Vast Lives

In this episode of our podcast, I had the incredible opportunity to sit down with Rizal Tanjung, a renowned figure in the surfing world and a successful entrepreneur. We began our conversation with a warm exchange, where I expressed my gratitude for his hospitality in his beautiful home overlooking Jimbaran Bay. Rizal took me on a nostalgic journey, reflecting on his early days in surfing, startin...

In this episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with a long-time resident of Bali, who has spent nearly 15 years on the island, primarily in Uluwatu. Our conversation delved into the significant changes Bali has undergone over the years, particularly in the wake of COVID-19, which has accelerated growth and transformation in the region. We discussed the balance between the allure of Bali'...

n this episode of our podcast, I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with renowned surfboard shaper Jim Banks at his beautiful home in Uluwatu, Bali. Our conversation delved deep into the world of surfboard shaping, the evolution of surfing culture, and Jim's personal journey as a surfer and craftsman. We kicked off the episode by discussing the often-overlooked role of surfboard builde...

In this episode we start off at the vibrant Earth Island Surf Festival 2024 at the stunning Pererenan Beach, one of Tipi Jabrik's favorite surfing spots in the world. The festival brings together Indonesian surfers from all over the country to celebrate their common passion for the sport, as well as the local community.   We then briefly shift our attention to Uluwatu for the Indonesian Leagu...

In this episode, I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Akung, a remarkable individual who has become a pillar of support for his community in Bali. We discussed his upbringing in Legian, where he faced challenges such as bullying and a lack of support from older peers. Akung shared how these experiences shaped him and fueled his desire to give back to the next generation. He reflected o...

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 rivalrie...

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 chi...

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 dra...

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 c...

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....

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, wh...

Finding Strength and Inspiration Through Surfing and Jiu-Jitsu 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 in...