Swell Season Surf Radio

On this episode of the Swell Season Surf Podcast, we sit down with Rabbi Chel Mendell, a queer gender expansive Jew from the San Francisco Bay Area. Rabbi Chel, (they/them) is the founder and creative director of the Tzimtzum community, located on the unceded territory of the Awaswas-speaking Uypi Tribe. Chel is dedicated to reimagining Jewish community through creative ritual and envisioning how Judaism can evolve for the future. They are a curator of alternative Jewish community spaces. They received smicha from the Academy for Jewish Religion CA and an interdisciplinary MFA from Sierra Nevada University. They can be found at the ocean’s edge checking the surf or making pottery in their free time. We discuss their journey in reimagining the Jewish community landscape through creative Jewish practices and delve into the intersection of religion, spirituality, and surfing, which is particularly explored in their film 'On the Water I Disappear,' which will be featured at the 'Shredding: A New Lens in Surf Filmmaking' festival. Our conversation covers their rabbinic thesis on water, surfing, and God, the challenges and joys of being a queer, trans rabbi, and the importance of inclusivity and social justice in their work. Tune in for an insightful discussion blending faith, activism, and the ocean.To Learn more about Shredding: A New Lens in Surf filmmaker go check out:https://digitalgym.org/movies/shredding-a-new-lens-in-surf-filmmaking/ To Learn more about Rabbi Chel’s TzimTzum Collective, you can go check out: https://www.tzimtzumcommunity.com/ To follow Rabbi Chel on Instagram go to: @notnotyourrabbi The Swell Season Surf Podcast is recorded by The NewsStand Studio at Rockefeller Center in the heart of Manhattan and is distributed by The Swell Season Surf Radio Network. For more information, you can follow @swellseasonsurfradio on Instagram or go to our website: www.swellseasonsurf.com Music: Artist: Silver JewsSong: The Wild KindnessAlbum: American Water00:00 Introduction to the Swell Season Surf Podcast01:14 Meet Rabbi Chel Mendell01:58 On the Water I Disappear: A Film Overview03:59 Exploring Surfing and Spirituality06:36 The Intersection of Surfing and Shabbat13:20 Chel's Journey: From Skateboarding to Surfing18:56 Researching the Thesis on Surfing and Judaism24:20 Creating Inclusive Jewish Spaces9:37 The Jedi Program and Social Justice44:41 The Role and Responsibilities of a Rabbi45:41 Teaching and Leading in the Jewish Community46:54 Personal Reflections and Community Engagement48:11 The Impact of October 7th and Jewish-Palestinian Relations56:20 Navigating Complex Conversations and Activism01:01:50 The Journey to Anti-Zionism01:13:27 Building Inclusive Jewish Communities01:16:03 Surfing, Filmmaking, and Community Building01:18:50 Final Thoughts and FarewellBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/swell-season-surf-radio--3483504/support.

In late May, Costa Rican police arrived in central Pavones at 4 a.m.—dressed in body armor, rifles in hand, and gas masks on—to escort demolition crews. Their mission: tear down local businesses. Residents, caught off guard, had to scramble just to salvage food and goods from inside the buildings. Shockingly, the local government of Golfito appears to be backing developers and demolition teams over the very citizens they were elected to serve.At the heart of the issue is a controversial slate of proposed luxury real estate developments. These projects threaten to reshape Pavones—impacting the environment, limiting beach access, and displacing local, family-run businesses.On this episode of the Swell Season Surf Podcast, we are joined by Walter Brenes, a dedicated environmental lawyer standing alongside the local community against aggressive real estate developments. Walter shares the ongoing battle to protect Pavones' unique culture, environment, and heritage from gentrification and unlawful land concessions. We discover the historical context, current challenges, and the legal fight to save one of the world's most treasured surf breaks. This conversation explores the broader implications of unchecked development and the erosion of local communities worldwide. Tune in to learn how you can support Pavones and join the resistance. Don't miss this critical discussion on preserving the soul of Pavones.To learn more about how you can support the community of Pavones here are a list of resources: https://www.gofundme.com/f/save-pavones-costa-rica-protect-our-communityhttps://www.savethewaves.org/endangered-waves-past-site-pavones-costa-rica/The Swell Season Surf Podcast is recorded by The NewsStand Studio at Rockefeller Center in the heart of Manhattan and is distributed by The Swell Season Surf Radio Network. For more information, you can follow @swellseasonsurfradio on Instagram or go to our website: www.swellseasonsurf.com Music:Artist: MalpaisSong: MalpaisAlbum: Uno00:00 Introduction to the Swell Season Surf Podcast01:53 The Controversial Real Estate Developments in Pavona03:21 Interview with Walter Breez: Defending Costa Rican Communities04:28 The Impact of Gentrification in Costa Rica04:53 The Surge of Foreign Investments Post-COVID09:52 The Cultural and Environmental Significance of Pavona22:53 The Role of Local Government and Corruption27:09 The Fight Against Unchecked Development41:14 Costa Rica's Environmental Wealth42:03 Surf Culture and Respect43:06 Impact of Surf Retreats46:26 Fighting for Local Communities48:16 Challenges of Tourism and Development51:13 Legal Battles and Community Support55:44 Cultural Preservation and Resistance58:06 The Role of Influencers and Expats01:01:39 Privatization and Local Resistance01:04:19 Personal Sacrifices and Community Defense01:05:45 Call to Action and SupportBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/swell-season-surf-radio--3483504/support.

