Advertise on podcast: Rad Season Action Sports Podcast

João Macedo is a Portuguese big wave surfing pioneer and the Founder of Hope Zones Foundation.  João reflects on growing up in Portugal's first generation of competitive surfers, learning invaluable lessons in Hawaii and witnessing the evolution of big wave surfing long before Nazaré became a global phenomenon. He also shares stories of working alongside surfing legends, coaching the next generation of Portuguese surfers and the mindset required to push through fear in extreme conditions.  Today, João has channelled that same passion into Hope Zones, a non-profit dedicated to ocean regeneration through innovative seaweed farming and community-led conservation. We dive into why protecting our oceans requires working with local communities, how surfers can become environmental leaders, and why the next great adventure isn't riding bigger waves, it's helping restore the seas for future generations. You can follow what João is up to on Instagram @officialjoaomacedo and be sure to check out Hope Zones to get involved.  Like what you hear?  Please consider subscribing on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and leave a short review. It takes less than 60 seconds, and it really makes a difference.   Past guests on The Rad Season Show include Chris Berkard, Stacy Peralta, Chad Nelsen, Gerry Lopez, Tiago Pires and loads more. Contact Oli Russell-Cowan On Instagram olirussellcowanOn LinkedIn at olirussellcowanThanks for listening & keep it rad!

Simon Forster is the founder of Robot Food, a leading branding and design agency.  Join us as we explore Simon's journey from a snowboard-inspired creative to building an internationally renowned agency behind some of the world's biggest food, drink and lifestyle brands. We discuss creativity, brand strategy, entrepreneurship and what it takes to build brands that people genuinely care about.  We go behind the scenes at Robot Food, talking about the future of branding, company culture, the power of great design and the lessons Simon learnt working with global brands while staying true to a creative vision. You can follow what Simon is up to on Robot Food's Instagram @robotfoodcreative and be sure to check out the site robot-food.com Like what you hear?  Please consider subscribing on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and leave a short review. It takes less than 60 seconds, and it really makes a difference.   Past guests on The Rad Season Show include Chris Berkard, Stacy Peralta, Todd Richards, Gerry Lopez, Xavier De Le Rue and loads more. Contact Oli Russell-Cowan On Instagram olirussellcowanOn LinkedIn at olirussellcowanThanks for listening & keep it rad!

London Almida is a pro surfer and founder of Chasing Portugal.  Join us as we explore the journey of London Almida a professional surfer from Hawaii to Portugal, discussing big wave surfing in Nazaré, content creation and the evolving surf industry. Discover insider insights on surfing spots, big wave safety and making a career out of free surfing. We go behind the scenes on Chasing Portugal and his travels across Europe’s wildest coastlines, what he loves about living here and what makes Portugal special. You can follow what London is up to on Instagram @londonalmida and be sure to check out @chasing_portugal for more epic adventures and videos on chasingportugal.com Like what you hear?  Please consider subscribing on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and leave a short review. It takes less than 60 seconds, and it really makes a difference.   Past guests on The Rad Season Show include Chris Berkard, Stacy Peralta, Chad Nelsen, Gerry Lopez, Tiago Pires and loads more. Contact Oli Russell-Cowan On Instagram olirussellcowanOn LinkedIn at olirussellcowanThanks for listening & keep it rad!

Alex Sasha Unwin is the Founder of Moana Surf School in Cascais, Portugal.  Alex shares his unique journey from growing up in Papua New Guinea to becoming a passionate surfer and owner of Moana Surf School in Portugal. He discusses his early experiences with the ocean, the thrill of big wave surfing and the importance of balancing family life with his love for adventure.  Alex reflects on the adrenaline rush associated with action sports and how it connects to overcoming fear. He also shares memorable stories from his travels, including snowboarding adventures and the joy of teaching others to surf. You can follow what Alex is up to on Instagram @moanasurfschool and be sure to check out the surf school website moanasurfschool.com Like what you hear?  Please consider subscribing on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and leave a short review. It takes less than 60 seconds, and it really makes a difference.   Past guests on The Rad Season Show include Chris Berkard, Stacy Peralta, Chad Nelsen, Gerry Lopez, Tiago Pires and loads more. Contact Oli Russell-Cowan On Instagram olirussellcowanOn LinkedIn at olirussellcowanThanks for listening & keep it rad!

