The Boardcast

Alan Casper & Claire Kellar

Boarders has played an integral role in Sydney's Northern Beaches skate scene since the late 90s, and owners Al and Claire have sat in the front seats as it's changed, grown and occasionally shrunk over the years.  Along the way they've formed an eclectic community of skate and snow lovers who make the store what it is today.

This podcast is an insight into our business and the community that makes it. We hope you'll want to be a part of it too.


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Episodes

Episode 13: Al's Origin Story: From Dropping Out of High School to Hustling on Film Sets
Mar 11 2024
Episode 13: Al's Origin Story: From Dropping Out of High School to Hustling on Film Sets
The Boardcast PodcastEpisode: 13Date: Tuesday, March 12th 2024Hosts: Al and ClaireIn this episode we delve into Al's origin story, exploring his journey from a childhood in North Balgowlah to his unexpected entry into the film industry. Al takes us on a nostalgic trip down memory lane, recounting his early experiences with skateboarding in the 70s and 80s, which eventually led him to discover his passion for snowboarding.Al shares his transition from a rebellious teenager who left school at 16 to gain a trade as an electronics technician, to his entry into the film industry through a friend's connection. His time as a runner on film sets exposed him to the intricate world of special effects and prop-making, where he honed his skills in welding, metalworking, and gunsmithing.We reflects on Al's encounters with Hollywood stars like Keanu Reeves and Leonardo DiCaprio. Al's stories from film sets, including a humorous yet frustrating experience with a twitching kangaroo prop, offer a glimpse into the chaotic and demanding environment of movie production.As Al navigates the challenges and absurdities of the film industry, he ultimately finds himself drawn to entrepreneurship, leading him to co-found Boarders, a venture that reflects his innate drive to challenge authority and carve his own path. Through Al's candid storytelling, listeners gain insight into the unconventional journey that shaped his career and mindset, blending nostalgia, humor, and raw authenticity into a captivating narrative of self-discovery and resilience.Don't forget to like and subscribe to our channel to follow along on our business journey. We appreciate your support!www.boardersonline.com.au
Episode 10 - From Beanies to Boards: Our Favourite Snowboard Gear Revealed
Feb 19 2024
Episode 10 - From Beanies to Boards: Our Favourite Snowboard Gear Revealed
The Boardcast PodcastEpisode: 10Date: Tuesday, February 20th 2024Hosts: Al and ClairePodcast Episode Synopsis: "What's in Our Board Bags for Snowboarding in Japan"Hey there, snowboarders! In this episode, we dive into the nitty-gritty of what's in our board bags for hitting the slopes in Japan or overseas. Join us as we unpack our gear and share our must-have items for an epic snowboarding adventure.We kick things off by discussing the importance of a trusty coffee maker for those early mornings. (Link Below)From helmets to goggles, beanies to base layers, we cover it all. As we delve into our outerwear, we share insights on jackets, pants, and mid-layers that keep us warm and stylish on the slopes. Our discussion on the benefits of skins over thermals for older riders adds a practical touch to our gear recommendations.Moving on to bindings and boards, we gush over our favorite picks, from the Salomon launch boa boots to the versatile Lib Tech Orca snowboard. Our candid opinions on gear choices and the importance of investing in quality equipment shine through as we share our experiences and preferences.We wrap up the episode with a touch of humor and a hint of nostalgia, reminiscing about past snowboarding trips and the evolution of gear choices over the years.So grab your board, tune in, and join us on this fun-filled journey through our snowboarding gear essentials for the ultimate adventure in Japan. Stay tuned for more snowboarding tips, tricks, and tales in our upcoming episodes.LINKS:https://www.anacondastores.com/camping-hiking/camp-cooking/camping-coffee-makers/wacaco-minipresso-ns-portable-espresso-machine-black/BP90142060-dark-greyDon't forget to like and subscribe to our channel to follow along on our business journey. We appreciate your support!www.boardersonline.com.au
Episode 7 - "Off the Rails: A Hilarious and Chaotic Podcast Episode" with Chris Jeapson.
Jan 29 2024
Episode 7 - "Off the Rails: A Hilarious and Chaotic Podcast Episode" with Chris Jeapson.
