Off Gassing: A Scuba Podcast
One of my favorite things after a dive is engaging in conversation with other divers. This joy I have found is one of the biggest motivators behind my starting the podcast. I am on a journey to meet other scuba-minded individuals. Hear about the different aspects of this world I love so much. I want to converse with people of all levels. Speak to beginners all the way up to the experts and leaders in their fields, learn, and soak up knowledge from my fellow divers. From the shallow reefs of Indonesia to the deep wrecks of the Great Lakes, cold water quarries to the warm tropical waters. I do not want anyone left out as I navigate through the Scubaverse. Fun, easygoing, to controversial topics. Let's talk about all of it. I am also on a personal journey of educating myself and seeking proper training as I move through different levels of this sport. With nothing to hide and everything to show, the frustrations, the joys, and everything in between. Join me as we gas it up with some of the wonderful characters inside this story called Scuba.
Off Gassing: A Scuba Podcast
Interview with Jon Kieren
In October of 2023, I participated in a Fundamentals Course with Global Underwater Explorers. I had many ideas of what I thought this course would be. I had many misconceptions going in, and the goal of this series is to highlight the misconceptions one might have about GUE and their standard of training. I sit down and speak with five instructors across the globe to hear their stories and gain some insight into this agency whose approach “Begins with the end in mind”.
In the final episode of this series, I sit down and speak with Jon Kieren. I was able to catch Jon before he moved back to Cave Country in the state of Florida. In his early twenties, a snowstorm pushed him in the direction of the Virgin Islands, which kicked off his diving career. Throughout his career, he has held many positions and has emerged as a true leader in his field. Someone who is not afraid to speak his mind about his frustrations with the industry or personal challenges he has faced. Decisions that led him to change his path, seeking and creating a higher standard, more misconceptions, and some unexpected reactions for speaking up. Please enjoy.
Website:
GUE Instructor Resumé: Jon Kieren
https://www.gue.com/
https://www.kierentechnical.com/
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/kieren38
Articles by Jon Kieren:
https://indepthmag.com/why-i-became-a-gue-instructor/
https://indepthmag.com/i-trained-doc-deep/
https://indepthmag.com/fathom-ccr/
https://indepthmag.com/sump-potion-9/