The Brain Drain Skateboarding show with Forde Brookfield & Toby Batchelor

Brain Drain Episode 58 with Toby Batchelor & Forde Brookfield 🧠 Sit down and get comfy as we dive into some incredible skateboarding history with the absolutely wonderful Vaughan Baker!In this episode we take a deep dive into his intensive skateboarding history riding for Blueprint Skateboards & Unabomber Skateboards, working for NikeSB, Kr3w, Supra Footwear & Vans Skateboarding, getting in the van with Joe Brook & Antony Claravall, shooting for Slap Magazine, growing up in Worcester, riding for Ideal Skate Shop & Slam City Skates, filming his first video parts in Andy Evans videos, filming for Unabombers "Unapromo" & "Headcleaner", filming fir Blueprints "First Broadcast" & "Lost & Found" touring America & Australia, meeting Olly Todd, moving to Cornwall & skating with Ben Grove, Eddie Belvedere, Leo Sharp and much, much more!! 👀00:00 - Coming up/intro04:20 - Growing up in Worcester, getting his first (legit) complete board & illegal tricks with Simon Woodstock & Todd Falcon.15:08 - First sponsors, meeting the Ideal Skate Store crew, filming for his first video parts with Andy Evans and shooting for Sidewalk Magazine.19:54 - The birth of Unabomber Skateboards.- Filming for Unabombers "Unapromo"- Moving in with Manzoori, Alan Rushbrooke & Mark Channer in Bristol.38:00 - Going to Australia with Alan Rushbrooke & Andrew Horsley, filming for Unabombers "Headcleaner" video, skating for Slam City & meeting Olly Todd.49:35 - Going to San Francisco, staying with Brian Sumner, meeting Joe Brook & Anthony Claravall & getting the Slap Magazine cover (continued after sponsor ad)53:38 - Show Sponsor #1: YEW Super Natural Sparkling Water(https://www.yewdrink.com)54:17 - Going to San Francisco, staying with Brian Sumner, meeting Joe Brook & Anthony Claravall & getting the Slap Magazine cover.58:40 - Getting his first pro board for Unabomber Skateboards, skating with Geoff Rowley and Arto Saari & going back to the U.K. and quitting Unabomber.1:13:52 - Getting a call off Paul Shier & being asked to ride for Blueprint Skateboards, riding for America Footwear and filming for "First Broadcast".1:24:37 - Show Sponsor #2: Skull Candy(https://skullcandy.co.uk)For 20% off your next purchase use the code "BRAINDRAIN20"1:25:23 - How was Vaughan officially announced to Blueprint Skateboards, turning pro, Unabombers "Headcleaner" being released whilst Vaughan was riding for Blueprint and the legend of Ben Jobe!1:35:55 - The incredibly high standard of filming for a Blueprint Skateboards videos & dislocating his ankle on the eve of filming for "Lost & Found".1:40:22 - Skating for Emerica, designing his pro shoes and various injuries and leaving Blueprint.1:47:01 - Starting to work for Kr3w Clothing & Supra Footwear, moving to Barcelona, working for NikeSB and the Gladiator Advert story...2:08:00 - Show Sponsor #3: Prime8 Skate Tools(https://rollersnakes.co.uk/products/prime8-triple-ratchet-lite-skate-tool-black?_pos=1&_sid=f8e3eba02&_ss=r)2:09:02 - Covid, Leaving NikeSB & working for Vans Footwear.2:15:03 - Painting, artistry, living in Cornwall and still skateboarding... 2:21:00 - Thankyou's, farewells and credits...Support The Brain Drain Show by hitting the "THANKS" button under this video.Subscribe to our Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/BrainDrainShow💰Want to BUY Brain Drain Merch?💰https://rollersnakes.co.uk/search?q=brain+drainINSTAGRAM: 📸 Rollersnakes 📸https://www.instagram.com/rollersnakeshttps://www.instagram.com/rollersnakesshopderbyYOUTUBE: ▶️ RollersnakesTV ▶️https://www.youtube.com/rollersnakestvSupport us by checking out our sponsors:Rollersnakes:www.rollersnakes.co.ukPresented by: Forde Brookfield (@bagheadcrew) & Toby Batchelor (@tobybatchelor) Edited by: Forde Brookfield Audio Mixing: Forde BrookfieldTimestamps: Forde BrookfieldProducer: Goth Shaun (@shaunofthesad)Thumbnail: Michael Wright#braindrainshow #vaughanbaker #blueprintskateboards #unabomberskateboards

