Looking Sideways Action Sports Podcast

Use LOOKINGSIDEWAYS10 for 10% off anything from Finisterre--As America's current democratic crisis has unfolded over the last few months, I’ve pondered an increasingly uncomfortable question: where is the meaningful opposition from our community as fundamental institutions and public lands face unprecedented assault?How to account for the relative silence from community leaders, athletes, ambassadors, brands and media as democratic norms erode, judicial independence faces mounting threats, habeas corpus is openly threatened, corruption becomes increasingly brazen, and environmental protections are dismantled at alarming speed?These musings led me to this week’s guest: , a Montana-based journalist who is one of the few people out there actually speaking truth to power, and whose work has become an increasingly vital source of methodical, forensic reporting when it comes to the current administration's systematic attack on America's public lands and outdoor heritage.What distinguishes Wes from many of his peers in American outdoor media is his willingness to report on these issues with both uncompromising authority and controlled fury.His background gives him unique insight into what's happening to public lands, while his journalistic approach represents a return to fundamental principles of fact-based reporting that feel increasingly rare.In today’s conversation, we discussed:- The specific threats facing America's public lands under the current administration.- Why traditional opposition forces have been largely ineffective in the face of these challenges.- How Wes's professional experience informs his understanding of this historical moment.- What meaningful resistance looks like, including his decision to run for office.- Why this period may be as consequential as the Civil War or Civil Rights era.After listening, I'd welcome your thoughts on the role journalists, industry leaders, and citizens should play as democratic institutions face mounting pressure.Is a return to rigorous reporting and civic engagement enough to meet this moment? Or are new approaches needed?Once you've listened, I'd love to know what you think--To find out more about what I do, you can sign up as a subscriber to my Substack newsletter here. There's a brilliant community and much more than just the podcasts. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.wearelookingsideways.com/subscribe

John Elkington, co-founder of Volans and pioneer of the 'triple-bottom line' approach, is joined by CEO Louise Kjellerup-Roper, a transformation expert. They dive into Patagonia's radical 'Earth is our only shareholder' initiative and its implications for corporate responsibility. The duo discusses the challenging transition to sustainable practices, the role of emerging technologies, and the necessity for systemic change in capitalism. They also emphasize the power of local communities and storytelling in driving meaningful transformation for a regenerative future.

Use LOOKINGSIDEWAYS10 for 10% off anything from Finisterre--What happens when one of the world's foremost documentary filmmakers turns her lens on the world of action sports and mountain culture in vital films such as Mountain Queen and The Crash Reel?That’s the question at the heart of this conversation with the brilliant Lucy Walker, a filmmaker who I think is one of the most important nonfiction storytellers of our era.Bold statement, perhaps, but one I'm happy to stand by – and I think if you've seen Lucy's work, you'll likely agree.Take her exceptional The Crash Reel, which documented Kevin Pearce's traumatic brain injury and its aftermath. What struck me immediately was how Lucy avoided the typical pitfalls that usually stymie outsiders when they attempt to tell action sports stories.Here, clearly, was a grown-up, accomplished filmmaker at the height of her powers creating something that was nuanced, cerebral, and an important contribution to our culture.Since then, I've followed Lucy's career closely, which brings us to her latest triumph – Mountain Queen – the story of Lhakpa Sherpa, ostensibly about the most successful female Everest summiteer of all time, but in typical Lucy Walker fashion, about so much more.I won't explain further because if you haven't seen it yet, it's streaming on Netflix, and I'd rather you experience firsthand the craft, guile, artistry, wit, and intelligence with which Lucy approaches her subjects.I've wanted to interview Lucy for years and, with some help from our mutual pal Jamie Brisick, we made it happen on Lucy’s last trip to London.What follows is an in-depth exchange about documentary filmmaking, storytelling, and the unique lens through which Lucy views the world – whether that’s the mountains of Nepal or the wildfire-ravaged landscapes of California (the subject of Bring Your Own Brigade, another of her must-see documentaries).It's a conversation that goes well beyond action sports into questions of representation, climate change, the craft of documentary film-making, and what it means to truly capture someone's story.I had a great time chatting to Lucy, who really opened up about her career process and influences. Once you’ve listened, I’d love to hear what you think.--To find out more about what I do, you can sign up as a subscriber to my Substack newsletter here. There's a brilliant community and much more than just the podcasts. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.wearelookingsideways.com/subscribe

Join Jon Alexander, co-founder of the New Citizen Project and co-author of 'Citizens', as he urges a vital shift from consumerism to active citizenship. He discusses how grassroots movements and participatory democracy can address social and ecological issues. Alexander emphasizes the need for compelling narratives in political activism, critiques hyper-capitalism, and champions community engagement as a transformative force. This enlightening conversation calls for a collective effort to redefine our roles from consumers to empowered citizens.

