About this episodeJason Ellis and Salema reflect on their careers in action sports, discussing the evolution of skateboarding cu…AI summary
Jason Ellis and Salema reflect on their careers in action sports, discussing the evolution of skateboarding culture, the impact of special treatment on athletes, and the importance of maintaining authenticity. The conversation highlights the historical significance of Paul Simon's Graceland album in breaking apartheid barriers and Salema's efforts to diversify surfing culture through his book and community initiatives.
Key takeaways 5
Jason Ellis left ESPN/X Games in 2013 because he saw the brand losing its cultural purpose and becoming purely an advertising vehicle, a move he now views as correct given the current industry climate.
Salema attributes his grounded perspective on fame to working as a roadie for Paul Simon at age 15, which gave him early exposure to the realities of showbiz and prevented him from being affected by the 'special treatment' that often goes to athletes' heads.
Paul Simon's Graceland album was facilitated by Salema's father, who connected Simon with South African musicians via back channels, using the music to raise global awareness about apartheid and showcasing local artists as headliners.
Skateboarding culture is shifting from a hostile, exclusionary environment to a more supportive one, particularly with the rise of female skaters and younger generations who are more inclusive.
African surfing culture is emerging as a unique and powerful force, driven by deep historical connections to water and recent post-apartheid social changes, challenging traditional narratives dominated by Polynesian and Californian surfers.
Notable quotes 4AI-generated: wording and quote attribution may be wrong. Use the play link to verify.
“You get treated special to the point where you think you're special... you stay in the smoke of the special so then you believe that you're special and that you lose the plot a little bit.”
▶ 9:48Jason Ellis explains how special treatment can disconnect athletes from reality, contrasting it with Salema's grounded upbringing.
“I saw the handwriting on the wall that ESPN was no longer interested in investing in the sports and investing in the culture... they've sold advertising against this thing and so they're gonna go and blow it out literally until the wheels come off.”
▶ 25:45Jason Ellis explains his decision to leave X Games in 2013, predicting the decline of the event's cultural relevance.
“My dad made it possible for Paul Simon to get into South Africa to make the record... Paul's whole motivation was to raise awareness about South Africa through the magic of this music that people had never heard before.”
Salema details how his father helped create the Graceland album, using it as a tool for political awareness against apartheid.
“It's not so much that that you're trying to be cool it's more you get treated special and you don't pay attention to the real world anymore.”
▶ 9:54Jason Ellis discusses the psychological impact of fame on athletes like himself.
Chapters & Sections (51)▼
0:01Rainbow Observation and Conversation with Guestchapter4
0:01Rainbow Observation and Conversation with Guest
2:49Miles' Life and Career Discussion
4:12Skateboarding Industry and Video Magazines
5:38Father's Legacy and Personal Growth
9:28Jason Ellis Discusses Special Treatmentchapter3
9:28Jason Ellis Discusses Special Treatment
11:43Tony's Experience at the X Games
13:05Paul Simon's Graceland Album and Apartheid
14:21Paul Simon's Cultural Impact on South Africachapter3
14:21Paul Simon's Cultural Impact on South Africa
16:05Skateboarding Community Appreciation and Gratitude
18:15Action Sports Misrepresentation and Evolution
20:29Skater Reflects on Career and Mega Rampchapter2
20:29Skateboarder Tom Shaw and Mega Ramp
22:06Skateboarder Reflects on Career and Legacy
24:46Reflecting on Past Experiences and Career Growthchapter3
24:46Reunion and Reflection on Past Experiences
26:14Concerns about X Games' financial and creative decline
27:32Disillusionment with a Project or Event
29:48X Games Returns to California After COVIDchapter3
29:48X Games Returns to California After Hiatus
31:39Jason Ellis promotes Liquid Death apparel
33:58Surfing and Kelly Slater's Event Discussion
36:06Shark Encounter Story from a Surferchapter4
36:06Shark Encounter in Fiji and Mexico
37:51Shark and Alzheimer's Discussion
39:15Preparation for a Hypothetical Zombie Apocalypse
41:06Zombie Apocalypse Survival Discussion
42:25Discussing Breakthroughs in a Terminal Illnesschapter4
42:25Personal Experience with a Family Member's Illness
44:55Claims to have supernatural smell abilities
46:18Argumentative Conversation About Life Experiences
48:11Personal Experience with Boxing and Concussions
49:58Discussing Old Movies and Concussionschapter3
49:58Discussion about a Will Smith movie
51:20Extreme Sports Injuries and Medical Response
52:31Injury at Skateboarding Contest
56:20Overcoming Traumatic Experiences and Near-Death Encounterschapter2
56:20Experiences with Concussions and Near-Death Experiences
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