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The spinning wheels of roller skates have their perfect complement in the spinning vinyl of a DJ booth. This fascinating connection comes alive as Steve Gonzalez (DJ Speedy) takes us into the world of skating DJs—a specialized art form that's about far more than just playing songs.

Starting his skating journey in 1979 and picking up DJing in 1982, Steve provides a time capsule of roller skating culture spanning over four decades. He explains the crucial difference between club DJing and rink DJing: "You have to know your crowd and build the music." From his beginnings at Lorain Skate World in Ohio to his current residency at United Skates in Tampa where he draws crowds of 150-200 skaters, Steve's career traces the evolution of both skating and music technologies.

The conversation takes a poignant turn as Steve shares how vertigo forced him to hang up his skates in 2019, followed by a heart attack and bypass surgery—physical challenges that transformed but didn't end his relationship with skating culture. Despite these obstacles, his passion for creating the perfect skating atmosphere continues behind the booth.

Music selection emerges as a fascinating topic, with Steve favoring funk classics from artists like Zapp and The Gap Band that perfectly complement shuffle skaters. His assertion that modern music "has no heart" (with exceptions like Bruno Mars) reveals the thoughtful consideration behind every track at the rink. The technological evolution from vinyl to digital platforms has made beat-matching easier but perhaps less artistic—a transition Steve navigated while maintaining his distinctive approach to skating soundtracks.

Whether you're a skating enthusiast curious about what makes rink music work, a DJ interested in specialized venues, or someone fascinated by subcultures that blend physical activity and music, this episode offers rare insights into an art form that keeps the wheels turning. Find DJ Speedy on Facebook to follow his continuing journey at the crossroads of music and motion.

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Ever wondered what makes a great roller rink? Ginger Matthews has skated at 443 of them across North America, making her uniquely qualified to answer that question. Growing up in a family where roller skating wasn't just a hobby but a legacy—her parents met at a rink, her aunt and uncle owned one, and they all contributed significantly to skating culture—Ginger's path to becoming "The Skate Critic" feels almost predetermined.

What began as a personal challenge to skate every rink in California evolved into a comprehensive documentation project tracking America's skating spaces. Today, Ginger maintains extensive databases of active rinks, closed venues, and properties for sale—currently 82 rinks are on the market, ranging from $70,000 to $8 million. Her unique 8-wheel rating system evaluates what really matters to skaters: floor quality, staff professionalism, bathroom cleanliness, snack options, and DJ skills.

The conversation reveals fascinating stories behind some of America's most unique skating venues, including The Oaks in Portland—built on 250 pontoons that allow it to float during floods—and the largest skate floor in the country at Guptill's Arena in New York. Ginger shares industry insights about what makes rinks successful (you need five key elements), how COVID affected the industry (about 100 closures but new openings too), and passionate advice for both new skaters and prospective rink owners.

Beyond the business aspects, this episode explores the deep connection between skating culture and community. Adult skaters become the backbone of successful rinks, offering loyalty and support during tough times. For those considering entering this world, Ginger's advice is clear: invest in proper equipment, respect rink etiquette, and understand that skating, like any worthwhile pursuit, requires dedication rather than shortcuts. Ready to roll into the fascinating world of American roller rinks? This episode is your perfect starting point.

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Physical therapist and competitive speed skater Mike Mason pulls back the curtain on what it takes to excel on wheels, sharing wisdom gained from decades on the track and in the clinic. From his humble beginnings stealing his sister's quad skates in 1980s Florida to becoming a two-time state champion and international competitor, Mike's journey reveals the unexpected parallels between rehabilitation science and athletic performance.

With disarming honesty and plenty of humor, Mike details his spectacular wipeouts (including a triple ankle fracture that would have sidelined most skaters for a year) and his triumphant comebacks. His practical advice for skaters transcends typical training recommendations - learn why tracing the alphabet with your foot might be more valuable than heavy squats, how swimming transformed his racing technique, and why electrolytes can make the difference between finishing a marathon and cramping on the sidelines.

The conversation takes fascinating detours through international racing circuits, from dodging traffic in Chinese cities to competing on the famed Le Mans F1 track in France, where Mike participates in the grueling 24-hour relay race. As the founder of the Florida Inline Skating Marathon, now entering its sixth year as part of the World Inline Cup series, Mike offers an insider's perspective on event organization and building skating communities.

Whether you're a competitive skater looking to shave seconds off your time or a recreational enthusiast wanting to skate pain-free, Mike's blend of clinical expertise and real-world experience delivers actionable insights that will transform your approach to training, recovery, and performance. Ready to upgrade your skating game? This episode is your roadmap.

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What happens when your entire identity is wrapped up in being an athlete, and suddenly your body betrays you? Former figure skater Luis Hernandez knows this journey intimately. From his earliest memories as a three-year-old begging to skate in Guadalajara, Mexico, to becoming one of the sport's most resilient comeback stories, Luis shares his remarkable path through figure skating's highest heights and lowest valleys.

Luis takes us through his childhood transition from Mexico to San Diego, where his persistent begging for skating lessons finally paid off. We follow his rapid rise through the ranks to the national stage, training alongside the legendary Michelle Kwan, and the devastating moment when doctors told him his career was over due to severe hip injuries. "It was a big moment of trauma for me," Luis reveals. "My identity was kind of taken away from me."

But this is where Luis's story truly begins to inspire. Rather than accepting defeat, he sought alternative perspectives and embarked on a years-long journey to reclaim not just his skating career, but a healthier relationship with himself. This transformative approach led to his remarkable second career phase representing Mexico internationally, becoming a six-time national champion and competing until age 31—exceptionally rare in figure skating.

Perhaps most powerfully, Luis has translated his personal challenges into meaningful impact by co-founding Lasso Safe, an organization dedicated to protecting athletes across all sports. "Our mission is to protect athletes and ensure that they're being heard," he explains, addressing the intense pressure, body image issues, and mental health challenges that many athletes face silently.

Whether you're a skating enthusiast, an athlete of any discipline, or someone navigating your own personal setbacks, Luis's journey offers profound insights about resilience, identity, and creating success on your own terms. Listen now and discover how sometimes our greatest contributions emerge from our deepest challenges.

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Roller skates aren't just equipment—they're time machines. Each wheel rotation connects us to our past selves while propelling us forward, as Jamie Ogle vividly demonstrates in this heartfelt conversation about his lifelong skating journey.

From his earliest days as a self-proclaimed "rink rat" in Tennessee's Old Dixie skating rink to his current role as co-founder of Lone Star Skate Designs, Jamie's story traces the full spectrum of skating culture evolution. His narrative weaves through competitive speed skating teams, the community camaraderie of jam skating in the 80s and 90s, and the periods when life's struggles pulled him away from the rink. With remarkable candor, Jamie shares his battles with addiction, celebrating over a decade of sobriety while reconnecting with the skating community that always felt like home.

The technical discussions alone make this episode a treasure for skating enthusiasts. Jamie breaks down his custom setups with infectious enthusiasm—from his Power Dyne Arius plates to his preference for ceramic Tornado bearings. His meticulous approach to equipment maintenance mirrors his thoughtful approach to life: always improving, always adjusting, always moving forward. When he declares, "When I put my skates on and I'm on that floor, nothing else matters," every skater listening will feel that truth resonate through their bones.

Whether you're a veteran skater who remembers the golden era of roller rinks or someone just discovering the joy of eight wheels beneath your feet, Jamie's perspective offers valuable insights on perseverance, community, and finding your authentic self through skating. Connect with Jamie on Facebook or check out Lone Star Skate Designs to see his custom work—just be prepared for shirts that glow as brightly as his personality!

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Fifty years of wheels, falls, triumphs, and community—all rolling together into one remarkable skating life story. When Jared Moneo first stepped onto a roller rink floor as a terrified seven-year-old boy with a crush on his gym teacher, little did he know he was beginning a journey that would shape his entire existence.

In this heartfelt conversation, Jared takes us through the evolution of his skating passion from those early days in Aurora, Illinois, where the rink became his sanctuary while his mother worked multiple jobs. He shares how the diverse skating culture of his youth—featuring nights of disco, R&B, and Motown—taught him about community and self-expression in ways that continue to influence his teaching philosophy today.

What truly sets Jared's story apart is his extraordinary resilience. Despite facing serious physical challenges including two broken necks (thankfully not from skating) and upcoming bilateral hip replacement surgery, his dedication never wavered. In perhaps the most remarkable demonstration of this commitment, Jared describes teaching himself the popular "G-slide" move while in a neck brace, using a shower curtain rod mounted in his kitchen for support. As he puts it, "I'm going to die if I can't skate."

