Vast Lives

In this episode, Steve travels to the infamous Jeffreys Bay, South Africa—otherwise known as 
J-Bay—considered by the global surf community to be one of the finest right-hand point breaks in the world.

Steve meets with local legend Bruce Gold. And while the term “legend” is often overused, in Bruce’s case, it’s well-earned. He has been part of the J-Bay community for over six decades, dating back to the early days when surfers camped out in the dunes beneath the milkwood trees, long before the area saw major development in the early 1980s.

Known as the last hippie along the eastern coastline of South Africa, Bruce affectionately calls himself a “strandloper” or “beach walker.” For years, he has lived simply, close to nature, and off the land.

Because of his warmth and openness, Bruce has made friends from all over the world—from Australia to Brazil, Japan to California. He's known in surf circles globally and was close friends with the infamous Miki Dora. 

This episode is deeply rooted in South African surf history and cultural heritage.

In this episode Steve chats to Keith Kajioka, founder of Formosa Surfboards. 

Growing up in a middle-class neighborhood Keith opened up about his family challenges. Keith's experiences resonated with Steve who could relate due to having similar struggles growing up. Keith recounted his early jobs which allowed him to surf during the day. His passion for surfing was clear, and a priority for him over school, which led to some trouble with the law and unfortunately a stint in juvenile detention. 

Later working with Eric Arakawa, he learned about the business side of surfing and shaping. Guided by his mentor Keith began shaping boards, eventually leading to him starting his own business in Taiwan.He shared how he set up his shaping room and partnered with Lawrence, who helped him with the glassing process. Together, they created a factory in the south of Taiwan.

Join us for another unique Episode of the Vast Lives Podcast.

In this episode, Steve sat down with the talented and multifaceted artist Rima. They quickly built rapport around their joint appreciation for the natural beauty of coastal Taiwan. These places are vitally important to Rima for grounding herself and reconnecting with nature.

Rima was raised in Taiwan which, combined with her Lebanese heritage meant that she was constantly exposed to many languages and cultures. She discussed how her diverse upbringing moulded her mindset and creativity. They talked about her journey in the entertainment industry, which began at the age of 15 with singing and acting. Rima recalled her early days of acting in commercials and how they sparked inside her a passion for the performing arts.

Rima spoke about the challenges of maintaining creativity and overcoming writer's block. Important to her are her daily routines, which include meditation and prioritizing self-care. These to her are essential for staying grounded and motivated. We explored the importance of authenticity in her work and how she manages the pressures of social media while staying true to herself.

Tragically, Rima experienced a traumatic life changing accident at the age of 18, which profoundly impacted her perspective and resilience. She shared how this affected her outlook on life and what she now appreciates as important.

Moving to a lighter topic, Rima discussed her love for surfing and the ocean and her enthusiasm for the growing surf community in Taiwan. She encouraged listeners to explore the island's natural beauty.

The discussion drew to a conclusion with Rima discussing her upcoming projects, including a new single and an action movie set to release in 2026. Some words of wisdom from Rima : stay true to yourself, embrace rejection, and let your passion guide you.

Join us for this insightful conversation on creativity, resilience, and the beauty of life in Taiwan. Don't forget to check out Rima's new single and support her journey!

In this episode, Steve meets Mick Yu Tsang Chou — founder, shopkeeper, and unlikely surf evangelist — whose boutique surf shop quietly anchors a growing community on the fringes of Taipei’s fast-paced urban life.

o From Taipei’s dense streets to the open water: how Mick discovered surfing at 20 and cultivated a deep connection with nature.

o A formative stint in California’s Orange County, where surf culture is as ubiquitous as coffee, shaping his sensibility for lifestyle and retail.

o The delicate art of boutique retail in Taiwan: on curation, sustainability, and navigating the shifting tides of streetwear and surf fashion.

o How COVID-19 reshaped Taiwan’s nascent surf scene — a surge of new participants, and the sobering aftermath.

o Looking ahead: Mick’s plans for a multifunctional space that blends commerce, dining, and a sense of place for the city’s growing surf culture.

o It’s a conversation that weaves together surf, style, and quiet ambition — a portrait of modern entrepreneurship in Asia’s urban periphery.

