Welcome to the Contrarian’s Quandary podcast! Here, I explore the idea of living a life that goes against the grain. I’ll discuss topics such as how to think differently, how to challenge the status quo, and how to make decisions that go against the majority. I’ll also talk to people who have chosen to live a contrarian life and hear their stories. So if you’re looking for a different perspective and a fresh take on life, then this is the podcast for you. Join me as we explore the world of contrarian living!
Ptor is a skiing legend and in this episode with talk about all kinds of subjects from skiing and mountain biking to the Gnostic process! This is the second episode with Ptor with the last one being almost a year ago!
He is currently working on a book, Ski Fou, that will be more than just a memoir.
You can find is beautiful photography and writing on Substack!!! (https://substack.com/@chatgptor/notes?utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-page)
13 Dec 2024
Farming in Jamaica with Ras Fyah.
Ras Fyah shares his vision for transforming four acres of Jamaican land into a sustainable farm, inviting listeners to participate and exchange work for a place to stay and positive vibrations.
26 Oct 2024
Ptor Spricenieks - Ski Legend and Cosmic Gardener
If you don't know anything about Ptor Spricenieks, do a quick search, see what this mountain mystic has accomplished and come back to this episode to appreciate his mellow, but convicted thoughts on everything from trail building to the creation of Human Beings.
This episode took a while to come about since Ptor is off-grid in the sense of having no social media presence and his absolute reticence to spray about his accomplishments. Everything in this episode is exactly what I envisioned when I started this podcast . It is Contrarian in the truest sense of the word.
Here are links to relevant things we talked about:
"Dream Line" (https://vimeo.com/ondemand/24790)
40 Tribes (https://40tribesbackcountry.com/who-we-are/ptor-spricenieks)
George Gurdjieff (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Gurdjieff) (Wikipedia...sorry)
Aleister Crowley Climbs (https://explorersweb.com/legends-series-aleister-crowley/)
15 Aug 2024
Corey McDonald - OG Snowboarder and CDI Memorial Creator
We start off talking about the history of snowboarding at Bogus Basin Ski Area (Idaho) and his introduction to the practice and art. The most impactful part is listening to the creation of the Carson David Ianson Memorial (CDI). This is an event that is part memorial for his best friend, snowboard contest and is 100% DIY and soul.
So enjoy this episode, ramp up your stoke and be comforted in the fact that we only have about three months until we're riding!
Find him on IG: @coreymcdonald (https://www.instagram.com/coreymcdonald/)
I met Spencer years ago on an Avalanche education course in the Sawtooths of Idaho. He had so much energy and stoke that it was impossible to have a bad day with him! He continues his life of stoke and has turned his vision and positivity to the political realm. I don't usually get into politics but when you have a place you grew up in and love, it's hard to sit by while things start to change in a way that's not good for your home. Enter Spencer Cordovano, your next Ketchum City Councilmember.
Spencer for Council (https://www.spencer4council.com/)
Spencer’s answers from pizza & politics (https://vimeo.com/877450139)
F11 Films (https://f11films.com/about)
Homegrown Film Festival (https://www.homegrownfilms.org/)
4 Oct 2023
Daniel Harm - Eco-fantasy artist, filmmaker and athlete.
I first became aware of Daniel Harm many years ago through Mark Twight when he had, what I would call, an obsession with road biking. Daniel Harm is an ex-racer and had a most excellent blog to read when I too was, what I would call, obsessed with road biking. Daniel stopped racing and started pursuing more artistic outlets over a decade ago. He used his vision to create other-worldly, yet of this world, films and images. Stories of regeneration of the ecosystem and the reintegration of humans into the ecosystem are told through mind blowing imagery. This episode covers topics of: Art, autonomous zones, why Dean Potter's solo ascent of Delicate Arch offends some people but they're fine with chiseled stairways on the way to the arch, the magic of making art with like-minded people, social media and the value of being a hermit and a lot more!
