The Dunk Talk

Dylan Haugen
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Basketball
  • Updated twice weekly

The Dunk Talk Podcast is made by dunkers, for dunkers. We share insight and knowledge from Professional and Amateur Dunkers to help you on your own dunk journey.

  1. 7 Jun

    He Tested a 50 Inch Vertical & Joined Shaq's DunkMan League: Cam Hazzard | Dunk Talk #71

    Cam Hazzard is one of the other guys competing in Shaq's DunkMan League this summer, and he's one of only about seven people to ever test a 50 inch vertical. He's from Dallas, he's 20, and Dennis and I met up with him when we were down there for a conference. We rented out a gym and he hit basically every 360 variation you can think of, 360 Underboth, 360 Scoop, 360 Inverter, and more. The full session is up on my channel if you haven't seen it: https://youtu.be/BCxdZ2i8fe8?si=lWb_cPeMZ0jcedrp We get into his whole journey. He got his first dunk at 15, then tore both hamstrings a couple weeks after his first Windmill and lost a full year. In 2026 he shattered his hand playing intramurals in January, needed surgery with permanent plates and screws, and was out for two and a half months. Chuck reached out about DunkMan about a week after his surgery while his hand was still tied to his chest, and after only two and a half weeks of training back, he tested 50 inches on the exact day he planned to. We also talk about his signature 360 Inverter, why he's pretty much all Off-Dribble and 360s, his squat and power clean numbers, his shoe takes (the Serious Player Only Game1 lows are his favorite), the shows he did over in London, and what he's bringing to DunkMan. Cam's a name a lot of people don't really know yet, but I think that changes fast once the league starts. Shout out to Cam for hopping on. I've got more DunkMan athletes lined up leading into the league, so if there's someone specific you want on, drop it in the comments. If you're new here, subscribe and follow along. Today's Speakers: Dylan Haugen (Host) Website: https://dylan-haugen.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dylanhaugen23/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dylanhaugen23 Cam Hazzard (Guest) Website: https://camhazard.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hazzardous.dunks YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@hazzardousdunks #dunktalkpodcast

    1 hr

  2. 19 May

    I Signed With Shaq's DunkMan League (World's Youngest Pro Dunker) - Dylan Haugen | Dunk Talk #70

    Big news, guys. It got announced today that I've officially signed with Shaq's new DunkMan League, and I'll be competing this summer against 23 of the other best dunkers in the world for a $500,000 grand prize. 24 dunkers total, and there's even more money up for grabs beyond that. This signing also makes me the youngest pro dunker in the league, which pretty crazy.In this episode I get into the whole story: how Chuck Millan called me about it, why the timing feels almost too perfect, and how this didn't even exist a year ago. I also go back through my journey a bit, from dunking on my mini hoop at 11 or 12, to getting my first real dunk at 13, to dropping basketball sophomore year to go all in. Guys like Jordan Kilganon and Chris Staples were huge early on, so shout out to them. I also talk about what I know so far about the league itself, including the potential new scoring system, the push-off stuff, Shaq as commissioner, Mac McClung being involved, the whole thing being on TNT.And I get into why I think this is such a massive step forward for dunking in general. There's never really been a clear career path in this sport, and now there kind of is. So I share some advice for anyone trying to get involved and actually make a living off dunking, betting on yourself, going to stuff like Dunk Camp, building real relationships, and getting your social infrastructure in place (YouTube, podcasts, a personal brand website, all of it).Huge congrats to Chuck on this too. He's put more into dunking than almost anybody, going all the way back to Team Flight Brothers, and it's been super cool to watch it all come together. I've got a bunch of interviews planned with Chuck and as many of the actual league athletes as I can get, so if there's anyone specific you want to see, let me know in the comments. If you're new here, make sure to subscribe and follow along the journey.Support the Dunk Talk Podcast:Website: https://dunktalks.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dunktalksTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dunktalkpodcastX: https://x.com/dunktalkpodcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/The-Dunk-Talk-61577990706901/Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4737NyBcPveHp3CAftdj5i?si=g7RCdo7RQ72kYjf0daGOggListen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dunk-talk/id1748327178Today's Speakers:Dylan Haugen (Host) -Website: https://dylan-haugen.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dylanhaugen23/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DylanHaugen23 #dunktalkpodcast

    11 min

  3. 15 Apr

    Why All Dunkers Should Make Long-Form Content ft. Travis Reynolds | Dunk Talk #69