On this episode of the Swell Season Surf Podcast, we do a deep dive with legendary surfer and surf historian Sam George. Known as one of the most traveled surfers in history and former executive editor of Surfer Magazine, Sam shares his incredible insights and stories from a lifetime dedicated to surfing. We discuss Sam's latest book, 'Child of Storms,' his influence on surf culture, his relationships with icons like Tom Curren and Laird Hamilton, and the enduring mystique of surfing. This is a rich conversation that covers the evolution of surfboards, the joys of diverse surf cultures, and the challenges and rewards of living a surfing life. Don't miss this engaging episode filled with history and legendary tales from the world of surfing.To Find out more about Child of Storms, A Surfing Memoir , you can find it here: https://www.diangelopublications.com/shop/p/child-of-storms You can Follow Sam George on Instagram at: @samgeorgesurfThe Swell Season Surf Podcast is recorded by The NewsStand Studio at Rockefeller Center in the heart of Manhattan and is distributed by The Swell Season Surf Radio Network. For more information, you can follow @swellseasonsurfradio on Instagram or go to our website: www.swellseasonsurf.com Music: Artist: Pablo CruiseSong: Zero to Sixty in FiveAlbum: 20th Century Masters - The Millennium Collection: Best of Pablo Cruise00:00 Introduction to the Swell Season Surf Podcast02:09 Meet the Legendary Sam George03:03 Sam George's Surfing Adventures04:14 The Surfing Lifestyle and Culture07:28 Surfing's Impact on Personal Lives10:46 The Evolution of Surf Culture16:16 Hollywood's Take on Surfing21:02 Sam George's Memoir and Personal Reflections45:54 The Cannes Connection46:27 Surfing in Cinema47:01 Interview with Steven Spielberg49:19 The Mythology of Surfing54:29 Surfing with Naked Villagers58:30 Balancing Surfing and Relationships01:11:14 Brotherly Bonds and Surfing01:17:07 Matt's Navy SEAL Ambition01:21:11 Tom Curran: A Surfing Legend01:26:54 Reflecting on a Surfing Legend01:28:31 Memorable Surfing Stories01:29:24 The Evolution of Surfboards01:34:32 Travel Adventures and Advertorials01:40:55 Staying Positive in Surfing01:55:57 The Future of Surfing02:00:43 Conclusion and FarewellBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/swell-season-surf-radio--3483504/support.

On this episode of the Swell Season Surf Podcast, we do a deep dive with journalist and podcaster Matt Barr to explore the implications of Patagonia founder Yvonne Chouinard's groundbreaking decision to transfer ownership of the company to entities that prioritize the environment. Matt discusses his three-part podcast documentary series 'The Announcement,' which provides a comprehensive investigation into this transformative corporate model. The conversation tackles whether capitalism can truly be a force for good, the scrutiny faced by Patagonia, and the broader implications for the future of capitalism and sustainability. Tune in to gain valuable insights from Matt Barr's journey, learn about the challenges and benefits of the B Corp status, and understand the critical questions we need to ask about corporate responsibility and environmental stewardship.To Find out more about the Looking Sideways Podcast, go do yourself a favor and check out his substack: https://www.wearelookingsideways.com/To follow Matt Barr on Instagram go to @welooksidewaysThe Swell Season Surf Podcast is recorded by The NewsStand Studio at Rockefeller Center in the heart of Manhattan and is distributed by The Swell Season Surf Radio Network. For more information, you can follow @swellseasonsurfradio on Instagram or go to our website: www.swellseasonsurf.com Music:Artist: The SmithsSong: Oscillate WildlyAlbum: Louder Than Bombs00:00 Introduction to the Swell Season Surf Podcast01:36 Patagonia's Revolutionary Corporate Model02:27 Matt Barr's Investigative Podcast Series03:23 Interview with Matt Barr Begins03:49 Philanthropy and Corporate Responsibility09:16 The B Corp Certification Debate15:19 Patagonia's Unique Ownership Structure29:37 Employee Ownership vs. Traditional Models41:57 Discussing Taxing the Rich and Patagonia's Stance43:17 The Complexity of Yvon Chouinard's Image45:26 Activism and the Need for Stronger Actions46:39 Debating Wealth Tax and Public Perception49:04 Patagonia's Environmental Messaging and Accountability51:47 Evaluating Patagonia's Long-Term Impact01:00:26 Exploring New Economic Models01:18:47 The Role of Leadership in Social Movements01:21:36 Discussing Immigration Challenges01:22:18 Plans for Future Travels01:23:51 The Journey of Creating a Documentary01:26:09 Family Influence and Support01:28:01 Collaborating with Friends and Experts01:31:34 Refining the Project01:38:32 Exploring New Documentary Ideas01:44:14 Feedback and Future Plans01:48:30 Shameless Plug and Final ThoughtsBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/swell-season-surf-radio--3483504/support.

