Julian Azulay is an Argentine filmmaker, surfer, and environmental advocate best known as co-founder of Gauchos del Mar @gauchosdelmar. Alongside his brother Joaquín, he has traveled the world by van and sailboat, documenting remote coastlines, surf cultures, and conservation stories. Their independent documentaries blend adventure, social impact, and a deep respect for nature. Julian’s work highlights marine protection, community resilience, and the connection between people and the ocean. Julian joined us for the East Coast Premiere of Antarctica - Domain One, narrated by Kelly Slater. Enjoy

We are honored to have longtime Florida surfer and shaper, Charley Baldwin @⁠charleybrealtor⁠, on the podcast, and as an added bonus, his daughter, Marcie, chair of the Smyrna Safari Club. Charley managed to find success in competition through grit and love for surfing. CB has humble beginnings, hosting small surf contests on top of his beach wagon, selling hot dogs, competing and winning, and becoming one of the largest surfboard builders and retailers on the East Coast. With these stories, we capture the true essence of what it is to be a surfer, family man, entrepreneur, and positively, phenomenal human being. Enjoy this chat with Hall of Famer for surf and board building, Charley "CB" Baldwin.

Other than not sharing the derivation of the nickname, "Wingnut" @thewingnut  is an open book with a candor and flow meant only for us folks in-the-know.  Sure, Robert Weaver, star of Endless Summer 2, is a part of the adult-learner apparatus, but he does it in the middle of nowhere with not a lot of interference at your home break.  Does he deserve this dream job?  We think, yes. But it doesn't matter.  He made it happen through hustle, a rare combination of humor, enviable kindness, and what appears to be a healthy dose of caffeine.  To think he gave us an hour of his time… What a gift.  You can't escape a smile after hitting play.  Now, sit back and pretend you're in the first cabin of Cathay Pacific Airlines with clear, blue spokes reeling below while you get acquainted with the one and only, Wingnut Weaver.

Glen Casey @glen_casey is an Australian surfer best known for his deep roots in surf culture and his raw, no-nonsense approach to riding waves. Growing up around Australia’s powerful south coast, Casey earned respect for his commitment to heavy water, classic boards, and the kind of surfing driven more by feel than flash, cutting his teeth with uncrowded Wayne Lynch sessions. He represents a generation that values authenticity, craftsmanship, and connection to place. Whether in the water or shaping culture around it, Glen Casey embodies the spirit of Australian surfing—independent, soulful, and grounded in respect for the ocean. Enjoy.

Ryan Lovelace, known for blending timeless craftsmanship with progressive design, is based in California and Hawaii. His feature film, Almost Cut My Hair, was officially selected for the 2013 Florida Surf Film Festival and is available on YouTube. Lovelace has built a devoted following for boards that emphasize flow, trim, and feel, drawing inspiration from classic displacement hulls and alternative surfcraft. His work is defined by clean lines, subtle curves, and an intuitive understanding of how boards interact with water. Respected by surfers across generations, he approaches shaping as both art and engineering, creating functional objects meant to enhance the surfing experience. Enjoy this chat with a true master of his craft.

Allen Sarlo, @allen_sarlo known as the “Wave Killer,” is a legendary surfer whose powerful, aggressive style helped define the early days of Venice Beach’s Dogtown scene. A pioneering figure in both surfing and skateboarding, Sarlo brought raw energy and innovation to waves around the world. His fearless approach, competitive drive, and charismatic personality cemented his status as an icon of the sport. From heavy Hawaiian surf to local California breaks, Sarlo’s legacy continues to inspire generations of surfers who push the boundaries of power surfing today. We screened his super 8 time-capsule last year with a great crowd and Allen in attendance, enjoying his humor and stories. Enjoy some more great threads here!

Live recording from the Rivian South Coast Theater in Laguna Beach on September 22, 2025: Greg MacGillivray @gregmacgillivray @macfreefilms is an iconic filmmaker, innovator, and master of giant-screen storytelling whose career spans more than five decades. As co-founder of MacGillivray Freeman Films, he has created over 60 acclaimed IMAX documentaries, captivating audiences with breathtaking images and a deep passion for science and conservation. Before becoming a leader in large-format cinema, Greg made his mark in surf culture with groundbreaking films like Five Summer Stories, helping define the visual language of surfing for generations. His work blends adventure, artistry, and environmental purpose, inspiring viewers to see the world—and the ocean—with new eyes. Enjoy.

Brad Gerlach @waveki is one of surfing’s most dynamic and influential figures—a former world tour standout known for his explosive power, progressive style, and fearless approach to waves of consequence. After finishing runner-up to the world title in 1991, Gerr reinvented himself as a big-wave pioneer, tow-surfing trailblazer, and style icon. Beyond competition, he’s become a respected coach, mentor, and thinker in the art and performance of surfing. Whether charging Mavericks or dissecting the finer points of flow and form, Brad’s passion, intellect, and creativity continue to shape the next generation and redefine what mastery in surfing truly means.

On this episode of Surf Stories, we’re joined by filmmaker and surfer Takuji Masuda, director of BUNKER77, which captured the wild, short-lived legend of Bunker Spreckels and Best Documentary - Feature (2017) at Florida Surf Film Festival. A lifelong student of surf history and culture, Takuji shares his story of emigrating from Japan to Canada and the U.S., making his mark and earning his spot at the Banzai Pipeline—stroking into bombs on a longboard, fully committed. If that phrase means anything to you as a listener, you’ll love his stories and journey as a filmmaker.

Laird Hamilton @lairdhamilton is widely regarded as one of the most innovative and fearless watermen of our time. A legendary big-wave surfer, pioneer and innovator of tow-in and foil surfing, and lifelong ocean explorer, Laird has spent decades redefining what’s possible on the water. Beyond his groundbreaking achievements in surfing, he’s an entrepreneur, fitness innovator, and wellness advocate who inspires others to push limits and live with purpose. From riding record-breaking waves to developing performance training techniques, Laird continues to influence surf culture and human performance worldwide. Enjoy.

Dr. Jason Old is a surfer, historian, and storyteller who’s spent decades chasing waves and uncovering the deeper stories behind them. With a PhD in Latin American history, he’s lived and surfed in Nicaragua, Peru, and Bali, researching how surf culture shapes local communities and economies. Jason also hosts The Surfing Historian podcast, where he dives into the history and culture of surfing around the world. In our conversation, we explore the rise of Nicaraguan surf, its connection to Sandinista history, and his new project, Waverii—linking surf travelers with locals to make surf trips more meaningful. Enjoy! @surfinghistorian

Pro surfer and entrepreneur Holly Beck joins us to share her incredible journey — from competing on the world tour to building Surfing With Amigas, one of the most inspiring women’s surf camp communities in the world. Now expanding into family and men’s trips, Holly has perfected the ultimate surf getaway experience. We dive into surfing, travel, entrepreneurship, and creating a life fueled by passion, purpose, and adventure. If you love waves, wanderlust, and fearless reinvention, this episode is a must-listen!

From the pool to the ocean, Scott Smith’s journey has been anything but ordinary. A former water polo player turned filmmaker, Scott built his career behind the lens with Body Glove and PADI, where his natural eye for action and storytelling translated seamlessly into surf cinematography and editing. His work has taken him around the globe. Scott’s close friendship and collaboration with the late Greg Browning—Momentum Generation standout, filmmaker, and creator of the beloved Drive Thru series—was central to the making of A Marble in the Jar. Enjoy this chat with Scott.

Carrying the Florida flag, filmmaker and photographer Paul Prewitt captured unforgettable East Coast surf footage from 1985 to 1988—from West Palm Beach to New Hampshire and beyond—mesmerizing audiences with A+ setups and raw talent in Atlantic Crossing. After a successful career in film and television, Paul is now turning his focus to documenting the rich history of surf filmmaking and photography. In this episode, we explore pivotal moments from his creative journey, the evolution of surf media, and his latest passion project. It’s a conversation filled with insight, inspiration, and a deep love for surf culture and storytelling. Tune in and enjoy.

