Chris Mauro is a surfer, journalist, editor, storyteller, and one of surfing’s most respected voices. I’ve known of Chris for nearly 40 years because he’s always seemed to be right in the middle of surfing’s story; documenting it, sharing it, and helping preserve it for future generations. Raised in South Laguna Beach, Chris grew up as a beach kid. Once he found surfing, he immersed himself in it and eventually found himself traveling the world alongside many of the sport’s greatest athletes, innovators, and personalities. What started as a passion for surfing evolved into a professional career as a pro surfer, industry guy, journalist, commentator and a remarkable career behind the scenes telling the stories that matter. Many know Chris from his years at SURFER Magazine, where he served as editor during a defining era for the sport. Through his connections, his writing, interviews, and editorial leadership, he helped capture the people, places, and moments that shaped modern surfing. More than anything, Chris has a genuine curiosity about people and their path. Whether as a writer, interviewer, podcaster, or historian, he has a rare ability to connect with others and uncover the stories beneath the surface. In this conversation, we talk about his journey through surfing, media, travel, and storytelling, along with the lessons learned from a lifetime spent around the people who have shaped the culture he has been in the middle of for most of his life. It’s a great conversation with a guy who has seen, documented and helped share a big part of surfing’s history.. and its allure.   0:00 – “Introducing Chris Mauro & His Journey” 3:20 – Early Influences & Finding His Passion 8:15 – Building a Career Through Persistence 14:05 – Key Turning Points & Lessons Learned 20:10 – Challenges, Setbacks & Growth Opportunities 26:30 – Developing Skills & Staying Consistent 32:45 – Mindset, Discipline & Long-Term Success 39:00 – Navigating Pressure & High-Stakes Decisions 45:20 – Leadership, Mentorship & Giving Back 51:35 – Advice for the Next Generation 57:50 – What’s Next & Future Goals 1:04:15 – Final Reflections & Closing Thoughts

Dr. Milica McDowell wants you to move and move well.  Dr. Milica is a Doctor of Physical Therapy, entrepreneur, educator, and USA Today national bestselling author who has spent more than two decades helping people move better, feel better, and live healthier lives. Dr. McDowell specializes in helping people build strength, mobility, resilience, and longevity and has worked with everyone from individuals recovering from injury and chronic pain to high performers seeking to optimize their health, performance and quality of life. Dr. McDowell holds degrees in Exercise Physiology, Health Promotion, Physical Therapy, and a Doctorate in Physical Therapy. She has served as a university faculty member, delivered more than 300 professional lectures across the country, developed medical education programs used worldwide, and founded multiple companies in healthcare, fitness, and sports performance. In 2023 she was recognized as one of the  Top 50 Women in Healthcare. And because that is not enough, she is currently getting her MBA at USC.  Her book, Walk: Rediscover the most natural way to boost your heath and longevity; one step at a time co-authored with renowned gait expert Dr. Courtney Conley, has quickly become a USA Today national bestseller and shines a bright light on one of the most powerful, and overlooked tools for improving health: walking. Ironically, in the UK the title is a bit different; Walk; Your Life Depends on It. Direct. I like it. Dr. Milica is as cool as they come and has a clear and singular goal of helping everyone live their best lives. When you think of doctors that you want to work with because of the way the care they give, the way they engage, their bedside manner and how they lead by example; you’re thinking of Dr. Milica McDowell.  0:00 – “Introducing Milicia McDowell & Her Journey” 3:05 – Early Influences & Finding Her Passion 8:20 – Building a Career Around Health & Performance 14:10 – Lessons Learned From Working With Athletes 20:00 – Movement, Longevity & Staying Active for Life 26:15 – Common Mistakes People Make With Their Health 32:05 – The Mindset Behind Sustainable Success 38:10 – Overcoming Challenges & Adapting Through Change 44:20 – Coaching, Education & Empowering Others 50:15 – Advice for Improving Health at Any Age 56:30 – What’s Next & Future Goals 1:02:10 – Final Reflections & Closing Thoughts