Brain Drain Episode 56 with Forde Brookfield & Toby Batchelor 🧠 Sit down and get comfy as we dive into over two hours of absolute video camera and skateboarding geekery with the legendary James Harris 📹In this episode we discuss James’ humble beginnings in skateboarding videography, filming for Shiner Distribution, filming his independent full video “Little Paradise”, beating thyroid cancer, the brilliance of Dave Snaddon, Nicky Howells, Andy Coleman & all his good friends, filming the @decimalskatestore videos, getting into commercial work, his brilliant documentary “My Friend who Died”, his current and dream video camera set up’s, the relevance of the VX1000,  @venturetrucks  tours,  @Sidewalkmagofficial  “Big Push” videos and a whole load more 👀 and much, much more!00:00 - Intro/coming up...03:29 - Where is James from and how did he discover skateboarding?05:58 - Getting into filming skateboarding, buying his first camera and camera modifications...10:30 - Do you think people pay attention to what camera a skate video is filmed on?13:29 - What set up is James currently using, selling his VX1000's & Mark 1 Century fisheye for double the price & pure camera geekery...24:51 - Who where some of the first people he started filming with in Bristol, his first full lengths and starting to work for Shiner Distribution and filming a Venture Trucks tour.28:28 - How did things progress after filming the Venture Trucks tour & filming Big Pushs'.33:04 - Show Sponsor #1: YEW Super Natural Sparkling Water(https://www.yewdrink.com)33:44 - How does James handle a disagreements with a skaters over music for a video part and is there any genres James refuses to use?42:37 - The Big Push 2, Nicky Howells stories, filming for Brixton, HUF & Red Bull...52:21: Show Sponsor #2: Skull Candy(https://skullcandy.eu)For 20% off your next purchase use the code "BRAINDRAIN20"53:08 - Getting diagnosed with stage 2&3 Thyroid Cancer at the age of 25 and becoming a videographer for the Cancer Journal.59:33 - How did dealing with cancer affect his video work whilst filming for "Little Paradise: and how did his body feel after beating cancer?1:05:51 - Working on the Decimal Skate Store full length & edits...1:07:17 - Are full length videos still important and has social media killed the importance of full length videos?1:11:37 - Would James rather his skate videos age gracefully or try and find new talent to work with, NTSC VS PAL and even more camera geekery...1:19:05 - Has James ever fucked up whilst filming a clip?1:22:17 - Show Sponsor #3: Prime8 Skate Tools(https://rollersnakes.co.uk/products/prime8-triple-ratchet-lite-skate-tool-black?_pos=1&_sid=f8e3eba02&_ss=r)1:23:18 - What would be James' dream video camera set up?1:27:08 - Does James think the VX1000 is still a relevant camera in skateboarding?1:32:00 - Has James ever used the Century Xtreme set up & is the Panasonic HMC/HVX/HPX camera series worth it?1:35:50 - What does James use to edit and colour grade on?1:37:37 - James' documentary "My Friend who Died" about Jamie Clapp.1:52:50 - More freelance work and what other work he does outside of skateboarding?1:57:20 - Does James enjoy filming skateboarding more now he doesn't work in skateboarding?2:02:26 - Thankyou's, farewells and credits...Subscribe to our Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/BrainDrainShowYOUTUBE: ▶️ RollersnakesTV ▶️https://www.youtube.com/rollersnakestvSupport us by checking out our sponsors:Rollersnakes:www.rollersnakes.co.ukPresented by: Forde Brookfield (@bagheadcrew) & Toby Batchelor (@tobybatchelor) Edited by: Forde Brookfield Audio Mixing: Forde BrookfieldTimestamps: Forde BrookfieldProducer: Goth Shaun (@shaunofthesad)Thumbnail: Michael Wright#braindrainshow #jamesharris #myfriendwhodied

