Wild Cannons

Today’s guest is local backcountry badass Blake Bowerman, one of the driving forces behind the Potato Boys. Whether he’s chasing gnarly first-descents in deep powder close to home, ripping through the North Idaho backcountry on a sled, or lapping park jumps, sliding steel, and pond skimming, Blake aka "Ski Neck" seems to live life wide open. 

When winter loosens its grip and the cameras stop rolling, he doesn’t slow down, he just trades one passion for another. You’ll find him on the moto track, surfing, wake surfing, and more recently, casting toward docks in search of ditch pickles, swamp donkeys, and bucketmouth, better known as bass.

Blake brings an infectious level of stoke to everything he does. His positive attitude, adventurous spirit, and passion for chasing new experiences make him the kind of person everyone wants to have around. In this episode, we dive into this season's ski missions, life in the mountains, surfing and what keeps him constantly fired up for the next adventure.

Keep up with Blake

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@blake_bowerman

Instagram: @potatoboys208

Keep up with Potato Boys on YouTube: 

https://www.youtube.com/@potatoboys208 

Hosted by: Wild Cannons

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@wildcannons

Email: ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]

Partnership: Uprise Brewing Co.

Instagram: @uprisebeer

Produced by: Spokast!

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@spokast.podcasts

Website: ⁠⁠⁠www.spokast.com

We are stoked to sit down with owner-manager Ryan Hare and Head Brewer Riley Elmer of Uprise Brewing Co. At their core, Ryan and Riley are beer guys and they also snowboard! We’re super excited to share awesome stories and insights from the brewery that supports us.

Uprise Brewing Co. was founded in 2022 by Jonathan Sweatt and brothers Ryan Hare and Brandon Hare. Uprise was built from a shared love of beer, food, art, and community, along with a shared vision: to create a place where great beer, scratch-made food, and good people come together.

In this episode we talk beer, branding, snowboarding, community, and what it takes to build something meaningful here in Spokane.

Support our community, support local, support Uprise Brewery!

Keep up with Uprise Brewing Co.

Instagram: @uprisebeer

Website: https://www.uprisebeer.com/

AWARDS

2026

Best of Craft Beer Awards:

Silver – High Vis – IPA

Craft Beer & Brewing Magazine

98 Rating - High Vis IPA

92 Rating - Daisy Chain Pale Ale

93 Rating - Phases of the Moon BA Stout

2025

Washington Beer Awards

Silver - Color TV - Juicy or Hazy IPA

Bronze - Daisy Chain Pale - International & Australian Ale

Bronze - Mexican Lager - Latin American Style Lager

Best of the West

Silver - Retrospect - West Coast Style IPA

North American Beer Awards

Silver - High Vis IPA - West Coast Style IPA

Bronze - Bright Side IPA - West Coast Style IPA

2024

Washington Beer Awards

Silver - Vienna - Vienna Style Lager

Bronze - Lucid Portal IPA - West Coast Style IPA

Bronze - Phases of the Moon - Barrel Aged Strong Stout

North American Beer Awards

Gold - Phases of the Moon - Barrel Aged Strong Stout

Silver - Analog Delay IPA - West Coast Style IPA

Bronze - Static Glow IPA - Juicy or Hazy IPA

2023

Great American Beer Festival

Bronze - Bright Side IPA - West Coast Style IPA

Washington Beer Awards

Gold - Stout - American Style Stout

North American Beer Awards

Gold - Mexican Lager - Latin American Style Lager

2022

Washington Beer Awards

Silver - Guava Gose - Gose

Hosted by: Wild Cannons

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@wildcannons

Email: ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]

Produced by: Spokast!

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@spokast.podcasts

Website: ⁠⁠⁠www.spokast.com

Nick Sto has become a well-known rider in Spokane and North Idaho. He currently lives in Sandpoint and has spent the last couple of winters working at Schweitzer, with summers back in Wallace. He recently had a standout part in Jib Junk's: Fuck You Pay Me.

When he’s not out in the streets stacking clips, you can find Nick traveling in search of powder. He’s a bit of a man of mystery, every time you meet up with him, you learn something new. Some might say he’s Wallace’s version of the Dos Equis guy: a worldly adventurer with many accomplishments, “The Most Interesting Man in the World.” Over the past few years, he’s also helped host the Wallace Ski Jor event. Nick is super kind, humble, mysterious, and a sneakily good all-around rider. We get into Reno, Tahoe Pigs, tweakers, gambling, that "one night" in China and much more! 

Keep up with Nick

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@nickstr0

This Episode sponsored by Bear Ridge Trail Builders & Excavation 

Website: Bearridgetrails.com 

Instagram: @bear_ridge_

Jib Junk FYPM: 

https://youtu.be/TP9WdBe3GGwsi=00AiA2vR_2yadOp1

Hosted by: Wild Cannons

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@wildcannons

Email: ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]

Partnership: Uprise Brewing Co.

Instagram: @uprisebeer

 Produced by: Spokast!

