What would you do if one wild surf story could change how you travel, train, and survive in the ocean?

Michael talks with author James Russell about the real spark behind his podcast; Mad Surf Stories - those unforgettable car park conversations where local surfers share the kind of stories that never make the mainstream. From near-death experiences and ocean rescues to fear, aging, flow state, and the lessons hidden inside heavy surf moments, this conversation speaks to anyone who loves the ocean and wants to surf smarter, safer, and longer.

You'll hear how storytelling preserves local surf lore, why surfers should take safety gear more seriously, and what happens when experience, fear, and age all collide in the lineup. James also shares insights from his own surfing life, his writing, and the deeper emotional threads that run through survival stories at sea.

Discover why real surf stories are often the best source of practical wisdom and hard-earned safety lessons You'll learn how fear, preparation, and mindset shape performance in the water, especially as surfers get older. You'll get a deeper appreciation for the psychology, risk, and addictive beauty of surfing and surf culture.

Press play to hear the stories, lessons, and mindset shifts that could help you surf with more awareness, confidence, and respect for the ocean.

James' Podcast "Mad Surf Stories" -

https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/mad-surf-stories-podcast/id1861306952

https://open.spotify.com/show/4tHYvt9btBdGgB5rwKv0jv?si=e69d777c95bf46cb

https://youtube.com/@madsurfstories?si=BH8FCHs6D_4RADAp

James' website:

https://dragonbrothersbooks.com

Surf Mastery - https://surfmastery.com

The Surf Mastery Podcast:

For the passionate surfer - whether you're a weekend warrior, a surf dad, or an older surfer - this podcast is all about better surfing and deeper stoke. With expert surf coaching, surf training, and surfing tips, we'll help you catch more waves, refine your paddling technique, and perfect your pop up on a surfboard. From surf workouts to handling wipeouts, chasing bigger waves, and mastering surf technique, we're here to make sure you not only improve but truly enjoy surfing more - so you can get more out of every session and become a wiser surfer. Go from Beginner or intermediate Surfer to advanced