Chris Friend is the Co-Founder & CEO of Liveheats a tech platform that enables action sports communities to experience better competitions. Chris Friend shares his journey from competitive surfing to creating a technology platform that revolutionizes grassroots action sports events. He discusses the challenges faced in developing technology for sports, the impact of COVID-19 on the business, and the future aspirations for LiveHeats, including innovations in data analytics and streaming solutions. Chris emphasizes the importance of staying connected to the action sports community and the need for tailored solutions in competition management. Topics Covered:  From competitive surfing to technologyLiveHeats born out of a need for better competition managementThe platform aims to modernize grassroots action sports eventsCOVID-19 forced LiveHeats to innovate with virtual competitionsInvestment allowed LiveHeats to expand its offeringsFocus remains on action sports communities and their needsData analytics will enhance athlete performance trackingPlatform is adaptable to various action sports formatsThe importance of community engagementYou can follow what Chris Friend is up to on LinkedIn Connect with Liveheats: Website: Liveheats  Instagram: live_heats Like what you hear?  Please consider subscribing on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and leave a short review. It takes less than 60 seconds, and it really makes a difference. The Group Y Live Podcast come out across all podcast players with a new episode every two weeks on Thursday.  Past guests on The Rad Season Show include Kevin Lyman, Adam Wilson, Nick Tran, Stacy Peralta, Monica Medellin, Wim Hof, Mike Cessario, Iain Cairns, Circe Wallace, Selema Masekela Gerry Lopez and more. Contact Oli Russell-Cowan On Instagram olirussellcowanOn LinkedIn at olirussellcowanThanks for listening & keep it rad!

Mike Ciprari is the Co-Founder of SJC Custom Drums and Founder of Loyal to the Craft: Helping Creatives Fuse Passion with Purpose.  Mike Ciprari shares his journey from from a passionate young drummer to a successful entrepreneur. He discusses the evolution of his business, the challenges of balancing touring and entrepreneurship, and his commitment to giving back to the music community. Mike reflects on the importance of relationships in the music industry and how they have shaped his career and the growth of SJC Drums. We go into why he started Loyal to the Craft and what he has coming up.  Topics Covered:  Drumming at a young age.SJC Custom Drums started as a hobby and evolved into a businessBuilding relationships in the music industry was crucial for SJC's growth.From a small operation to a larger business involved hiring employees.Being a drum tech for major bands shaped his understanding of the industry.Shifting priorities towards family and business led Mike to focus on SJC.The importance of community engagement.Loyal to the Craft aims to empower youth through music and drumming.Brand collaborations enhance the reach and impact of Loyal to the Craft.You can follow what Mike Ciprari is up to on LinkedIn Connect with Mike: Website: loyaltothecraft.com Email: [email protected] Social Media: loyaltothecraft Like what you hear?  Please consider subscribing on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and leave a short review. It takes less than 60 seconds, and it really makes a difference. The Group Y Live Podcast come out across all podcast players with a new episode every two weeks on Thursday.  Past guests on The Rad Season Show include Kevin Lyman, Adam Wilson, Nick Tran, Stacy Peralta, Monica Medellin, Wim Hof, Mike Cessario, Circe Wallace, Selema Masekela Gerry Lopez and more. Contact Oli Russell-Cowan On Instagram olirussellcowanOn LinkedIn at olirussellcowanThanks for listening & keep it rad!

Adam Wilson is the CO-Founder, Head of Strategy and Creative at D/CAL Adam Wilson shares his journey from the advertising world to founding his own agency, D/CAL. He emphasizes the importance of understanding subcultures over demographics in modern marketing, the evolution of digital marketing, and how his diverse team drives innovation. Adam discusses the challenges and rewards of building an agency that focuses on real-time audience insights and the creator economy, while also providing valuable advice for aspiring agency founders. Topics Covered:  Understanding subcultures is crucial for effective marketingThe digital landscape transformationDiversity in agency teams fosters innovation and creativityReal-time audience insights vs traditional demographicsThe agency's success relies on understanding client needs and challenges.Working with Co-Founder Tony HawkAuthenticity in marketing leads to more resonant brand narrativesYou can follow what Adam Wilson is up to on LinkedIn Connect with Adam: Website: dcalagency.com Email: [email protected] Social Media: @dcalagency Like what you hear?  Please consider subscribing on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and leave a short review. It takes less than 60 seconds, and it really makes a difference. The Group Y Live Podcast come out across all podcast players with a new episode every two weeks on Thursday.  Past guests on The Rad Season Show include Courtney Carter, Stacy Peralta, Monica Medellin, Wim Hof, Mike Cessario, Circe Wallace, Selema Masekela Gerry Lopez and more. Contact Oli Russell-Cowan On Instagram olirussellcowanOn LinkedIn at olirussellcowanThanks for listening & keep it rad!

