The Boardcast

The Boardcast

By Alan Casper & Claire KellarComedySportsBusiness
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The Boardcast episodes

  • Snowboarding Myths, Misinformation, and the Reality Behind It | Episode 51

    A birthday gift gone wrong, a shark attack close to home, and a debate about snowboarding that turned into way more than gear talk.

    In this episode, it’s just the two of us—raw, unfiltered, and bouncing between the ridiculous and the real. We laugh about the little things (like tacos that cost way too much), get honest about fears we don’t usually admit, and unpack the drama shaking up the snowboarding industry.

    It’s unpredictable. It’s funny. It’s serious when it needs to be. Most of all, it’s the kind of conversation that makes you feel like you’re right there in the room with us.

    Get stuck in!

    Cheers for the support legends ‼️❤️

    Don't forget to like and subscribe to our channel to follow along on our business journey and everything kind of related.

    We appreciate your support!

    www.boardersonline.com.au

    45 min
  • The Worst Birthday Gift Ever? And the Unexpected Lessons From 50 Episodes | Episode 50

    WTF! how have we made it to 50! Today you'll see two very tired humans, possibly the worst present ever and a conversation that went absolutely everywhere.

    We talk about what a shit show it is trying to run the shop without Jez, the highs and lows of the last couple weeks, and how skateboarding might not actually be as “dead” as everyone says. and then things take a turn when a certain birthday present turns into a debate about zombie apocalypse survival plans. 

    If you’ve been with us since day one, this episode is for you. No filters, no script, just us, and complete nonsense.

    Thanks for sticking with us cheers to the next 50.

    Don't forget to like and subscribe to our channel to follow along on our business journey and everything kind of related.

    cheers for the support❤️

    Boardersonline.com.au 🔗
    646 Pittwater Rd, Brookvale NSW 2100 🏠

    Don't forget to like and subscribe to our channel to follow along on our business journey and everything kind of related.

    We appreciate your support!

    www.boardersonline.com.au

    47 min
  • The Realities of Snow Retail Nobody Talks About - Episode 49

    Hey guys, welcome to another episode. This week we get into the kind of stuff that doesn’t usually make it onto Instagram, the highs that keep us going, the lows that test our patience, and the unexpected moments that say a lot about what it’s really like to run a shop in the middle of snow season. From a customer who wasn’t too happy about a free service, to the kind of burnout you feel after tuning hundreds of boards, to some news we weren’t ready to share… there’s a lot packed into this one.

    At one point Al states: “For the love of God, how many things are free right now? Go find me something worthwhile that doesn’t cost a thing.” 

    If you’ve been listening to us for a while, you know this isn’t about drama for the sake of it. It’s about being real with you. 

    I think you’ll get something from this one. Maybe a laugh, maybe a nod, maybe even a little perspective of your own, if so feel free to leave all these thoughts, questions and opinions in the comments below.

    Don't forget to like and subscribe to our channel to follow along on our business journey and everything kind of related.

    Cheers for all the support, see ya in the next!

    www.boardersonline.com.au

    Don't forget to like and subscribe to our channel to follow along on our business journey and everything kind of related.

    We appreciate your support!

    www.boardersonline.com.au

    31 min
  • Behind the Counter of a Skate and Snow Shop! - Episode 48

    In this episode, we talk about why skateboarding seems to be bubbling back to life, how snowboarding gear is changing, and the tough choices we’ve made as a business—like only selling what we actually believe in. Along the way, we dig into why some shops refuse to sell helmets and pads, what “convenience” bindings really mean, and how personal style matters more than chasing the latest trend. 

    We get into the stuff that’s been bubbling under the surface:

    • Why skateboarding feels alive again (and why it’s not the same as it used to be).
    • How snowboarding gear is evolving—and why we’ve ditched selling products we don’t believe in.
    • The weird rise and fall of scooters (and why there are literally no scooter shops left in Sydney).
    • What “sell what you love” actually means when you’re trying to survive as a business in today’s retail world.
    • Why personal style beats chasing trends—and how vintage and creativity are shaping what we do next.

    If you’ve ever wondered what really goes on behind the counter of a skate and snow shop, or what it’s like to stick to your guns when the easy option is to cave in, this one’s for you.

    Don't forget to like and subscribe to our channel to follow along on our business journey and everything kind of related.

    We appreciate your support!

    www.boardersonline.com.au

    57 min
  • What They Don’t Tell You About Buying Snow Gear in 2025

     We’re back... finally. Two months later. We finally hit record after a whirlwind of chaos, half-built shelves, a snow season with more snow than people, and a retail scene that’s more “what’s the cheapest?” than “what’s the best?”

    We riff on:

    • Where you should spend vs. save on snow gear (boots, boards, bindings—what matters and what doesn’t)
    • Why we’re seeing more cheap, big-box gear in places like Bunnings and what that means for skateboarding culture
    • The weird economics of snowboarding in 2025, and why the “cost of living crisis” might actually be a “cost of doing cool sh*t” crisis
    • Real talk on Afterpay, cheap lift tickets, and why convenience is costing us more than we think

    Plus, we dive into the very real frustration of running a retail biz in a world that’s shifting toward Amazon convenience and TikTok attention spans.

    It’s raw, it’s real, it’s ranted—but somehow, still full of insight.

    If you’ve ever wondered why people will gamble $265 on a lift ticket but won’t spend $30 more for gear that actually lasts, this episode’s gonna hit you right between the goggles.

    Hit play and join us for a chaotic but cathartic episode that might just make you laugh, sigh, nod furiously, and question your next online impulse buy.

    Don't forget to like and subscribe to our channel to follow along on our business journey and everything kind of related.

    We appreciate your support!

    www.boardersonline.com.au

    39 min
  • The Real Reason People Show Up: Community Over Commerce with Joel Ridzuan

    In this episode, OUR guest is Joel from 7th Day Brewery in Brookvale—a local legend who’s doing way more than just pouring beer.

    We talk about what it actually takes to transform a business into a cultural anchor for the community—and how events like Brookie Fest and the upcoming Snow Jam are helping breathe new life into Brookvale.

    In this episode, you’ll get:

    • A behind-the-scenes look at how Joel helped reimagine the vibe at 7th Day (hint: it started with secondhand furniture and a clear purpose).
    • Real talk about building community around a brand—and why culture, not just products, gets people off the couch and through your doors.
    • The power of doing events with zero prep but 100% authenticity—and why it’s working.
    • How government grants are helping small businesses collaborate and grow their impact locally.
    • Why every venue in a suburb needs to focus less on competition and more on collective wins.

    Whether you’re a small biz owner, event organiser, or just someone who loves seeing local scenes thrive—you’ll walk away with fresh ideas, a few laughs, and maybe even a reason to come check out what's happening.

    Oh—and wait ‘til you hear about the spin-the-wheel haircut station. 

    You can’t make this stuff up. 

    Don't forget to like and subscribe to our channel to follow along on our business journey and everything kind of related.

    We appreciate your support!

    www.boardersonline.com.au

    29 min
  • $265 Lift Tickets?! What’s Actually Happening to Aussie Snowboarding

     Yep—we’re back! with a new “studio” that looks suspiciously like a news desk. 
    But just trust us, it’s as makeshift and charming as you’d expect. 
    (You can catch it on YouTube if you're that curious.) 

    In this episode, we diving into our Japan Trip and business of late as well as discussing the politics we weren’t supposed to talk about but did anyway and dealing with the frustrating state of snowboarding in Australia (and why Japan’s slopes are making Aussie lift tickets look like a scam). 

    This one’s less of a podcast and more of a ride-along through where we’re at, what’s been on our minds, and why we think it's still worth chasing powder, community, and dumb fun—no matter how bleak the winter forecast (or the economy) looks.

     And then—just to balance it all—we rip open a rare blind bag deck live on the pod and actually pull the one we wanted (yes, miracles do happen). 

    Don't forget to Click Like and Subscribe!

    Don't forget to like and subscribe to our channel to follow along on our business journey and everything kind of related.