Special thanks: Mick Yu Tsang Chou, Taipei’s surf community, and the friends and collaborators who continue to shape this evolving scene.

Join Steve as he travels to the scenic east coast of Taiwan to sit down with Josh Campbell, co-founder of Taiwanderful Recycle Co, for an inspiring conversation about innovative recycling solutions and community engagement. Discover how this unique studio is transforming plastic waste into purposeful products through education and hands-on involvement.

o - Steve's visit to Donghe and the importance of clean, sorted waste in effective recycling practices.
o - Introduction to Josh, his background growing up in Monterey Bay, California, and how his travels in Southeast Asia ignited his passion for addressing plastic pollution.
o - A look at the mission of Taiwanderful Recycle Co, combining environmental education with practical solutions to local and global waste challenges.
o -Discussion of the studio’s dual model — a for-profit initiative alongside plans for a nonprofit aimed at expanding their reach and impact.
Call to action for viewers to get involved in sustainability efforts, whether in o o-Taiwan or around the world, and support grassroots movements for a cleaner future.
o-This episode shines a light on the power of individual and community action in solving the global plastic waste crisis. Tune in to hear Josh’s story, see how creative recycling can build stronger communities, and find out how you can be part of the change.

It was a rainy evening, Steve and some of the Vast crew visited Jim Hayes surf shop Tropical Blends based in Ji'an. The day had been packed with surf exploration in and around Hualien County, Taiwan. As the crew caught their breath they were mesmerised by the scent of resin, wood and surf wax. A space where any surfer would admit to having a sensory overload.

As Steve and Jim dived into their conversation, Jim reminisced about his early years starting out as an entrepreneur before leg ropes had been invented. He also shared an interesting story about two young men who approached him with a unique design for a slipper. Jim was happy to help and took a few pairs on consignment - these two young men were the founders of DaKine. This story set the tone for the rest of the conversation.

Jim touched on the challenges of opening his first store in Ala Moana in 1978, prior to that however it was his painting company that sparked his passion for the surfing industry. 

Throughout the conversation, Jim shared insights on the evolution of surf culture, including the introduction of windsurfing and the development of essential equipment like foot straps and leashes. 

Jim has built his career on solid relationships with local surfers, including notable names like Peter Cabrinha and the Moniz family. Jim turned his passion for surfing into an international sports production venture. He described his experiences working with television stations and the challenges of capturing surfing on film.

As the episode drew to a conclusion, Jim emphasized the importance of staying true to one's roots and the values instilled in him by Hawaiian culture.

In Episode 21 of the latest Vast Lives podcast Steve sits down with Jaz Kaner — Jaz is not just a stand-up comic but a musician who runs a surf school Banzai, all the way in Huntington Beach California. They ended up recording at the Vast surf shop tucked away in downtown Taiwan, a backdrop that perfectly captured the discussion about a recent, pretty wild island trip filled with nature, killer surf spots, and plenty of tasty bites. The Vast 10 year friendship tour.

Jaz kicked things off by sharing how his view of Taiwan has really changed over the years. About a decade ago, he recalled a scene dominated by concrete and smoky vibes, but now the island bursts with greenery and a warmth, especially among the surf crowd. He even brought up a standout day in Tainan—where the local surfers were all about that “party wave” culture, echoing a laid-back, almost Aloha kind of spirit that just felt right. 

Before they spoke about his Banzai Surf School in Huntington Beach, Jaz took them on a detour through his past. He reminisced about those years hitting the road as a stand-up comic, starting out in Honolulu at the Don Ho Show, and rubbing elbows with legends like Jay Leno and Robin Williams. In most cases, his tales about switching from music to comedy in the early 80s came with a wink—like that one movie role that got axed but still managed to sprinkle some unexpected royalty cheques his way. When the discussion shifted to surfing, Jaz fondly remembered packing up for Honolulu at age 12 and plunging straight into its vibrant surf scene. 

