The Sk8LikeYou Podcast

Sometimes it takes a kid to remind us of something we forgot we loved.Meg Mackenzie hadn't skated since she was 16 years old. Then her four-year-old daughter Dylan discovered eight wheels, and what started as a little girl's curiosity became something neither of them wanted to stop doing.I sat down with Meg, a mom from Carrollton, Georgia, and her daughter Dylan, better known as Dylan Kate Skates, to talk about a shared love of skating that has become much more than a hobby.For Meg, skating was once an escape. We talk about what it meant to her growing up, why she walked away at 16, and how watching her daughter fall in love with the rink brought that part of her life back. What neither of them could have predicted was how much it would strengthen their relationship along the way.But this conversation isn't just about a mother and daughter. It's about the next generation of skating, the people making room for them, and the difference between simply welcoming young skaters and genuinely investing in their future.We get into Dylan's unforgettable first Heartbreak experience, where a last-minute change of plans led to her abandoning her skate mate in the middle of a routine. We talk about the importance of children's events, the work Angela and Michelle are doing to create opportunities for young skaters, and why those efforts deserve recognition.Meg also shares how everything Dylan has learned has come from other kids, including the patience and encouragement of Mason at Spinnerz. We discuss what it means when accomplished skaters share the floor with beginners without making them feel like they don't belong.There's also a story about how Dylan earned the nickname "Trill Dill," her experiences skating alongside Emily Brown, and how Unique stepped up by sending her a pair of skates to try. That opens up a bigger conversation about what meaningful support from companies can look like when they're genuinely invested in the people who make this culture what it is.Of course, we find time for a few laughs, a shout-out to Josh Van Hoose, and the story behind Meg's screen name. And Dylan joins us herself to explain what she loves most about skating. Her answer? Going fast and being on wheels. Sometimes it really is that simple.Dylan turns 10 the day before Heartbreak this year, and I can't wait to see what she brings to the floor.Whether you're a parent watching your child discover skating, an adult wondering whether you belong at an event like Heartbreak, or someone who cares about where this culture is headed, there's something in this conversation for you.Because sometimes the next generation doesn't just carry the culture forward. Sometimes they bring the previous generation back with them.#SK8LIKEYOU #SK8LIKEYOUPodcast #DylanKateSkates #MegMackenzie #TrillDill #RollerSkating #SkateCulture #SkateFamily #HeartbreakSkateParty #NextGenerationOfSkaters #YouthSkating #RollerSkatingCommunity #SkatingCommunity #RinkLife #SkateLife #MotherDaughterSkating #SupportYoungSkaters #EightWheels

Some people skate. Others live and breathe everything that comes with eight wheels.Episode 144 of the SK8LIKEYOU Podcast features Leeane Ruffo, aka Lovette Rolling. A lifelong skater with a genuine love for skating in all its forms, Leeane is one of those people whose personality, perspective, and unmistakable style make her impossible to overlook.A veteran of roller derby, Leeane found something in that world that felt like home. But just because you find where you belong doesn't mean you're willing to let that place define who you are. Her connection to derby is undeniable, but so is her refusal to be put in a box. That's part of what makes Leeane so interesting. She has her own way of doing things, her own perspective on the culture, and a personality that's every bit as distinctive as her skating. She's the kind of person you meet at a rink and immediately know there's more to her story.This conversation is full of straightforward honesty, individuality, and a genuine appreciation for everything that makes skating culture what it is. No pretending, no carefully packaged answers, and no need to agree on everything.Just two people having a real conversation about skating, identity, and being exactly who you are.Episode 144 of the SK8LIKEYOU Podcast. Come for the skating. Stay for the conversation.#SK8LIKEYOU #SK8LIKEYOUPodcast #LovetteRolling #LeeaneRuffo #RollerSkating #RollerDerby #RollerDerbyLife #SkateCulture #RollerSkatingCommunity #SkateLife #EightWheels #SkaterStories #SkateYourWay #Individuality #Authenticity #SkatingIsLife #RollerSkaters #PodcastInterview #SkatingCommunity #BeyondTheRink

I’ve done nearly 150 episodes of SK8LIKEYOU, and I don’t think I’ve ever felt the responsibility of being an interviewer quite like I did during this conversation.  My guest for Episode 143 is Madyson Kapture, and this is one of those interviews that reminds me just how far this podcast has come.We talk about how Madyson got her start in roller skating, what it was like growing up as a skater in Maine, and how different skating culture can be depending on where you’re from.We also get into her creative side, which goes well beyond skating. From circus arts and clown performance to professional dancing, football halftime shows, and performing alongside some major names in entertainment, Madyson has taken a pretty unconventional path.But there’s another part of her story that takes this conversation somewhere I haven’t really gone before.Madyson opens up about her experience in the adult entertainment industry, specifically her time as an OnlyFans model, why she ultimately decided to walk away, and a documentary she’s been working on about that experience. Madyson trusted me with a sensitive part of her story, and I didn’t take that lightly.I wanted to make sure this wasn’t a conversation that sensationalized her past or reduced her to one chapter of her life. I wanted to understand her experience, give her the space to talk openly about it, and ask the questions that I felt deserved to be asked.And I’ll tell you, this interview challenged me in ways I hadn’t experienced before. It required a different level of listening, understanding, and responsibility.  I’m really proud of this one. Proud of the conversation, grateful for Madyson’s openness, and proud of how much I’ve grown as an interviewer.More than anything, it’s a reminder that there’s so much more to people than what we might think we know about them. I’ve said it from the beginning. It’s not a skating podcast. It’s a life podcast that happens to feature skaters. And Episode 143 is a pretty good example of exactly what I mean.#SK8LIKEYOU #MadysonKapture #RollerSkating #RollerSkatingCommunity #SkateCulture #SkaterStories #OnlyFans #LifeAfterOnlyFans #AdultEntertainmentIndustry #PersonalGrowth #LifeStories #CircusArts #DancePerformance #PodcastInterview #BeyondTheSkates

Roller discos, horror movies, and a SO BUTTERY giveaway… what could possibly go wrong?! 🛼👻🔥This episode of SK8LIKEYOU Cheap Date Live went from giveaway details to Halloween skate parties to my lifelong love of scaring the hell out of myself!I broke down the details of the SO BUTTERY Giveaway, including how the winner will be selected, how I’ll contact them, and what happens once they’re chosen.Link to So Buttery FB Reel: https://www.facebook.com/share/r/19Y7b4kCmE/?mibextid=wwXIfrLink to So Buttery Insta Reel: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DemKkqYgMwg/?dlrf=MThva2owOG9nODN5Yg==Comment “So Buttery” on either reel to be automatically entered into giveaway contest!Contest Rules: https://skatelikeyou.com/so-buttery-contest-rulesWe also talked about Smitty’s Explicit Roller Disco, happening Halloween night at Castle Skateland in Loveland, Ohio, and Nash Bash, coming to Brentwood Skate Center in Brentwood, Tennessee.And somewhere along the way, I got into my lifelong obsession with horror movies, being a horror nerd since childhood, and why I’ve always loved finding new ways to scare myself.That’s the beauty of Cheap Date Live. You never really know where the conversation is going to end up.Catch SK8LIKEYOU Cheap Date Live every Monday night at 7:30 PM Eastern on Facebook!🌐 skatelikeyou.com#SK8LIKEYOU #CheapDateLive #SoButtery #RollerSkating #SkateCulture #SmittysExplicitRollerDisco #NashBash #HorrorMovies #RollerSkatingCommunity

What if the one of the best skating events of the year isn’t about the fastest skaters at all? I sat down with Lacey and Brian to break down the second annual Nash Bash, where the real goal is simple: make every skater feel seen, connected, and like the star of the floor.Brentwood Skate Center sets the scene for a weekend that is equal parts culture, music, and community… and if you think you know what a roller event looks like, this one is built to surprise you. The crew talks about why they renamed their creators from VIPs to paparazzi, how they’re designing the event around joy instead of ego, and why the vibe matters just as much as the skating.You’ll discover:1. Why Nash Bash is deliberately built for connection, not just performance. 2. The exact session schedule for Thursday through Sunday, including early arrival details and wristband access.3. Why the floor will never feel like a racetrack all night long. 4. How the event is keeping the energy high with a mix of music, pacing, and surprises.5. What’s changing this year with raffles, group photos, merch, and vendor support.Lacey shares the bigger mission behind the event and why the people having the most fun are the ones worth filming. Brian adds the musical perspective, including how the session will move between tempos so the night feels alive from start to finish. Together, they explain why Brentwood’s culture, cleanliness, lighting, and community make it one of the most unique rinks in the country.We also get into the practical stuff that matters if you’re planning a trip: Friday through Sunday session timing, Thursday’s adult night, the host hotel situation, and why Nashville makes this more than just a skate weekend. If you want a skating experience that feels different in the best possible way, this is the one to circle on your calendar.Perfect for skaters who love event culture, road trip weekends, and the kind of roller rink experience that turns strangers into your people. Nashville is calling, and Nash Bash is the reason to answer.Lacey is one of the organizers behind Nash Bash and a driving force behind the event’s connection-first vision. Brian helps shape the music and energy of the weekend, making sure the skating never feels one-note.

