The Lunatic Fringe Podcast on Steno.fm

The Lunatic Fringe Podcast

Step into the void with The Pilot from Blue Skies Magazine as he talks to some of the worlds premiere as well as lesser known extreme air sports athletes to get their take on living life to the fullest, their paths along the “Lunatic Fringe” and how they fit into the mainstream world while living life on the dark side.

Sun, April 06, 2025
Lunatic Fringe with Simon Whittle
From skateboarding to rock climbing, Simon Whittle touched all the bases when it came to his beginnings in extreme sports, but the real hook came when his UK parents bought him his introduction into the world of skydiving in the form of a static line course. The UK being what it is, it took Simon a very long time to start racking up any real jump experience, but where the sky failed, the tunnel filled the gap. Working his way through the ranks as a tunnel instructor, by the time Simon found himself back under nylon, it had been close to 8 years, and he was ready for more. With a drastic change of profession and location he headed off to the Middle East, which turned out to be exactly the move he needed. Now Skydiving Instructor, BASE Jumper, and believe it or not, Skysurfer, Simon Whittle is well and truly locked into his path with the Lunatic Fringe.
Sun, March 30, 2025
Lunatic Fringe with Erin Shutes
For most people, making the decision to start a static line course is an accomplishment all on its own, but for some, you aren’t showing real dedication to pursuing a new experience until you’ve driven across multiple African countries to start it! Just ask Erin Shutes, who did exactly that. Working around the world in the field of epidemiology and doing her best to help those most in need, it became clear to Erin that finding a balance to such intense work required equally intense play. Skydiving and then later BASE jumping fit that bill to perfection, and she has been embracing both sports and their respective communities ever since. A heartfelt member of the Lunatic Fringe in every respect, Erin embodies what it means to be a lifelong member, friend, and partner to some of the most passionate people around.
Sun, March 23, 2025
Lunatic Fringe with Gorazd "Nitka" Law
Gorazd Lah, AKA Nitka (and fellow Fuckinasshole) took a very European, and more specifically an Eastern European path in skydiving. Starting out on round parachutes then moving quickly into the world of Style and Accuracy, Gorazd managed to put his tough as nails upbringing and exterior to work for him as he became a champion in his chosen disciplines. Yet... There's a lot more behind this born again hipster than you might think! Nitka is beyond a doubt a poster child for not judging a book by its cover, and it's one of the reasons why you'll enjoy the hell out of this edition of Lunatic Fringe.
Sat, March 15, 2025
Lunatic Fringe with Andreas Mosling
Working hard at an incredibly demanding job, Andreas Mosling was looking for a way to entertain himself on vacation without killing himself in party mode, so at the almost offhand suggestion of a colleague he booked himself a trip to Sebastian, Florida and signed up for AFF. He completed the entire course in one day. The next day he basically doubled his jump numbers, and by the time he left Florida he was well on his way to his B license. And that was enough. For the next year he didn't really give skydiving much of a thought at all. He had pretty much crossed it off his list, until... Now, many years and many thousands of jumps later, with championship medals and world travel to his credit, airsports and all that the word now encompasses has happily become his Lunatic Fringe way of life.
Sun, March 09, 2025
Lunatic Fringe with Jason Moledzki
Back in the can to talk about his continuing adventures in all things airsports, paragliding, and more, the one and only Jason Moledzki! Skydiving beginnings aren't always blue skies and sunshine as Jason Moledzki can tell you. Sometimes the drive to make that first jump can come from a truly dark place, but it was a place that Jason found the drive and determination to escape through his love of skydiving and BASE. A multiple world champion dozens of times over with world records and accomplishments in competition too long to list, he and his crew were a major driving force in the advancement not only of canopy piloting and its flight out of infancy, but in competition itself. As the co-founder and creative director of Flight-1, Jason has been instrumental in the complete overhaul of canopy instruction both in the civilian and military skydiving world with incredible student numbers going through their courses each year. on top of that, he is the co-creator/host of his own podcast called Trust the Journey with Melanie Curtis offering inspiration and insight along our journey deep within the Lunatic Fringe.
Sun, March 02, 2025
Lunatic Fringe with Max Lesziak
The son of a world traveling diplomat, it was perhaps a childhood filled with fairly constant change and a need to adapt that made it easy for Max Lesziak. Easy to decide as he was about to tackle a fairly intense college environment that he should perhaps take a break for... well, for a while. It may have had something to do with the fact that he had the tendency to get bored easily, or it may have been yet again, that first skydive. Hooked almost from the get go, it went rather quickly from packing mat, to two years doing tandems, then video and then eventually to competition canopy piloting. Oh, and just to add a touch of spice, wingsuit BASE. Now, it's a mix not only of the work side of skydiving, but venturing into new territory as he uses his skills in camera flying to pass on the knowledge, the drive he gets through competition, and the rather unquenchable charge of a well executed BASE jump that keeps Max deep within the Lunatic Fringe.
Sun, February 23, 2025
Lunatic Fringe with a tribute to Jarno Cordia
It's been 4 years since we said goodbye to one of the greatest in his field, and it's well worth looking back at just a few of the stories and experiences of the one and only Jarno Cordia. From a young age he was drawn to air sports, and skydiving in particular, but having an uncle who'd broken his back landing a round years before, it would have been easy for Jarno Cordia to watch his dreams of flying stay nothing more than childhood fantasy; but his desire to get in the air was much stronger than any fears he or his family may have had. After finishing school at 17 and a top notch career for the taking, he was able to use his early start in the professional world to put aside time to pursue his passion for flight both in skydiving and BASE, most specifically with wingsuiting. As has been for many a jumper, the drive to fly found a way to push career aside, and almost without thinking, he found that his passion and profession were now one in the same. With his teammate Jenna Gygi, @teamflylikebrick continued to lead him to almost every side of the Lunatic Fringe.
Sun, February 16, 2025
Lunatic Fringe with Zej M'ski and Alix Raymond
Pulling no punches has been Alix Raymond’s style, as anyone who knows her can tell you, and her time on the Lunatic Fringe with our returning host Mr. Zej Mski is absolutely no exception. Finishing our her term soon as the Southeast Regional Director for the USPA, she's got more than a few words to say on the sport of skydiving, the USPA as an organization with all its pitfalls and upswings, it's new leadership and more. As a full-time "real worlder" as well as flying camera and instructing, the Director's seat not only helped to keep her more than a little busy, but gave her some insights into the Lunatic asylum that has left her with a whole lot to say!
Sun, February 09, 2025
Lunatic Fringe with OG Ray Kubiak
Back to talk about everything from the closing of the ORIGINAL Flyaway Las Vegas Indoor Skydiving facility, to the EPIC races in Abu Dhabi, Ray "Ninja" Kubiak shows just how strongly his bodyflight passions run. Total Fuckin' Ninja. In fact, I'd personally go as far as to call him not only one of the first true tunnel ninja's, but one of the prime players who has shaped modern body flight as much if not more than anyone else. Coming from humble beginnings in one of the first public tunnels in the world, Ray Kubiak went from being one of the most difficult students in the Las Vegas Flyaway tunnel to being a pioneer in teaching true human flight. Overcoming adversity and turning it not only into opportunity but in fact a blessing, Ray is the embodiment of heart and spirit in our sport, and a proper all around lunatic.
Sun, February 02, 2025
Lunatic Fringe with Chloe Kalo
Although she didn’t know it at the time, her father’s Judo style antics throwing her around in the sand may have been exactly what started her down her extreme sports path. That being said, one could argue that Chloe Svolakos’s first foray into the world of extremes may have been working as a therapist and social worker in New York City. Through a chance encounter with a skydiver while participating in her first love jujutsu, the idea of making a skydive came up. Just as 2 follows 1, her first tandem led to AFF, and that was pretty much all she wrote. These days, her true passion lies in combining her many different worlds through Alta Psychotherapy, which she founded primarily to help extreme sports athletes deal with everything from overcoming basic fear, to coping with traumatic injury. A truly passionate member of the Lunatic Fringe community looking to help all those along their own journey.
Sun, January 26, 2025
Lunatic Fringe with JYRO's Zack Rosser
Back in the can to talk about a pretty spectacular 2024, and what is shaping up to be an epic 2025 is JYRO's man for all things FLOCKING, Zack Rosser. At an age when most kids are still learning to tie their shoelaces unassisted, Zack Rosser was tossing on his kid sized climbing harness so his father could take him up on a tandem paraglide session; and before he was old enough to know he had choices available to him, he'd already made his. With paragliding not as accessible in his area in Australia, his father took him out to the local DZ when he was twenty, and set him up on a tandem skydive to see if that might be a good fit. In no time at all, Zack became the DZ's "anything you need" guy, pushing hard to find his angle into the sport. It didn't take him long at all to realize the canopy side of things was exactly his fit. Working now as a tandem instructor, video guy, and primarily a canopy coach, Zack's passion for nylon has led him to everything from competition Canopy Piloting to organizing flocking dives all over Down Under, with plans to branch out to New Zealand and beyond as soon as travel allows. Bringing a youth and exuberance to everything he does, you'll understand when you listen that Zack Rosser has only just begun his path along the Lunatic Fringe.
Sun, January 19, 2025
Lunatic Fringe with Tailored for Survival
Even though he's been gone for four years, the legend that is Moe Viletto and his brand Tailored For Survival is just as strong as ever. With epic stories for days, if you weren't lucky enough to have known or met Moe, you can still share in a small taste of what an incredible guy he was. Please enjoy one of the most amazing chats we've ever had on The Lunatic Fringe. With one of the most unique stories of how skydiving entered his life, Moe Viletto had just survived an impromptu zero gravity aerobatic flight by the skin of his teeth when he and his pilot buddy spotted canopies off in the distance. Knowing the instant he landed from his first jump that this was what life had been aiming him toward, he embarked on what this year would have been five decades of skydiving, rigging and BASE jumping. Living life on his terms as a rigging gypsy king, scoring a bit of luck here and there and having an incredible time, he did it all without any real plan. From drougeless tandems and AFF before it was a thing, to living in a VW Beetle while trying to find a home for his sewing machines, to BASE jumping with a tent and then on to Hollywood, Moe Viletto and I only scratch the surface of his fifty years of Lunatic Fringe adventures. From his antics to his rigging, Moe Viletto was a trailblazer in every sense of the word and we aren't likely to ever find another quite like him. On what was suppose to be the first of many installments of "Story Time With Moe", he shared with us just a little of what made him such an incredibly loved icon in our sport. Recorded not much before his passing, I feel nothing but lucky I had the chance to meet the man behind the Lunatic Fringe legend.
Sun, January 12, 2025
Lunatic Fringe with Vince Jarvis
It's become apparent that "extreme" simply means something different in Australia, and Vince Jarvis is yet another example of that fact. A skateboarder from a young age, he simply wasn't aware that you could take part in a sport that didn't require getting bloody. Wasn't aware until a chance opportunity led him to make his first jump. One of the lucky ones that figured out from the beginning how to manage a real world job with his new skydiving addiction, it wasn't long before he was eyeing working weekends in the sport to supplement his required level of stoke. As A follows B, it became coaching, AFF, tandems, freeflying, wingsuiting and BASE; and as a self proclaimed Jack of all trades master of none, Vince is exactly the type of example to look to for chasing your passions. Second only to Matt Munting in his Aussie "Frothing" level, Vince Jarvis has the whole Lunatic thing well in hand.
Sun, January 05, 2025
Lunatic Fringe with a bunch of drunks
Because... Happy Fuckin' New Year! Let's just call this one what it is. We all sat down in a very small room with some microphones and got as drunk as we possibly could while trying to talk about skydiving. Chances are you've probably done some version of it yourself, but If you haven't, we highly recommend you try it sometime. Until then, please enjoy this little Lunatic Fringe bunch of idiots having a wonderful time…
Sun, December 29, 2024
Lunatic Fringe with JYRO's Chris Stewart
Back in the can to bring us up to speed as we enter 2025, it's JYRO's one and only, Mr. Chris Stewart. He'd let his student down in a major way. Quite literally the last thing she wanted to hear when asking her attractive, worldly instructor what had driven him to become a professional skydiver was "Google". From a skydiving school with a "work placement" program, you wouldn't necessarily think big things were on the horizon, but Chris Stewart is flying proof that once that passion takes hold... Champion competitive canopy pilot, instructor, world traveler, cutting edge test pilot for JYRO canopies, and the Dude to call if you're an athlete waiting to be discovered. An all around good guy, and exactly who to ring in the new year with. Fuck. Yeah.
Sun, December 22, 2024
Lunatic Fringe with Grant Bowen
The real world can sometimes be a tough one for passionate skydivers to navagate, because lets face it, being a full throttle jumper can be demanding; but if you're like Grant Bowen, then it's pretty simple. You work hard at your daily so you can play even harder on the weekends. When a few hours sleep on the DZ couch after a long weeks work is like a solid 8 hours in a 'normal' persons fluffy bed, you know you're in it for the long haul. From a demanding 9 to 5, to AFF, to tandems, to representing Peregrine Manufacturing as an athlete and ambassador, Grant might not have a whole lot of free time on your hands, but he's always got his place deep in the Lunatic Fringe.
Sun, December 15, 2024
Lunatic Fringe with Anna Muller
Finding a good balance between the life of a professional nurse and a hard charging, skydiving, wingsuit camp organizing BASE jumper might sound like a lot to take on, but if you're Anna Muller, you manage to do that and have extra energy to spare! an Aussie with as much grit as you might expect, Anna takes on the challenges both the 'real' world and the world of airsports throw at her with a deep desire to not only help advance and guide those around her, but to push the line that defines her own personal Lunatic Fringe.
Mon, December 09, 2024
Katelyn Compton Escott - In Memoriam
A tribute re-release of Katelyn ‘Compton’ Escott and her story of incredible drive and determination. Blue Skies… It was an easy choice. $300 for a tandem skydive, or $200 for a first jump course and a 3,500 foot instructor assisted jump. Not really a hard decision for a then 19 year old trying to pay for it all. Growing up in a small town in Western Canada, getting started in skydiving wasn't nearly as easy for Katelyn Escott as it has been for others, but from even before that first jump it was something she was drawn toward. From jumping in Canada to shooting video in Australia, it was a series of fortunate encounters that led her to both BASE, and wingsuits, and eventually the challenge of bringing those two together; but Katelyn is busy dealing with her largest challenge yet, and she's not shy about sharing the struggle. The struggle of recovering from an accident that very easily could have taken her life, and probably should have taken the use of her legs. Driven by the desire to once again get back in the air, there is simply nothing that will keep her on the ground even one minute longer than she must, solidifying both her amazing will and her place deep within the Lunatic Fringe.
Sun, December 08, 2024
Lunatic Fringe with Billy Sharman II
Back in the can to talk, boogies, big game and top tear African adventures, it's the one and only Billy Sharman! Growing up watching his mom huck herself out of airplanes in California, not only making over a thousand jumps on rounds, but earning herself a California State Championship, there was simply no way that Billy Sharman wasn't going to at least try one jump. Of course, as seems to be the case, with a first wonderful experience at Skydance in Davis, CA and a little salesmanship from Ray Ferrell, Billy was well and truly hooked! A few bumps in the road (or ditch) aside, he was well on his way to what would become a lifelong career in the sky, and the windy tubes. Now, the proud owner and operator of Skydive Pretoria in South Africa, Billy has many years under his belt, and twice as many stories to tell about his travels with the Lunatic Fringe.
Sun, December 01, 2024
Lunatic Fringe with Jeff Weatherall II
Catching up with the one and only Jeff Weatherall, this Kiwi Aussie transplant is still hard charging, even if that sometimes includes potty training and a bit more of a domestic Lunatic Fringe... As a young Kiwi, starting out with sport was a pretty natural thing, and Jeff Weatherall excelled. Surfing seemed to be a natural fit for him, and competition became the standard at a young age; but as is known to happen when you push for the top, Jeff found himself burned out on the waves, and instead put all of his focus into a sport he'd never considered before, wakeboarding. On his way to becoming an international champion behind a boat, he happened to catch a bit of footage of a guy named Frank BASE jumping, and knew it was in his cards. Years after his first glimpse, and long after that very first skydive Jeff made his first BASE jump, and was off on a new trajectory in his life that would eventually lead him on to become a full-time skydiver, wingsuit and BASE coach, and lifelong member of the Lunatic Fringe.
Sun, November 24, 2024
Lunatic Fringe with Scott Hiscoe
As a kid, things like big wave surfing seemed to be his driving force, but if you ask Scott Hiscoe to describe his ability compared to his passion, he'd be the first to say it was lacking. In fact, when it came to surf boards and big waves, his greatest talent turned out to be recovering from gnarly wipeouts. So of course the next logical step for an injury prone beach bum was proximity wingsuit flying. Luckily for the skydiving and BASE communities, Scott quickly came to the realization that to be the hard charging BASE jumper he wanted to be, he needed to become a skilled skydiver first. With freeflying as his primary passion for quite some time, his goals in our two sister sports are many. As the Aussie captain recruiting big way dreamers, a member of Burn Perspective Coaching, and pushing hard as a member of both head up and head down world record attempt teams, there's simply no doubt that Scott Hiscoe made the right choice when he stepped off his surfboard and into the Lunatic Fringe.
Sun, November 17, 2024
Lunatic Fringe with Phil Webley
One of the rare ones who saw his path from the very beginning, Phil Webley had his parents consent to his enlistment in the army at the ripe old age of 16. Back then, a 600 foot exit on a round parachute seemed… normal, but his real goal was the almost fabled Red Devils, and all that came with being a member. With a fire for jumping properly lit, it became freeflying, tunnel training, and eventually canopy piloting that drove Phil to hard charge. Now, a Flight-1 instructor and canopy competitor, he’s not even close to done with his travels along the Lunatic Fringe.
Sun, November 10, 2024
Lunatic Fringe with Norman Kent
Raised in Mexico City along with his three siblings, it was a pretty normal childhood all and all; with one exception. At a very young age, along with the motorcycles and outdoor adventures, Norman Kent found what would become his lifelong passion. Photography. Making his first skydive at the age of 19, he will be the first to tell you the its as standard a first jump story as any, but his love of photography showed him a side of skydiving that most people don't get; or at least not on their first jump. He saw the incredible potential skydiving had to offer - a dramatic and awe inspiring view through his lens. That was pretty much all it took. From a first attempt was nothing more than a motorcycle helmet, a wind up camera and way too few jumps, to heading up multi-million dollar productions for Hollywood blockbusters, Norman Kent will be the first to tell you it has been one hell of a ride. 49 years into the game, he still possesses as much passion for photography and skydiving as he did at the start, and his desire to continue innovating and learning is what's kept him at the top of the Lunatic pyramid the whole time.
Sun, November 03, 2024
Lunatic Fringe with Evan Santangelo
It's been an interesting mix for Evan Santangelo. Like most kids of a certain disposition, he would go out of his way to try and find new and creative ways to have fun. From trampolines onward, he found a real joy in body awareness; so when skydiving entered the mix... well, there was little doubt that he was all in (even after getting sick on his first tandem.) Balance that with his work as a professional musician, and a pretty solid presence online and you get a guy that not only keeps it coming from all angles, but actively looks forward to the next phase in his Lunatic Fringe travels.
Sun, October 27, 2024
The Lunatic Fringe with Jamie Webster II
Back in the can after a busy "summer" off, Jamie Webster brings us up to speed on what it's been like chasing his Lunatic Fringe dreams of flight... A recap of round 1 - Absolutely horrible. Having passed on the idea of a tandem and gone straight to AFF, Jamie Webster's instructors told him upon landing from his first jump that perhaps skydiving just might not be for him. Luckily, Jamie isn't exactly the type to take no for an answer, and from jump number two on things started looking up. Thousands up jumps later, and years of experience as instructor behind him he's solidly proved those first impressions wrong. Not that he hasn't had his close calls… In one of the most intense experiences shared on the podcast to date, Jamie fills us in on what it's like to spend time staring at the bottom of a 182, snagged, suspended and terribly threatened by gear designed to save lives, not take them. Jamie will be the first to tell you it is all about learning from your mistakes and close calls, proving why sticking with the Lunatic Fringe is his preferred path.
Sun, October 20, 2024
Lunatic Fringe with Gonçalo Resende
A second generation skydiver, there was never any doubt in Gonçalo Resende's mind that jumping was the thing for him; or more specifically, that the dropzone was where he belonged. Even from a very young age, it was the organization itself and the inter-workings of a dropzone that truly intrigued him. Small for his age at the time, jumping wasn't an option for him as young as he would have liked, yet that didn't stop him from racking up thousands of jumps by the time he grew out of his teen years. Wanting nothing more than to completely immerse himself in our world, Gonçalo thrived on everything from packing and rigging, through camera flying and instruction, and well into competition. A champion in his own right, his goals might not be what you would expect… Yet it's his goals and his drive to excel in every aspect of our sport that solidifies his place deep within the Lunatic Fringe.
Sun, October 13, 2024
Lunatic Fringe with Chris Rosenfelt
With aviation as the dream, but without the means, there was a real chance that becoming a pilot would have remained out of reach for Chris Rosenfelt, but he simply wasn't that kind of person. Working multiple jobs and having a mother willing to match dollar for dollar, Chris pushed hard towards his dream of becoming a pilot. Yet in modern aviation in the United States, simply having your pilots license doesn't mean much without opportunity. It was the world of skydiving that offered him a real shot at the career he dreamed of, even though it offered a fair amount of hardship and trouble. Now, after almost countless drop zones and a myriad of different aircraft, Chris not only works as a professional pilot, but helps mentor those looking to take the same path. With websites like skydiverdriver.com, he's working hard to give back to the lunatic community that has allowed him to move forward with his dreams.
Sun, October 06, 2024
Lunatic Fringe with Brian Naiman
Skydiving absolutely was not on the agenda. It was chemical engineering. That was the direction he had taken, and Brian Naiman was happy with the choice. But as it's been known to happen, skydiving snuck up on him, and a random invitation by a skydiver to join him at the drop zone let him down a new path. When everything from dissatisfaction at work to a pandemic got it the way, the once unthinkable became reality. Enter the new partner of Skydance skydiving in Davis California. Now, handling everything from social media to managing the upcoming scrambles in October as well as their film festival in November, Brian's journey towards the lunatic fringe is complete.
Sun, September 29, 2024
Lunatic Fringe with Matt Yount II
Twenty seven years and still going strong. When Matt Yount got his start in skydiving, tandems were just becoming a normal way to enter the game, and now… Now not only does Matt find himself a tandem examiner but he finds himself traveling the globe helping to share our sport with individuals and skydiving federations worldwide. With trips to incredible places like Nepal, Iceland, the Maldives, Egypt and many more, he is absolutely one of the authorities on what it takes to make it as an international tandem instructor. A lifelong member of the Lunatic Fringe, Matt may have a bunch of years behind him, but he'll still l be going strong for sometime to come. Now, with his sights set on giving back to the skydiving community as a board member, he wants to put his lunatic past to good use!
Sun, September 22, 2024
Lunatic Fringe with Kylie Rhodes
With childhood roots firmly planted in Pennsylvania, Amish country to be exact, the tribe that was Crosskeys in 2005 was about as different as you could possibly get, but different was exactly what Kylie Rhodes was on the lookout for. It was under canopy on her very first jump that she found herself asking her very charismatic and handsome tandem instructor how she could do 'this' for a living. Before she knew it, she was working in manifest alongside Liz Mann, one of the greatest ever to touch a DZ microphone who, in rather short order assessed that Kylie might be a little more high energy than even the CK office could handle. The perfect shift? Hanger master, and the awesome responsibility of being one of the first people in skydiving most of the customers back then would interact with. Yet it wasn't until she found herself working in a Florida tunnel that Kylie would help establish her own version of the CK tribe she had become a part of. Now, almost 20 years after it all started, the memories of her beginnings within the Lunatic Fringe are still as strong and wonderful as ever, even if slightly fuzzy around the edges.
Sun, September 15, 2024
Lunatic Fringe with Richö Butts
Spending a solid portion of your first skydive trying to figure out how to get back in the King Air might not be how you’d expect a championship skydivers career to begin, but that’s exactly how it went for Richö Butts. A self proclaimed mellow child, it wasn’t until motorcycles entered his life that Richö Started to see the appeal in a slightly more ‘radical’ lifestyle. Even with motorcycles having become a passion for him, one might think an individual whose profession is risk assessment might be a bit more adverse to it in their own life - yet from skydiving to rally car driving, motorcycles to aerobatic aircraft, BASE and more, there’s simply no doubt Richö Butts has a real thirst for the Lunatic Fringe side of life.
Sun, September 08, 2024
Lunatic Fringe with Sherry Schlater Butcher
From jump one, Sherry Schlater Butcher wasn't just all about jumping, she was all about the process of learning - and of teaching. For her, skydiving turned out to be a perfect mix of the two, so when she found herself swimming in the deep end almost right away, it was with a real purpose. From static-line to AFF, Tandem Instructor to Skydive University coach, Master Rigger to AFF Examiner and all the way through to National Judge and DZO, there pretty much isn't any role that Sherry cannot fill. Once again on the path to retain her long held an consequential seat on the board, Sherry Schlater Butcher proves that the Lunatic Fringe has much more to offer than a bunch of one trick ponies.
Sun, September 01, 2024
Lunatic Fringe with Matthew Fry
Boiled down to the basics, Matt Fry is all about the big stuff. Having learned to balance a productive job in the 'real' world against outlets like skydiving, climbing and mountaineering. He may not exactly leave himself a lot of free time to just do his own thing, but that suits him just fine. From state records to the big 200 way coming up in Chicago, Matt sees his drive for adventure sports leading him from massive groups of friends holding hands at 150 miles per hour, to the solo endeavors deep in the mountains he loves so much. Add to that his desire to help those with similar aspirations, and it's easy to see that Matt Fry will be hanging with the Lunatic Fringe for the long run.
Sun, August 25, 2024
Lunatic Fringe with Connor Figg
At 4 years old he was already hooked. Watching his father make a static line jump, the then toddler Connor Figg was all in - like wearing swimming goggles and jumping off whatever he could, in. The fixation with skydiving never left him, and after graduating college with a degree in engineering (even though his real focus during school was always aimed toward the DZ) he did exactly what his parents hoped he wouldn't. Like so many degrees, it worked on collecting dust, while Connor worked toward perfecting all things body flight. A natural in the tunnel and sky, coaching became his focus - and although he would become a champion competitor, its been his desire to teach and to pass on what he's learned both in the tunnel and in the sky that paints the picture of a long and satisfying journey with his Lunatic Fringe career.
Sun, August 18, 2024
Lunatic Fringe with Laurie Lubbe II
Back in the can for a second round, Laurie Lubbe sits down to talk about her beginnings in the sport of both skydiving and tunnel flying. How a sport and career that in her home country of France was not, at the time, an easy one to navigate led her to move to a less than obvious choice. With her sights set on the French Nationals of skydiving set to take place at the end of August, Laurie points out some of the differences between competing in the tunnel as opposed to the sky, her true love of coaching, and what the Lunatic Fringe might hold for her in the future.
Sun, August 11, 2024
Lunatic Fringe with Sean Chuma
By the time he graduated high school, Sean Chuma had already made more than a hundred and fifty skydives. Add to that being an avid gymnast and pole vaulter, and you could say that he started mapping out one hell of a future for himself from a young age. Having attended university studying psychology, which would turn out to be yet another tool he would put to use in the future, his life in airports also continued to expand. Although there would be substantial hurdles to overcome before he could begin his BASE career, the course he would eventually attend set him in the right direction, with a focus on safety and responsibility within his new sport. Now, with more than 8,000 BASE jumps, a highly successful BASE course, and one of the pioneers in Tandem BASE, there is simply no doubt that Sean Chuma has been and will continue to be a proper Lunatic Fringe trail blazer, with a long future ahead of him.
Sun, August 04, 2024
Lunatic Fringe with Mad John
Mad John made his fist skydive in 1969. With initial ambitions pushing him towards becoming a nuclear physicist, it would have been easy for his first skydive while attending UC Berkeley to simply be a one off, But that simply wasn’t meant to be. A lack of money to skydive, and grades not quite up to nuclear physicist levels, John ended up going in a different direction. When the opportunity to get his certification as a math teacher presented itself, John was easily able to complete the equation. Teacher equals summers off! Now with more years in skydiving than most jumpers have been alive, Mad John Has become a staple in many skydiving circles. With events like Lost Prairie being what Mad John is best known for, and travels taking him quite literally around the world, at 76 he’s nowhere near done. A lunatic from start to finish, this is exactly what we’re about.
Sun, July 28, 2024
Lunatic Fringe with Matt Jaskol II
Back in the can for round 2, professional race car driver, professional skydiver and the first ever NASCAR driver to ever skydive into a race, Matt Jaskol sits down to talk his beginnings in the sport of skydiving, how racing led him to our community and the unique opportunities it's presented him with. With days worth of stories that most "normal" people won't ever believe, it just goes to show, the Lunatic lifestyle works just as well with wheels as it does with propellers.
Sun, July 21, 2024
Lunatic Fringe with Daphny Morali
To say it's been a crazy ride for Daphny Morali would be an incredible understatement. It all started as a kid with a blanket and a window. Then it was aerial acrobatics and the circus. Add a tandem skydive to the mix, and you have a pretty good idea of where this story goes. Jumping and flying in the tunnel in Israel, she was told that making it "big" in airsports was going to be difficult, and when she lost her tunnel sponsorship just prior to the world championships a few years back she would have probably agreed... but with one Instagram post, it all changed. Now living, coaching and competing out of Germany, Daphny has no doubt that her next airpsorts Lunatic lottery ticket is just around the corner.
Sun, July 14, 2024
Lunatic Fringe with David "Junior" Ludvik - again!
This guy... It's been quite a while since we've sat down to talk with the one and only "Junior", and man has he been up to a lot… Having transitioned out of his full-time gig in the Middle East, a little bit of luck and a whole lot of skill has taken him in a whole new direction. A Lunatic Fringe OG and sometimes host, he's as experienced a skydiver and instructor as there is - hell... He's got more than 600 rides upfront helping TI's get their ratings. If that's not crazy, I don't know what is...
Sun, July 07, 2024
Lunatic Fringe with Youssef Elmajdoub
"The other Morrocan" in skydiving, Youssef Elmajdoub kicked off his skydiving career thinking he was simply going to the dropzone as moral support for a friend. Little did he know, a tandem skydive in Dubai had been purchased for him as well. That as they say wasn't exactly all it took though. Youssef continued in the sport not because he had an incredible passion for his newly discovered sport, but because he didn't think he handled it well enough the first time around. That mentality was a major driving force not only in his skydiving career, but in life in general. How can I be even better the next time around. Not always the easiest mindset to have, especially in a sport where a mistake can cost a lot more than just a little pride, as he would discover. Now, having recovered from an accident that could have easily taken his life, Youssef still approaches the sport with the same 'do better' mentality but now tempered with the realization that perfection isn't the goal. A Lunatic through and through, Youssef Elmajdoub embodies what skydiving is all about.
Sun, June 30, 2024
Lunatic Fringe with Rich Grimm
As a kid growing up in Ohio, the idea of jumping out of an airplane had been something Rich Grimm thought about often enough that when the opportunity to make a skydive came up he didn’t think twice. What did make him think twice was round parachutes and belly mounted reserves. Luckily not only for Rich but for skydiving as a whole, his relocation to Southern California and the advances in parachute technology got him back in the sport. A 30 year career as a professional firefighter probably did a lot to help Rich learn to deal with the stresses of skydiving in general, but as it turns out, also helped prepare him for his now more than 20 year career organizing some of the most iconic boogies in our sport. From Belize to Palau, Costa Rica to the Seychelles, even if you don’t know his name, you’ve seen what he’s created. Helping organize Lunatic parties around the globe, Rich Grimm has organized and inspired an entire generation of skydivers, and he’s not done quite yet.
Sun, June 23, 2024
Lunatic Fringe with USPA's Albert Berchtold
Back in the can to discuss not just all things nylon, but the work that goes behind keeping it in the air, the Head Honcho of the USPA, Mr. Albert Berchtold catches us up not only on his beginnings in the sport and what it's like to sit in the big seat these days, but about an upcoming worldwide project, World Skydiving Day. A special event around the globe to celebrate the amazing lunatic community that is the world of skydiving on the 13th, the second Saturday in July.
Sun, June 16, 2024
Lunatic Fringe with Roberta Mancino
She had always dreamed of dancing and flying. They were two dreams that did not necessarily fit together. At least not until she saw two Titans in our sport dancing in the sky. That moment, coupled with the fact that her father lived only a few kilometers away from a skydiving center, and Roberta Mancino knew it was for her. Balancing a busy career as a model, and her new passion for skydiving, it didn't take long for her to begin combining those two as well. Not only did she find herself working with fashion designers to find ever more creative ways to highlight both their creations and her skills, she began pursuing her desire for competition. Now, the veteran of multiple blockbuster movie stunts, wingsuit competitions around the world and more, Roberta Mancino helps coach not only the upcoming generations of the Lunatic Fringe, but continues to chase her own passions.
Sun, June 09, 2024
Lunatic Fringe with Sven Jseppi
Like many long time skydivers, it was a great from pretty much the first jump for Sven Jseppi. With a supportive family, and the early realization that you could actually make money jumping out of airplanes, he had his path. Through luck with timing and weather he met his wife as she and her friend made their first jumps, and it's with her that he's carved out his own little corner of the sport as a successful tandem skydiving operator. Yet the competition bug was always something Sven had in him, and the canopy side of things got ahold just as the blossoming sport of canopy piloting was really gaining traction. Training, working, training, competing. It was a long road that he loved navigating, and it led him to reach the lofty goal of world champion. Now, occupying the top slot and with a little breathing room, competition is still a true passion, but without the need to push the limits no matter what. With his sights set on South Africa and a chance to defend his title, he's aiming once again for Lunatic Fringe gold.
Sun, June 02, 2024
Lunatic Fringe with Steve Burrow
A random off field landing. It happens all the time at skydiving centers all around the world; but this off landing in the early 90's changed the course of Steve Burrow's life. A working man and a father of two sons and a daughter at the time, skydiving may not have been the normal path to take, but it was the one for Steve. With a supportive wife and family, he became an active and passionate skydiver up until 2005, when he made the choice to step away from the sport and give his attention to his loved ones. Cut to almost 20 years later when for 26:40, the equivalent of an A license worth of free fall, Steve Burrow was dead. Coded and laying on a hospital gurney having fallen victim to a massive infection, it was the incredibly hard work of his medical team that ensured he would continue to fight another day. Now, just over a year after surgeries that left him a quad-amputee, Steve found himself drawn back to the sky. With the assistance of the amazing team at Skydive Spaceland in Dallas, Steve showed his Lunatic Fringe drive to live life to the fullest, regardless of what's been thrown in his way, embracing the truth that once a skydiver, always a skydiver.
Sun, May 26, 2024
Lunatic Fringe with Mike Brewer
The son of a previously unrevealed badass, sports like surfing had attracted Mike Brewer from a young age, but as he found himself running track for a military academy he couldn't help but feel that something was missing. As usually happens, random chance and circumstance found him taking the leap on his first static line jump. Then his second that same day. That was pretty much all it took. Realizing that his previous love for photography could aim him toward the top of the pyramid as a... tandem videographer. His almost singular goal moving forward became all things skydiving. Improving his flying skills, the pursuit of film making within the sport and a drive to compete were just a few of facets that drew him in. From living in a tent behind the Paraclete wind tunnel to working as a military contractor and skydiving competitor, to speed skydiving, to taking on the role of a documentarian for the lofty Project 19, Mike Brewer is in it for the long run, tempering his Lunatic Fringe tendencies with a high work ethic and desire to move his vision for the sport into the future.
Sun, May 19, 2024
Lunatic Fringe with Carlo Manuel
Born in the Dominican Republic and raised in Canada, Carlo Manuel did all the same things the other kids did. From skate boards to music, he did his best to fit in with the crowd; but when the thought of life in the military appeared on his radar, he knew it was the role of paratrooper that had real appeal. So much so that Carlo went out and made his first jump at a civilian dropzone, just to make sure he and a grip on what was to come. That's all it took. Although it would be many years before Carlo was actively jumping, his time in the military while deployed in Afghanistan would lead to skydiving opportunities one might not expect from someone in his line of work. Skydiving would not only become a passion for Carlo, it was an escape. a way to quiet the voices that constantly reminded him of difficult times. Now, having learned from personal experience that you can only avoid those inner demons for so long, Carlo goes out of his way to put in the work, seek connection, and offer up his take on mental health and well being, all while living the vagabond Lunatic Fringe lifestyle to its fullest.
Sun, May 12, 2024
Lunatic Fringe with Candice Wooten
"Cause who the hell am l" is what most people say when they've got an opinion they either aren't ready or don't think they're qualified to share, and although you'll hear Candice say those exact words, they aren't ones that keep her from sharing. A self proclaimed 'empty Nester' who found herself asking what might come next, it turned out skydiving was. Back in the day there was no way she could have ever imagined doing even one jump let alone going on to get licensed, but now, having raised children under the shadows of canopies flying over her Florida neighborhood she's decided to do something one hundred percent for herself. Learning to overcome fear in dramatic fashion, with a smile from an icon in the sport being what kept her from walking away, Candice Wooten may be a newer member of the Lunatic Fringe, but she's damn sure going to stay!
Sun, May 05, 2024
Lunatic Fringe with Paul Dorward and Oliver Neuberger
Friends for decades, Paul Dorward and Ollie Neuberger had a lot in common from the very beginning. A love for skydiving, and a career in law enforcement. As each discovered along the way their love not only for teaching within the sport, but welcoming new people to play, they found themselves regularly traveling abroad with plane loads of fellow police Britts to exotic places like Lake Elsinore, California. Paul was blasting full steam ahead on the canopy side of the sport, while Ollie set his sights early on earning the title of AFF instructor. Now, with Paul a Flight-1 instructor and Ollie having completely embraced the AFF life while juggling law enforcement and a family, the two take time out of their busy schedules to talk all things nylon, travel, and community, sharing shades of a great (and enjoyably insulting) friendship deep within the Lunatic Fringe.
Sun, April 28, 2024
Lunatic Fringe with Ray "Ninja"Kubiak
Back in the can to fire off a few questions of his own, A legend in the airsports world who has not only carved out his own unique path, but helped countless others find their own, Ray Kubiak shows not only why he's an incredibly valued member of The Lunatic Fringe, but one who's taken up an entirely new challenge which he'll be making good on in less than three months!
Sun, April 21, 2024
Lunatic Fringe with Andy VanHandel
Like a lot of us, Andy "Bad Andy" VanHandel went out to make his first jump with his then girlfriend. How did that first jump go? Truth is, he couldn't tell you. It was complete overload... Yet something in that first experience drew him back. By jump number 3, he knew he'd found his sport. Working toward his coach rating, then static-line instructor, and eventually to a very busy weekend warrior TI, Andy had found not just a passion, but a community to share it with. Still deep in the tandem game, Andy has gone out of his way to support one of the most deserving causes out there. Veterans. Working closely with the veterans group HOOAH on their incredible project Freedom Freefall, it's an event designed specifically to help vets suffering from PTSD find a new direction and passion in life. With this years event falling on July 13th, which just happens to be World Skydiving Day, and July 20th registration will end May 15th. Head to hooahwi.org/freedom-freefall and help Andy and the Lunatic Fringe give something back to an incredibly deserving group!
Sun, April 14, 2024
Lunatic Fringe with Bodyflight Spotlight
Although Dawson and Olivier started their journey in skydiving at the same time, it was the tunnel that first sunk its hooks deep in both of them. Growing up in Canada, all the usual sports were on tap for each of them, from snowboarding to rock climbing, but it was the tunnel that showed them something exciting and new. As with most, finding both the time and money to maintain turned out to be the biggest challenge, and although Covid threw a proper wrench into the machine for everyone, both Olivier and Dawson survived the two year long tunnel shut down, pushed forward with the skydiving side of their journey and into the world of competition in the tunnel. Now have their sights set on helping smooth the way for newer generations of both skydivers and tunnel flyers with a YouTube video series designed specifically with them in mind, helping to pass on the Lunatic Fringe way of life.
Sun, April 07, 2024
Lunatic Fringe with "Rhino" Jon
Anyone in skydiving for any length of time hears amazing stories, both in the air and on the ground. For those outside the sport, some of them are truly hard to wrap your head around... and Rhino Jon? Well, he has more of those stories than almost anyone. From wealthy beginnings Jon decided to go a different way. His path led him toward the military, then special forces, then covert style operations, drug smuggling, art theft, and of course skydiving. With a 12,000 acre "garden" in Kenya to tend to, he keeps himself busy not just skydiving out of his personal aircraft, but tending to his 270 wild rhinos, elephants, lions and more, as well as ensuring that any poachers are... removed. The author of 5 books including one entitled For the Love of Art, Rhino Jon pretty much wrote the book on the Lunatic Fringe.
Sun, March 31, 2024
Lunatic Fringe with Lee Crudgington
The first time Lee Crudgington thought about jumping out of an airplane he was just in search of a plan for the future. He wasn't prepared for the military recruiter telling him paratrooper training was the way to go. Being fit and young, his training went well, all except for being deployed first to his paratrooper regiment in Iraq without having gone through jump school; yet once he did finally earn his wings, it was the fast track for Lee. Becoming a member of the heralded Red Devils from the very start, it was only the beginning. Through years of demonstration jumps and competition, Lee went on to become an incredibly important member of the team, happily pushing the limits. Yet it would be a vacation and a plan to go speed flying that would change everything, and challenge him like nothing before. Now, coming back from years of surgery and the most demanding physical challenges of his life, Lee once again has his sights set on beating the odds, proving that paratroopers never give up, and showing everyone he's a dedicated member of the Lunatic Fringe.
Thu, March 28, 2024
Lunatic Fringe reboot with Marat Leiras
Another kick ass reboot with Marat Leiras! Originally aired Aug 2020 At 17 he knew. Well, he knew after he talked his mother into signing the release anyway. Marat Leiras showed his dedication to the sport of skydiving almost right away with a 400 kilometer drive one way to the dropzone just to get through AFF. With some serious skill, some wonderful luck and a whole lot of great timing, Marat managed to travel the world, train and jump with some of the best the sport had to offer and even marry the Iowa girl of his dreams; all without ever overstaying his visa! join us as we talk about everything from wind tunnels and BASE jumps to what a crowd of 70,000 looks like from above. All on this edition of Lunatic Fringe Into the Void.
Sun, March 24, 2024
The Lunatic Fringe with Jimmy McCarthy II
From a pretty standard 'that one time I had some money and free time' start to skydiving, to it becoming an almost singular pursuit, Jimmy McCarthy discover in himself not only a desire to pursue his dream of flight, and his passion for teaching, but also an almost core desire to be his own boss. Now a successful load organizer, tunnel coach, and partner with his wife in a budding real estate empire, he's bouncing around from country to country, teaching people to fly and setting aside enough time in his busy schedule to grab a beer in Helsinki with another lifelong member of the Lunatic Fringe.
Thu, March 21, 2024
Lunatic Fringe reboot with Junior's Gear and Currency tips
Another kick ass mid week reboot with Junior! Originally released Jan 2021. Back in the can with the Fuckin' co-host Junior Ludvic, he's got some good tips and advice on taking care of your gear while it's down for the winter months, keeping or getting current, dealing with injuries and what the future holds, this time around on The Lunatic Fringe.
Sun, March 17, 2024
Lunatic Fringe with Anna Moxnes
Like anything, being raised within a sport or activity can either draw you in or push you away, and skydiving is no exception; and although skydiving didn't push Anna Moxnes away from the idea of jumping, it didn't exactly call to her. At least not like music did. At a very young age, Anna found herself on the road as a backup singer in a working band, and it wouldn't be until a random opportunity to make a tandem skydive for charity came about that the idea of jumping surfaced. Even then, it would be another year before it really kicked off. Yet from then on, it's been full speed ahead for Anna, setting her sights on everything from becoming world champion, to being a liaison for our sport with the beginning of The EdgE agency back in 2008. Now a world champion, world record holder and successful business woman, Anna Moxnes isn't just a member of the Lunatic Fringe, she's helping lead the way.
Thu, March 14, 2024
Lunatic Fringe Reboot with Timmi Thomsen
Another kick ass mid week reboot with Timmi Thomsen! Growing up seeing canopies in the air pretty much his entire life, the idea of going to make a skydive when he turned eighteen seemed like a pretty easy decision. Like more than a few jumpers, it didn't take very long until Timmi spotted the direction he wanted to take his journey in the sport. Seeing what at the time he thought was a fatality in action, but was in reality just another swoop did the trick. After a fortuitous job offer to go pack nylon in New Zealand, and a few mentors along the way, Timmi once again found himself on the good side of luck when after and impressive swoop with the help of home field advantage caught the eye of event organizers, he found himself doing demo jumps into one of the most impressive arenas skydive has ever seen, the Copenhagen Swoop Freestyle competition in 2015. Join us on this edition of Lunatic Fringe while we chat about nylon, tunnels and the real world with Timmi Thomsen.
Sun, March 10, 2024
Lunatic Fringe with Tom Gunes
Growing up in a kitchen helped toughen up Tom Gunes. Working his way from a sink full of dishes to a chef's knife, there's no doubt in his mind that the fiery environment a chef has to operate in helped prepare him for the stresses of skydiving, and he took to our sport from jump number one. With his beginnings at one of the most prestigious drop zones in the world, he's been able to soak up inspiration from icons in the sport, but long before he'd ever seen a parachute in person, he'd seen skysurfing. Yet it turns out for Tom, the hardest part of skysurfing turned out to be getting on the plane with a board... Now, having proven he can handle himself, he's busy working on his dream of bringing the 90's era discipline back into the mainstream, and with the help of some of skysurfing's OG's, its a goal he believes the Lunatic Fringe is going to embrace.
Thu, March 07, 2024
Lunatic Fringe Reboot with Jeff Weatherall
Another kick ass mid week reboot with Jeff Weatherall! As a young Kiwi, starting out with sport was a pretty natural thing, and Jeff Weatherall excelled. Surfing seemed to be a natural fit for him, and competition became the standard at a young age; but as is known to happen when you push for the top, Jeff found himself burned out on the waves, and instead put all of his focus into a sport he'd never considered before, wakeboarding. On his way to becoming an international champion behind a boat, he happened to catch a bit of footage of a guy named Frank BASE jumping, and knew it was in his cards. Years after his first glimpse, and long after that very first skydive Jeff made his first BASE jump, and was off on a new trajectory in his life that would eventually lead him on to become a full-time skydiver, wingsuit and BASE coach, and lifelong member of the Lunatic Fringe.
Sun, March 03, 2024
Lunatic Fringe with Greg Windmiller
He never could have imagine when at the ripe old age of seventeen and enlisting in the Army that he'd eventually be nudged into pursuing skydiving by open water and a big fish, but that's exactly what happened. Greg Windmiller knew pretty quickly that skydiving was for him. With what he admittedly calls a 'blessed' career, Greg found himself not just jumping with some of the best in the business, but leading the pack. With a passion cultivated between military and civilian operations, he found his perfect path. Now a long time sought after instructor, public speaker and owner/operator of Superior Flight Solutions, Greg is just as busy as he ever has been, redefining what retirement is, and truly enjoying his place with the Lunatic Fringe.
Thu, February 29, 2024
Lunatic Fringe reboot with The Darman Brothers
Another kick ass mid week reboot with The Darmon Brothers! Third generation skydivers, brothers Marcos and Franco were literally born for aviation. Through luck, both good and bad, their grandfather and father built the family airfield and operation literally from the ground up, and these two brothers took to it like ducks to water, although not as quickly as one might think. With Business and Medicine the original goals, it was conscious decision to change course and follow in their fathers foot steps, walking away from the "real" world to instead remain in the one handed down through the generations. Working hard every step of the way doing everything from manifest to packing, driving to jumping, it was not a straight line to the sky, but one that taught them almost every aspect of the sport, leading them towards the instructors, coaches and competitors that they are today, deep inside the Lunatic Fringe.
Sun, February 25, 2024
Lunatic Fringe with Mike McGowan II
An absolute trailblazer in the world of freefall photography and the man who can almost single-handedly be credited with blueprint for modern tandem video production, Mike Mcgowan joins us once again to talk not only about his incredible career in our sport, but about a subject that holds just as much importance to him. Addiction. Having faced his own demons in the form of alcohol and drug addiction, Mike speaks frankly about his now forty years of sobriety and what it took to get him from a path of self-destruction to a Lunatic Fringe success story and a pioneering member of the skydiving community.
Thu, February 22, 2024
Lunatic Fringe reboot with Will Lajeunesse
Another kick ass mid week reboot with Will Lajeunesse! Starting out at Skydive Crosskeys in the early 2000's was a fucking trip! Just ask Mr. Will Lajeunesse... From the dropzone fix-it-all man so he could jump his ass off, to a fully sponsored athlete, Will had the chance to see skydiving from every angle, both good and bad. From crazy highs to deep lows, he's had the opportunity to taste a bit of it all. Having become infamous for some seriously sketchy shit, to becoming zen in the alps, Will has some wonderful memories to relive and great advise to pass on that you're not going to want to miss.
Sun, February 18, 2024
Lunatic Fringe with Nicholas Armstrong
Drawn to skydiving when higher education failed to engage him and it's social scene held no interest, Nicolas Armstrong couldn't help but feel when he went out to make his first jump on a weekend that also happened to be during the biggest boogie of the year that it simply must be his destiny. With more than 20 years in the sport, working as everything from a camera flyer to tandem instructor to AFF and competitor, he has more than his fair share of stories to tell. On top of that, having to navigate the sometimes difficult landscape of an athlete living with type-one diabetes has made his journey with the Lunatic Fringe one that for him has been well worth the challenge.
Tue, February 13, 2024
Lunatic Fringe Reboot with Shannon and Louise
Another kick ass mid week reboot with Shannon and Louise! Living mirrored lives on different sides of the planet, Louise Kristensen and Shannon Seyb had a passion and drive for most all the same things. From Horseback riding and yoga, to tunnel flying and a love of the sky and our community, forming a team to spread the love and a positive vibes was the only natural thing to do. Biding their time until they can train for dynamic two way tunnel comps and get back in the air, Louise and Shannon take the time to tell me how they got their starts in the sport, and how they've spent their "down" time lately keeping it interesting here in the Lunatic Fringe.
Sun, February 11, 2024
Lunatic Fringe with James Heck
EPISODE #300! Fourteen years old isn't terribly early to be exposed to the wonderful world of skydiving if you're a second or even third generation jumper, but for someone with no connection to it... James Heck was that kid. Through random circumstance, James found himself packing parachutes almost right away, and even though he'd be required to wait what must have seemed like a lifetime to manage that first jump, he knew it was exactly what he wanted to do. Now a proud camera flying, TI instructing, pleasure swooping BASE dabbler, James knows what it's like to just decide to go after what you want full force, just like a good Lunatic Fringer should.
Sun, February 04, 2024
Lunatic Fringe with D. Junior Ludvik
Back in the can after way too long, the one and only David Junior Ludvik catches back up with us to talk about his beginnings in the sport, the wild and wonderful ride that was a decade in Dubai, life after the sandbox and a more military take on the sport, and just some all around fun catching up with The Lunatic Fringe.
Thu, February 01, 2024
Lunatic Fringe reboot with Mark Norman
Another kick ass mid week reboot with the one and only Mark Norman! In this episode I get the chance to sit down with one of skydivings true ambassadors. Having come up in the sport during times of great change and innovation, Mark recalls what it was like to be there "when". Through struggles with burnout and addiction, he's persevered to cultivate a love for skydiving, its community and all the lessons he's learned, and freely shares them with me.
Sun, January 28, 2024
Lunatic Fringe with Robin Jandle
Leaving Southern California for the North Shore of Hawaii Sounded like the perfect opportunity for a then 18 year old Robin Jandle, and it was. So when the opportunity to go make a skydive over one of the most beautiful places on Earth came up, she was... absolutely not into it. So, as good friends are known to do, they took her anyway and peer pressured her on to the plane. One grudging tandem turned into a second, then AFF in one of the most challenging places in the world to learn, and before she knew it, she had her sights set on a career in the sport. Now a competing member of the US Canopy Piloting team and a working instructor for Superior Flight Solutions in North Carolina, Robin Jandle happily embraces her place as possibly be the busiest skydiver in the Lunatic Fringe.
Wed, January 24, 2024
Lunatic Fringe Reboot with Ellis Dahno Bourbonnais
Another kick ass mid week reboot with Ellis Danho Bourbonnais! Ellis Danho Bourbonnais is the quintessence of a renaissance man to say the least, but most certainly not in the way most people would think. From surfing in the Gulf and then Hawaii, to MMA, skydiving, BASE jumping and climbing, Ellis is more at home pushing his personal limits than most people are on a sofa. Attacking new passions whole heartedly is where he's at his best, and he takes this time to give us a few of the reasons why.
Sun, January 21, 2024
Lunatic Fringe with Marta Molinska
in 2012 going out to make a tandem skydive in Poland was pretty much like everywhere else. You book it, you jump. But when Marta Molinska made her first skydive, she didn't even make it to the ground before she was asking how she could make it as a pro. Her instructor not only got her to the ground safely and aimed her in the right direction to begin her journey, but remains her biggest supporter to this day. Now, not just the AFF instructor she set out to be on that very first jump, but managing a skydiving operation and now one of the three people helping to organize what has become the incredibly successful European Skydiving Symposium, Marta has taken her initial passion for skydiving to the next level, and the next, and the next... Lunatic Fringe all the way.
Thu, January 18, 2024
Lunatic Fringe Reboot with JYRO
Another kick ass mid week reboot with JYRO! Back in the can to talk all things nylon are Julien Peelman, Chris Stewart and first timer Chris Snell who are quite literally the ABC's of canopy development, design and production for New Zealand Aerosports. From concept to the production of Proto types to test jumping, we sit down to chat about exactly what it takes to put together the industries leading wings that help keep the lunatic fringe in the sky.
Sun, January 14, 2024
Lunatic Fringe with Hera Rising
“Imagine a free fall from an altitude exceeding 26 miles, breaking the sound barrier unaided, and ascending to the highest crewed balloon ﬂight—this is Hera Rising. Their historic dive aims to leave its mark on history and in hearts, smashing records and lifting spirits.” Meet Eliana Rodriguez, Swati Varshney and Diana Valerin, the Hera Rising teammates who, along with everyone at Rising United have aimed their sights higher than ever before., determined to take the Lunatic Fringe to the highest levels.
Wed, January 10, 2024
Lunatic Fringe Reboot with Mas Di Siena
Another kick ass mid week reboot with Mas Di Siena! Mas Di Siena's entrance into skydiving wasn't exactly smooth, and was a start that would have dissuaded more than most from pushing to reach the level in our sport that he has. Hell, it would have kept most playing video games instead. Ex competitor, professional skydiving instructor and proud as hell meat hauler, Mas has managed to project a shiny outlook and happy disposition that most "working" skydivers should strive for, a great way to approach life in general, and a Lunatic Fringe kind of singing voice that's simply to die for...
Sun, January 07, 2024
Lunatic Fringe with Go Jump Kenya
On location at the absolutely beautiful dropzone located in Mombasa, Kenya, we get the chance to dive into the mindset of a destination boogie goer, the DZO, a first time tandem student, a 77 year old lifelong British jumper younger than most teenagers, and a few regulars to the podcast that help to try and define what it is that makes the worldwide Lunatic Fringe community so damn special.
Wed, January 03, 2024
Lunatic Fringe Reboot with Simon Colmer
Another kick ass mid week reboot with Simon Colmer! It started with an accident onboard a commercial airliner over Austrailia, or at least the catalyst did. In an event that will forever be a part of Simon Colmer, part of learning to get past it was a bucket list that happened to include skydiving; yet for someone scared of heights dealing with the after effects of a traumatic experience onboard an airplane, it was one that took a bit of time to get around to. Now, splitting his life quite clearly between the "real" world of an IT job, and weekends as a freefly coach and up and coming canopy pilot, Simon takes time to tell us about his rough beginnings in the air, lessons learned through injury, experience and travel and a host of incredible characters and mentors, and how he keeps the passion going in a sport with changing trends and appearances as he balances between the regular world and the Lunatic Fringe.
Sun, December 31, 2023
Lunatic Fringe with Even Rokne
Life was all mapped out for Even Rokne. After school and having spent his time in the military, he would be taking over the family business. A hardware store was his future. Right up until it wasn’t. As for so many before him, skydiving changed it all. There from the very beginning, Even vividly remembers Skydive Voss when it was just a club, and a very small one at that. One of the founders of Extreme Week, Even helped not only to shape skydiving in the area, but the very community that would come to embrace not just it, but so many different extreme sports activities. Using his experience to pioneer events around the world, in 2024 he and his partners will be trail blazing new landing areas across islands in one of the most beautiful spots on the planet. Seychelles. With a story that many a skydiver can easily identify with, Even Rokne is clearly on the cutting edge of the Lunatic Fringe, and not walking away anytime soon.
Wed, December 27, 2023
Lunatic Fringe Reboot with Airwax Freely
Another kick ass mid week reboot with Team Airwax! World Champions and always outgoing ambassadors to the world for skydiving, Team Airwax with Greg Crozier, Karine Joy and Ewan Cowie join me face to face in the studio to talk about life after lockdown, travel in the time of Covid, previous lives and what the future holds in store. We touch on what it takes not only to be a championship team in our sport, but how social media plays an enormous part in staying relevant not only to sponsors, but to future generations of skydivers, and how a 2006 Pommero is the perfect bottle of wine to sip while chatting with other lifetime members of the Lunatic Fringe.
Mon, December 25, 2023
Lunatic Fringe with Addie
Addie's Lunatic Fringe Episode
Wed, December 20, 2023
Lunatic Fringe Reboot with Taihuka Smith
Another kick ass mid week reboot with Taihuka Smith! From a missed shot a military flying career due to a childhood illness, to a desire to skydive which lead to an off the beaten path flying lifestyle, Taihuka Smith has had quite a ride so far. Near death experiences in West Papua, peeing in a bottle over the Mediterranean and looking ahead toward an airline career, This is a fun one to give a listen to! (and he sings and plays guitar... Just sayin').
Sun, December 17, 2023
Lunatic Fringe with Amberly Brown
Skydiving was an absolute no for Amberly Brown. Sick to her stomach and feeling out of place, she was much happier on top of her surf board. Having grown up through turbulent times and spending much of her childhood in Alaska, going to college in Hawaii and spending her off time surfing had been an incredibly positive turn, and Amberly hadn’t really been looking to add airsports to the list. Yet through chance meetings with a member of one of skydiving’s most well-known families and a desire to continue to explore her own boundaries, skydiving soon became a driving force in her life. Now, a six-time world record holder, Amberly Brown is busy not only continuing on with her own pursuits through travel and the joy that is a good boogie, but looking for ways to give back to a sport that she still holds an incredible passion for in yet another example of the draw of the Lunatic Fringe.
Wed, December 13, 2023
Lunatic Fringe Reboot with Joe Jennings part II
Another kick ass reboot with Joe Jennings, Part II On the conclusion of Lunatic Fringe with Joe Jennings... From the X-Games to Good Stuff; from Hollywood to the Super Bowl, Mr. Joe Jennings has helped to shape not only modern skydiving through the lens of his camera, but was instrumental in bringing our sport to the forefront of pop-culture, entertainment and the masses. Like most, his first jump wasn't just entertainment, it was transformation, and on part two of Joe's chat on Lunatic Fringe, I get the opportunity to sit and talk with Joe, and my guest host Omar Alhegelan about the making of not only a world class camera flyer, but of some of the most iconic skydiving videos ever to see a screen.
Mon, December 11, 2023
Lunatic Fringe with Vana Parker
Starting her skydiving career jumping round parachutes in her universities skydiving club, there was no doubt that if Vana Parker was going to be active in the sport, it wasn’t going to be in the UK. Luckily for her, South Africa was soon to be where she called home, and finding the nearest dropzone to her quickly became priority number one. With an incredibly competitive personal drive and even after dealing with early injuries, Vana found herself embracing formation skydiving and all that it had to offer. Now, having chased her competitive dreams over the course of an almost 30 year career, she and her fellow hard charging and incredibly dedicated team members have managed to stand at the top of the podium on the world stage with medals around their necks and their national anthem playing; but getting there wouldn’t have happened without absolute focus and determination, nor did it happen without disappointment and controversy. Yet through it all, Vana is still just as passionate today as she was when her journey began, and she’s the first to admit that there doesn’t seem to be any end to her Lunatic Fringe journey in sight.
Wed, December 06, 2023
Lunatic Fringe Reboot with Joe Jennings
Another kick ass reboot with the one and only Joe Jennings! From the X-Games to Good Stuff; from Hollywood to the Super Bowl, Mr. Joe Jennings has helped to shape not only modern skydiving through the lens of his camera, but was instrumental in bringing our sport to the forefront of pop-culture, entertainment and the masses. Like most, his first jump wasn't just entertainment, it was transformation, and on part one of Joe's chat on Lunatic Fringe, I get the opportunity to sit and talk with Joe, and my guest host Omar Alhegelan about the making of not only a world class camera flyer, but of some of the most iconic skydiving videos ever to see a screen.
Sun, December 03, 2023
Lunatic Fringe with Raymond Adams
Raymond Adams Found his calling early in life. Well, he found his first calling... Deciding at the ripe old age of nineteen that he wanted to take a more artistic path and that hairdressing was how it would begin for him, Raymond sought after that particular goal with singular determination. He would eventually pursue skydiving with just as much passion and drive, which would lead him to photography, which would lead to... Even Raymond will be the first to tell you that what comes next is absolutely up in the air! A die-hard member of the community of skydiving that has a much stronger grip on him than any single jump ever could, Raymond Adams takes incredible pleasure in all that the Lunatic Fringe has to offer, and strives each and every day to give back as much as he's received.
Wed, November 29, 2023
Lunatic Fringe Reboot with Anas Bekkali
Another kick ass mid week reboot!! Anas Bekkali. Like a lot of us, he got his start in "Air Sports" almost completely by accident, and like most of us, it totally took over his life, and damn has he made the most of it! Starting off as a pure "tunnel rat" and transitioning to the sky, he's managed to do a whole lot with his ten or so years in the sport. From skydiving over Everest with the Moroccan Flag and jumping his countries flag back home (where he was invited to meet the king), to plans for jumping the great pyramids of Giza and an adventure show of Morocco, Anas is working hard to make the most of his time in the Lunatic Fringe.
Sun, November 26, 2023
Lunatic Fringe with Fleur Jones
Practically born in her families Cessna, Fleur Jones was all about aviation from the very beginning. Traveling almost every weekend to different fields around the UK, it was inevitable that she would eventually come face to face with skydiving. But... It wasn't quite skydiving's time in her life just yet. With urging from her mother, Fleur pursued her dream in dance as a ballerina, and did incredibly well for herself. Right up until mother nature made her just a touch too tall… So, she did what any girl in her position would do. She made the obvious choice to go out and become a detective in her local police force. First of course she worked incredibly hard to become a successful dance teacher and ballet evaluator. After learning how to balance it all, Fleur then managed to not only take up skydiving, to but dedicate what little free time she had left to becoming a valued instructor not only in the sky, but in the tunnel as well, solidifying her incredibly busy schedule deep within the Lunatic Fringe.
Wed, November 22, 2023
Lunatic Reboot with Omar and the Family
Another kick ass mid week reboot with Omar Alhegelan and the Family! Being a champion many times over is amazing. Having a reputation for riding the cutting edge of the sport you love is spectacular. Thinking outside the box and embracing new and bold and daring in a sport full of daring people is wonderful. But let's face it, being the parents your nine year old daughter looks up to and admires makes all that pale by comparison. Dunia Alhegelan, daughter of Omar Alhegelan and Cheri Johnson will be the first to tell you that traveling the world and jumping out of airplanes is something she's wanted to do forever, because well, dad does it, and does it really well! On this episode of Lunatic Fringe I get the whole family in on the act to talk all about life, love, travel, skydiving, mixed up birthdays and piercings. Join in and enjoy Omar and the family!
Sun, November 19, 2023
Lunatic Fringe with James La Barrie
The old quip in our sport goes “If you’re not any good at skydiving, you may want to consider golf”, Yet James La Barrie came at skydiving from a decidedly different angle. Raised on Antigua, what most would call a remote island in the Caribbean, James knew almost instinctively that how you treated a person was just as if not more important than the services you offered them. It was his customer service way of approaching people that not only helped in his profession as a golf club pro, but eventually led to his becoming a skydiver. As a long time dropzone manager and video concession owner, James learned that getting people out to make a skydive was only half the battle. Now working as the host of the up-and-coming podcast The 20 Minute Call, he and his guests dive head first not only into those things they have achieved within our sport but the linch-pin moments that have helped to lead them on their own paths deep within the Lunatic Fringe.
Wed, November 15, 2023
Lunatic Fringe Reboot with Death
Another kick ass mid week reboot with... Death! On this edition of Lunatic Fringe, Omar Alhegelan, Junior Ludvic and I tackle the difficult subject of death, and how we as skydivers deal (or don't deal) with the end. From denial to humor, we speak about how we and those around us cope with it, and try and speak openly about a subject that most skydivers work really hard to avoid; when we at last shuffle off this mortal coil.
Sun, November 12, 2023
Lunatic Fringe with Max Heidenfelder
Getting his start in skydiving at the ripe old age of ten years old, Max Heidenfelder dedicated the entire day he did his first jump to skydiving. Then he didn't make another jump until he was twenty eight. For Max, the tunnel was the real kicking-off point. It led him to skydiving through not only his growing love of airports, but through friends. Exactly the combination that would take him to Dubai first for the Winterfest Boogie, and then as an instructor. Enjoying a balancing act between tandems, tunnel time, paragliding and family time, Max is thoroughly enjoying walking his own path with the Lunatic Fringe.
Wed, November 08, 2023
Lunatic Fringe Reboot with Ray Ferrell
Another kick ass mid-week reboot with Ray Ferrell! I think it's safe to say he may have pissed off a few people in his day. I also think it's safe to say that he gave more assholes like me with a little potential a chance to shine than most ever would. From a true country boy with a real desire to fly to the owner and operator of one of the longest running mid-sized dropzone's in the US, Mr. Ray Ferrell has his footprints all over the world of skydiving. He was there with the pioneers of RAM air canopies and a crazy new kind of flying called "Relative Work", and became his own kind of pioneer as he helped to design the first ever skydive specific aircraft. Listen in as he paints a picture of a wonderful 30 year career building dropzone's, parachutes, airplanes and life long friendships on his journey with the Lunatic Fringe.
Sun, November 05, 2023
The Lunatic Fringe with Jason Moledzki II
Skydiving since 1994, Jason Moledzki is about as deep into skydiving as you can get. 14,000 skydives. 1,400 base jumps. A PD Factory Team legacy member with 60 gold medals. Cofounder of Flight-1, the absolute industry standard in canopy courses and cohost of the popular podcast Trust the Journey, Jason has had the opportunity to see airsports from every angle, and with all those varied views comes a whole lot of wisdom to pass on to the Lunatic Fringe.
Wed, November 01, 2023
Lunatic Fringe Reboot with Michael Washburn
Another kick ass mid week reboot with Michael Washburn of Sky Trash! Don't let the package fool you. Michael Washburn, or should I say, Officer Washburn, Retired US Army Ranger may not be large and imposing, but this guy has been there and done that! Coming to civilian skydiving later in life after a military freefall career that left him less than thrilled with the sport, it was a chance meeting with a guy named "Noah" who flew "wing suits" that drove him to chase a new dream. Years later, as the team captain of "Sky Trash" wing suit team, he's got a humble outlook, but big dreams, and when it comes to chasing them, you can most certainly see the "Ranger"! Join us on this edition of Lunatic Fringe.
