Andrew Schulz's Flagrant with Akaash Singh
Andrew Schulz's Flagrant with Akaash Singh
"I think what happened was I had fame very early in my, well, a modicum of fame in my late teens and lost it, lost my career, lost everything just to skateboarding, took it down to it. Yeah. So maybe there were parts of that time frame where I was taking a banjo fame or where I was kind of living it up and then when it was all stripped away, I was so thankful to still have skating." — Tony Hawk
"I think that the, the real silver lining to all of it was that all of the skaters had a deal that if it reaches these certain marks of sales, they get a piece. They get more, they get almost what they signed up for and that original crew of skaters did really well." — Tony Hawk
"You need to be able to risk it. It's a, it's just something you can't see. Like, I often use example, Lizzie Armanto and her team. She's, it's awesome, old skater. She skates for some times. But she did, she did our full lubricant. Yeah, so, yeah. And that, the, her approach and the way that, the way that she ended up doing it, she tried, I mean, usually when we do it, it's this whole production. We've got like pads, learn in the pads, and then we can start removing pads and get closer." — Tony Hawk
The episode features Tony Hawk discussing his journey through fame and the skateboarding world. Hawk attributes his grounded approach to fame to experiencing a loss of his career early on, which made him deeply appreciate his passion for skateboarding when it returned. He highlights the unique impact of his video games, noting how they transcended the skateboarding community and reached a wider audience, inadvertently influencing fashion and culture. Hawk also touches upon the evolution of skateboarding, emphasizing the importance of community support and perseverance, even when facing criticism or perceived "selling out" for endorsements.
Hawk elaborates on the challenges and rewards of extreme sports, discussing the mental fortitude required to push boundaries and the inherent risks involved. He shares insights into how the accessibility of information through media has demystified complex tricks, allowing younger generations to progress rapidly. The conversation also delves into the personal aspects of his career, including balancing family life with demanding professional commitments and the continuous self-expectation that fueled his drive for innovation.
The discussion concludes with reflections on mentorship, the importance of cherishing relationships within the community, and the legacy of skateboarding. Hawk expresses gratitude for the opportunities skateboarding has provided, underscoring his ongoing commitment to the sport and its growth, even as he continues to explore new creative avenues.