Brain Drain Episode 56 with Toby Batchelor & Forde Brookfield 🧠 Sit down and get comfy as we dive into some classic British skateboarding & prankster history with non other than Dirty Sanchez's very own Mike "Pancho" Locke!In this episode we discuss some in depth Port Talbot skateboarding history, meeting Mattew Pritchard, Lee Dainton and Dan Joyce, the birth of Dirty Sanchez, deadly stunts, nearly dying, MTV, being 1/2 of the Balls of Steel “Pain Men” with Pritchard, Munster Competitions, G97, Radlands, near death experiences, fake world records, anaphylactic shock, Latin Music Awards, insane Munster antics, filming non-stop multiple seasons and movies for Dirty Sanchez, intense touring, the San Portablo store, the future and much, much more!00:00 - Intro/coming up...02:55 - Growing up in Port Talbot and the skate scene in the early 90's.10:03 - Pancho, the Altar Boy?12:40 - More childhood skateboarding history and choosing between pursuing skateboarding or football...16:51 - Meeting Matthew Pritchard!22:19 - The madness of the Munster competitions and travelling Europe.26:34 - Getting into the Munster competition as Pritchards son and hiding from riot police with Winstan Witter.30:31 - What's Pancho's earliest memory of Lee Dainton and meeting Dan Joyce.34:48 - The birth of the Pritchard VS. Dainton video and the madness of Nass festivals...41:30 - Show sponsor: @slappytrucks https://rollersnakes.co.uk/search?q=slappy+truckshttps://www.slappytrucks.com42:41 - Filming for the Pritchard VS. Dainton video and getting offers from MTV to create the Dirty Sanchez show & monthly appearances in FHM Magazine.48:08 - How where the Dirty Sanchez shows & stunts structured when working with MTV & finding the perfect Health and Safety officer for the show...54:50 - Dirty Sanchez Live, film budgets, anaphylactic shock and the Pancho's near death experience!1:01:13 - What Sanchez member fucked with Pancho the most, getting his revenge and do they still fuck around with one another to this day?1:03:59 - When the MTV seasons came to an end, how quickly did the Sanchez boys begin filming for the Dirty Sanchez Movie?1:07:19 - What was one of the most fucked up things to happen whilst filming for the Dirty Sanchez Movie, the fake Guinness world records paintball challenge and getting liposuction...1:15:07 - Pritchard & Pancho on Channel 4's Balls of Steel & partying with celebrities & hosting the Latin Music Awards.1:20:24 - Life after Dirty Sanchez, Pancho's clothing brand San Portablo and the future...1:26:52 - Thank you's, sign off's and farewells...Also available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & Youtube.https://linkin.bio/rollersnakesSupport The Brain Drain Show by hitting the "THANKS" button under this video.Subscribe to our Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/BrainDrainShow💰Want to BUY Brain Drain Merch?💰https://rollersnakes.co.uk/search?q=brain+drainINSTAGRAM: 📸 Rollersnakes 📸https://www.instagram.com/rollersnakeshttps://www.instagram.com/rollersnakesshopderbyYOUTUBE: ▶️ RollersnakesTV ▶️https://www.youtube.com/rollersnakestvSupport us by checking out our sponsors:Rollersnakes:www.rollersnakes.co.ukPresented by: Forde Brookfield (@bagheadcrew) & Toby Batchelor (@tobybatchelor) Edited by: Forde Brookfield Producer: Goth Shaun (@shaunofthesad)#braindrainshow #pancho #dirtysanchez #mattpritchard #danjoyce #leedainton

Brain Drain Episode 55 with Forde Brookfield & Toby Batchelor 🧠 Crack a tea on, get comfortable and zone out to an hour and a half of fun skateboarding history with Heroin Skateboards very own Beth Howells.In this episode we discuss growing up in a tiny town, getting involved with the Hereford scene, getting on Heroin Skateboards, her other sponsors; Converse, Ace Trucks & Snot Wheels, the Keep Pushing movement, growing up as a female in a male dominated sport, moving to Bristol, making music, travelling Europe, her favourite skateboarders, working as a occupational therapy technician, tackling mental health issues and much much more!Please donate to the Keep Pushing movement here: https://shorturl.at/J67B3Here are some useful links for you to check out if you need it:https://www.thebenraemersfoundation.comhttps://www.findahelpline.comhttps://www.ncps.com/counselling-directoryhttps://www.docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1K6r65NyhEBR-HZehli2ru7NcZ74vT_X0Wuv0CSYWpZY/edit?pli=1&gid=0#gid=000:00 - Intro/coming up...01:28 - Where did Beth grow up, how did she get into skateboarding and the Hereford Scene...11:01 - How did she become involved in the Hereford skate scene?12:28 - How was it growing up as a female in