Halloween night is about to get EXPLICIT!David Smith, better known as ‪@Smittyonskates‬ joins the SK8LIKEYOU Podcast to talk about a one-of-a-kind Halloween skate party that's bringing something completely different to the rink!Smitty's Explicit Roller Disco is taking over Castle Skateland in Loveland, Ohio, and the name says it all! This isn't your typical Halloween skate session. It's an unapologetically ADULT skating experience that combines roller skating, live music, and an atmosphere that's definitely not for the kids!Smitty is calling it a "ROLLING CONCERT," and he's taking that concept literally! Local recording artist ‪@Obc_tballer‬ will perform LIVE on a stage positioned right in the middle of the skating floor, with additional artists still to be announced!In this episode, we get into the vision behind the event, what makes it different from traditional skate parties, and why Smitty is bringing this unique experience to the skating community.EVENT DETAILSSmitty's Explicit Roller DiscoSaturday, October 31, 2026Castle Skateland | Loveland, OhioDoors Open: 10:30 PMLive Performance: T-Baller + More Artists TBAVIP Passes AvailableHalloween night. Explicit music. Live performances. A rolling concert unlike anything you've experienced at the rink!This is SK8LIKEYOU Podcast Episode 141!#SK8LIKEYOU #SK8LIKEYOUPodcast #SmittyOnSkates #ExplicitRollerDisco #RollerSkating #SkateCulture #RollerDisco #CastleSkateland #HalloweenSkateParty #SkateLife #RollingConcert #AdultSkateNight #SkateCommunity

Two days. One rink. Generations of skaters. And the kind of energy you cannot fake.SK8LIKE NO BRAKES was not just an event. It was history, community, style and personality colliding on the same floor.This episode of the SK8LIKEYOU Podcast takes you straight inside the weekend with interviews, reactions and highlights recorded during and immediately after the event.You will hear from author Jack Dieteman, Morgan Weske of DanceSkate, Rob McGSkates, Lacey Skates, Juicy, Jackie Cusmano and more as we capture what was happening in real time.The music. The workshops. The history. The personalities. The conversations happening between sessions. The reactions after it was all over.This was old school and new school sharing the same floor. Different styles, different generations and different stories all connected by the same thing.Skating.Some interviews happened while the event was still moving around us. Others happened after the final song, when everyone finally had a chance to look back at what we had just experienced.This episode is SK8LIKE NO BRAKES as it happened. The people who built it. The people pushing it forward. And a weekend built around exactly what we believe in. Passion not Popularity. Community Over Style.Honor the Past. SK8 the Present. Give to the Future.#SK8LIKEYOUPodcast #SK8LIKENOBRAKES #SK8LIKEYOU #RollerSkating #RollerSkatingCommunity #SkateCulture #SkateLife #SkateCommunity #RollerSkaters #SkatePodcast #SkateEvent #SkateHistory #SkateFamily #DanceSkate #ShuffleSkating #RinkLife #RinkCulture #SkateInterviews #SkatingStories #PassionNotPopularity #CommunityOverStyle #HonorThePast #Sk8ThePresent #GiveToTheFuture