Use LOOKINGSIDEWAYS for 15% off anything from Db Journey.--The notion of the visionary founder is the most ubiquitous of modern tropes.It is also one of the most harmful, as one glance at the madness that unfolds on LinkedIn on any given day ably demonstrates.And in a way the idea that the founder is fuelled by a weird diet, 4am starts and a particularly itchy social media trigger-finger reminds me of another toxic stereotype - the myth of the anointed creative.Both rely on this idea that these roles are only open to a particular type of borderline toxic gunslinger, operating slightly outside the margins of society.I was reminded of this during my recent Creative Exchange conversation with Db founder Truls Brataas, which I am sharing today.Because Truls’ tale is a much-needed reminder that kindness, gentleness, and a constant striving for evolution, are equally valid foundations when it comes to running a successful, visionary company.Truls’ story of how he steered Db from plucky winter sports start-up, to renowned global luggage brand, is the perfect demonstration of the value of doing things with care, and on your own terms.That’s why, if you’ve ever wondered what it takes to run your own company, harbour ambitions to begin something yourself, or have launched your own start-up, my conversation with Truls is a must-listen.Plus! A special Housekeeping Corner Db Fund update as we whittle down a record number of entries. --To find out more about what I do, you can sign up as a subscriber to my Substack newsletter here. There's a brilliant community and much more than just the podcasts. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.wearelookingsideways.com/subscribe

In this first follow-up Announcement episode, I explore a question which I began to examine in episode two of The Announcement, and which is now at the centre of global politics: are billionaires fundamentally damaging to democracy, regardless of their political leanings?I'm joined once again by Carl Rhodes, academic and author of Woke Capitalism: How Corporate Morality is Sabotaging Democracy and his new book Stinking Rich: The Four Myths of the Good Billionaire.This conversation builds on our earlier examination of Patagonia's decision to transfer ownership to a climate-focused trust, which formed a large part of episode two of the original series. When we first spoke, many viewed the critique Rhodes espoused as a nuanced and even obscure point (particularly to partial commentators inclined to see Patagonia and Chouiniard’s actions as ‘good’ by default).In the months since, especially following Trump's inauguration, this critique has become one of the most contentious topics in global politics. The growing influence of Elon Musk and his DOGE cadre, for example, has suddenly made Rhodes' arguments much more accessible to millions of people worldwide.Which is why I decided to release my first conversation with Rhodes in its entirety, and record a follow-up conversation in which we explore billionaire influence in our current political landscape, and discuss alternatives to billionaire-led social change.From this conversation, you'll gain insights into:How billionaire philanthropy can undermine democratic processesWhy the "good billionaire" narrative is problematic for public policyWhat democratic alternatives to billionaire-led social change might look likeOnce you've had a chance to listen, I'd love to know what you think about these conversations with Carl and the topics we discussed.For bonus and behind-the-scenes material, click here. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.wearelookingsideways.com/subscribe

Les Seddon Brown, an entrepreneur and event organizer known for his work with Rematch, shares insights from his vibrant journeys. He discusses the transformative power of surfing in Sri Lanka, emphasizing personal growth and friendship. The conversation flows from the joy of immersing in local culture to reflections on the balance between work and passion. Les also delves into the DIY spirit from punk culture, his evolution in the music industry, and the art of storytelling in sports. His commitment to a vision of excellence inspires listeners to blend creativity with purpose.

Use SIDE25WAVES10 for 10% off anything from session at The Wave in Bristol!--Packing it all in to lead your dream lifestyle in an exotic location is a fantasy every traveller has indulged in at some point. Few make it a reality. And yet that’s exactly what the inspirational Ed Templeton - no, not that one - and his wife Sofie have accomplished with the brilliant Soul & Surf community they have created in Sri Lanka, India and Portugal. I’ve been hearing about Soul & Surf for a least a decade. I’ve crossed paths with Ed and Sofie over the years, and we’ve many mutual friends. So when the pair invited me to stay with them for a couple of nights at the beginning of my recent trip to Sri Lanka in February 2025, I leapt at the chance. Sure, I was keen to check out their wondrous spot at the Cove in Ahangama, above.But I was also curious. How had they done it? What sacrifices had they made to create this beguiling reality? And what lessons can others take from this tale of people dreaming big, and upending their lives to pull it off? To find out the answer to these questions and more, I sat down with Ed towards the end of my trip to record this fascinating conversation. It’s a classic lifer tale, the supremely inspiring story of how the lessons you accrue over the years, if you’re prepared to listen, can be the foundation for the type of life you’ve always dreamed of. I was also interested in Ed’s take on the current state of tourism in Sri Lanka; especially in the light of the explosion of development that has taken place on the island in the two decades since I last visited. The result is a properly inspiring conversation about ordinary people doing extraordinary things, and a snapshot of an island and community on the cusp of great change. My thanks to Ed, Sofie and Kit for the incredible hospitality, and for welcoming me into their community so whole-heartedly. --To find out more about what I do, you can sign up as a subscriber to my Substack newsletter here. There's a brilliant community and much more than just the podcasts. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.wearelookingsideways.com/subscribe

John Elkington, a world authority on corporate responsibility, and Erin Sahan, lead at the Donut Economics Action Lab, dive into the transformative shift in capitalism sparked by Patagonia's decision to make 'Earth' its sole shareholder. They discuss the implications of this move for sustainable business practices and the emergence of the B Corp movement. Their conversation challenges traditional capitalism, advocating for a regenerative future where companies prioritize community impact and corporate responsibility, paving the way for a more equitable economic landscape.

In this discussion, Chuck Collins, a wealth and responsibility expert, Carl Rhodes, an author of "Woke Capitalism," and Imandeep Kaur, a social activist, dive into the implications of Patagonia’s bold move to make Earth its sole shareholder. They explore the ethical dilemmas surrounding billionaire philanthropy, scrutinizing its impact on democracy and corporate responsibility. The conversation also highlights the need for transparency in philanthropic endeavors and the importance of grassroots movements in achieving social change.