Stoked Podcast

Skateboarding isn't just a sport. It's an identity, a community, and a bridge that connects people across every cultural and regional divide. And no one understands this better than Tony Hawk. In this powerful conversation, Steve sits down with skateboarding legend Tony Hawk to explore how skateboarding has profoundly shaped his life and the lives of countless others. Tony opens up about how the s...

A skateboard can be more than just a piece of wood and wheels. It can be a gateway to confidence, community, and connection. Mac Premo knows this firsthand, and his work with Stoked has shown him the transformative power of teaching kids to ride. In this energizing conversation, host Steve Larosiliere sits down with Mac Premo to hear about his experiences engaging with youth through skateboarding...

In this Stoked Edition, Steve Larosiliere and Cue Pierre move from style and first impressions to the real work of building programs and systems that meet young people where they are. They touch on how appearance shapes perception (mustaches, glasses, NYFW) and why Steve ultimately left NYC for Chicago—family, school access, and the cost-of-living calculus many parents face. Then they dive into St...

In this first weekly recap of Stoked Podcast, Steve Larosiliere sits down with Stoked Program Manager Cue Pierre to share big updates and a bold challenge. The team is expanding to 10 schools, prepping a 20th anniversary celebration on November 6, and rallying the nation to break the world record for most mentoring pledges in 24 hours. You'll hear how they plan to mobilize thousands of supporters...

In this conversation, Steve Larosiliere and Cue Pierre discuss the current state of their after-school programs, focusing on student engagement and energy, the adjustments coaches are making, and the importance of social-emotional learning. They explore the challenges faced by students in credit recovery schools and the need for mentorship and career guidance. The conversation highlights the signi...

In this conversation, Steve Van Doren shares the rich history of Vans, detailing its origins, the brand's purpose, and its commitment to community engagement and mentorship. He emphasizes the importance of integrity, the role of action sports in shaping the brand's identity, and the significance of nurturing talent within the community. Steve also discusses the impact of partnerships and the legac...

Creativity isn't about having the right skills. It's about finding your voice. And for the mentors and community members connected to Stoked, that journey of self-expression has been transformative. In this inspiring conversation, host Steve Larosiliere sits down with Cabell Molina, Christine Wexler, Jack Laroux, Lamont Joseph White, and Todd Mintz to explore how Stoked helped shape their understa...

Jennifer Gonzalez found her answer, and her community, through Stoked, a youth mentorship nonprofit that uses action sports to empower the next generation. In this heartfelt conversation, host Steve Larosiliere sits down with Jennifer to explore her two-decade journey with Stoked. From discovering the organization as a young volunteer to becoming a dedicated mentor who found her voice, built lifel...

In this powerful conversation, Vilda Vera Mayuga takes us back 19 years to when she first discovered Stoked, and reveals how one youth development organization transformed not just her career, but her entire approach to community and connection. This episode is a beautiful exploration of what real mentorship looks like. Vilda opens up about how being part of Stoked shaped her journey, from those e...

In this episode, Steve sits down with Don Tashman to explore the intersection of skateboarding, entrepreneurship, and philanthropy, and how these worlds collide to create lasting impact. Don shares the journey behind Loaded Boards, from its evolution as a pioneering skateboard company to navigating the unexpected growth during the pandemic. Together, Steve and Don reflect on their shared history i...

In this episode of the Stoked Podcast, Jeff shares the hustle behind building Uncle Funky's from the ground up, navigating the challenges of visibility, community support, and creating a space where skateboarding meets authentic self-expression. Together with Steve, they explore the intersection of art, mentorship, and entrepreneurship, reflecting on two decades of Stoked's mission to make board s...