Amy Stanton is the Founder & CEO of Stanton & Company Amy Stanton shares her remarkable journey from engineering to marketing, detailing her experiences in advertising, the Olympic bid for New York, and her passion for building a business focused on women's sports. She discusses the challenges of running a business, the cultural shifts in the workplace, and the importance of authenticity and representation in sports. Amy emphasizes the need for positive female role models and the evolution of workplace culture, highlighting her commitment to creating a supportive environment for her team and clients. Topics Covered:  Amy's journey from engineering to marketingThe  New York Olympic bid experienceWorking  with Martha StewartEmpowering female athletes and building a business in women's sportsThe importance of brand building and representation in sportsChallenges of running a business and fostering open communicationYou can follow what Amy Stanton is up to on LinkedIn Connect with Amy: Website: stanton-company.com Email: [email protected] Social Media: @StantonCompany Like what you hear?  Please consider subscribing on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and leave a short review. It takes less than 60 seconds, and it really makes a difference. The Group Y Live Podcast come out across all podcast players with a new episode every two weeks on Thursday.  Past guests on The Rad Season Show include Courtney Carter, Stacy Peralta, Monica Medellin, Wim Hof, Mike Cessario, Circe Wallace, Selema Masekela Gerry Lopez and more. Contact Oli Russell-Cowan On Instagram olirussellcowanOn LinkedIn at olirussellcowanThanks for listening & keep it rad!

Courtney Carter is the Seattle Sounders FC & Reign FC Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) In this episode, Courtney shares her journey from being a high-level soccer player to a key player in sports marketing and talent representation. She discusses her experiences at Major League Soccer, ESPN, and CAA, emphasizing the importance of diversifying across traditional and new media platforms. Courtney also highlights the evolution of soccer in America, the rise of social media and the creator economy, and her innovative projects at Seattle Sounders and Rain. Key topics covered in this episode: Courtney's transition from playing soccer to sports marketing.Starting at Major League Soccer before moving to ESPN.Evolution of commercialisation of soccer in the U.S.Social media transforming the way talent is represented.Being an early adopter of the creator economy.Launching Carter Media Group, to represent innovative talent.Reclaiming identity is crucial in the entertainment industry.Seattle Sounders and Rain focusing on community-driven storytelling.The importance of authentic partnerships in sports marketing.You can follow what Courtney Carter is up to on LinkedIn Like what you hear?  Please consider subscribing on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and leave a short review. It takes less than 60 seconds, and it really makes a difference. The Group Y Live Podcast come out across all podcast players with a new episode every two weeks on Thursday.  Past guests on The Rad Season Show include Truls Brataas, Stacy Peralta, Wim Hof, Mike Cessario, Nick Tran, Gerry Lopez and more. Contact Oli Russell-Cowan On Instagram olirussellcowanOn LinkedIn at olirussellcowanThanks for listening & keep it rad!

Brian Garofalow Chief Executive Officer at Skullcandy On this episode of Group Y Live, join host Oli Russell-Cowan as he sits down with Brian Garofalow, the CEO of Skullcandy and a legend in the action sports industry. In this episode, Brian shares his incredible journey from the early days of the action sports scene to leading a prominent audio brand. He discusses the challenges of reviving Skullcandy, the importance of understanding their core audience, and the need for adaptation in a rapidly changing market. Discover how Skullcandy is engaging with communities through sponsorships, events, and collaborations, and learn about their innovative internal processes and strategic focus. Brian also reveals an exciting new product launch and partnership with Bose that aims to bring premium audio to the masses at an accessible price point. Key topics covered in this episode: Brian's background in the action sports industryThe evolution of Skullcandy and its brand strategyEngaging with core audiences: active consumers, content creators, gamersThe significance of community engagement and eventsInsights into product innovation and market adaptationSneak peek at the Method 360 ANC headphones & the partnership with BoseYou can follow what Brian Garofalow is up to on LinkedIn Like what you hear?  Please consider subscribing on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and leave a short review. It takes less than 60 seconds, and it really makes a difference. The Group Y Live Podcast come out across all podcast players with a new episode every two weeks on Thursday.  Past guests on The Rad Season Show include Truls Brataas, Stacy Peralta, Wim Hof, Mike Cessario, Nick Tran, Gerry Lopez and more. Contact Oli Russell-Cowan On Instagram olirussellcowanOn LinkedIn at olirussellcowanThanks for listening & keep it rad!

