Podcast | Blister

Blister Speaker Series: Mark Abma (Ep.281)

October 9, 2023 by Jonathan Ellsworth

Last Thursday, Mark Abma came to Western Colorado University for our Blister Speaker Series. He broke down his segment from the MSP film, ALL IN; discussed his part in the new MSP film, Land of Giants; and talked about his preparation for ski season; confidence; staying calm; and more.

In our latest episode of GEAR:30, Luke Koppa & Jonathan Ellsworth talk with Blister Member Giovanni Saccarola (an Italian living in Switzerland), about his ski quiver, ski boots, and ski boot liner options. Check it out wherever you get your podcasts, or on our site.

GEAR THERAPY: An Italian Skier in Switzerland (Ep.266)

May 3, 2024October 6, 2023 by Jonathan Ellsworth

Luke and Jonathan talk with Blister Member, Giovanni Saccarola (an Italian living in Switzerland), about his ski quiver, ski boots, and ski boot liner options.

On our latest episode of Reviewing the News on the Blister Podcast, Cody and Jonathan pay tribute to Robb Gaffney, then discuss the growth in snowsports and who is more passionate: alpine skiers, cross country skiers, or snowboarders?; the sale of @Silverton Mountain; the Most Canadian News; Cody’s latest FIFTY film, ‘Split’; & more.

Reviewing the News w/ Cody Townsend, September 2023 (Ep.280)

October 4, 2023October 4, 2023 by Jonathan Ellsworth

This week, Cody and I pay tribute to Robb Gaffney, then discuss the growth in snowsports and who is more passionate: alpine skiers, cross country skiers, or snowboarders; the sale of Silverton Mountain; the Most Canadian News; Cody’s latest FIFTY film, ‘Split’; & more.

Norrøna Owner & CEO, Jørgen Jørgensen, on Norrøna’s History & Design Philosophy (Ep.265)

September 29, 2023 by Jonathan Ellsworth

Norrøna aspires to make the best outdoor recreation products on the market. So we talk with Jørgen Jørgense, the 4th-generation owner & CEO of Norrøna, about the brand’s approach to product design & testing, and the origins, evolution, and future of the brand.

PFAS chemicals have been used in tons of technical apparel for decades, but that streak is ending very soon. So on GEAR:30, we sat down with Outdoor Research’s Alex Lauver to learn about this significant shake-up to the outdoor industry; PFAS-free DWR alternatives; how this will impact consumers and manufacturers alike, and more.

Why All Your Jackets Are Going to Change: Ditching PFAS w/ Outdoor Research (Ep.264)

September 22, 2023 by Luke Koppa

PFAS chemicals have been used in tons of technical apparel for decades, but that streak is ending very soon. So we sat down with Outdoor Research’s Alex Lauver to learn about this significant shake-up to the outdoor industry; PFAS-free DWR alternatives; how this will impact consumers and manufacturers alike, and more.

Does running have the power to transform the prison system? According to the data, it might, and it definitely has the power to ignite personal transformation, as you will see in the remarkable new documentary, 26.2 TO LIFE. Our guest on Off The Couch today is Christine Yoo, the director and producer of 26.2 TO LIFE, which tells the story of incarcerated men at San Quentin State Prison who are members of the 1000 Mile Club, the prison’s long distance running club. They train all year for the San Quentin Marathon — a 105 lap, 26.2 mile race that takes place in the San Quentin yard. The film was shot over the course of three years with unprecedented access to the prison, and for the reasons we discuss in this conversation, I urge everyone to see this film.

26.2 TO LIFE: Running, Prison Reform, & Personal Transformation (Ep.181)

September 19, 2023 by Jonathan Ellsworth

We talk to Christine Yoo, the director & producer of the powerful new documentary, 26.2 TO LIFE, about the San Quentin State Prison marathon; running, prison reform, and personal transformation.

Blister Speaker Series: Angel Collinson (Ep.278)

September 18, 2023 by Jonathan Ellsworth

Last Thursday, Angel Collinson came to Western Colorado University for our Blister Speaker Series. We talk about her ski career, purpose, passion, and when it might be time to alter the path you're on.

