Badger Connect Podcast

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 Wisc...

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 jour...

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...

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 mo...

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...

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

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 share...

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 Krabbe...

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...

Wisconsin Football is a family affair on Episode 26 of the Badger Connect Podcast!

Badgers linebacker Cooper Catalano is joined by his dad, Jim Catalano, for a special conversation with Mike Heller about Cooper’s football journey and the family behind it.

Cooper talks about growing up around the game, his path to Wisconsin and what it means to play for the Badgers. Jim shares his perspective as a father, from watching Cooper develop as a young athlete to now seeing him take the field at Camp Randall.

The father-son duo also shares stories fr...

Two Wisconsin Volleyball legends join the Badger Connect Podcast!

Lauren Carlini and Sydney Hilley sit down with Mike Heller to talk about their journeys at Wisconsin, the growth of the Badger Volleyball program and the experiences that helped shape their careers on and off the court.

The two former Badger All-Americans look back on their time in Madison, share stories from inside the program and discuss what it means to remain connected to Wisconsin Volleyball after their playing days at the Field House.

It’s a conversation with two of the most accomplished pl...

On Episode 24 of the Badger Connect Podcast, Mike Heller sits down with Wisconsin men’s hockey forward Oliver Tulk to discuss his path from Canada to Madison, adapting to college hockey, and what it means to wear the Motion W. Oliver shares stories from his hockey journey, life with his teammates, and the experiences that have shaped him both on and off the ice.

Whether you’re a Badger hockey fan or just enjoy hearing the personal stories behind Wisconsin athletics, this episode is one you won’t want to miss.

🎧 Watch the full episode here on Y...

What does it take to build a championship culture behind the scenes?

On Episode 23 of the Badger Connect Podcast, Mike Heller is joined by Kristen Simon for a conversation about the work that often goes unnoticed but plays a major role in Wisconsin Athletics. From her path to Madison to the relationships she’s built with student-athletes, Kristen shares what drives her every day and why she’s passionate about helping Badgers succeed.

Whether you’re a longtime Wisconsin fan or just enjoy hearing the stories behind the program, this episode offers a unique perspective you wo...

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 ep...

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 Wisc...

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...

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.

Ea...

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 M...

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...

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 jour...

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...

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 li...

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...

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 

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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 e...

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 Badg...

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 offe...

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 shap...

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 se...

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 Bad...

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

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...

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, an...

In Episode 2 of The Badger Connect Podcast, host Mike Heller sits down with Wisconsin Men's Basketball guard Nick Boyd.

Mike and Nick talk about his journey to Wisconsin, the transition into the Badger program, leadership on the court, and what it means to represent Wisconsin basketball. The conversation also dives into life off the court, the culture inside the locker room, and what fans might not see on game day.

New episodes of The Badger Connect Podcast are released every Thursday featuring conversations with Badger athletes, coaches, and personalities.

Looking to become a...

Welcome to the first episode of The Badger Connect Podcast hosted by Mike Heller.

Each week Mike sits down with the players, coaches, and personalities who make Wisconsin athletics special. The goal is simple: bring Badger fans closer to the stories, people, and moments behind the program.

For our first episode, Mike is joined by Wisconsin Football Head Coach Luke Fickell and his wife Amy. They talk about their journey to Madison, the culture they are building at Wisconsin, balancing family and football, and what makes the Badger program unique.

The Badger Connect...

Trailer for The Badger Connect Podcast hosted by Mike Heller

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