Monica Medellin is a Film Director, Executive Producer & Unscripted TV Creator Monica Medellin is a filmmaker dedicated to expanding narratives around women and people of color in sports through media, including ahead-of-the-trend film, tv and branded content. Monica is the creator and executive producer of Surf Girls on Prime Video, in partnership with Reese Witherspoon's Hello Sunshine. Her work has been featured by the Emmys, Forbes, and Elle Magazine, among others.  In this episode, she shares journey from growing up in Los Angeles, where she developed a passion for surfing and filmmaking, to her career in the action sports industry. She discusses her early experiences with video editing, her education in journalism, and how she transitioned into documentary filmmaking. Monica highlights the importance of representation in sports, particularly for women and reflects on her time at the World Surf League, where she advocated for equal visibility of female surfers. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced during the pandemic and the significance of building networks in the industry.  Monica shares her creative process on the documentary series 'Surf Girls,' which highlights young female surfers in Hawaii. She discusses the challenges of transitioning from small-scale productions to larger teams, the pressures of being a young executive producer and her experiences working with major companies like Red Bull and Reese Witherspoon's Hello Sunshine.  Monica discusses:  Her journey beginning with a passion for surfing and filmmaking.The importance of representation in sports.Navigating the film industry, challenges & imposter syndrome.Building a career in action sports requires dedication and creativity.Working with brands like Red Bull and Nike opened new opportunities.Role at the World Surf League changed narratives around women in surfing.The pandemic forced her to adapt and find new ways to create content.The 'Surf Girls' documentary series highlights young female surfers.Goal to continue telling impactful stories about women in sports.You can follow what Monica Medellin is up to on LinkedIn and Instagram Like what you hear?  Please consider subscribing on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and leave a short review. It takes less than 60 seconds, and it really makes a difference. The Group Y Live Podcast come out across all podcast players with a new episode every two weeks on Thursday.  Past guests on The Rad Season Show include Stacy Peralta, Wim Hof, Mike Cessario, Circe Wallace, Selema Masekela Gerry Lopez and more. Contact Oli Russell-Cowan On Instagram olirussellcowanOn LinkedIn at olirussellcowanThanks for listening & keep it rad!

Jonathan Weaver is the Chief Marketing Officer at Db Journey  Jonathan Weaver is a Global Marketing Leader with roles across Nike SB, Womens & Football, Burton Snowboards and currently at Db having been part of the team to drive the LVMH LLV minority investment. From the UK, living in Portugal with his wife Mareike, and two kids, Lenny and Lilly after living in Portland, USA, Austria, France and the UK. In this episode, he shares his journey through the action sports industry, his early experiences snowboarding, his transition into the corporate world with brands like Burton and Nike and his current role as CMO of DB. He discusses the cultural shifts he encountered, the importance of community in sports, and the strategic growth of DB in the travel gear market. Jonathan discusses:  Growing up snowboarding on the dry slopes in the UK.Transitioning into the action sports industry through resourcefulness.Burton provided valuable insights into marketing and brand management.Nike's level of resources and opportunities in sports marketing.Cultural shifts in corporate environments can be challenging but rewarding.CrossFit's similarities with action sports in terms of community and lifestyle.Navigating women's sportswear requires understanding market dynamics. COVID-19 prompted significant career decisions and relocations.DB's growth strategy focuses on leveraging its action sports roots.Planning for the future is essential for career development.You can follow what Jonathan Weaver is up to on LinkedIn Like what you hear?  Please consider subscribing on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and leave a short review. It takes less than 60 seconds, and it really makes a difference. The Group Y Live Podcast come out across all podcast players with a new episode every two weeks on Thursday.  Past guests on The Rad Season Show include Truls Brataas, Stacy Peralta, Wim Hof, Mike Cessario, Tod Richards, Gerry Lopez and more. Contact Oli Russell-Cowan On Instagram olirussellcowanOn LinkedIn at olirussellcowanThanks for listening & keep it rad!

