Vast Lives

In this episode of our podcast, we take you to the picturesque White Plains Beach on the southwest side of Oahu, where the annual military surf classic competition is in full swing. The atmosphere is electric as military personnel and local surfers gather to showcase their skills on the waves. We kick off the episode with some lively banter about the competition, highlighting the friendly rivalries and camaraderie among the surfers.

Our guest, a talented water photographer and videographer, shares his journey from a young surfer to a passionate photographer. He reflects on the joy the ocean brings him, describing it as a place to play, relieve stress, and connect with nature. He emphasizes the importance of having fun while surfing, a sentiment that resonates throughout our conversation.

As we delve deeper into his background, he recounts his upbringing in Wahiawa, Oahu, and his experiences growing up surrounded by the ocean. He candidly discusses the challenges he faced, including a significant childhood injury that led to neck issues, and how these experiences shaped his perspective on life and surfing.

We explore his transition from competitive surfing to photography, discussing how he combined his love for the ocean with his newfound passion for capturing moments through the lens. He shares insights into his early days of photography, the influence of mentors, and the evolution of his skills over the years.

The conversation shifts to the current landscape of surf photography, particularly the rise of video content and its impact on traditional still photography. Our guest expresses his appreciation for both mediums, highlighting the unique qualities of each and the emotional depth that video can bring to surf storytelling.

We also touch on the importance of sustainability and conscious living, as our guest reflects on his travels and the lessons learned about consumption and contentment. He emphasizes the value of teaching his children about gratitude and the significance of experiences over material possessions.

As we wrap up the episode, our guest shares his excitement about being part of the VAST community, a brand that embodies the spirit of surfing and camaraderie among working-class surfers. He expresses his commitment to fostering a sense of respect and aloha within the surfing community.

Join us for this engaging conversation filled with laughter, insights, and a shared love for the ocean. Whether you're a surfer, a photography enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of nature, this episode is sure to inspire and uplift.

In this episode, I had the pleasure of talking to Benjamin Faraon Jr. who is a surfer with so much passion and a barber by profession. 

He has chosen Hawaii to be his home for the last 20 years. Born on Long Island in New York, Ben shared his journey from having a sober upbringing in a loving family to finding his love for surfing, which started on the shores of Long Beach.

We talked about his childhood and sports, how his parents got him out trying all sorts of things. Ben spoke about how he went from the surf industry into barbering, the financial crash stresses, and then the pandemic. He was quite candid over this crossroads in what he wanted to be doing, which led him onto barbering-an art form that lets him connect with people and creatively express himself.

He has underlined family, appreciation, and tenderness throughout our conversation. He spoke about how his father got him into surfing and the ways in which he wishes to replicate this with his own children someday. We talked about surfing: how it's like meditation for him, one of the most classic ways he observes life's lesson.

His story is one of resilience and community, especially in times of hardship-such as during the pandemic. He discussed some of the innovative ways he and his barbershop adapted to hardships, such as offering prepaid haircuts to keep business afloat.

He concluded by saying that he is committed to instilling in his children the values of environmental stewardship, echoing the ethos of caring for our oceans and communities. In this episode, humanness is celebrated through the human spirit, the joy of surfing, and, most importantly, kindness in life.

In this episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Jeremy Nitta, a remarkable individual with a diverse background and a passion for jiu-jitsu. Jeremy shared his journey from growing up in Hawaii to becoming a successful jiu-jitsu instructor and school owner.

Jeremy's upbringing on the island of Oahu was filled with adventures, from skateboarding and surfing to motorcycle stunts and drag racing. His love for adrenaline-fueled activities eventually led him to jiu-jitsu, where he found a structured balance to his impulsive lifestyle.

As a young man, Jeremy delved into various martial arts, including MMA and kickboxing, before discovering jiu-jitsu at the age of 23. His competitive spirit and dedication to the sport propelled him to success, earning sponsorships and accolades in tournaments.

Despite facing injuries and setbacks, Jeremy's resilience and determination allowed him to continue training and competing, eventually leading him to open his own jiu-jitsu school, Trickster Studio. Through his school, Jeremy aims to instill discipline, teamwork, and a love for the sport in his students.

Looking towards the future, Jeremy envisions expanding his school to accommodate more students and offer additional services like conditioning and striking classes. His ultimate goal is to create a supportive and inclusive environment where individuals can thrive both on and off the mats.

Join me as we dive deep into Jeremy's inspiring journey, filled with passion, perseverance, and a commitment to personal growth through the art of jiu-jitsu.

Join host Steve Shooter in this heartwarming and insightful episode as he sits down with professional surfer Noa Parrish. In this candid conversation, Noa shares his journey from Taiwan to Hawaii, his passion for surfing, and the challenges he has faced along the way.

Noa opens up about his family, his connection to the ocean, and his experiences with the Vast brand. From discussing his love for cooking to his aspirations in the surfing world, Noa's story is one of determination, growth, and a deep love for the sport.

Tune in to hear about Noa's surfing adventures, his relationship with his family, and his dreams for the future. This episode is filled with laughter, inspiration, and a genuine look into the life of a young surfer chasing his dreams in Hawaii.

