The Start of a New Cycle: Full 2025 US Open Recap | 297

After an incredible freshman season, Josh Barr returns to Baschamania to talk about his NCAA Finals run, battling through injury, and what he learned in year one at Penn State. We dive into everything from his mindset after the Buchanan match to his growing leadership role, the addition of new training partners and teammates like Rocco Welsh and Ono, and his decision-making around World Team Trials.Josh also shares how his faith anchored him through the highs and lows of a grueling season.02:00 - Bo Nickal’s Fight Reaction04:30 - Biggest Takeaways from Freshman Season06:30 - Getting Injured at Big 10’s12:30 - Getting Momentum at NCAA’s14:30 - Cardenas Semis Rubber Match17:15 - Gratitude for Heading to NCAA Finals19:50 - Mindset after NCAA Finals25:00 - 2nd or 3rd Place29:10 - Role of His Faith This Season32:15 - Iron Sharpens Iron36:30 - Leadership in the Room39:30 - Approaching Next Season Differently?43:00 - Rocco Welsh Coming & Zack Ryder Leaving46:30 - Depth at Penn State, Wrestling with Mirasola49:30 - Excitement for Ono51:30 - World Team Trials?56:30 - Biggest Pride from This Past YearTweet us and send us messages with questions and general thoughts! Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to the podcast and go through the archives to hear more great stories.Support the show & leave a 5-star rating and review on Apple Podcasts, and shop some apparel on BASCHAMANIA.com! For all partnership and sponsorship inquiries, email [email protected] is a Basch Solutions Production. Learn more about Basch Solutions at BaschSolutions.com.SUBSCRIBE ON YOUTUBE! https://www.youtube.com/@JustinBaschCONNECT ON X/TWITTER:TWITTER: http://www.twitter.com/justinjbaschINSTAGRAM: http://www.instagram.com/jbasch

Fresh off winning the U.S. Open at 70kg, Yianni Diakomihalis returns to Baschamania with a lot to unpack. We dive into his transition to 70kg, what beating James Green meant to him, how a year off changed his approach, and what’s fueling him heading toward Final X and the World stage. 01:30 - How This Open Win Compares03:30 - Having a Full Year Off07:00 - The Transition to 70kg10:00 - Cardenas & Bryce Wins11:30 - Takeaways from Finals with Green14:00 - Best of 3 Series at Final X16:45 - Focusing on Green vs World Competition19:00 - Only 26, But Already 2622:30 - Being the Old Guy23:00 - PJ Duke Story24:30 - Inspiration in the Young Guys29:00 - Mindset Focus33:00 - Evolving at This Point in Your Career34:15 - Thoughts on Current State of Team USA39:00 - Impact of Guys Wrestling for Other Countries45:45 - NIL’s Impact on RTC’s58:00 - Simon Ruiz Story01:00:50 - Fan Q&ATweet us and send us messages with questions and general thoughts! Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to the podcast and go through the archives to hear more great stories.Support the show & leave a 5-star rating and review on Apple Podcasts, and shop some apparel on BASCHAMANIA.com! For all partnership and sponsorship inquiries, email [email protected] is a Basch Solutions Production. Learn more about Basch Solutions at BaschSolutions.com.SUBSCRIBE ON YOUTUBE! https://www.youtube.com/@JustinBaschCONNECT ON X/TWITTER:TWITTER: http://www.twitter.com/justinjbaschINSTAGRAM: http://www.instagram.com/jbasch

Fresh off winning the 2025 US Open - (Seniors!) High School Phenom Jax Forrest joined me to talk about his awesome performance in Vegas, committing to Stillwater, and finishing up his time at Bishop McCort.1:30 - Going Seniors instead of U20/Juniors03:15 - Oklahoma State Commitment Impact on US Open05:30 - Seeing the Veterans Retire07:10 - Perspective Heading into the Open09:15 - Finals Match with Seth Gross12:00 - When He’s Locking In for Vito13:30 - Daton Fix Injury Update14:50 - Importance of Faith19:30 - Balancing Expectation & Pressure21:45 - Jax on Social Media23:30 - Other Team Plans?24:15 - The Excitement in Stillwater27:15 - Bishop McCort30:30 - Dynamic in the McCort Room31:30 - Motivation for Remainder of High School Career34:15 - Influences for Development & Maturity36:00 - Getting a Cadillac37:45 - Fan QuestionsTweet us and send us messages with questions and general thoughts! Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to the podcast and go through the archives to hear more great stories.Support the show & leave a 5-star rating and review on Apple Podcasts, and shop some apparel on BASCHAMANIA.com! For all partnership and sponsorship inquiries, email [email protected] is a Basch Solutions Production. Learn more about Basch Solutions at BaschSolutions.com.SUBSCRIBE ON YOUTUBE! https://www.youtube.com/@JustinBaschCONNECT ON X/TWITTER:TWITTER: http://www.twitter.com/justinjbaschINSTAGRAM: http://www.instagram.com/jbasch

The 2025 US Open did not disappoint as we really kick off a new cycle/quad! Fun diving into it all tonight on a live Basch & The Brain!08:00 - Thoughts on USABracketing.com13:35 - Seniors Men’s Freestyle: 57kg19:00 - 61kg 32:15 - 65kg37:30 - 70k43:35 - Par Terre48:30 - 74kg53:45 - 79kg01:03:00 - 86kg01:11:00 - 92kg01:14:30 - 97kg01:15:30 - 125kg01:19:00 - Junior/U20s Quick RecapTweet us and send us messages with questions and general thoughts! Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to the podcast and go through the archives to hear more great stories.Support the show & leave a 5-star rating and review on Apple Podcasts, and shop some apparel on BASCHAMANIA.com! For all partnership and sponsorship inquiries, email [email protected] is a Basch Solutions Production. Learn more about Basch Solutions at BaschSolutions.com.SUBSCRIBE ON YOUTUBE! https://www.youtube.com/@JustinBaschCONNECT ON X/TWITTER:TWITTER: http://www.twitter.com/justinjbaschINSTAGRAM: http://www.instagram.com/jbasch

It's time for the US Open this weekend! JB & the Brain preview Men's Freestyle and also have Jason Nolf join the show during our 79kg discussion!01:30 - Slay Interview08:30 - OU Doing Some Recruiting11:40 - Hawkeyes Get Their 197'lber22:30 - Is Iowa Getting Daniel Cardenas?30:30 - US Open! 57kg34:10 - 61kg38:30 - USA Bracketing.com46:20 - 65kg52:15 - 70kg01:02:55 - 74kg01:12:10 - 79kg01:15:00 - Nolf Joins01:29:00 - 86kg01:35:50 - 92kg01:38:00 - 97kg01:41:45 - 125kgTweet us and send us messages with questions and general thoughts! Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to the podcast and go through the archives to hear more great stories.Support the show & leave a 5-star rating and review on Apple Podcasts, and shop some apparel on BASCHAMANIA.com! For all partnership and sponsorship inquiries, email [email protected] is a Basch Solutions Production. Learn more about Basch Solutions at BaschSolutions.com.SUBSCRIBE ON YOUTUBE! https://www.youtube.com/@JustinBaschCONNECT ON X/TWITTER:TWITTER: http://www.twitter.com/justinjbaschINSTAGRAM: http://www.instagram.com/jbasch

Olympic Gold Medalist Brandon Slay returns to the podcast for the first time since 2021 — and he’s stepping into a bold new chapter. After 9 impactful years leading the PRTC in Philadelphia, Brandon is stepping down and moving to Springdale, Arkansas to launch the G1 Training Center and serve as Executive Director of SportsLife Wrestling — a ministry dedicated to building champions in life through faith and the sport of wrestling.In this episode, we talk about the decision to leave Philly, the role of prayer in his journey, the vision behind G1, and how faith is now the cornerstone of everything he’s building. From mentoring senior-level athletes to investing in the next generation, Brandon unpacks what it truly means to pursue the Greater Gold.01:30 - Past 9 Years in Philly at the PRTC05:20 - Stepping Down from the PRTC05:50 - Decision to Make a Move from Philly to Arkansas 08:25 - Power of Prayer10:10 - Opening the G1 Training Center13:00 - Instilling Core Values14:25 - G1 Will be a World-Class Facility16:30 - Bringing In Senior-Level Talent18:41 - Juxtaposition of Coaching All Ages20:25 - SportsLife Wrestling24:00 - Faith Is Now the Cornerstone25:50 - Building in Arkansas28:25 - Leaving Legacy in Philly31:00 - Supporting What’s NextTweet us and send us messages with questions and general thoughts! Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to the podcast and go through the archives to hear more great stories.Support the show & leave a 5-star rating and review on Apple Podcasts, and shop some apparel on BASCHAMANIA.com! For all partnership and sponsorship inquiries, email [email protected] is a Basch Solutions Production. Learn more about Basch Solutions at BaschSolutions.com.SUBSCRIBE ON YOUTUBE! https://www.youtube.com/@JustinBaschCONNECT ON X/TWITTER:TWITTER: http://www.twitter.com/justinjbaschINSTAGRAM: http://www.instagram.com/jbasch