He admitted that being a minority in Hawaii brought its own set of challenges, yet those hurdles only tuned his perspective and built up his resilience. Surfing, he pointed out in a few breathless sentences, has always been his rock, a sport that thrives on a stubborn kind of optimism. 

They also chatted about his journey into running Banzai Surf School—a venture he kicked off back in 2010. Jaz explained, with a few hesitant pauses, how COVID-19 really threw the surf world off balance, cutting down international visitors even as the global love for surfing kept its momentum. Throughout the conversation, a sunny positivity radiated from Jaz. 

As the episode wound down, they reflected over the unexpected camaraderie that blossomed during the Vast 10 year trip, reminiscing about all the little logistical puzzles they had to solve along the way. Jaz expressed a genuine thankfulness for being part of the adventure and even  hinted at maybe setting off on a sailing trip to Mexico next. 

All in all, this episode turned out to be a playful mix of humor, heartfelt reflection, and fresh insights into Jaz Kaner’s life—a man who’s perfectly at home riding waves, lighting up a stage, and soaking in the rich tapestry of diverse cultures. If you’re into surfing, comedy, and those unpredictable moments that connect us all, you might just want to join us for this episode.

In this episode 20 of the Vast Lives podcast. Steve and well respected artist OK Liao sat down to get deep about a few subjects close to OK's heart. OK's home is adorned with art and memorabilia that gives one the feeling of a warm welcoming Aloha spirit.

His home and studio are a testament to his love for Hawaii and the Ocean in general. A palette of minty greens and dusty pink's collide in harmony on the walls behind, any ocean lover would feel right at home.

The conversation was led by diving straight into his very first surfing experience which happened in 2006. Amix with emotion and a feeling of excitement OK goes on to describe that moment as both thrilling and somewhat daunting. Not long after that his perception of surfing shortly changed after his maiden voyage to Hawaii. 

The attention then transitioned to his love for art and how his passion for Hawaii and the Aloha spirit motivated him to capture moments that mean so much more than just surfing. The mindset reshuffle and pivot took place during the pandemic where OK started channeling his inner creative self. Evident in his painting style, he delves ever deeper into the metaphoric reasoning behind surfers personas.

OK Liao opened up about his continued love for getting in the ocean on his bodyboard. His new venture called 'The Small Waves Club' which fosters a small community of those who might feel overwhelmed at the prospect of surfing bigger waves. Steve found the “Small Waves Club,” to be a fun quirky notion that even the tiniest of swells can bring surfers together.

The conversation draws to a conclusion by discussing OK Liao's connection to Vast and the importance of sustainability. He also let slip his deep fondness for dogs; he’s even dabbled in making treats for them commercially! These offhand details provide a picture of a man who mixes his art and good vibes with equal passion.

The conversation was as energetic as it was creatively insightful. OK's journey is a stark reminder that Art can serve as a bridge, connecting us all together by being transparent about our inhernt human imperfections. A warm embrace from a friend or the ocean - exposing all of our vulnerabilities & so beautifully depicted in OK Liao's art and his general ethos.

In this much anticipated episode 19 of the Vast Lives Podcast, Steve get's a chance to have a discussion with Jun Jo—a surfer with a creative twist—in a beautiful field near Taichung, Taiwan. It was all part of a long, winding 10‑year friendship tour, Steve felt lucky to listen in as Jun unraveled his own journey from wave riding to making bold moves in the creative world.

The conversation jumped straight into Jun's background. Jun Jo’s story isn’t typical—born in Miyazaki, Japan, he moved to Hawaii at just five years old. Growing up amid such a mix of cultures clearly played a hand in shaping who he is today. He even shared some family tales, like his dad’s academic streak and his mom’s heartfelt dream of starting anew in Hawaii—a dream she celebrated with a traditional doll ritual.

