The Stoked Lifestyle

Steve Larosiliere

EP 015 Grow, Adapt, and Learn to Make Your Way in the World with Sybil Steele

 

Stoked Steve welcomes Sybil Steele of Temme Media. She is a talented photographer and director. Steve met her years ago with her legendary filmmaker husband Taylor. What does the stoked lifestyle mean to her? Tune in to her story and be inspired!

 

“Having gratitude and putting in hardwork, appreciating others, putting aside your ego, coming from the heart, and doing good work for others is the best thing you can have at a life. But, sometimes it takes constant reminders to take good care of yourself as well.” -Sybil Steele

City Girl Meets Surfer Boy

Sybil grew up moving to different cities in the US and Japan due to her father's job. She graduated from high school in Washington and went to college in San Diego.

 

At first, she majored in women studies but eventually shifted to interior design. That's the time when she met her husband Taylor.

Working Alongside Her Husband

When she met Taylor, Sybil was busy studying in college and working as a waitress at a restaurant. According to her, it was love at first sight.

 

She got to know him better, and found a new world with him. After she graduated from college, she took over his business and focused on the production.

 

It was a hands-on learning experience for her. She was in-charge of putting up systems with surfers and surf shops.

Home in Different Cities

Many may find it nice to be able to live in different cities around the world. But according to Sybil, it's not really as glamorous.

 

Moving from place to place was not difficult in terms of comfort. She has been used to it already. But, it's a work in progress.

 

Stay in touch with Sybil Steele through the following links:

• Temme Media
• Instagram

 

Download and listen to the story of Sybil Steele. Don’t forget to leave a rating and review if you enjoyed the show. We would love to hear from you!

Visit The Stoked Lifestyle:

The Stoked Lifestyle Podcast

Stoked website

StokedOrg Instagram

 

Copyright © 2017 Stoked Mentoring, Inc.

 

The Stoked Lifestyle

Steve Larosiliere

EP 014 Eric Friedensohn A Pumped-Up Lifestyle

 

On today’s episode, Stoked Steve interviews artist and graphic designer Eric Friedensohn. Eric served as a volunteer mentor at Stoked. He has his own company named Efdot Studio and also works with the WeWork Art & Graphics Team. Tune in and be inspired by his story!

 

“Make a life and not a living.” -Eric Friedensohn

Into Arts and Skateboarding

Eric loves the arts. But a new world opened to him when he eventually found skateboarding. While in senior high school, he took a class on graphic design.

 

During the same summer, he got his first design job in Manhattan. He later on went to Philadelphia to learn more about his chosen career.

College and Career

Eric skated all throughout college. He made it through with the help of a scholarship. He would skip lunch and skate at the park.

 

After graduating from college, he worked for a big corporation. He was a freelancer, but worked full time hours. He left his job after few months.

Up for Opportunities

Eric enjoys challenges. It keeps him going in life. He would for every opportunity that would call out to him.

 

You can find him active on social media. He also has his own blog. According to him, that’s how he moved from one opportunity to another.

 

Stay in touch with Eric Friedensohn through the following links:

• Efdot Studio
• Instagram

 

Download and listen to the story of Eric Friedensohn. Don’t forget to leave a rating and review if you enjoyed the show. We would love to hear from you!

Visit The Stoked Lifestyle:

The Stoked Lifestyle Podcast

Stoked website

StokedOrg Instagram

 

Copyright © 2017 Stoked Mentoring, Inc.

 

On today’s episode, Stoked Steve welcomes Jian Pablico from Distrikt Movement. Jian is all about movement, youth empowerment as well as community building. Every time he finds something interesting, he pursues it with passion. Tune in to his story!

“In order for the young people to thrive, we are creating a community with them and for them.” -Jian Pablico

A Community for the Youth and Adults

Jian co-owns a yoga and fitness studio called the Distrikt in Vancouver. He and his partner started it with the desire to empower the youth.

After some time, they decided to open it also to adults. They eventually found a space to create a community with and for the people they deal with.

An Inspiration to Pursue

At the young age of 15, Jian moved out of his house and lived on his own. He struggled with the family culture and some other issues.

As he became older, he found youth work as a good way to rekindle his childhood. He went to summer camps, which inspired him to work with the young people.

Into the Conspiracy

Jian came to realize how many adults and coaches helped him out. He loved the term “conspiracy of love” which Cory Booker used.

From that, he understood how people help shape one’s life. Now, he does what he can to recreate that concept.