    Dylan Haugen and Travis Reynolds sit down to make the case for why long form YouTube content is one of the most overlooked tools in dunking. They talk through how the shift to short form has made it harder to keep up with individual dunkers, stripped context from the sport, and quietly shrunk the dunk community over time. Using examples like Isaiah Rivera's rise and Travis's behind-the-back race with Tom Barnes, they break down how documenting your journey builds real connection that short clips simply can't. Dylan also walks through a dead-simple method for repurposing horizontal session footage into vertical content using CapCut. If you're a dunker and you're not on YouTube yet, this episode is for you.Watch how to convert horizontal (16:9) videos to vertical (9:16) clips for free using CapCut: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qprXFJJhhYc&list=PLA00S-yr7UGTZeq-cV9V9hiUwHqTvAFWQ&index=1Support the Dunk Talk Podcast:Website: https://dunktalks.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dunktalksTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dunktalkpodcastX: https://x.com/dunktalkpodcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/The-Dunk-Talk-61577990706901/Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4737NyBcPveHp3CAftdj5i?si=g7RCdo7RQ72kYjf0daGOggListen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dunk-talk/id1748327178Today's Speakers:Dylan Haugen (Host) -Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dylanhaugen23/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DylanHaugen23Travis Reynolds (Co-Host) - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travisdunks/YouTube: ​⁠ @TravisDunks  #dunktalkpodcast

    37 min

  4. 19 Feb

    Pro Dunkers React to 2026 NBA Dunk Contest + NEW Mac McClung Dunks! | Dunk Talk #68

    In Episode 68 of the Dunk Talk Podcast, Dylan Haugen is joined by fellow professional dunker Travis Reynolds to break down the 2026 NBA Dunk Contest. They go dunk-by-dunk, debating scores, judging consistency, missed attempts, and which performances actually deserved to advance. The two also react to Mac McClung’s four unreleased “would-have-been” contest dunks and discuss how they stack up against what we saw on the NBA stage. From free throw line risks to windmills and Eastbays, they analyze what worked, what didn’t, and how scoring shaped the outcome. If you care about dunk contests and how they’re judged, this episode delivers a detailed breakdown. Support the Dunk Talk Podcast: Website: https://dunktalks.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dunktalks TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dunktalkpodcast X: https://x.com/dunktalkpodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/The-Dunk-Talk-61577990706901/ Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4737NyBcPveHp3CAftdj5i?si=g7RCdo7RQ72kYjf0daGOgg Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dunk-talk/id1748327178 Today's Speakers: Dylan Haugen (Host) - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dylanhaugen23/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dylanhaugen23 Travis Reynolds (Co-Host) - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travisdunks/ YouTube: ​⁠ #dunktalkpodcast

    32 min

  5. 12 Jan

    How Dillan McCarthy Tested a 50 Inch Vertical at 19 Years Old | Dunk Talk #67

    In this episode of the Dunk Talk Podcast, host Dylan Haugen and co-host Hunter Castona sit down with elite dunker Dillan McCarthy for a wide-ranging conversation following one of the most eye-opening milestones in modern vertical jump history: a verified 50-inch vertical at 19 years old. Dillan walks through his athletic background, from volleyball-only roots and his first dunk at 16 to becoming one of the youngest athletes ever to reach the 50-inch mark. The discussion traces his early, extreme training habits, including daily max-effort jumping, massive volume in the weight room, and how those years shaped both his physical capacity and mindset.The episode digs deep into how Dillan’s approach has evolved. He explains the shift from chaotic, ultra-high-volume training to more structured work under professional guidance, how low-rim dunking and weighted ball work transformed his hand speed, and why refining technique has become just as important as raw power. Dillan also breaks down the session that led to his 50-inch test, his experience earning the Dunk Camp’s Black Band, and what it was like training alongside some of the most knowledgeable jump coaches and dunkers in the world.The conversation closes with a forward-looking look at what’s next: chasing a 51-inch test, pushing toward the limits of human jumping, and attempting never-before-seen elbow dunk variations. This episode offers a rare look at what happens when extreme athletic ability meets relentless curiosity and long-term vision. If you’re fascinated by elite jumping, dunk evolution, or what it really takes to push human limits, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.Support the Dunk Talk Podcast:Website: https://dunktalks.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dunktalksTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dunktalkpodcastX: https://x.com/dunktalkpodcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/The-Dunk-Talk-61577990706901/Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4737NyBcPveHp3CAftdj5i?si=g7RCdo7RQ72kYjf0daGOggListen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dunk-talk/id1748327178Today's Speakers:Dylan Haugen (Host) -Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dylanhaugen23/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dylanhaugen23Hunter Castona (Co-Host) - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hunter.dunks/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@hunterdunksDillan McCarthy (Guest) - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dillan_mccarthy/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DillanMcCarthy50 #dunktalkpodcast