Dustin Hinz is the Chief Marketing Officer at Firestone Walker Brewing Co Dustin Hinz has spent his career at the intersection of storytelling, culture, and commerce. From his early days at Guitar Center to shaping music culture with many of the world’s most influential artists, to stewarding iconic guitar and string maker Ernie Ball Music Man,  and now leading marketing at Firestone Walker Brewing Co., he’s navigated the evolving landscape of music, culture, and beer. In this episode, he shares lessons learned along the way—how creativity, curiosity, and a few unexpected turns shaped his approach to marketing and brand building. Dustin discusses:  Dustin's journey from musician to marketer.Evolution of content creation transforming marketing strategies.Building a lifestyle brand requires connecting to your target audience. Sponsorships focus on long-term partnerships rather than one-off deals.Effective storytelling is crucial for creating memorable brand experiences.Internal teams play a vital role in maintaining brand integrity and vision.Beer industry presents unique challenges compared to the music industry.Investing in brand legacy is essential for long-term success.Authenticity in marketing fosters stronger consumer connections.You can follow what Dustin Hinz is up to on LinkedIn. Like what you hear?  Please consider subscribing on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and leave a short review. It takes less than 60 seconds, and it really makes a difference. The Group Y Live Podcast come out across all podcast players with a new episode every two weeks on Thursday.  Past guests on The Rad Season Show include Stacy Peralta, Wim Hof, Mike Cessario, Gerry Lopez and more. Contact Oli Russell-Cowan On Instagram olirussellcowanOn LinkedIn at olirussellcowanThanks for listening & keep it rad!

Nik Strong-Cvetich is the CEO at Save The Waves Coalition and Commissioner, Parks and Recreation Commission at City of Santa Cruz.  Nik Strong-Cvetich shares his journey from Washington to Santa Cruz, his passion for surf conservation, and the evolution of the Save the Waves Coalition. He highlights the importance of community collaboration in protecting surf ecosystems and shares innovative approaches like surf break insurance. The conversation also touches on future projects and how individuals can get involved in conservation efforts. Nik discusses:  Save the Waves Coalition, focusing on surf ecosystem conservation.Save the Waves growth from a 2-person team to 15, impacting surf ecosystems in 15 countries.Surfing deeply connected to local economies and conservation efforts.Community collaboration is essential for successful conservation projects.Innovative solutions like surf break insurance being developed to protect surf economies.The World Surfing Reserve program recognising and protects outstanding surf breaks.Nick's personal journey in conservation began with his childhood experiences in Washington state.The importance of storytelling and social media in raising awareness for conservation efforts.Future projects: Expanding conservation efforts in Mexico & the Azores, Portugal. Individuals can get involved through donations, the Save the Waves app, and local campaigns.You can follow what Nik Strong-Cvetich is up to on LinkedIn. Like what you hear?  Please consider subscribing on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and leave a short review. It takes less than 60 seconds, and it really makes a difference. The Group Y Live Podcast come out across all podcast players with a new episode every two weeks on Thursday.  Past guests on The Rad Season Show include Stacy Peralta, Wim Hof, Chad Nelsen, Hugo Tagholm, Gerry Lopez and more. Contact Oli Russell-Cowan On Instagram olirussellcowanOn LinkedIn at olirussellcowanThanks for listening & keep it rad!

Florian Klaass is the Founder & Managing Director K&CO and ex Head of Global Music, Entertainment & Culture Marketing at Red Bull.  Florian Klaass shares his journey from a punk rock musician to a senior marketing strategist at Red Bull, where he spent 15 years shaping the brand's cultural and entertainment marketing. He discusses his early influences in action sports, the innovative projects he led at Red Bull and the challenges he faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Including a public controversy that led to his departure from the company. Florian reflects on the lessons learned from his experiences and his transition to running his own consultancy, where he focuses on leadership coaching and brand strategy. Florian discusses:  Background in punk rock shaped his creative approach to marketing.His early career involved merging music with action sports.Red Bull provided a unique environment for innovation in marketing.The Red Bull Music Academy a project that fostered creativity.COVID-19 creating a pressure cooker environment for brands to take a stance.Facing public scrutiny during a controversy at Red Bull.Learning to not take the media backlash personally.The transition to consultancy allowed him to explore new opportunities.Building a strong network is crucial for future success.Success requires resilience and hard work, especially in creative fields.You can follow what Florian Klaass is up to on LinkedIn. Like what you hear?  Please consider subscribing on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and leave a short review. It takes less than 60 seconds, and it really makes a difference. The Group Y Live Podcast come out across all podcast players with a new episode every two weeks on Thursday.  Past guests on The Rad Season Show include Stacy Peralta, Wim Hof, Mike Cessario, Gerry Lopez and more. Contact Oli Russell-Cowan On Instagram olirussellcowanOn LinkedIn at olirussellcowanThanks for listening & keep it rad!