CougConnect Podcast

Jake Brandon

CougConnect is a media organization covering BYU athletics — with a primary focus on football. We deliver exclusive player interviews, in-depth recruiting coverage, film breakdowns, and behind-the-scenes access you won’t find anywhere else. Our content is fueled by real relationships with players and insiders, giving fans an unmatched connection to the team. Whether you’re looking for expert analysis, unfiltered insight, or direct access to your favorite athletes, CougConnect is where BYU fans go to stay truly plugged in. Go Cougs!

  1. 2d ago

    Bodie Schoonover Is READY For His Senior Season | CougConnect Podcast

    In this episode, BYU defensive lineman Bodie Schoonover shares insights on the team's deep defensive line, the upcoming season, and his personal journey from high school to college football. We explore team dynamics, coaching changes, and Bodie's inspiring transformation. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Bodie Scoonover 02:48 The Depth of BYU's Defensive Line 06:02 Training Regimen and Personal Growth 08:45 Coaching Changes and Defensive Strategies 14:51 Experiences on the Field and Team Dynamics 17:42 Transitioning Positions and Personal Transformation 21:02 Mission Experiences and Life Lessons 23:54 Cultural Insights from South Africa 26:42 Looking Ahead: Season Expectations and Goals Become a CougConnect Subscriber https://cougconnect.com/ref/kevin/ This episode is brought to you by Troy Beagley at Common Sense Financial. Just like we’re building something special here at CougConnect, Troy is dedicated to helping the BYU community build their financial legacies. Whether you're looking at retirement strategies or just starting your savings journey, Troy’s process is simple, clear, and honest. He doesn't just manage accounts; he helps families win. If you’re ready for a financial plan that actually makes sense, call Troy today at 801-608-6657. Let’s make success feel like common sense Madsen Realty Group is a proud sponsor of CougConnect. Built right here in Utah. They help buyers, sellers, and investors with both residential and commercial real estate. With deep local roots, they understand the neighborhoods and what makes Utah special. Their focus is a process that’s simple, clear, and honest. They are proud to support the BYU community. If you are looking to buy your next home or build your investment portfolio, schedule a free consultation and be entered to win 2 BYU football tickets for the 2026 season. Call us at 801-922-0584 or reach us online @Brigham.Utah on Instagram. Who better than a guy named Brigham helping you “Find THE place” in Utah. Planning a 2026 family trip to Universal or Disney? Utah Travel Pros specializes in stress-free vacation planning for Cougar families. Get a free expert quote at UtahTravelPros.com/cougconnect

    36 min
  2. 4d ago

    BYU Football Freshman Nehemiah Kolone On Adjusting To CFB & Learning From Justin Kirkland

    In this episode, Jake Brandon hosts a lively discussion with BYU football players Justin Kirkland and Nehemiah Kolone, covering team depth, the importance of little things, and fun hypothetical battles between states and animals. Chapters 00:00 Gaming Strategies and Camp Culture 00:18 Introduction to BYU Football and New Players 01:49 Transitioning to Provo: A New Player's Perspective 07:00 The Depth of the Defensive Line 10:17 Work Ethic and Team Dynamics 16:59 Recruiting Visits and Team Morale 21:15 Hypothetical State Battles and Food Preferences 28:39 Food Adventures and Culinary Preferences 31:26 Apocalypse Simulation Results 35:06 Animal Combat Hierarchy 43:16 Mental Preparation for Football Season 47:08 Freshman Year Insights and Team Culture Become a CougConnect Subscriber https://cougconnect.com/ref/kevin/ This episode is brought to you by Troy Beagley at Common Sense Financial. Just like we’re building something special here at CougConnect, Troy is dedicated to helping the BYU community build their financial legacies. Whether you're looking at retirement strategies or just starting your savings journey, Troy’s process is simple, clear, and honest. He doesn't just manage accounts; he helps families win. If you’re ready for a financial plan that actually makes sense, call Troy today at 801-608-6657. Let’s make success feel like common sense Madsen Realty Group is a proud sponsor of CougConnect. Built right here in Utah. They help buyers, sellers, and investors with both residential and commercial real estate. With deep local roots, they understand the neighborhoods and what makes Utah special. Their focus is a process that’s simple, clear, and honest. They are proud to support the BYU community. If you are looking to buy your next home or build your investment portfolio, schedule a free consultation and be entered to win 2 BYU football tickets for the 2026 season. Call us at 801-922-0584 or reach us online @Brigham.Utah on Instagram. Who better than a guy named Brigham helping you “Find THE place” in Utah. Planning a 2026 family trip to Universal or Disney? Utah Travel Pros specializes in stress-free vacation planning for Cougar families. Get a free expert quote at UtahTravelPros.com/cougconnect