Wing Lam is the co-founder and creative force behind  Wahoo’s Fish Taco; the iconic Southern California brand that blends surf culture, street food, and entrepreneurial hustle into one of the country’s most recognizable fast-casual success stories. What started from a long family history of restauranteurs; he and two of his brothers created Wahoo’s, a cool local taco shop, with the desire to be a central place for action sports industry folks to eat and connect. Wahoo’s quickly became a lifestyle brand built on authenticity, community, and great food.  But Wing’s impact goes far beyond business. He’s a fun and passionate supporter of youth programs, local nonprofits, action sports, music, and grassroots community events, always believing that business should bring people together. Known for his energy, optimism, and genuine connection with people, Wing has become a respected and sought after voice in entrepreneurship, branding, hospitality, and culture. He’s a recognized entrepreneur that has stayed deeply connected to the communities and customers who helped build it. Wing’s super power is really recognizing how to grow a business without losing the soul that made it special in the first place; and how to make a real and lasting impact on everyone around him… while making it fun; and not taking himself too seriously. What a legend.  0:00 – Intro & Episode Kickoff 3:18 – Introducing Wing Lam & His Background 9:42 – Early Life & How It All Started 17:05 – Building the Business & Key Turning Points 25:48 – Challenges, Failures & Lessons Learned 34:12 – Mindset, Discipline & Staying Consistent 42:30 – Scaling Success & What Changed 51:06 – Leadership, Team Building & Culture 1:00:18 – Personal Growth Outside of Business 1:09:44 – Advice for Entrepreneurs & Creators 1:20:12 – Reflections, Perspective & Life Lessons 1:35:40 – Final Thoughts & Outro

Candice Appleby is a world champion paddler, accomplished surfer, and deeply committed coach whose life has been shaped by the ocean. With roots in Southern California’s surf mecca, she developed into the most dominant force in women’s stand up paddling, and has spent decades in this space, earning global recognition while continuing to evolve as both an athlete, waterwoman and coach. Her success isn’t built on hype. It’s based on loving the ocean, and spending a lot of time in and on it. Whether competing at the highest levels on the world stage, or surfing and paddling at home, Candice employs the same focus and intention; an approach that has defined her career and her reputation as both a hammer athlete and well respected member of the ocean community around the world. But competition is only part of the story. As a passionate coach, Candice has dedicated herself to developing others, sharing not just technique but mindset, grit and fun. She understands that performance is as much mental as it is physical, and her ability to translate her knowledge and experience into guidance has made her an incredible resource for ocean athletes at all levels. Her passion for helping others find their place in the ocean is crystal clear.  Positive, fun, and driven, Candice Appleby represents an impressive balance of elite performance and grounded perspective, proving that success isn’t just about winning, but about how you show up, day after day, in pursuit of something greater; while bringing others along with you.  0:00 – “Introducing Candice Appleby & Her Journey” 2:40 – Growing Up Around the Ocean & Competition 7:25 – Becoming a World-Class Paddler & Surfer 12:15 – Training at an Elite Level 17:35 – Discipline, Consistency & Longevity 22:50 – Setbacks, Injuries & Mental Toughness 28:10 – Coaching Philosophy & Helping Athletes Grow 33:35 – Balancing Competition, Life & Personal Growth 39:00 – Mindset, Pressure & Performing Under Stress 44:25 – Lessons Learned Through the Water 49:50 – Advice for Aspiring Athletes & Competitors 55:20 – Final Reflections & Closing Thoughts

Big Tony. For thirty years, that’s all I had known him as and I’m guessing I’m not alone. Like “The Rock”, Sting, or Bono, he doesn’t need more than one name. “Big Tony” is enough. It carries weight. It means something; and it fits. But behind the name is the man: Tony “Big Tony” Alvarez. And while a lot of people know the name, far fewer know the full story. The truth is, his path is deeper, broader, and more impactful than most would expect; and certainly more than I knew. The accomplishments span decades and the stories behind them are even better. As Tony tells it, he’s lived two thirty-year careers running in parallel. One in the surf world where he held many roles; always grinding,  building brands, at the biggest names, and leaving his mark across the industry and the people. The other path; in personal security, water safety, and training; teaching discipline, awareness, and protection at the highest levels.  Two paths. One mindset: show up, do the work, make a positive impact, leave it better than you found it & live with mana. Today, Big Tony Alvarez leads a life grounded with a commitment to Honor. Courage and Protection.  He’s proof that where you start doesn’t define where you finish. From a kid with very little to a respected and accomplished leader forged by discipline, culture, determination (and fun) in and out of the water. His story is about staying true to who you are, pursuing what drives you, and never bending to expectations that don’t fit. Know Your Rootz. That’s how you build something that lasts. 0:00 – “Introducing Big Tony & Episode Overview” 2:30 – Tony’s Background & Early Life 7:15 – How the Journey Started 12:05 – Key Turning Points & Breakthrough Moments 17:20 – Challenges Faced & Lessons Learned 22:45 – Building Discipline & Staying Consistent 28:10 – Mindset, Pressure & Decision-Making 33:40 – What Separates Winners From Everyone Else 39:05 – Personal Growth & Evolving Perspective 44:30 – Advice for the Next Generation 49:50 – What’s Next & Future Vision 55:15 – Final Thoughts & Closing Takeaways

