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Are surf movies dead? Did YouTube, viral surf clips, and social media kill the golden age of surf filmmaking? Professional surfer Sterling Spencer and Cousin Ryan dive into the history of surf movies, surf culture, and the videos that changed professional surfing forever on this special Halloween episode of the Pinch My Salt Podcast. We're bringing back a never-before-released interview with legendary surf filmmaker Dave Malcolm, the man behind Surf Madness and the infamous Jeremy Flores viral video. Dave and Sterling reveal the untold story of how their Jeremy Flores parody went viral, sparked controversy in the professional surfing world, and led to a wild confrontation at the Surfer Poll Awards. From Taj Burrow surfing in Crocs and the early days of Billabong surf films to Kelly Slater, the World Surf League (WSL), classic surf DVDs, and the rise of free surfing content online, we look back at how the internet completely changed the surfing industry. Did surf filmmakers accidentally destroy the very industry they helped build? This week, we're also celebrating FOUR YEARS of the Pinch My Salt Podcast! Sterling and Ryan throw on their Halloween costumes, revisit the legendary 1987 surf movie North Shore, discuss Kelly Slater's ongoing refusal to acknowledge the podcast, and reveal a lost interview from the early days of the show. IN THIS EPISODE: 🏄 The Death of Surf Movies — How free online surf videos, YouTube, and the early internet changed the surf film industry forever. 🔥 The Jeremy Flores Controversy — Sterling Spencer and Dave Malcolm explain the viral video, Jeremy's reaction, and what happened when they finally met face-to-face. 🎥 Dave Malcolm's Surf Filmmaking Stories — Behind the scenes of Surf Madness, Still Filthy, Billabong, and the legendary surf trips that helped shape an era. 🐊 Taj Burrow Surfing in Crocs — The ridiculous story behind one of Surf Madness's most memorable moments. 🌊 Kelly Slater and Pro Surfing — Why won't Kelly come on the podcast? Plus stories from the world of professional surfing. 🎃 North Shore and Halloween — Celebrating the greatest surf movie costumes and the unforgettable character Lance Burkhart. 📼 The Original Pinch My Salt — How Sterling's underground surf comedy website began in the early 2000s and eventually became a podcast. 🧠 Surfing and Mental Health — Dave discusses working with Sterling on a documentary about brain injuries and mental health in professional surfing. ❤️ Four Years of Pinch My Salt — From underground surf videos and surf industry satire to four years of surf podcast madness. Whether you grew up watching classic surf movies, followed the Kelly Slater and Andy Irons era, remember the early days of surfing on YouTube, or just love funny surfing stories and unfiltered surf culture, this episode is for you. Thanks to every Pincher who's supported us along the way. Four years of the podcast and more than two decades of Pinch My Salt history. We couldn't do it without you. QUESTION FOR THE COMMENTS: What's the greatest surf movie ever made, and do you think surf movies will ever make a comeback? Subscribe for weekly surf talk, professional surfing stories, surf industry news, legendary guests, and completely unnecessary conversations with Sterling Spencer and Cousin Ryan. #Surfing #SurfMovies #KellySlater #PinchMySalt #SurfPodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Professional surfing is facing serious questions after sexual assault allegations involving World Surf League (WSL) surfer Alan Cleland Jr. In this episode of the Pinch My Salt Podcast, pro surfer Sterling Spencer and Cousin Ryan discuss the allegations, Alan Cleland Jr.'s reported suspension, surf industry accountability, the culture surrounding professional surfing, and the responsibility of major surf brands, sponsors, photographers, and the WSL to protect young surfers. Could this become a turning point for professional surfing? From the World Surf League and Championship Tour to the North Shore of Hawaii, surf sponsorships, and the darker side of surf culture, we're talking about issues that reach far beyond competitive surfing. But that's not all. Sterling and Ryan also recap surviving a devastating Florida hurricane, scoring incredible hurricane surf in the Gulf of Mexico, and the chaos of life without electricity. Plus, Pinch My Clips returns with Kelly Slater's forgotten surfing era, Mick Fanning's acting skills, Mason Ho, Dane Reynolds, John John Florence, wave pools, surfboard design, and the never-ending debate over what makes someone a REAL surfer. It's surf news, surf culture, pro surfing stories, ridiculous commentary, and serious conversations you won't hear anywhere else. 🌊 IN THIS EPISODE: 🏄 The Alan Cleland Jr. Allegations — A serious conversation about allegations involving the professional surfer, the WSL's response, accountability in surfing, and protecting young athletes. 🌪️ Surviving the Florida Hurricane — Sterling and Ryan share their wild experiences during the storm, the destruction around Pensacola and Gulf Breeze, and the incredible hurricane swell that followed. 🎥 Pinch My Clips — Viral surfing clips, unbelievable airs, Mick Fanning, Mason Ho, Kelly Slater, bodyboarding, skimboarding, and the weirdest corners of the internet. 🏆 Is the WSL Challenger Series Broken? — Why are young professional surfers spending so much money traveling the world to compete? 🌊 Kelly Slater's Forgotten Era — Revisiting one of the strangest chapters in the 11-time world champion's surfing career. 👟 Are Surfers Becoming Posers? — Dane Reynolds, Vans skate shoes, surf fashion, and why Sterling thinks surf culture has lost some of its identity. 🏄‍♂️ The Perfect Surfboard Quiver — Twin fins, fish surfboards, mid-lengths, thrusters, and giant 12-foot gliders. What boards does a real surfer actually need? 