GEAR THERAPY: A Mother Gets Back into Skiing — Where to Start?? (Ep.263)

May 3, 2024September 15, 2023 by Kara Williard

When it comes to gear, we’ve all been there: loads of questions, crippling confusion, severe analysis paralysis. Sometimes you don’t even know where to start. You need some help! So in our 3rd session of GEAR THERAPY, Blister Member, Arika Poulin Weller, joins Blister reviewers Kara Williard and Kristin Sinnott to get some advice on 1-ski quivers, alpine ski boots, broad ski-gear jargon and what it all means, and more.

Dearborn Denim founder, Rob McMillan is a thoughtful guy with some grand ambitions. He’s working on building a big apparel company that ethically manufactures premium products at an affordable price, right in Chicago. Impossible you say? This past Monday, Jonathan Ellsworth (who bought his first pairs of Dearborn Denim jeans 3 years ago) met up with Rob at Dearborn Denim’s factory in Chicago to tour the factory with him, then record this conversation where he lays out the blueprint. Some companies are easy to root for and support. Dearborn Denim is definitely one of them.

Dearborn Denim founder, Rob McMillan, on Building a Premium, Affordable, & Ethical Apparel Manufacturing Company in Chicago (Ep.35)

September 13, 2023 by Jonathan Ellsworth

Dearborn Denim founder, Rob McMillan is working on building a big apparel company that ethically manufactures premium products at an affordable price, right in Chicago. Impossible you say? In this conversation, Rob lays out the blueprint.

On our latest Blister Podcast, Mountain Gazette editor, Mike Rogge is back to talk about outdoor media (even though we lie and say we aren’t going to this time), plus MG’s big new issue #200, which includes contributions from Jeremy Jones, comedian Steve Martin & cartoonist Harry Bliss, Karl Fostvedt, and more. Check it out wherever you get your podcasts, or on our site.

Mountain Gazette Editor, Mike Rogge, on Outdoor Media & Issue #200 (Ep.277)

September 11, 2023 by Jonathan Ellsworth

Mike Rogge is back to talk about outdoor media (even though we lie and say we aren’t going to this time), plus Mountain Gazette’s big new issue #200, which includes contributions from Jeremy Jones, comedian Steve Martin & cartoonist Harry Bliss, Karl Fostvedt, and more.

Reviewing the News w/ Cody Townsend, August 2023 (Ep.276)

September 4, 2023 by Jonathan Ellsworth

Cody and Jonathan discuss marketing jargon in the outdoor industry; the sale of Jackson Hole Mtn Resort; another mountaineering controversy; mountain town advice; and more.

On our latest GEAR:30 conversation, Luke and Jonathan discuss apparel testing, show pigs, & the underrated importance of ballpoint pens with our Blister Labs colleague, Melanie Peddle, who is a faculty member in the partnership program between Western Colorado University & the University of Colorado Boulder. We also discuss some takeaways from the compression, abrasion, and UV tests we’ve been running; steps toward developing new standards; and more.

Blister Labs: Technical Apparel Testing Update (Ep.261)

February 1, 2024September 1, 2023 by Jonathan Ellsworth

Apparel testing, show pigs, & the underrated importance of ballpoint pens. Luke Koppa and Jonathan Ellsworth discuss these things with our Blister Labs colleague, Melanie Peddle.

On our latest Blister Podcast, skier Zack Giffin (host of the TV series, Tiny House Nation & co-host of the podcast, Tiny House Tales) makes a compelling case for how smaller living spaces can be a significant part of the solution to affordable housing; homelessness; climate issues, energy consumption, and creating more socio-economically diverse communities — which is a fancy way of saying, real, actual communities. This conversation is another important addition to our conversations on mountain town economics & affordable housing solutions.

Zack Giffin on Skiing, Tiny Houses, & Big Solutions (Ep.275)

August 28, 2023August 28, 2023 by Jonathan Ellsworth

Skier Zack Giffin (host of the TV series, Tiny House Nation & co-host of the podcast, Tiny House Tales) makes a compelling case for how smaller living spaces can be a significant part of the solution to affordable housing; homelessness; climate issues, energy consumption, and creating more real, actual, healthy communities.

