Then And Now Blading

For Episode 11 of the Then And Now Blading Podcast, I speak to Clark Kirkman. Clark is a longtime aggressive inline skater who just launched Faction, a carbon inline skating boot brand. In this episode, we talk about the brand and everything you want to know about the skate, the team, and the design process. We also dig into his inline skating history, working at Woodward East, building the massive skate ramps at the Compound in Maryland, and the WYII skating and camping event he hosts there.

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You can watch these podcasts as videos on the Then And Now Youtube channel. The YouTube version also features video and photo overlays relevant to the conversation to make it more documentary-style. The channel also includes The Vault, Jan's collection of raw skating footage spanning from 1995-2010. Find out more about the Podcast and YouTube channel at thenandnowblading.com.

Support Then And Now through our Patreon page.

Links

• Then And Now on YouTube
• Then And Now on Patreon
• Then And Now on Facebook
• Then And Now on Instagram
• Then and Now on Twitter
• Jan Welch's Instagram

Welcome to Then And Now Blading Podcast EP10 with Sean Keane. As many of you already know, Sean recently received a pro skate from Rollerblade, the SK Beta Blank Skate. I talked to Sean about the skate, his feedback, how he got on Rollerblade, his skating history, snowboarding, his influences, favorite skaters, favorite videos, favorite people to film with, and much more.

Do you enjoy this podcast?

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You can watch these podcasts as videos on the Then And Now Youtube channel. The YouTube version also features video and photo overlays relevant to the conversation to make it more documentary-style. The channel also includes The Vault, Jan's collection of raw skating footage spanning from 1995-2010. Find out more about the Podcast and YouTube channel at thenandnowblading.com.

Support Then And Now through our Patreon page.

Links

• Then And Now on YouTube
• Then And Now on Patreon
• Then And Now on Facebook
• Then And Now on Instagram
• Then and Now on Twitter
• Jan Welch's Instagram

Then And Now Blading Podcast EP09 with Todd McInerney. Todd and his friend Joey McGarry are the faces behind Mushroom Blading and the How to Be Unpopular Podcast. Todd and Joey have hugely influenced rollerblading in the past 20 years. I talk to Todd about his beginnings, past, favorite skaters, Wizard Skating, Mushroom Blading, the How to Be Unpopular Podcast, the new Mushroom Blading Wheels, and much more.

Do you enjoy this podcast?

Become a Patreon Member or Make a PayPal Donation

You can watch these podcasts as videos on the Then And Now Youtube channel. The YouTube version also features video and photo overlays relevant to the conversation to make it more documentary-style. The channel also includes The Vault, Jan's collection of raw skating footage spanning from 1995-2010. Find out more about the Podcast and YouTube channel at thenandnowblading.com.

Support Then And Now through our Patreon page.

Links

• Then And Now on YouTube
• Then And Now on Patreon
• Then And Now on Facebook
• Then And Now on Instagram
• Then and Now on Twitter
• Jan Welch's Instagram

For the 8th episode of the Then And Now Blading Podcast, I spoke with Justin Thursday. Justin is a 3D printing guru who has embraced technology to create and produce a wide array of after-market skate parts. Being able to develop your skate parts is something that I find fascinating. Join us as we dive deep into the world of 3D printing as I pick Justin's brain about this latest trend in skating. We discuss what you need to get started in 3d printing, what printer to purchase, what skate parts you can print with them, and much more.

Do you enjoy this podcast?

Become a Patreon Member or Make a PayPal Donation

You can watch these podcasts as videos on the Then And Now Youtube channel. The YouTube version also features video and photo overlays relevant to the conversation to make it more documentary-style. The channel also includes The Vault, Jan's collection of raw skating footage spanning from 1995-2010. Find out more about the Podcast and YouTube channel at thenandnowblading.com.

Support Then And Now through our Patreon page.

Links

• Then And Now on YouTube
• Then And Now on Patreon
• Then And Now on Facebook
• Then And Now on Instagram
• Then and Now on Twitter
• Jan Welch's Instagram

For the 7th episode of the Then And Now Interview Series, I speak with Billy O'Neill. Billy is a legendary long-time professional inline skater from Staten Island, New York. He is one half of Jump Street Podcast with Austin Paz and is a co-owner and the face behind Mesmer Skate Brand. In this interview, we talk about everything you want to know about Mesmer, the team, the skates, the molds, and how it all got started. We also talk about his music, playing in a band with John Bolino and falling out with him. We go into how they made up, became friends again, and discussed starting a skate brand. Billy goes into the origins of Jump Street and who he wants to see on the show in the future. He talks about injuries, his proudest moments, his prime, leaving USD, where he wants to retire, and more. Episode 7 is the most extended interview in this series but is jam-packed full of in-depth stories from the heart and soul of Billy O'Neill.