    39 min

  6. 05/11/2025

    How I’m Changing My Training After Turning 18 – Dylan Haugen | Dunk Talk #66

    Today in Episode 66 of the Dunk Talk Podcast, Dylan Haugen goes solo to break down his training evolution, injuries, and lessons from the past year. He reflects on how turning 18 has reshaped his approach to lifting, recovery, and jump volume, sharing how his body has adapted to heavier loads and smarter, more intentional training.Dylan takes listeners through his full journey—from discovering dunking as a kid, to winning contests and building consistency through structured programming with JumpX. He talks about his highs, like hitting new dunk milestones and contest wins, and the challenges of dealing with ankle and knee setbacks. Along the way, he shares insights on deep squats, deloading phases, managing fatigue, and redefining what productive training means.With honesty and detail, Dylan opens up about balancing school, digital marketing work, and dunking, while planning smarter recovery strategies for 2026. Tune in for a grounded look at what it takes to grow as an athlete, stay disciplined through setbacks, and keep pushing toward the next level of performance.Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dunk-talk-w-dylan-haugen/id1748327178Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4737NyBcPveHp3CAftdj5i?si=g7RCdo7RQ72kYjf0daGOggToday's Speakers:Dylan Haugen (Host) -Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dylanhaugen23/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DylanHaugen23Website: https://dylan-haugen.com/

    29 min

  7. 29/10/2025

    Nolan Larson on Injury, Identity, and the Love of Dunking | Dunk Talk #65

    In this episode of the Dunk Talk Podcast, host Dylan Haugen and co-host Hunter Castona sit down with fellow Midwest dunker Nolan Larson for one of the most raw, in-depth conversations yet. The three dive into Nolan’s athletic roots, from mini-hoop battles in his childhood to his evolution as a high-flying Wisconsin dunker who captured attention with viral sessions and a show-stopping performance at Wisconsin Dunk Camp.Nolan shares the full arc of his journey — his early drive to jump higher, the moment he landed his first dunk, the grind that took him to elite-level sessions, and the injuries that tested his limits both physically and mentally. His story offers a rare look at the highs of peak performance and the harsh reality of dealing with long-term back injuries that ultimately changed his life.What follows is a conversation about creativity, identity, and resilience. Nolan opens up about rediscovering purpose through golf and music, the irreplaceable support of the dunking community, and the joy of helping others chase their first dunk. It’s one of the most powerful and heartfelt episodes of Dunk Talk yet — a reminder that even when your path changes, the passion to create never fades.Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dunk-talk-w-dylan-haugen/id1748327178Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4737NyBcPveHp3CAftdj5i?si=g7RCdo7RQ72kYjf0daGOggToday's Speakers:Dylan Haugen (Host) -Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dylanhaugen23/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DylanHaugen23Website: https://dylan-haugen.com/Hunter Castona (Co-Host) - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hunter.dunks/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@hunterdunksNolan Larson (Guest) - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nolanrlarson/

    1hr 40min

  8. 15/10/2025

    Ethan Pimstone: The 48-Inch Jumper Who Came Out of NOWHERE – Dunk Talk #64

    In Episode 64 of Dunk Talk, Dylan Haugen and Hunter Castona sit down with brothers Jordan and Ethan Pimstone to tell a story that feels almost unreal but is completely real: Ethan went from casual LA Fitness runs to a 47.5-inch vertical and his first Eastbay—all within months. Jordan, who doubles as his brother and coach, walks through the process: rehabbing jumper’s knee, cutting unnecessary weight-room fatigue, and managing a nervous system so wired that one heavy set could ruin a whole session. Ethan shares what that journey looked like from the inside—tapering and carb-loading before Dunk Camp 2025, testing a 12′1″ touch with a 0.23-second ground contact, and realizing mid-jump that he might have something truly special. They go deep on the real mechanics of progress: short, high-quality dunk sessions instead of marathon jump days, controlled lifting that leaves room for recovery, and steady skill work on low rims to build hand speed. You’ll hear how Ethan built his dunk package from scratch—first clean windmills, then Eastbays, now chasing 360 variations and underboths—and why Jordan believes 50 inches is within reach if the system stays this disciplined. If you want the full backstory on how Jordan built this training philosophy, go watch our earlier episode with Jordan Pimstone—it sets up everything you hear here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f-sjLW2KLLs Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dunk-talk-w-dylan-haugen/id1748327178 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4737NyBcPveHp3CAftdj5i?si=g7RCdo7RQ72kYjf0daGOgg Today's Speakers: Dylan Haugen (Host) - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dylanhaugen23/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dylanhaugen23 Website: https://dylan-haugen.com/ Hunter Castona (Co-Host) - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hunter.dunks/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@hunterdunks Ethan Pimstone (Guest) - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ethanpimstone1/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Ethan_Pimstone Jordan Pimstone (Guest) - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jp.dunks/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Jp.dunkss

    1 hr
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About

The Dunk Talk Podcast is made by dunkers, for dunkers. We share insight and knowledge from Professional and Amateur Dunkers to help you on your own dunk journey.

Information

  • Creator
    Dylan Haugen
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    71
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Dylan Haugen
  • Show Website
    The Dunk Talk

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