Post Session Podcast

The ladies are joined by long time surfer and friend of Laurel’s, Jo Pickett. She’s a surf coach, mentor and organizes the Wahine (women’s only) surf contest. Jo also has a knack for turning her hobby into work. Ashley has done the same thing with freediving and Laurel hopes to do this with her writing. But what are the pros and cons? Will you end up hating your hobby or is “doing what you love” really all it sounds like it’s cracked up to be? Listen in, find out and most importantly, enjoy the ride.

For more Post Session Podcast surfing and diving adventures check the ladies out on Instagram, Facebook or email them.  Don’t forget to read the blog!

Local legend, Jo Pickett

Post Session Notes

-Jo finds that having come back to NC from Costa Rica she has to re-learn how to surf our home waves again. She says, “If you learn to surf here, you can surf anywhere!”

-Laurel gets advice from Jo about taking turns on the waves.

-Ash gives free advice to teach your kids to swim. Just add water!

Injustice of the Week

-Ash hates on the word “passion” again.

-The girls talk about the cliche to do what you love. Sometimes you just gotta get a job.

-Jo reminds us of the importance of the trades.

Is this lady cool or what?

Dive Deeper

-Jo turned her hobby into work on accident. She worked at Corning and was pushed into coaching by popular demand.

-She talks about the joys of coaching and mentoring as her wisdom progresses.

-Ash has a similar story regarding her start into freediving education and swim lessons. Another accident.

-They chat about the transition from a “real job” into physical fitness into surf lessons. How did it logically happen?

-How about burn out? It’s a real thing so how do you cope when your hobby is also your job?

-Laurel talks about building rapport with kids. She also talks about her inspiration for her first novel, Foam!

-Maybe the secret to monetizing your hobby is not trying to monetize your hobby. Go in slowly and gain some knowledge ahead of time.

-Uh oh, they’re back on goal setting!

God Waters

-Hebrews 13:5

-Be free from the love of money and be content. God’s got your back! A fair reminder….

Homework

-Be content and keep things slow. This ensures a healthy attitude and better growth and sustainability.

Resources

–Wahine Classic

–Crystal South Surf Camp

–Laurel on Inspiration Lab

Shout out to Caleb Jimenez for the support!

The individual vs. collectivism. In this time of covid unrest it’s an interesting subject to ponder. The ladies chat with Tony Puente aka Tio Tony. Tio Tony is an awesome surfer, good friend and neuropsychologist who knows a thing or two about human behavior and has extensive experience in both individualistic societies like we have here in the US and also collectivist cultures such as his birth country of Cuba and Grenada. Tio Tony drops knowledge in relation to the societal types and how our culture may be affecting the current pandemic situation.

For more Post Session Podcast surfing and diving adventures check the ladies out on Instagram, Facebook or email them.  Don’t forget to read the blog!

Post Session Notes

-Tio Tony says the salt water is the perfect prescription for a chaotic world.

-Laurel especially loves the post session coffee talks and gushes about the weeks surprise wave action.

-Ash lets everyone in on her experiences diving in Cuba. Tio Tony chimes in on the virgin quality of Cuba’s coral reefs.

S/V Jade in Cuba. Ren looking down at the coral below.

Injustice of the Week

-Tio Tony says the greatest injustice is that we’ve misunderstood the meaning of democracy. We have forgotten that we have the responsibility to do the right thing when we have the freedom to do our own thing.

Dive Deeper

-Laurel talks about the Benjamin House and it’s positive impact. It was created as a result of an individualist mindset.

-Tio tells a story about getting arrested and detained in El Salvador for being in Spain during covid. The severe El Salvador lockdown means they’ve all but eradicated covid.

-Belize calls the US out for politicizing the virus.

-Uh oh, Tony suggests that the real issue is a problem of personal responsibility. He also mentions that some of the most successful countries, in terms of covid eradication, are lead by females! Yes!

-Laurel discusses the differences between a true democracy vs. a republic.

-Are Christians more collective because of the teachings of Jesus? Turns out they’re….

-Are we a diverse country?

God Waters

-Luke 6:27, love your enemies

-Laurel gets deep into our call to love our enemies regardless

-Ash discusses the three rules of life by Skye Jethani.

-Tony brings us full circle!

Homework

-Tio Tony says, every day make sure you leave the world slightly better than when you entered it.