If you have been involved in surf, skate or snow sports in the last three decades; you’ve been impacted by Thom McElroy.   Thom stands as one of the most influential creative minds to emerge from modern surf culture. Along with Volcom founder Richard Woolcot and co-founder Tucker Hall, he helped redefine what a surf brand could be. And helped shoot it to the moon.   With a background in graphic design and marketing (and his own firm McElroy Communications) Thom was working with other leading surf industry brands while he quietly helped to build Volcom into one of the biggest action sport brands in the world. And… he helped infuse it with an identity that blended surf, skate, snow, music, and art. His work created trends, changed the energy of youth culture and  inspired a generation to think differently about creativity and individuality… in and out of the water.   Thom has always had a clear belief in the importance of culture, following his gut, surrounding himself with great people, mentors and mentoring; while staying committed to surfing every day… still to this day. He championed, and employed athletes, artists, and creatives who embodied originality over conformity, pursued working and playing hard, while helping elevate Volcom and many, many other brands, on the global stage.   For much of the outside world, Thom McElroy may not be a well known name; but if you are in the inner circle of the action sports industries, you absolutely know, or know of Thom.   Today Thom is a prolific mentor, board of director member, community member, prone paddler, family man and a full on surf turkey. It’s an amazing story of working your tail off, loving what you do, and making an impact on those around you… and on some of the biggest brands in the world.   0:00 – “Introducing Thom McElroy & Episode Overview” 2:25 – Thom’s Background & Early Journey 7:10 – Key Turning Points in His Career 12:05 – Challenges Faced & Lessons Learned 17:20 – Building Experience & Developing Skills 22:40 – Mindset, Discipline & Consistency 28:05 – Navigating Pressure & Decision-Making 33:30 – What Separates High Performers 38:55 – Personal Growth & Long-Term Perspective 44:20 – Advice for Those Starting Out 49:45 – What’s Next & Future Vision 55:10 – Final Thoughts & Takeaways

DJ Wilson is awesome and is a highly recognized presence, and a standout name, in the world of prone paddleboard racing. She is one of the sport’s most consistent and respected competitors and contributors. Known for her relentless work ethic and fun, fast and focused presence on the water, DJ has built a reputation as both a fierce racer and an inspirational ambassador for the sport; and a major driver of women’s involvement in the Catalina Classic. Over the years, she’s competed at the highest level, taking on some of the toughest ocean conditions and deepest fields in endurance paddling. Whether it’s grueling long-distance channel crossings like Catalina or Molokai, or competing as part of the ISA World Games, DJ brings a blend of strength, strategy, and passion that sets her apart. Beyond results and her endless energy, she’s admired for her sportsmanship, inclusion and being super fun… and she brings all of this to the paddling community. Off the water, DJ is equally committed to sharing her knowledge and helping others as a long time physical therapist specializing in kids, helping others find or refine their prone paddling with her business Oceans Prone or via a breakfast and some coaching at Oceans Cafe and Grill. DJ never stops. DJ remains passionate in helping to grow the next generation of paddlers while she continues to train and race; with big goals still in front of her. Quite an inspiration; and we talk about it all. 0:00 – “Episode Overview & Opening Context” 2:30 – What Prompted This Conversation 6:20 – Breaking Down the Core Topic 10:45 – Common Misconceptions & Mistakes 15:35 – Personal Experience & Real-Life Insight 20:40 – Practical Strategies That Work 25:55 – Challenges, Adjustments & Expectations 31:10 – Consistency, Habits & Long-Term Success 36:25 – Mindset Shifts That Change Everything 41:50 – Lessons Learned Along the Way 47:05 – Who This Advice Is Best For 52:20 – Final Takeaways & Closing Thoughts

