAN:

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In this episode of Nickals and Dimes, we’re joined by the one and only Ariel Helwani—one of the most respected and influential voices in MMA media. Ariel has been covering combat sports for over a decade, winning multiple MMA Journalist of the Year awards and shaping the way fans experience the fight game. From hosting The Ariel Helwani Show to breaking some of the biggest stories in MMA history, he has built a reputation as one of the most insightful journalists in the industry.

The conversation kicks off with how Ariel began his journalism journey at the University of Syracuse. From there, we dive into the world of MMA journalism, discussing how the field has changed and the challenges of covering such a dynamic sport.

Ariel also breaks down the impact of the Netflix era in combat sports, giving his take on how streaming platforms could change the way fights are promoted and consumed. He shares his big break moment, the moment that took his career to the next level, and how he manages to stay up to date with everything happening in sports.

The conversation shifts to Ariel discussing his relationship with Dana White, his favorite and craziest interviews, and what it’s really like dealing with fighters in and out of the cage. He also shares his thoughts on how MMA can become more mainstream, the dream interviews he’d still love to do, and the unique relationship between the sport and its fans.

Go check out Ariel's channel

https://www.youtube.com/@UCVOdVp54jLrFhRUm4S29HeA

https://sports.yahoo.com/combat/

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Tony: https://www.instagram.com/ant_thechamp_cassar/

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00:00:00 - Ariel Intro

00:07:48 - The Idea of a Multiperson Interview Show

00:11:13 - MMA Journalism

00:14:29 - Netflix Era in Combat Sports

00:20:37 - Big Break Moment for Ariel

00:27:21 - How Does Ariel Stay Up to Date with Sports

00:32:35 - Ariel’s Relationship with Dana White

00:51:02 - Ariel’s Favorite and Craziest Interviews

01:04:47 - Dealing with Fighters

01:09:36 - How can MMA be more main stream

01:20:58 - Who are some people Ariel dreams to interview?

01:31:26 - Relationships between the sport of MMA and the Fans

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Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices