#85 - Buddy Bohn. Lifeguard Legend and the Catalina Classic

#85 - Buddy Bohn. Lifeguard Legend and the Catalina Classic

Today’s guest is one of the most influential figures in the history of California ocean sports and public safety. Karl ‘Buddy’ Bohn spent four decades as a Los Angeles County Lifeguard, rising through the ranks from tower guard to Section Chief while helping shape one of the most respected ocean rescue organizations in the world. But Buddy’s legacy extends far beyond lifeguarding. In 1982, alongside fellow lifeguard Gibby Gibson, they resurrected the Catalina Classic Paddleboard Race; a legendary event that had disappeared for more than twenty years. What began with just ten paddlers has become one of the most iconic prone paddleboard races on the planet. For decades, Buddy served as race director, mentor, historian, competitor, safety lead and ambassador for the sport. He helped preserve the traditions of paddleboarding while inspiring generations of watermen and waterwomen to challenge themselves across the 32-mile Catalina Channel crossing.’ Whether discussing the evolution of lifeguarding, the rebirth of paddleboard racing, or “chasing opportunities” through his career and across his life, Buddy Bohn has been instrumental in Southern California waterman history; and far beyond.   0:00 – “Introducing Buddy Bohn & His Lifeguard Legacy” 4:45 – Growing Up in Southern California’s Ocean Culture 10:20 – Becoming an Ocean Lifeguard 16:35 – The Catalina Classic: History & Prestige 23:10 – Training for One of the Toughest Paddle Races 30:05 – Mental Toughness, Preparation & Race Strategy 37:25 – Memorable Rescues & Lessons From the Water 44:50 – Leadership, Mentorship & Lifeguard Culture 52:15 – The Evolution of Paddleboarding & Ocean Sports 59:40 – Advice for the Next Generation of Watermen & Women 1:07:30 – Stories, Reflections & What the Ocean Has Taught Him 1:15:45 – Final Thoughts & Closing Remarks

#84 - Laylan Connelly. From Coastal Reporter to the Surfer’s Hall of Fame

For more than two decades, Laylan Connelly has been one of the most respected voices covering the people, events, and culture of Southern California’s coastline. As an award-winning journalist for the Orange County Register, she has documented everything from world-class surfing and ocean racing to lifeguard championships, environmental issues, and the everyday stories that define life by the sea in Orange County. What sets Laylan apart isn’t just her fun personality or longevity in capturing stories of the coast, it’s the trust she’s earned. Athletes, lifeguards, paddlers, surfers, watermen, non-profits and a wide swatch of coastal based businesses have welcomed her into their world because she tells their stories with authenticity, accuracy, and genuine respect. Laylan’s reporting has captured the legendary people and the iconic moments in countless local events, creating an invaluable historical record of the Orange County coast. Beyond the headlines, Laylan has become a steward of coastal history, preserving the personalities, traditions, and milestones that might otherwise be forgotten. Her work has informed decades of readers while inspiring a deeper appreciation for the ocean and life on the coast. She has been widely recognized for her contributions to, and her passion for, the role she’s played for over 20 years now; including her induction into the Surfer’s Hall of Fame in Surf City; Huntington Beach, Ca. You can find her handprints in the sidewalk; right next to the Duke statue across from the historic HB pier. What a well earned honor! Laylan is the storyteller behind many unforgettable and important stories and a journalist whose career has become woven into the very fabric of Southern California’s ocean community.  0:00 – “Introducing Laylan Connelly & Her Journalism Journey” 5:15 – Getting Started in Sports & Surf Journalism 11:40 – Covering the Biggest Stories & Memorable Moments 18:30 – Building Trust as a Reporter 25:10 – The Evolution of Surf Media & Storytelling 32:05 – Behind the Scenes of Reporting on Athletes & Events 39:20 – Challenges, Deadlines & Life as a Journalist 46:15 – The Future of Surfing & the Outdoor Industry 53:10 – Advice for Aspiring Writers & Reporters 1:00:05 – Lessons Learned From Years in the Industry 1:08:15 – Personal Reflections & What Keeps Her Inspired 1:17:30 – Final Thoughts & Closing Remarks