Resources

Benjamin House

Skye Jethani

Yep, they’re talking about etiquette again. The ladies love to rant about manners so listen up and learn! Ashley and Laurel are in coffee heaven with their respective mixes and dis Maxwell House but hope they don’t offend anyone…too much. They’re mad about mooring limits in Wrightsville Beach. Ash talks about boat etiquette, a must listen and Laurel warns us about paddle battle. And for goodness sake, turn your music down in public! And if you’re still confused about driving in the left hand lane, please listen.

For more Post Session Podcast surfing and diving adventures check the ladies out on Instagram, Facebook or email them.  Don’t forget to read the blog!

Post Session Notes

-Laurel and surf buds put on a memorial at the north end of Wrightsville Beach (WB). Told some stories and paddled out together.

-The water has been crystal clear and clean.

-Ash gives some freediving advice: it’s bad manners to choose a fish over your buddy. Dive in buddy teams with one gun when you’re spearfishing. Be a good buddy and learn to share all at the same time.

Injustice of the Week

-No anchoring for more than 30 days in WB…boooo! There’s gotta be a better rule, a compromise. Ash and Laurel are going to get to the bottom of it.

-Mooring balls for WB anyone??

Dive Deeper

-Ash points out boat etiquette-wake speed. Learn the right speed for your boat to make minimal people upset.

-Laurel reminds us that longer boards catch more waves. Be polite and give some up if you’re on a longer board.

-Avoid the paddle battle, look both ways and have some situational awareness.

-Music volume. Turn it down in public. On the boat, on the beach, in the car, on the plane, just turn your junk down because it’s rude when you’re in public.

-Come on guys, are we still driving in the fast lane?

-What about masking? The ladies try to decode the actual rule vs. what we should be doing socially.

God Waters

-Ephesians 4:13-15

-Since we can’t all get along, can we just agree to disagree? How do we disagree but still honor the other person.

-Speaking the truth in love has definitely been misconstrued.

Homework

-Listeners, comment on our website, or social media platforms to shed some light on what we’ve talked about. What are your most important etiquette values?

Resources

South End Surf Shop

Carolina Beach Mooring Field

Ashley’s back in town and the girls are live. Plus, this episode includes their first interview, Jill Kanney the new girl! Are you tired of rude people? Do you suspect you may be crossing some etiquette lines yourself? Ash and Laurel will get you sorted out in part one of this most important two part series, Etiquette. As southern belles (ahem…don’t be rude) these two know a thing or two about the unspoken rules of engagement both on and off the water.

For more Post Session Podcast surfing and diving adventures check the ladies out on Instagram, Facebook or email them.  Don’t forget to read the new blog!

Post Session Notes

-Jill loves the Wilmington surf vibe and she’s brand new! She gets annihilated on her first trip out with Steve from South End Surf Shop.

-Laurel brings Jill into the fold because she is a stoke magnet!

-Jill’s first surf etiquette introduction…she catches Dale’s wave, and get’s yelled at. Oh wait, not she didn’t. Dale was cool and apologized for surfing without a leash.

-Proper etiquette-Jill did the right thing. She tried to bail out of the wave.

-Proper etiquette-Laurel says you gotta get control of your board. She also tells her softie story…which includes Dale, AGAIN! Keep your voice down Dale and don’t be judging or surfing without a leash.

-Proper etiquette-Ash says don’t bum rush the dive site guys. You don’t have to be the first one in the water every time. Get in together and do a proper warm up. 15 minutes for everyone before the first dive.

Injustice of the Week: presented by Jill

-Access to quality healthcare. This is why Jill decided to start her track as a surgeon. She wants to bring the best to the least.

-Why isn’t there quality healthcare everywhere?

-Jill is taking the task seriously and personally. She’s going to go where the need takes her. If someone will donate some helicopters.

Dive Deeper

-Wave etiquette: On a wave that goes right or left you gotta call your wave or look over the shoulder.

-Traffic etiquette: Watch the honk, we’re not in Ft. Lauderdale people! Jill has noticed that traffic is quiet here and we want to keep it that way.

-Manners: The rules of 3’s. Two “no’s” then a “yes”. Jill is taking it all in.

