Swell Season Surf Radio

In this episode of the Swell Season Surf Podcast, we welcome back Gina Jurlando to the show. You might remember her when we last had her on to talk about the Yeasty Boys, the community surf group she founded to help make surfing more welcoming, inclusive, and supportive for everyone looking to paddle out. Since then, Gina has continued doing what she does best—bringing people together. Whether it'...

I n this episode of the Swell Season Surf Podcast, we sit down with Rockaway’s own Sean Aiken—founder of Seany Pizza, creator of the upcoming Crown Square Pizza, and host of The Last Train Home podcast. While Sean may be best known these days for his Detroit-style pizza, his story stretches far beyond the kitchen.  We talk about growing up in Rockaway, the neighborhood’s unique creative energy, an...

Our guest for this episode of the Swell Season Surf Podcast is John Angiulo — a professional surfer, surf educator, author, filmmaker, and one of Montauk’s most thoughtful voices exploring the deeper meaning of surfing and wave culture. John grew up immersed in the roots of East Coast surfing. His father, Kenny Angiulo, was considered one of New York’s standout surfers during the golden era of Eas...

"The day I decided to quit surfing… it just popped in my head like, 'Huh, nobody just quits surfing. Like if I did, what would happen? Who would I be?'" On this episode of the Swell Season Surf Podcast, we ponder the question of ‘who would we be without surfing’ with our guest for this episode. Jason Borte is one of the true pillars of East Coast surfing — a competitor, storyteller, teacher, and l...

On this episode of the Swell Season Surf Podcast, we welcome board industry vet, Jamie Meiselman to the show! We  trace his journey from cold-water surfing in Westfield, New Jersey and the DIY dawn of Northeast snowboarding to a lifetime of innovation across board sports. Jamie reflects on his early roots in skate, surf and competitive snowboarding, pioneering boot technology with Burton and Airwa...

In this episode of the Swell Season Surf Podcast, We welcome Christopher Thomas Campbell, artist, architect, and founder of St. Christopher's Surf Craft, to the show. We dive deep into Campbell's unique journey from architecture and fine art to surfboard shaping. Discover the intricacies of edge board design, the influence of New York's surfing conditions, and the evolution of modern backyard shap...

In this episode of the Swell Season Surf Podcast, we welcome NYC big wave surfer Pete ‘Luigi’ Shaw. Raised in New York, Pete's journey from local waves to conquering some of the world's biggest breaks, like Nazaré and Teahupo'o, showcases unparalleled grit and determination. Pete shares his experiences paddling out solo, his method of managing fear, and his approach to surfing's evolving culture....

In this episode of the Swell Season Surf Podcast, we dive into the controversial revival of the Williams LNG pipeline project off the coast of New York and New Jersey. Joined by Matt Gove from the Surfrider Foundation, we explore the environmental, health, and community impacts of the pipeline, and discuss why it's critical to oppose this project. The conversation also highlights the broader conte...

On the latest  Swell Season Radio Art & Design Series, Design host Chris Labzda sits down with the multifaceted Australian artist, surfer, and musician, Ozzy Wright. Ozzy shares insights into his unique path, transitioning from a passionate young surfer to a versatile creative force in art and music. The conversation dives deep into his inspirations from skate culture, the influence of brands...

On this  episode of the Swell Season Surf Podcast, host Tyler Breuer welcomes surfboard shaper and surf legend Neal Purchase Jr. to discuss his incredible journey through the world of surfing. From his early days screenprinting for Billabong and becoming a free surfing pro in the 90’s  to his innovative board designs with deep family roots, Neal shares stories and insights that have defined his ca...

In this episode of the Swell Season Surf Podcast , we connect with an old college roommate and long-time friend, Enrique Moose Huerta. We  reminisce about our  time at Flagler College, including our surfing adventures and dorm room antics. Moose shares his journey from college surfer to creative producer and independent consultant, shedding light on his experiences with Vice Media, Nike, and start...

On this episode of the Swell Season Surf Podcast, we welcome Claudia Lebenthal, a force in visual storytelling and editorial design, to discuss her illustrious career and her love for both sports and fashion. Claudia shares her journey from growing up in New York City to cultivating a deep passion for ocean sports, ultimately leading to her latest project, 'Surfer Stories.' This book pairs the wor...

On this episode of the Swell Season Surf Podcast, we talk  with Brooklyn-based artist and sign painter Jon Bocksel. With nearly two decades of experience, Jon's work artfully combines history, typography, and his love for hand-lettered signs. We discuss Jon's meticulous creative process, the timeless craft of hand-painted signage, the evolution of written language, and how these elements intersect...