Sun, October 29, 2023
Lunatic Fringe with Marshall West
Starting his skydiving journey later in life than most has given Marshall west a bit of a different perspective on our sport. Growing up in Northern California as an avid skateboard and water sports enthusiast, Marshall definitely had outlets during his younger years. It wasn't until after he was deep into family life that skydiving entered the picture, but his initial impression of the sport didn't really draw him in. Until that first jump. That was as the saying goes, all she wrote. Purchasing altimeters and eyeing rigs before he was even through AFF, there was no doubt in his mind that skydiving was his new passion. Happily willing to admit this may have come about as a midlife crisis, it's a crisis Marshall intends to stretch out as long as he can during his journey with the Lunatic Fringe.
Tue, October 24, 2023
Lunatic Fringe Reboot with Ivo Ninov
Another kick ass mid-week reboot with Ivo Ninov! A climber since he was very young, Ivo Ninov had to learn to overcome his fear of heights in order to follow his passion, and overcome he did. Without any real pretense or ego Ivo will tell you about his countless climbs in Yosemite, setting record after record up some of the most formidable rock on the planet. As member of "The Stone Monkey's", He, Ammon McNeeley, Nicola Martinez and two other world class climbers set their sites on BASE as a means of "transportation" back down the mountain when their climbing day was done; but Ivo will be the first to tell you that skydiving didn't come naturally to him, and was one of the hardest learning experiences of his life. Yet this, just like most every other goal he's set for himself was one that he achieved, going on to mark his path in the BASE world as one of the top athletes of his time. Join us on this episode as we get a look at Ivo's continuing path on the Lunatic Fringe.
Sun, October 22, 2023
Lunatic Fringe with Omar Alhegelan II
Now a rightful and somewhat overdue inductee to the prestigious skydiving Hall of Fame, the one and only Omar Alhegelan takes the opportunity to sit down and talk about his origins in the sport and incredible opportunities along the way, as well as those he continues to push towards. From his almost predestined beginnings helping to mold what has become modern day freeflying to helping guide such groundbreaking events such as Everest Skydive, Omar continues onward with his quest to do of all things, make a really cool skydives! As welcoming and gracious as ever, Omar Alhegelan not only continues to be a wonderful ambassador for skydiving across the ages, but just another big kid enjoying his journey with the Lunatic Fringe.
Wed, October 18, 2023
Lunatic Fringe Reboot with LuigiCani
Another kick ass mid-week reboot with Luigi Cani! Fear. It's the one thing that the best in our sport have had to contend with, but for Luigi Cani it was almost too much. Having started his skydiving career with static line jumps that terrified him, he couldn't understand why something inside him kept pushing him back into the airplane, regretting it almost every time. Yet it was that same fear that taught him just how valuable and special the path he had found could be, and what has driven him through an amazing 25 years in our sport. Not satisfied with the ordinary now anymore than he has been at any other point in his career, the soon to be 50 year old icon in our sport is beginning his training toward yet another possible world record on the 34, with a firm grip on his goals deep in the Lunatic Fringe.
Sun, October 15, 2023
Lunatic Fringe with Captain Manicorn
Full send. Even before that was a thing, that was Jamie Leibert. Not one to mince words, he'll be the first to tell you he's had more than his fair share of trouble and the first to take responsibility. Starting out young breaking bones on the back of a bike, it wasn't school or sports that drove him, it was trouble. Fighting, parties and drugs were his path, and it turned out to be a path that led him inevitably to prison; but it was the simple act of climbing a rock, and then skydiving that eventually showed Jamie that there were other ways to do it. In one of the most high energy episodes yet, not only does what he loves about skydiving come out, but what he hates. How his passions eventually turned from raging weekends of jumping and drugs at the DZ to traveling at first the country and then eventually the world with his wife and partner in adventure. Now successfully managing life and a social media presence as Captain Manicorn, there's no doubt that Jamie Leibert is on the Lunatic Fringe route for life.
Tue, October 10, 2023
Lunatic Fringe Reboot with Curt Bartholomew
Another kick ass mid-week reboot with Curt Bartholomew! Embry-Riddle. Not exactly what you would naturally think of as the training grounds for a world class canopy pilot. Perhaps a world class airline jock, or in his case even an air traffic controller, but not the founding member of one of the sports longest lived and most accomplished canopy pilot teams in the sport of skydiving. Curt Bartholomew began his career just like the rest of us; with that first jump. but then again, most of us didn't try (and almost manage to succeed) to complete their entire AFF course in one day! From balls out as a student to balls out with Alter Ego, Curt has pushed his own personal limits and those of the sport for quite some time now, and he's got all the stories (and scars) to go along with it. Enjoy Lunatic Fringe Into the Void with Mr. Curt Bartholomew.
Sun, October 08, 2023
The Lunatic Fringe With Marie Clark
Not even on the map.Skydiving was so far outside what Marie Clark thought possible that when the opportunity finally did arrive, she was both incredibly excited at the prospect and scared to the point of drafting a will. As expected, landing from that first jump set Marie on a path, but it was one that was derailed almost as soon as it truly began with medical issues that saw her not just in the hospital, but with a long road to recovery ahead. Her driving ambition for getting better was of course the goal of getting back in the air. As a successful wingsuit coach who never intended to wingsuit, an AFF instructor, an organizer, and now someone with world records on the horizon, Marie works hard at finding balance between her incredibly demanding “real world” career, and her desire to push forward with her ever growing career deep within the Lunatic Fringe.
Wed, October 04, 2023
Lunatic Fringe Reboot with Julien Peelman
Another kick ass mid-week reboot with Jyro's Julien Peelman! He might not be the best known name in the sport, and you've not seen him standing atop a podium after a sick canopy competition, but he's been there none the less. Julien Peelman wasn't just creative in how he began his time in skydiving or even in how he got his gig with NZ Aerosports, but it's that exact creativity and training that has forever solidified his name and legacy in our sport. Designing wings that not only saves lives, but smash world records, he's put his skills to work on everything from the Petra to the Kraken and everything in-between, and he's helping keep himself and so many more happy and active with the Lunatic Fringe.
Sun, October 01, 2023
Lunatic Fringe with Matt Yount
Twenty six years and still going strong. When Matt Yount got his start in skydiving, tandems were just becoming a normal way to enter the game, and now… Now not only does Matt find himself a tandem examiner but he finds himself traveling the globe helping to share our sport with individuals and skydiving federations worldwide. With trips to incredible places like Nepal, Iceland, the Maldives, Egypt and many more, he is absolutely one of the authorities on what it takes to make it as an international tandem instructor. A lifelong member of the Lunatic Fringe, Matt may have a bunch of years behind him, but he'll still l be going strong for sometime to come.
Tue, September 26, 2023
Lunatic Fringe Reboot with Kaz Sheekey
Another kick ass mid-week reboot with Highlight Pro Skydiving Team's one and only Kaz Sheekey! Proper scared. Kaz Sheekey started out like I imagine a fair amount of us do in skydiving, but for her, just like most of us who decide to make a life out of it, that fear she felt on jump one became a positive driving force, not a deterrent. Immediately attracted to the lifestyle as well as her love of jumping, all it took was a "vacation" to the US to drive her into a 25 plus year love affair not just with skydiving, but with canopy piloting. A kick ass competitor, Flight One instructor and demo team member to boot, as well as balancing life as a mom in these trying times, Kaz Sheekey takes a bit of her time to share with us her journey into the Lunatic Fringe.
Sun, September 24, 2023
Lunatic Fringe with Dani Roman
Dani Roman. There's a lot of things that can be said, but by now that pretty much sums it up. It may have been from humble beginnings, but his career has been anything but ordinary and he has no intentions of going back. Through volcanos, check. Under bridges, check. In freefall below your landing altitude, check. Yes. You read that correctly, freefall below landing altitude! Dani Roman is a prime example of what "next level" really means, and as he prepares for new challenges both personally and professionally he helps to continually elevate the rest of the Lunatic Fringe.
Tue, September 19, 2023
Lunatic Fringe Reboot with Espen Fadnes
Another kick-ass re-boot with Espen Fadnes! Born and raised in a part of Norway where sport wasn't just another choice, but a way of life, Espen Fadnes grew up roped up and climbing or skiing almost before he was walking. Being on the rock and in the mountains was beyond second nature, as were all the other terrestrial adventures Norway had to offer. Yet with Espen, from a young age, reaching the tops of the peaks he climbed and either hiking or skiing down soon didn't satisfy, and he found himself dreaming of flying where others walked. In an environment that back then was alien and overwhelming, his beginnings in skydiving were tempered with having to overcome something he hadn't really known before; fear. Now, arguably at the top of his game as a seasoned and highly respected BASE jumper, skydiver and instructor, Espen takes a little time to speak about some great and even no so great choices and adventures on his path with the Lunatic Fringe.
Sun, September 17, 2023
The Lunatic Fringe with Dan Kluge
Running outside every time he heard his neighbors airplane flying low over his family farm, there was no doubt that aviation sparked something inside Dan Kluge, and the opportunity to watch a demonstration skydive was exactly the kick he needed to head out to the dropzone and start his own adventure. Running through his beginnings like most "working" skydivers do, Dan found himself chucking drogues for an extremely busy mid-sized dropzone, and a chance opportunity for a scenic right seat ride around the iconic Chicago skyline after dropping a demo lit yet another fire he was not planning for. Now, 16,000 jumps made around the world and flying opportunities that only skydiving can offer, Dan Kluge finds himself the chief pilot of Go Jump America based out of Southern California and Hawaii, and loving every second of his Lunatic Fringe life.
Tue, September 12, 2023
Lunatic Fringe with Hannah Betts Reboot
Another mid-week reboot with the amazing Hannah Betts! If you're not the type to stay until the credits have all rolled, then you may just miss her name, but chances are, you know her work! From an active duty police officer to a UK National and then World 4-way champion turned professional skydiving instructor, Hannah Betts is not a woman scared of change; so when the opportunity knocked, she decided to answer her call to the world of professional stunt work in a major way! From AFF to the "MeToo" movement, badass stunt people and both sincere and asshole actors, she's got enlightening stories to tell, and I for one am a real fan. Join us now and listen in on Lunatic Fringe Into the Void!
Sun, September 10, 2023
The Lunatic Fringe with Kim Emmons Knor
1959 may have been when she was able to successfully make her first jump, but Kim Emmons Knor had been trying to get out of planes for as long as she could remember. Never caring much about what society may or may not expect of her, it was somewhere around switching majors for her forth time her freshman year of college that luck and circumstance helped finally get her out on the strut. It may have also been a contributing factor in a set of downed power lines and a few cold nights for unsuspecting local residents. Packing for her new "club" almost immediately and soon after rigging work, her next step and driving passion was competition for the US; leading her on course for a headlong collision with the CIA, a Cold War defector, a brief career in smuggling and a hell of a lot of fun. Having returned to the blue after a pretty substantial hiatus for marriage, kids and then grandkids, Kim is now pushing towards a life long goal all her own… Her golden wings, 1000 jumps and a jump over the pyramids. The embodiment of the true "stoke" that is skydiving, Kim is a proud member of the original Lunatic Fringe, and will be for life.
Tue, September 05, 2023
Lunatic Fringe with Bill Booth Reboot
Another kick ass reboot with the one and only Bill Booth! - Photo by James Macca Macdonald. William Booth. Bill Booth. Bill "Lord of the Three Rings" Motherfuckin' BOOTH! Astounding is all I have to say. When you stop to think about literally all of the game changing inventions this man has brought to our sport, any one of which would put him deep in the Hall of Fame, and then put them all together... WOW! You have a man who has almost single handedly shaped modern skydiving into what we know and love today. I can't lie, at least a few times in this interview I'm literally gushing with gratitude, because let's face it, without the BOC throw out pilot chute, the three ring system, tandems... How many of us would have a vastly different life right now? A wealth of knowledge and a great and entertaining story teller, it is my great pleasure to present to you Mr. Bill Booth on Lunatic Fringe.
Sun, September 03, 2023
The Lunatic Fringe with Luke Aikins
A third generation skydiver with an origin story stemming all the way back to World War II, Luke Aikins was literally born to be a skydiver. Growing up surrounded by skydiving in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, he had always known that his future would undoubtedly take place in the sky, but even back then he could have never predicted the amazing career he would carve out for himself. Both behind the scenes and up front for some of the most iconic stunts of our skydiving generation, Luke, his family and all his team mates and collaborators put one hundred and ten percent into every project that he takes on, and it shows. With RedBull helping to make even the most intricate and outrageous plans come to fruition, there's no doubt that the Lunatic Fringe has an ambassador for his as well as future skydiving and aviation generations to come.
Tue, August 29, 2023
Lunatic Fringe with Ryan Graney Reboot
Another kick ass mid-week reboot with Ryan Graney! Teen climbing instructor and a bit of a lost soul, to a 200,000 a year oil and gas man, Ryan Graney made it pretty big pretty young, and exceeded expectations in more ways than one. A hard charging BASE jumper and professional party guy, you'd be surprised at just how much thought has gone into his crazy antics over the years. Articulating his desire not only to live a life less ordinary but one with real meaning, I think you'll be more than a little surprised and what hides behind the apparent show stopper personality. Join us on the next Lunatic Fringe.
Sun, August 27, 2023
Lunatic Fringe with Simeon Lott
Another alumni from the epic (or infamous) Cross Keys, Mr. Simeon Lott got his start with a very last minute decision brought about by an almost chronic Point Break viewing habit. Skydiving courtesy of Her Majesty's military, his transition from regimented to out of control was pretty abrupt with his first week at CK seeing both awesome change and tragedy. Having now traveled the globe and having taken more than ten thousand tandem students, Simeon is a prime example of what the Lunatic Fringe can achieve when they put their minds towards a goal, ignore pain and soldier on.
Tue, August 22, 2023
The Lunatic Fringe Reboot with DJ Marvin
Another kick ass mid-week reboot with DJ Marvin! DJ Marvin, host of the successful Gravity Lab Radio Podcast, founder and owner of the Ratings Center, long time skydiver and professional shit shooter sits down to talk to me about his beginnings in the sport, the podcasting world and where it's all led him. A love not only of skydiving itself but the community in which its based have been the driving force behind his desire to educate and expand the wonderful Lunatic Fringe in which we live, and he takes the time to tell me why.
Sun, August 20, 2023
Lunatic Fringe with Ellen Pulford
A second-generation skydiver born to a father who’d managed to make hundreds of jumps back when “sex was safe and skydiving was dangerous”, Ellen Pulford had grown up with the lure skydiving even though both her jumping parents had hung it up before she was around. Late to the game by some standards, it had been the corporate game she’d been playing and playing well without much distraction, right up until that first tandem in her 30thyear. For a time she had both business and skydiving in her life, but a cancer diagnosis, difficult decisions and the supportive power of the skydiving community pulled her away from the so called “American Dream”. Now working hard at living, getting healthy and staying happy take top priority for this deeply devoted member of the Lunatic Fringe.
Tue, August 15, 2023
Lunatic Fringe Reboot with Olga and Cornelia
It's another mid-week reboot With Olga and Cornelia! On this episode of The Lunatic Fringe I get the opportunity to sit down with World Champion canopy pilot Cornelia Mihai and up and comer Olga Naumova about what its like to work, play and compete in what up until recently has been a male dominated corner of the skydiving world. Funny and insightful, these two are happy and hardcore!
Sun, August 13, 2023
Lunatic Fringe with Chris Stewart & Jyro
I mean, what can you say… Back in the can for another chat about all things nylon and Jyro, it's the man with an incredibly long job title who manages to have a great time pretty much every step of the way. The Athlete coordinating, social media creating, canopy swooping, rebranding man of the hour, Chris Stewart and The Lunatic Fringe.
Wed, August 09, 2023
Lunatic Fringe Reboot With Mike Wittenberg
Another Mid-Week Reboot with Mike Wittenburg! Semi Professional snowboarder turned professional competitive skydiver, Mr. Mike Wittenburg has a whole lot to brag about with more medals and championship teams than most; yet if you were to ask him what his greatest accomplishment was, he's more likely to start telling you about his kids accomplishments than his own. Listen in to find out just how a world champion dad not only put himself on track toward air-sports greatness, but helped guide his children to not just national but world gold in the wind tunnel.
Sun, August 06, 2023
Lunatic Fringe with Connor Meyer
In need of direction. Like a lot of us, Connor Meyer didn't come out of school with any real plan or fire in his belly. His father, a proud US veteran who worked hard to provide his son opportunities made it clear that Connor was expected to put in the work, so put in the work he did. Graduating from military academy and serving in the United States Army as a commissioned officer, Connor learned exactly what hard work and team spirit could achieve. Just in time to sit and do nothing while Covid flushed most peoples plans down the toilet; right until he made that first drive to the drop zone. Now a few years into the game with injuries and recoveries under his belt, Connor has his sights aimed towards longevity in our sports both for himself, and his brothers in arms, knowing full well what the Lunatic Fringe has to offer to those willing to give it a shot.
Wed, August 02, 2023
Lunatic Fringe Mid-Week Reboot with Andy Ford
Another Mid-Week Reboot with Andy Ford! Having covered skydiving from almost every angle, Andrew "Fordy" Ford had the opportunity to compete at a world class level in Skysurfing in its heyday courtesy of a proper military grooming, watch the creation of wingsuits from the beginning, and earn and exercise instructional ratings all over the world. As the story goes, "It all started with a beer. It always starts with a beer!"
Sun, July 30, 2023
Lunatic Fringe with Yonatan and Ella
One was becoming a big fish in a small pond, with beginnings on round canopies in the Israeli Military. The other was one of a rare few actually born and raised in DeLand, Florida who'd been watching canopies and meeting skydivers from the very beginning. Both not only fell in love with the sport that would become an incredibly important facet in their lives, but with each other as they pursued their mutual passions. Traveling around the United States and the world, Yonatan and Ella Ran have chased their dreams both in and out of the sky, managing to find a balance between the two while raising a child, carving out new careers, participating in incredible projects and maintaining the wonderfully close ties the Lunatic Fringe has to offer those that chose to life life on their terms.
Tue, July 25, 2023
Lunatic Fringe Mid-Week Reboot with Pat and Shavon
Another Mid-Week Reboot with Pat and Shavon! In this super fun and insightful episode I get the chance to sit down for a heart to heart chat with husband and wife Pat and Shavon about their shared love for skydiving and its community, the pitfalls and snags that come with being a couple in an "extreme" lifestyle, the parties, the close calls and what might come next.
Sun, July 23, 2023
Lunatic Fringe with Luci Martyn
She knew from a pretty young age that she was in a rather unique position. She also knew from a pretty young age that her dad was, well… cool! Luci Martyn has all the normal childhood memories that most kids do, but those memories are also forever intertwined with her earliest memories of skydiving, it's community around the world and her fathers prominent position in it. It wasn't a question that skydiving would someday be a part of her life, only how much of her life it might occupy. Now one of the directors of Jyro, an incredibly successful canopy manufacturer, Luci Martyn has the pedigree one would expect for a person in her position, right along with the wild streak needed to hold the reins of a company with a reputation for pushing boundaries (and sometimes buttons) with their line crossing antics and add campaigns to match. The Lunatic Fringe is most certainly strong in this one.
Tue, July 18, 2023
Lunatic Fringe Mid-Week Reboot with Rook Nelson
Another Mid-Week Reboot with Rook Nelson! A third generation of jumpers that started with the 82nd Airborne, Rook Nelson comes from one of the most well known legacy families in skydiving. Having embraced the sport from an extremely young age, he's had the opportunity to try his hand at, compete and succeed in most every discipline the sport has to offer. Having been handed the reins of one of the largest operations in skydiving history after a tragic accident, he's taken what was already a force to be reckoned with and turned it into what can only be considered a cornerstone in the sport; yet with all the weight that comes along with such responsibility, he hasn't forgotten that its still suppose to be about having fun!
Sun, July 16, 2023
Lunatic Fringe with Zack Rosser II
Back in the can for another chat about all things nylon, Zach Rosser brings us up to speed on his and the sports progression in canopy flocking and just how incredibly fast it's all evolving. It's a great look into the very beginnings of a new discipline in our sport as it just gets going, and all of the amazing potential it has, straight from the mouth of one of the Lunatics helping to chart a new course.
Tue, July 11, 2023
Lunatic Fringe Reboot with Ellis
It's another mid-week reboot with the one and only Ellis! Ellis Danho Bourbonnais is the quintessence of a renaissance man to say the least, but most certainly not in the way most people would think. From surfing in the Gulf and then Hawaii, to MMA, skydiving, BASE jumping and climbing, Ellis is more at home pushing his personal limits than most people are on a sofa. Attacking new passions whole heartedly is where he's at his best, and he takes this time to give us a few of the reasons why.
Sun, July 09, 2023
Lunatic Fringe with Brian Grubb
It's yet another story of it all starting out as a family affair, with roots in competition starting as young as 11 or 12 years old. Yes, you would be right, that's way too young to start a skydiving career, but its the perfect age to begin what has now been a more than 20 year career as a professional watersports athlete in activities ranging from Wakeskating to Foil Boarding. All Sports that helped vault Brian Grubb toward the top of his game and landing him an incredible career with RedBull. It's also how Brian eventually made his way into skydiving and BASE because lets be honest... when you're a RedBull athlete, you know people. Still happily in the thick of things in his Watersport career with no end in sight, Brian still manages to take any opportunity he can to learn from the best in airsports, enjoying the Lunatic Fringe in all its wonderful settings.
Wed, July 05, 2023
Lunatic Fringe Reboot with Squirrel
It's another mid week reboot with Squirrel! Matt Gerdes and Mike Steen of Squirrel Wingsuits may not have set out to reshape the face of BASE jumping, but it seems they are quickly on their way to doing exactly that. With a ton of paragliding experience under their belts, their single minded goal soon became BASE jumping and wingsuit BASE; and in pursuing their lofty and dangerous dream ended up designing their own line of BASE specific equipment designed to enhance performance, increase safety and push the boundaries of human flight.
Sun, July 02, 2023
Lunatic Fringe with Jason Cooke
Hook, line and sinker. With the help of a really savvy DZO, what started out as a few fellas deciding to make a one time jump turned into an almost instant obsession. As a young and close to broke skydiver like so many of us were, Jason Cooke did what he had to do to get through his beginnings in the sport, and just in time. The revolution that was set in motion by the film Point Break sent waves of fresh blood toward the industry just in time for a now relatively experienced Jason to start making his way, first shooting outside video, and then as an instructor and competitor; but it wasn't just a new wave of jumpers, it was a new wave in equipment and technology at a time when camera flyers had to be the masters of DIY in order to do the job. It's where Jason Cooke's talent for design and a will to tinker served him incredibly well first for himself, and soon after for his mates. Now years later, Cookie Helmets can be seen on almost every dropzone and in every tunnel around the world, with its beginnings in a deep love for the sport and as just another necessity of the Lunatic Fringe.
Tue, June 27, 2023
Lunatic Fringe Reboot with Reagan Tetlow
It's another mid-week reboot with the one and only Regan Tetlow! Talk about a wildly varied life... Mr. Regan Tetlow has made the rounds to say the least! From bar tender and pub owner, to the meet and greet face man at Skydive Emporia Brava. From randomly being asked to announcing a swoop event on the beach to becoming the voice behind some of the largest skydiving events in the world (and if you can believe it, balloon races...). DJ and MC turned pro skydiver and actor Mr. Regan Tetlow has stories and insight galore!
Sun, June 25, 2023
Lunatic Fringe with Domi Kiger
Tenacious. That's really the only way to put it when a 12-year-old sets her sights on jumping from an airplane and still wants it just as much three years later. There was little to no doubt in Domi Kiger's mind that she would do at least two things. One was blow bubbles scuba diving, and the other was make a skydive. By 16 years old she'd managed to work a part time job long enough to put herself through AFF, and the rest... well, the rest was history at Sorbonne Université and a Masters degree to follow; even though she knew the circus awaited... Now, a skydiving world champion, Joyrider, keynote speaker and airsports liaison to the fashion industry, Domi is still blazing her trail deep within the Lunatic Fringe, with no signs of slowing down.
Wed, June 21, 2023
Lunatic Fringe Reboot with Craig Girard
A mid-week reboot with one of the greatest to ever hit the sky, Mr. Craig Girard! With more than thirty eight years and over thirty-thousand skydives under his belt, you'd be hard set to find anyone on earth with more overall experience than Mr. Craig Girard. Multiple World Title and World Record holder, Craig was a member of not only the United States Army's Golden Knights, but Arizona Airspeed, one of the most highly decorated relative work teams in the sports history; a key member of the 400-way team over Thailand and coach for some of the most competitive teams out there, he takes time to sit down with me to share some of his truly amazing experiences and insights into the Lunatic Fringe.
Sun, June 18, 2023
Lunatic Fringe with Bob Lewis
When it comes to skydiving, most modern skydivers know the basics about our sports history. The average jumper can most likely tell you who created the 3-ring system and perhaps even who holds the record for the highest skydive, but you'd be hard pressed to find anyone that knows more about the history of skydiving and parachuting than Bob Lewis. As an ambassador for the skydiving Museum and Hall of Fame and tasked to help create some of its exhibits, Bob Lewis has a true passion for our history in the sky, and takes some of his valuable time to sit down and tell us all about what's gone into creating our wonderful Lunatic Fringe, and those who paved the way.
Tue, June 13, 2023
Lunatic Fringe Reboot with Curt Bartholomew
Another Kick Ass Mid-Week Reboot with Mr. Curt Bartholomew! Embry-Riddle. Not exactly what you would naturally think of as the training grounds for a world class canopy pilot. Perhaps a world class airline jock, or in his case even an air traffic controller, but not the founding member of one of the sports longest lived and most accomplished canopy pilot teams in the sport of skydiving. Curt Bartholomew began his career just like the rest of us; with that first jump. but then again, most of us didn't try (and almost manage to succeed) to complete their entire AFF course in one day! From balls out as a student to balls out with Alter Ego, Curt has pushed his own personal limits and those of the sport for quite some time now, and he's got all the stories (and scars) to go along with it. Enjoy Lunatic Fringe Into the Void with Mr. Curt Bartholomew.
Sun, June 11, 2023
Lunatic Fringe with Shauna Finley
She may say that she was the less dominant twin growing up, but after almost being dared to, Shauna Finley changed up the entire trajectory of her life by leaving behind the track shoes and lacing up a pair of military boots. As a proud member of the Marine Corps, she was able to take the experience she gained during her 11 year career and take it on patrol as a State Trooper, which of course was a natural segue to skydiving...? Okay, not the straightest line to a jump career, but when you hear it all from her it makes complete sense. Now, the proud new owner and DZO of Skydive Shenandoah, she's got the opportunity to flex her years of experience with jumping, rigging and management in the pursuit of her own little slice of heaven, with a birds eye view of the Shenandoah National Park and a firm grip on the Lunatic Fringe.
Tue, June 06, 2023
Lunatic Fringe Reboot with Olav Zipser
Another Lunatic Mid-Week Reboot with the one and only Olav Zipser! The Father of Freefly. Was he the first person to be on his head in the air? of course not, but he was most certainly the first to go out of his way to stay there! Dancing around the clouds like Peter Pan for the last 30+ years, Olav Zipser has been "freeflying his mind" and traveling the world encouraging others to learn to do the same with not just technical ability, but with heart and passion. With ambitions that range from catching his shadow and its rainbow on every cloud he could find, to looking for ways to blast into outer space, Olav has led his best version of the life he almost didn't choose.
Sun, June 04, 2023
Lunatic Fringe with Ray Kubiak and Cameron McMahan
One got his start as a Las Vegas Flyaway tunnel rat back in the 90's. The other began as a 2nd generation Flyaway tunnel rat in Pigeon Forge Tennessee, and between the two, they've taken a love of body flight to the next level of obsession. Now with their sights set on not just dominating the body flight world but revolutionizing it, Mr. Cameron McMahan and Mr. Ray Kubiak are going big for their next chapter. With McMahan taking the reins as CEO of the next generation of Flyaway Indoor Skydiving Center and Kubiak as his partner, they've just announced their plan to open a purpose-built 50,000 square foot facility aimed directly at pro-flyers and enthusiasts as well as those first time flyers that just may be the next-best-thing! Join in on the next episode as Ray and Cameron tell of all the incredible plans they have that help solve the problem of first-time vs experienced flyers, and give everyone the opportunity to dive head first into the Lunatic Fringe.
Tue, May 30, 2023
Lunatic Fringe Reboot with Attila Csizmadia
Mid-Week Reboot with the man with the Jyro plan... Mr. Attila Csizmadia! From Nervous beginnings in communist Hungary on military rounds with a reserve he had to pack himself, to Four-Way world meets to a stint packing for the Golden Knights and test jumps on Icarus canopies that would be enough to make anyone lay the nylon down and walk away, Attila Cszmadia has come a very long way in his time in the sport; and as the long time GM of NZ Aero it's safe to say there's a whole lot more to come. Join us as we talk about slow starts, fast canopies and growing up with the Lunatic Fringe.
Sun, May 28, 2023
Lunatic Fringe with Will Penny
As a second generation skydiver, there was no doubt in Will Penny's mind that he would not just make a jump, but become a skydiver; but even for him there was a moment when the decision had to be made between the so called real life he'd been studying to pursue and a life in the sky. Cut to years later when once again Will was faced with deciding between the life he had established for himself as a working camera flyer, and his dream of competition, and again with his desire to step on to yet another path where all the decisions were truly his. Perhaps it's a testament to his character, or the broader character of skydivers and our community, but Will Penny has never been one to shy away from stepping out of his comfort zone, and deeper into the Lunatic Fringe.
Sun, May 21, 2023
Lunatic Fringe with Mark ”Trunk” Kirschenbaum
Having made his way through school and started his career as an electrical engineer, skydiving hadn't been much more than a one time experience with a static line jump in college; yet as the real world started to exert itself on him, Mark "Trunk" Kirschenbaum decided to give jumping another go. This time around he could afford to pursue skydiving properly, and quickly found himself not just jumping but filming as well. Back then and especially for a talented electrical engineer, the shortcomings of freefall photography made themselves crystal clear. Luckily for the majority of camera flyers, Trunk had a real knack for exactly this type of problem solving, and the beginnings of his company Hypoxic began to take shape. Now providing camera solutions while still traveling the country and enjoying the boogie life (although a slightly more mellow version) Mark "Trunk" Kirschenbaum and Hypoxic continue to help capture our Lunatic Fringe on video.
Sun, May 14, 2023
Lunatic Fringe with Jeff Provenzano
Attempting to jump off his roof as a kid into his fathers arms may have been a good indication of what was to come. Although Jeff Provenzano didn't come from parents that lived an extreme lifestyle, he did come from artistic stock, which could explain a lot. Even though his beginnings in skydiving were modest and even what might be considered by many to be ordinary, where he's taken his career is anything but. From the beginnings of the swoop revolution in the States and then competitions worldwide, to an anything but ordinary career as one of the top performing RedBull Athletes, Jeff Provenzano has shown us time and time again that the sport of skydiving, and canopy piloting specifically can be incredibly artistic, and it's his flair for the dramatic that helps to keep him at the forefront of the Lunatic Fringe.
Mon, May 08, 2023
Lunatic Fringe and a Jim Mathews Tribute 2
Tribute Episode 2 Jim Mathews who always made us laugh. Jim Mathews who use to call me "Skipper". Jim Mathews who liked to swap costumes on Halloween. Jim Mathews who rode the airport beacon. Jim Mathews who could break more bones in one landing than most people will in a lifetime. Jim Mathews who always had a smile for people, no matter what was going on with him. Jim Mathews who would never pass up the opportunity to tell a story, help a friend or make sunset load if he could. Jim Mathews who was everyone's best cheerleader and who always let you know that you were loved. Jim Mathews who still makes us smile, even though we're heartbroken that he's gone. Way too soon Brother. You were suppose to fall apart getting old and laughing right along with the rest of us, but you can be damn sure everyone who loved you will take a piece of you along for the rest of the ride, right till the end.
Sun, May 07, 2023
Lunatic Fringe with a Jim Mathews Tribute
Jim Mathews who always made us laugh. Jim Mathews who use to call me "Skipper". Jim Mathews who liked to swap costumes on Halloween. Jim Mathews who rode the airport beacon. Jim Mathews who could break more bones in one landing than most people will in a lifetime. Jim Mathews who always had a smile for people, no matter what was going on with him. Jim Mathews who would never pass up the opportunity to tell a story, help a friend or make sunset load if he could. Jim Mathews who was everyone's best cheerleader and who always let you know that you were loved. Jim Mathews who still makes us smile, even though we're heartbroken that he's gone. Way too soon Brother. You were suppose to fall apart getting old and laughing right along with the rest of us, but you can be damn sure everyone who loved you will take a piece of you along for the rest of the ride, right till the end.
Sun, April 30, 2023
Lunatic Fringe with Shannon Pilcher
You could almost call it a storybook beginning. Groomed for a competition team before he’d even begun jumping, Shannon Pilcher was offered opportunities in skydiving that jumpers these days could only dream of. That’s not to say he didn’t he put in the work or earn his place because he most certainly did; but as he will be the first to say, it was the accomplishments of his team as a whole that helped carry them all to the levels they have achieved. From PD’s initial FS team to its iconic team canopy piloting dynasty, Shannon took the incredible lessons he’s learned through his years in our Lunatic Fringe sport and cultivated a successful career in corporate America coaching its leaders. Join us now in this insightful and thought provoking conversation.
Sun, April 23, 2023
Lunatic Fringe with Jenna Gygi
She hadn't even known it was a thing. It all came about from just a casual invitation to go make a skydive one evening. Less than two weeks after that fateful jump, Jenna Gygi had signed up for her AFF course, setting her on a completey different path than the professional one she had been on; and perhaps it was because she was coming from a professional world that she aimed herself toward earning her tandem rating, knowing that if you intended to earn a living in this sport it was the best path. But it was wingsuit flying that was her true passion, and one that led her to discover a better way for her, that of a professional coach. It was her extensive time in the then very new cutting edge wingsuit tunnel that finally convinced Jenna to take her hard earned skills to the mountains where she knew she belonged. Now, hundreds of BASE jumps in and having become one of the most prominent wingsuit BASE jumpers out there, Jenna takes the time to share her experiences and lessons learned both in the sky and mountains as well as with her family at home and family in our community . It's these experiences as well as what's to come that solidifies her place deep within the Lunatic Fringe.
Sun, April 16, 2023
Lunatic Fringe with Matt Lajeunesse
Admittedly skydiving with something he knew he would enjoy. Being the little brother of the famous, or shall we say infamous Will Lajeunesse (and now husband to the one and only Katie Hansen) it was clearly in his blood. Heading out to Skydive CrossKeys for that first skydive, being the drop zone that both his brother and mother frequented was not a hard decision; yet it wasn't until his first AFF that he truly realized what his new sport was all about. It was the same for BASE. After reaching the required experience level set by his brother, BASE jumping became a true passion, and has been one that has driven Matt Lajeunesse quite literally to the extremes. Now, founder and owner of Tandem BASE Moab, he is bringing his years of experience in both sports to bear in a venture that is truly on the cutting edge, solidifying his place at the forefront of the Lunatic Fringe.
Mon, April 10, 2023
Lunatic Fringe with Katelyn ”Compton” Escott
It was an easy choice. $300 for a tandem skydive, or $200 for a first jump course and a 3,500 foot instructor assisted jump. Not really a hard decision for a then 19 year old trying to pay for it all. Growing up in a small town in Western Canada, getting started in skydiving wasn't nearly as easy for Katelyn Escott as it has been for others, but from even before that first jump it was something she was drawn toward. From jumping in Canada to shooting video in Australia, it was a series of fortunate encounters that led her to both BASE, and wingsuits, and eventually the challenge of bringing those two together; but Katelyn is busy dealing with her largest challenge yet, and she's not shy about sharing the struggle. The struggle of recovering from an accident that very easily could have taken her life, and probably should have taken the use of her legs. Driven by the desire to once again get back in the air, there is simply nothing that will keep her on the ground even one minute longer than she must, solidifying both her amazing will and her place deep within the Lunatic Fringe.
Sun, April 02, 2023
Lunatic Fringe with Vanessa Shirazi
It was her grad school bachelorette party and a strong desire to stay away from the standard “hen night“ that sparked the decision to jump. Vanessa Shirazi and a crew of 10 ladies headed to Skydive Chicago for a weekend, beginning an extraordinary and passionate career in skydiving. As a working neuroscientist, Vanessa has found a way to mix profession and passion in more ways than one, even blending the two together in a study aimed directly at skydivers abilities to handle stress. Now balancing work, skydiving events such as Project 19 and the busy life of a mother of two, she still holds tightly to her passion for the sport and all that the Lunatic Fringe has to offer.
Sun, March 26, 2023
Lunatic Fringe with Jason Russell Professional Skydiver
One slight miscalculation and more than a dozen broken bones was the result. There was really no question about why Jason Russell decided to give up on Motocross and begin his skydiving career. Wait... what? Yes, that's right. Part of his motivation to begin his life in skydiving was a conscious attempt to get away from danger; That, and the realization quite early in his time in skydiving that competition was a solid part of the sport. through a series of fortuitous events in his life, Jason went from early dreams of competition and tunnel flying, to eventually spending a few years working as an elite tunnel instructor and eventually as the CEO of Skydive Dubai. Now, back not only in full jump mode not just for work but for competition, Mr. Russell finds himself busier than he's ever been, deep in the heart of the Lunatic Fringe.
Sun, March 19, 2023
Lunatic Fringe with Dan Blakeley
It’s yet another instance of skydiving saving a life. Fighting through difficult times and a past that wouldn’t let go, Dan Blakeley turned to skydiving with a doesn’t matter if I die attitude. Doesn’t matter, right up until he found himself in freefall wanting to live every second of life he could, having just literally fallen into his purpose. With luck in the sport that only a 90s skydiving newbie could appreciate, Dan was handed opportunities that allowed him to carve out a successful career as a camera flyer and instructor for many years. Now retired from the sport and on a different path, Dan looks back on a fulfilling career happily knowing that regardless of what the future holds, he is and will always be a member of the Lunatic Fringe for life.
Sun, March 12, 2023
Lunatic Fringe with The EdgE
As children, the desire to push back against what our parents do is as natural as breathing, even when what your parents do is cool as hell. Neither Anna Moxnes nor Hollie-Blue Allum were an exception to this almost steadfast rule. Both the children of prominent skydivers and having been raised on dropzones deep within our community, it was a completely normal atmosphere to them, and one that had them looking outside the bounds of nylon and prop blast for direction. Yet as has happened with so many second and third generation skydivers, it didn't take either all that long to realize that their parents had been on to something all along. For Anna, it was a almost unintentional start as a load organizer that would eventually see her vying for world championships while still harboring a desire for more, and for Hollie it would be the skills she learned to perfect in her professional life outside our sport that she would bring to bear in their now successful co-venture, The EdgE Agency. Now jumping for fun and "taking the piss" while forging forward with an agency quickly picking up speed, this dynamic pair are pushing hard to keep their passions going strong deep within the Lunatic Fringe.
Sun, March 05, 2023
The Lunatic Fringe with Scotty Milne
From the very start there was no doubt in his mind that there were two things he would achieve in his life. Scotty Milne would be a soldier, and he would jump out of airplanes; yet there was no way even in his wildest dreams that he could have imagined the amazing adventure he was undertaking. A standout in the sport from the very beginning, he became a championship member of the famed skydiving team The Red Devils so soon in his career that many wondered how he was advancing so fast; right up until they saw him perform. Now, more than fifty years deep into a sport that he still embraces whole heartedly and having been a sought after instructor for much of that time, his position as the Director of Active Skydive keeps him just as busy today as he was when he introduced AFF to the military. Straight from the Highlands of Scotland, Scotty Milne proves that the only thing age needs to change in skydiving is jump numbers, and that the Lunatic lifestyle and longevity go hand in hand.
Sun, February 26, 2023
Lunatic Fringe with Melissa Nelson, skydiver and extreme sports athlete
Back in the can to bring us up to speed on life deep within the USPA, Highlight Skydiving Team and her own new venture, the one and only Melissa Nelson gives us a bit of personal history along with insight on why she decided to climb deep inside the belly of the beast to try and initiate change, the challenges of trying to bust down the doors of the "Old Boy's Club", the groundbreaking work of the Highlight skydiving team and the amazing ideas she's bringing to the forefront in student training from the ground up. A lifelong member of the Lunatic Fringe, when Melissa Nelson talks it's because she's got something to say.
Mon, February 20, 2023
Lunatic Fringe with Shawn Carter, skydiver and extreme sports athlete
For this guy, skydiving made perfect sense. Getting a very early start for someone not born into the sport, Shawn Carter managed to make his first 3 jumps out of the coveted C-130 as a military cadet in Canada, so when it came time to hit the nylon in the civilian world a couple of years later he was all in. With his rigging ticket in his pocket and a desire to travel, Shawn managed to become one of the earliest crew members of Skydive Dubai gaining knowledge and experience along the way. After a potentially life altering accident on a bad landing and a fourteen month recovery, the drive to once again get in the air was a major part of his recovery strategy and he eventually not only overcame the injuries, but pushed on to coach and instruct. Now with his sights set on aviation as a profession and skydiving as a passion, Shawn fills us in on how he used he place in the Lunatic Fringe as a healing tool.
Mon, February 13, 2023
Lunatic Fringe with Ben Nelson, skydiver and extreme sports athlete
When you're born and raised in a place like Anchorage Alaska, "extreme sports" isn't really a thing; add to that being born to a big wall and alpine style climbing father and its pretty hard to give that title to much of anything as Ben Nelson can tell you. Working as a paramedic in one of the harshest environments on the planet, the initial drive to skydive just wasn't there simply because he hadn't yet seen the big picture, but after transferring to Houston for work and looking for more out of recreation than weekends at the bar he found Spaceland. It was there that he was exposed to all that skydiving and BASE had to offer, cranking out a thousand plus jumps a year, and there that he eventually made the move to work in the industry. Now partnered with Veterans groups aimed at helping in multiple areas, Ben and a crew of highly motivated people will soon embark on a 7 continent adventure hoping to use their experience to help understand and aid in suicide prevention. Yet another wonderful and inspiring member of the Lunatic Fringe Community.
Sun, February 05, 2023
Lunatic Fringe with Jason Moledzki, skydiver and extreme sports athlete
Skydiving beginnings aren't always blue skies and sunshine as Jason Moledzki can tell you. Sometimes the drive to make that first jump can come from a truly dark place, but it was a place that Jason found the drive and determination to escape through his love of skydiving and BASE. A multiple world champion dozens of times over with world records and accomplishments in competition too long to list, he and his crew were a major driving force in the advancement not only of canopy piloting and its flight out of infancy, but in competition itself. As the co-founder and creative director of Flight-1, Jason has been instrumental in the complete overhaul of canopy instruction both in the civilian and military skydiving world with incredible student numbers going through their courses each year. on top of that, he is the co-creator/host of his own podcast called Trust the Journey with Melanie Curtis offering inspiration and insight along our journey deep within the Lunatic Fringe.
Sun, January 29, 2023
Lunatic Fringe with Emma Thomson
Growing up in Australia in a very supportive environment, Emma Thomson had always been encouraged to explore her interests, and after the gift of a tandem skydive on her 18th birthday jumping had most certainly become one of them; yet it wasn't until she found herself at a destination skydiving center with her boyfriend wingsuit carving around her and her tandem instructor that she realized there may be more to skydiving than drogues and uncomfortable harnesses. With her career in education well underway, it didn't take long for her to put her skills as a teacher to work in the sport, completely changing the course of her professional life in a way that she never expected. Now, working around the world as a more and more sought after coach, she enjoys the benefits of an out of the box lifestyle while navigating social media, staying true to herself and continuing to push her own personal boundaries well within the Lunatic Fringe.
Mon, January 23, 2023
Lunatic Fringe with Chris Kleinhenz
Aviation entered the life of Chris Kleinhenz at a very early age. having been aimed toward flight to focus his drive an attention, it was a series of fortuitous meetings, flight opportunities and the generosity of aircraft owners that helped him along the way. Add to that working hard to become a member of the US Air Force Academy skydiving team, and there was no doubt that airborne is where he preferred to be. Aviation and flying were his main focus for quite some time until he was in a position with flying to also put real energy into the jumping lifestyle by going full force at the Desert Campus of Skydive Dubai. From tandems to wing suits, he's got the chops to hang with the crew, but he's also taking on competition aerobatic flying while his real life gig is up front in the largest bird working, the 747. With his sights set skyward for the foreseeable future, there's no doubt that Chris will be with the Lunatic Fringe for some time to come.
Mon, January 16, 2023
Lunatic Fringe with Juan Mayer
Once again, a skydiving career wasn't born from the first exit, but the first freefall. Argentina's static line course wasn't one that grabbed Juan Mayer, it was one that scared the hell out of him. Even after 52 jumps in a "kind of" AFF course and after freefall had shown him more of what our world may have to offer, it wasn't until a trip to Deland that he really saw the full picture. Having now traveled the world, working in and helping to create incredible projects that have included everything from a world record balloon jump, flying over the pyramids, carving wing suits over The Palm Island in Dubai and publishing his own book of amazing images, Juan Mayer still has an incredible passion for skydiving and its community, and is another proud card carrying member of the Lunatic Fringe.
Mon, January 09, 2023
Lunatic Fringe tribute to Jarno Cordia
It is with sincere sadness that we say goodbye to another legend in our sport. Jarno Cordia was above all else a generous soul and an incredibly talented individual and we were lucky enough to spend a little time talking with him about what he truly loved, We at the Lunatic Fringe would like to honor him and his legacy with a re-release of Jarno sharing his journey in his own words at the beginning of 2021. BSBD Jarno. From a young age he was drawn to air sports, and skydiving in particular, but having an uncle who'd broken his back landing a round years before, it would have been easy for Jarno Cordia to watch his dreams of flying stay nothing more than childhood fantasy; but his desire to get in the air was much stronger than any fears he or his family may have had. After finishing school at 17 and a top notch career for the taking, he was able to use his early start in the professional world to put aside time to pursue his passion for flight both in skydiving and BASE, most specifically with wingsuiting. As has been for many a jumper, the drive to fly found a way to push career aside, and almost without thinking, he found that his passion and profession were now one in the same. With his partner and teammate Jenna Gygi at his side, @teamflylikebrick continues to lead him to almost every side of the Lunatic Fringe.
Mon, January 02, 2023
Lunatic Fringe with Maxine Tate
Even for charity it was a hard no. She'd managed to do what a lot of English people did when they wanted to skydive back then, and raised money for a charity jump; but after a less than idea ride on a round followed by an "assertive" landing, Maxine Tate had gotten her fill. Right up until she got her first taste of freefall about a dozen years and a high powered career later. Now, World record holder, Proud member of the Highlight Skydiving Team, Long time coach for Flight 1 and all around badass, she's hung up her competition spurs (or so she says) but has just as much drive, determination and passion as ever, solidifying her lifelong top slot deep within the Lunatic Fringe.
Mon, December 26, 2022
Lunatic Fringe with Nicole and Omar
It's a huge Lunatic theme. Skydiving was not the plan. For Nicole Scappatura it wasn't even an idea. She just answered an add for a job that neglected to say it was for a dropzone. For Omar Mohammad, it went against pretty much everything he was busy training for, which was to be the guy up at the front of the aircraft, not the meat missile jumping out the back. With both of them honing their skills with some of the worlds best jumping with Skydive Dubai, they've been on the fast track for some time now. Both professional coaches in the sky and Omar in the tunnel as well, they're a Middle East Dynamic Duo and certified members of the Lunatic Fringe.
Mon, December 19, 2022
Lunatic Fringe with Jamie Webster
Absolutely horrible. Having passed on the idea of a tandem and gone straight to AFF, Jamie Webster's instructors told him upon landing from his first jump that perhaps skydiving just might not be for him. Luckily, Jamie isn't exactly the type to take no for an answer, and from jump number two on things started looking up. Thousands up jumps later, and years of experience as instructor behind him he's solidly proved those first impressions wrong. Not that he hasn't had his close calls… In one of the most intense experiences shared on the podcast to date, Jamie fills us in on what it's like to spend time staring at the bottom of a 182, snagged, suspended and terribly threatened by gear designed to save lives, not take them. Jamie will be the first to tell you it is all about learning from your mistakes and close calls, proving why sticking with the Lunatic Fringe is his preferred path.
Mon, December 12, 2022
Lunatic Fringe with Jocelyn Villavicencio
All in from the get go. Something undefinable was telling her it was time for a change, and it was just a "random tandem" that shot her off in on a new trajectory that would change everything. Booking her second jump just after landing from her first, Jocelyn Villavicencio knew right then and there that skydiving was her future. Jumping became her singular focus and goal, and it's been her drive and determination, her experience and the ratings she's earned that have taken her exactly where she's wanted to go. Working now as a full-time skydiver/instructor with dreams of competition, there is no doubt that Jocelyn is a full-fledged member of the Lunatic Fringe.
Sun, December 04, 2022
Lunatic Fringe with Everest Skydive
In truly rare air above the famed Namche Bazar, we sit down and get the inside scoop on exactly what it takes to run the highest drop zone on planet earth. From logistics to landings, find out what it's like to operate at a drop zone where a hop-n-pop is at 22,000 feet! This remote broadcast is about as remote as they get, and exactly what the Lunatic Fringe lifestyle is all about.
Mon, November 28, 2022
Lunatic Fringe with Derick Massey (Episode 200!)
In one of the more offensive episodes of lunatic fringe, back in the can for episode 200 is a true brother not only to myself, but the entire sport of skydiving. A lifelong ambassador for skydiving as a proud tandem instructor, Derick Massey through years of experience, and incredible injuries and recoveries has maintained his passion for his well earned slot deep within the lunatic fringe.
Mon, November 21, 2022
Lunatic Fringe with Tijana Milacic
With her drive and passion for ballet slowly fading, Tijana Milacic found herself living in Serbia and wondering what comes next. For a time it was a successful career in the hospitality industry in the bustling city of Dubai, but as can happen, even this was not meeting her expectations, and she was all but ready to move on, until... It was a coworkers suggestion to make a "safe" and easy AFF skydive over the desert sands that truly lit a new fire for her. Now more than a thousand jumps in and a few years behind the counter as a Manifest Professional, there is no doubt in Tijana's mind that she is in it for the long run. With daydreams of working as an instructor and even the possibility of BASE, it's a pretty sure bet that she is now and will forever be a passionate member of the Lunatic Fringe.
Mon, November 14, 2022
Lunatic Fringe with a Bunch of Drunk Idiots
Let's just call this one what it is. We all sat down in a very small room with some microphones, got intentionally as drunk as we possibly could and tried to talk about skydiving. Chances are you've probably done some version of it yourself, but If you haven't done it, we highly recommend you try it sometime, but until then please enjoy this little Lunatic Fringe bunch of idiots having a wonderful time…
Mon, November 07, 2022
Lunatic Fringe with Ben Milham-Marks
Sometimes it's not always about the long game... Like many of us working skydivers, Ben Milham-Marks dove head first into the wonderful world of skydiving, and worked his way from the bottom up. From professional packer even before he was a licensed jumper, to an AFF instructor with only 400 or so jumps, then on to tandems and the traveling road show that can be a professional jumpers life, Ben pretty much covered it all; but as has been said and proven many times before, passion and work don't always necessarily make for the best mix. Having hit a stage in his career and life where its time for a change, Ben shares the joy that has been his time in skydiving, and why he's chosen, at least for now to call it quits. Searching out different avenues in life, he maintains his position with the Lunatic fringe at least for now through fond memories and amazing lessons learned.
Mon, October 31, 2022
Lunatic Fringe with Pablo Hernandez
Back in the can for a great one on one episode with the one and only Mr. Pablo Hernandez, it's a more personal chat about his beginnings in the sport (which happen to be one of the most interesting origin stories I have yet to hear), what it's like to take on so many different roles in skydiving, and what it's like being considered an OG jumper when the beginning seemed like it wasn't that long ago… Lunatic Fringe tempered with a little seasoning and a pinch of wise for good measure.
Mon, October 24, 2022
Tom Noonan Tribute Part 2
In our second of two episodes, we pass on a little more knowledge, passion and joy from the one and only Mr. Tom Noonan. "It's never goodbye, its only see you next time" - T.N It's the return of Mr. Tom Noonan to talk a whole lot about safety! At a time when more skydivers are less current than they've ever been, Tom has great information, tips and advice on everything from canopy choices and getting back into the nylon groove, to AAD's and his personal take on Covid. Join us for a super informative and safety based talk on this edition of Lunatic Fringe.
Mon, October 17, 2022
Lunatic Fringe Tribute to Tom Part1
In memory of one of skydivings most generous and the anniversary of his passing. He was one of the sports most avid cheerleaders, motivators, teachers and first and foremost, passionate jumpers. Please, take a step back in time to relive with us here at Lunatic Fringe a little of the positivity and joy for our sport brought to us each and every day by Mr. Tom Noonan. "It's never goodbye. It's only until next time." -T.N The desire to skydive seems to grab each of us in a different way it seems, and Mr. Tom Noonan is no different. His passion? From the very start it was of all things, tandems! Where most of us are dragged kicking and screaming at first, he was drawn to instantly, and went about making it his lifelong passion to not only share our world with people as a tandem instructor, but to go much deeper and help train those of us who chose to throw drogues; and along with the true tandem pioneers in the sport, also to go about making it as safe as humanly possible. And on top of all this... he decided to hit the actual top of the world with Everest Skydive! Join in for an extremely informative and entertaining path along the Lunatic Fringe.
Sun, October 09, 2022
Lunatic Fringe with Max Manow
It honestly could have gone either way. A gift of a tandem skydive when he was only 14 years old, the experience proved to be overloading to say the least and Max Manow found himself torn between absolutely loving the experience and wanting to throw up. Luckily, skydiving and eventually many aspects of the airports world became his driving passion. Through part luck and part personal drive, Max worked his way from the bottom up, going from packing parachutes to video, to instruction, and then on to some of the most coveted spots in our sport. A competitive swooper, an active member of the RedBull Skydiving Team and a number of other high profile projects, Max not only aims to continue to further his own personal experience, but to bring others along with him, coaching, instructing, and taking part in camps and events all around the world, ensuring he maintains his multi-faceted slot deep within the Lunatic Fringe.
Mon, October 03, 2022
Lunatic Fringe with Alberto Avalis
Like so many before him, that first skydive was more on a whim than anything else. Ending up at an operation not too far from his grandparents home, Alberto Avalis may have seen parachutes in the sky before, but it wasn't until after that first jump that he knew. Working a construction job to pay for his new habit, it wasn't all that long before he knew that skydiving was the life for him. Now, after earning all the ratings and working as a professional skydiver and instructor for many years, he's set his sights on competition, and the coveted head down big way world record, of which he was able to earn a slot for this years attempt. Hoping to go back in 2025 to nail it, he plans on continuing on full power down his path with the Lunatic Fringe, competing, working, and loving every bit of it.
Mon, September 26, 2022
Lunatic Fringe with Guy Manos
Guy Manos might not be a name a lot of newer jumpers are familiar with, but there is absolutely no doubt they are intimately familiar with his work. A University of Miami film-school graduate, a world skydiving champion, stuntman, screenwriter and director, Guy was one of the earliest pioneers of what the film industry now calls “pre-vis” --- the jumping off point, for all the CineLogic innovations, of which he is the technical mastermind. Having cut his teeth in the Hollywood world with such films as Cliffhanger, Dropzone and Cutaway, there is little doubt that his body of work clearly makes him a true legend deep within the Lunatic Fringe.
Sun, September 18, 2022
Lunatic Fringe With Chris J. Stewart
Back in the can to bring us up to speed with life after Covid, Chris Stewart, test jumper and all-around bad ass for NZ Aerosports sits down once again to talk about getting back into the competition saddle, exciting times on the job and potentially exciting news coming out of the R&D department of NZ that may lead to some awesome new releases. You won't want to miss a moment of time with this Kiwi-convert member of the Lunatic Fringe.
Mon, September 12, 2022
Lunatic Fringe with Olga N
Back in the can for another chat about all things, well not all things skydiving, but most things skydiving, Olga Naumova brings us up to speed on what it's like to be a competitive skydiver that can't compete, kicking people to vent frustration, glass doors, surf boards and too many hobbies, and how she puts the "L" in Lunatic Fringe every damn day.
Mon, September 05, 2022
Lunatic Fringe with Tracy Holman
Back in the can to talk all about what has become nothing short of a global skydiving phenomenon, Zej M'ski sits down with Tracy Holman, Skydive Chicago's Events Manager and the powerhouse in charge of making your Summerfest dreams come true. With special drop in guests you won't want to miss, this is a great recap of one of skydiving most iconic events.
Sun, August 28, 2022
Lunatic Fringe with Amy Chmelecki
Back in command of the can, OG Ninja Ray Kubiak takes this face to face opportunity to sit down with Hall of Fame skydiver Amy Chmeleki. Kicking off her Skydiving at the ripe old age of 18, Amy made her first jump in 1995 and has never looked back. She is not only a long time member of the RedBull Air Force, but is now an organizer for Project 19, which highlights women's achievements and is a celebration of the 19th amendment. With countless national and world titles, Amy is 100% skydiver. As a mentor, coach, competitor and advocate for women's rights Amy Chmlelcki is the embodiment of the best side of our Lunatic Fringe.
Sun, August 21, 2022
Lunatic Fringe with Brad Dimmock
Not even on the radar. Not a part of any plan, or for that matter even an idea. Yet again just a random tandem skydive to check it off the list and with it another almost instantaneous member of the Lunatic Fringe. Brad Dimmock may not have had a life plan in mind, but he most certainly knew what he didn't want… A one-way ticket to Australia as a newly licensed skydiver started him down a path that would lead to suffering in manifest, asbestos tents, camera flying, trailers, rigging tickets and tandem skydives abroad, simply enjoying each opportunity the sport brings him, and happily planning nothing more than a life in the sky.
Sun, August 14, 2022
Lunatic Fringe with Ray Kubiak and Martin Kristensen
On another total Ninja episode, Mr. Ray Kubiak sits down with the legendary Mr. Martin Kristensen to talk all things Lunatic Fringe with everything from a modern day flying philosophy to starting a family and even a touch of Viking History on another entertaining episode with the Lunatic Fringe.
Mon, August 08, 2022
Lunatic Fringe with Mr. Craig Girard
In a follow-up to his incredible team mate and partner in all things air sports, please sit back and enjoy this re-released Lunatic Fringe with the one and only Mr. Craig Girard. With more than thirty eight years and over thirty-thousand skydives under his belt, you'd be hard set to find anyone on earth with more overall experience than Mr. Craig Girard. Multiple World Title and World Record holder, Craig was a member of not only the United States Army's Golden Knights, but Arizona Airspeed, one of the most highly decorated relative work teams in the sports history; a key member of the 400-way team over Thailand and coach for some of the most competitive teams out there, he takes time to sit down with me to share some of his truly amazing experiences and insights into the Lunatic Fringe.
Sun, July 31, 2022
Lunatic Fringe with Eliana Rodriguez
With a career as successful as hers and with so many titles and so many accomplishments, one would easily assume that she must have gone one hundred percent from day one, but that's not exactly how it happened... When skydiving first crossed Eliana Rodriguez's mind, it was a suggestion from her father, but sadly at an age too young to take advantage. Joining the military at the ripe old age of 17, the idea of jumping once again crept into her mind with vague assurances of skydiving from her recruiter, but it wasn't until the end of her military career that her jumping life truly began. Balancing work and skydiving, it was a chance encounter and random job offer that sent her on her incredible path. A member of one of the winningest teams in the history of skydiving and a soon to be inductee into the Hall of Fame, Eliana Rodriguez continues to strive for excellence in our sport. Now as a member of the Highlight Pro Skydiving team. She along with her other all female team members strive to push for equality, bringing their unique skills to bear on important and timely social issues, solidifying their places as a leaders within the Lunatic Fringe.
Mon, July 25, 2022
Lunatic Fringe with Brusasco
Like many, a life plan was mapped out at quite a tender age, and a then very young Benji Brusasco started down the road of a classically trained professional musician. Like his grandfather before him, the saxophone was something he would become incredibly talented with, but... Like so many plans it was close to the mark, but it seemed to him there must be something more. A first time tandem given as a gift gave him a glimpse of another path, but it wasn't until years later and another random opportunity to make a skydive that Benji knew what he really wanted. Through AFF and chasing an opportunity to continue on in the sport, he used his talents in other areas of his life toward one goal; becoming a working professional skydiver. Now many thousands of jumps as an instructor behind him, Benji has no less passion for the sport, and with eyes on things like competition and longevity on his mind, there is no doubt that Benji Brusasco is yet another lifelong member of the Lunatic Fringe.
Sun, July 17, 2022
Lunatic Fringe with Monkey Claw
In this fantastic blast from the past, we sit down with three of the founding members of the almost infamous Monkey Claw Freely team, the self proclaimed best freefly team founded anywhere between Philadelphia and Atlantic City in the late 90's. Bert, Tim and Stuey laughingly take the opportunity to talk about the almost accidental forming of the team, its name, its roots which were deeply ingrained in the history of Skydive Cross Keys along with John Eddowes, and how they've managed to remain a team through all of these years. They also touch on some of the more pivotal and sometimes painful aspects of the sport while going full blast at a time when things like freeflying and canopy piloting were still young disciplines. It's yet another episode that proves that active or not, once a skydiver, always a skydiver and forever a member of the Lunatic Fringe.
Sun, July 10, 2022
Lunatic Fringe with Ray and Jake Jensen
This is what happens when a seemingly innocent tandem skydive turns into an unexpected lifelong career. With 5 National titles and 2 World Cup titles under his belt, professional camera flier Jake Jensen sits down on this edition as the two take a stroll down memory lane, and chat all about his continuing adventure with the Lunatic Fringe.
Sun, July 03, 2022
Lunatic Fringe with Laura Bamford
Sometimes life goes pretty much exactly as we planned. Off to university to study maths. Graduation and a job working in a field appropriate to a hard earned degree. Constantly in trouble for talking too much and letting loose with inappropriate jokes and/or sexual comments to unsuspecting co-workers. So yeah, not exactly to plan. Enter the new Laura Bamford. Professional skydiver and world traveler born not just of a love of skydiving that began at university, but of a desire to step outside the norm so she could have a chance to be herself. Now working as a full-time Tandem Instructor and Video flyer, Laura talks about issues both women and men face in skydiving, a few broken bones and out of service eyeballs, and a cheeky chat about an unexpected plane ride that all blends into yet another lifelong walk along the Lunatic Fringe.
Sun, June 26, 2022
Lunatic Fringe with Matt and Nick tribute 3
Over the next 3 weeks, Lunatic Fringe will be re-releasing 3 separate episodes featuring Mr. Matt Munting and Mr. Nicholas Scalabrino of The Matt and Nick Show. These two incredible skydivers, tunnel fliers and BASE professionals have, over the last few years shared some pretty funny, over the top and wonderful stories with us all through the podcast; having captured imaginations across the world via video and voice with their skill and daring. It is with profound sadness that with the re-release of these podcasts we say goodbye to Mr. Matt Munting, One of the most genuine human beings one could ever hope to meet. We hope that within these recordings you’ll either spark your own fond memories of the man, or perhaps get a glimpse into who he was, even if all you knew of him were his accomplishments. Please enjoy the final Matt and Nick Show with the Lunatic Fringe.
Mon, June 20, 2022
Lunatic Fringe with Matt and Nick tribute 2
Over the next 3 weeks, Lunatic Fringe will be re-releasing 3 separate episodes featuring Mr. Matt Munting and Mr. Nicholas Scalabrino of The Matt and Nick Show. These two incredible skydivers, tunnel fliers and BASE professionals have, over the last few years shared some pretty funny, over the top and wonderful stories with us all through the podcast; having captured imaginations across the world via video and voice with their skill and daring. It is with profound sadness that with the re-release of these podcasts we say goodbye to Mr. Matt Munting, One of the most genuine human beings one could ever hope to meet. We hope that within these recordings you’ll either spark your own fond memories of the man, or perhaps get a glimpse into who he was, even if all you knew of him were his accomplishments. Please enjoy episode 2 of the Matt and Nick Show.
Sun, June 12, 2022
Lunatic Fringe with Matt and Nick tribute 1
Over the next 3 weeks, Lunatic Fringe will be re-releasing 3 separate episodes featuring Mr. Matt Munting and Mr. Nicholas Scalabrino of The Matt and Nick Show. These two incredible skydivers, tunnel fliers and BASE professionals have, over the last few years shared some pretty funny, over the top and wonderful stories with us all through the podcast; having captured imaginations across the world via video and voice with their skill and daring. It is with profound sadness that with the re-release of these podcasts we say goodbye to Mr. Matt Munting, One of the most genuine human beings one could ever hope to meet. We hope that within these recordings you’ll either spark your own fond memories of the man, or perhaps get a glimpse into who he was, even if all you knew of him were his accomplishments. Please enjoy episode 1 of the Matt and Nick Show.
Mon, June 06, 2022
Lunatic Fringe with Bailey and Chris
Certainly one of the more special episodes recorded for the Lunatic Fringe podcast, Bailey Ricci, a.k.a. The F**ckin' Daughter takes a seaside break between graduating law school and cramming for the bar exam to sit down and talk about what it was like growing up long distance from dad who spent all his work time jumping out of airplanes. From early memories of skydive Cross Keys as a seven-year-old, all the way to making a few jumps of her own with dad nervously flying along, it's an interesting look at a close family members perspective of skydiving from the outside. It's also an opportunity for a very proud father to talk to his daughter about their continuing path together with The Lunatic Fringe. Joining in on the conversation, the F**ckin' Boyfriend tosses in his views as well, so be sure to check out this fun one.
Mon, May 30, 2022
Lunatic Fringe with Windy Tube
Taking over the hot seat once again, the one and only Ray Kubiak sits down to talk to lifelong friends and the creators of Windy Tube, James Gillissenn and Matt Freese to talk all about how they got there start in indoor skydiving, and the future of Windy Tube. James is a former SOG with the US Air Force and is working now as an instructor at iFLY Portland, and Matt, his partner in crime is a former tunnel instructor and light on his feet ballroom dancer, both loving their time in the air on their journey along with the Lunatic Fringe.
Mon, May 23, 2022
Lunatic Fringe with Pete Allum
From packing weight to competitor to helping pioneer ideas behind sustainable skydiving operations, Mr. Pete Alllum's career has spanned his entire life. As the child of two active jumpers, the drop zone lifestyle wasn't something Pete adjusted to, it was his entire world; yet regardless of how many years he has been in sport, his desire and addiction for our activities and lifestyle remains just as strong now as it was when he first began at 15 years old. An instructor, competitor, coach, and hard-working member of the Flight-1 team, he keeps hard-charging, helping to guide jumpers from their first jump all the way through Mutant harness training and beyond. Join us in this great and informative chat with an OG skydive historian and kid at heart, still deeply in love with the Lunatic Fringe.
Sun, May 15, 2022
Lunatic Fringe with Ewan Cowie
Scotland is very well known for quite a few different things. Scottish whisky, the Scottish highlands, bagpipes, haggis, the Loch Ness Monster and of course Sean Connery; one thing it is most certainly not known for… Skydiving. So when you are a kid named Ewan Cowie and you're dreaming of all the different things your parents will try and keep you from doing, skydiving probably isn't on the list. Isn't, that is, until you hit University and see it firsthand. From majoring in geology to avoid the office life, to a life spent traveling around the globe jumping over some of the most iconic places on the planet, Ewan Cowie has had quite a varied path. From demo jumps onto the same field where he was once a spectator, to flying over the pyramids, this is one camera flyer who is completely focused on the long game deep within the Lunatic Fringe.
Mon, May 09, 2022
Lunatic Fringe with Albert Berchtold USPA Exec
Back in the can for round 2, Mr. Albert Berchtold has made a few changes in life since last we spoke with him. Now the head honcho and officially the Executive Director of the United States Parachute Association, Albert has a prime seat for helping to shape the sport that we all know and love. Working hard to represent each and everyone of its members and its Board of Directors, he envisions a number of positive changes heading our way both within the ranks of the USPA and within our sport as a whole, while looking back on his extensive career and lifelong path with the Lunatic Fringe, and drawing from the wealth of knowledge he's accumulated. Don't miss this entertaining and informative episode.
Mon, May 02, 2022
Lunatic Fringe with Ray Kubiak and Rusty Lewis
In this, his first ever opportunity to take over the hot seat, Ray Kubiak sits down to chat about all things air, whether it be tunnel flying, skydiving, or the world of aviation as seen through an airline pilot eyes with the one and only Rusty Lewis. To say that Rusty Lewis has a few irons in the fire is a dramatic understatement. Professional airline pilot, S&TA for the International Bodyflight Association, skydiving instructor and sit suit advocate, Rusty has been going strong in both the old-school and the new for quite some time. With his retirement plan already mapped out, there is no doubt that Rusty intends to make the most of his time living with the Lunatic Fringe.
Mon, April 25, 2022
Lunatic Fringe with Cody McMains
Born and raised in Los Angeles, California, Cody McMains may not have known he was destined for an "extreme" lifestyle, but apparently he mother did. Having followed the L.A. dream with a fair amount of success, but without the happiness that he expected to come with it, a well timed chance comment by a close friend set him on a completely different path. Finding himself in the strangest of living situations in one of the least known areas of the state, the sky and the tunnel soon took over, leading him not only to find his love of the sport, but of teaching others about his passion. Now tossing drogues, instructing and aiming toward competing, Cody McMains has without a doubt purchased his lifetime membership in the Lunatic Fringe.
Mon, April 18, 2022
Lunatic Fringe Tribute to Moe Viletto
One year almost to the day of the release of not only one of my personal favorite episodes, but of the most popular, it is also soon to be the one year anniversary of the passing of the one and only, Moe Viletto. He's the skydiving icon that most of the younger jumpers will have never heard of, even though there's little doubt they've seen him in action. For as sad as we are that we don't have Moe around anymore to tell those incredible and sometimes unbelievable stories, we are all lucky that he was here to tell them the first time around. As a tribute to one of the most unique souls ever to touch nylon, please enjoy this re-release of his wonderful episode on Lunatic Fringe. Thanks Moe! With one of the most unique stories of how skydiving entered his life, Moe Viletto had just survived an impromptu zero gravity aerobatic flight by the skin of his teeth when he and his pilot buddy spotted canopies off in the distance. Knowing the instant he landed from his first jump that this was what life had been aiming him toward, he embarked on what this year would have been five decades of skydiving, rigging and BASE jumping. Living life on his terms as a rigging gypsy king, scoring a bit of luck here and there and having an incredible time, he did it all without any real plan. From drougeless tandems and AFF before it was a thing, to living in a VW Beetle while trying to find a home for his sewing machines, to BASE jumping with a tent and then on to Hollywood, Moe Viletto and I only scratch the surface of his fifty years of Lunatic Fringe adventures. From his antics to his rigging, Moe Viletto was a trailblazer in every sense of the word and we aren't likely to ever find another quite like him. On what was suppose to be the first of many installments of "Story Time With Moe", he shared with us just a little of what made him such an incredibly loved icon in our sport. Recorded not much before his passing, I feel nothing but lucky I had the chance to meet the man behind the Lunatic Fringe legend.
Sun, April 10, 2022
Lunatic Fringe with Bert Navarrete
Back before the hanger. Back before the smiley face that greeted every jumper and spectator. Back before The Tiki Bar, the swoop pond, the back deck or the Maxi Pad in the ghetto, there was a little dropzone in the middle of nowhere New Jersey called CrossKeys started by a guy named John. As far as CK people go, Bert Navarrete and just a handful of others are about as OG as you can get. Having been there for everything from Johny 9-Lives street skiing up the runway dragged behind a car, to the "Peanut Butter" incident, to the "unofficial" world record tandem day, to Monkey Claw Freefly antics and literally countless other wonderfully crazy, exciting, over the top and sometimes tragic events, Bert was either deep in the mix, or at least witness to it all. Taking time away from his "real life" in finance, he sits down in the studio to share just a small handful of the stories that epitomize exactly why we are the Lunatic Fringe, and why he is truly a lifelong member. There also happens to be In attendance a bit of a mystery man who refuses to acknowledge the microphone will not .speak, and demands to remain Anonymous. We’ve dubbed him The Quiet Guy” during the podcast, We have decided the first five people that can correctly identify this mystery man who will not speak gets a free signed copy of the new Lunatic Fringe Book sent straight to their home! So after listening to the podcast if you think you know who quiet guy is, just send us your guess to the Lunatic Fringe Podcast page on Facebook. And score a really fun read!
Mon, April 04, 2022
The Lunatic Fringe with Monica and Alejandro
For Monica it was pretty easy to get started. For Alejandro, not so much. As the Niece of one of the few intrepid skydivers in Mexico at the time, Monica watched her uncle Tony jump throughout her entire childhood, so when given the opportunity to take that first leap, she didn't hesitate. For Alejandro it was quite a bit different. Not knowing how, but knowing he wanted to fly, he spent his childhood trying to come up with his own ways to do it, until the first time he saw someone skydiving. Both young, both entranced by the world of skydiving, and eventually both working at the same drop zone run by Monica's uncle, that's how these two met and started an incredible life together. Now, tens of thousands of jumps behind them with all the ratings and having traveled around the world, both Monica and Alejandro have more than a few stories, bumps and bruises to show for it. Join us for an entertaining rundown of their time with the Lunatic Fringe.
Mon, March 28, 2022
Lunatic Fringe with Billy Sharman II
Growing up watching his mom huck herself out of airplanes in California, not only making over a thousand jumps on rounds, but earning herself a California State Championship, there was simply no way that Billy Sharman wasn't going to at least try one jump. Of course, as seems to be the case, with a first wonderful experience at Skydance in Davis, CA and a little salesmanship from Ray Ferrell, Billy was well and truly hooked! A few bumps in the road (or ditch) aside, he was well on his way to what would become a lifelong career in the sky, and the windy tubes. Now, the proud owner and operator of Skydive Pretoria in South Africa, Billy has many years under his belt, and twice as many stories to tell about his travels with the Lunatic Fringe.
Mon, March 21, 2022
Lunatic Fringe with Alice Hicks
Simply Badass. there really isn't any other way to put it. Starting her skydiving career as a twenty-something in 1968 Kansas, at the insistence of her friend, Alice Hicks and a few intrepid friends spent a day jumping off picnic benches to perfect their PLF techniques, and then just went and did it. With a bit of a reputation as a "sidespinner", Alice didn't have the chance to jump with too many others during those early times, until on her last jump back in the day, her then boyfriend (now husband of 52 years) dove hand in hand with her to finish off her first life in the sport. Cut to 1996. A life-long career as a school teacher and guidance counselor in the books, the same Alice Hicks decides after watching her daughters make tandem skydives onto their own property in Kansas that she should give this new version of jumping a whirl, and BAM! Back in the sport she was. She fought her fears and pushed through to find the "fun" that skydiving had to offer, already knowing it had an amazing community, of whom her husband was still an active member. Now retired, and traveling the country, spending months on end jumping pretty much every weekend in Eloy, Alice Hicks, and her Skydiving, Pilot badass husband are officially lifelong members of the Lunatic Fringe. This is one of the most pleasant and enjoyable chats ever had on the podcast, and one you won't want to miss.
Mon, March 14, 2022
Lunatic Fringe with Regan Tetlow II
Back in the can to talk all things air sports, travel, artwork and Barney? Well, one thing you most certainly have say is that Mr. Regan Tetlow has made the rounds to say the least! From bar tender and pub owner, to the meet and greet face man at Skydive Emporia Brava. From randomly being asked to announcing a swoop event on the beach to becoming the voice behind some of the largest skydiving events in the world (and if you can believe it, balloon races...). DJ and MC turned pro skydiver and actor Mr. Regan Tetlow has stories and insight galore! Join us on the second round of conversation as Reagan dives deep into his reasons behind his lifelong journey with the Lunatic Fringe.
Sun, March 06, 2022
Lunatic Fringe with Grey Milner
20 years is a long time for any profession, but especially when its one as physically demanding as working with concrete. Having made his first tandem skydive years back, Grey Milner thought it was just about the most amazing thing he’d ever experienced and was ready to go all in, but as it has a way of doing, life got in the way. It wasn’t until recently that he found himself back in the air on tandem number two, and just like the first, his immediate desire was to go all in. This time, getting at it was exactly what he did, and a week-long trip from Oregon to Arizona and their accelerated program found Grey going from Tandem Passenger to “A” Licensed skydiver. Now comes the really scary part… Sell the house, buy an RV and hit the road to find his way in the big little world of skydiving on his own path toward the Lunatic Fringe. It’s an adventure that so many have dreamed of but never done; but it’s not one that Grey is going to let pass him by.
Mon, February 28, 2022
Lunatic Fringe with The Martins
Back in the can for another addition of Lunatic Fringe, Jarrett Martin and his father Brett take the opportunity to sit down and talk with me about what it's like handing skydiving down from generation to generation. having dealt with injury and loss first hand, yet pushing through to continue to compete and excel in our sport, both Brett and Jarrett understand the drive and determination our sport can sometimes demand. Running a successful rigging and manufacturing loft with Summit Parachute Systems and still actively jumping, Brett and Jarrett are fantastic examples of the incredible community that is The Lunatic Fringe.
Mon, February 21, 2022
Lunatic Fringe with Zack Rosser
At an age when most kids are still learning to tie their shoelaces unassisted, Zack Rosser was tossing on his kid sized climbing harness so his father could take him up on a tandem paraglide session; and before he was old enough to know he had choices available to him, he'd already made his. With paragliding not as accessible in his area in Australia, his father took him out to the local DZ when he was twenty, and set him up on a tandem skydive to see if that might be a good fit. In no time at all, Zack became the DZ's "anything you need" guy, pushing hard to find his angle into the sport. It didn't take him long at all to realize the canopy side of things was exactly his fit. Working now as a tandem instructor, video guy, and primarily a canopy coach, Zack's passion for nylon has led him to everything from competition Canopy Piloting to organizing flocking dives all over Down Under, with plans to branch out to New Zealand and beyond as soon as travel allows. Bringing a youth and exuberance to everything he does, you'll understand when you listen that Zack Rosser has only just begun his path along the Lunatic Fringe.
Sun, February 13, 2022
Lunatic Fringe with Dave Singer
From a very early age, Dave Singer knew exactly what he wanted, which was exactly what most other 8 year olds do. A sewing machine... wait, what? Okay, so Dave may not have taken the more traveled road, but it the path that he was absolutely sure he was suppose to be on. From military jumper and rigger, to civilian camera flyer and eventually on to the Mecca of the times for cutting edge skydiving in Perris Valley, Dave never had a doubt that skydiving was his life. Working his way through college to earn an engineering degree specifically to put that knowledge to work in the construction and manufacturing of skydiving equipment, Dave is one of that rare breed of person that knows he is exactly where he's suppose to be, deep in the Lunatic Fringe.
Sun, February 06, 2022
Lunatic Fringe with Matt Jaskol 2
Having taken up skydiving as a way to fill the void left by the challenges and disappointments that come with a racing career, Matt Jaskol found more than just a sport, he found the community and "Family" atmosphere that racing never gave him. From his first jumps 7 years ago during his on again, off again career as a professional race car driver to the once in a lifetime opportunity to be the very first ever NASCAR driver to skydive into his own race, it's been a hell of an amazing couple of years since we first had the opportunity to sit down, and with more time in the saddle and behind the wheel, Matt has more than a few stories and insights into his journey along the Lunatic Fringe.
Mon, January 31, 2022
Lunatic Fringe with The Darman Brothers
Third generation skydivers, brothers Marcos and Franco were literally born for aviation. Through luck, both good and bad, their grandfather and father built the family airfield and operation literally from the ground up, and these two brothers took to it like ducks to water, although not as quickly as one might think. With Business and Medicine the original goals, it was conscious decision to change course and follow in their fathers foot steps, walking away from the "real" world to instead remain in the one handed down through the generations. Working hard every step of the way doing everything from manifest to packing, driving to jumping, it was not a straight line to the sky, but one that taught them almost every aspect of the sport, leading them towards the instructors, coaches and competitors that they are today, deep inside the Lunatic Fringe.
Sun, January 23, 2022
Lunatic Fringe with Simon Whittle
From skateboarding to rock climbing, Simon Whittle touched all the bases when it came to his beginnings in extreme sports, but the real hook came when his UK parents bought him his introduction into the world of skydiving in the form of a static line course. The UK being what it is, it took Simon a very long time to start racking up any real jump experience, but where the sky failed, the tunnel filled the gap. Working his way through the ranks as a tunnel instructor, by the time Simon found himself back under nylon, it had been close to 8 years, and he was ready for more. With a drastic change of profession and location he headed off to the Middle East, which turned out to be exactly the move he needed. Now Skydiving Instructor, BASE Jumper, and believe it or not, Skysurfer, Simon Whittle is well and truly locked into his path with the Lunatic Fringe.
Sun, January 16, 2022
Lunatic Fringe with Ray Kubiak II
Ray Kubiak, an OG tunnel Ninja, "retired" skydiver and all-around air sports badass sits down for a proper discussion about all things windy tubes, Las Vegas, bad places to stick your head and apparently good places to stick your junk. Join in on the Lunatic fun with Ray both here and on YouTube as we cover old times and new on Lunatic Fringe Into the Void with NZ Aerosports! Music by Zach Kimsey
Mon, January 10, 2022
Lunatic Fringe with Courtney Skaar and Matt Porter
Self proclaimed "Bad Skydivers" Matt Porter and Courtney Skaar knew they wanted to get into skydiving, and like a lot of jumpers they were aimed toward it by friends that had already crossed over to the Fringe; but when Career Army Officer Matt and Clinical Psychologist Courtney came across Mr. Brian Casserly during their first boogie, both freshly "Stamped" A License newbies, they received the full and irreversible welcome to the "real" community of skydiving initiation, happily solidifying their route into the Lunatic Fringe.
Mon, January 03, 2022
Lunatic Fringe with David ”Junior” Ludvik
He was the first of many guests on Lunatic Fringe, Sharing his amazing journey from his static line beginning to world champion swoop freestyle competitor, and now he is the first Lunatic to join us on YouTube. Recapping some of his incredible stories, as well as touching on many we've never spoken of before, this is another entertaining and informative chat with Mr. David "Junior" Ludvik.
Sun, December 26, 2021
Lunatic Fringe with Zej and Alix
Pulling no punches has been Alix Raymond’s style, as anyone who knows her can tell you, and her time on the Lunatic Fringe with our returning host Mr. Zej Mski is absolutely no exception. Finishing our her term soon as the Southeast Regional Director for the USPA, she's got more than a few words to say on the sport of skydiving, the USPA as an organization with all its pitfalls and upswings, it's new leadership and more. As a full-time "real worlder" as well as flying camera and instructing, the Director's seat not only helped to keep her more than a little busy, but gave her some insights into the Lunatic asylum that has left her with a whole lot to say! Podcast music by Zach Kimsey
Sun, December 19, 2021
Lunatic Fringe with Blane Moler
Vegas born and raised, Blane Moler was bound to go big in one way or another. With his brothers A.J. and Brian paving the way, he began his 30 plus year career in the sport of skydiving as a packer, bus driver and occasional target for big brother A.J's dirty biker style temper, not being allowed to really start to earn his chops as a working jumper until he'd been well past his D license; which back then, in that town was a whole lot. With the temptations of the Vegas lifestyle standing in the way of moving too far forward in the sport, Blane hit the road and headed to the other side of the country, racking up thousands of video jumps and earning his Tandem and AFF ratings. Now a full-time instructor and professional skydiving gypsy, he and his wife are busy enjoying all the Lunatic lifestyle has to offer, with no plans on slowing down and allowing the young bucks to pass. Music by - Zach Kimsey
Sun, December 12, 2021
Lunatic Fringe with Dani Roman and Sebastian Alvarez
Both hard charging full fledged Red Bull Athletes, Dani Roman and Sebastian Alvarez have more than a few things in common. They both knew that skydiving was for them at a very young age, and they were both willing to take proper life-changing risks to follow their passion. From tossing it all and traveling across the planet to try and get a job in a country where he didn't speak the language, to walking away from a sure thing lifelong career as a military pilot, these two went all in on a gamble that has paid off in a big way; a big way in the form of being able to not only chase their dreams, but constantly reach for new ones. Join us on this, our 150th episode as we find out what type of lunatic mindset it takes not only to decide to do something as incredible as fly a wingsuit into an active volcano, but plan it out so well that you get Red Bull to back it. This one you're not gonna want to miss.
Mon, December 06, 2021
Zej Mski and Scott Callantine
Dabble may be the word that Scott Callantine uses to describe his varied interests in the sport, but the truth of the matter is he's hit it from pretty much all angles. Huge into wingsuits, he was pulled that way as a pilot, but he's competed in 4way and 8way, flown CRW, hucked tandems, worked as an instructor... Now he sits down to welcome back our returning host Mr, Zej Mski to let people in on the new and exciting direction his journey is about to take, still deep on his own Lunatic path. podcast music by Zach Kimsey
Sun, November 28, 2021
Lunatic Fringe with Brandon Johnson and Debi Brown
First jump fears aside, both Brandon Johnson and Debi Brown took to skydiving pretty much from go, although from very different angles. Brandon's military background would leave you to believe that it stemmed from that profession, but as it turned out, the military lifestyle was what was getting in the way, right up until it wasn't anymore. Debi Brown on the other hand was well and deeply entrenched on a course set toward the medical profession by her family, but it was a choice that hadn't been hers, and it wasn't one she was willing to commit to. To those outside the sport, walking away from either of the paths Debi and Brandon were on to jump from planes instead might seem like something only a Lunatic would do... Both working now as professional skydivers and enjoying the direction they've chosen for themselves, they've aimed toward goals that may not be the "norm" their families were hoping for, but are ones that for them personally are vastly more rewarding. Check out this weeks edition and find out what pulled these two deep into the Lunatic Fringe.
Mon, November 22, 2021
Lunatic Fringe with the NZ Aero design team
Back in the can to talk all things nylon are Julien Peelman, Chris Stewart and first timer Chris Snell who are quite literally the ABC's of canopy development, design and production for New Zealand Aerosports. From concept to the production of Proto types to test jumping, we sit down to chat about exactly what it takes to put together the industries leading wings that help keep the lunatic fringe in the sky.
Mon, November 15, 2021
Lunatic Fringe with Danny Koon
DK Live! The one and only Mr. Danny Koon has got to be one of the most upbeat, positive-vibe skydivers on the planet, and this after having spent more than half his life in the sport, 25 years to be exact. Starting out in what could only be considered one of the most challenging places to learn, the high desert of Las Vegas, Danny got his start almost completely by accident. From scrubbing toilets and packing, to video, freeflying and swooping, he's traveled all around the country working and playing hard in the sport that's been his passion for the last quarter century. As a lifelong member of the Lunatic Fringe, Mr. Danny Koon has more than a few stories, and a whole lot of experience to share. Music by - Zach Kimsey
Mon, November 08, 2021
Lunatic Fringe with Taihuka Smith
Back in the can for round two, this time with a lot less alcohol, Tai Smith shares how it's felt going from a low time Otter pilot to a few thousand hours, low time jumps to hitting it with a wingsuit, and how hardcore COVID rules have put an real exclamation point on incredible experiences like our spectacular trip across the Mediterranean. Join us on this edition of Lunatic Fringe for a few proper laughs and a couple of songs with a proper Kiwi jump pilot.
Mon, November 01, 2021
The Lunatic Fringe with Nick James Batsch
From the top of his game with multiple US National and World championship titles under his belt, to wondering if walking would ever again be an option, the journey Nick Batsch has been on over the last three years is a tough one to imagine. Years of training and top level athletic reflexes turned a landing that could have just as easily taken his life into the challenge of a lifetime, pushing Nick to work not only toward the physical demands a rebab of his type takes, but the often un thought of mental hurtles he had to overcome, not simply to live a normal life and perhaps even skydive again, but to once again stand on the top of the podium at the US Nationals. Join in on this edition with the current US National CP Champion Nick Batsch and hear in surprising detail all about his continuing journey with the Lunatic Fringe.
Mon, October 25, 2021
Lunatic Fringe with Dario Baslie
Only in the sport for 4 years, Dario Basile's time in both skydiving and BASE has made quite an impact in his life, and those that he meets. From A license to D, this base jumping, bull running, world traveling Tandem Instructor from Sussex NJ is absolutely going to let you, the guy sitting next to you and pretty much everyone else in earshot know that he is a skydiving, chili pepper eating high energy member of the Lunatic Fringe. Join in with Brian Casserly on this amped up chat.
Mon, October 18, 2021
Lunatic Fringe with Mr. Tom Noonan II (re-release)
In our second of two episodes, we pass on a little more knowledge, passion and joy from the one and only Mr. Tom Noonan. "It's never goodbye, its only see you next time" - T.N It's the return of Mr. Tom Noonan to talk a whole lot about safety! At a time when more skydivers are less current than they've ever been, Tom has great information, tips and advice on everything from canopy choices and getting back into the nylon groove, to AAD's and his personal take on Covid. Join us for a super informative and safety based talk on this edition of Lunatic Fringe.
S1 E33 · Mon, October 18, 2021
lunatic Fringe with Tom Noonan I (re-release)
The sport of skydiving lost one of its most generous this week. He was one of the sports most avid cheerleaders, motivators, teachers and first and foremost, passionate jumpers. Please, take a step back in time to relive with us here at Lunatic Fringe a little of the positivity and joy for our sport brought to us each and every day by Mr. Tom Noonan. "It's never goodbye. It's only until next time." -T.N The desire to skydive seems to grab each of us in a different way it seems, and Mr. Tom Noonan is no different. His passion? From the very start it was of all things, tandems! Where most of us are dragged kicking and screaming at first, he was drawn to instantly, and went about making it his lifelong passion to not only share our world with people as a tandem instructor, but to go much deeper and help train those of us who chose to throw drogues; and along with the true tandem pioneers in the sport, also to go about making it as safe as humanly possible. And on top of all this... he decided to hit the actual top of the world with Everest Skydive! Join in for an extremely informative and entertaining path along the Lunatic Fringe.
Mon, October 11, 2021
Lunatic Fringe with the Traveling Boogie
From the moment Per and Kim first met each other, it seems SkyGod had a plan in mind. From love at first sight and a shared passion for all things adventure and, well…pigs, these two were a match made in the clear blue. For 2021, this amazing couple decided to "Downsize" and take their passion on the road, and that’s exactly where they’ve been found. There’s almost no doubt that more than one episode will be needed to unpack all the Lunatic stories coming from “The Traveling Boogie”. This one happily hosted by the one and only Brian Casserly & Pussfoot!
Sun, October 03, 2021
Lunatic Fringe with Mike Mcgowan
He's left an indelible mark on skydiving beyond any shadow of a doubt, with more than 50+ Parachutist magazine covers, countless centerfolds, world record attempts and cutting edge development projects; add to that the fact that he was the pioneer for what is now a world wide multi-million tandem jump a year video legacy, Mr. Mike Mcgowan most likely either had a hand in why you became a skydiver, or the way you remember that first jump. Starting out as a military rigger, it didn't take Mike very long to discover he had a true passion for freefall photography, which has been the driving force of his career for decades now. From how he came up with the perfect tandem video formula, to how the trees surrounding Cross Keys saved his life, this is one episode you won't want to miss, since the one and only Mr. Mike McGowan has been there pretty much since the beginning of the Lunatic Fringe.
Mon, September 27, 2021
Lunatic Fringe with Cornelia and Olga III
Back in the can once again, Cornelia Mihai and Olga Naumova join me to talk about a successful 2021 competition season, or at least mostly successful... With travel difficulties and Covid restrictions, half of the challenge was just getting to the events, but both of these competition swooopers managed to put forth great showings in each of the events they made it to, and talk about not just the drive for competing, but the amazing community that makes these endeavors so much more special.
Mon, September 20, 2021
Lunatic Fringe with the Matt and Nick Show
Back in the can for another round, Matt Munting and Nicholas Scalabrino Bring us up to speed on the ever evolving adventures on the Matt and Nick show. From Alpine adventures including ice axes and crampons, to jumping the tallest building in the world and a night flair jump with an extra added pucker factor, these two are going strong, learning lessons, making friends and continuing full steam ahead on their journey deep in the Lunatic Fringe.
Sun, September 12, 2021
Lunatic Fringe with Hayden Galvin
As a "trad" rock climber, Hayden Galvin had started down his own lunatic path long before skydiving hit his radar. By the time BASE first made its appearance in his life he'd already had enough close calls on the rocks to know he had the chops for it, and learning to jump at what he described as a pretty sketch DZ back then in Coffs Harbor Austrailia only reenforced it. Drawn primarily to BASE, but pulled back to the sport of skydiving by the incredible accomplishments that team work could provide, Hayden went on to travel and jump not only all around Austrailia, but the world. From epic boogies like Funny Farm, to chasing the 200 way in Chicago, and now taking on the new challenge of fatherhood and running NZ Aerosports sponsorship management, Hayden is pushing his own boundaries and learning just how much there still is to learn with the Lunatic Fringe.
Mon, September 06, 2021
Lunatic Fringe with Zej M‘ski and Greg Windmiller
Taking over the hot seat and adding to the Lunatic Fringe team with his fresh take and incredible energy for skydiving, Mr. Zej M'ski sits down for his first ever shot at it, talking all things skydiving with the one and only Greg Windmiller. Owner and head honcho of Superior Flight Solutions, with a resume that includes an incredible run with the US Golden Knights, an Airborne Ranger, Tunnel instructor and world class level CP Pilot, there really isn't a whole lot in the sport that Greg hasn't seen or done. Bringing insights not only to the sport in general, but to the world of competition, Greg gives us his own slant on what it's like as a lifetime Lunatic.
Mon, August 30, 2021
Lunatic Fringe with Brian "Pussfoot" Casserly
Back in the can to talk all things boogie and fun, Brian Casserly catches me up on what it's been like hosting Lunatic Fringe (when he can remember it), love in the time of Covid, boogies, Speedo's and how his family tries to cope with his endless antics! Confirmed Lunatic to the end...
Mon, August 23, 2021
Lunatic Fringe with Todd Thompson and Brian Casserly
Back in the can, this time on location in North Carolina living the boogie life, Pussfoot's Brian Casserly sits down with Mr. Todd Thompson, who's life in the sky started out as more of an "order" than a desire, care of the US Military. Wanting more of the freefall taste than Uncle Sam was gonna provide, there was no way that Todd wasn't going to end up a proper jumper on his own. Working now as an AFF instructor and Senior Rigger at Skydive Shenandoah and enjoying the hell out of it all, there's no doubt he's a lifelong member of the Lunatic Fringe.
Mon, August 16, 2021
Lunatic Fringe with Sammy Vassilev
Sammy Vassilev may just have himself an unofficial world record. One of the most unique at that... managing to rack up well over 200 jumps, if you can believe it, in the womb. Son of a world champion Style and Accuracy mom, Sammy was literally born with skydiving in his blood, so there's no doubt in his mind its the path he was always meant to be on. Having found a creative way out of communist Europe, he managed to plant roots (wandering roots) in the Midwest of the United States, and eventually in Sin City, where his skydiving career really took off. From camera to skysurfing, wingsuits to Skydive TV, Sammy has hit all angles of our sport, eventually leading this lifelong jumper to open up his own shop, catering to all those in the Lunatic Fringe.
Mon, August 09, 2021
Lunatic Fringe with Zej Mski
Back in the can after what has to be the most successful bout of gorilla marketing in skydiving ever attempted, Zej Mski managed to work his way into the hearts and souls of a whole bunch of New Yorkers and Skydivers to win the full boat ride to Summerfest, and damn, did he have some fun! Fun, after what can only be considered an insanely brutal year of frontline work handling COVID face to face. Take a listen at exactly why skydiving has the ability to quite literally heal your soul when you're needing a little love from the Lunatic Fringe.
Mon, August 02, 2021
Lunatic Fringe with Brian and James England
Back in the hot seat, the one and only Brian Casserly sits down with freeflyer, iFly instructor, Tandem meat hauler and drinking buddy James England to talk and toast all things jump on this edition of Lunatic Fringe.
Mon, July 26, 2021
Lunatic Fringe with Melissa Lowe
A lifelong journey is the only way to describe Melissa Lowe's participation in the world of skydiving. Having firmly planted her feet on her own reputation built of hard work, good fun and amazing accomplishments, the now "Madam Director" of the USPA takes her time to sit down once again with me to discuss her role in "the Machine", her thoughts on change and improvements to our still growing sport, and her pride in the accomplishments of her father and the long overdue public acknowledgements of his substantial contribution to the Lunatic Fringe.
Sun, July 18, 2021
Lunatic Fringe with Hatz!
Globe trotting, skydiving, Speedo sporting helicopter pilot, who along the lines of Cher, Beyoncé, Fabio and Liberace prefers to simply be known as "Hatz!" sits down with the one and only Mr. Brian Casserly to talk all things "up'! It's an upbeat and entertaining chat fueled with great stories, insights, and a fair amount of booze, making it a perfect addition to the Lunatic bonfire.
Mon, July 12, 2021
Lunatic Fringe with Brian Germain round 2
Taken from the pages of one of the greats, Mr. Moe Viletto, Brian Germain sits down again for something a bit more like story time, bouncing from naked jumps, bowling balls, the highs and lows of AFF instructing, living through your own fear and dealing with fear for others and the fact that like it or not, luck plays a part in it all (its just how much luck you're comfortable with). With 35 years and counting, Brian has stories galore to share with those both in and out of the Lunatic Fringe.
Mon, July 05, 2021
Lunatic Fringe with Shauna Finley
Starting out in 2013 at a time when "something" was exactly what she needed, Shauna Finley came across exactly the right something. Taking over quite quickly, Shauna found that her passion for skydiving wasn't just the sport or even the people itself, but a drive to give back as much as she could to something that gave her exactly what she needed. Master Rigger, PRO rated sponsored athlete, Eastern USPA Director and enormous advocate for our sport, Shauna take a little time to sit down with Brian Casserly to talk all about her love for our wonderful Lunatic Fringe.
Mon, June 28, 2021
Lunatic Fringe with Derick Massey
Back in the can for another round, Mr. Derick Massey, 26 plus year veteran of the tandem game plugs in to talk to me about some of the most memorable, and flat out stupid moments he (and I) have had both in the air and on the ground. We talk about skill, luck, bad decisions with good outcomes, and what it's like to look back on more than a quarter century of experiences after paying the sometimes stiff physical and mental price for our time in the Lunatic Fringe.
Mon, June 21, 2021
Lunatic Fringe with Kevin Boorom
On this edition of Lunatic Fringe, I take a back seat and give my tired stories a rest while Mr Brian Casserly takes over the hot seat to talk all things skydiving with his Pussfoot cohort and load organizer Kevin Boorom. From which boogies have the most ridiculous parties, to just how many jumps you need to have before you can go out and have fun with them, Brian and Kevin get down to a proper bonfire session to cover all the things that have drawn them to the Lunatic Fringe.
Mon, June 14, 2021
Lunatic Fringe and the broken bunch
On this edition of The Lunatic Fringe, old friends and favorites to the podcast, Olga and Junior sit down to talk about, among other things, old injuries and new, and how sometimes the ones you thought were no big deal can have a way of coming back to haunt. With a few suggestions, tips and stories about what not to do, the three of us flop our bent and broken selves into the studio to see what we might have done differently, and what advice we can give on how to be and old and still vital member of the Lunatic Fringe.
Mon, June 07, 2021
Lunatic Fringe with Pablito Perazzoli
Back in the can for another virtual bonfire, Pablito Perazzoli, Master Rigger, Tandem Examiner, world traveler and a curator of one of the most spectacular handlebar mustaches this side of the 1800's sits down to talk a little about rigging, jumping, travel, loss and life. Join us for a fun catch up and informative chat with another wonderful life-long member of the Lunatic Fringe.
Sun, May 30, 2021
Lunatic Fringe with Chris Stewart II
Back in the can for round 2, Chris Stewart and I dispense with the more formal "get to know you" podcast, and just go straight to talking lifestyle, parties, close calls, wild times and stupid decisions! As a test jumper for NZ Aerosports, you might be tempted to think that Chris's close calls all came hanging under untested nylon, but you'd be underestimating his desire to test out daredevil stuff on the ground as well. Join in on this episode to find out about missing teeth, eyebrows and hot times with this lifetime member of the Lunatic Fringe.
Mon, May 24, 2021
Lunatic Fringe with Scott Fitzgerald
You'd be hard pressed to find many professions where twenty-five was considered a late start, but at the top of that very short list would most certainly be Freestyle Motocross, yet late to the game was exactly what Scott Fitzgerald A.K.A Toppdog was. From Mini's off massive ramps at the very beginning of his Lunatic journey, to the real deal with none other than the world famous Nitro Circus, Scott has gone big, almost from the start. With legends and friends riding along with him, the idea of skydiving went from something he might want to do someday, to his new (and most certainly safer) stoke. Join us as Toppdog and I talk about everything from backflips with 5 on a bike, to playing the old man while hucking a scooter off a ramp and how to avoid shredding yourself with a weak flare at the one and only Funny Farm on this edition of Lunatic Fringe
Mon, May 17, 2021
Lunatic Fringe with Simon Colmer
It started with an accident onboard a commercial airliner over Austrailia, or at least the catalyst did. In an event that will forever be a part of Simon Colmer, part of learning to get past it was a bucket list that happened to include skydiving; yet for someone scared of heights dealing with the after effects of a traumatic experience onboard an airplane, it was one that took a bit of time to get around to. Now, splitting his life quite clearly between the "real" world of an IT job, and weekends as a freefly coach and up and coming canopy pilot, Simon takes time to tell us about his rough beginnings in the air, lessons learned through injury, experience and travel and a host of incredible characters and mentors, and how he keeps the passion going in a sport with changing trends and appearances as he balances between the regular world and the Lunatic Fringe.
Mon, May 10, 2021
Lunatic Fringe with Troy Hartman (part 2)
it's kind of an unbelievable list of accomplishments and stunts. X-Games Skysurfing World Champion. Super Bowl Halftime winning Pepsi Commercial pulling stunts with a goose. First ever to skydive from an exploding aircraft. First ever parachute on fire in flight... The list goes on and on. Yet if you had asked a young Troy Hartman what he thought he was going to be when he grew up, there was only one answer. Pilot. Unfortunately, as seems to be the case over and over in life, the plan didn't exactly go the way he thought, so on to plan B... Becoming not only a world champion skysurfer, but the ambassador for skydiving at a time when not only the US but the whole world seemed to be screaming for something extreme. Join us on this edition of Lunatic Fringe as we talk with Troy about more out of your mind tricks, stunts and lucky breaks than anyone could ever imagine, all of which have him forever linked with the Lunatic Fringe.
Mon, May 03, 2021
Lunatic Fringe with Troy Hartman (part 1)
It's kind of an unbelievable list of accomplishments and stunts. X-Games Skysurfing World Champion. Super Bowl Halftime winning Pepsi Commercial pulling stunts with a goose. First ever to skydive from an exploding aircraft. First ever parachute on fire in flight... The list goes on and on. Yet if you had asked a young Troy Hartman what he thought he was going to be when he grew up, there was only one answer. Pilot. Unfortunately, as seems to be the case over and over in life, the plan didn't exactly go the way he thought, so on to plan B... Becoming not only a world champion skysurfer, but the ambassador for skydiving at a time when not only the US but the whole world seemed to be screaming for something extreme. Join us on this edition of Lunatic Fringe as we talk with Troy about more out of your mind tricks, stunts and lucky breaks than anyone could ever imagine, all of which have him forever linked with the Lunatic Fringe.
Mon, April 26, 2021
Lunatic Fringe with Moe Viletto
With one of the most unique stories of how skydiving entered his life, Moe Viletto had just survived an impromptu zero gravity aerobatic flight by the skin of his teeth when he and his pilot buddy spotted canopies off in the distance. Knowing the instant he landed from his first jump that this was what life had been aiming him toward, he embarked on what this year would have been five decades of skydiving, rigging and BASE jumping. Living life on his terms as a rigging gypsy king, scoring a bit of luck here and there and having an incredible time, he did it all without any real plan. From drougeless tandems and AFF before it was a thing, to living in a VW Beetle while trying to find a home for his sewing machines, to BASE jumping with a tent and then on to Hollywood, Moe Viletto and I only scratch the surface of his fifty years of Lunatic Fringe adventures. From his antics to his rigging, Moe Viletto was a trailblazer in every sense of the word and we aren't likely to ever find another quite like him. On what was suppose to be the first of many installments of "Story Time With Moe", he shared with us just a little of what made him such an incredibly loved icon in our sport. Recorded not much before his passing, I feel nothing but lucky I had the chance to meet the man behind the Lunatic Fringe legend.
Mon, April 19, 2021
Lunatic Fringe with Team Airwax II
World Champions and always outgoing ambassadors to the world for skydiving, Team Airwax with Greg Crozier, Karine Joy and Ewan Cowie join me face to face in the studio to talk about life after lockdown, travel in the time of Covid, previous lives and what the future holds in store. We touch on what it takes not only to be a championship team in our sport, but how social media plays an enormous part in staying relevant not only to sponsors, but to future generations of skydivers, and how a 2006 Pommero is the perfect bottle of wine to sip while chatting with other lifetime members of the Lunatic Fringe.
Sun, April 11, 2021
Lunatic Fringe with Joe Jennings (part 2)
On the conclusion of Lunatic Fringe with Joe Jennings... From the X-Games to Good Stuff; from Hollywood to the Super Bowl, Mr. Joe Jennings has helped to shape not only modern skydiving through the lens of his camera, but was instrumental in bringing our sport to the forefront of pop-culture, entertainment and the masses. Like most, his first jump wasn't just entertainment, it was transformation, and on part two of Joe's chat on Lunatic Fringe, I get the opportunity to sit and talk with Joe, and my guest host Omar Alhegelan about the making of not only a world class camera flyer, but of some of the most iconic skydiving videos ever to see a screen.
Mon, April 05, 2021
Lunatic Fringe with Joe Jennings (part 1)
From the X-Games to Good Stuff; from Hollywood to the Super Bowl, Mr. Joe Jennings has helped to shape not only modern skydiving through the lens of his camera, but was instrumental in bringing our sport to the forefront of pop-culture, entertainment and the masses. Like most, his first jump wasn't just entertainment, it was transformation, and on part one of Joe's chat on Lunatic Fringe, I get the opportunity to sit and talk with Joe, and my guest host Omar Alhegelan about the making of not only a world class camera flyer, but of some of the most iconic skydiving videos ever to see a screen.
Mon, March 29, 2021
Lunatic Fringe with Kareem Madoor with Host DJL
On this, his first time in the host seat, the familiar Mr. David Junior Ludvik takes the time to sit down with fellow skydiving instructor Kareem Madoor. Working as a management consultant, Kareem started to wonder if there weren't a little more to life than office walls and deadlines. With his first foray toward the Lunatic lifestyle, he found an affinity for scuba, then moved on to kite surfing, first as a student and then eventually as an instructor. By the time the idea of skydiving hit his radar there wasn't any second guessing; he was just ready to jump. Now as a kite surfing and skydiving instructor, he spends his free time traveling the world to chase his passions, leading him to epic experiences like free falling over the Giza Pyramids in his home Country of Egypt. Join in on this first time in the hot seat episode with Junior and Kareem as they chat all things Lunatic.
Mon, March 22, 2021
Lunatic Fringe with Jeff Weatherall
As a young Kiwi, starting out with sport was a pretty natural thing, and Jeff Weatherall excelled. Surfing seemed to be a natural fit for him, and competition became the standard at a young age; but as is known to happen when you push for the top, Jeff found himself burned out on the waves, and instead put all of his focus into a sport he'd never considered before, wakeboarding. On his way to becoming an international champion behind a boat, he happened to catch a bit of footage of a guy named Frank BASE jumping, and knew it was in his cards. Years after his first glimpse, and long after that very first skydive Jeff made his first BASE jump, and was off on a new trajectory in his life that would eventually lead him on to become a full-time skydiver, wingsuit and BASE coach, and lifelong member of the Lunatic Fringe.
Mon, March 15, 2021
Lunatic Fringe with Jarno Cordia
From a young age he was drawn to air sports, and skydiving in particular, but having an uncle who'd broken his back landing a round years before, it would have been easy for Jarno Cordia to watch his dreams of flying stay nothing more than childhood fantasy; but his desire to get in the air was much stronger than any fears he or his family may have had. After finishing school at 17 and a top notch career for the taking, he was able to use his early start in the professional world to put aside time to pursue his passion for flight both in skydiving and BASE, most specifically with wingsuiting. As has been for many a jumper, the drive to fly found a way to push career aside, and almost without thinking, he found that his passion and profession were now one in the same. With his partner and teammate Jenna Gygi at his side, @teamflylikebrick continues to lead him to almost every side of the Lunatic Fringe.
Mon, March 08, 2021
Lunatic Fringe with Kim Worthington Turnbull
Kim Worthington. Now known as Kim Turnbull. Wife. Mom. Upstanding citizen and all around normal person. But back then, well... Kim got her start skydiving like a lot of us did, with a tandem and an instant love for the sport. With one trip to Spain it was game on for her, and straight into a career as an AFF instructor (Via manifest) coach and a run all around the US that culminated in one hell of a stint at the then infamous Skydive CrossKeys, the craziest DZ in the world (at the time). On this episode of Lunatic, we get the chance to talk with someone who's put their skydiving life well in the past with no plans to return, as she looks back at some of the seriously wild and sometimes twisted adventures that make up some of the best, and possibly most difficult memories of her life. Time to chat with one of the crew that helped give this podcast its Lunatic roots.
Mon, March 01, 2021
Lunatic fringe with Death
On this edition of Lunatic Fringe, Omar Alhegelan, Junior Ludvic and I tackle the difficult subject of death, and how we as skydivers deal (or don't deal) with the end. From denial to humor, we speak about how we and those around us cope with it, and try and speak openly about a subject that most skydivers work really hard to avoid; when we at last shuffle off this mortal coil.
Mon, February 22, 2021
Lunatic Fringe with Flavio Almeida
Just another last minute plan is how it started for Flavio Almeida. At the ripe old age of 16 years, he found himself doing not just his first, but second static line jump on his first ever trip to a small Brazilian dropzone near the rainforest, and never imagined then the path he'd just started himself down. From jumping in his home country, to studying, jumping and working in Canada (which ended in rather spectacular fashion) and then the states and eventually around the world, Flavio found that he could actually manage to make a life for himself doing what he had assumed could only be a part-time sport. As an AFF, tandem instructor, camera flyer and eventually swoop competitor, this multi-lingual well traveled skydiver takes the time to fill us all in on his adventures so far with the Lunatic Fringe.
Mon, February 15, 2021
Lunatic Fringe with Brian Moler
A Vegas OG, Brian Moler, and in fact pretty much the entire Moler family have either been a part of, or heard every story there is to tell about skydiving in Las Vegas, Nevada. For a city not at all known for skydiving, you'd might just be amazed at just how much has gone down in Sin City, and he is most certainly the man to talk to. From failed contracts put out on a DZO's life (kind of), to warring tribes of Elvi, man eating dust devils and a huge Outlaw failure with the FAA, Brian Moler has more than 30 years of dirt and a whole lot of fun to share on this edition of Lunatic Fringe.
Mon, February 08, 2021
Lunatic Fringe with Tim Jones
For Tim Jones, the decision to become a skydiver wasn't a difficult one. A half planned road trip from the UK into France and a tandem skydive was about all it took. As sometimes seems to be the case, skydiving and Tim fit together pretty easily, and through a fortuitous friendship formed with Andrew Ford, who he would later find out was "somebody" in skydiving, he found himself working ground control at a very busy multi-aircraft turbine dropzone. With quite a few challenges, but also a number of valuable learning experiences, Tim managed to work and jump his way into the world of camera flying, and then eventually to tandems, finding pleasure not just in the work and the community, but in the potential for travel and experience in the small but extensive world of the Lunatic Fringe. Join in on this episode for an upbeat chat about all things jump.
Sun, January 31, 2021
Lunatic Fringe with Andrew Ford II
Back in the can to talk over old times and new, Andrew "Fordy" Ford brings 35 years of airsports experience int to talk about not just the "good Ol' days" of yesteryear, but to talk about the advances of today, and what might be around the corner. Paying homage to some of the greats from back in the day and some the incredible talent of now, Fordy takes some time to chat about his life with the Lunatic Fringe.
Mon, January 25, 2021
Lunatic Fringe with Amber Forte
Raised with a competitive spirit, but finding herself in constant competition with older BMX riding brothers, Amber Forte knew from a pretty young age not only that she wanted to find her own path, but more importantly that she wanted a life less ordinary. Having made her first skydive on her own at 18 and being just as impressed with the mentality of the jumpers as she was with their profession, it was only natural that more was to come. Finding herself living in the land of the long white cloud and becoming friends with someone new to the sport, she fed off the excitement he had for skydiving and decided to join in. From working tunnels and dropzone's both in Austrailia and New Zealand, to the tunnel in Voss where she would find yet another passion in BASE, she fell in love with the life she had carved out for herself and went full throttle with a long list of goals to achieve. Until she found herself wondering if she'd ever be able to do it again. Join in on this episode as Amber shares her stories of success and failure, injury and recovery on her amazing journey with the Lunatic Fringe.
Sun, January 17, 2021
Lunatic Fringe with Espen Fadnes
Born and raised in a part of Norway where sport wasn't just another choice, but a way of life, Espen Fadnes grew up roped up and climbing or skiing almost before he was walking. Being on the rock and in the mountains was beyond second nature, as were all the other terrestrial adventures Norway had to offer. Yet with Espen, from a young age, reaching the tops of the peaks he climbed and either hiking or skiing down soon didn't satisfy, and he found himself dreaming of flying where others walked. In an environment that back then was alien and overwhelming, his beginnings in skydiving were tempered with having to overcome something he hadn't really known before; fear. Now, arguably at the top of his game as a seasoned and highly respected BASE jumper, skydiver and instructor, Espen takes a little time to speak about some great and even no so great choices and adventures on his path with the Lunatic Fringe.
Mon, January 11, 2021
Lunatic Fringe with Junior's gear and currency tips
Back in the can with the Fuckin' co-host Junior Ludvic, he's got some good tips and advice on taking care of your gear while it's down for the winter months, keeping or getting current, dealing with injuries and what the future holds, this time around on The Lunatic Fringe.
Mon, January 04, 2021
Lunatic Fringe with Nathan Smith
A Southern California jumper from go, Nathan Smith didn't realize just how good he had it at the world famous (with skydivers that is) dropzone he "grew up" on. Perris valley was the beginning of a journey that has since led him to multiple world records and more than 20 countries around the globe, not just competing in, but teaching the sport he loves. Holding camps and organizing boogies year round, all while working a full-time job in the real world, Nathan isn't satisfied to leave well enough alone, and in 2021 will be launching an entirely new endeavor with one of the best known and winningest canopy pilots in the history of the sport. Join in on this edition and hear about how it really is possible to find a balance between the real world, and the Lunatic Fringe.
Mon, December 28, 2020
Lunatic Fringe with Timmi Thomsen
Growing up seeing canopies in the air pretty much his entire life, the idea of going to make a skydive when he turned eighteen seemed like a pretty easy decision. Like more than a few jumpers, it didn't take very long until Timmi spotted the direction he wanted to take his journey in the sport. Seeing what at the time he thought was a fatality in action, but was in reality just another swoop did the trick. After a fortuitous job offer to go pack nylon in New Zealand, and a few mentors along the way, Timmi once again found himself on the good side of luck when after and impressive swoop with the help of home field advantage caught the eye of event organizers, he found himself doing demo jumps into one of the most impressive arenas skydive has ever seen, the Copenhagen Swoop Freestyle competition in 2015. Join us on this edition of Lunatic Fringe while we chat about nylon, tunnels and the real world with Timmi Thomsen.
Mon, December 21, 2020
Lunatic Fringe with Matt Jaskol
From a very young age, extreme for Matt Jaskol was common place. Starting first on two wheels and then to four, racing simply became a way of life, and one that he chased with true passion. Yet just like life, racing and it's pitfalls left him looking for some type of escape and distraction from the negatives, and skydiving became his very unexpected release. From pushing the limits on a path aimed toward a seat on the pro racing circuit, to skydives around the world, and eventually to a soul searching experience in the jungles of Indonesia, Matt Jaskol has more than enough to put pen to paper, and in this episode takes his time to share just a taste of his path with the Lunatic Fringe.
Mon, December 14, 2020
Lunatic Fringe with Luigi Cani
Fear. It's the one thing that the best in our sport have had to contend with, but for Luigi Cani it was almost too much. Having started his skydiving career with static line jumps that terrified him, he couldn't understand why something inside him kept pushing him back into the airplane, regretting it almost every time. Yet it was that same fear that taught him just how valuable and special the path he had found could be, and what has driven him through an amazing 25 years in our sport. Not satisfied with the ordinary now anymore than he has been at any other point in his career, the soon to be 50 year old icon in our sport is beginning his training toward yet another possible world record on the 34, with a firm grip on his goals deep in the Lunatic Fringe.
Mon, December 07, 2020
Lunatic Fringe with Ryan Brownlow
Ryan Brownlow. Second generation skydiver with a passion for the sport instilled in him by a father that went big, he grew up packing parachutes and seeing firsthand his Dad's community of jumpers. As he came into his own in skydiving, he had the opportunity to surround himself with some of the best in the world in their disciplines, eventually leading him to his; canopy piloting. A member of the now 10 year strong team Alter Ego, he and his wife Jessie, a multiple world record holding badass herself are still both going strong, finding a way to balance the real world and parenting while still holding a solid place among the Lunatic Fringe.
Mon, November 30, 2020
Lunatic Fringe with Paul "Weasle" Wetzel
An OG jumper that started his static line course in the early 90's, Mr. Paul Wetzel, aka "Weasle" would go from rocking out of college where he had substantially more motivation for beer and skydiving that his courses, to Army Ranger school where he'd earn his jump wings; From trailer life in Louisiana to tandems in Las Vegas, and from helicopter flight ops in Iraq and Afghanistan to a food truck in North Carolina. Along the way he's made a Japanese man vomit with his ass (And my assist), taken thousands of tandems, hiked the Appalachian trail from end to middle and back and figured out just like a whole lot of us, how lucky he is to be part of the Lunatic Fringe.
Mon, November 23, 2020
Lunatic Fringe with Steve Hubbard
USPA in the house! The Director of Competition and Records sits down to tell me all the in's and out's of life inside the belly of the beast! Adding to the burn is a litany of brutal hot sauces eaten between Steve Hubbard, Junior Ludvic and myself as we talk about everything from world records to the changing of the USPA guard with the addition of the one and only Albert Berchtold as the big boss. Join us on this informative and entertaining Lunatic Fringe!
Mon, November 16, 2020
Lunatic Fringe with Julien Peelman
He might not be the best known name in the sport, and you've not seen him standing atop a podium after a sick canopy competition, but he's been there none the less. Julien Peelman wasn't just creative in how he began his time in skydiving or even in how he got his gig with NZ Aerosports, but it's that exact creativity and training that has forever solidified his name and legacy in our sport. Designing wings that not only saves lives, but smash world records, he's put his skills to work on everything from the Petra to the Kraken and everything in-between, and he's helping keep himself and so many more happy and active with the Lunatic Fringe.
Mon, November 09, 2020
Lunatic Fringe with Olga Naumova II
Back for a little more abuse, Olga Namova, professional skydiver, canopy pilot competitor and NZ Aerosports athlete sits down to have an entertaining, yet serious and sobering conversation about injuries in our sport, her rush in days past to get back into the air regardless of the consequences, and the lessons she's learned on staying safer, taking better care, and recognizing the dangers of pushing too hard too quick. Listen in for a little great advice about how to either avoid, or if not, how to get back into the air wisely after an injury with the rest of the Lunatic Fringe.
Mon, November 02, 2020
Lunatic Fringe with Felix Anne and Lucas
You don't know them. You've never heard of them. You'll probably never meet them, and almost certainly never jump with them, but I promise you this is a chat you'll love listening to. Having just done their first tandem skydives the day we recorded, they will take you straight back to the excitement, the fear, the wonder and the sense of accomplishment each of us had after that first experience with rare air, and remind you even if just a little how truly lucky we all are to have this sport and community.
Mon, October 26, 2020
Lunatic Fringe with Ivo Ninov
A climber since he was very young, Ivo Ninov had to learn to overcome his fear of heights in order to follow his passion, and overcome he did. Without any real pretense or ego Ivo will tell you about his countless climbs in Yosemite, setting record after record up some of the most formidable rock on the planet. As member of "The Stone Monkey's", He, Ammon McNeeley, Nicola Martinez and two other world class climbers set their sites on BASE as a means of "transportation" back down the mountain when their climbing day was done; but Ivo will be the first to tell you that skydiving didn't come naturally to him, and was one of the hardest learning experiences of his life. Yet this, just like most every other goal he's set for himself was one that he achieved, going on to mark his path in the BASE world as one of the top athletes of his time. Join us on this episode as we get a look at Ivo's continuing path on the Lunatic Fringe.
Mon, October 19, 2020
Lunatic Fringe with Michael Washburn
Don't let the package fool you. Michael Washburn, or should I say, Officer Washburn, Retired US Army Ranger may not be large and imposing, but this guy has been there and done that! Coming to civilian skydiving later in life after a military freefall career that left him less than thrilled with the sport, it was a chance meeting with a guy named "Noah" who flew "wing suits" that drove him to chase a new dream. Years later, as the team captain of "Sky Trash" wing suit team, he's got a humble outlook, but big dreams, and when it comes to chasing them, you can most certainly see the "Ranger"! Join us on this edition of Lunatic Fringe.
Mon, October 12, 2020
Lunatic Fringe with Chris Stewart
He'd let his student down in a major way. Quite literally the last thing she wanted to hear when asking her attractive, worldly instructor what had driven him to become a skydiver was "Google". From a skydiving school with a "work placement" program, you wouldn't necessarily think big things were on the horizon, but Chris Stewart is flying proof that once that passion takes hold... Champion competitive canopy pilot, instructor, world traveler and dare I say, cutting edge test pilot for New Zealand Aerosports and the Icarus canopies, this is an interview you're not going to want to miss. Fuck. Yeah.
Mon, October 05, 2020
Lunatic Fringe with Tony and Flora Uragallo
in 1976, Tony Uragallo started up Tony Suits after more "never again's" than he ever would have imagined. As a young man working as a brick layer in England, the idea that 50 years later his name would be synonymous with two of the most extreme sports the world has ever seen wasn't even imagined, but after breaking needle after needle building his first suits and heading off to Florida for the love of skydiving, Tony Suits was inevitable. From jumpsuits for every discipline and canopies named after classic characters from literature, to cutting edge wingsuits and ionic "patch pants", Tony has led the way. With his daughter Flora at the helm, and long time skydiver and industry pro wife Mary, this family trio has a lot to say about their roots in the sport they love. Join us on this edition of Lunatic Fringe with the wonderful Tony Suit Crew!
Mon, September 28, 2020
Lunatic Fringe with Mitch Steere
Multiple lives all rolling after and on top of the other. Mitch Steere, software engineer, father of 2 teenage daughters. Mitch Steere, sliding off a motorcycle at triple digits, dirty downwind on his first jump, downsize demon. Mitch Steere, building a full database on how to perform beautiful flock dives with as much safety and precision as possible. Having come through his truly "sketch" times with the help of a great mentor, Mitch and his crew are looking toward the future of XRW and canopy flocks with great anticipation! Check it out on this edition of Lunatic Fringe!
Mon, September 21, 2020
Lunatic Fringe with Attila Csizmadia
From Nervous beginnings in communist Hungary on military rounds with a reserve he had to pack himself, to Four-Way world meets to a stint packing for the Golden Knights and test jumps on Icarus canopies that would be enough to make anyone lay the nylon down and walk away, Attila Cszmadia has come a very long way in his time in the sport; and as the long time GM of NZ Aero it's safe to say there's a whole lot more to come. Join us as we talk about slow starts, fast canopies and growing up with the Lunatic Fringe.
Mon, September 14, 2020
Lunatic Fringe with Ricky Rout
At first glance you might not see a whole lot in common between Brazilian Jujitsu and skydiving, but if you look twice you just might be amazed. Ricky Rout, a black belt and passionate coach in Brazilian Jujitsu spotted the similarities between the two immediately, and put to work the mental toughness he'd earned through years on the mat to work for him in the air. Born in India and raised on the island of Guam where wrestling became a passion, Jujitsu seemed like a great fit as a "pastime" on his way to university; but like many deep in the Lunatic Fringe, pastimes have a way of becoming lifestyles. Join us on this edition of Lunatic Fringe as we speak about Jujitsu and skydiving, the mental game of each, the drive and joy continuing to learn can bring, and how a chance meeting with one of skydiving's icons put Ricky on a new path.
Mon, September 07, 2020
Lunatic Fringe with William Lux
Florida kid born and raised, William Lux always had a slightly different idea of fun. Tearing away from the police on the back of a motorcycle as way to get a little rush may have been fun, but skydiving turned out to be a much safer way to get his fix, and William took to it almost right away; although it wasn't exactly love at first jump... Join us on this edition of Lunatic Fringe to find out about bouncing around the country, swooping the Amish, and exactly what William means when he says for work he "lays pipe".
Sun, August 30, 2020
Lunatic Fringe with the Alhegelan Family
Being a champion many times over is amazing. Having a reputation for riding the cutting edge of the sport you love is spectacular. Thinking outside the box and embracing new and bold and daring in a sport full of daring people is wonderful. But let's face it, being the parents your nine year old daughter looks up to and admires makes all that pale by comparison. Dunia Alhegelan, daughter of Omar Alhegelan and Cheri Johnson will be the first to tell you that traveling the world and jumping out of airplanes is something she's wanted to do forever, because well, dad does it, and does it really well! On this episode of Lunatic Fringe I get the whole family in on the act to talk all about life, love, travel, skydiving, mixed up birthdays and piercings. Join in and enjoy Omar and the family!
Mon, August 24, 2020
Lunatic Fringe with Marat Leiras
At 17 he knew. Well, he knew after he talked his mother into signing the release anyway. Marat Leiras showed his dedication to the sport of skydiving almost right away with a 400 kilometer drive one way to the dropzone just to get through AFF. With some serious skill, some wonderful luck and a whole lot of great timing, Marat managed to travel the world, train and jump with some of the best the sport had to offer and even marry the Iowa girl of his dreams; all without ever overstaying his visa! join us as we talk about everything from wind tunnels and BASE jumps to what a crowd of 70,000 looks like from above. All on this edition of Lunatic Fringe Into the Void.
Mon, August 17, 2020
Lunatic Fringe with Tom Noonan II
It's the return of Mr. Tom Noonan to talk a whole lot about safety! At a time when more skydivers are less current than they've ever been, Tom has great information, tips and advice on everything from canopy choices and getting back into the nylon groove, to AAD's and his personal take on Covid. Join us for a super informative and safety based talk on this edition of Lunatic Fringe.
Mon, August 10, 2020
Lunatic Fringe with Laurie Lubbe
When you start out your life as a packing weight, you're either going to hate everything about our sport, or you're going to be in it for life. Luckily for Laurie Lubbe the latter is what happened. The daughter of a French National and World champion in Style and Accuracy, she fell in love with the sport the first time she found herself under her own canopy, and never looked back. Now herself a sponsored athlete by the French Federation, Laurie takes the time to tell us about what it was like growing up in the sport, her journey to the tunnel life and competitive aspirations, what she believes it takes to chase the title of "Champion", and what life for her has been like in the time of Covid. Join us for a fun and upbeat chat on this edition of Lunatic Fringe.
Mon, August 03, 2020
Lunatic Fringe with Anas Bekkali
Anas Bekkali. Like a lot of us, he got his start in "Air Sports" almost completely by accident, and like most of us, it totally took over his life, and damn has he made the most of it! Starting off as a pure "tunnel rat" and transitioning to the sky, he's managed to do a whole lot with his ten or so years in the sport. From skydiving over Everest with the Moroccan Flag and jumping his countries flag back home (where he was invited to meet the king), to plans for jumping the great pyramids of Giza and an adventure show of Morocco, Anas is working hard to make the most of his time in the Lunatic Fringe.
Mon, July 27, 2020
Lunatic Fringe with the Mom's!
I've always wondered what non skydiving mom's and dads think about the sport we all love, how they deal with the stress and fear, and how they handle dealing with their kids involvement in the Lunatic Fringe, so to find out, we sat down with Bonnie and Nancy, the mothers of Junior and I respectively to find out how they coped, and still do... Slightly embarassing and fun, join us for a little family time
Mon, July 20, 2020
Lunatic Fringe with Rafael Schwaiger
Rafael Schwaiger. He likes to fly in tunnels and sometimes he skydives. Perhaps the most ridiculously understated introduction any guest has ever given themselves on Lunatic Fringe. Unless you pay no attention to what's been happening in the tunnel for quite some time, then you're well aware of just how talented and charismatic Rafa is. World Freestyle Champion and holder of so many other titles and accolades that I won't even begin to attempt to list them, I'll still be the one to tell you that I think his biggest accomplishment is being so exceptional at what he does, while still being a happy, fun and slightly out of his mind guy. Please join us as we talk all about Rafa's path down the Lunatic Fringe, and I describe what I get to see on camera that you can't!
Mon, July 13, 2020
Lunatic Fringe with Brian Casserly Round 2
Back again to talk about weird shit during weird times, its Puss Foot's own Brian Casserly taking time out of his crazy busy schedule to just shoot the shit! In true bonfire style we cover everything from Covid to kids, and religion to dildo's in true lunatic style. Join us for a good laugh in true Lunatic Fringe style.
Mon, July 06, 2020
Lunatic Fringe with Antz Hansen
A Kiwi born and raised, Antz Hansen had been around aviation from a very young age, so when the daydream of making a skydive finally presented itself, the outcome wasn't quite as he'd expected. As it turned out, round parachutes weren't his thing... But then, after he'd already established himself as a professional photographer, the chance to try the new "Square" design presented itself, and boom! Working behind the lens his entire adult life, specifically as an "extreme" photographer, Antz has gone out of his way to put himself into some seriously sketchy situations, and is happily not only still here, but happily is sitting down to tell us about his path with the Lunatic Fringe.
Mon, June 29, 2020
Lunatic Fringe with Splash Robinson
From round parachutes to squares. Riding atop busses fueled with beer and coke and dodging power lines. Lodi O.G. jumper. World record big ways. Subterranean BASE in Mexico. Burning Man. Waterfall wingsuiting... There isn't a whole lot in air sports that Splash Robinson hasn't experienced firsthand! One of the original crew out of Lodi and on to Skydance in Davis, Splash has been going big ever since he wrapped his fathers car around a telephone pole (not how you would imagine). He's been there, done that and was probably the guy who designed the t-shirt. This is the guy that helped put the Lunatic into Lunatic Fringe, and its an episode you're not gonna want to miss!
Mon, June 22, 2020
Lunatic Fringe with Jan Kruger
Raised in a family of Aviation enthusiasts, pilots and veterans, Jan Kruger had thought the career of a pilot might be the right path for him, but his family aimed him in a slightly different direction. Taking on the challenge of becoming and A&P, or Mechanic, or Engineer, or as Jan puts it, somebody that fixes airplanes he found his niche, and ended up working with one of the premier companies that helps keep Twin Otters in the air and doing their thing. With skydiving a dream that had always been on the back burner, it jumped to the forefront as soon as he started spinning wrenches for a skydiving operation which has led him happily and inevitably down a path straight toward the Lunatic Fringe. Join us on this wine filled and aviation enthusiast based episode!
Mon, June 15, 2020
Lunatic Fringe with Louise Kristensen and Shannon Seyb
Living mirrored lives on different sides of the planet, Louise Kristensen and Shannon Seyb had a passion and drive for most all the same things. From Horseback riding and yoga, to tunnel flying and a love of the sky and our community, forming a team to spread the love and a positive vibes was the only natural thing to do. Biding their time until they can train for dynamic two way tunnel comps and get back in the air, Louise and Shannon take the time to tell me how they got their starts in the sport, and how they've spent their "down" time lately keeping it interesting here in the Lunatic Fringe.
Mon, June 08, 2020
Lunatic Fringe with Melanie Curtis
Just about as all around positive as they come. Professional Skydiver, writer, life coach, "Ball of Light"... I had to ask, just how does Melanie Curtis manage to stay so positive and upbeat all the time? The answers may not surprise, but they will most certainly inform. As a member of a new skydiving demo team designed to raise awareness and highlight women in our sport, she's all about making positive change! We go pretty deep on this one to be sure, so... For those that are looking for just light hearted and want to avoid some of the topics of the day, well, this may be a bit more in depth than you're expecting, but I got the chance to really talk straight with Melanie about the world we're living in, the sport we love, and all the reasons why for good or bad, we love the Lunatic Fringe.
Mon, June 01, 2020
Lunatic Fringe with Mandy Curry
So yeah... A charmed if not short career in skydiving is exactly what Mandy Curry had. Stumbling into amazing situations and lucking her way into rubbing elbows with skydiving royalty, she can't help but look back at her time in the sport with rose colored glasses! A mother of two on a vastly different trajectory, Mandy takes the time to sit and reminisce with me about trips to Eloy, landing on glaciers, guns and death threats in Mexico and dollar bills at the strip club cause she met me while I was sans pants in a thong looking for a "champagne room" customer, she's most certainly got a few stories to tell! Wait, this one might not have been the best idea! Please join me on this episode of Lunatic Fringe with one of my dearest friends (who knows way too fucking much about me), Mandy Curry.
Mon, May 25, 2020
Lunatic Fringe with Kaz Sheekey
Proper scared. Kaz Sheekey started out like I imagine a fair amount of us do in skydiving, but for her, just like most of us who decide to make a life out of it, that fear she felt on jump one became a positive driving force, not a deterrent. Immediately attracted to the lifestyle as well as her love of jumping, all it took was a "vacation" to the US to drive her into a 25 plus year love affair not just with skydiving, but with canopy piloting. A kick ass competitor, Flight One instructor and demo team member to boot, as well as balancing life as a mom in these trying times, Kaz Sheekey takes a bit of her time to share with us her journey into the Lunatic Fringe.
Mon, May 18, 2020
Lunatic Fringe with Rich LaBarr
Meat Hauler. Not what most people dream of when they think of a career in skydiving. It's not glamorous and it ain't sexy... As a matter of fact, unless you're a first time tandem student, the tandem instructors tend to be the most overlooked of us, but the truth of the matter is, it's an incredible way to spend your time in the air. Rich LaBarr will be the first to tell you that tandem instructors are seriously un-sung heroes in our sport and deserve their time in the spotlight, and I am 100% in agreement. Starting late in the game (late as in he took his time becoming a working skydiver, not cause he's old and grey) Rich and his wife became fully immersed in our sport, and haven't looked back. Join in as we talk about the joys of strapping other people to you and doing dangerous things!
Mon, May 11, 2020
Lunatic Fringe With Joey Marco
Started jumping while in college, Check. Coach rating, Check. Tandem Instructor, Check. US Navy F-18 Hornet Pilot... Big Fuckin' Check! Joey Marco started both his career in aviation and his career in skydiving around the same time, and has somehow managed to keep his passion for both! As a new F-18 pilot, Joey gets inundated with "Fan Boy" pilot questions all over the place that I've wanted to ask for years, and we even manage to talk about skydiving! Join in on another "quarantine" edition of Lunatic Fringe
Mon, May 04, 2020
Lunatic Fringe with Rachel Belmont
Hard work and perseverance paid off. Signed to run and compete for not just one of the best track teams around but precisely who she wanted, Rachel Belmont was headed to college on exactly the trajectory she had planned; then, as seems to happen too damn much, her future was changed by a random injury that left her wondering what came next. Too strong to back down, she was able to push past not only the physical, but the mental as well to become not just an accomplished runner, but an ultra-marathoner. Training now as a nurse and wanting a way to give back during these crazy times, she wanted to find a way to combine the two worlds she's fallen in love with, and has put running and skydiving together to help those in need. tune in to listen to exactly what she's gone through, what she's got planned, and how you can help on this edition of Lunatic Fringe into the Void.
Mon, April 27, 2020
Lunatic Fringe with Team Airwax
You want to know what it takes to become world champions? Curious about how to develop the kind of moves that not only haven't been seen before, but not even imagined? Wonder how in the hell anyone could survive 10 years of hardcore training, competition, travel and pressure AND do it all as a couple? And of course, find out who in the hell is behind those awesome jumpsuits? Well look no further! On this episode of Lunatic Fringe, Team Airwax members Greg Crozier and Karine Joly take the time to sit down and tell me the in's and outs of their wonderful journey to the top of the podium, smack in the middle of the Lunatic Fringe.
Mon, April 20, 2020
Lunatic Fringe with Beverly Cosslett
Like a large number of people, Beverly Cosslett's first experience with skydiving came about with a "Sure, why not"; unlike most that more "agree" than "Decide" to skydive, she managed to get herself quickly hooked! Working her way into South Africa's skydiving scene and beyond, she started at a time when the rule breakers and bad boys (and girls) ruled the sport, and stuck with it through its transition into a more, shall we say, adult sport. In a mix between agreeing and being dragging, she has gone on to work the last 7 years as Skydive Johannesburg's Chief Instructor, remembering the old days while guiding the new, all while balancing a career in the real world. Join in on this edition of Lunatic Fringe and enjoy!
Mon, April 13, 2020
Lunatic Fringe with Ernesto Gainza
Intimidated by the sport. In his own words "lacking natural talent"... Words that only Ernesto Gainza would use to describe himself because nobody I know would use anything other than "Calculated" or "Driven". Maybe "Forward Thinking" or even "Fucking Crazy" (that was me...). Currently holding the record for the smallest canopy every landed, the man has taken on challenges that very few ever would, and he's done them with success and professionalism to say the least. Join me as I get the wonderful opportunity to catch up with my friend Ernesto, and find out how he ended up with all of us deep in The Lunatic Fringe.
S1 E62 · Mon, April 06, 2020
Lunatic Fringe with Hannah Parker
Hannah Parker PHD. Fuck skydivers are amazing at themes (life changing course corrections), and this is one of my favorite ones by far! Well on her way to becoming a full blown Doctor and researcher (did I mention the fuckin’ PHD?), Hannah and her friend decided to make a skydive to jazz things up a bit, at jazz it up it certainly did! Managing to finish off that PHD while fucking around at the dropzone, she gave her family the impression that she just needed some "down time" after all the hard work, which is why she was pissing off to Portugal to go skydiving... Seven years later, she's still on that vacation from her original path! Join us for a fun look into the life and style of a hard working skydiver on this episode of Lunatic Fringe!
Mon, March 30, 2020
Lunatic Fringe with Julio Ruiz
Wow is all I have to say! First off, Julio Ruiz, the owner and operator of Liquid Sky is doing his part. Having thought not just about his families well being in these crazy times, but of his employees and those around him, he decided to put his design skills to work to put out masks to help stem the forward push of the Coronavirus. Secondly, he tells me about his beginnings in our sport, life in Puerto Rico, what it was like to have his arm shoulder deep in a cow's ass, and if its easier to shoe a horse than outfit a skydiver! This one you've gotta hear!
Mon, March 23, 2020
Lunatic Fringe COVID19 Skydiver UN-Relative Work
On this "Special Report" edition of Lunatic Fringe, I have a whole bunch of recent guests back to take on the YouTube Channel sensation "Hot Ones" challenge as we eat crazy hot wings while discussing great ways to deal with the "social distancing" we need to be observing while the world tries to get over Coronavirus. Join us, and if you've got the balls, try the challenge yourself, get those video cameras rolling, grab the insane HOT SAUCES pictured and try the #thefuckinpilotchallenge right along with us! Stay safe, wash your hands, entertain yourself at home for a while (with whatever works for you!) and DON'T masturbate right after the hot sauce! (or do...)
Mon, March 16, 2020
Lunatic Fringe with Olga Namova
Back in the can to talk about her summer competition season, Olga Namova takes her time to fill us in on pushing canopy limits, traveling for her passion and life outside of skydiving. Take the time to enjoy a great bonfire chat with Olga, and make sure to check out the amazing photos we talk about on her Instagram at sky_umka today!
Mon, March 09, 2020
Lunatic Fringe Into the Void with Marquis Noble
An Oakland born and bred, Marilyn Manson listening nerd, Marquis Noble headed off to the US Airforce and into a long career as an aircraft mechanic and ordinance man, but ended up finding his real passion creeping up on him over time after making a tandem skydive in Utah. A hardcore fun jumper at heart, Marquis has exactly the kind of personality and attitude that makes this sport the greatest one I've ever known. Light hearted, fun loving and not afraid of new (or old things), he is exactly the kind of skydiver that makes us want to keep jumping, keep playing, and keep holding on firmly to our wonderful community.
S1 E60 · Mon, March 02, 2020
Lunatic Fringe with Mary Tortomasi
As one of the very first people I met in the sport, one of my first co-workers and especially as my first and only competition team member, Mary Tortomasi and I shared many of the same memories, experiences and losses and we started our way down the skydiving path; and even though we ended up going in very different directions, we've both managed long and "blessed" careers. From her first job as an instructor at Flyaway Indoor Skydiving in Las Vegas, to skysurfer, AFF and Tunnel instructor, Perris Valley tunnel manager, multiple world record holder and big way skydiver, Mary Tortomasi has run the gambit. Lots of reminiscing, a few forgotten stories and some really cool insights, this is a very enjoyable and funny walk down memory lane on this edition of Lunatic Fringe.
Sun, February 23, 2020
Lunatic Fringe with Omar Alhegelan
Another converted member of the masses, Omar Alhegelan went from just another bean counter to one of modern skydivings most influential figures. Filled with the feeling that this is what he was meant to do, Omar didn't think twice about walking away from the real world with all its rules and regulations and jump head first (Actually head up and feet first) into the wonderful world of skydiving. World champion, world traveler and one of the pioneers of modern freeflying, join us on this episode of Lunatic Fringe to get his take on the "zen" of airtime.
Mon, February 17, 2020
lunatic Fringe with the Matt and Nick Show
Matt Munting. Nicholas Scalabrino. Heterosexual life mates, BASE wing suit apex predators and all around great fucking guys take the time once again to sit down with The Fuckin' Pilot to fill me in on what sounds like a pretty epic summer season of "sending it". From seriously intense Dam flare's, 270's into cracks and totems off towers, their idea of a good time is the stuff of nightmares to some, but a good fucking laugh to every fuckin' body. Join on in to another fun and informative Lunatic Fringe!
Mon, February 10, 2020
lunatic Fringe with Taihuka Smith
From a missed shot a military flying career due to a childhood illness, to a desire to skydive which lead to an off the beaten path flying lifestyle, Taihuka Smith has had quite a ride so far. Near death experiences in West Papua, peeing in a bottle over the Mediterranean and looking ahead toward an airline career, This is a fun one to give a listen to! (and he sings and plays guitar... Just sayin').
Mon, February 03, 2020
lunatic Fringe a Rob Stanley Tribute
Beep Beep! Or, depending on your perspective, Meep Meep. Without question one of the most unique souls ever to walk the planet, he was without a doubt one of the most memorable in skydiving and BASE. With over 20,000 skydives and countless BASE jumps, Mr. Stanley not only left his mark on these sports with his accomplishments, but he left it with his unique interaction with all those he jumped and played with. On this edition of Lunatic Fringe, two of his closest friends, Mr. Mark Norman and Mr. Will Lajeunesse take the time to share some of their fondest and craziest memories of a legend that passed much sooner, and a hell of a lot later than anyone would have thought.
Mon, January 27, 2020
lunatic Fringe with Hannah Betts
If you're not the type to stay until the credits have all rolled, then you may just miss her name, but chances are, you know her work! From an active duty police officer to a UK National and then World 4-way champion turned professional skydiving instructor, Hannah Betts is not a woman scared of change; So when the opportunity knocked, she decided to answer her call to the world of professional stunt work in a major way! From AFF to the "MeToo" movement, badass stunt people and both sincere and asshole actors, she's got enlightening stories to tell, and I for one am a real fan. Join us now and listen in on Lunatic Fringe Into the Void!
Mon, January 20, 2020
Lunatic Fringe with Dr. Charlie Kurlinkus
In the world of "Air Sports", I have always considered BASE to be just about as hardcore as it gets, and wingsuit BASE to be the apex, but Charley Kurlinkus, Dr. Charley Kurlinkus to be precise takes it to another level in my opinion. ER doctor all night long, dealing with every accident, injury and "oops" imaginable and BASE Wingsuit jumper by day; he's traveled the world doing intense things to relax and get away from the intense things he deals with as a profession. Join in on this episode of Lunatic Fringe to hear about BASE antics, skydiving, and what kind of things people like to put in their butts.
Mon, January 13, 2020
lunatic Fringe with Jim "J. Crew" Mathews
Back by popular demand! From broken bones and burnt scrotums, Lunatic Fringe received so much feedback on Jim Mathews (one “t”) first appearance that there was no way he wasn't coming back to let out a few more of his outrageous and hilarious stories! You'd be on par with most if you were to think that Mr. Matthews was full of shit with some of the yarns he can tell, but in most cases you would be completely wrong! Come on an enjoy another too funny to believe episode of Lunatic Fringe Into the Void.
Sun, January 05, 2020
lunatic Fringe with Sparky and Susan
I've said it before, I'll say it again, and I'll stand behind it every time. Manifest has got to be the most difficult job in skydiving. In a rare behind the window interview, I have the chance to sit down and climb into the minds of two manifest Ladies who know all the little secrets and have all the stories. With voices altered to protect the innocent (and guilty), Sparky and Susan give us all a rare glimpse into the minds that keep the skydiving world in the air. If you want to find out how to keep your manifest Bi**h (they said it, not me!) happy, then this is one you don't want to miss!
Mon, December 30, 2019
lunatic Fringe with the Fuckin' Co-host ratings guy
All things ratings! Interested in what goes in to becoming a tandem or AFF instructor? Thinking about making the jump into skydiving as a job and want to know if it's something that would appeal? Well then this is the one you're gonna want to listen to. Once again my semi frequent co host Junior, one of the busiest tandem and AFF evaluators sits down to tell me what goes in to a good course, a good student and a successful trip into the working world of skydiving.
Mon, December 23, 2019
Lunatic Fringe with The Brian Germain
With over 30 years in the sport he has most certainly seen a few things; but after a paragliding accident that gave him time to really think, he decided it was more important to show a few things to those willing to learn than just chase medals. From X-Game's competitor to Swooper to instructor to canopy designer, Brian Germain has spent his career in skydiving not only experiencing pretty much every avenue skydiving has to offer, but trying to see the sport from two potentially very different angles; both the cerebral and the passionate. The result has been his own unique style not only with how he jumps, but how he instructs and lives his life. Listen in for a few potential reasons why we do what we do!
Mon, December 16, 2019
Lunatic Fringe with The Ryan Graney
Teen climbing instructor and a bit of a lost soul, to a 200,000 a year oil and gas man, Ryan Graney made it pretty big pretty young, and exceeded expectations in more ways than one. A hard charging BASE jumper and professional party guy, you'd be surprised at just how much thought has gone into his crazy antics over the years. Articulating his desire not only to live a life less ordinary but one with real meaning, I think you'll be more than a little surprised and what hides behind the apparent show stopper personality. Join us on the next Lunatic Fringe.
Mon, December 09, 2019
lunatic Fringe with The Fuckin' Pilot
On this episode of Lunatic Fringe Into the Void, our old friend David "Junior" Ludvik takes the reins, grabs the mic and interviews me for a switch. So this time around its a touch of Fuckin' history with flying, stripping, jumping, and a little about the epic Mount Everest and my bucket list opportunity to go and meet her up close and personal.
Mon, December 02, 2019
Lunatic Fringe with Gorazd Law
Gorazd Lah, AKA Nitka (and fellow Fuckinasshole) took a very European, and more specifically an Eastern European path in skydiving. Starting out on round parachutes then moving quickly into the world of Style and Accuracy, Gorazd managed to put his tough as nails upbringing and exterior to work for him as he became a champion in his chosen disciplines. Yet... There's a lot more behind this born again hipster than you might think! Nitka is beyond a doubt a poster child for not judging a book by its cover, and it's one of the reasons why you'll enjoy the hell out of this edition of Lunatic Fringe Into the Void!
Mon, November 25, 2019
lunatic Fringe with Nicholas Batsch
Taking to the skies as a way to deal with personal tragedy, Mr. Nicholas Batsch knew almost right from the start that fast nylon was in his future. After having seen some of the worlds best canopy pilots firsthand, he began pushing towards a career that would eventually see multiple world championships and close to a dozen world records, yet along the way he's had to come to grips with the dangers his drive and determination placed in his path, and speaks to me while still recovering from a landing that almost claimed his life.
Sun, November 17, 2019
lunatic Fringe with The Kennett Family
At 13, she's the youngest tunnel coach out there; and although she's not much on bragging about her skills and doesn't really share what she does with her classmates at school, she's got her eyes on being a world champion one day and has a pretty good handle on just how good she really is. Soccer Mom and Dad to be sure, but on a whole new level are Sydney's parents Michelle and Andrew. As a retired skydiver himself, Andrew loves seeing his daughter embrace that which gave him so much over the years, and both he and Michelle have a pretty good handle on how to balance the still "wild" skydiver side of tunnel flying with the teenager they've let loose in our world! This one's a great listen! This podcast goes out from the Kennett family in loving memory of Greg Cummings who helped start it all.
Mon, November 11, 2019
lunatic Fringe with Naomi Kotzee
Right out the gate she was breaking the rules in skydiving! Drawn into the sport with family, jumping instantly took over her drive and motivation, and it's led her to multiple records, world travels and skills both in the sky and in the tunnel that most will aspire to but rarely achieve. Naomi Kotzee is a highly sought after instructor, coach and organizer, and because she's one of my closest friends in the sport, she's now no longer a podcast virgin. Take the time to listen in as she shares part of her story into the Lunatic Fringe!
Mon, November 04, 2019
Lunatic Fringe with Bill Booth
William Booth. Bill Booth. Bill "Lord of the Three Rings" Motherfuckin' BOOTH! Astounding is all I have to say. When you stop to think about literally all of the game changing inventions this man has brought to our sport, any one of which would put him deep in the Hall of Fame, and then put them all together... WOW! You have a man who has almost single handedly shaped modern skydiving into what we know and love today. I can't lie, at least a few times in this interview I'm literally gushing with gratitude, because let's face it, without the BOC throw out pilot chute, the three ring system, tandems... How many of us would have a vastly different life right now? A wealth of knowledge and a great and entertaining story teller, it is my great pleasure to present to you Mr. Bill Booth on Lunatic Fringe.
Mon, October 28, 2019
lunatic Fringe with Nicole Ludvik
With beginnings in the sport rooted in tragedy, Nicole Ludvik turned to skydiving as a way to escape a crazy corporate life and personal hardship by hitting every one of the fifty states from above. An accomplished AFF and Tandem instructor, she's traveled the world with her husband and significant other, professional swooper and instructor extraordinaire Mr. David "Junior" Ludvik, and you can damn well bet she's got stores to tell!
Mon, October 21, 2019
lunatic Fringe with Jimmy McCarthy
After a more than close encounter with a tree at high speed, Jimmy McCarthy decided to take on something a little bit safer. Skydiving. Starting out at a high energy, high party factor dropzone in Western Australia,he moved into the life quite easily, and then slid right back out of the "normal" approach to working in the sport. A dedicated tunnel instructor and coach as well as a skydiving coach and speed skydiving competitor, this "Brit transplant" has some cool stories to tell, and great views on his duel sport life.
Mon, October 14, 2019
lunatic Fringe with Curt Bartholomew
Embry-Riddle. Not exactly what you would naturally think of as the training grounds for a world class canopy pilot. Perhaps a world class airline jock, or in his case even an air traffic controller, but not the founding member of one of the sports longest lived and most accomplished canopy pilot teams in the sport of skydiving. Curt Bartholomew began his career just like the rest of us; with that first jump. but then again, most of us didn't try (and almost manage to succeed) to complete their entire AFF course in one day! From balls out as a student to balls out with Alter Ego, Curt has pushed his own personal limits and those of the sport for quite some time now, and he's got all the stories (and scars) to go along with it. Enjoy Lunatic Fringe Into the Void with Mr. Curt Bartholomew.
Mon, October 07, 2019
lunatic Fringe with Brian Casserly
Seriously, a man after my own heart. From tunnel flying, cart racing and his cursing (appropriately) kids, to random dropzone nudity, tutu's and a healthy ability to enjoy the inappropriate, Brian Casserly has embraced skydiving fully, as has his family. The owner of pussfoot.com, Brian with and 'I' and sometimes with a 'y' goes out of his way to embrace the extreme lifestyle, all while successfully managing to lead a so called 'normal' life to boot! With Puss Foot he looks to draw together all things extreme, turning life with the Lunatic Fringe Into a global community, and hopes you'll be part of the gang! Listen in and enjoy!
Mon, September 30, 2019
lunatic Fringe and Junior's Summer Stories
It's heading toward the end of the summer season, and I thought I'd take a little time to catch up with our old friend David "Junior" Ludvik and see what kind of shit my globe trotting swoop champion has gotten up to over the warmer months. Turns out the answer is quite a fucking lot!
Mon, September 23, 2019
lunatic Fringe with Rory Corrigan
Master Rigger, Tunnel Instructor, AFF Instructor, Tandem Instructor... Fucking over achiever is more like it! Mr Rory Corrigan Started his jumping career at one of the craziest dropzone's on the planet at its peak, and has the stories to tell! Tattoos, suspension (whoa) and body modification may have been his first stroll down the Lunatic Fringe, but Skydiving has become his life.
Mon, September 16, 2019
lunatic Fringe with Zej M'Ski
Just a babe in the woods some would say. An ordained minister and a bridesmaid for all occasions others might. Even a potential regional man someday in the not too distant future! Zej Moczydlowski (M'ski to the rest of us normal people) started his career in the sport the old fashion way. He was ordered to jump! From a start in the military to a really rough first hundred jumps as a civilian, he's put a fair amount of time and learning into his 800 jump career. As one of the wordsmiths behind Teem's Friday Freakout and Blue Skies Magazine, Zej has dug in firmly with his life along the Lunatic Fringe, and takes the time to tell a few stories, fire off a few baseless insults at me and a few others, and talk about the direction of the sport and where the next generation may want to lead.
Mon, September 09, 2019
lunatic Fringe wit Will Lajeunesse
Starting out at Skydive Crosskeys in the early 2000's was a fucking trip! Just ask Mr. Will Lajeunesse... From the dropzone fix-it-all man so he could jump his ass off, to a fully sponsored athlete, Will had the chance to see skydiving from every angle, both good and bad. From crazy highs to deep lows, he's had the opportunity to taste a bit of it all. Having become infamous for some seriously sketchy shit, to becoming zen in the alps, Will has some wonderful memories to relive and great advise to pass on that you're not going to want to miss.
Mon, September 02, 2019
Lunatic Fringe with Jim Dolan
Haulin' Meat and delivering flags for nearly a fuckin' quarter century! Mr. Jim Dolan found a way to not just balance a bit of a skydiving habit with the normal (or so he says) life of a school teacher, but he managed to do it as a member of one of the most unique demonstration teams in the world. Featured in their own IMAX film, the Flying Elvi have had one hell of an amazing run! A good laugh and a few lessons from a guy who's seen and done a whole lot.
Mon, August 26, 2019
Lunatic Fringe - Derick Massey
From a horrible first experience, to what should have been life altering, career ending injuries and surgeries, you would have thought Derick Massey would have either never become a skydiver in the first place, or hung up his harness years ago; but between an iron will to continue on his path with the Lunatic Fringe, along with a true passion and love for our sport, there's just no keeping him down. One of my closest friends in the world sits down to talk to me about his time in the sport and out, along with some of the fun, stupid and downright dangerous shit we've gotten up to both apart and together.
Mon, August 12, 2019
Lunatic Fringe with Ray Ferrell
I think it's safe to say he may have pissed off a few people in his day. I also think it's safe to say that he gave more assholes like me with a little potential a chance to shine than most ever would. From a true country boy with a real desire to fly to the owner and operator of one of the longest running mid-sized dropzone's in the US, Mr. Ray Ferrell has his footprints all over the world of skydiving. He was there with the pioneers of RAM air canopies and a crazy new kind of flying called "Relative Work", and became his own kind of pioneer as he helped to design the first ever skydive specific aircraft. Listen in as he paints a picture of a wonderful 30 year career building dropzone's, parachutes, airplanes and life long friendships on his journey with the Lunatic Fringe.
Mon, August 05, 2019
lunatic Fringe with Pablito Perazzoli
From his beginnings in Venezuela and then on to New Zealand, it turned out to be a pretty substantial injury to his shoulder that initially aimed him toward skydiving, but it wasn't until years later that his full on love affair with nylon began. As a master rigger and skydiving instructor, he's had the opportunity to work on some pretty substantial projects all over the world, and his journey into the world of air sports certainly wasn't boring! Give a listen to an enjoyable and heart felt chat with Pablito the man!
Mon, July 29, 2019
Lunatic Fringe with Gravity Lab's DJ Marvin
DJ Marvin, host of Gravity Lab, founder and owner of the Ratings Center, long time skydiver and professional shit shooter sits down to talk to me about his beginnings in the sport, the podcasting world and where it's all led him. A love not only of skydiving itself but the community in which its based have been the driving force behind his desire to educate and expand the wonderful Lunatic Fringe in which we live, and he takes the time to tell me why.
Mon, July 22, 2019
lunatic Fringe with Sydney and Barry Williams
Revisiting exactly what a modern version of the American Dream really is, Sydney and Barry Williams "gave the middle finger" to an antiquated idea of happiness that just didn't fit, and hit the road in a van with no regrets and no looking back. Both retired professional skydivers, they've taken the lessons they learned in and out of the sport, both happy and tragic and used them to help both themselves and others as they hike and talk their way across America on a motivational speaking tour that hits the real issues of our time. Listen in now as they share their path along the Lunatic Fringe.
Mon, July 15, 2019
lunatic Fringe with Olav Zipser
The Father of Freefly. Was he the first person to be on his head in the air? of course not, but he was most certainly the first to go out of his way to stay there! Dancing around the clouds like Peter Pan for the last 30+ years, Olav Zipser has been "freeflying his mind" and traveling the world encouraging others to learn to do the same with not just technical ability, but with heart and passion. With ambitions that range from catching his shadow and its rainbow on every cloud he could find, to looking for ways to blast into outer space, Olav has led his best version of the life he almost didn't choose.
Mon, July 08, 2019
Lunatic Fringe with Tracy Bohm
Personally I'm a hell of a fan of a good cliché, and I'm willing to bet Tracy Bohm is too. She met, jumped with, stalked, moved away with and eventually got married to her very first tandem instructor, Mr. Tom Bohm. He quickly instilled in her the same passion for skydiving that he had, and they went about making a hell of a life together both in the sky and on the ground. And then everything changed. Voted the number one Load Organizer by Blue Skies Magazine more times than most, take this time to listen closely to the advice, criticism and lessons she's learned along her wonderful, exciting and tragic journey into the lunatic fringe.
Mon, July 01, 2019
Lunatic Fringe with Billy and Ange Sharman
Billy and Ange Sharman have each come full circle to say the least! Having both worked as "Safari Guides" to one degree or another, both are second generation skydivers that have traveled the world chasing their passions, enjoying life, and managing to get in and out of a little trouble along the way. Now that they find themselves the owners and operators of the oldest skydiving facility in South Africa, the shoe is most certainly on the other foot though and they work hard to create a one of a kind destination skydiving dropzone with experiences that have to be seen (or heard for now) to be believed.
Mon, June 24, 2019
lunatic Fringe with Mike Wittenberg
Semi Professional snowboarder turned professional competitive skydiver, Mr. Mike Wittenburg has a whole lot to brag about with more medals and championship teams than most; yet if you were to ask him what his greatest accomplishment was, he's more likely to start telling you about his kids accomplishments than his own. Listen in to find out just how a world champion dad not only put himself on track toward air-sports greatness, but helped guide his children to not just national but world gold in the wind tunnel.
Mon, June 17, 2019
Lunatic Fringe with Albert Berchtold
With a degree in accounting and a solid job in the real world, Albert Berchtold had the standard American Dream laid out right in front of him; and then he went and made a skydive! A professional in the sport for more than 20 years, he's covered all the bases. Gear sales and support, representative for one of the biggest manufacturers in skydiving, canopy pilot competitor and competition organizer, he's seen skydiving from every angle, and still loves it all. Take a listen and find out why.
Mon, June 10, 2019
Lunatic Fringe with Drunken Skydivers
Great moments in Skydiving history. Seminole moments in our sport and in our lives. Deep, meaningful conversations on the events that helped to shape our sport, our careers and our futures, and like so very many of these conversations that have taken place, its all done while shitty ass drunk! As Lunatic Fringe Into the Void surpasses twenty episodes, we have the return of professional skydivers Pat "Patches" Kaye, Mirko "Mas" Di Siena and the one and only David "Junior" Ludvik talking about skydiving and life, playing a raucous round of "Never have I ever" and taking countless shots for horrendous party fouls like checking their phones, it's an episode that may not make a whole lot of sense in the end, but it's a hell of a good laugh! Grab a bottle, hit play and enjoy right along with us!
Mon, June 03, 2019
Lunatic Fringe with The PD Factory Team
Across multiple generations and varied backgrounds come the European branch of the PD Factory team to share not only the individual paths taken to reach one of the longest and most successful skydiving teams in the sports history; but to share hard lessons learned, paths to future successes through hard work and team training, the future of canopy piloting though hard earned experience and innovation, and a few laughs along the way over spilt drinks and thick accents. Sit back and enjoy Mr. Pablo Hernandez, Brian Vacher, Armando Fattoruso and brother Mario Fattoruso.
Mon, May 27, 2019
Lunatic Fringe with Andy Ford
Having covered skydiving from almost every angle, Andrew "Fordy" Ford had the opportunity to compete at a world class level in Skysurfing in its heyday courtesy of a proper military grooming, watch the creation of wingsuits from the beginning, and earn and exercise instructional ratings all over the world. As the story goes, "It all started with a beer. It always starts with a beer!"
Mon, May 20, 2019
Lunatic Fringe with Regan Tetlow
Talk about a wildly varied life... Mr. Regan Tetlow has made the rounds to say the least! From bar tender and pub owner, to the meet and greet face man at Skydive Emporia Brava. From randomly being asked to announcing a swoop event on the beach to becoming the voice behind some of the largest skydiving events in the world (and if you can believe it, balloon races...). DJ and MC turned pro skydiver and actor Mr. Regan Tetlow has stories and insight galore!
Mon, May 13, 2019
Lunatic Fringe with Erik Von Kennel
A professional pilot and true "aviator", Erik Von Kennel took a slightly less traditional route into the world of skydiving. A long time float plane Captain in the Caribbean, his eye was turned towards the sport when our paths crossed as I was taking my shot at a life in the "real world" of aviation. Having had to deal with situations that would make most pilots hang up their wings for good, Erik instead decided that he'd simply learn to do it all better, faster and with more passion. This episode is a great look into what it takes to choose the cockpit of a jump plane, and why we love it.
Mon, May 06, 2019
lunatic Fringe with Rook Nelson
A third generation of jumpers that started with the 82nd Airborne, Rook Nelson comes from one of the most well known legacy families in skydiving. Having embraced the sport from an extremely young age, he's had the opportunity to try his hand at, compete and succeed in most every discipline the sport has to offer. Having been handed the reins of one of the largest operations in skydiving history after a tragic accident, he's taken what was already a force to be reckoned with and turned it into what can only be considered a cornerstone in the sport; yet with all the weight that comes along with such responsibility, he hasn't forgotten that its still suppose to be about having fun!
Mon, April 29, 2019
Lunatic Fringe with Dan Brodsky-Chenfeld
He may not say so, but I certainly will. A pioneer and role model in the sport, Dan Brodsky-Chenfeld (or Dan B.C.) has to say the least done more than most to push skydiving forward, starting from his very beginnings in the sport. With drive and determination he set out to compete and dominate, and ended up helping form one of the most successful teams in our sports history. Surviving one of the most horrific aircraft crashes in skydiving history, he went on to not only further his own career as a competitor, pilot and instructor, but become a true ambassador, teacher and mentor. Published author and motivational speaker, Dan B.C. is more than worthy of his stellar reputation.
Mon, April 22, 2019
Lunatic Fringe with Mr. Jim Mathews
"They call him Mr. Glass"... or at least I do. In this podcast. Without a doubt one of the most passionate skydivers I've ever had the pleasure to meet. Mr. Jim Matthews has more flat out love for skydiving and aviation in general than you could possibly imagine. Why am I so damn sure? Because I literally don't know any other jumper that isn't dead who's had more serious accidents and surgeries than him; and yet, through his AFF, tandem and video careers and the almost as ambitious career as life of the party, he not only managed to always have a sunny disposition and desire to be airborne, but he did it all while holding down a very respectable career in the "real" world. PLUS... anyone who can link "smoke" and "scrotum" into the same story simply has to be heard!
Mon, April 15, 2019
Lunatic Fringe with Craig Girard
With more than thirty eight years and over thirty-thousand skydives under his belt, you'd be hard set to find anyone on earth with more overall experience than Mr. Craig Girard. Multiple World Title and World Record holder, Craig was a member of not only the United States Army's Golden Knights, but Arizona Airspeed, one of the most highly decorated relative work teams in the sports history; a key member of the 400-way team over Thailand and coach for some of the most competitive teams out there, he takes time to sit down with me to share some of his truly amazing experiences and insights into the Lunatic Fringe.
Mon, April 08, 2019
Lunatic Fringe with Squirrel's Matt & Mike
Matt Gerdes and Mike Steen of Squirrel Wingsuits may not have set out to reshape the face of BASE jumping, but it seems they are quickly on their way to doing exactly that. With a ton of paragliding experience under their belts, their single minded goal soon became BASE jumping and wingsuit BASE; and in pursuing their lofty and dangerous dream ended up designing their own line of BASE specific equipment designed to enhance performance, increase safety and push the boundaries of human flight.
Mon, April 01, 2019
Lunatic Fringe with Blue Skies Magazine's Lara and Kolla
In love with the sport and the community that it encompasses, and seeing a void in the market, "why not?" became the only reason they needed to start up the now beloved and wildly entertaining Blue Skies Mag. As they approach their ten year anniversary with Blue Skies, Lara and Kolla sit down with me to talk about the magazines beginnings, it's contributors, it's vibe and it's future. Hate mail? Little old ladies with a taste for off-color humor? Titties? Oh yeah, it's all in here...
Mon, March 25, 2019
Lunatic Fringe with Mirko "Mas" Di Siena
Mas Di Siena's entrance into skydiving wasn't exactly smooth, and was a start that would have dissuaded more than most from pushing to reach the level in our sport that he has. Hell, it would have kept most playing video games instead. Ex competitor, professional skydiving instructor and proud as hell meat hauler, Mas has a shiny outlook and happy disposition that most "working" skydivers should strive for, a great way to approach life in general, and a singing voice that's simply to die for...
Mon, March 18, 2019
Lunatic Fringe with Ellis Danho Bourbonnais
Ellis Danho Bourbonnais is the quintessence of a renaissance man to say the least, but most certainly not in the way most people would think. From surfing in the Gulf and then Hawaii, to MMA, skydiving, BASE jumping and climbing, Ellis is more at home pushing his personal limits than most people are on a sofa. Attacking new passions whole heartedly is where he's at his best, and he takes this time to give us a few of the reasons why.
Mon, March 11, 2019
Lunatic Fringe with Ray Kubiak
Total Fuckin' Ninja (nerd)! In fact, I'd personally go as far as to call him not only one of the first true tunnel ninja's, but one who has shaped modern body flight as much if not more than anyone else. Coming from humble beginnings in one of the first public tunnels in the world, Ray Kubiak went from being one of the most difficult students in the Las Vegas Flyaway tunnel to being a pioneer in teaching true human flight. Overcoming adversity and turning it not only into opportunity but in fact a blessing, Ray is the embodiment of heart and spirit in our sport.
Mon, March 04, 2019
Lunatic Fringe with Melissa Nelson Lowe
Melissa Nelson Lowe. A stand alone name in skydiving to say the least. Professional skydiver, competitor and holder of an obscene number of world records, this is one lady that doesn't have to stretch her personal story one bit; yet as the twice published author of two books highlighting the outrageous and almost unbelievable adventures of her father, one might think she was an extremely creative fiction writer and not just chronicling the exploits of a man who helped shape modern skydiving. In this episode of Lunatic Fringe you'll get personal insights into a life less ordinary, and what it means to try and step out of the shadows and shine brightly on your own.
Mon, February 25, 2019
Lunatic Fringe with Nick Scalabrino and Matt Munting
On this episode of The Lunatic Fringe Into the Void I get the chance to sit down with two Trail Blazers in the world of Wingsuit BASE, hear about their start in the sport, close calls, up and down sides to the most dangerous of all the areal sports; and why they continue to pursue it with such passion, dedication, and above all else, safety. Join me for a great conversation with Nick Scalabrino and Matt Munting from Squirrel Wingsuits!
Mon, February 18, 2019
Lunatic Fringe with Jarrett Martin
On this episode of Lunatic Fringe Into the Void I get the chance to talk one on one with Jarrett Martin who at a very young age had already ventured far down the road of truly extreme sports. With age comes wisdom as the saying goes, and Jarrett's true and hard earned wisdom comes from living through and pushing far past what would make most fade into the shadows. Coming back from serious injury and adversity, Jarrett shows us firsthand through his experience just how strong people can be.
Mon, February 11, 2019
Lunatic Fringe with Cornelia Mihai and Olga Naumova
On this episode of The Lunatic Fringe I get the opportunity to sit down with World Champion canopy pilot Cornelia Mihai and up and comer Olga Naumova about what its like to work, play and compete in what up until recently has been a male dominated corner of the skydiving world. Funny and insightful, these two are happy and hardcore!
Sun, January 27, 2019
Lunatic Fringe - Mark Norman
In this episode I get the chance to sit down with one of skydivings true ambassadors. Having come up in the sport during times of great change and innovation, Mark recalls what it was like to be there "when". Through struggles with burnout and addiction, he's persevered to cultivate a love for skydiving, its community and all the lessons he's learned, and freely shares them with me.
Sun, January 27, 2019
Lunatic Fringe - Pat and Shavon Kaye
In this super fun and insightful episode I get the chance to sit down for a heart to heart chat with husband and wife Pat and Shavon about their shared love for skydiving and its community, the pitfalls and snags that come with being a couple in an "extreme" lifestyle, the parties, the close calls and what might come next.
Mon, January 21, 2019
Lunatic Fringe - David Junior Ludvik
On Lunatic Fringe podcast number one, I sit down for a one on one chat with Mr. David Junior Ludvik to talk about how he got started with extreme sports and how he's gone on to become one of the premiere athletes in modern skydiving. We talk about passion, loss, and all that an extreme lifestyle entails.

