South Country with Glen Casey

Glen Casey @glen_casey is an Australian surfer best known for his deep roots in surf culture and his raw, no-nonsense approach to riding waves. Growing up around Australia’s powerful south coast, Casey earned respect for his commitment to heavy water, classic boards, and the kind of surfing driven more by feel than flash, cutting his teeth with uncrowded Wayne Lynch sessions. He represents a generation that values authenticity, craftsmanship, and connection to place. Whether in the water or shaping culture around it, Glen Casey embodies the spirit of Australian surfing—independent, soulful, and grounded in respect for the ocean. Enjoy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ryan Lovelace, known for blending timeless craftsmanship with progressive design, is based in California and Hawaii. His feature film, Almost Cut My Hair, was officially selected for the 2013 Florida Surf Film Festival and is available on YouTube. Lovelace has built a devoted following for boards that emphasize flow, trim, and feel, drawing inspiration from classic displacement hulls and alternative surfcraft. His work is defined by clean lines, subtle curves, and an intuitive understanding of how boards interact with water. Respected by surfers across generations, he approaches shaping as both art and engineering, creating functional objects meant to enhance the surfing experience. Enjoy this chat with a true master of his craft. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Allen Sarlo, @allen_sarlo known as the “Wave Killer,” is a legendary surfer whose powerful, aggressive style helped define the early days of Venice Beach’s Dogtown scene. A pioneering figure in both surfing and skateboarding, Sarlo brought raw energy and innovation to waves around the world. His fearless approach, competitive drive, and charismatic personality cemented his status as an icon of the sport. From heavy Hawaiian surf to local California breaks, Sarlo’s legacy continues to inspire generations of surfers who push the boundaries of power surfing today. We screened his super 8 time-capsule last year with a great crowd and Allen in attendance, enjoying his humor and stories. Enjoy some more great threads here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Live recording from the Rivian South Coast Theater in Laguna Beach on September 22, 2025: Greg MacGillivray @gregmacgillivray @macfreefilms is an iconic filmmaker, innovator, and master of giant-screen storytelling whose career spans more than five decades. As co-founder of MacGillivray Freeman Films, he has created over 60 acclaimed IMAX documentaries, captivating audiences with breathtaking images and a deep passion for science and conservation. Before becoming a leader in large-format cinema, Greg made his mark in surf culture with groundbreaking films like Five Summer Stories, helping define the visual language of surfing for generations. His work blends adventure, artistry, and environmental purpose, inspiring viewers to see the world—and the ocean—with new eyes. Enjoy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brad Gerlach @waveki is one of surfing’s most dynamic and influential figures—a former world tour standout known for his explosive power, progressive style, and fearless approach to waves of consequence. After finishing runner-up to the world title in 1991, Gerr reinvented himself as a big-wave pioneer, tow-surfing trailblazer, and style icon. Beyond competition, he’s become a respected coach, mentor, and thinker in the art and performance of surfing. Whether charging Mavericks or dissecting the finer points of flow and form, Brad’s passion, intellect, and creativity continue to shape the next generation and redefine what mastery in surfing truly means. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of Surf Stories, we’re joined by filmmaker and surfer Takuji Masuda, director of BUNKER77, which captured the wild, short-lived legend of Bunker Spreckels and Best Documentary - Feature (2017) at Florida Surf Film Festival. A lifelong student of surf history and culture, Takuji shares his story of emigrating from Japan to Canada and the U.S., making his mark and earning his spot at the Banzai Pipeline—stroking into bombs on a longboard, fully committed. If that phrase means anything to you as a listener, you’ll love his stories and journey as a filmmaker. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Laird Hamilton @lairdhamilton is widely regarded as one of the most innovative and fearless watermen of our time. A legendary big-wave surfer, pioneer and innovator of tow-in and foil surfing, and lifelong ocean explorer, Laird has spent decades redefining what’s possible on the water. Beyond his groundbreaking achievements in surfing, he’s an entrepreneur, fitness innovator, and wellness advocate who inspires others to push limits and live with purpose. From riding record-breaking waves to developing performance training techniques, Laird continues to influence surf culture and human performance worldwide. Enjoy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Jason Old is a surfer, historian, and storyteller who’s spent decades chasing waves and uncovering the deeper stories behind them. With a PhD in Latin American history, he’s lived and surfed in Nicaragua, Peru, and Bali, researching how surf culture shapes local communities and economies. Jason also hosts The Surfing Historian podcast, where he dives into the history and culture of surfing around the world. In our conversation, we explore the rise of Nicaraguan surf, its connection to Sandinista history, and his new project, Waverii—linking surf travelers with locals to make surf trips more meaningful. Enjoy! @surfinghistorian Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pro surfer and entrepreneur Holly Beck joins us to share her incredible journey — from competing on the world tour to building Surfing With Amigas, one of the most inspiring women’s surf camp communities in the world. Now expanding into family and men’s trips, Holly has perfected the ultimate surf getaway experience. We dive into surfing, travel, entrepreneurship, and creating a life fueled by passion, purpose, and adventure. If you love waves, wanderlust, and fearless reinvention, this episode is a must-listen! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From the pool to the ocean, Scott Smith’s journey has been anything but ordinary. A former water polo player turned filmmaker, Scott built his career behind the lens with Body Glove and PADI, where his natural eye for action and storytelling translated seamlessly into surf cinematography and editing. His work has taken him around the globe. Scott’s close friendship and collaboration with the late Greg Browning—Momentum Generation standout, filmmaker, and creator of the beloved Drive Thru series—was central to the making of A Marble in the Jar. Enjoy this chat with Scott. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices