How Do You Sk8!

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The boundaries between skating disciplines dissolve in this fascinating conversation with Tency Trosen, a Mexican figure skating champion who brings a unique perspective to the world of skating. From her beginnings as a ballet dancer to becoming a nine-time national champion on ice, Teensy shares the unexpected path that led her to skating excellence.

Growing up in Jalisco, Mexico, Tency trained in what she describes as "the third part of a normal ice rink" – far from ideal conditions that forced her to develop exceptional adaptability. When American skaters complained about ice quality at competitions, her perspective was refreshingly different: "This is ice. It's huge. What else do you want?" This adaptability became her competitive edge.

The conversation reveals fascinating parallels between ballet and figure skating, particularly in showcase and artistic competitions where performance quality and storytelling take precedence over technical jumps. Ballet taught Tency a physical language – specific movements that convey precise meanings – which translated perfectly to artistic skating. Her dedication to mastery is inspiring; she once stayed on the ice from 9AM to 9PM repeating a single spin until perfecting it, declaring "I won't leave the rink until I spin."

Tency's competitive achievements include gold medals at international competitions in Lake Placid, New York, and silver in Canada. She shares valuable psychological insights on handling pre-performance nerves by focusing on a single judge. Now transitioning to inline figure skating, she challenges the notion that ice skating is somehow superior: "Ice helps you fly. The pavement doesn't do anything for you." Her advice to aspiring skaters reflects her competitive mindset: forget about just having fun – if you enter figure skating, you want to win.

Join us for this enlightening discussion about the artistry, psychology, and technical aspects of skating across disciplines. Whether you're an ice skater, inline enthusiast, or simply curious about the mental aspects of athletic performance, Tency's journey offers valuable insights about dedication and the pursuit of excellence.

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Enter the fascinating world of inline marathon skating with Tavis Trosen, a passionate skater who's helping revitalize the sport while creating welcoming spaces for skaters of all levels. From his ice hockey beginnings in Grand Forks, North Dakota to founding the Miami Inline Marathon, Tavis shares an insider's perspective on building skating communities that bridge the gap between recreational rollers and elite racers.

Tavis takes us behind the scenes of marathon skating culture, revealing how he and two skating friends decided to launch a new event in Miami specifically designed to welcome recreational skaters who might never have experienced a marathon before. As established races like Athens to Atlanta and Rolling on the River come to an end, his mission to preserve these communal skating experiences becomes increasingly important.

You'll be transported to Eddie Metzger's legendary "Skate Farm" in Virginia, where Tavis learned transformative skating techniques from a master who once revolutionized inline competitions. The conversation explores training in Thailand where daily Thai massages keep skaters going between adventures through small villages, showcasing how skating becomes a lifestyle rather than merely a sport.

Tavis offers invaluable advice on equipment choices, training methodologies, and race strategies that apply to skaters of all levels. Whether you're contemplating your first marathon or looking to shave minutes off your personal best, his insights on technique work, frame positioning, and wheel selection might change your approach entirely.

Ready to experience the inclusive spirit of inline skating? Join the community at miamiinlinemarathon.com or follow @skatewithtavis on Instagram to connect with like-minded enthusiasts and discover upcoming events where speed is optional but community is guaranteed.

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From street skating as a 12-year-old to founding his own skateboard company and organizing competitions across Colorado, Marshall Brame embodies the entrepreneurial spirit thriving within today's skateboarding culture.

"No matter what you do out here, it just seems like one big family," Brame says of Colorado's vibrant skateboarding scene, which he describes as "pretty hectic" with skaters constantly pushing each other to new heights. This communal progression forms the backdrop for Brame's dual ventures: Terminal Skateboards, the company he founded in 2021, and the Colorado Ampro Skate Jam competition series he currently organizes.

Terminal Skateboards started with a simple idea during a skating session and has grown into a legitimate brand with products in several local shops including Blue Car and Careful, with ambitions to expand distribution both within Colorado and beyond. Meanwhile, the Ampro Skate Jam series showcases Brame's promotional skills and determination despite the inevitable challenges of weather disruptions and logistical hurdles.