skateboarding, who's some of her favourites skateboarders and has she ever been intimidated going to a new skateparks?21:16 - How come she ended up moving to Bristol, how is the music scene changing and who are some of her favourite Bristolian skateboarders?31:02 - Spending two weeks travels round Europe...39:57 - What other travelling plans does Beth have and gnarly stories about her mate Josh nearly being murdered in the Australian outback!50:09 - How has female skateboarding evolved over the last ten years and has she ever had any grief from male skateboarders?56:30 - Who are currently Beth's favourite skateboarders both female and male?1:01:03 - Is Beth technically the first female skateboarder on Heroin Skateboards, how did she eventually get on and other sponsors does she have?1:08:53 - Beth's history of making music, being in a band and being a DJ...1:16:41 - Working as an Occupational Therapy Technician in the mental heath field.1:27:09 - The birth of her Keep Pushing Charity, the events surrounding the charity and our favourite cakes...1:32:25 - Credits, farewells and thank you's!Also available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & Youtube.https://linkin.bio/rollersnakesSupport The Brain Drain Show by hitting the "THANKS" button under this video.Subscribe to our Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/BrainDrainShow💰Want to BUY Brain Drain Merch?💰https://rollersnakes.co.uk/search?q=brain+drainINSTAGRAM: 📸 Rollersnakes 📸https://www.instagram.com/rollersnakeshttps://www.instagram.com/rollersnakesshopderbyYOUTUBE: ▶️ RollersnakesTV ▶️https://www.youtube.com/rollersnakestvSupport us by checking out our sponsors:Rollersnakes:www.rollersnakes.co.ukPresented by: Forde Brookfield (@bagheadcrew) & Toby Batchelor (@tobybatchelor) Edited by: Forde Brookfield Audio Mixing: Forde BrookfieldTimestamps: Forde BrookfieldProducer: Goth Shaun (@shaunofthesad)Thumbnail: Michael Wright#braindrainshow #heroinskateboards #bethhowells

Brain Drain Episode 54 with Forde Brookfield & Toby Batchelor 🧠

Buckle up for just under two hours of Ben Raemers history with non other than Lucky Raemers & Susie Crome of the wonderful The Ben Raemers Foundation!In this episode we discuss the absolute beauty of Ben himself, Ben's early years & skateboarding, how the Ben Raemers Foundation was created, the SMiLe interviews, important signs to look out for, suicide prevention classes, Ben’s incredible skateboarding legacy, fundraisers, the future of the foundation and much much more!Please donate to @thebenraemersfoundation, check out their website for a bunch of useful links and reach out to your loved ones!Donation here:https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=3WPT8AEC2FVNUHere are some useful links for you to check out:https://www.thebenraemersfoundation.comhttps://www.findahelpline.comhttps://www.ncps.com/counselling-directoryhttps://www.docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1K6r65NyhEBR-HZehli2ru7NcZ74vT_X0Wuv0CSYWpZY/edit?pli=1&gid=0#gid=000:00 - Coming up on this episode/intro03:55 - Can Lucy & Susie explain both of their roles at The Ben Raemers Foundation, the birth of the foundation and how exactly do you set up a charity?12:53 - Who else is involved within the foundation?17:26 - What work has Lucy & Susie been working towards, visiting San Jose, putting on "Feeling Scene" videos & offering suicide prevention training.28:07 - ADHD, autism and opening up and talking about suicidal thoughts and simple gestures that help people in need...44:06 - SMiLe Trailer #1 - Andrew Brophy:www.youtube.com/watch?v=ENDtZcuGlVk45:35 - ADHD, autism and opening up and talking about suicidal thoughts and simple gestures that help people in need (continued...)51:49 - What are some of the signs to look out for that might indicate someone is having suicidal thoughts?1:00:10 - Ben's history within skateboarding, becoming the world renowned skateboarder that he is, his funeral & childhood memories...1:10:48 - Realising Ben's worldwide popularity & Thrasher Magazine covers!1:15:05 - Did Lucy ever see signs of pressure from being a professional skateboarder and