On this episode of the Swell Season Surf Podcast, host Tyler Breuer discusses 'The Inevitable Return,' a short documentary film with filmmaker Zachary Zezima and Kumeyaay surfer Shuuluk Leo-Retz. The film explores the entanglement of military technology, atomic testing, and contemporary surfing on the militarized beaches of San Diego. Our conversation highlights Shuuluk’s journey in reclaiming sur...

On this episode of the Swell Season Surf Podcast, we sit down with Rabbi Chel Mendell, a queer gender expansive Jew from the San Francisco Bay Area. Rabbi Chel, (they/them) is the founder and creative director of the Tzimtzum community, located on the unceded territory of the Awaswas-speaking Uypi Tribe. Chel is dedicated to reimagining Jewish community through creative ritual and envisioning how...

On this episode of the Swell Season Surf Podcast, we delve into pressing environmental issues with Dr. Chad Nelson, CEO of the Surfrider Foundation. We explore the impacts of Donald Trump's administration on environmental protections and the urgent challenges faced by organizations like Surfrider. Dr. Nelson, who has been an ocean advocate for over 25 years, discusses the rollback of policies that...

In late May, Costa Rican police arrived in central Pavones at 4 a.m.—dressed in body armor, rifles in hand, and gas masks on—to escort demolition crews. Their mission: tear down local businesses. Residents, caught off guard, had to scramble just to salvage food and goods from inside the buildings. Shockingly, the local government of Golfito appears to be backing developers and demolition teams ove...

On this episode of the Swell Season Surf Podcast, we ‘talk story’ with Chris Gentile, the proprietor of Pilgrim Surf + Supply in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. We dive into Chris' diverse background in woodworking, photography, art, and fashion. We also cover Pilgrim Surf + Supply's upcoming Shapers Residency program featuring renowned shapers like Malcolm Campbell, Christian Beamish, and Rachel Lord. Ch...

On this episode of the Swell Season Surf Podcast, we do a deep dive with legendary surfer and surf historian Sam George. Known as one of the most traveled surfers in history and former executive editor of Surfer Magazine, Sam shares his incredible insights and stories from a lifetime dedicated to surfing. We discuss Sam's latest book, 'Child of Storms,' his influence on surf culture, his relations...

On this episode of the  Swell Season Surf Podcast we meet Alistair Thompson, the author of 'A Surfer's Guide to Enlightenment’, a beautiful and reflective book that blends surfing, spirituality, and self-discovery. It’s part memoir, part philosophy, and full of lessons drawn straight from the ocean. Alistair shares his journey from a life of 'monotonous discomfort' to one enriched by surfing, disc...

On this episode of the Swell Season Surf Podcast, we do a deep dive with journalist and podcaster Matt Barr to explore the implications of Patagonia founder Yvonne Chouinard's groundbreaking decision to transfer ownership of the company to entities that prioritize the environment. Matt discusses his three-part podcast documentary series 'The Announcement,' which provides a comprehensive investigat...

On this episode of Swell Season Surf Podcast, we go dumpster diving through history and dig up memories of the vibrant New York surf community of the early 2000s with special guest Will Hallett. We reminisce about the iconic message boards of NYNJsurf.com and NewYorkSurf.com that unified surfers of the region, sharing stories, debating issues, and coordinating surf sessions. Will Hallett, the owne...

In this episode of Swell Season Surf Radio’s Art and Design series, hosts Chris Labzda and Chris Coffin  welcome special guest, Em Joseph, a former student of Chris Coffin and now a distinguished artist and educator. The episode dives into Em’s journey from student to accomplished artist, her impactful projects like the ‘Cedar Exodus’ at the New Museum, and the profound influence of surfing on her...

On this episode of the Swell Season Surf Podcast, we sits down with Australian gender equality advocate and professional surfer Lucy Small, along with UK filmmaker Maddie Meddings, to discuss their latest powerful film 'Ceibo'. We delve into the intimate journey of women shaping the future of Ecuador's lands and waters, following surfer activist Pacha Light. Discover the process of creating a mult...

On this episode of Swell Season Surf Radio's Art and Design series with Chris and Chris. They sit down with artist Kris Chatterson, who is a returning guest. , Chatterson reflects on his transition from the surf scene in Rhode Island to his current life in New Jersey. He discusses the profound changes and creative shifts he's experienced, including his recent immersion into the punk rock music sce...