A skateboard can be more than just a piece of wood and wheels. It can be a gateway to confidence, community, and connection. Mac Premo knows this firsthand, and his work with Stoked has shown him the transformative power of teaching kids to ride.

In this energizing conversation, host Steve Larosiliere sits down with Mac Premo to hear about his experiences engaging with youth through skateboarding and creative community building. Mac shares a memorable story about distributing skateboards to kids and teaching them their first tricks, from popping their first ollie to finding their balance. He talks about the pure joy and confidence that comes when a young person masters a new skill, and why those moments of achievement matter far beyond the skatepark.

The conversation explores how skateboarding serves as more than just a sport. It's a tool for connection, a way to build supportive environments where kids feel encouraged to try, fail, and try again. Mac discusses the importance of hands-on experiences in youth development and how Stoked creates spaces where small victories are celebrated and every kid feels seen. Whether it's learning to drag your foot for that perfect ollie or simply showing up and being part of a community, these experiences build lasting confidence and inspire young people to keep pushing forward.

If you're passionate about youth empowerment, community engagement, or the power of action sports to change lives, this episode will remind you why showing up and teaching matters. Tune in to hear Mac's inspiring stories and discover how skateboarding can open doors you never expected. Don't forget to subscribe for more conversations that matter.

Chapters:

00:00 Creative Connections and Collaborations

00:34 Legacy and Lessons: Parenting Through Creativity

Follow the Journey:

@thelarosiliere

Get Involved with Stoke:

Transform lives through action sports and mentorship

@stokedorg

stoked.org

https://worldrecord.stoked.org/

Level Up Your Business:

buildergrowth.io

Design with Purpose:

purposedesignbuild.com

Connect with Mac at:

https://www.loadedboards.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/don-tashman-5740b01/

Creativity isn't about having the right skills. It's about finding your voice. And for the mentors and community members connected to Stoked, that journey of self-expression has been transformative.

In this inspiring conversation, host Steve Larosiliere sits down with Cabell Molina, Christine Wexler, Jack Laroux, Lamont Joseph White, and Todd Mintz to explore how Stoked helped shape their understanding of art, creativity, and what it means to express yourself. The group shares how their experiences with the organization taught them that you don't need to draw to create something meaningful. From collage and fiber art to working with everyday materials, they break down the barriers that stop so many people from seeing themselves as creative and show why artistic expression comes in countless forms.

Beyond technique, the conversation dives into the therapeutic power of art and how it serves as a vital outlet for self-expression, especially for young people navigating their identity and emotions. The panel discusses how Stoked's approach to mentorship encourages kids to explore different forms of creativity without the pressure of perfection, empowering them to discover their own unique voices. This episode celebrates how programs like Stoked create space for growth, confidence, and the freedom to express yourself authentically.

Whether you're connected to Stoked, passionate about youth empowerment, or simply curious about how creativity can change lives, this episode offers a fresh perspective on art, mentorship, and the courage to create. Tune in and discover why everyone has an artist inside them waiting to emerge. Don't forget to subscribe for more conversations that matter.



Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Artists

00:47Art as a Therapeutic Medium

Follow the Journey:

@thelarosiliere

Get Involved with Stoke:

Transform lives through action sports and mentorship

@stokedorg

stoked.org

https://worldrecord.stoked.org/

Level Up Your Business:

buildergrowth.io

Design with Purpose:

purposedesignbuild.com

Jennifer Gonzalez found her answer, and her community, through Stoked, a youth mentorship nonprofit that uses action sports to empower the next generation.

In this heartfelt conversation, host Steve Larosiliere sits down with Jennifer to explore her two-decade journey with Stoked. From discovering the organization as a young volunteer to becoming a dedicated mentor who found her voice, built lifelong friendships, and learned invaluable lessons about confidence, community, and connection. Jennifer opens up about how working with kids through Stoked not only shaped her approach to parenting but also sparked unexpected personal growth that influenced her entire career path.

Now a health and wellness entrepreneur specializing in gut health and colonic therapy, Jennifer shares how the nurturing mindset she developed as a Stoked mentor continues to inform her work today. The conversation weaves together powerful themes: the transformative impact of mentorship, the surprising connection between gut health and mental well-being, and why creating space for fun and play matters more than we realize, for kids and adults alike.