day to day routine's to help your mental health.1:25:29 - SMiLe Trailer #2 - Elissa Steamer:www.youtube.com/watch?v=W0znbOXJ8rI1:26:28 - New tribute boards and future Ben Raemers product.1:20:07 - The SMiLe interviews and strategies on how to cope with being over stimulated and anxiety...1:39:33 - What are the key points that people can look out for if they think someone they know is struggling with their mental health.1:42:28 - Where can people find out more about the work Lucy & Susie are doing?1:48:07 - Credits, farewells and thank you's!Also available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & Youtube.https://linkin.bio/rollersnakesSupport The Brain Drain Show by hitting the "THANKS" button under this video.Subscribe to our Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/BrainDrainShow💰Want to BUY Brain Drain Merch?💰https://rollersnakes.co.uk/search?q=brain+drainINSTAGRAM: 📸 Rollersnakes 📸https://www.instagram.com/rollersnakeshttps://www.instagram.com/rollersnakesshopderbyYOUTUBE: ▶️ RollersnakesTV ▶️https://www.youtube.com/rollersnakestvSupport us by checking out our sponsors:Rollersnakes:www.rollersnakes.co.ukPresented by: Forde Brookfield (@bagheadcrew) & Toby Batchelor (@tobybatchelor) Edited by: Forde Brookfield Audio Mixing: Forde BrookfieldTimestamps: Forde BrookfieldProducer: Goth Shaun (@shaunofthesad)Thumbnail: Michael Wright#braindrainshow #benraemers #thebenraemersfoundation

Rollersnakes is beyond proud to present the "PHOTO:SKIN" documentary.Decades in the darkroom, now in the spotlight — "PHOTO:SKIN" peels back the layers of skateboarding’s golden era with raw, unseen images that shaped a generation. In this documentary piece, Forde Brookfield & Toby Batchelor visit Skin Phillips in his hometown of Swansea to dive through thousands of unseen photos from Skin's vaults that span an incredible 40+ years.May 9th, 2025 from 5PM 📅 FREE entry | Food | Music | SkateboardingFREE  @stancesocks  FOR THE FIRST 75 PEOPLE THROUGH THE DOOR!ROLLERSNAKES📍 Unit 7, Parker Centre, Parker Industrial Estate, Mansfield Road, Derby, DE21 4SZFilmed and edited by the incredible Jake Powell 📹Supported by  @stancesocks  00:00 - Intro & driving to Swansea.05:19 - Arriving at Skins house and seagull drama.08:13 - Diving into Skins incredible photo vault.22:30 - Closing statements, exhibition details and credits.#rollersnakesderby #skinphillips

Brain Drain Episode 53 with Forde Brookfield & Toby Batchelor 🧠 Sit back and relax as we dive into over two hours of incredible skateboarding history with the legendary Simon Skipp!In this episode we discuss the history of Romford skatepark, moving too Reading, skating for Adidas' "Research and Development" team, getting on Converse, Howies Clothing and Rookies Skateboards, incredible trips to Marseille with Pete King, Ben Leyden & Matt Anderson, getting hooked up by Rollersnakes, the brilliance of Kevin Parrott, being involved with the birth of Clown Skateboards, meeting Banksy, riding fort Heathen Skateboards, Skipps Ditch, building his DIY, taking a step back from sponsored skateboarding, becoming a father, getting into woodwork and carving and much more!00:00 - Coming up on this episode/intro04:46 - Growing up in Romford, getting into skateboarding, skating Harrow and Southbank & meeting John Haywood...10:05 - Leigh-on-Sea, the insane Powell demo and the current state of Romford Skatepark.21:31 - What's the gnarliest thing Skipp has ever seen at Rom over the years and who where the Romford locals at the time?29:17 - Moving to Reading for University & the Reading scene.34:52;- Travelling and getting hooked up by Rollersnakes.- Meeting Pete Helicar & Andy Peerless.- Getting on the Adidas "Research and Development" team.- Getting on Converse Footwear & Howies Clothing.- Meeting Matt Law and getting on Rookies Skateboards.53:19 - Going to Marseille with Pete King, Ben Leyden, Matt Anderson, Kingy & Percy for Converse Footwear.1:01:07 - Leaving Howies Clothing and the brilliance of the OG Unabomber team!1:09:25 - The birth of Clown Skateboards, meeting Banksy and building the Clown Skateboards team.1:14:05 - The brilliance of Kevin Parrott, searching endlessly for new spots and more history of Clown Skateboards. 