Carving It Out: Women's Skate Stories

Carving It Out
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Carving it Out features stories of the women of skateboarding, both on the board and behind the scenes. Hosted by Heather Jennier and Paula MacDonald, we we want to help continue to grow girls' and women's skate in a positive way through highlighting the stories of the women, past and present, who have helped lead the way and make space for all of us in a male dominated industry.

  1. EP019 - Megan Faber, ATC, LAT

    5D AGO

    EP019 - Megan Faber, ATC, LAT

    Megan Faber, ATC, LAT, is a certified athletic trainer who specializes in helping skaters stay healthy, progress faster and extend their careers through strength training and injury management. Megan reignited her childhood love of skateboarding serving skaters at Woodward West and now provides Florida skaters and athletes with high-level performance training and injury prevention strategies. Explore Megan’s training videos and injury assessments on Instagram at @actionsportsatc.   Medical Disclaimer:The content of this podcast episode is provided for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or podcast. Listening to this episode does not create a provider–patient relationship. Always seek the advice of a qualified, licensed healthcare professional regarding any medical condition, injury, or treatment decisions. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking care because of something you have heard on this podcast. Chapters 00:00 Opening Credits and Music 00:34 Intro to Megan Faber, ATC, LAT 01:22 Discovering a Passion for Athletic Training 03:05 Education and Training Required for Athletic Training 05:32 Camp Woodward Experience 07:46 The Importance of Rest and Rehab After Injury 10:05 Importance of Strength Training for Skaters 12:44 Advice for Young Skaters and Parents 14:40 Gender Differences in Skateboarding Injuries 17:17 Strength and Flexibility for Mature Skaters 20:45 Taking Time to Rehab and Recover 22:19 Megan Following in Her Big Brother's Footsteps 24:12 Best Supplies to Keep in Your Backpack to Combat Injury 25:28 Understanding Compression and Support Gear 26:48 The Role of Ice in Injury Recovery (Not What You Think!) 28:28 Elevation and Anti-Inflammatories 29:45 Ankle Sprain Recovery vs. Break 33:25 Recognizing When to Rest 34:52 Taking Care of Your Body as a Skater 35:45 Athletic Training Resources for Skaters 36:52 Considering Athletic Training as a Career 38:27 Closing Credits and Music

    39 min
  2. EP018 - Nora Baker

    JAN 30

    EP018 - Nora Baker

    Nora Baker grew up in a skateboarding family and is now making a name for herself as a member of Leo Baker’s Tacky Joy Factory team. Skating out of Fort Collins, Colorado, Nora shares her experiences of skating contests, filming video parts, and making the decision to transition from a big skateboard company to a startup company, where she feels more seen and heard. Episode 001 guest and friend Olivia Torres stops by the podcast to say hello and share some fun stories from Exposure 2025, too. Keep up with Nora on Instagram at @norathenorwal and watch her skate career continue to grow. Chapters 00:00 Opening Credits and Music 00:15 Introduction to Nora Baker and Skating in Snowy Colorado 01:57 Nora's Beginnings in Skateboarding 02:54 A Long History of Skating in the Baker Family 03:59 Getting Started and Learning Tricks 06:21 Favorite Style of Skating 06:45 Skate Scene in Fort Collins, CO 07:38 Handling the Stress of Hitting New Parks 08:54 Getting Used to Skating with Other Girls 10:18 Challenging Herself to Talk to Other People 11:09 Hanging Out with Florida Friends at Exposure 12:13 Thoughts on Moving to Cali for Skating 12:52 Past Travel to California for Contests & Filming 14:10 Skating Contests 14:55 Olivia Torres Joins the Convo 16:35 Fun (and Embarrassing) Moments at Exposure 2025 18:40 Nora's Sponsors 21:26 Filming Video Part for Tacky Joy 23:13 Nora's Filmers 24:08 Not Eating on Filming Days 25:43 New York Premiere of Welcome to the Circus 28:04 Nora's Skate Style (and Questionable Music Choices) 29:30 Additional Sponsor Shoutouts 32:29 Attending Wheels of Fortune 33:45 Pros Who Inspire Nora 36:17 Best Ways to Continue to Grow Girls' Skating 39:15 Balancing Life and Skating 40:26 New Work Opportunities in Caregiving 43:31 Advice for New Skaters 44:23 How Parents Can Support Young Skaters 45:53 Future Projects and Video Parts 48:18 Designing the Perfect Skate Park 48:44 Favorite Tricks to Land 49:16 Dream Skate Sessions with Legends 49:55 Wrap Up and Goodbye 51:40 End Credits and Music