Do you enjoy this podcast?

Become a Patreon Member or Make a PayPal Donation

You can watch these podcasts as videos on the Then And Now Youtube channel. The YouTube version also features video and photo overlays relevant to the conversation to make it more documentary-style. The channel also includes The Vault, Jan's collection of raw skating footage spanning from 1995-2010. Find out more about the Podcast and YouTube channel at thenandnowblading.com.

Support Then And Now through our Patreon page.

Links

• Then And Now on YouTube
• Then And Now on Patreon
• Then And Now on Facebook
• Then And Now on Instagram
• Then and Now on Twitter
• Jan Welch's Instagram

For the sixth episode of the Then And Now Interview Series, I speak with long-time skater and industry insider Kevin Little. As the current editor of Be-Mag, Kevin has a passion for rollerblading and has dedicated his life to helping the sport grow. He also owns Sic Urethane and has hosted numerous skating events throughout the years, including the Texas Skate Series and the Donate and Skates series.

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Show Notes:

• 00:00 - Intro
• 00:50 - How Kevin got into skating
• 04:02 - First skate trip
• 07:50 - Favorite Texas skaters
• 09:56 - Sic Urethane
• 18:03 - Texas Skate Series
• 22:09 - Donate and Skate
• 29:31 - Be-Mag
• 51:28 - Be-Mag video?
• 55:11 - SkatePro
• 01:00:46 - Shout-outs
• 01:03:19 - Outro

Links for this episode

• Be-Mag Website
• Be-Mag Facebook
• Be-Mag Instagram
• Be-Mag YouTube
• Kevin Little Instagram
• Kevin Little Email Address
• Sic Urethane Website
• Sic Urethane Facebook
• Sic Urethane Instagram
• Sic Urethane YouTube
• Donate and Skate Facebook
• Donate and Skate Instagram

You can watch these podcasts as videos on the Then And Now Youtube channel. The YouTube version also features video and photo overlays relevant to the conversation to make it more documentary-style. The channel also includes The Vault, Jan's collection of raw skating footage spanning from 1995-2010. Find out more about the Podcast and YouTube channel at thenandnowblading.com.

Support Then And Now through our Patreon page.

Links

• Then And Now on YouTube
• Then And Now on Patreon
• Then And Now on Facebook
• Then And Now on Instagram
• Then and Now on Twitter
• Jan Welch's Instagram

For the fifth episode of the Then And Now Podcast, I speak with iconic professional inline skater Montre Livingston. This episode discusses how Montre became part of Iqon, who rides for the brand, and who else is involved in the company. We discussed his custom shoe painting business and how Pabst Blue Ribbon helped him gain momentum by sharing a photo of a pair of custom PBR shoes he painted. We talked about his love of fixed geared bicycles. We then discuss how he got into rollerskating, getting a pair of Moxi Roller Skates from Michelle Steilen, aka Estrojen, then being added to the pro team for Chaya Skates. Lastly, we discuss Blading Camp in Spain and all the exciting new things happening within rollerblading during the past couple of years.

Do you enjoy this podcast?

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Show Notes:

• 00:00 - Intro
• 01:01 - When we first met, Nimh Skates
• 03:12 - Becoming part of Iqon
• 06:14 - Iqon Products
• 10:10 - Who is Involved with Iqon?
• 12:17 - Disroyal and Mesmer
• 14:02 - Iqon Team
• 22:05 - Job before Iquon
• 22:47 - Shoe painting business
• 27:56 - Fixed Gear Bicycles
• 29:28 - Gentrification
• 31:00 - Rollerskating
• 36:35 - Business Blading
• 38:50 - Blading Camp
• 45:51 - Positive changes in the industry
• 49:15 - Shoutouts
• 52:10 - Outro

Links for this episode

• Montre's Skating Instagram
• Montre's Sneaker Art Instagram
• Montre's Rollerskating Instagram
• Blading Camp
• Iqon Website
• Iqon Instagram
• Disroyal Distribution Website
• Disroyal on Instagram
• Disroyal on Facebook
• Distroyal on YouTube
• Chaya Skates
• Moxi Roller Skates
• Michelle Steilen aka Estrojen Instagram
• Queen City Quads
• Kiki's Instagram

You can watch these podcasts as videos on the Then And Now Youtube channel. The YouTube version also features video and photo overlays relevant to the conversation to make it more documentary-style. The channel also includes The Vault, Jan's collection of raw skating footage spanning from 1995-2010. Find out more about the Podcast and YouTube channel at thenandnowblading.com.