1:22:40 - Leaving Clown Skateboards, meeting Woody, getting on Heathen Skateboards and getting back on Howies...1:33:19 - Team cuts and happily taking a step back from sponsored skateboarding.1:41:15 - Getting into carving woodwork and becoming a lift inspector for Wandsworth Council.1:52:00 - What's Skipps warm up routine?1:54:09 - Skipps Ditch and his DIY!2:11:47 - When did Clown Skateboards make a come back?2:14:47 - Credits, farewells and thank you's!Footage used from OG Distributions "Never Been Loved", Yah Bru "Zero" and multiple other skateboarding clips filmed by Kevin Parrott!www.instagram.com/kevinparrott@kevinparrottAlso available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & Youtube.https://linkin.bio/rollersnakesSupport The Brain Drain Show by hitting the "THANKS" button under this video.Subscribe to our Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/BrainDrainShow💰Want to BUY Brain Drain Merch?💰https://rollersnakes.co.uk/search?q=brain+drainINSTAGRAM: 📸 Rollersnakes 📸https://www.instagram.com/rollersnakeshttps://www.instagram.com/rollersnakesshopderbyYOUTUBE: ▶️ RollersnakesTV ▶️https://www.youtube.com/rollersnakestvSupport us by checking out our sponsors:Rollersnakes:www.rollersnakes.co.ukPresented by: Forde Brookfield (@bagheadcrew) & Toby Batchelor (@tobybatchelor) Edited by: Forde Brookfield Audio Mixing: Forde BrookfieldTimestamps: Forde BrookfieldProducer: Handsome Ed (@edward._.pratt)Thumbnail: Michael Wright#braindrainshow #simonskipp

Brain Drain Episode 52 with Toby Batchelor & Forde Brookfield 🧠 Get comfortable as we dive into two hours of incredible distribution history with the legendary Wesley Morgan of Rock Solid Distribution.In this episode we sit down with one of the UK's most beloved distributors, Wesley Morgan of Rock Solid Distribution. We dive deep into the history of Rock Solid Distribution from it's humble beginnings in a two bedroom flat, all the way unto distributing some of skateboardings greatest brands; Powell Peralta, Bones Wheels, Ace Trucks, Magenta Skateboards, 5BORO, April, Butter Goods, Cortina Bearings, Darkroom, Dear Skating, DGK, Dial Tone, Diamond Supply Co, Doom Sayers, Toy Machine, Foundation Skateboards. We also dive into Wes' history of growing up in Bristol, skating with some of skateboardings greatest legends and much more!00:00 - Coming up on this episode/intro01:57 - Where is Wes from and how do the U.S. brands find his accent?04:07 - Wes' history of skateboarding, growing up in the Downend and asking Bill Danforth how to do a McTwist...13:10 - Becoming a skate nerd and venturing into Bristol and seeing Lloyds for the first time.17:54 - Visiting Skate One for the first time, meeting George Powell, seeing the incredible Skate One Lab and being the ultimate skate nerd!27:22 - The Powell Peralta U.K. tour 31:16 - How where the Lloyds ledges when they where first built and who where some of the first people to do tricks down the Big Three?36:10 - Skin Phillips photo exhibition, Rollersnakes 40th anniversary, the Science Verses Life Book & history of Paul Haynes filming for the Rollersnakes 540 & 720 videos.40:34 - Rollersnakes is now owned by it's employees!(Watch this video for more information: www.youtube.com/watch?v=zrSFvhEblFc)43:48 - Moving into the centre of Bristol, it's high standard of skateboarding, Rollermania, 5050 Skate Shop, P-Stone & Danny Wainwright!50:51 - Who was dominating the Bristol scene when Wes moved back to Bristol after finishing Uni in Cardiff?57:03 - The birth and deep history of Wes' Rock Solid Distribution!1:15:27 - How does Wes start distributing brands, lurking on Slap Forum and potentially losing brands...1:23:09 - Skating curbs with John Lucero, Skip Pronier and Ben Koppl & meeting more skate legends .1:27:04 - What's been one of the biggest and most financially beneficial brands that Wes has ever distributed through Rock Solid?1:28:19 - Does Skate One have expectations to how much Rock Solid has to distribute and how did Wes end up acquiring Skate One? (Powell Peralta, Bones Wheels etc...)1:33:32 - What's the day to day duties of running a distribution company?1:37:30 - Has being involved in the skateboarding industry ever dampened his actual joy for skateboarding in his personal time?1:30:19 - What's Wes' future with rock solid and what's his warm up routine for skating as he gets older?1:43:04 - What's the most valuable, rarest thing Wes has collected during his lifetime in skateboarding?1:52:39 - Passing out, getting his face painted, eyebrows shaved off and other hyjinx!1:55:32 - Getting arrested in Barcelona for cycling the wrong way round a roundabout?1:57:45 - What's Wes' thoughts on where skateboarding currently is?2:03:00 - Wrap up, farewells, credits and extended thank you's from Wes!Also available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & Youtube.https://linkin.bio/rollersnakesSupport The Brain Drain Show by hitting the "THANKS" button under this video.Subscribe to our Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/BrainDrainShow💰Want to BUY Brain Drain Merch?💰https://rollersnakes.co.uk/search?q=brain+drainINSTAGRAM: 📸 Rollersnakes 📸https://www.instagram.com/rollersnakeshttps://www.instagram.com/rollersnakesshopderbyYOUTUBE: ▶️ RollersnakesTV ▶️https://www.youtube.com/rollersnakestvSupport us by checking out our sponsors:Rollersnakes:www.rollersnakes.co.uk

Brain Drain Episode 50 with Toby Batchelor & Forde Brookfield 🧠

In this episode we sit down with one of Bristols finest, Andrew Makepeace for three hours to discuss his history of skateboarding, living in Bristol, his history and working for  @rocksoliddistribution ,  @keendist63  & Route One, starting  @skateboardcafe  with Rich Smith buying  @slamcityskates86  @slamcitylondon  & Lost Art filming for Bristols Finest, the OG’s and newcomers in the Bristol scene, moving to Oxford, being blind in one eye, conspiracy theories and much more!00:00 - Coming up on this episode/intro03:02 - Where is Andy from, earliest memories of skateboarding and Bristol city centre...13:11 - Early Patchway crew, meeting the Bristol locals and legends & Osiris Footwear.20:24 - The brilliance of Korahn Gayle & Toby's classic Plan B Tour story...23:40 - Getting shifts at 5050 Skate Shop, moving into the centre of Bristol, working at Route One for ten years and the importance of skate shops!38:01 - Where did Andy get the nickname Evil Dorito & Cakepeace from and what's some of his favourite cakes?41:18 - Being blind in one eye and how does it affect his skateboarding?47:40 - What tricks has Andy done down Lloyds big three, losing a sequence and other tricks that've gone down the big three!57:21 - The history of Skateboard Cafe, the brilliance of Rich Smith, artwork & getting Cease & Desist's from Starbucks (continued at 2:02:17).1:07:40 - Thriving on minimal sleep, bath rituals, & bath bombs.1:12:36 - Day to day operations at Skateboard Cafe and early days of independent distribution. 1:16:50 - Working for Rock Solid Distribution.1:22:55 - Working for Keen Distribution and moving to Oxford.1:30:35 - Buying Slam City in London, the employees and it's day to day operations.1:40:19 - How has the industry changed in the last few years and what would Andy's advice be for anyone who's thinking of opening a skate shop?1:54:00 - Buying Lost Art in Liverpool, the employees and it's day to day operations.2:02:17 - More history of Skateboard Cafe, the original full length video by Rich Smith & early team riders (Shaun Currie, Mike Arnold etc...)2:16:06 - Conspiracy Theories, 9/11, pyramids, the moon landing, time travel, 2:55:51 - Wrap up, farewells and credits...Also available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & Youtube.https://linkin.bio/rollersnakesSupport The Brain Drain Show by hitting the "THANKS" button under this video.Subscribe to our Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/BrainDrainShow💰Want to BUY Brain Drain Merch?💰https://rollersnakes.co.uk/search?q=brain+drainINSTAGRAM: 📸 Rollersnakes 📸https://www.instagram.com/rollersnakeshttps://www.instagram.com/rollersnakesshopderbyYOUTUBE: ▶️ RollersnakesTV ▶️https://www.youtube.com/rollersnakestvSupport us by checking out our sponsors:Rollersnakes:www.rollersnakes.co.ukPresented by: Forde Brookfield (@bagheadcrew) & Toby Batchelor (@tobybatchelor) Edited by: Forde Brookfield Producer: Handsome Ed (@edward._.pratt)Thumbnail: Michael Wright#braindrainshow #skateboardcafe #andrewmakepeace #slamcityskates #lostartskateshop