As Stoked celebrates its 20th anniversary, this episode is a beautiful reminder of how one organization can ripple out to touch countless lives, creating waves of positive change that last for generations.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Stoked and Jennifer Gonzalez

02:36 Building Community Through Stoked

05:50 The Impact of Mentorship on Personal Growth

08:42 Memorable Experiences with Stoked

11:14 Career Evolution and New Ventures

13:54 The Importance of Gut Health and Well-being

16:22 Celebrating 20 Years of Stoked

Follow the Journey:

@thelarosiliere

Get Involved with Stoke:

Transform lives through action sports and mentorship

@stokedorg

stoked.org

https://worldrecord.stoked.org/

Level Up Your Business:

buildergrowth.io

Design with Purpose:

purposedesignbuild.com

In this powerful conversation, Vilda Vera Mayuga takes us back 19 years to when she first discovered Stoked, and reveals how one youth development organization transformed not just her career, but her entire approach to community and connection.

This episode is a beautiful exploration of what real mentorship looks like. Vilda opens up about how being part of Stoked shaped her journey, from those early days as a young participant to becoming someone who gives back to the next generation. She shares honest insights on why mentorship is never one sided: it's a relationship where both people grow together, and why practices like journaling and reflection have been game changers for her personal development.

You'll also hear Vilda's thoughtful take on the unique challenges facing today's youth in our technology saturated world, and why creating more opportunities for connection and community has never been more critical. From heartfelt memories of community bonding to the lasting impact Stoked has had on entire families, this conversation reminds us that we all need each other.

As Stoked celebrates its 20th anniversary, this episode is both a look back at two decades of impact and a hopeful glimpse into the future of youth mentorship and community building.

Tune in to hear Vilda's inspiring story, and if this episode resonates with you, subscribe to stay connected with more conversations that matter.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Early Memories

02:35 Reflections on Growth and Mentorship

05:40 Career Progression and Personal Development

08:31 Community Engagement and Volunteering

11:31 Challenges Facing Today's Youth

14:15 Fond Memories and Lasting Impact

17:16 Looking Forward and Celebrating Achievements

Follow the Journey:

@thelarosiliere

Get Involved with Stoke:

Transform lives through action sports and mentorship

@stokedorg

stoked.org

https://worldrecord.stoked.org/

Level Up Your Business:

buildergrowth.io

Design with Purpose:

purposedesignbuild.com

You can connect with Vilda at:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/vildaveramayuga/

In this episode, Steve sits down with Don Tashman to explore the intersection of skateboarding, entrepreneurship, and philanthropy, and how these worlds collide to create lasting impact.

Don shares the journey behind Loaded Boards, from its evolution as a pioneering skateboard company to navigating the unexpected growth during the pandemic.

Together, Steve and Don reflect on their shared history in the skateboarding community and discuss how the sport serves as a powerful tool for building connections, fostering creative self-expression, and empowering young people to find independence and purpose.

This conversation dives deep into the heart of what makes skateboarding special: its ability to bring people together, nurture creativity, and build legacies that extend far beyond the board. They explore the essential role of philanthropy in skateboarding culture, the importance of surrounding yourself with inspiring people, and why giving back enriches not only the lives you touch but your own as well.

Don and Steve share their vision for the future of skateboarding through organizations like Stoked, emphasizing the need to empower the next generation and preserve the independent spirit that makes skateboarding culture so vital in today's world.

Chapters:

00:00 The Roots of Philanthropy in Skateboarding

02:44 The Journey of Loaded Boards

05:47 Navigating Challenges and Growth

08:55 The Role of Skateboarding in Community Building

11:50 Creative Self-Expression and Freedom

14:45 The Future of Skateboarding and Stoked

17:35 Memories and Reflections on Stoked

20:23 Building a Legacy Through Skateboarding

Tune in for an inspiring conversation about legacy, impact, and the power of doing more for others because in the end, we all want the same things.

Follow the Journey:

@thelarosiliere

Get Involved with Stoke:

Transform lives through action sports and mentorship

@stokedorg

stoked.org

https://worldrecord.stoked.org/

Level Up Your Business:

buildergrowth.io

Design with Purpose:

purposedesignbuild.com

Connect with Don at:

https://www.loadedboards.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/don-tashman-5740b01/

In this conversation, Steve Van Doren shares the rich history of Vans, detailing its origins, the brand's purpose, and its commitment to community engagement and mentorship.

He emphasizes the importance of integrity, the role of action sports in shaping the brand's identity, and the significance of nurturing talent within the community.

Steve also discusses the impact of partnerships and the legacy of mentorship, offering insights into how brands can create lasting connections and influence.

Takeaways

- Vans was built on the foundation of community and action sports.

- Integrity is crucial for long-term success in business.

- Mentorship is about kindness and reaching out to others.

- Building a brand requires sticking to your core values.

- Community engagement is essential for brand loyalty.

- Nurturing talent helps create a positive impact on youth.

- Partnerships with nonprofits can shape the action sports community.

- The Vans Warped Tour exemplifies the brand's commitment to music and youth culture.

- Creating a culture of mentorship leads to better future generations.

- Being real and surrounding yourself with good people is key to success.