🤙 Remembering Larry Bertlemann — Celebrating a Hawaiian surfing legend and the classic surfing style that influenced generations. 🌊 Wave Pools vs. Real Surfing — Has progressive surfing become more like skateboarding than riding waves? 👇 JOIN THE CONVERSATION What's your take on the current state of professional surfing? What needs to change to make the surf industry safer for the next generation? Leave a comment, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who loves surfing. You know da rulez. #PinchMySalt #Surfing #SurfPodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Surfing legend Benji Weatherley joins Sterling Spencer and Cousin Ryan on the Pinch My Salt Podcast for one of our wildest episodes yet. From Kelly Slater and the Momentum Generation to Blink-182, Tom Curren, Shane Dorian, and the legendary lost surf movie Pickled, Benji tells unbelievable stories from the golden era of professional surfing.Known for his unforgettable appearances in Taylor Steele surf films, his friendship with Kelly Slater, inspiring Blink-182's hit song "Mutt," and his role in surf culture classics like Drive Thru, Benji Weatherley helped shape the personality of 1990s and early 2000s surfing.In this hilarious and completely unfiltered surf podcast, Benji talks about Kelly Slater stealing girlfriends, the rise of the Momentum Generation, the hidden story behind Billabong's Pickled surf movie, his wild surf trips with Tom Curren, and why the WSL dropped him from a Drive Thru project.We also dive into professional surfing, the surf industry, surf sponsorships, Jack Johnson, Donovan Frankenreiter, Kalani Robb, Joel Parkinson, and what life was really like behind the scenes during surfing's most iconic era.THIS WEEK ON PINCH MY SALT:🏄 Kelly Slater Stories — Benji talks about growing up around Kelly Slater, their friendship, rivalries, and the hilarious stories that never made it into the surf magazines.🎬 The Lost Surf Film PICKLED — What really happened to Benji Weatherley's legendary Billabong surf movie? Benji reveals the outrageous St. Barts trips, Tom Curren stories, the massive budget, and why the film nearly disappeared.🎸 Blink-182 and "Mutt" — Benji explains his famous nickname, his connection to Blink-182, and how he became part of punk rock and surf culture history.🌊 The Momentum Generation — Growing up alongside Kelly Slater, Shane Dorian, Rob Machado, and the surfers who transformed professional surfing forever.🍻 Life as a Sponsored Pro Surfer — From Billabong and Bud Light to endless East Coast surf tours, Benji reveals what being a professional freesurfer was really like.🚫 Benji vs. the WSL — Benji shares his side of the story about getting removed from a Drive Thru project after a controversial Zoom meeting.😂 The Funniest Guy in Surfing? — Benji goes completely off the rails, roasts the hosts, and proves why he's one of surfing's most unforgettable personalities.If you grew up watching Taylor Steele movies, following the Momentum Generation, listening to Blink-182, reading SURFER Magazine, or watching Drive Thru, this episode is for you.Pinch My Salt is a comedy surf podcast hosted by professional surfer Sterling Spencer and Cousin Ryan. We talk surfing, surf culture, professional surfers, surf industry drama, nostalgia, music, and everything ridiculous about life.SUBSCRIBE for new episodes, legendary surfing guests, behind-the-scenes surf stories, and completely unnecessary conversations.Drop a comment: What's your favorite Benji Weatherley moment, and have you ever seen the lost surf movie Pickled?#BenjiWeatherley #KellySlater #PinchMySalt #Surfing #SurfPodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Did Surfline, surf cams and modern surf forecasting ruin surfing? Sterling Spencer and Cousin Ryan break down what’s changed about surf culture, why Surfline cameras may have killed part of the mystery of finding waves, the loss of old-school surf knowledge, soft top surfers, crowded lineups, Magicseaweed, local surf culture, surf forecasting, waterman skills and the difference between people who surf and people who actually live surfing. This episode of Pinch My Salt goes deep into modern surfing vs old-school surf culture — plus Kelly Slater, John John Florence, Dane Reynolds, Joel Parkinson, Herbie Fletcher, Mason Ho, Pipeline, Backdoor, J-Bay, Tavarua Fiji, Lowers, twin fins, foil surfing, surf contests, surf clips, surf style and some of the most legendary eras in professional surfing. Sterling explains how surfers used to learn weather patterns, wind direction, swell, tides and even the smell and sound of the ocean instead of opening a surf cam and waiting for Surfline to turn green. Has instant access to surf reports made surfing better — or created an entire generation of “cam surfers”? We also get into vintage Kelly Slater vs John John Florence, Joel Parkinson’s legendary style, Herbie Fletcher, old-school surf videos, twin fins after retirement, Dane Reynolds, foil boards, soft tops, surf influencers, crowded lineups and whether anything in surfing can still feel secret. And because it’s Pinch My Salt, somehow we also end up talking about Lana Del Rey, IQ tests, neurofeedback, narcissism, getting older, marriage, golf vs surfing, disc golf, Aaron Rodgers, happiness, helping other people and whether surfers eventually become golfers. If you love surfing podcasts, surf history, professional surfing, surf culture, funny podcasts, surf commentary, Kelly Slater, John John Florence, Dane Reynolds, Pipeline, Hawaii surfing, surfboard design, surf forecasting, surf clips or arguments about what’s wrong with modern surfing — welcome to Pinch My Salt. COMMENT BELOW: If you could delete ONE thing from modern surfing, what would it be? Surf cams? Soft tops? Foil boards? Surf influencers? Surf contests in bad waves? Or the guy who says, “It was better yesterday”? Subscribe