26: Tony Hawk on Reinvention and the Legacy of Skate Culture

In this special episode of What Shapes Us, Selema Masekela sits down with the most iconic figure in skateboarding history, Tony Hawk (@tonyhawk). Together, they dive deep into the incredible journey that took Tony from a bullied kid hiding his skateboard in high school to the global pioneer who changed action sports forever. Tony shares raw, powerful stories about the highs and lows of his career: from the near-collapse of skateboarding in the early '90s, to the life-changing night he landed the first-ever 900, to the unexpected explosion of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater video game.

Beyond the tricks and trophies, this conversation is about perseverance, community, and building a culture that now belongs to everyone. Whether you're a lifelong skater, an X Games fan, or someone who appreciates stories of grit and evolution, this episode captures a rare look inside the mind of a true cultural architect.

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• Tony Hawk: @tonyhawk

• Selema Masekela: @selema

• What Shapes Us Podcast: @whatshapesuspodcast