#83 - Chris Mauro. One of surfing's most respected voices

Chris Mauro is a surfer, journalist, editor, storyteller, and one of surfing’s most respected voices. I’ve known of Chris for nearly 40 years because he’s always seemed to be right in the middle of surfing’s story; documenting it, sharing it, and helping preserve it for future generations. Raised in South Laguna Beach, Chris grew up as a beach kid. Once he found surfing, he immersed himself in it and eventually found himself traveling the world alongside many of the sport’s greatest athletes, innovators, and personalities. What started as a passion for surfing evolved into a professional career as a pro surfer, industry guy, journalist, commentator and a remarkable career behind the scenes telling the stories that matter. Many know Chris from his years at SURFER Magazine, where he served as editor during a defining era for the sport. Through his connections, his writing, interviews, and editorial leadership, he helped capture the people, places, and moments that shaped modern surfing. More than anything, Chris has a genuine curiosity about people and their path. Whether as a writer, interviewer, podcaster, or historian, he has a rare ability to connect with others and uncover the stories beneath the surface. In this conversation, we talk about his journey through surfing, media, travel, and storytelling, along with the lessons learned from a lifetime spent around the people who have shaped the culture he has been in the middle of for most of his life. It’s a great conversation with a guy who has seen, documented and helped share a big part of surfing’s history.. and its allure.   0:00 – “Introducing Chris Mauro & His Journey” 3:20 – Early Influences & Finding His Passion 8:15 – Building a Career Through Persistence 14:05 – Key Turning Points & Lessons Learned 20:10 – Challenges, Setbacks & Growth Opportunities 26:30 – Developing Skills & Staying Consistent 32:45 – Mindset, Discipline & Long-Term Success 39:00 – Navigating Pressure & High-Stakes Decisions 45:20 – Leadership, Mentorship & Giving Back 51:35 – Advice for the Next Generation 57:50 – What’s Next & Future Goals 1:04:15 – Final Reflections & Closing Thoughts

#82 - Dr. Milica McDowell - Walk and Don’t Die

Dr. Milica McDowell wants you to move and move well.  Dr. Milica is a Doctor of Physical Therapy, entrepreneur, educator, and USA Today national bestselling author who has spent more than two decades helping people move better, feel better, and live healthier lives. Dr. McDowell specializes in helping people build strength, mobility, resilience, and longevity and has worked with everyone from individuals recovering from injury and chronic pain to high performers seeking to optimize their health, performance and quality of life. Dr. McDowell holds degrees in Exercise Physiology, Health Promotion, Physical Therapy, and a Doctorate in Physical Therapy. She has served as a university faculty member, delivered more than 300 professional lectures across the country, developed medical education programs used worldwide, and founded multiple companies in healthcare, fitness, and sports performance. In 2023 she was recognized as one of the  Top 50 Women in Healthcare. And because that is not enough, she is currently getting her MBA at USC.  Her book, Walk: Rediscover the most natural way to boost your heath and longevity; one step at a time co-authored with renowned gait expert Dr. Courtney Conley, has quickly become a USA Today national bestseller and shines a bright light on one of the most powerful, and overlooked tools for improving health: walking. Ironically, in the UK the title is a bit different; Walk; Your Life Depends on It. Direct. I like it. Dr. Milica is as cool as they come and has a clear and singular goal of helping everyone live their best lives. When you think of doctors that you want to work with because of the way the care they give, the way they engage, their bedside manner and how they lead by example; you’re thinking of Dr. Milica McDowell.  0:00 – “Introducing Milicia McDowell & Her Journey” 3:05 – Early Influences & Finding Her Passion 8:20 – Building a Career Around Health & Performance 14:10 – Lessons Learned From Working With Athletes 20:00 – Movement, Longevity & Staying Active for Life 26:15 – Common Mistakes People Make With Their Health 32:05 – The Mindset Behind Sustainable Success 38:10 – Overcoming Challenges & Adapting Through Change 44:20 – Coaching, Education & Empowering Others 50:15 – Advice for Improving Health at Any Age 56:30 – What’s Next & Future Goals 1:02:10 – Final Reflections & Closing Thoughts

#81 - Wing Lam + Wahoo’s Fish Taco. Making an Impact

Wing Lam is the co-founder and creative force behind  Wahoo’s Fish Taco; the iconic Southern California brand that blends surf culture, street food, and entrepreneurial hustle into one of the country’s most recognizable fast-casual success stories. What started from a long family history of restauranteurs; he and two of his brothers created Wahoo’s, a cool local taco shop, with the desire to be a central place for action sports industry folks to eat and connect. Wahoo’s quickly became a lifestyle brand built on authenticity, community, and great food.  But Wing’s impact goes far beyond business. He’s a fun and passionate supporter of youth programs, local nonprofits, action sports, music, and grassroots community events, always believing that business should bring people together. Known for his energy, optimism, and genuine connection with people, Wing has become a respected and sought after voice in entrepreneurship, branding, hospitality, and culture. He’s a recognized entrepreneur that has stayed deeply connected to the communities and customers who helped build it. Wing’s super power is really recognizing how to grow a business without losing the soul that made it special in the first place; and how to make a real and lasting impact on everyone around him… while making it fun; and not taking himself too seriously. What a legend.  0:00 – Intro & Episode Kickoff 3:18 – Introducing Wing Lam & His Background 9:42 – Early Life & How It All Started 17:05 – Building the Business & Key Turning Points 25:48 – Challenges, Failures & Lessons Learned 34:12 – Mindset, Discipline & Staying Consistent 42:30 – Scaling Success & What Changed 51:06 – Leadership, Team Building & Culture 1:00:18 – Personal Growth Outside of Business 1:09:44 – Advice for Entrepreneurs & Creators 1:20:12 – Reflections, Perspective & Life Lessons 1:35:40 – Final Thoughts & Outro