-Speech etiquette: When can we cuss. The ladies have a split opinion about this. Laurel cusses only within her “Circle of Cussing Trust”. But teach the teenagers that it’s not ok.

-Social media etiquette: Ash is not a huge fan of social media because of it’s lack of etiquette and accountability. Laurel navigates social media but understands the etiquette nuances. Jill uses it as a scrapbook and keeps engagement moderate.

God Waters

-James 1:19

-Be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to get angry! Ahhhhh, what a reminder. Thanks Laurel!

Resources

South End Surf Shop

Time to hold ourselves accountable. Ash and Laurel review their old homework assignments and see where they fell short and where they pulled through. How do we get back on the horse once we get derailed? Having a buddy hold you accountable is priceless. Hear how the ladies did keeping up with their homework assignments.

For more Post Session Podcast surfing and diving adventures check the ladies out on Instagram, Facebook or email them.  Don’t forget to read the new blog!

Post Session Notes

-Uh oh, Laurel is back in the water but feeling a little weak. Time to pump some iron…and what? Get a spray tan??

-Ashley complains about having put on her “winter coat”. Obviously an older recording.

-Freediving tips! Equalize your ears every day for easier, more effective diving. Other ways to improve your diving-stretch your intercostal and diaphragm muscles daily. Ash doubled her lung volume by doing these stretches.

Injustice of the Week

-Too much screen time in elementary school!

-Are we just being Gen X crumudgens and do kids really need to technology immersion or are our concerns legitimate.

-Trackpads vs the old school mouse.

-Laurel complains about our devices reducing our attention span.

-Stat: 70% of what we actually learn comes from actual interactions instead of passive observation.

Dive Deeper

-Writing assignments: Yep, Ash and Laurel submitted their contest entries and won! Laurel also submitted an article for Surfer Mag. They held each other accountable.

-Laurel talks about having coffee with a stranger and the good work her husband and her do at The Harbor.

-They both apologized to someone. Great work ladies!

-They told a mentor “thank you”, more or less.

-Saving money? Yep, they both hold back and live fairly frugally to save money for the next adventure.

-Laurel wrote Ash’s eulogy and Ash did nothing.

-They’re already living the Michael Pollen advice.

-All in all, the girls do pretty well with their homework. Laurel wins the homework completion comp!

God Waters

-Proverbs 27:17

-“As iron sharpens iron so one person sharpens another”

-Who keeps you sharp?

Resources

Vitamin F: Freediving Tips, Live talk featuring Ashley June 4.

The Harbor

First off, huge shout out to Shelby Hughes and Wendy Crosby for their patronage. Of course we know them, but their support still count. Ash and Laurel talk about how to keep that “Eye of the Tiger”, the laser sharp focus that keeps us engaged and helps us perform.

For more Post Session Podcast surfing and diving adventures check the ladies out on Instagram, Facebook or email them.  Don’t forget to read the new blog!

Post Session Notes

-Beach is open at WB and Laurel has been surfing. But her expectations have been too high.

-Her tip this time around, go surfing early. Slip on in there before the parking ticket guy gets there (especially while parking is still under quarantine).

-Ash talks about how to visualize to keep your Eye of the Tiger. She walks us through a 100′ dive via visualizations.

-Laurel doesn’t let Ash use her Bible quote….

-Foam, Laurel’s new novel, not out yet.

Injustice of the Week: Submitted by Wendy Crosby

-Wendy is perturbed by what she considers the “herd mentality”.

-Laurel talks about “herd immunity”, something different but a good point.

-What tha?? Ash doesn’t agree with her girl Wendy.

-Individualism vs. Collectivism scale, Ash debates.

-Laurel took an antibody test for $50! Results just in….she’s antibody free.

Dive Deeper

-How to keep the high performance mind.

-Striving for the flow state. “Flow” book, linked in the resources below.

-You can experience the flow state even in assembly line work! Ash explains the process.

-Laurel gets an unexpected surprise with the flow state while folding hotel towels for two hours.

-There’s a difference between the flow state and the relaxed state.

God Waters 

-We’re in the darkness before the dawn.

-Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well.

-If she wants water that satisfies and does not run out, he is that source.

-What is real life? Life in the flow is living a life connected to God. Individualism vs. Collectivism again!

-Our constant need for control keeps us out of the flow state.

