Blister Podcast

So how much of the Icelantic backstory do you know? Jonathan talks to Ben Anderson about the lucky breaks, tough beats, and key moments in the history of Icelantic; where their name and logo came from; working with Never Summer; prototyping & developing skis; how Icelantic got into the music business; and more.TOPICS & TIMES:What is Icelantic? (5:34)Ben’s background (7:22)When did you decide to start a ski company? (12:55)College (15:54)Names & Logos (25:22)Funding (32:04)First Tradeshow (36:18)Manufacturing (38:48)Prototyping & Development (46:30)Expanding into Other Product Lines (54:03)Winter on the Rocks (1:05:15)What’s Next? (1:19:15)RELATED LINKS:Become a BLISTER+ MemberCHECK OUT OUR OTHER PODCASTS:CRAFTED Bikes & Big IdeasOff The CouchGEAR:30Happy Hour Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Angel Collinson just experienced “the best two weeks of my life,” so we discuss that; the process of self discovery; Sam Elias’ & Hillary Allen’s recent Open Mic pieces, and why writing is often wrestling; and then in our ‘Ask Angel’ segment, we go over a number of the questions that you had for Angel.TOPICS & TIMES:The Best 2 Weeks of Angel’s Life (2:19) How to discover, “Who am I?” (14:22)Work & Consumerism (24:05)Sam Elias’ & Hillary Allen’s Open Mic Pieces (33:13)Ask Angel (45:31)What is the best part of your day? (46:12)Biggest mistake you’ve made in your life? (48:32)How to calm your mind re: making money? (55:53)Favorite book of your voyage so far? (1:05:46)Book suggestions in general? (1:09:33)RELATED LINKS:Deep Dives with Angel (April 2023)Blister Open Mic SeriesBecome a BLISTER+ MemberCHECK OUT OUR OTHER PODCASTS:CRAFTED Bikes & Big IdeasOff The CouchGEAR:30Happy Hour Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ever been mad about a brand killing off or changing your favorite product? Ever been confused by the sea of very similar-seeming products that a brand makes? Today, Jonathan is talking with our bike editor, David Golay, and our running editor, Matt Mitchell, about brand identity, creating customer loyalty, trend chasing, and more in the ski, bike, and running industries, and what advice we have for companies to reduce customer confusion and increase the staying power of brands, product lines, & individual products.TOPICS & TIMES:Building Lasting Brands & Product Lines (4:37)The Two-Year Product Cycle (17:54)Outdoor Industries vs the Fashion Industry (30:22)Operating like tech companies vs luxury goods companies (32:28)Importance of a cohesive design aesthetic? (43:11)Establishing loyalty to a product line (46:33)What Matt would like to see from Running Companies (54:10)Trend Chasing (58:29)Anti-Trend & Brand Identity (1:06:30)RELATED LINKS:Become a BLISTER+ MemberBlister Summit 2024 Registrati

While Cody is off trying to get on top of some peak somewhere, we brought in a guest host who can actually draw more than 100 listeners: Dr. Len Necefer, founder of Natives Outdoors and the Sonoran Avalanche Center. Len and Jonathan talk about the Gwyneth Paltrow ski trial, The Most Sonoran News, Luis Benitez & the creation of a new federal office of outdoor recreation, mountain town advice, and, you’ll hear the craziest “What We’re Reading” segment in the history of Reviewing the News.You can also check out our panel session on The Future of Snowsports with Len — and all the Blister Summit panel sessions and brand lineup videos — on our BLISTER YouTube channel.TOPICS & TIMES:Len’s work & background (2:44)Gwyneth Paltrow Ski Trial (9:05)Luis Benitez / Federal Outdoor Rec Office (13:51)CO2 & Direct Air Capture Tech (20:51)CO2 Removal isn’t Enough (20:51)The Most Sonoran News (26:40)Mountain Town Advice (31:14)What We’re Reading & Watching (38:12)Len's Summer Work & Feature Films (49:07)

In this hilarious conversation, Jonathan asks Hoji, Rory, McKenna, and Forrest about their favorite lines, closest calls, and craziest stories from their years of professional skiing & snowboarding. (You can also watch this panel session — and all the Blister Summit panel sessions and brand lineup videos — on the BLISTER YouTube channel)TOPICS & TIMES:Introductions (3:06)Favorite Line of All Time? (4:15)Favorite Day or Trip? (12:53)Crashes & Close Calls (21:41)Most Starstruck Moment? (42:38)Pivotal Career Moments (47:08)Who / What Inspires You? (53:50)Managing Fear (57:32)RELATED LINKS:Become a BLISTER+ MemberBlister Summit 2024 RegistrationBlister YouTube ChannelCHECK OUT OUR OTHER PODCASTS:CRAFTED Bikes & Big IdeasOff The CouchGEAR:30Happy Hour Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This past Saturday, Jonathan had a phenomenal day in the mountains with Chugach Powder Guides, and our helicopter pilot, Tori Palmer. So he sat down with Tori to get her pilot’s perspective on the day, and to discuss her path to becoming a heli pilot and the training that’s involved; what you should - and should not - do as a passenger in a heli; and more.TOPICS & TIMES:Piloting in the Chugach Range (4:53)Chalking (6:53)Piloting Helicopters vs Planes (9:08)Light & Flight (11:56)Tori’s Path to Becoming a Pilot (17:30)Wrapping Up Ski Season & What’s Next (28:32)Mentoring Women Who Want to be Pilots (30:52)Best / Worst Passenger Behavior? (34:02)Best / Worst Guide Behavior? (39:00)Individual Flying Style (43:15)RELATED LINKS:Become a Blister + Spot MemberBlister Summit 2024 RegistrationCHECK OUT OUR OTHER PODCASTS:CRAFTED Bikes & Big IdeasOff The CouchGEAR:30Happy Hour Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Angel Collinson and Jonathan Ellsworth discuss her life since retiring from professional skiing, our Blister Open Mic series, and her recent piece, “How to Not Burn Out.” Then Angel answers your questions about finding peace; marriage & kids; and whether she thinks she’ll ever ski again.TOPICS & TIMES: Updates from Angel (5:15)Tips on Slowing Down (23:37)Open Mic: “How to Not Burn Out” (32:02)Defining what success looks like to you (34:20)Ask Angel (42:47)Finding your identity outside of skiing (43:49)Interest in ever skiing again? (46:59)Marriage and / or kids? (51:56)Balancing being alone vs being with others (55:09)How do you find peace when things get difficult? (59:17)Pete on the Hot Seat: marriage & kids? (1:05:03)RELATED LINKS:Blister Pod 189: Angel on retiring from skiingBlister Open Mic SeriesBecome a Blister + Spot MemberCHECK OUT OUR OTHER PODCASTS:CRAFTED Bikes & Big IdeasOff The CouchGEAR:30Happy Hour Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cody and Jonathan discuss the Gwyneth Paltrow ski trial; Yakama Nation & hydro-electric energy development; the federal proposal to ban fixed anchors in wilderness areas; ski patroller vs. skier; wieners in the wild; the most Canadian news; mountain town advice; and more.TOPICS & TIMESOur Atlanta Listeners (10:50)Gwyneth Paltrow Ski Trial (13:10)Yakama Nation & Hydro-Electric Energy (17:02)Renaming Mt Evans to Mt Blue Sky (27:01)To Bolt or Not to Bolt? (30:55)Ski Patroller vs Skier (40:02)Weiners in the Wild (49:32)Most Canadian News (53:19)Mountain Town Advice (58:31)What We’re Reading & Watching (1:11:50)RELATED LINKS:Become a Blister + Spot MemberCHECK OUT OUR OTHER PODCASTS:CRAFTED Bikes & Big IdeasOff The CouchGEAR:30Happy Hour Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mountain Gazette editor / owner, Mike Rogge, is back to discuss this historic winter in Tahoe; urban through hikes; mutton busting; and more.TOPICS & TIMES:Winter in Tahoe (6:35)Blister Summit (11:31)MG State of the Union (17:31)Urban Thru Hikes (23:19)East Coast Stories (33:59)Mutton Busting (37:38)Jeremy Jones (50:15)How to Get Issue 199 (53:10)RELATED LINKS:Become a Blister+Spot MemberBlister Podcast #227: Mike RoggeBlister Podcast #209: Mike RoggeCHECK OUT OUR OTHER PODCASTS:CRAFTED Bikes & Big IdeasOff The CouchGEAR:30Happy Hour Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chuck Mumford and Chris Garcin started Pit Viper to inject more fun into skiing and riding. But behind all the party vibes, they’ve also been sneaking in a good bit of functionality and performance into their products, too. So Jonathan Ellsworth talked to Chuck and Chris about the early days of trading sunglasses for hotdogs; growing the company; forest gnomes; working with Gronk; Chuck’s philosophy of ski reviewing, and more.TOPICS & TIMES:Chaos & String Theory (4:11)Origin Story of Pit Viper (6:45)Hotdogs (21:33)The First 100 Pairs (22:58)Where Did the Name Come From? (24:14)From the Garage to Global Domination (26:44)Marketing (34:28)Working with Rob Gronkowski (42:26)Party Vibes vs Performance (44:44)Goggles? (51:19)Lens Tech, Low Light, & Forest Gnomes (56:01)Making Technical Apparel (1:05:54)Chuck Mumford’s Ski Emporium (1:12:48)RELATED LINKS:Become a Blister+Spot MemberCHECK OUT OUR OTHER PODCASTS:CRAFTED Bikes & Big IdeasOff The CouchGEAR:30Happy Hour Hosted on Acast. See acast.co

JT Holmes does it all. From big-mountain skiing to ski-base jumping to stunt work, he has consistently pushed boundaries and explored new opportunities. And now, JT is joining Peak Skis. So Jonathan Ellsworth talked to JT about what led to this new partnership; his incredibly diverse career; the current state of ski media; speed riding; and more.TOPICS & TIMES:Backstory on joining Peak Skis (5:13)Bode Miller (8:25)Chris Davenport (9:35)Michelle Parker (11:35)Current Pursuits? (12:30)Fundamental Stunt Work (15:25)A diversified career (17:13)Breaking into stunt work (20:48)Advice for young athletes (24:34)Mainstreaming of skiing & ski films (26:37)Gear (43:17)Speed Riding (56:12)Your role with Peak (1:01:46)RELATED LINKS:Become a Blister+Spot MemberCHECK OUT OUR OTHER PODCASTS:CRAFTED Bikes & Big IdeasOff The CouchGEAR:30Happy Hour Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cody and Jonathan discuss the state of Warren Miller films; Mikaela Shiffrin & Lebron James; Eddie Bauer dropping its entire team of professional athletes; the Most Canadian News; Mtn Town Advice; & more.TOPICS & TIMESPublic Service Announcement! (1:00)Snowpocalypse (4:00)Recycling Warren Miller? (12:40)Mikaela Shiffirin / LeBron James (21:07)The best named bill in history? (30:31) Eddie Bauer drops entire athlete team (34:46)Most Canadian News (49:49)Mountain Town Advice (53:44)What We’re Reading & Watching (1:12:51)RELATED LINKS:Become a Blister + Spot MemberCHECK OUT OUR OTHER PODCASTS:CRAFTED Bikes & Big IdeasOff The CouchGEAR:30Happy Hour Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our friend (and wildly accomplished artist & designer), Geoff McFetridge, came to CB to pay us a visit, and after two great days of skiing, Geoff and Jonathan sat down in Blister HQ to talk telemark vs alpine skiing; ski graphics (and Geoff’s favorite graphic on a ski in Blister HQ); broadening outdoor media; Blister swag; and more.TOPICS & TIMES:Coming to CB (3:29)Telemark vs. Alpine Skiing (17:56)Balancing Work & Skiing (26:27)Talking about skiing with non skiers (34:50)Favorite Ski Graphic in Blister HQ? (43:17)Pharell & Powerful Graphic Design (48:11)Blister Swag (53:19)Broadening Outdoor Media (1:04:38)RELATED LINKS:Become a Blister + Spot MemberOur Other Podcasts with Geoff:Blister Podcast ep 116Blister Podcast ep 129Blister Podcast ep 125: How to TeleGEAR:30 ep 95: Telemark Ski GearGeoff is on CRAFTED on 3.1.23SEE OUR OTHER PODCASTS:CRAFTED Bikes & Big IdeasOff The CouchGEAR:30Happy Hour Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our 3rd Blister Summit just wrapped up, so today, Jonathan shares a few words about it; announces the dates for our 2024 Blister Summit, and offers a few thoughts about what the strikingly handsome Justin Bobb described as “the time of my life — literally one of the best weeks ever.”TOPICS & TIMES:Community Feedback (1:36)Dates: Blister Summit 2024 (4:01)Special Thanks (6:11)RELATED LINKS:Become a Blister + Spot MemberSEE OUR OTHER PODCASTS:CRAFTED Bikes & Big IdeasOff The CouchGEAR:30Happy Hour Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jonathan sits down with Drew Petersen in Blister HQ to talk about skiing with Western Colorado University’s freeride team, and to dive deeper into certain topics around mountain towns and mental health that Drew explores in his film (that you can watch on YouTube), Ups & Downs. Give it a listen, and please share this one with your friends, because we’ve all got something to learn on these topics.TOPICS & TIMES:Drew’s Honorary CB Citizenship (4:07)Skiing w/ Western CO U’s Freeride Team (6:13)Knee update (10:32)Drew’s film, Ups & Downs (17:04)Drew’s struggles with mental health (18:43)Shame (28:56)Destigmatizing Mental Health Issues (36:30)Normalizing Therapy (45:02)Snowboarding (50:33)RELATED LINKS:Become a Blister + Spot MemberSEE OUR OTHER PODCASTS:CRAFTED Bikes & Big IdeasOff The CouchGEAR:30Happy Hour Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cody and Jonathan discuss Kyle Smaine, tragedy, & avalanche safety; separating vs always staying together in the backcountry; Mountain