From Lacey: When Mark asked me to interview him, I told him I would…but only if he was willing to be completely vulnerable and transparent.He was almost shocked that I even asked. In his mind, he had already been incredibly vulnerable through SkateLikeYou.Just wait…because he went even deeper.We laughed. We cried. We both got emotional. Mark opened up about some really difficult parts of his life and, with very few exceptions, almost everything was on the table.We talked for 2 hours and 45 minutes and honestly could’ve kept going. His life is WILD, his stories are so inspirational and there were so many moments where I was thinking, “Wait…WHAT?!” 😂But more than anything, these stories are incredibly inspiring. The things he’s lived through, the choices he’s made, the lessons he’s learned and the way he’s kept moving forward…I truly believe there are pieces of this conversation that could change someone’s life.This isn’t just the story of SkateLikeYou. It’s the story of the life that led to it…the experiences, struggles, not-so-great choices, and moments that shaped the person behind the podcast.If you think you know Mark from watching SkateLikeYou, you may be surprised by what you hear.This one is personal, vulnerable, and DEEP. There were moments when he left me completely speechless…and that is not easy to do. 😂You’ll have to tune in for the rest. ❤️From Mark, Host of the Sk8LikeYou Podcast:I’ve spent nearly 140 episodes sitting on one side of the microphones, asking the questions and giving other people the space to tell their stories. This time, Lacey sat in my chair and I sat in the guest’s.And it was surreal.In a strange way, it felt a lot like recording the very first episode of SK8LIKEYOU. When we finished, I had that same immediate panic. Did I say too much? Did I give too much of myself? Should I have held something back?But I stayed steadfast to the same rule I’ve had from the beginning: just say it all naturally and decide later.We talked about growing up in the rink, why that place became so much more than somewhere I went skating, what happened when skating disappeared from my life and eventually finding my way back. We talked about some of the lowest points, rebuilding my life, finding my confidence again and how all of that ultimately became part of the reason SK8LIKEYOU exists.There were things I expected Lacey to ask. There were things I didn’t. And there were answers that came out differently than they probably would have if I had time to prepare.That’s exactly why I didn’t want to prepare.What hit me immediately after we stopped recording was that the anxiety I was feeling was actually proof of something that has mattered to me from the very first episode to now.I will never expect anything from a guest that I’m not willing to do myself.If I’m asking somebody to trust me enough to be vulnerable, tell the uncomfortable parts, forget the microphones are there and just have an honest conversation, then I have to be willing to sit in that chair and do exactly the same thing.So I did. For one episode, I gave up my chair. Lacey asked the questions. I just said it all.#SK8LIKEYOU #RollerSkating #RollerSkatingPodcast #SkateCulture #SkateCommunity #SkateLife #RollerSkaters #SkateFamily #SkatingStories #SkatePodcast #PodcastInterview #HostInterview #LifePodcast #SkateYourWay #PassionNotPopularity #CommunityOverStyle

Sometimes we make skate gear way more complicated than it needs to be.I sat down with Jamie Ogle from Lone Star Skate Designs to talk about the Peter Peng wheels I’ve been skating, the set he donated for the SK8LIKE NO BRAKES giveaway, and why I’ve been so impressed by what these wheels offer for the money.Jamie knows his gear. We get into the differences between the 65s and 70s, durometer, weight, grooves, hubs, different setups and why properly prepping a wheel can completely change how it feels on the floor.But the bigger conversation for me is about value.Not everybody can or wants to spend $400 or $500 on a set of wheels. That doesn’t mean you can’t have something that looks good, rolls good, grips good and gives you confidence when you step onto the floor.I’ve actually skated these wheels. I’ve put them through what I do on the floor, and I liked them enough that I’m taking one set to SK8LIKE NO BRAKES and trusting them for the entire weekend.That probably says more than any review I could give.We also talk about the special set Jamie donated for this weekend’s giveaway, why he personally works on the grooves before they go out, and what someone can expect if they decide to give Peter Peng wheels a shot.And whoever walks away with that purple and black set at SK8LIKE NO BRAKES?I want you to put them on your skates and skate them.Then come tell me what YOU think.Because at the end of the day, that’s what matters.#SK8LIKEYOU #RollerSkating #RollerSkates #SkateGear #SkateWheels #PeterPengWheels #JamieOgle #LoneStarSkateDesigns #RollerSkateWheels #SkateSetup #SkateLife #SkateCommunity #SK8LIKENOBRAKES #ShuffleSkating #RinkSkating

Check out what Ron Murray of Custom Skate Cushions has for ya! Ron is a constant contributor to the skate community by not only offering quality craftsmanship with everything he does, but also by his willingness to give freely to the community he loves. This episode is a prime example. Check out what Ron is donating for one lucky person attending SK8LIKE NO BRAKES 2027!