Explore his art here: Tree Crown Dreams (https://treecrowndreams.com/)
Also find him on Instagram: @treecrowndreams (https://www.instagram.com/treecrowndreams)
24 Sept 2023
Kristian Rebeck - Guatemala Surf Trip Follow-up
I catch up with Kristian after quite a few months! We talk about surfing in Guatemala, working seasonally and other off the cuff subjects.
Kristian on IG: @hellxhammer (https://www.instagram.com/hellxhammer/)
28 Jul 2023
Montvana 2023 Recap with @sketchvanmontana
We made the trip up to Libby Montana to experience Montvana first hand. It's a yearly event for vans and people of all types. You can participate as little, or as much as you want to. We talk about this year's event and the future of Montvana. You'll notice the episode jumps right into the business. I'm playing with the concept that nobody likes intros and would rather just get to the episode.
Make sure you follow @sketchvanmontana (https://www.instagram.com/sketchvanmontana)on IG to know about the next Montvana
If you haven't listened to the first episode about the event, find it here: Vans, Bands and Festivals (https://open.spotify.com/episode/7iyV6EkRrHHa7npMtams0H?si=ZD1LLeKvR5mBkrNRzvmPlQ)
15 May 2023
Surfer, Skater, Author and World Traveler, Dave Boss
I got Dave's book, "Juking the Masses" and after reading the first chapter I knew I had to talk to him! We had a great chat right before he headed down to Baja. He started the lifestyle at a fairly young age traveling and skating before he found surfing and the rest is history. Pick up a copy of Dave's book, "Juking the Masses" (https://www.amazon.com/Juking-Masses-Fill-stoked-surfers/dp/B0BYBN46TN) and be inspired to craft a life where your Stoke Tank stays topped off!
Follow Dave: @juking_the_masses (https://www.instagram.com/juking_the_masses/) and @surfing_every_dave (https://www.instagram.com/surfing_every_dave/)
8 May 2023
Vans, Bands and Festivals. Sketchvan's Montvana adding value to the Universe!
Have you ever wanted to be part of a community free from the usual divisive topics of conversation? Have you ever wanted to pass out at a party and know that someone will roll you on your side so you don't drown in your own party juices? If you answered YES to either of, or both of these questions... you'll love this episode! Sketchvan joins me and we talk for a while on a few topics before circling around to our mutual love; VANS! He created an event outside of Libby, Montana called, Montvana that has steadily become the go to event for a lot of hardcore Vanners. Montvana is going down July 19th - 23rd! This event is away from cell service by design and attracts the fringe of an already fringe group, but that's what makes it special. It's a safe space for anyone that shows up and the only thing not tolerated is intolerance! So go to the bathroom, make a sandwich or drive to a hot springs 160 miles away while you listen because it's a long one! Get in the Van!!!
Sketchvan (https://www.instagram.com/sketchvanmontana/)
Rolling Death VC (https://www.instagram.com/rollingdeathvanclub/)
Vandits VC (https://www.instagram.com/vanditsvc/)
Left Lane VC (https://www.instagram.com/leftlanevc/)
Tramp Vanners VC (https://www.instagram.com/trampvannersvc/)
Trailer for "Sleeze Lake" (Documentary) (https://youtu.be/_aud2DnN4Us)
Year of the Cobra (https://yearofthecobra.bandcamp.com/)(Band)
25 Apr 2023
Ras Kitchen Creator Matt Pancer
We hear the term "Content Creator" a lot and sometimes it's confused with "Influencer" but the two aren't the same. I talk with Matthew (https://www.instagram.com/mattyp.tv/), the creator of the popular YouTube channel Ras Kitchen (https://www.youtube.com/@RasKitchen/featured), about his process and the humble beginnings of the channel. The grind is real as he talks about the years of work put in to have success and the volatility of income for creators. This was a treat to talk with him and would greatly help anyone embarking on the journey of a creator.