to Pinch My Salt with Sterling Spencer and Cousin Ryan for weekly surfing, comedy, surf news, pro surfing stories, surf history and completely unnecessary arguments about the greatest sport in the world. #Surfing #SurfPodcast #PinchMySalt #KellySlater #JohnJohnFlorence #DaneReynolds #Surfline #SurfCulture #ProSurfing #SurfPodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dane Reynolds is on the hot seat as Sterling Spencer and Cousin Ryan break down Dane Reynolds, Kelly Slater, Jack Johnson, the modern surf industry, WSL surf culture, pro surfing, surf history, Shakas, sandals, flip-flops, and what happened to the culture of surfing. Is Dane Reynolds responsible for changing what was “cool” in surfing? Did the surf industry abandon its Hawaiian roots? And is Kelly Slater officially surfing like Kelly Slater again? This episode of the Pinch My Salt surf podcast dives deep into surf culture, professional surfing, surf industry trends, Kelly Slater surfing at Lowers, Dane Reynolds still shredding, Rob Machado, Reef, Hawaiian surf culture, modern surf brands, Gen Z surfers, women’s surfing, Erin Brooks, Gabriela Bryan, surfing style, surf progression, WSL competition, Lower Trestles, river surfing, surf etiquette, surf wipeouts, and the difference between old-school surfing and today’s surf scene. Sterling and Ryan also get into Jack Johnson, the “100th Monkey” theory, the origins of skateboarding and surf-skate culture, Jack Johnson’s dad possibly building one of the earliest skateboards, Cousin Ryan’s trip to Ireland, surfing Lahinch, Irish surf culture, giant waves near the Cliffs of Moher, turning 40, surf travel, stem cell treatment, brain injury recovery, spirituality, modern gurus, social media, Tim Tebow and the Life Surge controversy, and plenty of completely unnecessary Pinch My Salt observations along the way. The big question: Did surfing lose part of its identity when surfers stopped wanting to look like surfers? Sterling tells the story of a time when Dane Reynolds was one of the biggest cultural influences in surfing—and how Dane’s dislike of Shakas, sandals and traditional surfer style may have helped push an entire generation toward a different image. That leads to a bigger conversation about Rob Machado, Reef, California surf culture, Hawaiian surf culture, surf fashion, professional surfers starting brands, and why the surf industry may have lost touch with the people who simply love surfing. PLUS: 🏄 Kelly Slater surfing Lowers and looking locked in again 🤙 Dane Reynolds vs. the Shaka 🩴 The death—and return—of sandals and surf culture 🌊 Why old-school surf culture felt different 🔥 The progression of women’s professional surfing 🏄‍♀️ Erin Brooks and the new generation of female surfers 🎸 Jack Johnson and the 100th Monkey theory 🛹 Who actually invented the skateboard? If you grew up watching Kelly Slater, Dane Reynolds, Rob Machado, Shane Dorian, Laird Hamilton, Jack Johnson, Gabriel Medina, Griffin Colapinto or the golden era of surf videos and surf magazines—or you follow the WSL, professional surfing, surf podcasts, surf news and modern surf culture—this episode is for you. Drop a comment: Are sandals and Shakas essential to surf culture—or is Dane Reynolds right? SUBSCRIBE to Pinch My Salt for weekly surf stories, surf news, surfing commentary, surf industry conversations, professional surfer stories, comedy, interviews and the weirdest corners of surf culture. #DaneReynolds #KellySlater #Surfing #SurfPodcast #SurfCulture #PinchMySalt #WSL #JackJohnson #RobMachado #ProSurfing #SurfNews #SterlingSpencer KEYWORDS: Dane Reynolds, Dane Reynolds surfing, Kelly Slater, Kelly Slater surfing, Kelly Slater Lowers, Jack Johnson, Jack Johnson surfing, Rob Machado, Sterling Spencer, Cousin Ryan, Pinch My Salt, Pinch My Salt podcast, surf podcast, surfing podcast, surf culture, surf industry, surf industry news, surf news, pro surfing, professional surfing, WSL, World Surf League, Lower Trestles, Lowers surfing, surf contest, surf history, old school surfing, Hawaiian surf culture, California surf culture, surf lifestyle, surf brands, surf fashion, surf videos, viral surfing, surf clips, surfing commentary, surf comedy, women’s surfing, women’s professional surfing, Erin Brooks, Gabriela Bryan, Gen Z surfers, surfing style, surfing progression, surf etiquette, river surfing, Ireland surfing, Lahinch surfing, Cliffs of Moher surfing, big wave surfing, Shane Dorian, Laird Hamilton, Gabriel Medina, Griffin Colapinto, Reef surf, Shaka, surf Shaka, sandals and Shakas, flip flops surfing, skateboard history, surf skate, stem cells, surfing podcast 2026 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on Pinch My Salt, pro surfer Sterling Spencer and Cousin Ryan dive into surfing, surf culture, professional surfing, WSL, Kelly Slater, John John Florence, Jordy Smith, Jamie O’Brien, Gabriel Medina, Filipe Toledo, Jack Johnson, Tom Curren, Taj Burrow, Dane Reynolds, surf history, surf clips, surf movies, surf training, longboarding, skimboarding, surf coaching, barrels, airs, carves, big-wave surfing, Pipeline, Hawaii surfing, surf contests, surf style, and the greatest surfers of all time. The boys break down the Kelly Slater vs. John John Florence GOAT debate, ask whether Jordy Smith belongs on surfing’s Mount Rushmore, talk about how world titles affect a surfer’s legacy, and debate whether modern surf coaching is hurting originality and natural surf style. There’s also Jamie O’Brien trolling a surf school, Gabriel Medina clips, Filipe Toledo longboarding, Kelly Slater grappling, old-school Hawaii surf footage, crazy skimboarding, surf training fails, barrels, wipeouts, surf skating, and some of the strangest surf clips on the internet. And because this is Pinch My Salt, the conversation eventually takes a hard turn into one of Sterling’s greatest discoveries: how an average-looking