Lakey Peterson is a professional surfer from Santa Barbara, California, known for her progressive aerial maneuvers and athletic approach to surfing. She began surfing at a young age and quickly rose through the ranks, winning multiple NSSA titles and becoming a force on the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour. Beyond her competitive achievements, Lakey is also an advocate for environmental causes and children's cancer research, and she's a team rider for 805 Beer, recently releasing a documentary about her journey called ⁠Making Waves⁠.  Enjoy our chat with Lakey.

Richard Yelland's Birth of the Endless Summer starring Dick Metz is a masterpiece. Cataloguing the inimitable journeyman's anecdotes, love affairs, and risky passages across the globe in the late fifties and beyond, Richard puts his documentary chops on display along with priceless photos and interviews with key players in what played a massive role in Bruce Brown's denouement in The Endless Summer. Listen in to how Richard found his way into the project and others. You can find said masterpiece on all major digital platforms. Enjoy.

The birth of Wave Tools became an instant curiosity when Robert Helphand and Tony Gentile interviewed Lance Collins for a different project back in 2018. That interview ignited a documentary project seven years in the making called Shaping the Future. Robert and Tony detailed the engineering and design of new shapes and techniques, and brought to cinematic life the loud, aggressive logos and surfing, all heavily photographed on Echo Beach in Newport, CA. Enjoy our chat with these two top quality craftsmen.

For those of you who didn't get to listen to Ben Whyte and Ali Mancuso on Episode 68 - Breaking Waves Sailing, don't fret, you can always go back and listen first, but it's not necessary. They have a wonderful story to tell here about crossing the pacific as rookies on a 41' sailboat named Kiana. Through an unexpected dry dock on a reef and a month long sabbatical near Tavarua, as well as some empty anchorages in paradise, you'll capture a moment of pure stoke with them. But experience it all through their storytelling on ⁠Breaking Waves Sailing on YouTube⁠. Enjoy.

A writer first, Dan developed a love for surfing in the cold San Francisco water and turned heavily towards his move to Florida in his latest work On a Rising Swell, a memoir slash collection of his best work with surfing as a central character. Take the time to read this fantastic rendering from the mind of one of surfing's best new contributors. Our chat covers his stories and inspiration as well as his humble, positive, and soulful voice. Enjoy and check out his new book ⁠here⁠.

Sam George, surfer, writer, and filmmaker, has entertained readers and audiences with his gift of storytelling for years. The stories take many forms and many new threads come alive in his new work Child of Storms - A Surfing Memoir (In Progress), available at ⁠diangelopublications.com⁠. In addition to this writer's life, he's also made one of the best documentary films about surfing that no one has seen. It premiered at Cannes Film Festival in 2010, and now, he's sharing it with us at the Florida Surf Film Festival on June 13-14, 2025. Enjoy Sam's gift for storytelling.

Greg Geiselman, an immigrant from the Bahamas, dropped out of a full-ride swimming scholarship as a result of a full-blown case of the surfing disease. Nothing would get in his way. He possesses the gift of absolute discipline and focus. From swimming at a world-class level to months-long Mexico runs, to shaping blanks and running the first East Coast shaping machine, he created Orion Surfboards, one of the most successful local brands to endure generations of surfers' demand. Sons Eric and Evan have put dad's sleds on full display. Enjoy Greg's compelling story. Frank Gilday joins as guest host.

Kohl Christensen figured out a way to chase waves and make a living, much like many of us do, only the waves he chases are about 6 times larger than the biggest wave we've ever encountered. Immediately, we think of his 2019 skull-shattering wipeout at Pipeline, and next, about the organization he co-founded with friends to help people in exactly that kind of situation. BWRAG (Big Wave Risk Assessment Group) trains and equips us to help those in need in the water and on the beach before the professionals arrive. Enjoy Kohl's enjoyable journey in this chat with Kevin and John.

Longtime New Smyrna Beach surfer, Jim Morris, joins us for a conversation about growing up brined and seasoned in Florida waters. He evolved into an aficionado of surfboard shaping and shapers and put his surf-to-live attitude in first position. Everything afterward fell right into place, leaving us with a few quality stories to meander through on this podcast. Enjoy.