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@spokast.podcasts

Website: ⁠⁠⁠www.spokast.com

Carl Montoya is a Mission Ridge local, an elite powder chaser, with killer edge control, and rides with a timeless style. He’s a world traveler, experienced Baja racer, mountain biker, and someone who consistently rides bell to bell. He’s still competing in banked slaloms, stepping onto podiums, and bringing home hardware. Carl has a deep passion for boards, bikes, Toyotas, gears, punk music and, most importantly, his family. He’s a beast when it comes to hiking into steep, spicy backcountry zones and on the wave in Chelan. He’s someone you trust in the sidecountry at Stevens Pass and behind the wheel while road-tripping through South America. Fun-loving, hardworking, and driven, we’re only scratching the surface of his story! We’re beyond fired up to have one of our close friends in the studio!

Keep up with Carl

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@letsgomoreplacecarl

Hosted by: Wild Cannons

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@wildcannons

Email: ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]

Partnership: Uprise Brewing Co.

Instagram: @uprisebeer

Produced by: Spokast!

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@spokast.podcasts

Website: ⁠⁠⁠www.spokast.com

Jake Rose was a standout rider for Pistole Boardshop who made the jump from riding the terrain park and streets of Spokane to becoming a sponsored rider. He always oozed style and carried himself with a humble swagger.

He is loved by so many, and everyone you ask will say he is genuinely one of the nicest guys around. Super loyal and incredibly kind. Then there’s the image of Jake with missing teeth, long hair, a big beard, drinking 40-ounce beers and smashing bottles on rails… and yet somehow, he was—and still is—one of the most approachable, fun loving, down-to-earth guys on the mountain. This is a can't miss episode! 

Keep up with Jake

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@rakejose421

Hosted by: Wild Cannons

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@wildcannons

Email: ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]

Partnership: Uprise Brewing Co.

Instagram: @uprisebeer

Produced by: Spokast!

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@spokast.podcasts

Website: ⁠⁠⁠www.spokast.com

Bryce Rich has been an integral part of the local snowskate culture, from creating and designing boards to hosting snowskate events. He is the co-owner of Boyd Hill Snowskates, which was started in 2009.

Boyd Hill has manufactured dozens of different snowskate shapes and continues to remain at the forefront of the sport. The company believes that rider input is the key to its success. For this reason, Boyd Hill continues to produce boards featuring new shapes, materials, construction techniques, and camber profiles. In this episode, we dive into how Boyd Hill Snowskate got started, explore a brief history of snowskating, discuss the inception of the SortaNatural, and Gary the cat!

Keep up with Bryce  

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@teamboydhill 

Website: www.boydhill.com

Hosted by: Wild Cannons

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@wildcannons

Email: ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]

Partnership: Uprise Brewing Co.

Instagram: @uprisebeer

Produced by: Spokast!

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@spokast.podcasts

Website: ⁠⁠⁠www.spokast.com

Mike has captured so much of what we hold closest as skateboarders and snowboarders - getting clipped up! For basically an entire generation of Spokane-area riders, he has been the filmer. Documenting sessions, trips back east, and local moments that might have otherwise been lost to time. He has and continues to put the lens on so many local and regional talents, giving them visibility to us locally and nationwide. On the flipside he also brought pro riders to our area to film and get clips. Beyond just documenting tricks, Mike still skates and snowboards! In this episode we get into his time as a night janitor in Tahoe, how he got into filming, late night nachos, sleeping under the stairs, road trips, knowing when to hype up or keep your mouth shut when riders are battling a spot, Team Pitchers and so much more!

Keep up with Mike 

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@milhousevanmiller 

Content: Links provided below

Explore some of the rad content Mike has captured and been a part of over the years!

Professional Snowboard Videos

Stack Footy - Think Thank - Freelance Filmer - 2007/08

Thanks Brain - Think Thank - Freelance Filmer - 2008/09

Technicecolour - Autumn Line - Full Time Filmer - 2009/10

Cool Story - Think Thank - Freelance Filmer - 2009/10

Local Snowboard Videos

Snow Birdin’ - Featuring Shane Debias, Mike Miller, Jacob Nelson, Dash Kamp, Corey Schnieder - Schweitzer - 2010: https://vimeo.com/9080096

Film Reel - Featuring Brendan Hayes, Nick Visconti - 2008/09: https://vimeo.com/7354461

Rumblin - Featuring Corey Schnieder, Jacob Nelson, Alan Taylor, Jaeger Bailey, Mike Miller, Shane Debias, Jake Rose - 2011: https://vimeo.com/26460868?fl=tl&fe=ec

Jacob Nelson ‘11 Part - https://vimeo.com/22825346 

Jake Rose - Smokin’ Welcome Part - 2013: https://vimeo.com/60228691

Snow Collective - Pistole Boardshop - 2013: https://youtu.be/Vqcep0Ca3xY

Skate Videos 

Wake Up - Comet Boardshop - 2007: https://youtu.be/IH6HN-Z6H-M?si=ijaeoSq3KSVS3CR4

Amateur Hour - Comet Boardshop - 2008: https://vimeo.com/1995209

Fin - Merit Boardshop - 2009/2010: https://vimeo.com/23391998

Abracadabra - Filmed Only w/ Joel Barbour - 2011: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yj0HrYAoHE8&list=PLACDC946669F41FBB