-2 Corinthians 5:8

Homework

-Try Ash’s breathing exercises and see if it works. Report back on our Instagram or Facebook pages.

-Check the resources below for a cheater way into the flow state, 3D pictures.

Resources

87 meters is 285.4 feet by the way. It looks like this:

Flow by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi

Swedish Fish came from Sweden after all

Laurel’s worship son...

Ashley is not a firm believer in personality tests and other such ways to categorize people but Laurel explains the benefits of using this tool to define your strengths and weaknesses. Will the ladies have compatible personality types?? Listen to find out.

For more Post Session Podcast surfing and diving adventures check the ladies out on Instagram, Facebook or email them.  Don’t forget to read the new blog!

Post Session Notes

–Laurel’s least favorite personality type in the water, random dude encroaching on lady surf time.  We’ll call him The Intruder.  

–But Mathew McConaughey can paddle over any time.  

–Ash had an awesome time diving the Florida Springs with her family. 

–Evolve Freediving does corporate talks, and wants to do more.

Injustice of the Week

–Personality tests.  Ash thinks they’re bunk but Laurel is all in. 

–Laurel makes a discovery and exposes Ash’s inclination to cheat on personality tests.  

–She also bores Ash with a Cosmo quiz, “What his pet says about him.”  

Dive Deeper

–Ash describes the petal personality test from a long time ago.  

–The Enneagram test:

Laurel is a 7-The Joyful Person

Ash is a 3-The Effective Person

–They are a highly complimentary, high energy combination…duh!

–The Meyers-Briggs test.  They took the test but never released their results.  

God Waters 

–What Bible personality are you?

–Ash picks Peter for Laurel.  Turns out Laurel picked Peter too. 

–Ash picks John for herself.  One of the ‘Sons of Thunder’.  Laurel picks John for her too.  

–These ladies are in sync.  

Homework

–Take Laurels surfer quiz!

–Laurel is the ‘Surfer Next Door’

–Ash is ‘The Flake’

–The girls are going to surf together all summer 2020.  

Resources

Evolve Freediving 

Petal personality test

Enneagram test

Meyers-Briggs test 

Laurel’s Surfer Quiz

Made Well Center for Wholeness

Well, while we’re all holed up in our homes, or boats, or whatever, why not take this opportunity to transport ourselves to happier times. Ash and Laurel talk favorites this time around. Their favorite times in the water, their favorite snacks (of course) and their favorite scriptures. Ahhhh…

For more Post Session Podcast surfing and diving adventures check the ladies out on Instagram, Facebook or email them.  Don’t forget to read the new blog!

Post Session Notes-Laurel loves to surf in a thick fog.  It’s the ultimate element of surprise. 

-Ash gushes about the feeling of flying underwater. 

Injustice of the Week-Elf on the shelf and other Christmas jobs!

-Everything is a franchise.   Must there be so much to manage?  Must everything in the season be monetized and made commercial?

-More junk does not improve the holiday experience. 

Dive Deeper-We’re always grateful for time in the water.  The cup overflows.

-Ashley talks about the sunrise on the ocean on a sailing passage.  Passages are the worst but the sunrises are the best. 

-The ladies digress into a short sailing tutorial. 

-Surfing road trips are Laurel’s favorite.  Big travel trips are superb but also early morning starts and hunting down the good surf. 

-Laurel is the sunset to Ashley’s sunrise. 

-Chasing the green flash.

-Another one of Ashley’s favorites, World Records.  You’re on top of the world.  But even better is having Ani in the water being a part of the action. 

-Laurel has surfed all over but her favorite surf spot is her own backyard. 

-Laurels favorite snack, homemade popcorn

Recipe:

Organic popcorn seedsAir pop popcorn in the microwave in a plain paper bag.Sautee garlic in oil and pour over.  Then add nutritional yeast.

-Ash’s favorite snack, chocolate and cheese.

Recipe:

Dark chocolate square (at least 70% cacao with sharp white cheddar on top.

God Waters-Laurels favorite scripture: 1 Samuel 10:7, with awesome accompanying story. A MUST listen.

-Ashley’s favorite scripture: Eccl 7:8, her diving mantra

2 Timothy 1:8

Romans 1:20

Homework-Find your own scripture or inspiring quote. 