    52 min
  3. EP017 - Mazel Paris

    JAN 15

    EP017 - Mazel Paris

    Mazel Paris is a talented 11-year-old skater from California who is proud to represent Team Philippines in international skateboarding competitions. In Episode 17 of Carving it Out, we chat with Mazel about discovering skateboarding at age 5 and quickly progressing to one of the best young bowl and vert skaters today. Mazel emphasizes the significance of having fun while competing and offers more great advice to young skaters who may be inspired to become competitors. Follow Mazel’s skate adventures on Instagram at @mazelparis. Chapters 00:00 Opening Credits and Music 00:15 Welcome Mazel Paris and Goals for New Year 02:19 Discovering Skateboarding at Age 5 03:20 From Beginning Skater to Super Skater! 04:01 Pushing Herself Mentally 04:39 How Mazel Learns Her Tricks 06:22 Discovering a Love of Park and Vert 07:27 So Many Parks to Skate and Learn in Cali 08:36 Representing Team Philippines 09:35 Winning Gold at SEA Games 11:16 Winning at Exposure and Hyping the Crowd 12:47 Being a Part of Girl is Not a 4-Letter Word 13:53 What She Likes Best About Contests 14:55 What's Most Challenging About Contests 15:56 Skating Contests in the Future, Including the Olympics 16:21 Filming Her First Video Part, This is Eleven 17:39 Mazel's Long List of Sponsors 18:23 Working with Sponsors 19:02 Mazel's Current Board Setup 19:58 Traveling with a Skateboard 21:26 Managing Middle School and Skating Around the World 23:07 Skating and Training Schedule (and a Mini Microwave!) 24:27 Handling Boys Who Give Her Grief at the Park 25:13 Mazel's Skate Crew & Favorite Skateparks 25:53 Tricks She's Currently Working On 26:59 Preparing for Competition at SEA Games 29:23 Listening to Music While Skating 30:06 Skater Tanlines 31:51 Social Media for Fun and Friendship 33:24 Supporting Sponsors on Social 34:18 Working with Vogue Magazine 35:12 Using Prayer to Connect, Focus and Calm 36:13 Growing Girls' Skateboarding 37:42 Advice to Parents of Skater Girls 38:48 Advice to a Girls Trying Skateboarding for the First Time 39:18 Skate Inspirations 40:37 Working With Coaches 41:33 Mazel's Dream Skatepark Features 43:15 Favorite Trick to Do When's She's Having a Rough Day 43:45 Dream Session Skaters 44:33 Mazel's Shoutouts 45:32 Wrap-Up and Thank You! 45:56 End Credits and Music

    46 min
  4. EP016 - Audrey Faison

    12/30/2025

    EP016 - Audrey Faison

    Audrey Faison is the founder of Concrete Queenz, a nonprofit organization aimed at empowering girls of color in South Los Angeles through skateboarding. In this episode, Audrey shares her path from middle school teacher to community organizer and nonprofit leader, highlighting the importance of mentorship and community support in fostering confidence in young girls. Prepare to be inspired by Audrey’s passion for youth and be sure to follow her nonprofit on Instagram at @concretequeenz. Chapters 00:00 Opening Credits and Music 00:15 Intro to Audrey and Concrete Queenz 02:57 Audrey's Journey: Play at the Heart of Everything 04:51 The Importance of Community and Mentorship 06:34 How Audrey Discovered Skateboarding 10:14 Moving to LA to Begin a Teaching Career and Integrating Skateboarding 13:21 Recruiting Girls for the In-School Skate Program 15:35 Founding the Non-Profit, Concrete Queenz 18:48 Taking Risks and Going All-In on Concrete Queenz 21:30 Learning to Run a Non-Profit 23:49 Mindful Branding and Paying Homage to Community 25:29 Daily Operations and Programming Concrete Queenz 28:17 Skatepark Field Trips to Expand Horizons 30:15 Building Connections and Friendships 31:29 Audrey Skates Exposure and Leads by Example 32:50 Concrete Queenz for Life: Staying Connected 34:56 Tracking Student Success 36:49 The Importance of Play in Education 38:57 The Volunteers of Concrete Queenz 40:57 Role Models with Diverse Backgrounds Beyond Skating 41:58 Bringing Your Unique Self to Every Idea 44:32 Navigating Responsibility and Trust through Skateboarding 46:55 Finding Opportunities for Girls to Expand Skills 48:37 Overcoming Fears and Finding Empowerment in Skateboarding 51:37 Parental Support 53:31 Confidence in Skateboarding and in Life 55:05 Future Aspirations: Expanding the Program and Its Impact 01:00:57 How to Support Concrete Queenz 01:02:49 Quick Questions for Audrey About Her Skating 01:04:26 Tips for Aspiring Skaters and Wrap-Up 01:05:39 End Credits and Music

    1h 6m
  5. EP015 - Gabrielle Brownfield

    12/15/2025

    EP015 - Gabrielle Brownfield

    Gabrielle Brownfield grew up skateboarding with her dad and has been a big part of the Ohio skate scene for most of her life. As a young adult, Gabby had the opportunity to take part in several high-profile skate competitions in California, including Combi and Exposure. In this episode, she shares her experience with competitive skateboarding, self-confidence and skating as an adult. She also talks about the amazing backyard bowl that she built with her dad and herhusband, Nic. In 2025, her family hosted their first Midwest Betty Bowl Jam, inviting female and LGTBQ+ skateboarders and quad skaters from around the country. Get to know Gabrielle Brownfield and follow her at @imjustgabs on Instagram. Chapters 00:00 Opening Credits and Music 00:15 Welcome Gabrielle Brownfield from Ohio 01:11 Early Beginnings in Skateboarding and the Influence ofHer Dad 06:05 The Importance of Allowing Kids to Have Fun 07:37 Pressure in Skate Contests 14:43 Adult Skate Buds and Mentors as a Kid 19:33 Influence of Lance Mountain and Her First Invert 21:20 Building Their At-Home Bowl 24:33 Hosting the Midwest Betty Bowl Jam 27:19 Skating and Meeting People at FDR Queen of the Park 29:57 Local Skate Community in Ohio 33:09 Dropping In on Vert for the First Time 34:42 Skatepark Etiquette for Kids 39:50 Contest Experience at Exposure and Combi 46:02 Perfecting Tricks and the Importance ofStyle 47:36 Navigating Personal Challenges and Confidence 49:30 Learning Leadership from Her Dad and Family Support 51:33 An Amazing Skater... and Artist! 53:19 Designing Wheel Art for Speedlab 54:35 Riding for American Nomad 55:16 Welfare Line and Bill Danforth 56:07 Eric Dressen and Jim Gray Visit the Bowl 57:33 Amazing Mature Skaters and Gabby's Thoughts on Skating Into Her 60s 58:29 Gabby's History in the Underground Skate Scene 59:41 Meeting a Young Ruby Lilley 01:01:04 Going to Queen of the Park and Judging 01:04:10 Beyond Competition - Opportunities for Girls Today 01:06:04 Skating as a Grown-Up, There's a Difference 01:08:04 Embracing Diversity in Body Types 01:11:17 Mental Health and the Stress of Event Organizing 01:16:27 Planning Future Midwest Bowl Jams 01:20:22 Dream Skate Session 01:21:36 End Credits and Music

    1h 22m
  6. EP014 - Natalie Porter

    11/30/2025

    EP014 - Natalie Porter

    Natalie Porter is a skateboarder and author, who uses herlibrarian superpowers to curate and maintain the Womxn Skateboard History (https://womxnskatehistory.ca/)website, the most comprehensive database of female skaters from the 1940s to 2010s. She has compiled a select group of skate stories into her new book, ‘Girl Gangs, Zines and Powerslides’, released in September 2025. This discussion highlights Natalie’s early beginnings in skateboarding, the challenges faced by women in the sport, and the significance of community building among female skaters. It’s a delightful conversation that highlights the importance we all play in preserving history and creating community in skating. Chapters 00:00 Opening Credits and Music 00:15 Intro to Skateboarding Librarian, Natalie Porter 01:44 Natalie's Skateboarding Background and EarlyInfluences 03:36 The Importance of Having a Girl Network of Skaters 05:43 The Genesis of Documenting Women's Skateboarding 10:04 Initial Reception of Natalie's Book, Girl Gangs, Zinesand Powerslides 12:34 The Importance of Sharing Women's Stories 17:42 Highlighting Matriarchs in Skateboarding History 18:41 How Natalie Found Skaters Through Research 22:58 Historical Context of Women's Skateboarding for GirlsToday 24:10 The Importance of Sharing Heavy Topics 25:58 Sharing Lived Moments in Skating 27:04 History of the Girls' Meetups 29:56 The Role of Zines in Community Building 32:03 Role of Skate Shops in Connecting Girls and Women 34:06 Best Ways to Preserve Our Own Memories 38:03 The Importance of Legacy in Local Skate Communities 41:12 The Impact of Events Like Exposure 43:46 Celebrating Connections with Skate Icons 47:49 Finding Our Way in Skating Through Different Roles 51:02 Natalie's Return to Skating in Her 40's 55:52 Womxnskatehistory Website Archive 56:46 Work with the Smithsonian 57:29 Just Say YES to Opportunity 58:21 Where to Pick Up Natalie's New Book 59:50 Advice for New Skaters 01:01:13 End Credits and Music