guy can date a girl completely out of his league. Sterling unveils his extremely scientific formula involving pasta, an ocean walk, dark chocolate, confidence, cleanliness, and somehow… baby powder. Sterling and Ryan also get into dating above your pay grade, getting ghosted, Gen Z dating, the dreaded “ick,” relationships, marriage, glow-ups, and what happens after you actually get the girl. Along the way, the boys ask the important questions: Can Kelly Slater shoot a basketball? Is Chris Hemsworth one of the most famous surfers on Earth? Is Jamie O’Brien still core? Does winning a world title automatically make you one of the greatest surfers ever? Could Jordy Smith be underrated in the GOAT conversation? Who surfs better overall: Kelly Slater or John John Florence? And can doing a 360 actually impress a girl? After recent conversations with Jack Johnson, Gabby Reece and Jordy Smith, the surf debate keeps getting bigger. The boys compare Kelly Slater, John John Florence, Tom Curren, Jordy Smith, Taj Burrow, Dane Reynolds and more while trying to figure out who actually deserves to be called the greatest surfer of all time. If you love surfing podcasts, surf comedy, surf culture, professional surfing, WSL, surf news, surf history, surf movies, surf clips, Pipeline, Hawaii surfing, surf legends, Kelly Slater, John John Florence, Jordy Smith, Jamie O’Brien, Jack Johnson, Dane Reynolds, Gabriel Medina, Filipe Toledo, funny podcasts, comedy podcasts and completely unnecessary surfing debates, you found your people. Welcome to Pinch My Salt with Sterling Spencer and Cousin Ryan. Subscribe and let us know in the comments: Who is the greatest surfer of all time? And if you’ve got one… What’s your secret for dating above your pay grade? You know the rules. 🤙 #PinchMySalt #Surfing #SurfPodcast #SterlingSpencer #KellySlater Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jordy Smith joins Sterling Spencer and Cousin Ryan on Pinch My Salt for an unreal conversation about professional surfing, the WSL Championship Tour, Kelly Slater, Dane Reynolds, Andy Irons, Billabong, Nike, O’Neill, Modern Collective, South African surfing, J-Bay, the North Shore of Hawaii, surf movies, sponsorship deals and one of the craziest untold stories in surf history. Jordy Smith is a World Junior Champion, X Games gold medalist, two-time World Title runner-up, Olympian and one of the longest-running surfers in modern Championship Tour history. In this episode, Jordy opens up about growing up in South Africa, becoming one of the most hyped young surfers in the world, being called “the next Kelly Slater,” traveling and surfing with Sterling Spencer as teenagers, competing against Kelly Slater, his legendary Modern Collective section, Dane Reynolds, the golden era of surf films and what professional surfing was really like behind the scenes. But the wildest story might be Jordy Smith’s LOST SURF MOVIE. Jordy and Sterling spent months traveling through South Africa, the Maldives, Australia and beyond filming what was supposed to become Jordy’s breakout surf movie. Then his relationship with Billabong fell apart, the hard drives disappeared, Jordy says he spent nearly 10 YEARS trying to track down the footage—and he still hasn’t seen it. Then came the $500,000 lawsuit. Jordy talks about being a young rookie, coming from very little money in South Africa and suddenly facing a lawsuit so massive that his parents were considering selling their house and cars. It’s an incredible look behind the curtain at the surf industry during one of its biggest eras. We also get into: Jordy Smith vs. Kelly Slater and whether Kelly was ever overscoredThe Jordy Smith vs. Dane Reynolds eraModern Collective and Jordy’s insane surfing in 2010Why Jordy turned down Nike 6.0Flying to Nike headquarters on Phil Knight’s private planeThe truth behind the Michael Jordan rumorsO’Neill, DVS and huge surf sponsorship dealsGrowing up surfing South Africa and Hawaii’s North ShoreJ-Bay and Jordy’s rise through professional surfingAndy Irons and the legendary Billabong surf teamMikey February and South African surf cultureWhy the surf industry changedCore surfing vs. mainstream surfingSurf shops, local shapers and the old surf industryJordy’s plans after the Championship TourChasing undiscovered waves around the worldThe origin story of “YOU KNOW THE RULES”And why Jordy might be one of the funniest surfers alive. This is one of those episodes where surf history, surf culture and stories from professional surfing collide. If you grew up watching surf videos, following the ASP / WSL World Tour, watching Kelly Slater, Andy Irons, Dane Reynolds, Taj Burrow, Joel Parkinson, Jordy Smith and the generation that defined modern surfing, you’re going to love this one. Leave Jordy some love in the comments and tell us: WHERE IS THE LOST JORDY SMITH FOOTAGE? Subscribe to PINCH MY SALT for more long-form surf interviews, surf history, surf culture, comedy, professional surfing stories and conversations with some of the biggest names in surfing. #JordySmith #Surfing #PinchMySalt #WSL #KellySlater #ProfessionalSurfing #SurfPodcast #SurfCulture #DaneReynolds #ModernCollective Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Gabby Reece joins Sterling Spencer and Cousin Ryan on the Pinch My Salt podcast for a wide-ranging conversation about Laird Hamilton, the WNBA and women’s sports, Title IX, transgender athletes in sports, Nike, Tinker Hatfield, MTV Sports, Florida State volleyball, big-wave surfing, surf culture, fitness, family, relationships and life behind one of surfing’s most recognizable couples. Gabby Reece opens up about how she met Laird Hamilton while interviewing him, the early days of their relationship, helping Laird navigate the business side of big-wave surfing, and becoming what Pinch My Salt calls the “Momfather” of surf culture. Gabby also tells