The competition circuit continues on June 28th in Colorado Springs at Memorial Skate Park, followed by events in Englewood and Boulder. With entry fees of just $20 and support from sponsors like Denver Spot, Colorado Skate Scene, Dream Fiend, and numerous skateboard shops, these competitions create accessible opportunities for skaters of all skill levels. Brame even plans to incorporate technology like drones and live scoring displays to enhance the competitive experience.

Check out previous competitions on Rumble by searching for "Colorado Ampro Skate Jam," and visit coloradoamproskatejamdotcom for more information about upcoming events. Whether you're a competitor, spectator, or just curious about Colorado's skateboarding community, these events offer a window into the passion, progression, and family-like bonds that make skateboarding culture so enduring.

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What happens when you discover aggressive inline skating at age 30 and finally get diagnosed with ADHD in the same year? For Daryll Laird, it created the perfect storm for personal transformation.

From the moment his best friend threw a pair of Shadow skates at him, Daryll found himself landing grinds within the first hour. That initial spark quickly blazed into a full-blown passion that would change how he experienced his world. After years of going undiagnosed, Daryll discovered that aggressive skating provided the perfect outlet for his ADHD brain – demanding complete focus while rewarding creativity and expression.

"I go to the skate park to let off steam. I go to the skate park if I'm upset. I go out and skate, even if it's just sunny and I'm happy,” Daryll explains. This therapeutic relationship with skating extends beyond just tricks and techniques; it's reshaped how he moves through life. Now a member of Glasgow Urban Rollers, he's explored parts of his city he never knew existed, viewing urban architecture through a skater's lens where handrails and ledges become opportunities rather than mere structures.

The skating community has embraced Daryll completely. "It's been such an unjudgmental, welcoming community," he reflects, noting how skating transcends backgrounds and borders. For those intimidated by starting, his advice is refreshingly simple: "Just believe you can do it... you're not made of glass, and it's going to take practice." Whether bombing down Glasgow's Buchanan Street or learning new tricks in DIY parks, Daryll's journey proves that finding your passion doesn't have a timeline – sometimes, the perfect match between person and pursuit comes exactly when both are ready.

Want to follow Daryll's skating adventures? Find him on Instagram and TikTok @scottishblading and discover how wheels on feet can transform perspective, community, and mental health.

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The spinning wheels of roller skates have their perfect complement in the spinning vinyl of a DJ booth. This fascinating connection comes alive as Steve Gonzalez (DJ Speedy) takes us into the world of skating DJs—a specialized art form that's about far more than just playing songs.

Starting his skating journey in 1979 and picking up DJing in 1982, Steve provides a time capsule of roller skating culture spanning over four decades. He explains the crucial difference between club DJing and rink DJing: "You have to know your crowd and build the music." From his beginnings at Lorain Skate World in Ohio to his current residency at United Skates in Tampa where he draws crowds of 150-200 skaters, Steve's career traces the evolution of both skating and music technologies.

The conversation takes a poignant turn as Steve shares how vertigo forced him to hang up his skates in 2019, followed by a heart attack and bypass surgery—physical challenges that transformed but didn't end his relationship with skating culture. Despite these obstacles, his passion for creating the perfect skating atmosphere continues behind the booth.

Music selection emerges as a fascinating topic, with Steve favoring funk classics from artists like Zapp and The Gap Band that perfectly complement shuffle skaters. His assertion that modern music "has no heart" (with exceptions like Bruno Mars) reveals the thoughtful consideration behind every track at the rink. The technological evolution from vinyl to digital platforms has made beat-matching easier but perhaps less artistic—a transition Steve navigated while maintaining his distinctive approach to skating soundtracks.

Whether you're a skating enthusiast curious about what makes rink music work, a DJ interested in specialized venues, or someone fascinated by subcultures that blend physical activity and music, this episode offers rare insights into an art form that keeps the wheels turning. Find DJ Speedy on Facebook to follow his continuing journey at the crossroads of music and motion.

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Ever wondered what makes a great roller rink? Ginger Matthews has skated at 443 of them across North America, making her uniquely qualified to answer that question. Growing up in a family where roller skating wasn't just a hobby but a legacy—her parents met at a rink, her aunt and uncle owned one, and they all contributed significantly to skating culture—Ginger's path to becoming "The Skate Critic" feels almost predetermined.

What began as a personal challenge to skate every rink in California evolved into a comprehensive documentation project tracking America's skating spaces. Today, Ginger maintains extensive databases of active rinks, closed venues, and properties for sale—currently 82 rinks are on the market, ranging from $70,000 to $8 million. Her unique 8-wheel rating system evaluates what really matters to skaters: floor quality, staff professionalism, bathroom cleanliness, snack options, and DJ skills.

The conversation reveals fascinating stories behind some of America's most unique skating venues, including The Oaks in Portland—built on 250 pontoons that allow it to float during floods—and the largest skate floor in the country at Guptill's Arena in New York. Ginger shares industry insights about what makes rinks successful (you need five key elements), how COVID affected the industry (about 100 closures but new openings too), and passionate advice for both new skaters and prospective rink owners.

Beyond the business aspects, this episode explores the deep connection between skating culture and community. Adult skaters become the backbone of successful rinks, offering loyalty and support during tough times. For those considering entering this world, Ginger's advice is clear: invest in proper equipment, respect rink etiquette, and understand that skating, like any worthwhile pursuit, requires dedication rather than shortcuts. Ready to roll into the fascinating world of American roller rinks? This episode is your perfect starting point.

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Physical therapist and competitive speed skater Mike Mason pulls back the curtain on what it takes to excel on wheels, sharing wisdom gained from decades on the track and in the clinic. From his humble beginnings stealing his sister's quad skates in 1980s Florida to becoming a two-time state champion and international competitor, Mike's journey reveals the unexpected parallels between rehabilitation science and athletic performance.

With disarming honesty and plenty of humor, Mike details his spectacular wipeouts (including a triple ankle fracture that would have sidelined most skaters for a year) and his triumphant comebacks. His practical advice for skaters transcends typical training recommendations - learn why tracing the alphabet with your foot might be more valuable than heavy squats, how swimming transformed his racing technique, and why electrolytes can make the difference between finishing a marathon and cramping on the sidelines.

The conversation takes fascinating detours through international racing circuits, from dodging traffic in Chinese cities to competing on the famed Le Mans F1 track in France, where Mike participates in the grueling 24-hour relay race. As the founder of the Florida Inline Skating Marathon, now entering its sixth year as part of the World Inline Cup series, Mike offers an insider's perspective on event organization and building skating communities.

Whether you're a competitive skater looking to shave seconds off your time or a recreational enthusiast wanting to skate pain-free, Mike's blend of clinical expertise and real-world experience delivers actionable insights that will transform your approach to training, recovery, and performance. Ready to upgrade your skating game? This episode is your roadmap.

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What happens when your entire identity is wrapped up in being an athlete, and suddenly your body betrays you? Former figure skater Luis Hernandez knows this journey intimately. From his earliest memories as a three-year-old begging to skate in Guadalajara, Mexico, to becoming one of the sport's most resilient comeback stories, Luis shares his remarkable path through figure skating's highest heights and lowest valleys.

Luis takes us through his childhood transition from Mexico to San Diego, where his persistent begging for skating lessons finally paid off. We follow his rapid rise through the ranks to the national stage, training alongside the legendary Michelle Kwan, and the devastating moment when doctors told him his career was over due to severe hip injuries. "It was a big moment of trauma for me," Luis reveals. "My identity was kind of taken away from me."

But this is where Luis's story truly begins to inspire. Rather than accepting defeat, he sought alternative perspectives and embarked on a years-long journey to reclaim not just his skating career, but a healthier relationship with himself. This transformative approach led to his remarkable second career phase representing Mexico internationally, becoming a six-time national champion and competing until age 31—exceptionally rare in figure skating.

