Blister Reviewer BadgeJonathan Ellsworth

On GEAR:30, we discuss some of the backcountry gear that Paul’s been testing in Alaska, including Moonlight and Movement skis; Moment and Dynafit bindings; G3 and Pomoca skins; and Scarpa boots. We also discuss current trends (fads?) in ski poles, and the underrated value of a good snow saw.

Reviewer Reports: Backcountry Ski Touring Gear (Ep.176)

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We discuss some of the backcountry gear that Paul Forward has been testing around Girdwood, Alaska, including skis from Moonlight and Movement; bindings from Moment and Dynafit; skins from G3 and Pomoca; and Scarpa boots. We also discuss current trends (fads?) in ski poles, and the underrated value of a good snow saw.
Eric Jackson is a visionary, iconoclast, designer, founder, and one of the most successful and influential kayakers in history. And on the Blister Podcast, Eric provides a masterclass on the history and evolution of paddlesports, and there are lessons here for how to grow — and preserve the best aspects of — other sports, communities, and industries like skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, trail running, etc.

Eric Jackson on the Past, Present, & Future of Paddlesports (Ep.195)

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Eric Jackson is a visionary, iconoclast, designer, founder, and one of the most successful and influential kayakers in history. In this conversation, Eric provides a masterclass on the history and evolution of paddlesports, and there are lessons here for how to grow — and preserve the best aspects of — other sports, communities, and industries like skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, trail running, etc.
Kikkan Randall on Blister's Off The Couch Podcast

Olympic Champion Kikkan Randall on Running, Racing, Longevity, Motherhood, & More (Ep.101)

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Before Kikkan Randall was winning Olympic and World Cup gold medals in XC skiing, she was a runner, and she has never stopped being a runner. In this conversation, we discuss running and how she got into XC skiing; some of the keys to her longevity; becoming a mother while also being a professional athlete (and how much attitudes still need to change for women in a similar position); and going from winning an Olympic gold medal to being diagnosed with cancer, and how she is doing today.

Jonathan’s Sleep Experiment

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Our founder has historically been downright terrible in terms of sleeping enough, but he's now trying to change that. In this ongoing series, he's documenting the things he's been reading and listening to to help with the process, and some of the tips, tricks, habits, and products he's been using.
When it comes to true ‘all-mountain’ skiing, Marcus Caston has one of the nicest turns in the game. He’s also got one of our favorite video series, Return of the Turn. So on our Blister Podcast, we talked to Marcus about the new episode; coaching; why people think he’s from the East Coast; and we discuss some Best / Worst episode ideas. (Paging Glen Plake…)

Marcus Caston on the Return of the Turn (Ep.192)

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When it comes to true ‘all-mountain’ skiing, Marcus Caston makes one of the nicest turns in the game. He’s also got one of our favorite video series, Return of the Turn. So we talked to Marcus about the new episode; coaching; why people think he’s from the East Coast; and we discuss some Best / Worst episode ideas. (Paging Glen Plake…)

Shop Talk: Pulling Back the Curtain on Gear Testing (Ep.172)

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Today we’re talking all things ski testing, and to provide their wealth of experience in this arena are The Ski Monster’s George Michaelsen and Matt Berkowitz. We discuss good ways and bad ways to conduct gear tests; how and why The Ski Monster has been able to ramp up the amount of gear testing they’re doing; and why not all gear tests are created equal.
On our Blister Podcast, we talk to Rick Ridgeway, who has lived right at the center of the modern outdoor recreation movement. He was a part of the first American ascent of K2; he has gone on numerous adventures with his friends, Patagonia founder, Yvon Chouinard and The North Face founder, Doug Tompkins, and filmmaker, Jimmy Chin; and he has been right there working to protect wild places with them, Kristine Tompkins, and others.

A Life Lived Wild: Rick Ridgeway (Ep.191)

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Rick Ridgeway has lived right at the center of the modern outdoor recreation movement. He was a part of the first American ascent of K2; he has gone on numerous adventures with his friends, Patagonia founder, Yvon Chouinard and The North Face founder, Doug Tompkins, and filmmaker, Jimmy Chin; and he has been right there working to protect wild places with them, Kristine Tompkins, and others.
On our latest GEAR:30 podcast, you’ll hear the tale of how a couple of friends who were scheming to get some gear for their own adventures ended up creating a phenomenal outdoor shop in the process. We talk to Trygve Sande and Rune Kvalsnes about the origins of Vertical Playground; their trip with Hoji where the idea of the 4FRNT Raven was born; some of their favorite gear; and more.

Shop Talk: Vertical Playground, Oppdal Norway (Ep.169)

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Once upon a time, a couple of friends who were scheming to get some gear for their own adventures ended up creating a phenomenal outdoor shop. We talk to Trygve Sande and Rune Kvalsnes about the origins of Vertical Playground; their trip with Hoji where the idea of the 4FRNT Raven was born; some of their favorite gear; and more.
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