Cautionary Tales with Tim Harford
Cautionary Tales Presents: Lost Hills - The Dark Prince
Jun 15, 2023
Mickey Dora, the legendary surfer known for his rebellious spirit and con artistry, dives deep into his life of surfing glory and criminal escapades. Discover the complexities of his personality and influence on 1950s surf culture, characterized by daring adventures and a rejection of mainstream norms. The podcast also examines Dora's cultural legacy, sparking conversations about the contradictions within the surfing world, alongside thrilling tales of his escapades and the societal admiration for outlaws like him.
42:32
Episode guests
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- Mickey Dora, a surfer known for his style and rebellious spirit, ruled over Malibu in the 1950s to 1970s and was idolized for his charisma and surfing abilities despite his criminal activities.
- Dora's legacy in surfing culture showcased a dark side of exclusion, racism, and xenophobia, revealing the undercurrents within the community and challenging the notion of a surfing hero.
Deep dives
Mickey Dora: The Dark Prince of Malibu
Mickey Dora, a surfer known for his style and rebellious spirit, ruled over Malibu in the 1950s to 1970s. Despite his grace and fame, Dora was also a con man who led the FBI on a seven-year manhunt. His influence on surfing culture, though idolized by many, revealed a dark side of exclusion, racism, and xenophobia. Additionally, Dora's criminal activities included credit card fraud, fake plane tickets, and stolen property. He embarked on a global adventure in search of the perfect wave and lived a life of freedom, outside societal norms. Despite the controversial aspects, Dora's charisma and surfing abilities continue to captivate the surfing community even today.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
