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 Wisconsin Women’s Basketball under Head Coach Robin Pingeton.

Subscribe to the Badger Connect YouTube channel for more conversations with Wisconsin athletes, coaches, alumni, and more!

Learn more and become a member at BadgerConnect.com.

#WisconsinWomensBasketball

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 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 journey from Waunakee to Wisconsin, growing up a Badger fan, the culture inside the Wisconsin Volleyball program, and what it’s like competing alongside some of the best players in college volleyball.

Get to know the hometown Badger and hear more about her experiences on and off the court!

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

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 to know one of Wisconsin Football’s defensive standouts as the Badgers look to build on their momentum throughout the 2026 season.

Subscribe to the Badger Connect YouTube channel for more conversations with Wisconsin athletes, coaches, alumni, and more!

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 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 more.

Learn more and become a member at BadgerConnect.com.

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 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 conversations with Wisconsin athletes, coaches, alumni and more.

Learn more and become a member at BadgerConnect.com.

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 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

Watch the full conversation and subscribe for more exclusive interviews with Wisconsin athletes, coaches and Badger legends.

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 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 shared throughout Robin’s coaching career.

Get to know Wisconsin’s new head coach both on and off the court in Episode 29 of the Badger Connect Podcast.

Episode 29 — Robin & Rich Pingeton

Subscribe for more conversations with Wisconsin athletes, coaches and Badger legends.

#WisconsinBasketball #Badgers #BadgerConnect #OnWisconsin #WomensBasketball

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 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 Krabbenhoft.

Episode 28 of the Badger Connect Podcast — available now.

Subscribe for more conversations with Wisconsin athletes, coaches and Badger legends.

#WisconsinBasketball #Badgers #BadgerConnect #Vikings #Packers

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 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 about their paths to Madison, competing at the Big Ten level, and plenty more from behind the scenes of Wisconsin Football.

Episode 27 of the Badger Connect Podcast — featuring Gavin Lahm and Sean West.

Subscribe to Badger Connect for more conversations with Wisconsin athletes, coaches and Badger legends.

#WisconsinFootball #Badgers #OnWisconsin #BadgerConnect #CollegeFootball

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 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 from Cooper’s journey, the role family has played along the way and what it’s like experiencing Big Ten football together.

Episode 26 of the Badger Connect Podcast — featuring Cooper and Jim Catalano.

Subscribe to Badger Connect for more conversations with Wisconsin athletes, coaches and Badger legends.

#WisconsinFootball #Badgers #OnWisconsin #BadgerConnect #CollegeFootball

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

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 players in program history and two athletes who helped build Wisconsin Volleyball into what it is today.

Episode 25 of the Badger Connect Podcast — featuring Lauren Carlini and Sydney Hilley.

Subscribe to Badger Connect for more conversations with Wisconsin athletes, coaches and Badger legends.

#WisconsinVolleyball #Badgers #OnWisconsin #BadgerConnect #NCAAVolleyball

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

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 YouTube or listen wherever you get your podcasts.

Subscribe for new Badger Connect Podcast episodes every week featuring Wisconsin student-athletes, coaches, staff, and Badger legends.

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

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 won’t hear very often.

🎧 Watch the full episode here on YouTube or listen wherever you get your podcasts.

Subscribe for new Badger Connect Podcast episodes every week featuring Wisconsin student-athletes, coaches, staff, and Badger legends.

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

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 episode here on YouTube.

Subscribe for new episodes every week featuring Wisconsin student-athletes, coaches, and Badger legends.

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 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 Wisconsin student-athletes, coaches, and alumni.

🔴 Become a Badger Connect member for exclusive content, giveaways, and behind-the-scenes access:

https://badgerconnect.com

#BadgerConnect #OnWisconsin #Badgers #WisconsinHockey #CollegeHockey #NCAAHockey #MikeHeller #FinnBrink #GradyDeering

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 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