In this episode of The Dead Foot Diver Podcast, host Curt, the deadfoot diver, sits down with Michael Menduno, a legendary figure in the diving industry who coined the term 'technical diving.' Michael shares his journey from being inspired by Jacque Cousteau to becoming a seminal figure in the tech diving community. They discuss the history and evolution of technical diving, the challenges and advancements in rebreather technology, and the significant role of safety in this niche sport. They also touch upon the controversial adoption of Nitrox in the early '90s and the importance of adaptive diving. Tune in to hear fascinating stories, expert insights, and learn why technical diving continues to push the boundaries of underwater exploration.
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00:00 Introduction to The Dead Foot Diver Podcast
00:17 Meet Michael Menduno: The Pioneer of Technical Diving
01:28 Michael's Early Diving Journey
03:03 The Birth of Technical Diving
03:19 The Cordell Expeditions and Early Decompression Dives
05:46 The Rise of Aquacorps and Technical Diving Revolution
13:21 Controversies and Acceptance of Nitrox
25:25 Rebreathers: Evolution and Safety
35:31 The Early Days of Mixed Gas Diving
36:07 Rebreather Technology and Its Challenges
36:21 Personal Experiences with Rebreathers
37:13 The Cost of Deep Diving
40:40 Helium Usage in Diving
42:44 Advice for Aspiring Technical Divers
44:24 Choosing the Right Technical Diving Instructor
45:36 The Continuum of Diving
47:21 Shark Bite Incident in The Bahamas
52:00 InDepth Magazine: Aquacorps 2.0
56:41 Upcoming Features in InDepth Magazine
01:05:40 Hyperbaric Chambers and Diving Safety
01:09:49 Conclusion and Final Thoughts