Noa's love for surfing was sparked by a kind gesture from Macy, who gifted him a surfboard after a competition in Taiwan. This act of generosity ignited Noa's passion for the sport and set him on a path towards becoming a professional surfer.

Despite the challenges of balancing surfing and school in Taiwan, Noa's dedication to the sport led him to make the bold decision to move to California after high school. However, he soon realized that Hawaii felt more like home due to its tropical environment and familial connections.

Throughout the episode, Noa shared his experiences of competing in local contests, his admiration for the surfing community in Hawaii, and his aspirations for the future. Despite the financial challenges and the distance from his family in Taiwan, Noa remains focused on his goals of finishing college in Hawaii and potentially making a living through surfing.

Noa's story is one of resilience, determination, and a deep love for the ocean. His journey serves as a reminder of the power of pursuing one's passion and the importance of staying connected to one's roots while forging a new path. Join us as we dive into the world of surfing with Noa Parish and witness the unwavering spirit of a young surfer chasing his dreams.

Don't miss out on this engaging conversation between Steve and Noa as they share stories, insights, and a whole lot of stoke. Mahalo for listening! 

In this episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing Dean Song, a multi-talented individual based in Hawaii. Dean shared insights into his upbringing, from starting out as a bodyboarder to transitioning into music production and eventually finding his passion in crafting leather goods. He discussed his journey from DJing to sound engineering and shared experiences working on music for video games. Dean also talked about the challenges he faced in his career, including the transition to a more consistent business model with mobile sound for weddings. Despite the pandemic, Dean's store, Mono, thrived with local support and an online presence. He emphasized the importance of quality and craftsmanship in his products, showcasing his dedication to creating high-end leather goods. Dean also mentioned his upcoming board model release with Triad and Vector, showcasing his continued passion for bodyboarding. Overall, Dean's story is one of resilience, creativity, and a commitment to quality in all aspects of his work.

In this episode, I had the absolute honor and privilege of sitting down with Keali'i Panley, a young man deeply rooted in his Hawaiian heritage and culture. Keali'i shared with us his upbringing in a plantation village, where he was surrounded by Hawaiian, Filipino, and Samoan cultures. Growing up in Whitmore Village, Keali'i emphasized the importance of family time at the beach, where they would engage in various water activities like surfing, boogie boarding, and fishing.

Keali'i's connection to nature and his cultural roots was further highlighted through his passion for body surfing, a sport he excels in and is deeply passionate about. He shared the significance of body surfing in Hawaiian culture, where the size of the board reflected one's status, with larger boards reserved for those of higher rank. Keali'i's dedication to body surfing, or "kaha nalu," goes beyond sport; it is a way for him to connect with the ocean, his ancestors, and the land.

Throughout the conversation, Keali'i delved into the challenges he has faced, particularly the struggle to slow down and appreciate the journey of life rather than rushing to achieve goals. He reflected on his energetic nature and the discipline he gained from his time in JROTC, which shaped his approach to life.

Keali'i's story is one of resilience, cultural preservation, and a deep connection to nature. His journey of self-discovery and learning to balance modern life with traditional values serves as an inspiration to all who listen. Through his passion for body surfing and dedication to preserving Hawaiian culture, Keali'i embodies the spirit of aloha and the importance of staying connected to one's roots.

Listeners are sure to be moved and inspired by Keali'i's story, his love for the ocean, and his commitment to honoring his heritage through the art of body surfing. Join us in celebrating Keali'i's journey and the lessons he imparts on living in harmony with nature and culture.

In this inaugural episode of the podcast, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Macy Mullen, a pro surfer and jiu-jitsu enthusiast, to delve into his journey through the highs and lows of his life. Macy shared his experiences growing up in Hawaii, where he discovered his love for surfing at a young age, thanks to his father's influence. He reminisced about the supportive community that surrounded him, including mentors like his coach at Quicksilver, Donald Pahea, who instilled in him the belief to never let setbacks define him.

Macy opened up about the pivotal role jiu-jitsu played in shaping his character and providing him with valuable life lessons. He highlighted how jiu-jitsu taught him humility, self-control, and the ability to navigate through challenging situations both on and off the mat. Through humorous anecdotes and heartfelt reflections, Macy emphasized the importance of being present in the moment and finding strength in the support of loved ones and mentors.

The conversation with Macy delved into the deeper meaning behind his passion for jiu-jitsu and surfing, showcasing how these activities have not only honed his physical skills but also transformed his mindset and approach to life. Macy's journey from a rudderless teenager to a dedicated athlete and family man exemplifies the power of perseverance, resilience, and the unwavering support of those around him.

As Macy shared his personal anecdotes and life lessons, the podcast episode resonated with themes of self-discovery, growth, and the profound impact of positive influences in shaping one's journey. Through Macy's story, listeners are reminded of the importance of embracing challenges, finding strength in vulnerability, and cherishing the connections that uplift and inspire us along the way.

The episode concluded with a message of hope and encouragement, urging listeners to be present, embrace their unique journeys, and spread positivity and stoke in their interactions with others. Macy's journey serves as a testament to the transformative power of pursuing one's passions, seeking growth through adversity, and finding strength in the support of a community that believes in your potential.

Join us in the next episode as we continue to explore the stories of individuals who embody resilience, determination, and the unwavering spirit of pursuing their dreams.