Thinking back to his younger days, he recalled finding surfing at 13—a bit later than most pros, really. He laughed as he described how he and his friends once rigged up McDonald’s trays as makeshift bodyboards. That quirky bit of ingenuity not only hints at his early creativity but also explains why, at times, school was left on the backburner (much to his parents’ dismay).

Then came a pivotal moment when he met Japan’s celebrated surfer, Shuji Kasuya. Generally speaking, Shuji’s encouragement nudged him to dive into a professional surfing career. Thanks to that meeting, he landed his first sponsorship and began making waves in Japan’s competitive scene—even if it meant facing grueling licensing hurdles and unrelenting pressure along the way.

At one point in the discussion, Jun Jo got reflective about the role community and mentorship played in his life. He fondly recalled forming deep bonds with fellow surfers—connections that turned into lifelong friendships. During some particularly tough times (like when his parents separated), that camaraderie really helped keep him afloat.

As his surfing career took off—winning competitions and gracing magazine covers—Jun Jo admitted that the spotlight wasn’t always a welcome guest. The rush of fame, along with the weight of high expectations, sometimes felt more like a burden than a boost. He wasn’t shy about confessing that he often craved the privacy and quiet of everyday life.

Then came a surprising twist. Jun Jo pivoted from the world of endless waves into the creative industry. Partnering with others, he co‑launched a brand called In4mation. What began as a small shop in Hawaii gradually morphed into a notable name in streetwear, rubbing shoulders with various influential brands. This unexpected route eventually paved the way for his current role as creative director at Vast, where pushing inclusivity and fresh ideas is just part of the daily grind.

All in all, his journey weaves together grit, boundless passion, and a stubborn commitment to authenticity. From that early, carefree surfer in Hawaii to a respected figure in both the surfing realm and the creative market, his story shows how chasing dreams—and the connections we build along the way—can lead to remarkable places.

In the end, this episode isn’t merely about catching waves. It’s a sprawling look at life… messy, beautiful, and unpredictable—a testament to growth, friendship, and the winding road of self‑discovery.

In episode 18 of the Vast LIves Podcast, Steve Shooter visits the beautiful farm of Yvonne and Rachel, two passionate beekeepers who are based close to Kenting National Park in Taiwan. Surrounded by the sounds of bees buzzing and nature's beauty, Steve discovers their unconventional path to becoming beekeepers and how they fell in love with nature.

The discussion started by learning about the incredible world of bees, where 99% are female and are responsible for pollination and keeping the ecosystem going. Rachel, who is from Taipei, spoke about her move to Hengchun, where she fell in love with beekeeping and the natural beauty of the country. Yvonne, who has been a resident of almost 20 years, also spoke about the beauty of surfing, which had initially attracted her to Kenting.

As they related their experiences in beekeeping, Yvonne and Rachel talked about how their foray into the business was not a deliberate decision but rather a serendipitous path guided by the bees themselves. They focused on the part of bees in enabling plants to grow and in assisting local wildlife, which reinforced their resolve in sustainability and stewardship of the environment.

Rachel, who was a master's student, gave us a glimpse of the complex social hierarchy of the bee colonies and how bees use dance to communicate. This created an opportunity for a discussion of what we can learn from bees, specifically the importance of cooperation and community, which has very important implications in the modern world.

They also discussed the obstacles of being women entrepreneurs in a world dominated by men. Yvonne openly discussed the stereotypes and expectations they have to deal with, but she is determined to see other women not place restrictions on their aspirations.

The program also featured a beautiful tour of their process of making honey, from the various flavors that they get from various flowers to the meticulous care that they take to ensure their honey is pure. They talked about how typhoons impacted their beekeeping, revealing the delicate balance between nature and their company.

As the podcast drew to a conclusion, Yvonne and Rachel welcomed listeners to come visit their farm, stressing the importance of learning about bees and honey. They invite everyone to take up nature and learn about the significant role that bees play in our environment.

This episode is a tribute to passion, resilience, and the miracles of nature, and reminds us all of the value of cooperation and sustainability in our lives. Join us as we explore the world of bees, surfing, and women empowerment with Yvonne and Rachel of Girls and Bees.