This week, I’m speaking with Steve Olson. Skateboarding has produced its fair share of personalities, but few have left their mark with as much style as Steve. From skateboarding, to acting, to fine art, Steve has moved through his life with a finesse uniquely his own.

As a teenager, he was voted Skateboarder of the Year, helping to inject a punk rock attitude and aesthetic to the sport, much to the chagrin of the industry at the time. As skateboarding’s popularity began to wane, Steve made his way into commodities trading, while at the same time keeping one foot firmly planted on his board. When skateboarding found a renaissance in the mid 80’s, he capitalized on the timing by introducing his own brand, garnering attention both inside and outside of the sport.

A foray into acting led to modeling and commercial opportunities, with Steve ultimately settling into his current career as a fine artist. During the course of our conversation, we discuss introducing the iconic checkerboard to Vans, shooting the cover of Skateboarder Magazine, and being responsible for the first father/son legacy in skateboarding.

Ever humble and always entertaining, it is my pleasure to present Steve Olson on The Days Between..

This week, I’m speaking with Barbie Herron Conkling. The localism of southern California’s surf breaks has become legendary, but few can claim local status more than Barbie. With a family history stretching all the way back to the early days of Venice, her relatives literally built the beach communities in which she has spent most of her life.

Growing up in a home which often mirrored the wild west atmosphere that was Malibu in the 1970’s, Barbie developed a spirituality which would serve her throughout her teenage years and well into adulthood. She became a mother at a young age, giving birth to her eldest son, Lyon which she describes as ‘instant soul recognition’, and the two began a journey that was lifetimes in the making. As Barbie helped Lyon navigate a myriad of health challenges, she was forced to address her own struggle with addiction, being a single mother, and the reality of raising two other children, all while running a non-profit.

While she may shrug it off as master multitasking, Barbie’s ability to gracefully navigate the challenges life has presented her, and still find time to help those less fortunate, lends a heavy dose of credence to the notion that moms really can do it all. During the course of our conversation, we discuss her dual realities, the importance of being of service, and why she can so often be found wearing a hat.

It is my pleasure to present Barbie Herron Conkling on The Days Between..

This week, I’m speaking with Andy Mumma. Growing up, Andy never intended to be a small business owner, but the entrepreneurial seed was planted early and when combined with a love of cafe culture and a dash of punk rock, the result has been a series of wildly successful businesses in his adopted hometown of Nashville and beyond.

Andy’s passion for music began while washing milk trucks as a teenager and quickly evolved into touring with bands while he was still in high school. Broke and in need of a change of scenery, Andy made his way to the Music City, where he landed a job as a dishwasher, and through hard work eventually became a barista. His creative instincts ever present, Andy began meticulously planning his own coffee shop and 15 years later, when the opportunity presented itself, willed it into existence.

The first Barista Parlor was a labor of love taking almost a year to complete construction, as well as helping to heal a family rift that had lasted nearly a decade. 8 locations later, a tiki bar, a taco truck, and a pizza bar, Andy’s talent for creating spaces and passion for collaboration is undeniable. During the course of our conversation we discuss the Mennonite influence on his projects, dubbing punk rock from the radio, and learning to let go of where you think you should be and allowing the creative process to take you down roads you never could have imagined.

It is my pleasure to present Andy Mumma on The Days Between..