The Collective - Pistole Boardshop - 2013: https://vimeo.com/126740443

Double Videos w/ Justin Marko - Pistole Boardshop - 2019: https://vimeo.com/288431397

Head Trip - Girl Films Skateboard Contest (Honorable Mention) - 2018: https://vimeo.com/260523792

SPBC NYC -  Space Program - 2017: https://youtu.be/snLQfDB3e7s?si=Z0WCdWheE28NPFDR

Johnny Helgren Easton Part - 2022: https://youtu.be/hm-LA3LUOUE?si=F-0m-oPZbmPkEUuu

Hosted by: Wild Cannons

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@wildcannons

Email: ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]

Partnership: Uprise Brewing Co.

Instagram: @uprisebeer

Produced by: Spokast!

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@spokast.podcasts

Website: ⁠⁠⁠www.spokast.com

Phil is best known as the manager who cultivated the Mt. Spokane terrain park into what it is today. He built a team culture rooted in respect, hard work, and genuine camaraderie. His crew came back season after season because they didn’t just work for him, they believed in his vision of what the park could be. Phil helped shape the park into a place for everyone: dedicated rail riders, jumpers, beginners and the old heads looking to hit some steel and catch a bit of air. Phil was also pivotal in bringing the rope tow to life, pushing the park into a new era of progression and accessibility.

Phil wasn’t just a manager. He was a builder of culture, a champion of inclusivity, and a friend to countless riders who felt his impact. This episode we get into surfing, climbing, fit checks, summers at Mt. Hood, Thunder Bears, lost radios, and so much more! 

Show Flow

00:00 Intro to Phill Schulz

02:53 Phil's Background and Early Life

04:45 Phil's Snowboarding Journey

11:02 Surfing Adventures

15:51 Mt. Spokane Terrain Park Management

19:37 Community Building and Impact

25:29 Listener Questions

36:16 Fun and Personal Insights

38:41 Keeping Warm in the Park

41:35 Favorite Snowboarding Gear

43:00 Mountaineering and Climbing Adventures

47:26 Working at Mount Hood

48:33 Off-Season Jobs and High-Rise Window Cleaning

53:22 Shoutouts and Quick Hitters

01:01:59 Hot Takes and Final Thoughts

Keep up with Phil

Instagram: @phildabear

Hosted by: Wild Cannons

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@wildcannons

Email: ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]

Partnership: Uprise Brewing Co.

Instagram: @uprisebeer

Produced by: Spokast!

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@spokast.podcasts

Website: ⁠⁠⁠www.spokast.com

This episode, we sit down with Isaac Emerson. A Schweitzer local and true Idaho Panhandle legend, Isaac is a triple threat — skater, snowboarder, and angler. His passion for everything he does shines through in all aspects of his life. We talk about his solitary approach to self-filmed clips and his creative eye for hitting unique jibs in and out of the Stomping Grounds terrain park. From glizzies and life as a lifty to fly fishing, 7B, clip high, Barcelona, ski racers, lawn darts, skating, living life by the slice and plenty more!

Keep up with Isaac

Instagram: @straydog_x2 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Straydog208

Hosted by: Wild Cannons

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@wildcannons

Email: ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]

Partnership: Uprise Brewing Co.

Instagram: @uprisebeer

Produced by: Spokast!

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@spokast.podcasts

Website: ⁠⁠⁠www.spokast.com

00:00 Introductions 

01:55 Isaac Emerson's Background and Journey

02:53 Skateboarding and Snowboarding Beginnings

13:30 Fishing Adventures and Comparisons to Snowboarding

21:03 Working at Schweitzer Mountain

28:59 7B and Community Impact

34:23 Snowboarding Gear and Preferences

41:08 Gear Talk: 2001 Throwback and Denim Dojos

41:57 Splitboard Plans and Snowmobile Dreams

42:32 Favorite YouTube Clips and Filming Adventures

46:59 Barcelona Skate Trip: A Wild Adventure

51:50 Quick Hitters: Top Threes and Smelling Salts

55:56 Music Inspirations and Road Trip Playlists

01:01:23 Mount Hood Missions and Local Shoutouts

01:03:03 Hot Takes and Snowboarding Preferences

01:18:48 Future Plans and Shoutouts

This episode, we sit down with Lilith Ellis, the newest force in the Mt. Spokane terrain park. In just two short seasons, she has quickly become known for charging hard, slaying rails, and bringing a positive, fun attitude to the mountain. Lilith has become an inspiration to all female park riders. But it’s not just her style, talent, and dedication to landing a trick that make her so special... it’s also her notable ability to take a SLAM! Tune in as we talk about air awareness, Girls Gone Metal, gymnastics, headphones, packing a rig, hiking in sandals and so much more!

Keep up with Lilith  

Instagram: @r0b0dick

Hosted by: Wild Cannons

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@wildcannons

Email: ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]

Partnership: Uprise Brewing Co.

Instagram: @uprisebeer

Produced by: Spokast!

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@spokast.podcasts

Website: ⁠⁠⁠www.spokast.com