the story behind her Nike signature shoe designed by legendary Nike designer Tinker Hatfield, her days on MTV Sports during the rise of extreme sports, her volleyball career at Florida State, and how she went from growing up in St. Thomas to becoming one of the most recognizable female athletes of her generation. The conversation takes a serious turn when Gabby gives her perspective on the WNBA, women’s sports, Title IX, biological differences in competition, transgender athletes and protecting opportunities for young female athletes. As someone whose own college opportunity came through athletics, Gabby explains why the debate matters to her and why she believes the conversation has become unnecessarily political. Gabby also talks about training, health, aging, raising daughters with Laird Hamilton, what their family is actually like behind closed doors, and why surfing will probably always be Laird’s “girlfriend.” And because this is Pinch My Salt, things eventually go completely off the rails. Gabby reveals whether she was Laird’s “sugar mama,” talks about her Playboy shoot, jokes about starting an OnlyFans for her size-12 feet, and tells the hilarious story behind a naked Body Issue photo shoot with Laird where he was VERY unhappy about the situation. From Nike and MTV to volleyball, women’s sports, WNBA controversy, big-wave surfing, Laird Hamilton, Shane Dorian, fitness, marriage and surf culture, this is a side of Gabby Reece you probably haven’t heard before. Subscribe to Pinch My Salt for more surf stories, interviews, comedy and conversations with some of the biggest personalities in surfing and action sports. #GabbyReece #LairdHamilton #PinchMySalt #WomensSports #Surfing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jack Johnson joins Sterling Spencer and Cousin Ryan on the Pinch My Salt Podcast for a hilarious, wide-ranging conversation about surfing, music, Hawaii, Kelly Slater, Tom Curren, John John Florence, Willie Nelson, Ben Harper, G. Love, Rob Machado, songwriting, touring, fame and the stories behind some of Jack Johnson’s biggest songs. Jack Johnson talks about the real story behind “Banana Pancakes,” “Bubble Toes” and “Rodeo Clowns,” his early music career, opening for Ben Harper, growing up surfing in Hawaii, the North Shore surf scene, and how Kelly Slater helped turn “Rodeo Clowns” into the name of a surfing maneuver. Jack also breaks down Kelly Slater vs. Tom Curren, explains why he believes John John Florence may be the best surfer in the world, and talks Nathan Fletcher, Christian Fletcher, Rob Machado, Pipeline, Sunset Beach, big-wave surfing and the surfers who influenced him. Plus, Jack plays music live in the Pinch My Salt studio and tells the incredible story of playing poker with Willie Nelson. This is Jack Johnson like you probably haven’t heard him before. Jack gets into the story of meeting Willie Nelson at a benefit concert in Maui, getting invited back to Willie’s house to play poker, and the song that came out of the experience. He talks about forgetting lyrics and hitting wrong chords on stage, why those mistakes can actually make live music better, and how he learned to deal with the pressure of performing in front of huge crowds. Jack also opens up about fame, imposter syndrome, mental health, staying grounded in Hawaii, and why too much attention can start to feel unhealthy. He explains how Ben Harper and G. Love inspired him before he ever knew them personally, and what it was like going from being a fan to opening shows for Ben Harper. We also get into the surprising story behind Jack Johnson’s Curious George soundtrack, working on the film with Hans Zimmer, and why making music for an animated kids movie felt like such a strange move within surf culture at the time. Then it gets DEEP into surfing. Kelly Slater vs. Tom Curren. John John Florence. Dane Reynolds. Nathan Fletcher. Christian Fletcher. Rob Machado. Pipeline. Sunset. Margaret River. Surf style vs. progression. What makes someone truly “core.” And Jack’s perspective as someone who grew up completely immersed in the North Shore surf world before becoming one of the biggest musicians in the world. Jack also talks about his wife Kim, writing love songs, balancing marriage and success, raising a family, touring, his Surf Film Music project, September Sessions, and the work he and Kim do through the Kōkua Hawaiʻi Foundation and its environmental education programs in Hawaii. And somehow we also try to launch Jack Johnson’s new phrases “That’s What the Babies Eat” and “Rumpelstiltskin It” into surf culture. This one went places. Welcome back to PINCH MY SALT with Sterling Spencer and Cousin Ryan. Subscribe for more conversations with the biggest names in surfing, music, action sports and surf culture. #JackJohnson #PinchMySalt #Surfing #KellySlater #JohnJohnFlorence #TomCurren #BananaPancakes #SurfPodcast #WillieNelson #BenHarper #NorthShore #Hawaii #SurfCulture Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Why is everyone mad at Kolohe Andino? This week on Pinch My Salt, Sterling Spencer and Cousin Ryan break down the Kolohe Andino drama, the backlash inside surf culture, his comments about the modern surf industry, and why some surfers are questioning the former Target and Nike-sponsored pro surfer’s new direction. We get into Kolohe Andino’s surf film, the criticism that it was heavily inspired by an older Joe G. surf movie, the “core lord” complaints Sterling says started coming in, and the bigger question: can a surfer who benefited from huge mainstream sponsorships now criticize what surfing has become?From Kolohe Andino, Target, Nike and surf industry politics to Tom Curren, Kelly Slater, Jamie O’Brien, John John Florence, Dane Reynolds, surf brands, pro surfer sponsorships, surf films, surf media, vlogging and the loss of mystery in surfing, this episode gets into what “core” even means anymore. Sterling and Ryan debate whether Kolohe is being hypocritical, whether the surf world is being too hard on him, and whether he’s actually one of the few surfers trying to bring creativity, style and real surf culture back.The boys also get into Tom Curren’s legendary surf aura, why so many modern pro surfers feel overly branded, the rise (and possible death) of the term “core lord,” Gen Z surf culture, social media algorithms, surfing vlog content, and whether pro surfers should control their own careers instead of relying completely on surf brands.Then things go completely off the rails.Sterling discovers he may be becoming the Tony Hawk of surfing, the guys talk Kelly Slater, Jack Johnson, Reddit, John John Florence, Florence, Former, Outerknown, starting their own surf brand, and why the modern surf industry looks completely different from the Billabong-era surf world they grew up in.Later, Sterling gets surprisingly deep about growing up as a traveling pro surfer, spending years chasing waves around the world, the brutal Gulf Coast summer flat spell, and watching surfers constantly chase swell from Hawaii to Indonesia, Tahiti and Fiji. The conversation turns toward Nathan Florence, surf travel, getting older as a surfer, Sterling’s brain injury, fatherhood, grief, forgiveness and learning how to actually slow down.Basically: Kolohe Andino drama, surf industry politics, core lords, surf brands, pro surfing, surf culture, questionable life advice and two cousins trying to figure out if surfing has completely lost the plot.Subscribe to Pinch My Salt for weekly surf news, surf culture, surfing stories, pro surfer interviews, comedy and the important conversations nobody else in surfing is brave—or dumb—enough to have.#KoloheAndino #Surfing #SurfCulture #SurfPodcast #PinchMySalt Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brad Gerlach joins Pinch My Salt to break down Kelly Slater at Teahupo’o, the wild WSL Tahiti contest, Seth Moniz’s huge win, Felipe Toledo in heavy surf, big-wave surfing, surf competition, judging, surf technique and what really separates the best surfers in the world. Brad Gerlach — former world #1 and world title runner-up — gives his perspective on Kelly Slater’s brutal Teahupo’o wipeouts, how Kelly adjusted his technique, changed boards and went straight back into some of the heaviest waves of the event.SUPPORT THE SHOW!!!! https://ebay.io/m/KjQ3nxWe get into Kelly Slater surfing at 54, Teahupo’o, Tahiti surfing, WSL competition, Seth Moniz, Felipe Toledo, Pipeline, big-wave surfing, professional surfing, surfboard design, Firewire surfboards, competitive surfing and surf coaching. Brad also shares stories from competing against a young Kelly Slater, including beating Kelly after Slater dropped a 10-point ride, and explains why Kelly’s ability to adapt in dangerous waves is still on another level.Brad Gerlach has spent decades studying surfing at the highest level. From Tom Curren, Dane Reynolds and Michael Peterson to today’s WSL surfers, Brad breaks down style, technique, creativity, confidence and why surfing should be judged as more than just athletic performance.We also talk about the controversial side of competitive surfing: judging, commentary, wave selection, commitment at Teahupo’o, Felipe Toledo in heavy waves, Seth Moniz’s underdog Tahiti victory, and whether professional surfing is properly explaining what the world’s best surfers are actually doing.Brad also takes us inside Wave Ki, his surf training program, where he studies footage and teaches surfers how body position, foot placement, confidence and creativity can completely change the way they surf.PLUS: Kelly Slater’s surfboards spark a debate after his broken board appears to have a stringer, leading to a conversation about Firewire surfboards, custom surfboards and what Kelly is actually riding.If you love Kelly Slater, Teahupo’o, Tahiti surfing, WSL, surf podcasts, professional surfing, big-wave surfing, Pipeline, surf history, surf technique, surf coaching, competitive surfing, Dane Reynolds, Tom Curren, Seth Moniz, Felipe Toledo or just hearing surf legends talk honestly about surfing — this episode is for you.Comment below: What was the craziest moment from Teahupo’o?Subscribe to Pinch My Salt for more surf stories, surf news, legendary surfers, WSL discussion, surf history and ridiculous conversations with Sterling Spencer and Cousin Ryan.#KellySlater #BradGerlach #Surfing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jamie O’Brien, Pipeline, Pipe Masters, core surfing, Catch Surf, soft-top surfboards, surf culture, YouTube surfing, Red Bull, North Shore Hawaii, Backdoor, Ben Gravy, Jack Johnson, Rob Machado, Kelly Slater and the future of the surf industry — this episode of Pinch My Salt goes straight into one of the biggest debates in modern surfing: what does it actually mean to be a “core surfer” anymore?Sterling Spencer and Cousin Ryan react to Jamie O’Brien’s comments about sponsored surfers, being core, chasing swells, making money in surfing and the evolution of his career from Pipeline legend and self-produced surf movies to YouTube, vlogging and the Catch Surf soft-top era. They debate whether surf YouTube and soft tops helped grow surfing or changed surf culture for the worse, how JOB influenced the next generation of surf creators, why traditional surfboard design still matters, and whether the surf industry has traded progression, style and craftsmanship for clicks, viral videos and easy money.The boys also get into Jack Johnson trying to connect them with Jason Momoa, Rob Machado’s legendary hair, Kelly Slater, surf-industry sycophants, Instagram surfer culture, old-school surf fights at Lowers and Trestles, surfboard design, environmental concerns around foam and soft-top surfboards, and why surfing still needs to protect the magic that