About this episodeJason Ellis and Chris Roberts discuss the evolution of skateboarding culture, contrasting the critical, insula…AI summary
Jason Ellis and Chris Roberts discuss the evolution of skateboarding culture, contrasting the critical, insular nature of the 90s with the more inclusive, history-appreciative modern era. They critique the corporate takeover of action sports media, highlighting how non-skaters often fail to capture the authentic passion required for broadcasting, and share personal financial lessons about the lack of fiscal guidance for young pro athletes.
Key takeaways 5
Generational Shift in Respect: Younger skaters (7-18 years old) are increasingly interested in skateboarding history and legends, a stark contrast to the 90s when skaters were critical and dismissive of elders. This shift is attributed to a more inclusive community culture fostered by shows like The Nine Club.
Corporate Media Disconnect: Major sports networks (ESPN/X Games) often hire non-skaters for commentary roles, resulting in superficial interviews that focus on scores and sponsors rather than the athlete's experience or personality. Skaters like Todd Richards and Sal Masakala provide better coverage because they have 'paid their dues' and understand the culture.
Financial Illiteracy in Pro Skateboarding: Many pro skaters from the 90s lacked financial advice, leading to severe consequences like losing homes due to unpaid taxes. Companies rarely advise independent contractors on tax obligations, leaving athletes to learn through painful mistakes.
Podcasting Philosophy: The Nine Club focuses on deep, personal stories ('bumps in the road') rather than just skateboarding tricks, aiming to inspire listeners by showing how athletes overcame hardships like addiction or depression.
Tony Hawk's Mentorship: Tony Hawk is praised for his genuine support of the community, including filming young kids' tricks on his phone and encouraging Jason Ellis to pursue his own radio/podcast career despite Ellis being a guest on Hawk's show.
Notable quotes 5AI-generated: wording and quote attribution may be wrong. Use the play link to verify.
“When Tony started spinning nines and got close and they're like time's up and everybody agreed everybody on the deck no judges no x games keep the time going because we want this guy to make the 900 so that we can all say that we've made a 900 like one of us made a 900 right that was like the first time i've ever seen every single person wanted him to make that”
Jason Ellis describing the collective energy at X Games when Tony Hawk landed the 900, highlighting a moment of pure community support over competition.
“Skateboarding taught me that like the criticalness like to be critical of everything and i feel like that did work but it's also a relief to just accept everybody”
▶ 24:24Jason Ellis reflecting on how the critical nature of 90s skateboarding has softened into a more accepting culture today.
“I think in situations like that too and i think that's why they wanted to try to bring me in right because you're friends with them and if you go hey man can you talk to me for a second right like if i'm in a contest and you're there and i'm like hey man i'm these [ __ ] [ __ ] have got me over here interrogating you guys while you're trying to do your [ __ ] right can you throw me a bone”
▶ 1:13:49Chris Roberts explaining why he is effective at contest interviews—he prioritizes friendship and fun over corporate scripts.
“I lost my house i lost everything wow yeah i sold my house to pay the taxes off and then i had penalties back taxes so i moved in with my girlfriend's parents”
▶ 1:05:56Jason Ellis sharing his severe financial struggles due to ignorance about tax obligations as an independent contractor.
“If he tells me i know he's paid his dues yeah i remember when he first started i was like [ __ ] this guy you don't just get in for free like you don't just walk in and stop being us right you need to pay your dues and then he did”
▶ 1:24:49Chris Roberts discussing Sal Masakala's journey from outsider to respected voice in skateboarding media.
Chapters & Sections (65)▼
0:00Comedy Sketch about Crowns and Confidencechapter3
0:00Tony Spins Nines at X Games Event
1:46Comedian Discusses Pre-Show Routine and Crown
2:59Skateboarder Chris Discusses Career and Podcast
5:22Failed Podcast Attempt with Unreliable Co-Hostschapter2
5:22Failed Podcast Attempt with Unreliable Co-Hosts
7:27Skaters Discuss Friendship and Skateboarding Culture
10:11Aftermath of Appearing on a Popular Podcastchapter3
10:11Interview with a Popular Skateboarder
11:36Skateboarders Transitioning to Podcasting Careers
13:08Skateboarder Reflects on Industry Changes
15:00Skateboarding Industry Criticism and Hair Loss Preventionchapter2
15:00Skateboarding Industry Criticism and Hair Loss Prevention
17:20Athletic Greens Product Benefits and Promotion
19:26Generational Interest in Action Sportschapter3
19:26Generational Interest in Action Sports
21:16Changing Times in Skateboarding Culture
22:41Accepting Different Music and Skateboarding Styles
24:45Judging People Based on First Impressionschapter3
24:45Rethinking Prejudices Based on Limited Information
26:14Judgment in Skateboarding Culture
27:42Skateboarding Community and Camaraderie
29:48Community Support for Tony's 900 Attemptchapter3
29:48Community Support for Tony's 900 Attempt
31:41Cooking Scallops and Promoting Good Chop
33:13Debt Consolidation and Credit Score Improvement
34:32Interview with Tony on Podcastchapter6
34:32Discussing Podcasting with Tony
36:29Comedian Jason Ellis Discusses His Show
37:45Tony Hawk's Support for Jason Lee's Show
39:52Tony Hawk's Support for Skaters
41:04Discussion on Interaction and Conflict Resolution
42:21Disagreement Over Work Schedule and Preparation
43:37Roger's Departure and New Co-Host Dynamicschapter3
43:37Guest Discusses Podcasting Experience
46:06Conversation about Potential TV Show Guest
47:21Interview with Skateboarder and Host
49:29Navigating Sensitive Topics in Interviewschapter3
49:29Navigating Sensitive Topics in Interviews
51:27Balancing Act in Interviewing Skateboarders
53:32Interviewing Skateboarders and Their Personal Lives
55:38Skateboarders' Financial Secrets and Sponsorship Dynamicschapter2
55:38Skateboarders' Financial Secrets and Sponsorship Dynamics
58:20Skateboarder's Financial Struggles and Ambitions
1:00:40Luxury Spending and Envy among Friendschapter2
1:00:40Luxury Spending and Envy among Friends
1:03:54Tony Hawk's Skateboard Royalties and Taxes
1:05:20Financial struggles with taxes and penaltieschapter3
1:05:20Tax Debt and Financial Struggles
1:07:01Financial Struggles and Skateboarding Lessons
1:08:24Disrespectful Tone and Financial Advice
1:10:00Skateboarders Financial Struggles and Industry Critiquechapter4
1:10:00Skateboarders Financial Struggles and Industry Critique
1:12:30Discussion about Announcing Street League Skateboarding
1:13:56Interviewing Skateboarders vs Super Cross Riders
1:15:36Interviewing Competitors in X Games
1:16:49Interviewing Athletes in a Lighthearted Mannerchapter2
1:16:49Interviewing Athletes in a Casual Manner
1:18:31Impromptu Interview with a Non-English Speaker
1:20:52Disappointment with Olympic Snowboarding Coveragechapter5
1:20:52Disgusted with Olympic Judging and Announcers
1:22:30Disappointment with X Games Pitch Rejection
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