    54 min
  3. 6d ago

    BYU Football Corner Tre Alexander III On Offseason Workouts & The Pursuit of the Big 12 Championship

    Join us as we dive into BYU football with Tre Alexander III, covering recruiting, team culture, training insights, and upcoming season expectations. This episode offers an inside look at the team's dynamics, coaching philosophies, and the excitement building for the season. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Overview of the Podcast 00:27 Recruiting Insights and Player Involvement 01:24 Family Atmosphere and Player Commitment 02:49 PRPs: Player-Led Practices and Team Dynamics 04:16 Anticipation for Upcoming Season and Championship Aspirations 06:34 Coaching Dynamics and Team Culture 11:48 Strength and Conditioning Insights 13:42 Coaching Personalities and Their Impact 16:20 November Mindset and Team Strategy 18:34 Life After Football and Personal Reflections 19:34 Personal Life: Dog and Upcoming Travel Plans 21:02 The Joy of Travel 27:01 Anticipating the Upcoming Season 32:47 Gambling in Sports: A Controversial Topic 38:35 Final Thoughts and Shout-outs Become a CougConnect Subscriber https://cougconnect.com/ref/kevin/ This episode is brought to you by Troy Beagley at Common Sense Financial. Just like we’re building something special here at CougConnect, Troy is dedicated to helping the BYU community build their financial legacies. Whether you're looking at retirement strategies or just starting your savings journey, Troy’s process is simple, clear, and honest. He doesn't just manage accounts; he helps families win. If you’re ready for a financial plan that actually makes sense, call Troy today at 801-608-6657. Let’s make success feel like common sense Madsen Realty Group is a proud sponsor of CougConnect. Built right here in Utah. They help buyers, sellers, and investors with both residential and commercial real estate. With deep local roots, they understand the neighborhoods and what makes Utah special. Their focus is a process that’s simple, clear, and honest. They are proud to support the BYU community. If you are looking to buy your next home or build your investment portfolio, schedule a free consultation and be entered to win 2 BYU football tickets for the 2026 season. Call us at 801-922-0584 or reach us online @Brigham.Utah on Instagram. Who better than a guy named Brigham helping you “Find THE place” in Utah. Planning a 2026 family trip to Universal or Disney? Utah Travel Pros specializes in stress-free vacation planning for Cougar families. Get a free expert quote at UtahTravelPros.com/cougconnect

    40 min
  4. Jun 26

    BYU Running back Sione Moa's Return to the Football Field & His Excitement for BYU Football's season

    In this episode, BYU football player Sione Moa shares his inspiring journey from high school to college, his remarkable recovery from a serious injury, and insights into team culture and game strategies. Tune in for a deep dive into perseverance, teamwork, and the pursuit of excellence. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Subscriber Call to Action 00:41 Sione Moa's Breakout Game at Kansas State 07:01 Running Style and Physicality 11:13 Path to BYU and Recruitment Journey 13:33 Mission Experience and Personal Growth 16:30 Injury Experience and Recovery Process 25:31 Overcoming Adversity: A Personal Journey 28:35 The Evolution of Team Strategy 35:00 Team Dynamics and Culture 38:13 Building a Strong Team Culture 42:15 Setting Goals for the Upcoming Season Become a CougConnect Subscriber https://cougconnect.com/ref/kevin/ This episode is brought to you by Troy Beagley at Common Sense Financial. Just like we’re building something special here at CougConnect, Troy is dedicated to helping the BYU community build their financial legacies. Whether you're looking at retirement strategies or just starting your savings journey, Troy’s process is simple, clear, and honest. He doesn't just manage accounts; he helps families win. If you’re ready for a financial plan that actually makes sense, call Troy today at 801-608-6657. Let’s make success feel like common sense Madsen Realty Group is a proud sponsor of CougConnect. Built right here in Utah. They help buyers, sellers, and investors with both residential and commercial real estate. With deep local roots, they understand the neighborhoods and what makes Utah special. Their focus is a process that’s simple, clear, and honest. They are proud to support the BYU community. If you are looking to buy your next home or build your investment portfolio, schedule a free consultation and be entered to win 2 BYU football tickets for the 2026 season. Call us at 801-922-0584 or reach us online @Brigham.Utah on Instagram. Who better than a guy named Brigham helping you “Find THE place” in Utah. Planning a 2026 family trip to Universal or Disney? Utah Travel Pros specializes in stress-free vacation planning for Cougar families. Get a free expert quote at UtahTravelPros.com/cougconnect