made everyone fall in love with it in the first place.Jamie O’Brien has been one of the most influential surfers of his generation — from Pipeline and Backdoor to his early self-produced surf films, DVDs, viral surfing videos and massive YouTube career. But has the rise of surf influencers, vlogging, soft tops and viral content changed what being a professional surfer means?Sterling also tells the story of surfing Backdoor with Jamie years ago and trying to convince him that the future was the internet — while Jamie was still making money selling surf DVDs.Plus: hardboards vs soft tops, Catch Surf, Ben Gravy, Blair Conklin, surfboard progression, old-school surf culture, North Shore stories, surfing fights, growing up in surf shops, the future of surfing, keeping surfing core and the eternal question:Can you make money in surfing without selling out?Welcome to Pinch My Salt.👇 LET US KNOW IN THE COMMENTS:What actually makes someone a CORE surfer?And have soft tops been good or bad for surf culture?SUBSCRIBE for weekly surf stories, surf news, surf history, pro surfer interviews, comedy, surfing debates and completely unnecessary investigations into the surf world.SEARCH TOPICS:Jamie O’Brien, Jamie O'Brien podcast, JOB surfing, Jamie O’Brien Pipeline, Jamie O’Brien Pipe Masters, Pipeline surfing, Backdoor surfing, North Shore Hawaii surfing, core surfing, core surfer, surf culture, surf industry, professional surfing, pro surfer, surfing podcast, surf podcast, surf YouTube, surfing YouTube, Catch Surf, soft top surfboard, soft top surfing, foam surfboard, Ben Gravy, Blair Conklin, Jack Johnson surfing, Rob Machado, Kelly Slater, Jason Momoa, surfboard design, surfing history, surf movies, Pipeline surfers, Hawaii surfing, surf influencers, surf vlog, surf industry podcast, surf comedy, Pinch My Salt, Sterling Spencer.#Surfing #JamieOBrien #PinchMySalt Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kelly Slater, surf etiquette, women in surfing, Blue Crush, Nathan Florence, Jamie O’Brien, Dane Reynolds, the US Open of Surfing, surf culture, surf controversy, and the future of professional surfing all collide in this episode of Pinch My Salt with Sterling Spencer and Cousin Ryan.We break down the viral “paddle harder” surfing controversy and Kelly Slater’s response, debate whether surf lineups care more about gender or skill level, and talk surf etiquette, beginner surfers, kook levels, women’s surfing, and what actually earns respect in the water. Then Sterling goes deep on Blue Crush, Kate Bosworth, the movie’s surf stunt doubles, Hawaii, Sunset Beach, and why Blue Crush may have done more to push surfing into mainstream culture than pro surfers ever realized.Bid on the Signed photo!!!!! https://ebay.io/m/GuSMwaFrom there, we get into Nathan Florence, John John Florence, Jamie O’Brien, Dane Reynolds, Andy Irons, YouTube surfing, surf vlogs, surf media, old-school surf movies, Taylor Steele, Surf Madness, and how social media changed what it means to be a famous surfer. Plus: New Smyrna Beach sharks, surfing while pregnant, Tony Hawk, Herbie Fletcher, foiling, Huntington Beach, the US Open of Surfing, big-wave surfing, and the eternal question: how core is too core?Sterling also tells the story of jumping from traditional surf media into the early internet era, his experience with Taylor Steele and Intersection, and why giving away a surf movie for free helped change the old surf-video model. We debate whether surfers like Nathan Florence and Jamie O’Brien have become more recognizable to the mainstream than traditional professional surfers — and whether YouTube, podcasts, vlogs, Instagram and social media are now more important than contests and surf magazines.Also in this episode: relationship and marriage comedy, Sterling’s completely scientific method for “figuring women out,” controlled burns, surfing while pregnant, Brody Jenner, New Smyrna shark encounters, Mason Ho, Herbie Fletcher, kook levels, surf fashion, soft tops, the “core surfer” spectrum, selling out without losing your soul, and whether the US Open of Surfing at Huntington Beach is somehow harder to watch than foil boarding.Pinch My Salt is a surfing and comedy podcast hosted by professional surfer Sterling Spencer and Cousin Ryan, covering surf culture, professional surfing, surf news, surf history, surf industry stories, WSL, surf personalities, internet culture, relationships, comedy and everything weird happening in and around surfing.COMMENT BELOW: Is surfing about gender — or is it really just about skill and kook level?Subscribe for new episodes of Pinch My Salt.#Surfing #KellySlater #PinchMySalt Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nathan Florence joins Pinch My Salt for a full big-wave surfing conversation covering Pipeline, the Vans Pipe Masters, Teahupo’o, Tahiti, Jaws, Puerto Escondido, Shipstern Bluff, Cloudbreak, Hawaii surf culture, North Shore localism, foiling, sailing, ocean crossings, the World Surf League, Kelly Slater, Kai Lenny, John John Florence, Ivan Florence and the rise of independent surf media on YouTube. Nathan tells the story behind his legendary late drop at Teahupo’o, the wave that helped separate him from the label of “John John Florence’s brother” and launch his own career as one of the world’s most fearless big-wave surfers. He opens up about fear, wipeouts, breaking his back at Jaws, a recent injury at Puerto Escondido, rehab, hydrofoil racing and crossing Hawaiian channels with Kai Lenny. Nathan also talks about growing up in Hawaii with John John and Ivan Florence, learning Pipeline as a kid, their mother pushing them to surf, the old North Shore hierarchy, surf localism, social media changing lineup culture, winning the Pipe Masters, building his YouTube channel, the future of professional surfing and why John John isn’t doing the Championship Tour right now. Plus: Kelly Slater mind games, sailing across the ocean, mysterious nights at sea, surfing in tights, hipster surfers, Mahina Florence, Kai “Kyborg” Garcia and Nathan’s childhood Surfer Magazine cover.This is Nathan Florence beyond the highlight reels: honest stories about fear, injuries, family, brotherhood, career pressure, surf media, the WSL, adventure and what keeps one of surfing’s hardest chargers searching for the next wave.Subscribe to Pinch My Salt for more surf podcasts, surfing interviews, comedy, big-wave stories and conversations with the most interesting people in surfing.Follow Nathan Florence and check out his surfing videos, big-wave missions, foil adventures, sailing expeditions and podcast.KEYWORDS:Nathan Florence interview, Nathan Florence podcast, Nathan Florence surfing, Nathan Florence Teahupoo, Nathan Florence Pipeline, Nathan Florence Pipe Masters, Nathan Florence Jaws, Nathan Florence Puerto Escondido, Nathan Florence foiling, Nathan Florence sailing, John John Florence, Ivan Florence, Kelly Slater, Kai Lenny, Kyborg, Mahina Florence, big wave surfing, Pipeline surfing, Teahupoo surfing, Hawaii surfing, North Shore surfing, surf podcast, surfing podcast, WSL, World Surf League, Vans Pipe Masters, Cloudbreak, Shipstern Bluff, surf localism, surf culture, hydrofoil surfing, surf YouTube#NathanFlorence #Surfing #BigWaveSurfing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Chad & JT join Sterling Spencer and Cousin Ryan on Pinch My Salt for a wild surf comedy podcast about surf culture, the WSL, the US Open of Surfing, pro surfers, viral prank videos, and what it really means to be “core” in surfing. Chad and JT tell the story of sneaking into the Huntington Beach US Open with a giant Subway sandwich, getting hired by the World Surf League, trolling professional surfers, making Fast & Furious prank videos, and building comedy with Strider Wilson. The crew talks Kelly Slater, Andy Irons, Bruce Irons, Dane Reynolds, Julian Wilson, Stephanie Gilmore, Felipe Toledo, Gabriel Medina, Shane Dorian, Tom Curren, Laird Hamilton, surf movies, surf clips, surf podcasts, and the rise and fall of the surf industry.Sterling also reveals the inside story of surfing against Kelly Slater at J-Bay, Andy Irons helping him during the world title race, and the Photoshop prank that helped fuel the Andy Irons vs. Kelly Slater rivalry. Chad & JT break down comedy, authenticity, algorithms, selling out, staying core, Orange County surf culture, California surf schools, wedding pressure, peptides, carnivore diets, Vin Diesel, Adam Sandler, Keanu Reeves, Nicolas Cage, and the strange path from surfing to comedy.Chad & JT also share the story behind their WSL series Get Sent, getting roasted by surfers online, pranking the US Open of Surfing in Huntington Beach, working with Strider Wilson, recreating Fast & Furious scenes at car shows, meeting Vin Diesel at a wedding, and turning uncomfortable public interactions into comedy.The boys debate whether the traditional surf movie is dead, why Instagram and YouTube clips have taken over surfing, the most influential surf films ever made, Tom Curren’s Searching for Tom Curren, the Taylor Steele era, Bruce Irons’ mysterious kickflip Mandela effect, Dane Reynolds’ place in modern surf culture, and whether podcasts are now more core than surf vlogs.Other topics include Billabong and Volcom, Laird Hamilton becoming the “alpha nerd” of surfing, foiling, stand-up paddleboarding, Shane Dorian, Kai McKenzie surfing with a prosthetic leg, surf schools in Los Angeles, Ocean Beach San Francisco, Santa Cruz, El Porto, Steamer Lane, the Cold Water Classic, Julian Wilson, surf-industry rivalries, comedy careers, marriage, fatherhood and Florida freedom.Who is the most core surfer in the world right now? Drop your answer in the comments.Subscribe to Pinch My Salt for more surfing stories, comedy podcasts, pro surfer interviews, surf history, behind-the-scenes WSL stories and completely unqualified cultural analysis.Like the video, subscribe and tickle that notification bell.#ChadAndJT #Surfing #PinchMySalt#ChadAndJT #PinchMySalt #SterlingSpencer #SurfComedy #SurfPodcast #Surfing #ComedyPodcast #SurferBros #SurfCulture #WorldSurfLeague #WSL #USOpenOfSurfing #HuntingtonBeach #KellySlater #AndyIrons #BruceIrons #DaneReynolds #ShaneDorian #StriderWilson #FastAndFurious #ProSurfing #SurfHistory #SurfMovies #SurfClips #SurfIndustryChad and JT, Chad Goes Deep, JT Parr, Chad Kroeger comedian, Chad and JT podcast, Chad and JT surfing, Chad and JT interview, Chad and JT full podcast, Chad and JT funny moments, Chad and JT Get Sent, Strider Wilson, Going Deep with Chad and JT, Sterling Spencer, Cousin Ryan, Pinch My Salt podcast, surfing podcast, comedy podcast, surf comedy, funny surf podcast, surfer interview, surf culture, modern surf culture, core surfing, core vs sellout, surf industry, surf industry stories, WSL, World Surf League, US Open of Surfing, Huntington Beach US Open, Chad and JT US Open prank, Subway sandwich prank, Get Sent WSL, professional surfers, Kelly Slater, Andy Irons, Kelly Slater vs Andy Irons, Sterling Spencer Kelly Slater story, J-Bay surfing, Jeffreys Bay, Bruce Irons, Bruce Irons kickflip, Transworld Surf, Dane Reynolds, Shane Dorian, Stephanie Gilmore, Felipe Toledo, Gabriel Medina, Julian Wilson, Tom Curren, Searching for Tom Curren, Laird Hamilton, surf movies, best surf movies, Taylor Steele surf films, surf clips, surfing Instagram clips, surfing YouTube, surf vlogs, surf podcasts, Orange County surfing, Southern California surfing, Ocean Beach surfing, Santa Cruz surfing, El Porto surfing, Steamer Lane, Cold Water Classic, Billabong, Volcom, Fast and Furious prank, Vin Diesel story, prank comedy, public prank videos, surfer comedy, surf stories, pro surfer podcast, surf history podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices