What does it take to redefine a sport, push the limits of what’s possible, and sustain greatness for decades?
Tony Hawk is synonymous with skateboarding—his name transcends the sport much like Michael Jordan in basketball or Tiger Woods in golf. But behind the cultural icon is a relentless innovator, a fearless competitor, and an entrepreneur who weathered the boom-and-bust cycles of an entire industry.
In Hawk: Occupation: Skateboarder, Tony Hawk takes us through his remarkable journey—from a restless kid with a high IQ and even higher energy to a world champion, business mogul, and action sports pioneer. His story is one of persistence, reinvention, and an unshakable belief in the value of doing things differently.
Join Dr. Duncan Simpson and Dr. Greg Young as they dive into the mindset, strategies, and habits that propelled Hawk to the top and kept him there.
✅ How curiosity—not instant passion—can lead to mastery
✅ Why an unconventional upbringing shaped Hawk’s resilience and creativity
✅ The power of preparation, visualization, and strategy in competition
✅ How he navigated the pressure of being the face of a sport
✅ What his historic 900 moment reveals about persistence and peak performance
✅ The reality of boom-and-bust cycles in sports and business
✅ How he transformed skateboarding from a subculture to a global industry
From pioneering tricks that were once deemed impossible to surviving financial struggles and redefining his career after retirement, Tony Hawk’s story is packed with insights on adaptability, pressure management, and long-term success.
Whether you're an athlete, entrepreneur, or simply fascinated by high performers, this episode will leave you inspired to embrace reinvention and chase your own holy sht moment*.
Listen on Spotify: Spotify
Listen on Apple: Apple
Watch & Listen on YouTube: YouTube
Buy the book: Hawk
Socials:
Instagram - @Performerspod https://www.instagram.com/performerspod/
Linkedin - Duncan Simpson https://www.linkedin.com/in/duncan-simpson-ph-d-cmpc-76244b1a/
Linkedin - Greg Young https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-young-ph-d-cmpc-64765a35/
Chapters
00:00 The Journey to the 900
00:56 Introduction to Tony Hawk
04:24 Tony Hawk's Early Life and Family Influence
05:52 The Emergence of a Skateboarding Passion
16:20 From Curiosity to Identity in Skateboarding
20:04 The Role of Environment and Support in Success
22:50 The Foundation of Greatness
24:07 Managing Nerves and Expectations
25:40 The Importance of Team Support
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