Chapters

00:00 The Origins of Vans

04:54 Building a Brand with Purpose

09:54 Community Engagement and Culture

14:58 Mentorship and Nurturing Talent

19:42 The Impact of Partnerships

24:19 Celebrating 20 Years of Stoked

29:13 Advice for Future Leaders

Follow the Journey:

@thelarosiliere

Get Involved with Stoke:

Transform lives through action sports and mentorship

@stokedorg

stoked.org

https://worldrecord.stoked.org/

Level Up Your Business:

buildergrowth.io

Design with Purpose:

purposedesignbuild.com

In this episode of the Stoked Podcast, Jeff shares the hustle behind building Uncle Funky's from the ground up, navigating the challenges of visibility, community support, and creating a space where skateboarding meets authentic self-expression.

Together with Steve, they explore the intersection of art, mentorship, and entrepreneurship, reflecting on two decades of Stoked's mission to make board sports accessible to all.

This conversation digs deep into the evolution of skateboarding culture, from longboards to electric boards, and the ongoing fight for inclusivity in action sports. Jeff opens up about the emotional highs of facilitating first-time skateboarding experiences for young people, the power of personal connections in the art world, and how creativity fuels both business growth and community impact.

Whether you're a woodworker, craftsperson, entrepreneur, or anyone who believes in the transformative power of hands-on creation, this episode celebrates the joy of building something meaningful: one board, one connection, one shared experience at a time.

TAKEAWAYS

• Uncle Funky's has been a dream come true for Jeff since 2006
• The importance of community engagement through art and mentorship
• Challenges in the surfing community regarding inclusivity and acceptance
• The evolution of skateboarding from longboards to electric boards
• The significance of personal connections in the art world
• Building a successful skate shop requires visibility and community support
• Skateboarding is an accessible sport that fosters joy and connection
• The emotional impact of facilitating first-time experiences for youth
• Reflections on personal growth through shared experiences in sports
• Celebrating 20 years of Stoked highlights the importance of creativity and self-expression

CHAPTERS

00:00 The Origins of Uncle Funky's Skate Shop

02:50 Building Community Through Skateboarding

05:32 Navigating Challenges in Surfing Culture

08:25 The Hustle of the Art World

11:02 Connecting Through Art and Charity

16:41 The Story Behind the Signed Skateboard

19:14 Art and Emotional Expression

22:04 The Accessibility of Skateboarding

24:04 The Journey of Uncle Funky's

29:01 Memorable Moments in Skateboarding

30:41 The Importance of Visionary Connections

Follow the Journey:

@thelarosiliere

Get Involved with Stoke:

Transform lives through action sports and mentorship

@stokedorg

stoked.org

https://worldrecord.stoked.org/

Level Up Your Business:

buildergrowth.io

Design with Purpose:

purposedesignbuild.com

You can connect with Jeff at:

https://www.unclefunkysboards.com/

https://www.instagram.com/unclefunkysboards/?hl=en

In this conversation, Steve Larosiliere and Cue Pierre discuss the current state of their after-school programs, focusing on student engagement and energy, the adjustments coaches are making, and the importance of social-emotional learning.

They explore the challenges faced by students in credit recovery schools and the need for mentorship and career guidance.

The conversation highlights the significance of building community and providing supportive environments for students, as well as future plans for the Stoked Plus platform.

Takeaways

- The school year is officially starting, with programs ramping up.

- Engagement levels in after-school programs are high, with many students showing interest.

- Social-emotional learning is a key focus in after-school activities.

- Credit recovery schools aim to help students who have struggled in traditional settings.

- Mentorship programs can provide valuable career guidance for students.

- Building community is essential for student engagement and success.

- Outdoor activities are important for student well-being and engagement.

- The Stoked Plus platform is evolving to better support coaches and students.

- Clear communication and support systems are vital for program success.

- Every student has the potential to be a success story.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Updates on the School Year

02:45 Engagement and Energy in After-School Programs

05:48 Coaches' Adjustments and Support Systems

08:32 Social-Emotional Learning in Skate Programs

11:40 Understanding Credit Recovery Schools

14:22 Mentorship and Career Guidance Initiatives

17:22 Building Community and Overcoming Challenges

20:07 Exploring Opportunities for Outdoor Activities

22:35 Program Development and Future Plans

25:15 Operational Systems and Communication

28:18 Conclusion and Future Goals

Ready to join the community? Here's how you can connect with us:

Follow the Journey:

@thelarosiliere

Get Involved with Stoke:

Transform lives through action sports and mentorship

@stokedorg

stoked.org

https://worldrecord.stoked.org/

Level Up Your Business:

buildergrowth.io

Design with Purpose:

purposedesignbuild.com