Some links to things we talk about:
Earthly Eats (https://www.youtube.com/earthlyeats)
Ras Kitchen (https://www.youtube.com/user/RasKitchen)
Matthew talks with Backpacking Simon on demonetization of YouTube channels. (https://youtu.be/OBvyX3Vn0b4)
Ras Fyah (https://www.instagram.com/thehighclimber_/)
Freelance Chucky (https://www.youtube.com/@FreelanceChucky/featured)
Backpacking Simon (https://www.youtube.com/backpackingsimon)
Peggy.com (https://www.peggy.com/) (Art authentication innovation, ensuring royalties are paid to artists.)
Coinbase (https://www.coinbase.com/) Mainstream account and wallet for crypto, NFTs and web3.
10 Apr 2023
Gardening and Ganja in Jamaica
Ras Fyah comes back to discuss slow farming in the yard and learning about planting from Ras Mokko. We talk about Ganja and the effort to bring back old strains and the problem with Ganja as a business in Babylon. It's a long episode but there's so much to get from it and if you are sensitive to talk of Ganja, either skip it (it's the last hour) or listen objectively how Ganja is used as Sacrament by Rastafarians. Ras Fyah has a podcast coming out, so find him on Instagram and tune in!
Ras Fyah - @thehighclimber (https://www.instagram.com/thehighclimber_/)
Ras Kitchen (Ras Mokko) - @raskitchentv (https://www.instagram.com/raskitchentv/)
Matthew (Ras Kitchen) - @mattyp.tv (https://www.instagram.com/mattyp.tv/)
Strain Hunters Jamaica Expedition (https://youtu.be/BMKbNLCmUzw)
Overview of Nature in the Rastafarian Consciousness (https://debate.uvm.edu/dreadlibrary/david.html)
(https://debate.uvm.edu/dreadlibrary/david.html)
7 Apr 2023
Stevil Kinevil Part Deux (The Potpourri Episode)
This has everything in it from politics (which I usually don't do) to what job Terri did on Three's Company. For a minute or two we talk about Stevil and Chris' new book "Nowhere Fast" and how the tour went before I digress into lamenting about future podcast guests. Stevil tries to right the course a couple times, but I was glassy-eyed, intent on crafting a rant. I meant for us to talk about the catharsis of Art and travel with some musings about our favorite cottage industries with regards to riding bikes. Nope... you get a variety. Much like the potpourri your grandma used to leave the candle burning under until the water was boiled out and then she accused you of smoking weed in the house. The water was definitely boiled out of this episode, but as usual you will find more than a few gems buried here.
Stevil Kinevil IG (https://www.instagram.com/allhailtheblackmarket/)
All Hail the Black Market (https://allhailtheblackmarket.com/store/nowhere-fast-book/)
27 Mar 2023
Ras Fyah Episode 2
Ras Fyah (@thehighclimber_) is back! After the last episode's technical mishaps, we are back for round 2! We cover so many great topics and go off on some tangents, but we also talk about recreation in Scotland and of course... Jamaica! A really cool story about Ras Mokko's Ganja crop (listen to "Police in Helicopter" by John Holt). Ras Fyah talks about the best place to visit Jamaica to get an authentic local experience and avoid the tourist trap. We also talk about the opportunities for recreation in Scotland on the cheap. We touch on hard mixed climbing in the US and Scotland. He's working on a podcast and will have an episode up soon and we are going to do a third episode when it drops! Enjoy! Bless Up!
Police in Helicopter - John Holt
Scotland's Hardest Mixed Climb - Greg Boswell
Ras Mokko's Retreat (linked from Ras Kitchen)
20 Mar 2023
Ras Fyah - Rasta, Climber and Positive Force
This is a sort of teaser for our next conversation, but there's some real gems in here! By far the most remote interview I've done! 4,400 miles from Idaho to Scotland! The audio is a little spotty but the content is more than worth the extra attention to listen to such a positive message. Ras Fyah @TheHighClimber_ (https://www.instagram.com/thehighclimber_/) is a Rasta from Scotland that is a neighbor to legendary Ras Mokko and splits his time training and climbing in Scotland and working on his property in Jamaica (yard tour here!) (https://youtu.be/LNy9TISEsdY). He has started a project @plantmountains (https://www.instagram.com/plantmountains/) where he trains hard and maintains a clean, plant based diet.
