The Boardcast

WTF! how have we made it to 50! Today you'll see two very tired humans, possibly the worst present ever and a conversation that went absolutely everywhere.

We talk about what a shit show it is trying to run the shop without Jez, the highs and lows of the last couple weeks, and how skateboarding might not actually be as “dead” as everyone says. and then things take a turn when a certain birthday present turns into a de...

Hey guys, welcome to another episode. This week we get into the kind of stuff that doesn’t usually make it onto Instagram, the highs that keep us going, the lows that test our patience, and the unexpected moments that say a lot about what it’s really like to run a shop in the middle of snow season. From a customer who wasn’t too happy about a free service, to the kind of burnout you feel after tuning hundreds of boards, to some new...

In this episode, we talk about why skateboarding seems to be bubbling back to life, how snowboarding gear is changing, and the tough choices we’ve made as a business—like only selling what we actually believe in. Along the way, we dig into why some shops refuse to sell helmets and pads, what “convenience” bindings really mean, and how personal style matters more than chasing the latest trend. 

We get into the stuff that’s been bubbl...

 We’re back... finally. Two months later. We finally hit record after a whirlwind of chaos, half-built shelves, a snow season with more snow than people, and a retail scene that’s more “what’s the cheapest?” than “what’s the best?”

We riff on:

• Where you should spend vs. save on snow gear (boots, boards, bindings—what matters and what doesn’t)
• Why we’re seeing more cheap, big-box gear in places like Bunnings and what that means for...

In this episode, OUR guest is Joel from 7th Day Brewery in Brookvale—a local legend who’s doing way more than just pouring beer.

We talk about what it actually takes to transform a business into a cultural anchor for the community—and how events like Brookie Fest and the upcoming Snow Jam are helping breathe new life into Brookvale.

In this episode, you’ll get:

• A behind-the-scenes look at how Joel helped reimagine the vibe at 7th ...

 Yep—we’re back! with a new “studio” that looks suspiciously like a news desk. 
But just trust us, it’s as makeshift and charming as you’d expect. 
(You can catch it on YouTube if you're that curious.) 

In this episode, we diving into our Japan Trip and business of late as well as discussing the politics we weren’t supposed to talk about but did anyway and dealing with the frustrating state of snowboarding in Australia ...

This one’s just us—unfiltered and probably still trying to defrost from one of the wildest Japan snow trips we’ve ever done. 

From getting buried under meters of snow, to navigating mystery resorts that may or may not exist, and surviving a blizzard on day one with no reverse camera—this was hands-down the most chaotic, unpredictable, and jaw-dropping trip we’ve ever done. 

 It’s been wild. It’s been deep. It’s been... kind of ridicu...

Alright, so we did all the planning, we talked a big game, and we laid out Al’s snowboard lineup for Japan before the trip. Now he’s been here for a few weeks, ridden all four of them, and it’s time to find out—Did these boards actually perform like we expected? Or did we totally miss the mark? (Spoiler: there were some surprises). And don’t worry, Claire’s only two weeks in, so we’ll grill her on her boards when she is back.

And of...

You know that moment when you’ve been talking, dreaming, and scheming about something for months—and now it’s finally happening? That’s exactly where we’re at. With Japan just days (and weeks) away, we’ve handpicked our snowboards and gear, and this episode is your front-row seat to the why behind every choice.

So, why are we doing this?  Simple. We’re not here to sell you some cookie-cutter snowboarding advice. We’re he...

In this episode, we discuss our plans for 2025, emphasising on a year of positivity and exciting adventures, including a trip to Japan for snowboarding.

Claire shares an update on her recovery from an ACL injury, detailing her recent Biodex test results and the journey to regain strength. We also touch on the growth of our print shop and the improvements in our tuning shop, highlighting the new Winter Steiger machine that has signif...

Welcome to the final episode of our podcast for 2024! 
Join us as we wrap up the year with a raw discussion about the highs and lows we've experienced, both personally and in our business.

In this episode, we dive into the challenges of 2024, from the struggles of the snow season to the evolution of skateboarding culture. We reflect on our goals for the upcoming year, share our thoughts on the changing retail land...

In this episode of the podcast, we dive into a lively discussion about the debate over the correct usage of the word "attuned." 
Our hosts share their experiences and insights on the upcoming Northern Hemisphere season, highlighting the impressive snowfall in Japan, Canada, and Europe already.

We explore the concept of volume-shifted boards, discussing their benefits and how they differ from traditional wide ...

The Boardcast Podcast
Episode: 38
Date: Thursday, Dec 12th 2024
Hosts: Claire and Al

In this episode, we dive into a variety of topics, including:
- A personal life update on recent injuries and surgeries
- Reflections on birthdays and the challenges of moving
- The ups and downs of renting and dealing with real estate agents
- A deep discussion on the current state of snowboarding, including th...

The Boardcast Podcast
Episode: 37
Date: Thursday, Nov 28th 2024
Hosts: Claire and Al

Welcome back to another episode of The Boardcast! 
In this episode, Al is continuing to try get a Lark Distilleries Whiskey sponsorship, while we try their Christmas cask release. 

We also discuss the ups and downs of running a small business, including the challenges of dealing with insurance companies and the struggles of ...

The Boardcast Podcast
Episode: 36
Date: Thursday, Nov 14th 2024
Hosts: Claire and Al
Guest: Marcus Stocker

Join us for an exciting episode of our podcast as we dive deep into the history of snowboarding in Japan,  focusing on both Hokkaido and Honshu! Our guest Marcus Stocker, a seasoned traveler with nearly 30 years of experience in Japan, shares his insights and stories from his many trips to the Land of ...

The Boardcast Podcast
Episode: 35
Date: Thursday, Nov 7th 2024
Hosts: Claire and Al

Welcome to another episode of The Bordcast! 
In this episode, we dive into the chaotic world of retail, sharing some wild customer stories that highlight the unique experiences of working in a shop. From customers leaving their dirty shoes behind to heartwarming moments with familiar faces, we explore the quirky side of reta...

The Boardcast Podcast
Episode: 34
Date: Thursday, Oct 24th 2024
Hosts: Claire and Al

From life updates to skateboarding and snowboarding, different generations and Zombie Apocalypse Plan.

We also explore the resurgence of skateboarding, with a noticeable spike in deck sales and a more diverse community emerging. Is the influence of the Olympics reigniting old passions? We ponder the changing landscape ...

The Boardcast Podcast
Episode: 33
Date: Thursday, Oct 3rd 2024
Hosts: Claire and Al

Description: 
Join us for a special birthday edition of the podcast as we celebrate Alan's big day with some fine whiskey tasting! 

In this episode, we unwrap a thoughtful birthday gift featuring a range of unique Tasmanian whiskeys, sharing stories from a recent visit to a speakeasy whiskey bar in Sydney, wher...

The Boardcast Podcast
Episode: 32
Date: Thursday, Sept 26th 2024
Hosts: Claire and Al

Description:
Join us in this episode as we dive into the current state of the Australian snow season, discussing the unexpected weather changes and their impact on snowboarding and skiing. We reflect on the challenges faced by resorts and the future of winter sports in Australia, with a conversation about climate change an...