    We appreciate your support!

    www.boardersonline.com.au

    35 min
  • Episode 44 - We Got Buried in Japan – But It Was Worth It

    This one’s just us—unfiltered and probably still trying to defrost from one of the wildest Japan snow trips we’ve ever done. 

    From getting buried under meters of snow, to navigating mystery resorts that may or may not exist, and surviving a blizzard on day one with no reverse camera—this was hands-down the most chaotic, unpredictable, and jaw-dropping trip we’ve ever done. 

     It’s been wild. It’s been deep. It’s been... kind of ridiculous at times. But for those of you who’ve been with us on this ride—from the first Japan trip recap to now—you’ll get it. 

     This is us doing it our way. No tour buses, no crowded resorts, no glossy itineraries. Just chasing snow, trusting dodgy weather apps, sleeping on rock-hard floors, and finding absolute gems by pure luck (and stubbornness). 

    We missed you guys, and honestly, we couldn’t wait to share this one with you. We’ve got tips. And yep—we’ve got a few secret spots we’ll share if you ask nicely. 

    Don't forget to like and subscribe to our channel to follow along on our business journey and everything kind of related.

    We appreciate your support!

    www.boardersonline.com.au

    49 min
  • Episode 43 - Did He Pick the Right Snowboards for Japan? Al's Snowboard Quiver Recap

    Alright, so we did all the planning, we talked a big game, and we laid out Al’s snowboard lineup for Japan before the trip. Now he’s been here for a few weeks, ridden all four of them, and it’s time to find out—Did these boards actually perform like we expected? Or did we totally miss the mark? (Spoiler: there were some surprises). And don’t worry, Claire’s only two weeks in, so we’ll grill her on her boards when she is back.

    And of course, we’re keeping it real—what worked, what didn’t, and which boards Al would 100% bring again (or leave at home next time).

    If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to test boards in some of the best powder on the planet, this is the episode for you. Grab a drink, hit play, and let’s get into it!

    Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more episodes.

    Follow us on social media:

    • Instagram: @theboardcastpodcast

    Don't forget to like and subscribe to our channel to follow along on our business journey and everything kind of related.

    We appreciate your support!

    www.boardersonline.com.au

    19 min
  • Episode 42 - Our Seven Snowboard Lineup: Why We’re Taking These Boards to Japan

    You know that moment when you’ve been talking, dreaming, and scheming about something for months—and now it’s finally happening? That’s exactly where we’re at. With Japan just days (and weeks) away, we’ve handpicked our snowboards and gear, and this episode is your front-row seat to the why behind every choice.

    So, why are we doing this?  Simple. We’re not here to sell you some cookie-cutter snowboarding advice. We’re here to get into the nitty-gritty, put these boards through their paces, and give you real, honest feedback. Because let’s be real—if we’re going to talk the talk in the shop, we better walk the walk on the mountain.

    If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to ride the best gear in some of the best snow on earth, this is your behind-the-scenes pass. And hey, if you’ve been stuck in the “What board is right for me?” dilemma, we’re about to answer that too—because we’re literally riding these boards for you.

    Boards Featured in the Episode

    • GNU Gremlin Men’s 2025 Snowboard
    • Salomon HPS Sickstick Men’s 2025 Snowboard
    • Salomon HPS Wolle Nyvelt Fish 2025 Snowboard
    • Salomon Dancehaul Pro Men’s 2025 Snowboard (aka Jet Stream)

    So hit play and come hang out with us. Let’s talk boards, snow, and why sometimes the best part of snowboarding isn’t the mountain—it’s the stories you bring home with you.

    Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more episodes.

    Follow us on social media:

    • Instagram: @theboardcastpodcast

    Don't forget to like and subscribe to our channel to follow along on our business journey and everything kind of related.

    We appreciate your support!

    www.boardersonline.com.au

    36 min

About The Boardcast

From the publisher's feed

Boarders has played an integral role in Sydney's Northern Beaches skate scene since the late 90s, and owners Al and Claire have sat in the front seats as it's changed, grown and occasionally shrunk…