    1h 2m
  7. EP013 - Grace "The Interviewer"

    11/15/2025

    EP013 - Grace "The Interviewer"

    After her appearance in EP12, Grace Marhoefer turns thetables on hosts Heather Jennier and Paula MacDonald and interviews them, learning more about their journey in skateboarding, creating the podcast and empowering women in the skate community. Laugh along with Heather and Paula while Grace takes the mic in this special episode!   Chapters 00:00 Opening Credits & Music 00:15 How did you meet? 01:33 Why did you want to start the podcast? 03:27 Grace shares how important having a platform like thisis 07:35 How long have you been in Florida? 09:11 Who are your skateboarding idols? 11:43 What do you like to do in your free time? 18:00 Do you like any other sports? 22:04 Do you have any pets? 23:10 What are your favorite skate industry brands? 25:19 What are your dream tricks? 26:47 Grace is ready to help teach some old dogs new tricks! 27:59 End Credits & Music

    28 min
  8. EP012 - Grace Marhoefer

    10/30/2025

    EP012 - Grace Marhoefer

    Originally from Cocoa Beach, Florida but now living inSouthern California, Grace Marhoefer has been called the “ATV” of skateboarding, largely because she rips at every style she tries—transition, vert and street. Starting at the ripe old age of seven when she discovered skating at a friend’sbirthday party, Grace shares her story of working through injuries and personal challenges to become one of the coolest and most versatile skaters in women’s skateboarding today. Chapters 00:00 Opening Credits and Music 00:15 Introduction to Grace Marhoefer 00:53 Discovering a Love for Skateboarding at a BirthdayParty 02:45 Learning Tricks as a New Skater 03:23 Being a Mentor to Younger Skaters 04:45 Skaters Who Inspired Grace 06:44 Getting Her Start Skating Transition and FInding aLove of Street 08:06 Which Would She Choose, Transition, Street or Vert? 09:42 How Being Skilled in All Areas Helps Her Skating 10:45 Current Tricks She's Working On 12:50 The Driveway Struggle of Mastering the Ollie at Age 8 15:07 Balancing College and Skateboarding Around the World 17:50 Navigating Life as a Professional Skater 18:47 Dealing with Injuries and New Perspectives 21:02 The Road to Recovery and Olympic Aspirations 24:12 Maintaining Health Through Exercise and Rest 25:30 Thoughts on 2028 Olympics 26:31 Beyond Contests and Finding Creativity in Fliming 27:37 Filming Her New Indy Part 30:17 Hill Bombing, Pure Peer Pressure 32:12 Guys or Girls, Who's Challenging You More? 32:58 Favorite Skate Spots Out West and in Florida 35:43 Sponsorships in Skating 38:57 Dream Sponsors 41:23 Favorite Video Parts 42:04 How Skating Supports Her Mental Health 43:08 Dream Skatepark Features 43:42 Favorite Tricks to Land to Feel Good 44:30 Dream Sesh Partner, Past or Present 45:13 Grace's Current Setup 46:55 Learning Handplants 49:52 Advice for Aspiring Female Skaters

    52 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Carving it Out features stories of the women of skateboarding, both on the board and behind the scenes. Hosted by Heather Jennier and Paula MacDonald, we we want to help continue to grow girls' and women's skate in a positive way through highlighting the stories of the women, past and present, who have helped lead the way and make space for all of us in a male dominated industry.

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