The Gnar Stool Podcast

In this episode of the Gnar Stool Podcast, we sit down with legendary skier Ingrid Backstrom. Known for her powerful style and trailblazing presence in the ski film world, Ingrid shares her journey from growing up in the rugged Cascades to becoming one of the most respected names in the sport.

She talks about her early days on skis, the shift from racing to freeskiing, and the defining moments that shaped her career. Ingrid reflects on the impact of ski films, navigating a male-dominated industry, and the evolving representation of women in skiing.

In a candid and thoughtful conversation, Ingrid also opens up about balancing motherhood with her professional life—sharing how community, mindset, and managing fear have played a role in both. This episode is a deep dive into resilience, identity, and the enduring love of skiing.

Relevant Links:

Ingrid's Instagram

Gnar Stool Instagram

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https://smmtoutdoor.com/

Collagen: Hype or Help?

In this episode of The Gnar Stool Podcast, hosts Shannon O'Grady, Jason Morgan, and Taylor Carr take a deep dive into the world of collagen. With Taylor’s background in sports nutrition and strength and conditioning, the trio unpacks what collagen is, the different types, and how it functions in the body.

They tackle common misconceptions, marketing claims, and the science behind collagen’s use for joint health, skin, hair, and nails. Listeners will learn about its chemical structure, the differences between hydrolyzed collagen, collagen peptides, and gelatin, and the key role vitamin C plays in collagen synthesis.

The hosts also share personal anecdotes about their own experiences with collagen supplementation—touching on its potential for injury recovery and joint pain relief. Throughout the conversation, they explore questions around timing, dosage, effectiveness in rehab, and whether supplementation is necessary if you’re already getting enough protein.

Join the Gnar Stool nerds as they cut through the noise and offer evidence-based insights to help you make smarter decisions about collagen and your health.

Relevant Links:

https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/physiology/articles/10.3389/fphys.2023.1089971/full

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/ejsc.12281

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11801439/

In this episode of The Gnar Stool podcast, we sit down with legendary ski filmmaker Scott Gaffney, a pioneer in ski storytelling known for his unique mix of humor, heart, and high-energy action.

Scott takes us through his journey from skiing in the Adirondacks as a kid to becoming one of the most influential voices in the ski film world. He shares how classic movies like Blizzard of Aahhh's ignited his passion and shaped his creative vision.

We explore Scott’s approach to filmmaking, how ski movies have evolved over the years, and his commitment to capturing the personalities of the athletes he works with. He reflects on career highlights, including the creation of the unforgettable Saucer Boy and his close friendship with skiing icon Shane McConkey.

Whether you're deep in the ski world or just love great storytelling, this conversation is filled with humor, nostalgia, and insight into the craft of filmmaking and the culture of skiing.

Relevant Links:

Scott's Instagram

Gnar Stool Instagram

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https://smmtoutdoor.com/

In this episode of The Gnar Stool Podcast, we sit down with Bryon Friedman, former World Cup ski racer, musician, and entrepreneur, for a deep and honest conversation about transformation.

Bryon takes us from his early days on the slopes of Park City to a life reshaped by a career-ending injury. He shares how that pivotal moment shifted his relationship with competition and sparked a journey into music, surfing, and sustainable business.

We explore his path from ski racing to songwriting, the mental challenges of starting over, and the creation of Soul Poles, his bamboo ski pole company built on a vision of sustainability and soul. With humor, vulnerability, and hard-earned wisdom, Bryon reflects on resilience, reinvention, and the joy of pursuing passion over podiums.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation at the crossroads of sport, creativity, and personal growth.

Relevant Links:

Bryon's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bryonfriedman/?hl=en

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7HpL9hD4ddnaaNEAy0s3Hd?si=kewyYoT9TcmI5WLyrU3dXA

Gnar Stool Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gnarstoolpodcast/

Gnar Stool Podcast X SMMT Tumbler

https://smmtoutdoor.com/

In this episode of The Gnar Stool, Shannon O'Grady and Jason Morgan catch up with pro mountain biker Sam Soriano, a rising force in freeride who is rewriting what’s possible on two wheels. Sam takes us through her journey from BMX racing at just four years old to finding her place and style in freeride, with a few crashes, podiums, and pivots along the way.

We get into the highs and lows of competition, what it’s really like to navigate a male-dominated sport, and how Sam’s simple mantra, “I can do it,” has helped her push through fear, self-doubt, and gnarly injuries (including a broken back and a concussion).

Sam talks mindset, mentorship, and why building community matters just as much as progressing the sport. This one is all about grit, growth, and the power of showing up—on and off the bike.