 

Stay in touch with Jian Pablico through the following links:

• Jian on Instagram
• The Distrikt

 

Download and listen to the story of Jian Pablico. Don’t forget to leave a rating and review if you enjoyed the show. We would love to hear from you!

Visit The Stoked Lifestyle:

The Stoked Lifestyle Podcast

Stoked website

StokedOrg Instagram

 

Copyright © 2017 Stoked Mentoring, Inc.

 

The Stoked Lifestyle

Steve Larosiliere

EP 012 David Radparvar Deeper Intention to Life

 

On today’s episode, Stoked Steve interviews David Radparvar from Holstee. Holstee offers tools that can help you live a life with meaning. What steps can you take and how can you pursue it? Tune in!

 

“Just being is enough. We don’t need the words to define ourselves. Each of us is so much more than labels, and to be caught up on them is a trap.” -David Radparvar

A Life with a Purpose

David co-founded Holstee with his brother Fabian. They started as a T-shirt company almost 8 years ago. Now, their company has grown with the mission to help live a meaningful life.

 

In the last 2 years, they have their business on membership. They send inspiring artworks and guides every months. These tools help people reflect on the critical aspects of living life with a purpose.

How Holstee was Started

David and his brother just quit their jobs when they started the company. David used to work at a creative agency, while Fabian used to work in a more corporate environment as a sales person.

 

They came to a point when they wanted to do something creative. They wanted to pursue what they were really passionate about. That’s how Holstee came to life.

Insights in the Journey

They set themselves in a quest to answering the questions they have on life. And, they are also learning through their business.

 

David shares some insights in living a life with meaning. For them, it was first very clear that they wanted to work with each other. They found it very important to care for the same things and the same people.

 

Stay in touch with David Radparvar through the following links:

• Holstee website
• Twitter @daverad

 

Download and listen to the story of David Radparvar. Don’t forget to leave a rating and review if you enjoyed the show. We would love to hear from you!

Visit The Stoked Lifestyle:

The Stoked Lifestyle Podcast

Stoked website

StokedOrg Instagram

 

Copyright © 2017 Stoked Mentoring, Inc.

 

The Stoked Lifestyle

Steve Larosiliere

EP 011 Jodi Spangler What's the Worst That Can Happen?

 

On today’s episode, Stoked Steve interviews Jodi Spangler. Jodi is a medical student and an outdoors enthusiast who has helped create opportunities for others. Tune in to her story and the remarkable journey she is in!

 

“Instead of finding your one big purpose in life or that one big thing that is going to be on your tombstone, just take the pressure off and follow it.” -Jodi Spangler

A Life with More Meaning

Jodi used to be a travelling adventure writer. But, she wanted something more meaningful. So, she went and looked for ways to live a more meaningful life.

 

Her decision led her to other countries including India and Haiti. She helped out in disaster relief operations and in fundraising. She always want to do something with anything that bugs her.

The Start of a Mission

One of the things she did (and still does) was funding students to nurse school. Through conversations with friends and colleagues, she found that a number of people wanted to become nurses or work in the healthcare industry.

 

Instead of sending relief, she decided to fund individuals who want to train and do the job. Together with her friends, she started funding 7 students. They are still pursuing it to this day.

Finding a Good Solution

The first thing they dealt with was the idea of sending students to a school in the US. Things became complicated to the point that Jodi almost gave up. But, she realized that there was a nursing school in Haiti.

 

So, she went and talked to the Director about it. She was so happy when she found that it only costs $360 a year to send someone to the nursing school. She found it very doable, and so started funding with her friends.

 

Stay in touch with Jodi Spangler through the following links:

• JodiSpangler.com

 

Download and listen to the story of Jodi Spangler. Don’t forget to leave a rating and review if you enjoyed the show. We would love to hear from you!

Visit The Stoked Lifestyle:

The Stoked Lifestyle Podcast

Stoked website

StokedOrg Instagram

 

Copyright © 2017 Stoked Mentoring, Inc.

 

The Stoked Lifestyle

Steve Larosiliere

EP 010 Jeff Gaites Normal is Not the Goal

 

On today’s episode, Stoked Steve interviews Jeff Gaites. Jeff is the owner of Uncle Funkys Board Shop in New York City. He had the same dream in life and pursued it with passion. Listen as he shares how he started his business, and survived some economic down times to become the largest and biggest skateboard shop in the city.

 

“If you start going towards something, the obstacles that are put in your place are never going to be a deal breaker.” -Jeff Gaites

Working Day and Night Jobs

Jeff is among the first supporters of Stoked. Bobbi Babitz referred him to Stoked Steve in 2005. During that time, he was working for an online real estate business by day and produced events by night.

 

He also did skate clinics. One day, he and Bobbi (his boss in his day job) talked about skating and surfing. That led him to meeting Steve and supporting his cause.

The Innovative Supporter

Steve just started with Stoked months before he met Jeff. He was very much passionate on his snowboard mentoring program, until someone suggested that he start one for skateboarding.

 

That’s how he met Jeff. Jeff was the one who chose the location for the first skateboard mentoring event, and he really timed it after a race in Central Park. Steve and the kids were just nearby waiting on him.

 

He set up a booth in the Park, and encouraged some individuals to teach kids. That’s how they got mentors and skateboards.

Dreams are Possible

Jeff believes that a dream isn’t impossible if you put your mind to it. Sadly, not a lot of people go after their dreams.

 

Mistakes are part of the journey, and most of them aren’t completely destructive. If you do a little thing every day, you’ll be a step closer to your dreams.

 

Stay in touch with Jeff Gaites through the following links:

• Uncle Funkys Board Shop
• Phone: 646-895-9943

 

Download and listen to the story of Jeff Gaites. Don’t forget to leave a rating and review if you enjoyed the show. We would love to hear from you!

Visit The Stoked Lifestyle:

The Stoked Lifestyle Podcast

Stoked website

StokedOrg Instagram

 

Copyright © 2017 Stoked Mentoring, Inc.

The Stoked Lifestyle

Steve Larosiliere

EP 008 Devin O'Brien Do Not Follow My Advice

 

On today’s episode, Steve Larosiliere interviews Devin O’Brien. Devin is the founder of Search and State, a lifestyle and apparel cycling brand. He took on his passion and pursued it full time. Tune in to his inspiring story!  

 

“Of course, you need to plan. Of course, you need to have an idea of where you’re going. But if you’re too rigid in that, I think you end up missing on more than you could gain by trying to follow that path.” -Steve Larosiliere

Driven to Succeed

Devin started marketing for Target in 2006. It was a move that he did not expect to make. He only wanted to land a job and earn until he can start his own business.

 

He always wanted to be an entrepreneur, but didn’t know what to do or how to finance it. The financial crisis in 2008 motivated him to continue on his goal. He spent 8 years in the company.

A Meaningful Run in Politics

While still in college, Devin ran for the State House of Representatives in Minnesota. He did his best in his candidacy, and placed himself in a meaningful way. He was 21 years old that time.

The Game Changer

Devin’s inherently a risk taker. He was the smallest kid in school, and wanted to prove things to people. The 9/11 attack changed his perspective.

His uncle was in the plane that crashed in Pennsylvania. He realized the brevity of life and the impact one can have. Those thoughts drove him forward.

Stay in touch with Devin O’Brien through the following links:

• Search and State
• Instagram
• Email: [email protected]

 Download and listen to the story of Devin O’Brien. Don’t forget to leave a rating and review if you enjoyed the show. We would love to hear from you!

Visit The Stoked Lifestyle:

The Stoked Lifestyle Podcast

Stoked website

StokedOrg Instagram

 

Copyright © 2017 Stoked Mentoring, Inc.

The Stoked Lifestyle

Steve Larosiliere

EP 007 Derek Flanzraich Life Without Limits

 

On today’s episode, Stoked Steve interviews Derek Flanzraich. Derek is the founder and CEO of Greatist, a health and wellness website. He started it out of the desire to solve his own problem in weight. Now, he is set on a mission of guiding people live in the healthiest way. Tune in!

 

“Success can come to anyone however they define it.” -Derek Flanzraich

In Search for a Solution

Derek started Greatist nearly 6 years ago. He was struggling with his weight that time, but the resources he went to weren’t able to help him out.

 

Nothing worked for Derek until his friends started talking about health and fitness in an important way. That led him to scientific studies. He shared what he learned to his friends, and they started to listen and make changes in life.

A Brand that Empowers

Derek saw the major shift in the world’s perspective on health and wellness. But, he felt that none was really addressing it. That inspired him to start a brand that would empower people in that area.

 

It’s what Greatist does now through content. They want to help people think about health the healthiest way. It’s their mission to help people improve in the long term.

Promoting Trust and Connection

Derek wanted two things with regards to health: trust and connection. Before he started on his mission, he felt like he didn’t know what to trust.

 

People want an easy fix on their health problems, but find it difficult to find something reliable. He experienced firsthand how things don’t work.

 

The second thing he was concerned about was connection. It’s different when someone relays a message to you cordially—it makes one feel the solution is just within reach. That’s what they now do at Greatist.

 

Stay in touch with Derek Flanzraich through the following links:

• Greatist
• Twitter
• Facebook
• Email: [email protected]

 

Download and listen to the story of Derek Flanzraich. Don’t forget to leave a rating and review if you enjoyed the show. We would love to hear from you!

Visit The Stoked Lifestyle:

The Stoked Lifestyle Podcast

Stoked website

StokedOrg Instagram

 

Copyright © 2017 Stoked Mentoring, Inc.

The Stoked Lifestyle

Steve Larosiliere

EP 006 Holley Murchison Own Your Voice, Leave Your Mark

On today’s episode, Steve Larosiliere interviews Holley Murchison. Holley is a strategist and social entrepreneur. She has been helping people find passion in their craft and calling. Listen to her inspiring story, and learn how she used volunteering and nonprofit to build her career.

 

“If you feel good about you, what you are up to, and what you are doing, you are better equipped to take more leaps and take more risks.” -Holley Murchison

Empowering through Communication

Holley now resides in Oakland, California. She was running The Hall Pass Tour when she and Steve Larosiliere first met in 2012. She and her team traveled around the country producing concerts at schools and marginalized communities.

They focused on promoting higher learning as a way of carving a person’s path. During that time, she was also just starting her career as a communication consultant.

Studying AND Working Full Time

Way back in college, Holley was a full time scholar and a basketball player. Two years after, she transferred to another university. During her time there, she underwent a surgery and took a break for three semesters.

That’s when she decided to work full time to supplement her studies. Her first job was at an accounting firm. Afterwards, she landed a job at a contracting firm where she worked for three years.

Overcoming Challenges through Creativity

Her high school years were pretty interesting. She attended a small school from junior high until she graduated from high school.

She faced lots of different challenges, including poverty, and creatively expressed them through their school activities. Holley cultivated her own learning.

Stay in touch with Holley Murchison through the following links:

• Holley Murchison website
• Holley Murchison on Instagram
• Oratory Glory
• Twitter @OratoryGlory
• Instagram @oratoryglory
• Facebook
• Book launch on September 15

Download and listen to the story of Holley Murchison. Don’t forget to leave a rating and review if you enjoyed the show. We would love to hear from you!

Visit The Stoked Lifestyle:

The Stoked Lifestyle Podcast

Stoked website

StokedOrg Instagram

 

Copyright © 2017 Stoked Mentoring, Inc.

 

The Stoked Lifestyle

Steve Larosiliere

EP 005 Nick Romito Step Out and Shine

 On today’s episode, Steve Larosiliere interviews real estate tech entrepreneur Nick Romito. Nick is the CEO of View the Space, a tech company that services the commercial real estate industry. Listen and learn how you too can grow your company and career through your skills and relationships!

Career Background

Nick started in the real estate industry in 2008. He worked there for a couple of years, because of the opportunity it gave to set one’s destiny and to build one’s business. You can earn as much as you could in that industry.

Eventually, he stepped out and helped his friend run their family business. The experience he had taught him how things worked.

Living the Stoked Lifestyle

Nick wanted to join a mentorship or nonprofit that’s aligned with his interests. That’s how he found Stoked and became a supporter and mentor. 

He lived the Stoked lifestyle even before Stoked came. Nick has been surfing since childhood, and it always made him secure and happy everyday. He enjoyed the brotherhood he found.

In Between Crossroads

Nick started competing since he was 10 years old. He was 18 when he had to make a decision to pursue it or not. He never thought he was good enough to take his skills to the next level.

His first option was to pursue it for many years and figure out his life by 26 years old. The second option was to go to school, use all the energy he had to be successful, and go surfing anytime he wanted. He pursued the latter, and moved to New York.

In this episode, you'll hear how Nick grew his company from an idea to having over 200 employees and having raised over $100 million. This is an inspiring and motivating episode. 

Stay in touch with Nick Romito through the following links:

• View the Space
• Facebook
• Twitter

 

Download and listen to the story of Nick Romito. Don’t forget to leave a rating and review if you enjoyed the show. We would love to hear from you!

Visit The Stoked Lifestyle:

The Stoked Lifestyle Podcast

Stoked Website

STOKEDorg Instagram

 

Copyright © 2017 Stoked Mentoring, Inc.