Podcast Title: "Off the Rails: A Hilarious and Chaotic Podcast Episode"Episode: 7Date: Tuesday, January 30thHosts: Al and ClaireGuest: Chris "Chunk" Jepson (Australian Rep for K2 Snowboards and Ride SnowboardsAbout:In this episode, we have a hilarious conversation with our guest, Chris Jepson, the K2 and RIDE Snowboard Rep.We reminisce about our experiences working at different skate shops, including Skate Factor and Trigger Brothers in Melbourne. Share funny anecdotes about the time at these shops and fill in more of Al's timeline. The conversation then shift gears and discuss Chris's fascination with jet planes. We delve into different topics, including the F-35 and F-22 jets, and their capabilities, F1 cars and Manhole Covers, Tom Cruise and so much more.The conversation circles back to snowboarding and the brands Ride and K2. We  discuss the direction of these brands and recent marketing efforts.The episode concludes with a lighthearted discussion about watching reality TV shows and the absurdity of some of the content. Overall, this episode is a fun and engaging conversation that covers a range of topics, from skate shops and jet planes to snowboarding and celebrity encounters. The hosts and guest share their personal experiences and insights, creating an entertaining and relatable podcast episode.Show Notes:@lowincomesingledadcarsRIDE snowboard movie: Rough Around the Edgeshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ImWfwryv3EURATED Rhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=duVCWMkhuisDon't forget to like and subscribe to our channel to follow along on our business journey. We appreciate your support!www.boardersonline.com.au
The Boardcast: Episode 6 - Ben Portnoy, Lead Singer & Drummer of C.O.F.F.I.N
Jan 22 2024
The Boardcast: Episode 6 - Ben Portnoy, Lead Singer & Drummer of C.O.F.F.I.N
Podcast Title: The BoardcastEpisode: 6Date: Tuesday, January 23rdHosts: Al and ClaireGuest: Ben Portnoy (Lead singer, drummer, skateboarder)Introduction:In this episode, Al and Claire sit down with Ben Portnoy, lead singer, drummer, skateboarder, and former employee, to explore all things music, COFFIN, skateboarding and life.Behind the Scenes of C.O.F.F.I.N :- Discussion on Ben's band C.O.F.F.I.N's success with the No. 2 album in Australia.- Releasing their latest album and recent tours with Amyl and the Sniffers.- Insights into the current state of live music.- Challenges faced with venues, approvals, rehiring, and managing situations when things get out of hand.- Growing Up and Pursuing Passions- Ben's experience growing up on the Northern Beaches, skateboarding, and navigating his passion for music.- The reality of touring the world and the responsibilities it entails.- The hustle and journey Ben put in to reach where he is now.- The moment he realised C.O.F.F.I.N was starting to make it big.- The decisions Ben had to make to fund C.O.F.F.I.N.- Portnoy talks about the journey to understand his value as a band.- Managing and growing a band.Boarders / Skateboarding / Snowboarding:- Recollection of the early shop fire and his first memory of the shop.- Insights into the Gnarlshred Video and the unofficial criteria for joining the Boarders Shop Team.- Portnoy shares the story of his first experience riding a snowboard.Discussion on injuries and mishaps that have occurred while snowboarding.- Differences between Ben's generation and today's generation of skateboarders.- Ben shares humorous anecdotes about his time working at Boarders.- Portnoy flips the script and starts to interview Al and Claire.- He unveils the podcast jingle he made for "The Boardcast."Closing Remarks:The hosts express gratitude to Ben Portnoy for joining the episode and sharing his incredible journey.Don't forget to like and subscribe to our channel to follow along on our business journey. We appreciate your support!www.boardersonline.com.au
The Boardcast: Episode 5 - Recap of Our Japan Buy Trip & Ramen Ramble.
Jan 15 2024
The Boardcast: Episode 5 - Recap of Our Japan Buy Trip & Ramen Ramble.
Podcast Title: The BoardcastEpisode: 5Date: Tuesday, January 16thHosts: Al and ClaireIntroduction:Al and Claire share their recent trip to Japan, focusing on their experience with second-hand and vintage clothing.Ramen Ramble:The trip turns into a quest for the best ramen in Japan.Al is reluctantly giving up his favourite tomato ramen spot, Nagano (see show notes).Claire's beloved ramen spot in Tokyo Harajuku blows up on TikTok (see show notes).Coffee Struggles in Japan:The hosts discuss their struggles with trying to drink coffee in Japan.Vegan Travel Challenges:Al and Claire share the challenges of trying to stay vegan while traveling in Japan.They share tips on how and where to eat as a vegan in Japan.They're struggle with staying vegan and how they adapt to the way of eating in Japan.Japan Whiskey:The hosts delve into the world of Japan whiskey and want to find out where to buy Yamazaki.Product Highlights:Al talks about the products they purchased during the trip.Special mention of the hideous jackets Al bought.Future Plans:The hosts reveal they are planning another buying trip in May 2024.Website Promotion:Products discussed in the episode are now available on the website (Boarders Online Shop).Show Notes:Al's Tomato Ramen spot: 1 Chome-22-13 Minamichitose, Nagano, 380-0823, Japan.Claire's Favourite Ramen spot: 6 Chome-9-14 Jingumae, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0001, Japan.Closing Remarks:Thanks for tuning in and next episode they will be joined by Ben Portnoy to talk all things Skate, Music, Art and about his band COFFIN.Don't forget to like and subscribe to our channel to follow along on our business journey. We appreciate your support!www.boardersonline.com.au