Support Then And Now through our Patreon page.

Links

• Then And Now on YouTube
• Then And Now on Patreon
• Then And Now on Facebook
• Then And Now on Instagram
• Then and Now on Twitter
• Jan Welch's Instagram

For the fourth episode of the Then And Now Podcast, I chat with Brian Freeman. Like myself, Brian started his skating career in Austin with Texas legends like Jason Howard Mason Richard, and Zachary Gutweiler. In this interview, we go back to when we first met and discuss Brian's early days in Austin, his influences, and his new sponsor Iqon. We also talk about his Bfree blade Acadamy, SkateIA, ways people can make money today blading, and cool things happening in the industry.

Do you enjoy this podcast?

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Show Notes:

• 00:00 - Intro
• 01:05 - Julian Issac and Houston
• 05:46 - The first time we met
• 07:16 - LST and Brian's early days of blading in Austin.
• 10:30 - Skaters who influenced Brian
• 14:58 - Moving to Oakland
• 17:56 - The fires of Northern California
• 19:44 - BFree Blading Academy
• 23:12 - Brian's YouTube Channel
• 23:36 - SkateIA Certification
• 26:35 - How to market yourself as a skate instructor
• 29:40 - Skating for Iqon
• 34:32 - Big Wheel Blading
• 38:55 - Ways to make a living through skating 4
• 3:11 - The industry has grown up
• 47:13 - Iqon and Montre Livingston
• 49:39 - Blading Cup and positive changes in the industry
• 51:02 - Doing your part to help the sport grow
• 54:18 - Sponsors
• 55:06 - Matt Mickey and Intuition Skate Shop
• 56:08 - The future and COVID
• 57:19 - A rundown of Then And Now
• 01:01:01 - Shout-outs

Links for this episode

• Brian Freeman on Instagram
• Brian Freeman on YouTube
• BFree Blading Acadamy website
• BFree Blade Acadamy on Instagram
• BFree Blade Academy on Facebook
• SkateI Website
• Iqon Website
• Iqon Instagram
• Disroyal Distribution Website
• Disroyal on Instagram
• Disroyal on Facebook
• Distroyal on YouTube

You can watch these podcasts as videos on the Then And Now Youtube channel. The YouTube version also features video and photo overlays relevant to the conversation to make it more documentary-style. The channel also includes The Vault, Jan's collection of raw skating footage spanning from 1995-2010. Find out more about the Podcast and YouTube channel at thenandnowblading.com.

Support Then And Now through our Patreon page.

Links

• Then And Now on YouTube
• Then And Now on Patreon
• Then And Now on Facebook
• Then And Now on Instagram
• Then and Now on Twitter
• Jan Welch's Instagram

For the third episode of the Then And Now Podcast, I chat with Chad Hornish. I first met Chad back in 1997, when we drove to Phoenix, Arizona to introduce the Nimh team at Revolutions Skateshop's Thursday night skate. I filmed an edit of that trip that featured the Nimh Team and Phoenix locals, including Dustin Latimer and Chad. Shortly after he was added to the Team and we invited him on our California Tour with Montre Livingston, Brian Shima, Jon Elliott, Joey Chase, Adam, and Keith Brierley, and Casey MacFarland. In recent years Chad has been a force to be reckoned with on the competition scene, has produced numerous sections, and is now pro for Iqon Skate Brand. We discuss, Iqon, his skating, his sections, his travels, and more in this episode. If you enjoy this video, make sure to hit the like button and don't forget to subscribe to this channel to see more.