As founder of 5280 Style Club (where "Style" stands for "Skate Together, Learn Excellence"), Jared has become a pillar of the Denver skating community. His journey through different skating disciplines—from speed skating to jam skating to artistic and ballroom skating—has given him a unique perspective on the sport's many facets. His humbling experience with artistic skating, which he once dismissed as "for nerds," taught him about edging, balance, and technical skills that transformed his approach.

Whether you're a lifelong skater, a newcomer curious about rolling, or simply someone who appreciates stories of passion and perseverance, this episode offers valuable insights into the power of community and the joy of movement. Ready to lace up your skates and join this vibrant, supportive world? As Jared says, "There is no limit in roller skating—no right or wrong, no penalties, no score to keep."

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When Andrea Dehnke watched Apollo Ohno glide across the ice during the 2006 Winter Olympics, something clicked. Living near Colorado Springs at the time, she could actually watch the national team practice at the Olympic Training Center—the same athletes she'd just seen winning medals on television. What followed was an intensive journey into the world of short track speed skating that would shape her entire life.

Andrea pulls back the curtain on the strategic complexity of her sport. Unlike long track where the fastest skater wins, short track demands tactical brilliance in a pack-style race where positioning and timing can matter more than raw speed. Her explanation of racing dynamics—from drafting techniques to the high-risk strategy of trying to lap the entire field—gives listeners rare insight into the mental chess match happening at 30+ mph on razor-sharp blades.

The physical toll of elite competition becomes painfully clear as Andrea reveals how herniated discs and degenerative disc disease ultimately forced her retirement before the 2014 Olympic trials. Despite doctors' warnings, she continued training twice daily, six days a week until her body simply couldn't keep up with her competitive spirit. Her candid discussion about the psychological impact of injuries, combined with the emotional devastation following a teammate's suicide, paints a nuanced picture of the hidden struggles behind athletic achievement.

Perhaps most surprising are Andrea's stories about the physical dangers inherent in short track. Multiple incidents involving skaters being severely cut by blades—including a teammate who severed a nerve in her leg and another who was cut in the neck above her protective gear—highlight why the sport now requires full-body cut-proof protection. These sobering tales serve as a reminder that even beautiful sports can carry serious risks.

Whether you're a skating enthusiast or simply interested in the psychology of elite athletes, this conversation offers valuable perspective on setting goals, overcoming obstacles, and finding purpose when life forces you to rewrite your story. As Andrea says, "When you stop doing your sport, you're just always going to miss it"—a sentiment that will resonate with anyone who's ever had to walk away from something they love.

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From movie stunts to fatherhood, Rob Didemar's skating journey spans over four decades of American skating culture. In this captivating conversation, Rob takes us back to his early days on red, white, and blue Rydell quad skates before revealing how a chance audition changed his life, landing him as Seth Green's stunt double in the cult classic "Airborne" alongside future stars Jack Black and others.

Rob pulls back the curtain on Hollywood skate scenes, revealing the truth behind the legendary "Devil's Backbone" sequence that has inspired skaters for generations. These high-speed downhill shots weren't filmed on a continuous route but pieced together across various Cincinnati locations, with skaters hitting up to 60mph on standard aggressive inline skates. His Hollywood connections later led to an unexpected role in Mel Gibson's "The Man Without a Face," completing a brief but memorable film career.

After hanging up his skates for nearly 15 years, Rob rediscovered skating through the most meaningful relationship in his life – fatherhood. When traditional sports weren't working out for his son, Rob turned to what he knew best. What started as a temporary solution evolved into an eight-year weekly skating tradition that strengthened their bond while teaching his son a lifelong skill. This journey prompted Rob's return to quad skates after decades on inlines, documented on his TikTok channel where his son serves as videographer.

What makes Rob's perspective so valuable is his appreciation for skating as more than just sport – it's community. In a world increasingly divided, he celebrates how skating rinks bring together people of all backgrounds, ages, and skill levels. Ready to rediscover your love for skating or find a new community? Lace up and join the conversation about what makes skating a lifelong pursuit worth passing down through generations.

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