Town Advice, the most Canadian news; coffee gear; and more.TOPICS & TIMES:Babies, Getting Sick, & the NFL (4:34)Coffee Gear (8:10)Kyle Smaine (10:26)Tragedy & Improving Avalanche SafetyBackcountry Ethics: Separating/Staying Together (20:07)Does cycling have a drinking problem? (35:52)The Most Canadian News (50:57)Mountain Town / Relationship Advice (55:55)What We’re Reading & Watching (1:27:01)RELATED LINKS:Become a Blister + Spot MemberBlister Summit RegistrationEpisode Sponsor: Spokane Alpine HausGEAR:30 #194: Spokane Alpine HausGEAR:30 #160: Spokane Alpine HausSEE OUR OTHER PODCASTS:CRAFTED Bikes & Big IdeasOff The CouchGEAR:30Happy Hour Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we’re talking about the ski industry, ski manufacturing, and sustainability in general, and Atomic’s own historical and quite recent initiatives, including their new annual Impact Statement they released today. Last week Jonathan was at Atomic’s headquarters in Altenmarkt, Austria, to discuss — and see — what one of the largest manufacturers in the ski industry has been up to on the sustainability front. And after many hours of conversations and going carefully through this Impact Statement, I highly suggest checking it out.TOPICS & TIMES:New “Impact Statement” from Atomic (7:19)Ronny’s background (8:30)History of Atomic’s sustainability initiatives (12:22)Sustainability Reports & Greenwashing (18:57) What do “SBTI” & “LCA” mean? (24:32)Manufacturing products with reduced impact (32:48)Reducing emissions in manufacturing plants (36:48)Ski Industry’s Outsized Influence (41:18)Atomic’s most significant reductions (45:05)Sustainability & Consumer Preference (57:32)Ski-Industry Collabor

We talk to Jess Baker and Rachael Burks about sailing, skiing, and what happens when you combine a renewable energy sailboat with an arctic ski expedition in Greenland for the first time ever, which they documented in the film, Going Greenland.TOPICS & TIMES:How did you two first meet? (2:57)Jess & Rachael’s history (5:21)Jess’s Background (9:22)Rachael’s Background (14:44)Babies & First boat Experiences (17:37)Sailing, Skiing, & the Bering Sea (21:25)First Trip to Greenland (33:59)Return Trip to Greenland (39:40) Pre-Trip Troubles (44:33)Ski Season vs Sailing Season (51:40)The Rhythm of Nature (55:16)How & Where to See the Film (1:01:52)RELATED LINKS:goinggreenland.com/Instagram: @going_greenlandBecome a Blister + Spot MemberBlister Summit RegistrationSEE OUR OTHER PODCASTS:CRAFTED Bikes & Big IdeasOff The CouchGEAR:30Happy Hour Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When trying to gain clarity on issues of climate change (where we are, where we’ve been, and where we should go from here) it is a good idea to talk to Bill McKibben. Bill’s book, The End of Nature (1989) was one of the first books written for the general public about these issues; and through the creation of 350.org and 3rd Act, Bill has continued to bring attention to these issues and mobilize communities to bring about change.TOPICS & TIMES:Bill’s Background (4:03)Writers that have influenced you? (16:00)Inflation Reduction Act (19:10)Meeting emission goals? (24:50)Personal Actions / Community Actions (28:40)Banks & Carbon Emissions (37:00)Climate Conference in Egypt (39:22)The Next 12-24 Months (43:09)Heat pumps (47:04)Nuclear Fusion (48:26)Electric vehicles (50:52)Compromises & Alternative Energy (54:59)What to Do Now? (59:21)RELATED LINKS:Become a Blister+Spot MemberBlister Summit RegistrationSEE OUR OTHER PODCASTS:CRAFTED Bikes & Big IdeasOff The CouchGEAR:30Happy Hour Hosted on Ac

Cody and Jonathan discuss Cody’s not-so-excellent recent adventures; nuclear fusion; whether ski areas should be nationalized; iPhones, Apple watches, & 911 calls; our first ever Relationship Advice questions; The White Lotus; and more.TOPICS & TIMES:Cody’s Not-So-Excellent Adventures (4:31)Nuclear Fusion (14:32)Nationalize Ski Areas? (22:08)Blister Pod #219: Community-Run Ski AreasApple Watch, iPhones, & 911 Calls (40:25)Most Canadian News (44:02)Mtn Town Relationship Advice (46:50)What We’re Watching: White Lotus (1:16:47)RELATED LINKS:Become a Blister + Spot MemberBlister Summit RegistrationSEE OUR OTHER PODCASTS:CRAFTED Bikes & Big IdeasOff The CouchGEAR:30Happy Hour Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.