The Braille Drop with Aaron Kyro Aaron Kyro

If you've been following Braille Skateboarding for a while, you know that Dani and Aaron Kyro are an absolute delight when they're together on screen. In this episode, we get to know them even better as they answer listener questions, spill some Braille video tea, talk about their favorite skateboarding tricks, share their visions for the future of Braille Skateboarding, reveal a surprising high school crush, and even cast the fictional movie about their lives.
 
Sponsors:
Sticker Savages: Get 50% off your first sticker box by joining Sticker Savages today! Use code: Braille at checkout
Braille Army+: Join Braille Skateboarding's membership platform and get 1:1 help from Aaron Kyro

 
Links:
Watch the Video version on YouTube (available 9/25 at 5pm EST)
Watch Part 1 of this episode
Christmas tree through the roof
Skating through San Francisco as Santa Claus
Skating through San Francisco as Batman
Taking the Road Less Traveled | Aaron Kyro's TEDTalk
 
Theme song: Show Introduction by The Soul Surfers
 
More about the episode:
Favorite and Least Favorite Braille Videos: First up, Dani and Aaron dive into their favorite and least favorite Braille videos. It's always interesting to hear what creators think of their own work, and Dani and Aaron don't hold back.
What Makes Dani the Angriest about Braille Videos: Ever wondered what gets under Dani's skin when it comes to Braille videos? From dangerous stunts to, well, mostly just dangerous stunts that she finds out about after the fact, Dani shares the behind-the-scenes moments that make her blood boil. It's a candid peek into the world of content creation.
Dani's Favorite Skateboarding Trick: While she may not know the name of many skateboarding tricks and often gets hung up on her backsides, frontsides, switch, nollie, fakie, etc (but who doesn't? I mean, come on!) she definitely has some ideas about what makes a trick fun to watch. And she can't help but criticize her husbands attempt at landing her favorite trick.
Their Vision for the Future of Braille Skateboarding: The future of Braille Skateboarding is a hot topic, and Dani and Aaron have big dreams. They discuss their vision for the brand, their hopes for its growth, and their dedication to inspiring the next generation of skaters. It's a heartfelt conversation that showcases their commitment to the skateboarding community.
The Lance Skate God Crush Confession: In a surprising turn of events, Dani reveals a never-before-heard high school crush story involving none other than Lance Skate God. She spills her guts about her teenage infatuation, including a memorable gesture involving a holographic Charizard Pokémon card. The twist? She never heard back from him about it. It's a charming and relatable tale of teenage crushes and missed connections that later turned into a great working relationship and life-long friendship.
Casting the Fictional Movie of Their Lives: To wrap things up, Dani and Aaron have some fun casting the fictional movie about their lives. Who would play them on the big screen? From A-list actors to up-and-coming talents, they imagine the perfect ensemble for this cinematic adventure.

We've got a very special guest on the podcast this week, Aaron's wife of 13, no wait 15 years, Dani Kyro!
 
In one of our most candid interviews to date, Aaron and Dani take a trip down memory lane as they share the story of how they first met, complete with an embarrassing tale from their very first date. But there's a twist - they were married not once, but two times! Tune in to find out why.
Dani opens up about her perspective on skateboarders and how it has evolved since meeting Aaron. Discover how witnessing Aaron's impact on the skateboarding community through Braille events has shaped her viewpoint.
Aaron shares his personal journey of getting involved in drugs and drinking at the ripe age of 12, and the close call with his parents that made him rethink his life choices. He'll reveal the lifestyle changes he made and has maintained into adulthood.
Don't miss next week's episode, a listener AMA with Dani and Aaron!

 
 
Sponsors:
Sticker Savages: Get 50% off your first sticker box by joining Sticker Savages today! Use code: Braille at checkout
Audible: Get a free 30 day trial of Audible Premium Plus and receive a free audiobook that's yours to keep!
 