The Lunatic Fringe Podcast

Lunatic Fringe with Simon Whittle

Lunatic Fringe with Erin Shutes

Lunatic Fringe with Gorazd "Nitka" Law

Lunatic Fringe with Andreas Mosling

Lunatic Fringe with Jason Moledzki

Lunatic Fringe with Max Lesziak

Lunatic Fringe with a tribute to Jarno Cordia

Lunatic Fringe with Zej M'ski and Alix Raymond

Lunatic Fringe with OG Ray Kubiak

Lunatic Fringe with Chloe Kalo

Lunatic Fringe with JYRO's Zack Rosser

Lunatic Fringe with Tailored for Survival

Lunatic Fringe with Vince Jarvis

Lunatic Fringe with a bunch of drunks

Lunatic Fringe with JYRO's Chris Stewart

Lunatic Fringe with Grant Bowen

Lunatic Fringe with Anna Muller

Katelyn Compton Escott - In Memoriam

Lunatic Fringe with Billy Sharman II

Lunatic Fringe with Jeff Weatherall II

Lunatic Fringe with Scott Hiscoe

Lunatic Fringe with Phil Webley

Lunatic Fringe with Norman Kent

Lunatic Fringe with Evan Santangelo

The Lunatic Fringe with Jamie Webster II

Lunatic Fringe with Gonçalo Resende

Lunatic Fringe with Chris Rosenfelt

Lunatic Fringe with Brian Naiman

Lunatic Fringe with Matt Yount II

Lunatic Fringe with Kylie Rhodes

Lunatic Fringe with Richö Butts

Lunatic Fringe with Sherry Schlater Butcher

Lunatic Fringe with Matthew Fry

Lunatic Fringe with Connor Figg

Lunatic Fringe with Laurie Lubbe II

Lunatic Fringe with Sean Chuma

Lunatic Fringe with Mad John

Lunatic Fringe with Matt Jaskol II

Lunatic Fringe with Daphny Morali

Lunatic Fringe with David "Junior" Ludvik - again!

Lunatic Fringe with Youssef Elmajdoub

Lunatic Fringe with Rich Grimm

Lunatic Fringe with USPA's Albert Berchtold

Lunatic Fringe with Roberta Mancino

Lunatic Fringe with Sven Jseppi

Lunatic Fringe with Steve Burrow

Lunatic Fringe with Mike Brewer

Lunatic Fringe with Carlo Manuel

Lunatic Fringe with Candice Wooten

Lunatic Fringe with Paul Dorward and Oliver Neuberger

Lunatic Fringe with Ray "Ninja"Kubiak

Lunatic Fringe with Andy VanHandel

Lunatic Fringe with Bodyflight Spotlight

Lunatic Fringe with "Rhino" Jon

Lunatic Fringe with Lee Crudgington

Lunatic Fringe reboot with Marat Leiras

The Lunatic Fringe with Jimmy McCarthy II

Lunatic Fringe reboot with Junior's Gear and Currency tips

Lunatic Fringe with Anna Moxnes

Lunatic Fringe Reboot with Timmi Thomsen

Lunatic Fringe with Tom Gunes

Lunatic Fringe Reboot with Jeff Weatherall

Lunatic Fringe with Greg Windmiller

Lunatic Fringe reboot with The Darman Brothers

Lunatic Fringe with Mike McGowan II

Lunatic Fringe reboot with Will Lajeunesse

Lunatic Fringe with Nicholas Armstrong

Lunatic Fringe Reboot with Shannon and Louise

Lunatic Fringe with James Heck

Lunatic Fringe with D. Junior Ludvik

Lunatic Fringe reboot with Mark Norman

Lunatic Fringe with Robin Jandle

Lunatic Fringe Reboot with Ellis Dahno Bourbonnais

Lunatic Fringe with Marta Molinska

Lunatic Fringe Reboot with JYRO

Lunatic Fringe with Hera Rising

Lunatic Fringe Reboot with Mas Di Siena

Lunatic Fringe with Go Jump Kenya

Lunatic Fringe Reboot with Simon Colmer