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Show Notes:

• 00:00 - Intro
• 01:34 - Backstory
• 04:59 - Boschi Pope Contest
• 07:57 - When we met, NIMH Skates
• 10:50 - Nimh Tour
• 13:43 - Montre and getting on Iqon
• 16:34 - Iqon Team and the Iqon Frames
• 19:46 - Big Wheel Blading
• 21:11 - Iqon skate and team get together
• 23:28 - Traveling during COVID for skating
• 26:44 - Anti-Rocker
• 27:46 - Pink Video Series
• 31:18 - Making money today as a blader
• 34:13 - Favorite trips
• 36:08 - Competition Skating
• 37:55 - Street Contests
• 41:08 - Comps you want to skate?
• 45:29 - Current video projects
• 46:47 - Iqon Wheels
• 49:11 - Going viral on Instagram
• 57:01 - New England Blade and Camp
• 57:12 - Until we meet again
• 60:42 - Outro

Links for this episode

• Chad Hornish on Instagram
• Chad Hornish on YouTube
• Ryan Buchanan YouTube Channel
• Iqon Website
• Iqon Instagram
• Disroyal Distribution Website
• Disroyal on Instagram
• Disroyal on Facebook
• Distroyal on YouTube

You can watch these podcasts as videos on the Then And Now Youtube channel. The YouTube version also features video and photo overlays relevant to the conversation to make it more documentary-style. The channel also includes The Vault, Jan's collection of raw skating footage spanning from 1995-2010. Find out more about the Podcast and YouTube channel at thenandnowblading.com.

Support Then And Now through our Patreon page.

Links

• Then And Now on YouTube
• Then And Now on Patreon
• Then And Now on Facebook
• Then And Now on Instagram
• Then and Now on Twitter
• Jan Welch's Instagram

For the second episode of the Then And Now Podcast, I interviewed Caleb Smith. Caleb is an aggressive inline skater who fell in love with big wheel blading and has taken distance skating to the next level. This year he has skated several thousand miles as part of his Midwest Ultra Series. In this interview, we talk about Caleb's history in skating, when we met, his aggressive skating, when he discovered big wheel blading, his Ultra series, Camp SkateIA, marathons, making a living on skates, Dante Muse, his new sponsor, and much more.

Do you enjoy this podcast?

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Show Notes:

• 00:00 - Intro
• 00:53 - Caleb's skating backstory
• 05:12 - Caleb comes to Austin to aggressive skate, and I take him on his first distance skate
• 07:18 - Back to Iowa and his first RAGBRAI
• 10:00 - Early Ultra skates, Athens to Atlanta to Athens (A2A2A)
• 20:02 - Midwest Ultra Series Part 1
• 21:30 - Aggressive skaters & Big Wheel Blading
• 23:50 - Midwest Ultra Series Part 2
• 25:48 - Camp SkateIA, Skatepark Instructor Certification 30:02 - Doing Food Delivery on Skates
• 32:16 - Marathon Skating
• 33:29 - Dante Muse, the World Champion speed skater
• 35:16 - Learning the Double-Push
• 37:44 - Do aggressive skaters really know how to skate?
• 38:45 - Dante Muse, the aggressive inline skater 4
• 0:21 - How much is Caleb aggressive skating now?
• 41:45 - Current aggressive skate setup and a new skate sponsor!
• 45:36 - Bicycle Ride Across Georgia (BRAG)
• 55:00 - Caleb's favorite long-distance skate?
• 57:39 - Creating the "Ultra" short film with Bruce James Bales
• 01:02:32 - Carrying gear on Ultra skates? Building an Ultra Community
• 01:12:00 - Skating with Bambi, New Mexico
• 01:14:47 - Future plans
• 01:15:35 - Outro

Links to Articles on Caleb Smith

• Caleb Smith of Des Moines, Iowa on Inline Skating and Life During COVID-19
• “The Land of Enchantment” Caleb Smith and Katie Baird Bladepacking New Mexico
• Caleb Smith Conquers the 467-Mile RAGBRAI Challenge on Inline Skates

SkateIA https://skateia.org/

Big Wheel Blading Merchandise https://bigwheelblading.com/store/

You can watch these podcasts as videos on the Then And Now Youtube channel. The YouTube version also features video and photo overlays relevant to the conversation to make it more documentary-style. The channel also includes The Vault, Jan's collection of raw skating footage spanning from 1995-2010. Find out more about the Podcast and YouTube channel at thenandnowblading.com.

Support Then And Now through our Patreon page.

Links

• Then And Now on YouTube
• Then And Now on Patreon
• Then And Now on Facebook
• Then And Now on Instagram
• Then and Now on Twitter
• Jan Welch's Instagram