Links:
Watch the Video version on YouTube (available 9/18 at 5pm EST)
My Wife Guesses Skateboarding Tricks
 
Theme song: Show Introduction by The Soul Surfers

In the 2nd part of our conversation with the legendary Karl Watson, we dive deep into the evolving world of skateboarding. We discuss how skateboarding, once a bastion of individualism, has seen its originality fade as social media has surged. We also explore Karl's journey to becoming a pro skater and his mission to introduce beginners and their parents to the essence of skateboarding through his written series, "My First Skateboard". We address the issue of hazing new skateboarders and the crucial need for skate companies to help their pros plan for life after the spotlight fades. Lastly, we hear about Karl experience at Adidas and his vision and process for assembling the team at his new skate company, Maxallure. Tune in for a fresh perspective on skateboarding's past, present, and future.
 
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Sponsors:
 
Sticker Savages: Get 50% off your first sticker box by joining Sticker Savages today! Use code: Braille at checkout
Braille Army+: Join Braille Skateboarding's membership platform and get 1:1 help from Aaron Kyro
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In This Episode...
we're delving deep into the ever-changing landscape of skateboarding, a subculture that has undergone a profound transformation with the rise of social media. Skateboarding, once celebrated for its fierce commitment to individualism, has witnessed a noticeable shift in recent years. The ethos that once prized originality and personal expression has, in many ways, dwindled to the point of being actively discouraged. We'll explore this intriguing shift and its implications for the skateboarding community.
In part one of our interview with Karl we learned about his many accomplishments on the board during the golden era of skateboarding, but now he's embarking on a unique mission: introducing beginners and their parents to the profound beauty of skateboarding through his written works. His books serve as a gateway, demystifying the world of skateboarding and opening its doors to a wider audience. We'll hear Karl's story of how he came to champion this cause and how, against all odds, its been accepted by the core skaters.
Karl's journey to becoming a professional skateboarder is a testament to perseverance and dedication. He'll share the inspiring tale of his first sponsorship deal, going pro too soon, being "demoted" to amateur, and eventually going back to pro, finally feeling like he deserved it. It's a story that resonates with aspiring skateboarders and serves as a reminder of the grit required to turn a dream into a reality.
Beyond personal narratives, we'll tackle broader issues plaguing the skateboarding community. One pressing concern is the prevalence of hazing rituals directed at new skateboarders. It's a topic often overlooked, but we believe it's high time we address the harm caused by these initiation practices and advocate for a more inclusive and supportive environment within the skateboarding world.
As skateboarding continues to grow in popularity and evolve, there's an urgent need for companies to help their pros think beyond their moment in the spotlight. We'll discuss the importance of preparing skateboarders for the future, highlighting the challenges they face as trends shift and new generations of skaters emerge. Sustainability, authenticity, and a commitment to the core values of skateboarding will be key to a skater's career longevity.
Lastly, we'll delve into Karl Watson's latest endeavor: founding the skate company Maxallure. Karl will provide insights into his vision for the company and his meticulous process for selecting team members. The choices he makes in assembling his team reflect not only his dedication to the sport but also his desire to foster a new generation of skateboarding talent.
Skateboarding's evolution in the age of social media is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon. While the influence of platforms like Instagram and TikTok has brought both opportunities and challenges, skateboarders like Karl Watson remind us

This week we dive into the fascinating journey of Karl Watson, a skateboard legend hailing from the streets of Oakland, California. From his early days running with a rough crew of kids to a chance encounter that led to an unexpected friendship and business partnership, Karl's life story is a rollercoaster of grit, grinds, and good times. He takes us back to the Embarcadero (EMB) era, the golden age of skateboarding, when individuality thrived. Karl reflects on how social media has transformed skateboarding, and we get a glimpse into the humble origins of the crooked grind. Along the way, he shares his passion for introducing beginners and their parents to the world of skateboarding, his journey to going pro, and his knack for spotting talent, including the discovery of the renowned Nyjah Houston. It's a tale of friendship, innovation, and the enduring stoke of skate culture.
A whole bunch more coming next week in part 2!
 
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Sponsors:
Domestika: Check out our producer's course on recording, editing, and mixing audio for podcasting
Braille Army+: Join Braille Skateboarding's membership platform and get 1:1 help from Aaron Kyro
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Links:
Maxallure Skateboards
Embarcadero in the 90's
My First Skateboard
My First Skateboard, Jonas meets Jack
FTC’s Penal Code
 
Theme song: Show Introduction by The Soul Surfers

Josh Sigler, founder of Brittle Bones Brigade, a once local, now expanding refuge for mature skateboarders sits down with Aaron Kyro to discuss the frustrations with learning how to skate as an older person, and how he is trying to find solutions through his local "advanced age" community.
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Sponsors:
Domestika: Check out our producer's course on recording, editing, and mixing audio for podcasting
Braille Army+: Join Braille Skateboarding's membership platform and get 1:1 help from Aaron Kyro
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In This Episode:
 
Introduction to Brittle Bones Brigade: A Haven for Late-Blooming Skateboarders
Have you ever wanted to skateboard but felt like you missed your chance? Brittle Bones Brigade is a remarkable initiative that's rewriting the rules for skateboarding enthusiasts who may have felt the same. Josh, the founder, shares the story of how his own frustration of not having skateboarding companions in his youth led to the creation of this vibrant community later in life.
A Second Shot at Skateboarding: Overcoming Hurdles
Josh's personal experience echoes with many. After a decade-long hiatus, he decided to make his dream come true. Armed with a New Year's resolution, he purchased a skateboard, determined to master the elusive ollie. This time, he found a supportive ally in the Braille Skateboarding YouTube channel, which helped him turn his aspirations into reality.
From Idea to Movement: The Evolution of Brittle Bones Brigade
What started as a personal journey quickly transformed into a movement. As others saw the value in creating a community for older skateboarders, the idea of franchising Brittle Bones Brigade emerged. Josh's experimentation with this concept highlights the growing demand for spaces where passionate learners can collaborate and thrive.
Dreams and Struggles: The Braille Army + App
Aaron Kyro shares his own challenges with centralizing a community around the Braille Army + app, a platform that holds the promise of enhancing the learning experience for skateboarders. He talks about his vision for the app and how he envisions it revolutionizing the way people learn skateboarding, if they can only figure out the coding...
The Vitality of In-Person Connections
While digital resources play a pivotal role, the magic of skateboarding lies in the physical world. The podcast explores the significance of face-to-face interactions, the camaraderie that forms when like-minded individuals gather, and the growth that comes from shared experiences in the skatepark and beyond.
Redefining Social Media: Growing the Brigade's Online Presence
No movement is complete without a strong online presence. Brittle Bones Brigade leverages social media to connect, inspire, and educate. The podcast touches on how the brigade's engaging online content has helped attract a growing community of late-starting skateboard enthusiasts.
Join us in this episode as we celebrate the spirit of perseverance, the joy of learning, and the power of community that Brittle Bones Brigade embodies. Whether you're considering picking up a skateboard for the first time or reigniting an old passion, their journey offers insights and inspiration for skateboarders of all ages.
 
Links:
Brittle Bones Brigade on Instagram
 
Theme song: Show Introduction by The Soul Surfers

Join us in this episode as we dive into the extraordinary life of Purple – a skateboarder, inventor, and all around amazing dude with over 40 years of skateboarding expertise. From revolutionizing skateparks to grappling with government bureaucracy and industry politics, Purple's story is one of passion and perseverance.
Early on in life, Purple had a rough go of it, living in a rough part of town, being chased by men with axes on his way to school. This led to some life decisions that come with cautionary tales of dropping out of school at age 16, experimenting with drugs, and working as a body guard at a meth lab. But when asked, Purple says he wouldn't change a thing because he loves the life he now lives.
Speaking of his daily life, let's talk about his normal diet, shall we?
Purple's daily routine consists of consuming a staggering 24 cans of Mountain Dew, a $5 Biggie Bag at Wendy's, and maybe a pepperoni pizza or two, while completely bypassing water and vegetables. His unorthodox approach to nutrition is just a glimpse into his unconventional mindset. You'll also learn about the dangers of seatbelts and helmets.
Purple also answers a handful of wild listener questions, from "what do you think happens after you die?" to "how do we help grow the art of skateboarding?"
 
Sponsors:
Audible: Get a free 30 day trial of Audible Premium Plus and receive a free audiobook that's yours to keep!
Braille Army+: Join Braille Skateboarding's membership platform and get 1:1 help from Aaron Kyro
 
Links:
Watch the video version on YouTube! (Coming 8/21 at 5pm EST)
Purple: The 47 Year Old Skateboarding Legend on YouTube
Birdhouse "The End" Video
 
Theme song: Show Introduction by The Soul Surfers