Relevant Links:

https://www.instagram.com/samanthasorian0/?hl=en

Gnar Stool Podcast X SMMT Tumbler

https://smmtoutdoor.com/

In this episode of The Gnar Stool podcast, we sit down with Blake Cason—a certified professional life coach and climber with a background in psychology and anthropology. Blake shares her winding journey into coaching, from facilitating intimate conversations around sexual health during the height of the HIV/AIDS pandemic in South Africa, to helping individuals and teams navigate growth through presence, resilience, and curiosity.

We dive into the core tenets of her coaching philosophy: deep listening, forward-focused development, and the concept of "anti-fragility"—the idea that we can become stronger by leaning into challenge. Blake breaks down how coaching differs from traditional therapy and offers real-world tools for integrating change into everyday life.

Whether you're chasing personal growth or trying to build stronger, more grounded team dynamics, this episode is full of thoughtful takeaways to help you move with more intention and clarity.

https://startyourpivot.com/

https://www.instagram.com/blake_cason/

In this episode of The Gnar Stool podcast, we sit down with the wildly talented Nikki Smith, a climber, photographer, artist, writer, and all-around force in the outdoor world. From her early days in Moab to becoming a leading voice in climbing culture, Nikki brings a deeply personal and refreshingly honest perspective to the conversation.

She shares how a fear of heights evolved into a love for climbing, eventually leading to over 200 first ascents. We dig into the differences between ice and rock climbing, the value of mentorship, and what it means to grow within a community that isn’t always quick to accept change.

But Nikki’s story goes far beyond the crag. We explore her work as an artist and photographer, and how painting has become a new outlet for healing, expression, and joy. She explains how creating art without the pressure of performance has opened up a new kind of freedom.

This episode is a thoughtful look at adventure, identity, and creativity. It’s also a reminder that there is no single way to live a bold and authentic life.

Professional climber. Bouldering coach. Guy who moved to Salt Lake chasing rocks and a dream. In this episode of The Gnar Stool Podcast, Shannon O’Grady and John Perry sit down with USA Climbing National Champion Ben Hanna for a wide-ranging conversation about pressure, passion, and what it takes to stay psyched in a sport that’s as mental as it is physical.

Ben walks us through his early days growing up in New Mexico, learning to climb before he could drive, and eventually relocating to Salt Lake City to take his career to the next level. He opens up about the uncertainty of competing during the COVID years, how outdoor climbing helped ground him, and what it actually takes to hold down a full-time job while training to be one of the best.

We get into the behind-the-scenes of his recent win at team trials, how the Olympic spotlight is changing comp formats, and why the climbing community remains one of the most supportive in sport—even when the stakes are sky high.

If you’ve ever wondered how elite climbers stay motivated, how they handle the emotional rollercoaster of competition, or why Ben thinks mental prep might be more important than power, this one’s for you.

This week on The Gnar Stool, Shannon O’Grady and John Perry sit down with Molly Mormon—a mom, stripper, and club owner with a seriously powerful story. Raised in the LDS community, Molly takes us through her journey of walking away from the church and stepping fully into her identity as a performer, entrepreneur, and unapologetically herself.

We talk about how the name Molly Mormon came to be, the athleticism and artistry of pole dancing, and why she believes it deserves recognition as a legit sport. Molly opens up about the emotional work of leaving behind a deeply ingrained belief system, the realities of running a club, and the stigma that still surrounds sexuality and sex work.

She shares insights on building confidence, creating safe and supportive spaces, and how she’s learned to hold her ground in a world that doesn’t always understand.

It’s raw, real, and rooted in the kind of empowerment we’re all about. Tune in for a conversation that challenges assumptions, celebrates self-acceptance, and reminds us that the path to happiness doesn’t always follow the map you’re handed.

In this episode of The Gnar Stool podcast, Shannon O'Grady and co-host John Perry sit down with Nordic combined legend and Olympic gold medalist Billy Demong for a deep dive into the gritty, rewarding world of endurance sports. Billy unpacks his epic journey spanning five Olympic Games, revealing the gnarly highs and tough lows that defined his career. He takes us behind the scenes of Nordic combined, sharing how training methods have radically evolved, and why a holistic, balanced approach is key to athletic greatness.

Now coaching the next generation of Nordic skiers, Billy emphasizes cultivating passion and resilience in young athletes. Tune in as he offers powerful insights on embracing the grind, pushing limits, and building the kind of mindset that thrives in competition. The conversation also covers essential topics like effective cross-training strategies, managing performance as athletes age, and the tight-knit camaraderie unique to endurance sports.

Whether you're an endurance junkie, an aspiring athlete, or just love hearing inspirational stories from the edge of human performance, Billy's journey is packed with wisdom, motivation, and lessons that'll resonate deeply.

Relevant Links

Gnar Stool Podcast X SMMT Tumbler

https://smmtoutdoor.com/

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