GEAR:30 Ep.260: A Guide to Skiing in New Zealand with Outside Sports

A Guide to Skiing in New Zealand with Outside Sports (Ep.260)

August 25, 2023 by Kara Williard

Have you ever dreamt about skiing in New Zealand? We talk with local Kiwi experts from our Blister Recommended Shop, Outside Sports, to give us the rundown on what skiing in this Southern Hemisphere destination entails and how to make the most of it.

Chef Yia Vang on Hmong Cuisine & Culture; ‘Run & Gun’ Restauranteering; & Spreading Appreciation (Ep.34)

August 23, 2023 by Jonathan Ellsworth

Yia Vang is a multi-nominated James Beard Award chef, the founder & head chef of Union Hmong Kitchen; he competed on the Netflix show, “Iron Chef: Quest for an Iron Legend”; hosts the show, ”Feral” on the Outdoors Channel; hosts another show, “Stoked” on the Food Network; and hosts the excellent podcast, “Hmonglish” which focuses on the Hmong people, their culture, and representation.

The “Rocky Mountain Grand Slam”: it involves summiting 122 peaks and 318,000 feet of elevation gain (the equivalent of summiting Everest 11 times from sea level). And Vuori & Athletic Brewing athlete, Jason Hardrath, recently set a new FKT by completing it in under 40 days. So on our latest Off The Couch podcast Jonathan Ellsworth catches up with Jason to break down his most recent accomplishment, and to discuss the blurring of the lines between running, scrambling, and soloing.

Jason Hardrath & The Rocky Mountain Grand Slam (Ep.180)

August 22, 2023 by Jonathan Ellsworth

The Rocky Mountain Grand Slam involves summiting 122 peaks and 318,000 feet of elevation gain, and Jason Hardrath recently set a new FKT by completing it in under 40 days. So we caught up with Jason to break down his most recent accomplishment, and to discuss the blurring of the lines between running, scrambling, and soloing.

What is 1% for the Planet, who started it, and what do they do? Furthermore, when a crisis breaks out (like the current fires in Hawaii), many of us wonder how best to contribute, which organizations to donate to, and how to go about determining that? To help us get a better handle on all of these topics, on our latest Blister Podcast, we’re talking with Kate Williams, CEO of 1% for the Planet, and our hope is that this conversation will inspire individuals and businesses to keep taking steps to create a better future.

Investing in the Planet: Kate Williams, CEO, 1% for the Planet (Ep.274)

August 21, 2023August 21, 2023 by Jonathan Ellsworth

What is 1% for the Planet, who started it, and what do they do? Furthermore, when a crisis breaks out (like the current fires in Hawaii), many of us wonder how best to contribute, which organizations to donate to, and how to go about determining that? Kate Wiliams offers some very helpful answers.

When it comes to gear, we’ve all been there: loads of questions, crippling confusion, severe analysis paralysis. You need some help! So on our GEAR:30 podcast, we’ve just published our inaugural episode of GEAR THERAPY, where Jason Verlinde — a self described “average / normal / non-industry / non-pro Blister member” — poses some gear questions and conundrums to Jonathan Ellsworth & Luke Koppa, and “gets to confess my ignorance and state my real-world situation, with the experts weighing in, straightening me out, and steering me toward some products I might love.”

GEAR THERAPY: A Ski Patroller’s Most-Pressing Gear Questions (Ep.259)

May 3, 2024August 18, 2023 by Jonathan Ellsworth

When it comes to gear, we’ve all been there: loads of questions, crippling confusion, severe analysis paralysis. You need some help! Welcome to our 2nd episode of Gear Therapy, with Spokane-based ski patroller, Kam Smith.

Recently at the Tahoe 200, Michele Graglia was running in first place with an hour lead. But then he decided to stop running. So why did the former winner of the Moab 240 and Badwater 135 stop? And why, shortly thereafter, did he announce that he would be walking away from racing? Jonathan Ellsworth explores these questions with Michele on our latest Off The Couch podcast.

Michele Graglia on the Tahoe 200, Walking Away from Racing, & Next Steps (Ep.179)

August 15, 2023 by Jonathan Ellsworth

At the Tahoe 200, Michele Graglia found himself in first place with an hour lead. Then he decided to stop running. So today we discuss why the former winner of the Moab 240 and Badwater 135 decided to do that; why, shortly thereafter, he announced he would be walking away from racing; and what’s next.