Anyone who has ever seen the movie Gladiator is not only chill, but also definitely appreciates Joaquin Phoenix's dank portrayal of Emperor Commodus. Well, Strider's bro Harmony McElligott has recently seen a legit documentary on Commodus. So sit back and relax and Harmony shares some knowledge about the actual Emperor's exploits. Strider, having seen Gladiator upwards of 58 times, he has seen it 59 times, draws lines between fact and reality. 

Learn more and laugh more with Harmony on instagram at @harmonymcelligott

Sources: Yahoo.com ‘How Beer Ruled The Ancient World’ by Candida Moss, Wikipedia.org, Ancient.eu ‘Commodus’ by Donald L. Wasson, Roman Empire Reign of Blood Netflix 2016

How is there no movie about this guy? What he and his exploratory crew endured in Antarctica is a tale of having your bros backs that must be retold. Just how Ernest would select dudes for his expedition is an amazing process in and of its self. Fired up to share this story. Spread it like wildfire! 

Sources: britannica.com, wikipedia.org, Shackeltonlondon.com ‘How Ernest Shackleton Recruited His Men’, history.com ‘The Stunning Survival Or Ernest Shackelton And His Endurance Crew’ by Kieran Mulvaney

The most legit thing that can happen on a boat is partying with your boys. The only way a boat could get any more legit is if you scope some Orcas. Killer Whales! They are majestic genius dolphins the size of buses. Apex Predators of the sea! Killer Whales induce nothing but stoke unless you're a seal or a salmon of course. Strider explores just how tight Orcas are while attempting to find out what maniac saw one and said to himself, "Incredible! I gotta teach this thing how to do flips."

Sources:

Wikipedia.org, nationalgeographic.com, orcaaware.org, thedodo.com, seaworld.com, Britannica.com ‘Here’s what really happened to Shamu’, Pbs.org, Whaleresearch.com

Shane McConkey is a true legend, and I think the words of the dude who suggested diving into his incredible life sums up this episode best, "Yo what up my dawg strider, me and my dawgs have recently been hyping up some short term history which we feel could be addressed in a very dank manner on the pod. We are all free skiers and idolize the potential GOAT of the free-skiing community; Shane McConkey, the all time sender who may have single handedly guided the “send-mentality” of action sports. If you don’t know who this is we highly recommend dedicating your next 20 or 30 minutes to recognizing how dank this dude was. I think an ep on him could really help increase the general hype from the boys and get them fired up on having a mentality of sending it and having a good time with the squad."

Sources: wikipedia.org, Outsideonline.com ‘The Life and Death of Shane McConkey’ by Tim Sohn, John Malbeck youtube channel. ‘Shane McConkey Tribute’, Snowbrains.com ‘Shane McConkey: 11 Years Gone But Still Inspiring’ by Ryan Mulcahy, Skydivingmelbourne.com, Bbc.com ‘The history of skiing spans the Cro-Magnon man to the chairlift. Found out where to get closer to its roots’ by Suemedha Sood, Theglobeandmail.com ‘A History of Wingsuit Flight’ by Peter Cheney

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February is Black History Month. The annual observance originated in the United States, and is spreading to other countries as well. As part of the observance Strider chose to share the story of the Amistad Case. The Supreme Court's ruling was not only  monumental to the fate those tragically involved, but that of the entire United States.

The protagonist Sengbe Pieh, otherwise known as Joesph Cinque sums up why it is important to look back at even the most tragic chapters of humanity's past, "I meant my ancestors. I will call into the past. Far back to the beginning of time and beg them to come and help me at the judgment. I will reach back and draw them into me and they must come. For at this moment I am the whole reason they have existed at all."

We have the ingredients to be good to our fellow man. 

Sources: History.com Amistad Case, Wikipedia.org, imdb.com, Reuters.com, Thoughtco.com “Events and Legacy of the Amistad Case of 1840” by Robert Longley 'Amistad' Film. Steven Spielberg 1997

When it comes to Chicago history there is one guy you turn to. Joe Marrese! Strider consults his bro, and absolute legend with a monster hog about the origin of Chicago style deep dish pie.

Sources: Wikipedia.org, giordanos.com, Bbc.com ‘The deep rooted history of Chicago’s deep-dish’ by Caitlin Zaino, Ginoseast.com

Who were the old school Californians? There are two leading theories. Do either of these theories shed light on the NorCal SoCal beef that exists so tangibly in Santa Barbra today, or is it something modern bros have conjured up to control the ratio at house parties? Strider examines what the Native Californians may have been like. 

Primary Researcher: Jacoby Lapinsky 

Sources: Dr. Glen Gendzel, San Jose State University, Head of History Department (Professor & Advisor), Major Problems in California History, by Sucheng Chan, 1997 (Book), This Land was Mexican Once, Chapter 1-3, by Linda Heidenreich, 2007 (Book)

The utter dankness of Fantasy Art is vastly under appreciated because as adults we seldom get a chance to use our imaginations. Well, the artwork of Boris Vallejo and Julie Bell are like keys to unlocking a part of the mind and spirit that enables one to escape from his or her daily routine in a very stoke inducing, and previously unimagined way. Strider examines a few of his favorite works from two of his favorite artists. Remember, there is no right or wrong when imagining. Enjoy!

Sources:

Borisjulie.com, Wikipedia.org, 'The Fantastic Art of Boris Vallejo' by Boris Vallejo by Lester del Rey 1978 Ballantine Books

Everyone knows eagles, falcons and hawks are tight. Everyone knows that parrots are smart. And if you've ever been outside in your life you know that crows are a nuisance. However, after one vivid dream and many years of being annoyed by crows in the valet lot at work Strider decided it was ripe time to find out more about these morbid pests of the sky. Maybe they aren't un-chill? maybe they're just chilling in their own way? What's the deal with dreams?

Sources:

Wikipedia.org, Cnet.com ‘How Crows Are The Smartest Birds In The World’ by Michelle Starr, Audubon.org, Unis.mcgill.ca, Livescience.com ‘Facts About Crows’ by Alina Bradford, Worldbirds.org ‘Crows Symbolism & Meaning’ by Garth C. Clifford, Otherworldlyoracle.com