-Thumb through proverbs, Psalms or Song of Solomen

ResourcesThe surreal art of Rob Gonsalvez

Defending the Vandenburg: A Video by Ren Chapman

Base Jumping the Blue Hole by Guillaume Nery and Julie Gautier

What is a green flash?

Update: The first case of covid19 in Belize was confirmed the evening after this recording.

Laurel and Ash take this opportunity to record their first remote podcast episode. There is a lot Ashley is missing out on in regards to the virus and she helps Laurel can fill in some gaps. Ashley is impressed with how proactive Belize has been in regards to the virus. Airports and schools are closed. Social distancing and self imposed curfewing are currently suggested.

For more Post Session Podcast surfing and diving adventures check the ladies out on Instagram, Facebook or email them.  Don’t forget to read the new blog!

Post session Notes-Thanks Tio Tony and Kristen for dragging Laurel out for the last surf session before Wrightsville Beach closed down. She may have shut down otherwise.

-Ash and the fam are set up to dive the reefs in Belize. Belize boasts the second largest reef in the world, next to the Great Barrier Reef.

-Poor cape broke his arm aboard Jade one morning. Ash tells all…

Injustice of the Week-Laurel, why close all beaches? Why not just impose a curfew?

-Ash, is the media making things worse?

-It’s a time if crisis, why politicize the pandemic? Not helpful!

-If you haven’t watched The Crown, now is the perfect time.

Dive Deeper -Why is there no toilet paper in Wilmington, NC? It just doesn’t seem like critical equipment in an actual pandemic.

-Is the toilet paper shortage just a reaction to the sensationalism of the media?

-The ebbing tide is a great opportunity to get creative and grow. These tighter times allow us to be better prepared next time.

-This is a time to reset and reprioritize. Check where your identity comes from.

-Listen to Episode 5 for more on identity.

-Don’t look to yourself, look up.

Devo-Taken originally from a devotional by Paul David Tripp, March 16, 2020.

-Psalm 4

-Lay in your own bed and ponder. Take time for silence.

-Peace and joy are not based on circumstances but on God.

-Are we dwelling now in the “cave of fear and doubt”?

-The virus is not a punishment from God.

Homework-Laurel, don’t get the coronavirus and sneak out to the beach for a surf session.

-Ash, don’t get the coronavirus and enjoy the water.

-Ideas for kids at home, join us on Instagram.

Resources–The Crown –worldometer

Who doesn’t obsess about food? Laurel and Ashley sure do! What’s good to eat before surfing or freediving and what’s absolutely NOT. They engage in a taste test, McDonald’s donut sticks vs. Laurel’s husband’s homemade zucchini tart. Most importantly, how to begin controlling uncontrollable food obsessions.

For more Post Session Podcast surfing and diving adventures check the ladies out on Instagram, Facebook or email them.  Don’t forget to read the new blog!

Post Session Notes

-Nachos are a surfing gut bomb.

-Eat right the night before a performance or this may happen to you…

-Ash eats a 1/2 chicken before al big dive and blacks out.

-A little hunger keeps you sharp.

Injustice of the Week

-McDonald’s introduces donut sticks with chocolate dipping sauce for breakfast.

-Ash and Laurel do a taste test on air. Turns out the donut sticks are good but in a bad way.

-They compare the sticks to Don’s homemade zucchini tart. Even the dough is made from scratch. Soooo awesome!

-Jamie Oliver and his food revolution, how did that fail? School food is still so sad…

Dive Deeper

-People are confused about what real food is.

-Gotta shop on the outside of the grocery isle.

-Michael Pollan changed Ashley’s relationship with food with his three points (listen to hear them).

-Stop thinking about the next bite, enjoy the one you’re on.

-Eliminate distractions while you’re eating-mindfulness.

-Eating just whole foods without prep for lunch is totally an option.

Satisfy your sweet tooth by making a healthy version of what you love. Reese’s PB cups become dates stuffed with almond butter.

-What’s in the girls’ fridge right now?

God Waters

-2 Cor. 5:2&5

-Our heavenly bodies, what a relief!

-Faith allows you to smile about the future instead of looking at it with dread.

Homework

-Take Michael Pollan’s advice

-Be moderate in all things.

Resources

Ashley’s First WR-video link

Ashley’s Last WR-video link

Donut Stick Calorie Count-360 calories

Omnivore’s Dilemma by Michael Pollan