Bill Lobdell prefers to be behind the scenes and to “tell the story, not be the story.” With decades of journalism expertise, a book, and an amazing podcast, Bill is not keen to be on “this side” of the camera. So it was really cool to put a face to the name and to the voice. Bill’s podcast “Newport in the Rearview Mirror” is not only a historical account of this famed SoCal town, but provides a central clearing house for the incredible stories of Newport Beach’s history and all the characters and events that made it what it is today. And the stories are wild, super interesting and diverse; just like Bill.

From the rivers of Ohio to the southern coast of California, with stops all over the world along the way, Jimmy Terrell has done just about everything that requires a paddle in one’s hands. 4 Olympic Games, ultra marathon paddling races, downwind, flat water, you name it.

An ultra craftsman and innovator, Jimmy has an engineer’s mind and the hands of a master. Paddles and boats, wood and carbon fiber; he makes the very best... and he makes them for the most elite athletes in the world; many of whom he calls close friends. What a legend and the nicest guy you’ll meet.

Ben Carlson made his final rescue, in massive surf, on July 6, 2014; just 4 days after his 32nd birthday.

Ben’s passing galvanized the community where he had made his home for 15 years.

Ten years later, his heroic act, and his passing in the line of duty, has left a lasting impression that is evident throughout Newport Beach and well beyond.

His father, Chris Carlson and his brother in law, Jake Janz, share their story from start to finish.

These are incredible guys and they tell the story of an incredible man; Lifeguard Benjamin Maywood Carlson.

Willie Reichenstein is one of those guys that we all want to grow up to be like. 76 years young and fitter and faster than 98% of the population. He has not stopped, nor even slowed, since his Olympic Games in 1976 and 1980. From Scotland to California, Willie is a family man, a lifelong teacher, a beast of an athlete, an awesome role model, and is amazingly nice, humble, and as cool as a guy you could hope to have in your circle.

Willie was high on my list to get in the studio and I’m so grateful for this interview. Whether you know Willie or not, you’ll want to hear his stories. So good. Enjoy and thanks ⚡

Don Meek has done a lot of things at a very high level and his stories are captivating and chock full of authentic soundbites, noteworthy quotes, and examples of all manner of success, failure, and the path through it all.

Whether it be his fitness mantra of “fit to play,” his long list of executive positions across multiple industries, or how his current roles with the New Earth Project, US Board Riders Clubs, and Fuel TV all interconnect with the goal of community building, storytelling, and environmental awareness and stewardship.

Don’s viewpoints, passion, and knowledge across all of these spectrums made for a super cool, informative, and compelling interview.

Don is rad. Be sure to check this one out for sure.⚡

What started as a passion project by two friends over ten years ago; today this respected, acclaimed, and inclusive non-profit has served over 15,000 at-risk youth, employing over 350, with 10 sites spanning the coastline of Israel.

HaGal Sheli was built on the power of surfing, camaraderie, and engagement to help struggling youth get back on the path.

They are exceptionally well-known and respected in Israel. As a result, they have received incredible notoriety and support, are award-winning and have been invited to the White House, all through their passion to help kids get back on track. And their success statistics are staggering. Sadly, the demand for their services has jumped exponentially since October 7th.

You’ll hear from the CEO and Co-Founder, Yaron Waksman, Ephy Shapiro - International Partnerships Manager, and a young stud named Klil Valiano, whose story of escape and the impacts of his experience at the Nova Festival is soul-rattling.

They are incredible, and I am honored to have had them in the studio. This is one to listen to for sure.⚡

Clarke Brogger is a passionate, inspirational, and rad human. His is a life of leadership, kindness, faith, and nature. From the pulpit to the surf to the top of mountains to long, long miles on the trails, you’ll always find a smile, a positive message, gratitude, and the desire to bring people together. ⚡

Rami and Krista Zur are as nice, humble and cool people as you will ever find. They also happen to be world class athletes (and a coach) at the Olympic level. They have been to 5 Olympic Games collectively as athletes, and more with coaching; and they have THE hardware to prove it. They are wonderful people from very diverse backgrounds and incredible accomplishments. Theirs is an amazing story of dedication, determination, perseverance, passion and love. It’s such a rad story.⚡

Say (Sarah) Craig is rad. She is a humble, creative spirit with a passion and determination to make a difference in the world.

She likes to do big things; big and hard things, like inspiring and educating people how to lessen their environmental footprint, to move away from single-use plastics, and to clean up our environment.

Known as “The Trash Tramp,” she’s an ambassador, a leader, an activist, a feminist and a badass long distance outrigger paddler. Say is awesome and doing really good things. You’ll dig this one for sure. ⚡

Kali Wilding and Emma McDonald are rad. They are best friends from Hawaii, training together with their eyes on the Olympics. Both are hammer athletes and so much more. These are impressive, fun, inspirational and determined young women who do more in a day than most people do in a month and they do it with awesome headspace and infectious passion. These are great representatives of the US… and of our future.⚡