Perhaps most powerfully, Luis has translated his personal challenges into meaningful impact by co-founding Lasso Safe, an organization dedicated to protecting athletes across all sports. "Our mission is to protect athletes and ensure that they're being heard," he explains, addressing the intense pressure, body image issues, and mental health challenges that many athletes face silently.

Whether you're a skating enthusiast, an athlete of any discipline, or someone navigating your own personal setbacks, Luis's journey offers profound insights about resilience, identity, and creating success on your own terms. Listen now and discover how sometimes our greatest contributions emerge from our deepest challenges.

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Roller skates aren't just equipment—they're time machines. Each wheel rotation connects us to our past selves while propelling us forward, as Jamie Ogle vividly demonstrates in this heartfelt conversation about his lifelong skating journey.

From his earliest days as a self-proclaimed "rink rat" in Tennessee's Old Dixie skating rink to his current role as co-founder of Lone Star Skate Designs, Jamie's story traces the full spectrum of skating culture evolution. His narrative weaves through competitive speed skating teams, the community camaraderie of jam skating in the 80s and 90s, and the periods when life's struggles pulled him away from the rink. With remarkable candor, Jamie shares his battles with addiction, celebrating over a decade of sobriety while reconnecting with the skating community that always felt like home.

The technical discussions alone make this episode a treasure for skating enthusiasts. Jamie breaks down his custom setups with infectious enthusiasm—from his Power Dyne Arius plates to his preference for ceramic Tornado bearings. His meticulous approach to equipment maintenance mirrors his thoughtful approach to life: always improving, always adjusting, always moving forward. When he declares, "When I put my skates on and I'm on that floor, nothing else matters," every skater listening will feel that truth resonate through their bones.

Whether you're a veteran skater who remembers the golden era of roller rinks or someone just discovering the joy of eight wheels beneath your feet, Jamie's perspective offers valuable insights on perseverance, community, and finding your authentic self through skating. Connect with Jamie on Facebook or check out Lone Star Skate Designs to see his custom work—just be prepared for shirts that glow as brightly as his personality!

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Fifty years of wheels, falls, triumphs, and community—all rolling together into one remarkable skating life story. When Jared Moneo first stepped onto a roller rink floor as a terrified seven-year-old boy with a crush on his gym teacher, little did he know he was beginning a journey that would shape his entire existence.

In this heartfelt conversation, Jared takes us through the evolution of his skating passion from those early days in Aurora, Illinois, where the rink became his sanctuary while his mother worked multiple jobs. He shares how the diverse skating culture of his youth—featuring nights of disco, R&B, and Motown—taught him about community and self-expression in ways that continue to influence his teaching philosophy today.

What truly sets Jared's story apart is his extraordinary resilience. Despite facing serious physical challenges including two broken necks (thankfully not from skating) and upcoming bilateral hip replacement surgery, his dedication never wavered. In perhaps the most remarkable demonstration of this commitment, Jared describes teaching himself the popular "G-slide" move while in a neck brace, using a shower curtain rod mounted in his kitchen for support. As he puts it, "I'm going to die if I can't skate."

As founder of 5280 Style Club (where "Style" stands for "Skate Together, Learn Excellence"), Jared has become a pillar of the Denver skating community. His journey through different skating disciplines—from speed skating to jam skating to artistic and ballroom skating—has given him a unique perspective on the sport's many facets. His humbling experience with artistic skating, which he once dismissed as "for nerds," taught him about edging, balance, and technical skills that transformed his approach.

Whether you're a lifelong skater, a newcomer curious about rolling, or simply someone who appreciates stories of passion and perseverance, this episode offers valuable insights into the power of community and the joy of movement. Ready to lace up your skates and join this vibrant, supportive world? As Jared says, "There is no limit in roller skating—no right or wrong, no penalties, no score to keep."

“Black Label Supplements. Built for athletes who don’t compromise.”
So go to blacklabelsupplements.com and remember to use the code Howdoyousk8 for your 15% discount at checkout.