There is a lot of Transfer Portal Activity to catch up on & and we finally start to see some big coaching moves!05:15 - Willie is on Tilt Over National Duals & Penn State Fans19:45 - Hatred for Penn State Not Going24:25 - Credit to Iowa Fans30:30 - People Want Penn State vs Oklahoma State40:00 - The Seeding of National Duals - Nebraska the 1?01:08:30 - Lottery For Remaining Teams01:10:00 ISH - Transfer Updates01:28:00 - Graduates Not Happy With Coaching Salaries01:31:15 - Coaching Hires/MovesTweet us and send us messages with questions and general thoughts! Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to the podcast and go through the archives to hear more great stories.Support the show & leave a 5-star rating and review on Apple Podcasts, and shop some apparel on BASCHAMANIA.com! For all partnership and sponsorship inquiries, email [email protected] is a Basch Solutions Production. Learn more about Basch Solutions at BaschSolutions.com.SUBSCRIBE ON YOUTUBE! https://www.youtube.com/@JustinBaschCONNECT ON X/TWITTER:TWITTER: http://www.twitter.com/justinjbaschINSTAGRAM: http://www.instagram.com/jbasch

There is a lot of Transfer Portal Activity to catch up on & and we finally start to see some big coaching moves!02:25 - Richie Figgs leaves ASU; Is ASU Okay?14:50 - Oklahoma State Picks Up Figs; Loses Gilman18:15 - Brayden Thompson Staying In Stillwater24:20 - Thomas Gilman Back to NLWC30:30 - UNC Picks Up AJ Ferrari38:00 - Willie Explains “Nebraska 2nd Best Program"42:15 - Cowboy RTC Adds Lee Roper46:20 - Rutgers Adds 3 From The Portal51:15 - Iowa State Adds Elam & Dean01:00:30 - National Duals Selection01:08:10 - Willie Rants on “Newbs”01:11:30 - Ono Does Not Have Four Years01:13:30 - Coaching Moves01:19:00 - Tidbits From Around WrestlingTweet us and send us messages with questions and general thoughts! Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to the podcast and go through the archives to hear more great stories.Support the show & leave a 5-star rating and review on Apple Podcasts, and shop some apparel on BASCHAMANIA.com! For all partnership and sponsorship inquiries, email [email protected] is a Basch Solutions Production. Learn more about Basch Solutions at BaschSolutions.com.SUBSCRIBE ON YOUTUBE! https://www.youtube.com/@JustinBaschCONNECT ON X/TWITTER:TWITTER: http://www.twitter.com/justinjbaschINSTAGRAM: http://www.instagram.com/jbasch

Thomas Gilman just spent his first year as a coach at Oklahoma State, and today we caught up to talk about his first year coaching, his retirement from competition - and, of course, the news that broke this weekend that he’s out of Oklahoma State. What a show!01:40 - Olympic Trials & Jumping into Coaching06:11 - Not Going to Turkey08:45 - Coaching at Oklahoma State12:45 - Coaching Troy Spratley to the National Finals17:00 - The Decision to Leave Oklahoma State20:00 - Going back to NLWC25:30 - Transitioning from Selfish to Selfless28:40 - Coaching Instinct vs Philosophy31:00 - Comparing The Experience at Iowa, Oklahoma State, and Penn State33:00 - Instilling This in Athletes37:15 - Faith Playing a Pivotal Role40:00 - Excitement to Get Back in Rec Hall44:00 - Pride of Competitive Career46:00 - Getting Covid Before WorldsTweet us and send us messages with questions and general thoughts! Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to the podcast and go through the archives to hear more great stories.Support the show & leave a 5-star rating and review on Apple Podcasts, and shop some apparel on BASCHAMANIA.com! For all partnership and sponsorship inquiries, email [email protected] is a Basch Solutions Production. Learn more about Basch Solutions at BaschSolutions.com.SUBSCRIBE ON YOUTUBE! https://www.youtube.com/@JustinBaschCONNECT ON X/TWITTER:TWITTER: http://www.twitter.com/justinjbaschINSTAGRAM: http://www.instagram.com/jbasch

Rocky Elam is a 4x All-American with 5th, 4th, 3rd and 6th place finishes at NCAA's. He has spent his whole career at Missouri but will be transferring for his final year of eligibility. Today he joins me on the show to talk about where he’s transferring and why..01:00 - Injuries from last year06:30 - The Decision to Transfer08:00 - How NIL Factored In09:40 - The Decision to Transfer12:30 - Call From David Carr14:15 - Approaching a New Room & System16:30 - Zach Headed to Rutgers17:45 - Transitioning Within The Big 1219:15 - Plans for Freestyle & LA 202821:30 - Reflecting on Time at MizzouTweet us and send us messages with questions and general thoughts! Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to the podcast and go through the archives to hear more great stories.Support the show & leave a 5-star rating and review on Apple Podcasts, and shop some apparel on BASCHAMANIA.com! For all partnership and sponsorship inquiries, email [email protected] is a Basch Solutions Production. Learn more about Basch Solutions at BaschSolutions.com.SUBSCRIBE ON YOUTUBE! https://www.youtube.com/@JustinBaschCONNECT ON X/TWITTER:TWITTER: http://www.twitter.com/justinjbaschINSTAGRAM: http://www.instagram.com/jbaschROCKY ON INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/rocky.rhode/