Beyond the Lineup

#008 | Mike "Happy" Cruickshank: The Rockstar Era of Surfing & Why Respect Still Matters

In this episode of Beyond The Lineup, we sit down with the legendary Mike “Happy” Cruickshank—world class surfer, surf team manager, and a walking archive of the Rockstar era of surfing. From the wild days of managing the iconic Gotcha team in Hawaii to settling down with Killer Dana, Mike shares raw stories of grit, respect, and the no-filter energy that once defined surf culture.We dive deep into what’s changed, what’s been lost, and why honoring your roots in the lineup still matters. Whether it’s paddle battles, old-school fights on the beach, or partying all night and surfing all day—this conversation is a trip back to the golden age.

#007 | YÜTH Magazine: MAGAZINES ARE MAKING A COMEBACK?? Why Print Still Matters in Surf Culture.

In this episode of Beyond the Lineup, we sit down with the founders of YÜTH Mag to dive into the world of print media and why magazines still matter. They share how they turned an idea into a real publication, where they find inspiration, and what it takes to format and fund a magazine in today’s digital age. Beyond the creative process, they open up about securing investors, the power of community, and why surrounding yourself with people who believe in the vision is everything. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to build a successful independent mag, this one’s for you. Tune in!

#006 | Cordell Surfboards: How the Surf Industry Changed and What EVERY Surfer Should Know About Their Boards

In this episode of Beyond the Lineup, we sit down with Cordell Miller—a Newport Beach legend who’s been shaping surfboards for 34 years and spreading good vibes in the lineup. Known for his positivity and genuine love for the craft, Cordell shares his journey from competing against the world’s best surfers at iconic spots like 54th Street to building a career shaping boards that surfers truly connect with.We talk about how the surf industry has evolved, the role of localism in today’s surf culture, and what it takes to create a board that can boost a surfer’s confidence. Cordell also opens up about riding for Quiksilver, his fear of flying that’s kept him grounded (literally), and how he balances life, shaping, and surfing without ever losing sight of what’s most important.This conversation is full of wisdom, humor, and heart. Whether you’re a surfer or just someone who loves stories about passion and resilience, Cordell’s insights into surfing, faith, and community will leave you inspired. Don’t miss it!

005 | Kai McPhillips: Currently Ranked #3 in North America, Exposing the Truth About Surf Culture, Competition, and Adventure

An unfiltered conversation with Kai McPhillips, a true waterman and longtime friend, in Episode 5 of Beyond The Lineup. Kai dives deep into the heart of surf culture, exposing the differences between shortboarding and longboarding, the pressures of competition, and the untold realities of the surf industry. From sharing laughs about localism and rivalry to reflecting on life-changing travels and his recent success at the 2024 Surfing for Hope Longboard event, this episode is packed with raw insights and stories that will leave you inspired. Discover what it really takes to thrive in the surfing world and why Kai believes in staying true to the art of surfing.

#004 | Kirra Pinkerton: From Setbacks to Comebacks a Truly Inspiring Story

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Kirra Pinkerton, an extraordinary surfer and even more remarkable human being. Kirra opens up about her battles with loneliness, the pain of losses, and the journey to rediscover her love for surfing. She shares how she found unmatched support and a renewed purpose, transforming challenges into triumphs. Her story is one of resilience, growth, and inspiration—proof that even the roughest waves can lead to the most beautiful horizons. We’re honored to share her journey and celebrate the incredible person she is today.

#003 | Max Beach: Chasing Waves, Finding Purpose, and Living Every Surfer's Dream

Max Beach shares what it was like growing up as a grom in San Clemente, giving us a glimpse into his unique perspective and the big life shifts that have shaped him. From hilarious stories about traveling and competing to his passion for chasing perfect waves, Max keeps it real. He also opens up about staying connected to family and working on a startup with his dad. This is an episode full of laughs, insights, and inspiration—you won’t want to miss it!

#002 | Kei Kobayashi : Winning Secrets and the Realities of Life as a Pro Surfer

In this episode of Beyond the Lineup, we sit down with pro surfer Kei Kobayashi to uncover the secrets behind his relentless discipline, mental toughness, and incredible journey to the top of competitive surfing. From near-death experiences in big waves to his daily 5:00 AM grind, Kei shares how he stays motivated, overcomes losses, and prepares for life beyond surfing. Whether you’re chasing your own dream or just want to know what it’s like to surf against the world’s best, this episode is packed with inspiration and hard-earned wisdom.

#001| John Wander: Journey Through DJing, Venture Capital, and Surfing

Today, let's welcome DJ, entrepreneur, and surf enthusiast John Wander. A trailblazer in the DJ world, John has also found great success in venture capital, and serves as the CEO of XLR8R. He’s made a significant impact on the Los Angeles surf community and continues to inspire others with his diverse passions and achievements.
Join us as we dive into John’s journey, exploring his ventures in music, business, and the surf world, and how he’s carved out a unique path of success and influence.