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 to the Badger Connect Podcast for more conversations from across Wisconsin Athletics.

#onwisconsin #badgers #mikeheller #wisconsinfootball #wisconsinbadgers #badgerconnect #badgerfootball

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

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.

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

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 Madison
🏀 Their goals for the upcoming season and beyond
🏀 What Badger fans can expect from them in the future

Get to know two of the young faces of the Wisconsin program in a fun and candid conversation that offers an inside look at the next generation of Badger Basketball.

Watch now and subscribe to the Badger Connect Podcast for more exclusive conversations with current and former Badgers.

#BadgerConnect #WisconsinBasketball #BadgerMBB #OnWisconsin #MikeHeller #WisconsinBadgers #CollegeBasketball #Podcast #HaydenJones #JacksonBall

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

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 the true legends of Wisconsin Hockey.

#BadgerConnect #BadgerHockey #WisconsinBadgers #RonVincent #MikeHeller #OnWisconsin

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 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 journey back home and his vision for the future of the program. (Wisconsin Badgers)

In this episode, Chris shares:

• What it means to return to Wisconsin as Director of Track & Field and Cross Country

• His experiences coaching at Oregon, Florida, and William & Mary

• The culture that makes Wisconsin track and cross country special

• His vision for recruiting, development, and competing for championships

• Memories from his legendary career as a Badger athlete

• The future of Wisconsin Track & Field and Cross Country

Whether you’re a longtime track and cross country fan or simply enjoy hearing from leaders across Wisconsin Athletics, this conversation provides a fascinating look at one of the most accomplished Badgers ever to wear the Motion W.

🎙️ Hosted by Mike Heller

Subscribe to Badger Connect for exclusive interviews, premium experiences, member events, and behind-the-scenes access to Wisconsin Athletics.

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

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 lifelong Badger fan or simply enjoy hearing from leaders who have built lasting success, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.

Subscribe to the Badger Connect Podcast for new episodes every week featuring athletes, coaches, and personalities from across Wisconsin Athletics.

#Badgers #WisconsinRowing #BadgerConnect #WisconsinAthletics #ChrisClark #MikeHeller #OnWisconsin

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

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 listen wherever you get your podcasts.

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

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 most talked about quarterbacks in college football.

Watch now on YouTube or listen wherever you get your podcasts.

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