Brain Drain Episode 50 with Toby Batchelor & Forde Brookfiel🧠 Prepare yourself for nearly 3 hours of skateboarding, art & death metal geekery with the incredible Funeral French!In this episode we discuss everything from his intensive back catalog of artwork, designing boards for  @heroinskateboarding ,  @CreatureFiends ,  @zeroskateboards ,  @blacklabelskates , the birth of Witchcraft Hardware, 1939 and Dungeon Gateway, insane art commissions, being the driver for  @ThrasherMag  U.K. vacation, the brilliant P-Stone, working for  @ShinerPixels , favourite thrash & death metal bands, sketchy Belgium tours, german sausages, growing up in Aldershot, designing pro boards for Eric Dressen and a whole load more!00:00 - Coming up on this episode/intro03:38 - Favorite pastys & the legend of Pin of Werrytown.07:52 - Skating with Colin Fiske and Dave Vey's fur coat...11:39 - Where is French from, getting into skateboarding and his first proper set up!16:20 - Working at Shiner Distribution and the change in board shapes and graphics21:50 - Truck geekery, the decline of professional skateboarders and the first NFT skateboarding brand?30:22 - French's early skate crew and venturing out to new cities...36:00 - When did French start getting into art and his school years.39:58 - French's distinctive art style, using mixed media and his early graphics for Heroin Skateboards...49:24 - What was the first commission French ever got and getting hints from James Jarvis & Mark Foster.1:01:23 - What's the biggest commission French has ever had and working alongside his wife on collaborations...1:09:39 - Who were some of French's biggest clients and obscure commissions! 1:18:39 - What other big brands has French worked for? (Adio, Nike, Adidas, Emerica, Vans, Etnies, Planet Earth, Kr3w, Volcom, Altamont, etc.)1:27:45 - Does French keep one of everything with brands he's collaborated with and getting commissions from Zero Skateboards, Black Label Skateboards, Creature Skateboards, Santa Cruz & more!1:36:49 - Doing artwork for Thrasher and Metal bands, his current favourite bands and where did the name "Funeral French" come from?1:42:28 - The history of Witchcraft Hardware, creating his own shapes and guests artists!1:57:11 - Designing graphics for Black Label Skateboards, talking with John Lucero over the phone and giving away decks and clothing to his friends and family.2:04:03 - 1939 Skates and making graphics for Sleep, Witch, Dinosaur Jr., Earthless, High on Fire & Graveyard!2:11:39 - Car13 Wheels...2:15:13 - Being the driver for Thrasher Magazines 2014 Vacation in England and Phelps being an absolute cock.2:23:49 - Who's got the best Frontside Grinds and Mark Munson impersonations...2:33:09 - What lead up to French and the Witchcraft Hardware team getting arrested in Belgium?2:37:45 - If the world ran out of beans, what would French out on his toast and some absolutely incredible German impersonations!2:42:36 - The origins of the "French" nickname...2:44:36 - Farewells and credits!Also available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & Youtube.https://linkin.bio/rollersnakesSupport The Brain Drain Show by hitting the "THANKS" button under this video.Subscribe to our Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/BrainDrainShow💰Want to BUY Brain Drain Merch?💰https://rollersnakes.co.uk/search?q=brain+drainINSTAGRAM: 📸 Rollersnakes 📸https://www.instagram.com/rollersnakeshttps://www.instagram.com/rollersnakesshopderbyYOUTUBE: ▶️ RollersnakesTV ▶️https://www.youtube.com/rollersnakestvSupport us by checking out our sponsors:Rollersnakes:www.rollersnakes.co.ukPresented by: Forde Brookfield (@bagheadcrew) & Toby Batchelor (@tobybatchelor) Edited by: Forde Brookfield Producer: Handsome Ed (@edward._.pratt)Thumbnail: Michael Wright#braindrainshow #funeralfrench #dungeongateway #witchcrafthardware