    49 min
  5. Jun 24

    Tei Nacua On Seizing His Opportunity In The Wide Receiver Room | CougConnect Podcast

    In this episode, BYU wide receiver Tei Nacua shares insights on his development, team dynamics, and the upcoming football season. We explore his growth at BYU, the importance of discipline, and the potential of the team to have a standout year. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Overview of Koo Connect Podcast 00:54 Wide Receiver Room Dynamics and Opportunities 03:17 Analyzing the Run Game and Its Impact on Receivers 05:02 The Chess Match of Wide Receiver Play 10:44 Admiring Puka Nakua's Game 11:39 Bear's Progress and Leadership 14:50 Personal Growth at BYU 18:59 Community Engagement and Service 23:15 Looking Ahead to the Upcoming Season Become a CougConnect Subscriber https://cougconnect.com/ref/kevin/ This episode is brought to you by Troy Beagley at Common Sense Financial. Just like we’re building something special here at CougConnect, Troy is dedicated to helping the BYU community build their financial legacies. Whether you're looking at retirement strategies or just starting your savings journey, Troy’s process is simple, clear, and honest. He doesn't just manage accounts; he helps families win. If you’re ready for a financial plan that actually makes sense, call Troy today at 801-608-6657. Let’s make success feel like common sense Madsen Realty Group is a proud sponsor of CougConnect. Built right here in Utah. They help buyers, sellers, and investors with both residential and commercial real estate. With deep local roots, they understand the neighborhoods and what makes Utah special. Their focus is a process that’s simple, clear, and honest. They are proud to support the BYU community. If you are looking to buy your next home or build your investment portfolio, schedule a free consultation and be entered to win 2 BYU football tickets for the 2026 season. Call us at 801-922-0584 or reach us online @Brigham.Utah on Instagram. Who better than a guy named Brigham helping you “Find THE place” in Utah. Planning a 2026 family trip to Universal or Disney? Utah Travel Pros specializes in stress-free vacation planning for Cougar families. Get a free expert quote at UtahTravelPros.com/cougconnect

    25 min
  6. Jun 22

    NO ONE LIFTS MORE WEIGHT THAN JUSTIN KIRKLAND DURING BYU FOOTBALL SUMMER WORKOUTS | COUGCONNECT PODCAST

    Justin Kirkland shares his intense workout routines, thoughts on post-apocalyptic survival, and cultural observations from Europe and America. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview 00:28 Strength Training Insights 04:23 Workout Tips for Dads 07:01 The Pursuit of Strength 10:01 Transitioning to Different Workouts 12:16 Post-Apocalyptic Professions 17:17 Survival Skills and Societal Collapse 23:29 Fresh Food and Fast Food Chains 25:13 Looting for Survival 27:50 Cultural Differences in Food 30:26 Survival Strategies in the Apocalypse 32:50 College Football Experiences and Insights Become a CougConnect Subscriber https://cougconnect.com/ref/kevin/ This episode is brought to you by Troy Beagley at Common Sense Financial. Just like we’re building something special here at CougConnect, Troy is dedicated to helping the BYU community build their financial legacies. Whether you're looking at retirement strategies or just starting your savings journey, Troy’s process is simple, clear, and honest. He doesn't just manage accounts; he helps families win. If you’re ready for a financial plan that actually makes sense, call Troy today at 801-608-6657. Let’s make success feel like common sense Madsen Realty Group is a proud sponsor of CougConnect. Built right here in Utah. They help buyers, sellers, and investors with both residential and commercial real estate. With deep local roots, they understand the neighborhoods and what makes Utah special. Their focus is a process that’s simple, clear, and honest. They are proud to support the BYU community. If you are looking to buy your next home or build your investment portfolio, schedule a free consultation and be entered to win 2 BYU football tickets for the 2026 season. Call us at 801-922-0584 or reach us online @Brigham.Utah on Instagram. Who better than a guy named Brigham helping you “Find THE place” in Utah. Planning a 2026 family trip to Universal or Disney? Utah Travel Pros specializes in stress-free vacation planning for Cougar families. Get a free expert quote at UtahTravelPros.com/cougconnect