My guest today is none other than the legendary Stevil Kinevil (https://www.instagram.com/allhailtheblackmarket/?hl=en). Rider of bikes, skater of curbs, maker of Arts, drinker of beers, petter of cats, caster of Pods, merchant of mayhem via AHTBM (https://allhailtheblackmarket.com/), tripper of roads and the list just goes on and on. We focus mostly on his art since he has a Canvas spread in the April edition of Thrasher Magazine AND has a book coming out this month! It's called, "Nowhere Fast - Drawings Made on Planes" and the first release party is in San Francisco at the Mission Workshop on the 17th of March. Click HERE (https://allhailtheblackmarket.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/NWF-flyer-1-1.jpeg) for a flyer with the other dates and show up if you're in a 500 mile radius of any of the events. He also hosts a podcast with his friend Robot where you'll have to listen to episode #67 to learn why I talk about choosing a shower cap full of fleas over a grease trap face mask:
Revolting Podcast on Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/2WiDd9Va9YNhWdjCiOsMJ3?si=c1816651eeab44bf)
Revolting Podcast on Apple (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/revolting/id1581631090)
We detour a bit into the healing waters of The Extended Road Trip, pulling the escape lever and trusting ourselves and our own ingenuity. Hobo Artist royalty is brought up and Stevil gives a great description of what makes Dan Price (https://www.instagram.com/hoboartist/?hl=en) and his Moonlight Chronicles (http://www.moonlightchronicles.com/) so special.
Something to keep in mind; if you're already in a Karate class, don't quit to come ride bikes and make art because some asshole keeps sweeping your leg. There's assholes everywhere, but there's also great people everywhere and I count Stevil among the latter.
3 Mar 2023
Tomas Robison - Off-Grid Yurt Dweller
I talk with Tomas Robison about Yurts, off-grid living, escaping the Matrix, Burning Man and we touch on Spirituality but save it for another episode.
Find him on Instagram: @your_tio_loco_14
Check out his YouTube channel and subscribe: Your Crazy Uncle (https://www.youtube.com/@your_tio_loco_13)
19 Feb 2023
Kristian Rebeck - Bike Touring Surfer
Kristian wanted to ride around the world but like most of us, COVID hit and plans went out the window. He adapted and headed for sunny Baja Mexico where he rode his bike with surfboard on his side like a trusty sidekick and surfed when he could. He kept the party going when he made it back stateside with a ride of the Continental Divide which splits eastern US from western US. The party lasted two years in total and he needed to replenish the bank account so he took a job at a ski area here in Idaho. That's where I met him and we shared our philosophy on jobs and hit it off, riding as much as possible and working as little as possible, I knew he needed to be on a podcast about Contrarian mindsets! Unfortunately for me, his bank account has filled enough to allow a surf trip to Guatemala before starting the dream of seasonal work! He's a skilled craftsman and works hard when it's needed, but he knows a job is not our life. I hope you enjoy his story and it gets the gears going and you take that trip you've wanted or at least ride your bike more, shred some pow, or catch a wave!
Find Kristian on the 'gram - @hellxhammer (https://www.instagram.com/hellxhammer/)
The bike Kristian rode - Esker Hayduke (https://eskercycles.com/products/hayduke?variant=43651556671741)
Big up to the Adventure Cycling Association (https://www.adventurecycling.org/routes-and-maps/ ) and the excellent maps and resources they provide! If you want to Ride the Divide (https://www.adventurecycling.org/routes-and-maps/adventure-cycling-route-network/great-divide-mountain-bike-route/), they've done the route planning so you can concentrate on the trip!
18 Feb 2023
Contrarian’s Quandary (Trailer)
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