I don’t pretend to know what it feels like to take one of the most feared waves in the world on the head, and I’m guessing you don’t either, but I sure as hell want to hear from someone who does. Enter Looking Sideways – a new(ish) podcast from action sports industry vet Matt Barr that I was put onto recently and have been churning through since. The concept’s really simple: each episode features Barr in conversation with someone from the world of action sports (so surfing, skateboarding, snowsports etc) about their life and experiences. The freewheeling chats clock in at anything from 45 minutes to 2 hours – which, let’s face it, is really long – but Barr’s hyper-laid-back tone and the engrossing, wandering conversations suit the long-form approach. Looking Sideways is an intriguing bit of escapism, whether you’re an action sports fan or just like hearing about interesting people with fully lived lives.
Try out: The interview with writer and surfer Jamie Brisick, who offers a frank and open insight into his own life, as well as that of the subject of his book Becoming Westerly – controversial transgender surf icon Westerly Windina.
Catch here it: wearelookingsideways.com