    40 min
  7. Jun 19

    BYU Football's Wide Receiver Room's Depth Going Into Fall Camp | CougConnect Podcast

    BYU wide receiver Kyler Kasper shares insights on team dynamics, training, and the importance of sleep for athletes. We explore talent development, coaching strategies, and practical tips for young wide receivers to excel. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Overview of the Receiver Room 02:49 Assessing the Talent in the Receiver Room 05:42 Training and Development of Young Receivers 09:01 The Importance of Early Training and Muscle Memory 14:38 Advice for Young Receivers 17:31 Personal Goals and Offseason Activities 20:51 The Importance of Sleep for Athletes 23:30 Closing Thoughts and Future Plans Become a CougConnect Subscriber https://cougconnect.com/ref/kevin/ This episode is brought to you by Troy Beagley at Common Sense Financial. Just like we’re building something special here at CougConnect, Troy is dedicated to helping the BYU community build their financial legacies. Whether you're looking at retirement strategies or just starting your savings journey, Troy’s process is simple, clear, and honest. He doesn't just manage accounts; he helps families win. If you’re ready for a financial plan that actually makes sense, call Troy today at 801-608-6657. Let’s make success feel like common sense Madsen Realty Group is a proud sponsor of CougConnect. Built right here in Utah. They help buyers, sellers, and investors with both residential and commercial real estate. With deep local roots, they understand the neighborhoods and what makes Utah special. Their focus is a process that’s simple, clear, and honest. They are proud to support the BYU community. If you are looking to buy your next home or build your investment portfolio, schedule a free consultation and be entered to win 2 BYU football tickets for the 2026 season. Call us at 801-922-0584 or reach us online @Brigham.Utah on Instagram. Who better than a guy named Brigham helping you “Find THE place” in Utah. Planning a 2026 family trip to Universal or Disney? Utah Travel Pros specializes in stress-free vacation planning for Cougar families. Get a free expert quote at UtahTravelPros.com/cougconnect

    27 min
  8. Jun 16

    Trevin Ostler on the Future of BYU Football | CougConnect Podcast

    Trevin Osler shares insights on BYU's football team, focusing on the offensive line, run game, coaching philosophy, and his personal journey to BYU. Tune in to learn about team dynamics, player development, and upcoming season expectations. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Trevin Ostler and BYU Football 02:53 The Evolution of BYU's Run Game 10:04 Coach Woods: The Heart of the O-Line 14:23 Trevin's Journey to BYU 19:43 Goals and Aspirations for the Upcoming Season 26:21 Team Unity and Excitement for the Season Become a CougConnect Subscriber https://cougconnect.com/ref/kevin/ This episode is brought to you by Troy Beagley at Common Sense Financial. Just like we’re building something special here at CougConnect, Troy is dedicated to helping the BYU community build their financial legacies. Whether you're looking at retirement strategies or just starting your savings journey, Troy’s process is simple, clear, and honest. He doesn't just manage accounts; he helps families win. If you’re ready for a financial plan that actually makes sense, call Troy today at 801-608-6657. Let’s make success feel like common sense Madsen Realty Group is a proud sponsor of CougConnect. Built right here in Utah. They help buyers, sellers, and investors with both residential and commercial real estate. With deep local roots, they understand the neighborhoods and what makes Utah special. Their focus is a process that’s simple, clear, and honest. They are proud to support the BYU community. If you are looking to buy your next home or build your investment portfolio, schedule a free consultation and be entered to win 2 BYU football tickets for the 2026 season. Call us at 801-922-0584 or reach us online @Brigham.Utah on Instagram. Who better than a guy named Brigham helping you “Find THE place” in Utah. Planning a 2026 family trip to Universal or Disney? Utah Travel Pros specializes in stress-free vacation planning for Cougar families. Get a free expert quote at UtahTravelPros.com/cougconnect

    30 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

CougConnect is a media organization covering BYU athletics — with a primary focus on football. We deliver exclusive player interviews, in-depth recruiting coverage, film breakdowns, and behind-the-scenes access you won’t find anywhere else. Our content is fueled by real relationships with players and insiders, giving fans an unmatched connection to the team. Whether you’re looking for expert analysis, unfiltered insight, or direct access to your favorite athletes, CougConnect is where BYU fans go to stay truly plugged in. Go Cougs!

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