Joe Nance & KrakenX.ai. At only 19 years old, Joe Nance is bringing artificial intelligence to the lifeguard services with the goal of making the ocean safer by giving lifeguards an additional, powerful, tool to add to their arsenal. Joe started lifeguarding at 16 and he is passionate about it and yet… he, like many tech creators before him, wondered “what if?” While he originally created KrakenX.ai as a concept that he thought his department, in Laguna Beach, California, would think was “cool” little did he know the path this concept would take him on. Not only has Laguna adopted his platform, Joe is now engaged with not only other lifeguard and first responder agencies, but other business use cases altogether. The potential is truly limitless. This is a story of a vision, passion, determination and entrepreneurship with the very real potential to make life-saving impacts in lifeguarding and other first responder applications… and way beyond. It also showcases what’s possible when someone has the vision… and the grit to pursue a dream. 0:00 – “Introducing Joe Nance & His Background” 6:35 – Early Influences & How the Journey Started 13:10 – Key Turning Points in His Career 20:05 – Lessons Learned From Early Challenges 27:30 – Developing Skills, Discipline & Consistency 34:15 – Navigating Setbacks & Tough Moments 41:05 – What Separates the Best From the Rest 48:00 – Mindset, Preparation & Daily Habits 55:20 – Advice for the Next Generation 1:02:10 – Balancing Work, Life & Long-Term Goals 1:09:15 – Looking Ahead & Future Plans 1:15:30 – Final Reflections & Closing Thoughts

Scott Muir is one of the most inspirational and positive people that I’ve been honored to meet. His story is both incredible and so so scary; and through it all he is one of the most upbeat, engaging, and happy people I've met. I got way more out of this interview than Scott has any idea. He thoroughly impacted me and I have very much taken his messages to heart. Scott is a proud husband and parent, a passionate lifelong surfer, an Air Force Academy graduate and D1 soccer player, an Air Force veteran, pilot, is someone that likes to do hard things; and speaks in compelling and inspirational sound bites. He’s truly an embodiment of all the books and podcasts on high performers that I consume. In September 2025, Scott completed a giant goal he had set for himself; paddling the 30 mile prone paddle fundraising event in honor of fallen lifeguard Ben Carlson; the Ben Did Go 10.0. And he crushed it. Two weeks later Scott was surfing with a good friend in solid surf. Because of a split second choice and a smile, they made friends with two young guns out surfing the same spot. That connection saved Scott’s life. Scott tells the story of breaking his neck, being rescued and the recovery journey he is on. This interview is full of chicken skin moments, inspirational storytelling, and an incredible way to look at life. We should all strive to live like Scott.

Leanne Stanley is a highly respected, Canadian outrigger canoe paddler, coach, and ocean athlete whose impact spans decades in the paddling community. Known for her grit, discipline, and deep love for the water, Leanne has competed at the highest levels of racing, across numerous paddle craft, earning a reputation as both a fierce competitor and someone that can push through significant obstacles. Living, and racing, with Type 1 Diabetes is no small feat and it took many years for Leanne to get a proper diagnosis; which ultimately changed her world… for the better. However, as result of a major car crash, she now navigates living with a traumatic brain injury as well. But she doesn’t let these conditions keep her from her passions of paddling at the highest levels and coaching others. Leanne is highly recognized for her work as a teacher, coach and mentor. She has guided paddlers of all ages and abilities, from beginners to elite athletes chasing podiums; helping them build strength, resilience, and confidence both physically and mentally. Her coaching philosophy blends technical expertise with an emphasis on mindset, camaraderie, tenacity, and fun. Leanne’s connection to paddling runs deeper than competition alone. She is a passionate advocate for the paddling community and lifelong athleticism. Whether she’s leading a training session, coaching from the beach, or lining up at the start line, Leanne brings authenticity, experience, and courage to everything she does. Leanne continues to inspire paddlers of all ages by showing what’s possible through commitment, grit, and the determination to keep going… no matter what obstacles you have in front of you.