In this episode of Swell Season Surf Radio’s Art and Design series, hosts Chris Labzda and Chris Coffin welcome special guest, Em Joseph, a former student of Chris Coffin and now a distinguished artist and educator. The episode dives into Em’s journey from student to accomplished artist, her impactful projects like the ‘Cedar Exodus’ at the New Museum, and the profound influence of surfing on her life and creative practice.She discusses her roots, passion for surfing, and how she balances her life in New York between teaching and surfing. She shares her insights into teaching philosophy at Parsons, her involvement in the Surfers in Solidarity group, and an intriguing film project combining surfing and vampire lore. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that intertwines the passion for surfing with art, activism, and personal growth.For more information on Em Joseph’s artwork go to: https://www.emjoseph.com/Or follow her on Instagram at @em_josephThe Swell Season Surf Podcast is recorded by The NewsStand Studio at Rockefeller Center in the heart of Manhattan and is distributed by The Swell Season Surf Radio Network. For more information, you can follow @swellseasonsurfradio on Instagram or go to our website: www.swellseasonsurf.com Music:Artist:Eddie VederSong: SocietyAlbum: Into The Wild Soundtrack00:00 Welcome Back to Swell Season Surf Radio01:38 Reconnecting with a Former Student04:28 The Journey to Surfing and Personal Growth11:41 The New Museum Exhibition and Lebanese Cedar Project27:49 Teaching Sustainable Systems at Parsons44:40 Spirituality and Surfing45:49 Surfers in Solidarity50:21 Filmmaking and Surfing58:52 Vampires and Surfing01:06:15 The Healing Power of Surfing01:19:04 Rapid Fire Questions01:23:45 Upcoming Projects and ConclusionBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/swell-season-surf-radio--3483504/support.

On this episode of Swell Season Surf Radio's Art and Design series with Chris and Chris. They sit down with artist Kris Chatterson, who is a returning guest. , Chatterson reflects on his transition from the surf scene in Rhode Island to his current life in New Jersey. He discusses the profound changes and creative shifts he's experienced, including his recent immersion into the punk rock music scene with his family band, The Dot Tones. The conversation delves into his artistic evolution, the influence of punk rock on his latest artworks, and his strategic use of social media. Kris Chatterson shares insights on balancing family life with artistic ambition and offers a glimpse into his collaborative project, Chromatic Twins. This episode captures the exciting new chapter of Chatterson’s artistic journey and the dynamic interplay between his passions for music, art, and surfing.For more information go to https://www.kchatterson.com/about Or follow on Instagram at @Kris_chattersonThe Swell Season Surf Podcast is recorded by The NewsStand Studio at Rockefeller Center in the heart of Manhattan and is distributed by The Swell Season Surf Radio Network. For more information, you can follow @swellseasonsurfradio on Instagram or go to our website: www.swellseasonsurf.com Music: Artist: Johnny Kid & The PiratesSong: Shakin’ All OverAlbum: The Complete Johnny Kidd & the Pirates Vols. 1 & 200:00 Introduction to the Three Chrises03:01 Chris Chatterton's Art Exhibition05:07 Reflecting on Rhode Island05:51 Moving Back to New York Area11:28 Starting a Surf Business19:00 Transition from Surfing to Art30:06 Pandemic Reflections and Relocation40:50 The Dot Tones: Family Band52:02 Abstract Punk Rock Postcards52:19 Studio Work and Punk Rock Ephemera54:54 Artistic Evolution and Identity01:01:22 Balancing Family and Art01:02:21 Social Media Strategy for Artists01:17:06 Collaborative Art and Music Projects01:21:01 Rapid Fire Questions01:27:03 Final Thoughts and ReflectionsBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/swell-season-surf-radio--3483504/support.