Martin Hřívna and Barbora Vymetalová in the late months of 2019 we on the verge of opening a new breathtaking location in the depths of Brno. Little did they know that beneath the crypts of that year hid the dreadful pandemic... SPOT Brno is a bar that is consisting of a skateboarding bowl connected to a tattoo studio. Aside from the incredibly ven…

Bistro Bastardo, on first sight one might think profanity. However despite what the name suggests, the bistro is home to a variety of food that our city of Brno hold so dear to our hearts. Being a staple of Mexican cuisine for the last few years, the bistro has dominated the market being one of the top 5 places to eat at for the last 4 years runnin…

Interview with former SIMS team rider Marc Hollander. Marc grew up in the Santa Barbara area of Mountain Drive and was one of the early adopters to skate The Tea Bowls. Marc was at the forefront of skateboarding during the late '70s and early '80s and touches on his skateboarding journey and involvement with Tom Sims and the SIMS Skateboarding Team…

In this episode, Pete Kostelnick talks about his Guinness record setting run across America, his 5,000+ mile solo trip from Alaska to Florida, and recovering from injuries sustained in a recent car crash.

Link to the trailer Link to book a seat at the premier in Malmö! Link to our pilot episode on the Automobilen Snakerun "Nestled in a thicket along the old E6 outside Falkenberg Sweden lies a peculiar sight – an abandoned concrete skatepark, which over the years seems to have lost its former luster. However, this is no ordinary park; it is actually …

In this episode Aleksandr Burchak discusses what its like living in Ukraine during the war, surviving the cold winters, and filming a video part amidst the chaos.

Recently I caught up with two academics, Iain Borden professor of architecture and urban culture and Patrick Sean Quinn who is an archeologist. Both Iain and Patrick have been involved in skateboarding heritage, in particular the research and preservation of second wave skateparks from the late 1970's to early 1980's. I wanted the to get their opin…

In today's episode, Chad talks with creator and skateboarder Zack Dowdy about growing his YouTube channel, learning how to make DIY skate spots, experiences in the skate industry and much more.

Samy is now the owner of one of Brno's blooming new bakeries, Breadguy with an interesting twist to baking. Samy continues to master the art of sourdough and blow the minds of many. But the back story to his life is far more intricate than one could imagine. Being in the midst of an economic recession in Czech Republic, having no work, no set of sk…

In this podcast Chad talks with Joe Monteleone aka Joeface to discuss the pros and cons of being a skate filmer, the importance of persistence, working for Transworld, and much more.

In this podcast I discuss using my YouTube channel for personal growth and cover topics like difficulty of talking to the camera, creating helpful content, and much more. This will be the last podcast under the name "Feeble Minded". After this episode it will be called "Keep Pushin' with Chad Caruso"…

In this episode, Darude talks about how he got started in music, how the viral hit Sandstorm was created, performing in front of 100,000 people, and much more.

In this episode Chad talks with John David Glaude aka Obese to Beast about the ups and downs of his 180 lb weight loss journey.

With the holidays coming up, I thought it would be a good time to do a sobriety q&a to discuss some of the things I've learned over the past 7 years.

Brett Conti is an entrepreneur, content creator, and skateboarder who has one of the largest travel vlogging channels on YouTube. In this conversation we discuss topics such as how he started Fortune NY from his dorm room, overcoming resistance from friends and family, and much more.By Chad Caruso

Jack Smith, frequently referred to as the godfather of long distance pushing, has crossed America on 5 different occasions with a board. In this episode we discuss how he got into skating, details of his first cross country trip back in 1976, his motivations, and much more.By Chad Caruso

In todays episode Chad discusses his recent Guinness World Record setting skate across America, bringing his board to Tony Hawk, and much more.By Chad Caruso

Just a (not so) quick and (mostly unscripted) explanation of why the show is going on hiatus until December, which ends with my reading of Edgar Allan Poe’s poem, “Spirits of the Dead.”*****ReferencesPoe, Edgar Allan. “Spirits of the Dead.” https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/48632/spirits-of-the-deadWikipedia. “Poems by Edgar Allan Poe.” https:…

In the second episode of my 2-part examination of the life and career of Sir William Crookes (1832-1919), I explore events that inspired his interest in spiritualism, his unique methods of combining his studies in this area with his scientific background, and his work with some well-known 19th-century mediums, as well as the reception his work with…

I first learned about British physicist and chemist Sir William Crookes (1832-1919) several months ago, while working on my episode on X-rays. Recently, while reading Violet Tweedale’s Ghosts I Have Seen and Other Psychic Experiences, I learned that Sir William had an interest in spiritual and paranormal matters in addition to the sciences. In this…

During 2014 the Lake Tahoe floating ramp, was created as part of The Dream 365 project, working with Visit California and Bob Burnquist to showcase different stories to boost tourism in California. What ended up being created was a 8ft tall wooden bank ramp, accompanied by a smaller 5ft secondary half-pipe. Both wooden ramps rested on top of a 35 f…

If you spend any time learning about Victorian Era funeral and burial etiquette, chances are you’ll come across an illustration of a Fisk Patent Air-Tight Metallic Burial Case…and once you do, you’ll never forget it. I discuss the circumstances that inspired the creation of this unique coffin and some of its benefits, as well as how it’s often view…

In this Season 3 premiere, I bring you my recent conversation with Ryan Stevens, in which we talked briefly about the history of figure skating, as well as its increased popularity in the 19th Century and Victorian Era “Skate King,” Jackson Haines.About Ryan Stevens:I am a former figure skater and judge from Halifax, Nova Scotia. I have been writin…

In the second episode of my 2-part miniseries on Isabella Mary Mayson Beeton (a.k.a. “Mrs. Beeton”), I delve deeper into her voluminous Book of Household Management.Catch episode 1 here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6cBEAgXffA4uv8doOxpm6l?si=doVWQOEYT5qbHki5lua8zg*****ReferencesBeeton, Isabella. The Book of Household Management (1861 edition). …

Cascade skatepark, is located off Route 40 in Catonsville, Baltimore County. The remanence of parts of this skatepark still remain, yet today it is hidden amongst bush, dirt and scrap. A very cool spot that was once a huge part of skateboarding history in Baltimore. Article, images and video can be found here The Charnwood Bowl is regarded as Austr…

If you’re a fan of vintage food and cooking (like I am), you’ve probably heard the name “Mrs. Beeton,” and may even have seen an edition of her voluminous Book of Household Management. But who was Mrs. Beeton, and what are some reasons her book has stood the test of time?*****ReferencesBeeton, Isabella. The Book of Household Management. https://arc…

Hi guys, just a quick update to let you know that we have launched a new website www.skateboardingcrucible.com As we have been diving into a lot of research about skate spots during our 1st Season we decided to launch a site and put all of our research into article form. This way we can also collect all the images and videos that we have been able …

I (& my dog) recently had X-rays, & it hit me that X-rays were a pretty big (albeit short-lived) fad toward the end of the Victorian Era. I discuss the history of the X-ray, & explore why X-rays were initially so popular & why that popularity eventually faded.*****ReferencesClick Americana. “How X-rays were discovered – Victorian medical tech we st…

I briefly explore the life of writer Edith Nesbit, a.k.a. “E. Nesbit” (1858-1924), and read excerpts from some of her works.*****ReferencesBanerjee, Jacqueline. “E. Nesbit, Rudyard Kipling and The Strand Magazine.” https://victorianweb.org/authors/nesbit/kipling.htmlBritannica. “Fabian Society.” https://www.britannica.com/topic/Fabian-SocietyFabian…

What with popular attribution of the phrase “We are not amused” to Queen Victoria and the widespread belief that Victorians were obsessed with etiquette and death, it’s easy to get the impression that many people during this period lacked a sense of humor. However, I will explain why I’ve found the opposite to be the case, and provide examples of V…

In this episode, I discuss Robert Clark Kedzie (1823-1902), a Michigan doctor, chemist, and professor, and explain why his 1874 book, Shadows from the Walls of Death, can be considered one of the deadliest books ever written.*****ReferencesBien, Laura. “In the Archives: Poison Pages.” https://annarborchronicle.com/2012/05/03/in-the-archives-poison-…

I discuss what I was able to find about the life of Charles Elmé Francatelli (1805-1876), one of the Victorian Era’s “celebrity chefs,” who spent part of his career cooking for The Queen and Prince Albert, and look at 2 of his cookbooks, The Modern Cook and A Plain Cookery Book for the Working Classes.*****ReferencesCook’s Guide, The. “Charles Elmé…

You can’t talk about physical culture during the Victorian Era without discussing “Muscular Christianity.” I describe how this movement developed in the mid-19th century, ways in which it was practiced within and outside the UK, and how it intersected with phenomena that are still with us today, such as nationalism, imperialism, and eugenics.*****R…

Skatepark Arenys de Munt The first skatepark to be built in Spain was in the mountain region of Arenys de Munt. Skatepark Arenys was buried by the owners in 1984, leaving no trace. During 2010 an excavation mission was undertaken to find the buy skatepark which was successfully excavated over a two year period and the park was reopened on March 7th…

Chinese Peak, located in Pocatello, Idaho was completed during the summer of 1978. It is a 4 section skatepark that still exists on a piece of private land in a very rural part of the world, that is surrounded by the high mountain ranges. The surroundings are very desolate and the fact that a place like this exists in this part of the world is quit…

In this episode, I explore the stages in which fitness culture evolved in the 19th Century, as well as the rise of strongman athletes and fitness “gurus,” some popular fitness equipment of the period, and early gymnasiums.*****ReferencesBarford, Vanessa, and Lucy Townsend. “Eugen Sandow: The man with the perfect body.” https://www.bbc.com/news/maga…

Skatepark Mikasa, Japan Located in Mikasa on the island of Hokkaido Japan there is the jurassic park of skateparks, it is nestled in between high lush mountains, in a really raw and untouched part of the world. This park is fucking gnarly, we have included an arial shot from Google Maps below. We have never seen anything like this to be honest. Ima…

Jungle Skatepark Malaysia The lost jungle skatepark of Malaysia. In the forests of Shah Alam lies a lost skatepark called Bukit Cerakah. Built in late 1989 and completed in 1990, this park was the first concrete park built in Malaysia. All images and videos can be found here Tony Alva Mystery We have a bit of a skate mystery to tell you about today…

When you think of “haunted” houses, there’s a good chance that structures built during the Victorian Era come to mind. I look at some characteristics of “Victorian” houses, and explore how and when their association with ghosts came about.*****ReferencesAyers, Vivienne. “Georgian house style – what it is and how to get the look.” https://www.homesa…

The Tea Bowls, Santa Barbara California. Local skateboarding legend Tom Sims, discovers two reservoirs on a 340 acre private property called the Tea Gardens. This set a course that would influence a new era in vertical skateboarding. Once Tom and his crew cleaned up the bowls and tested the layout it became a thriving hub for skateboarding activity…

Clube 12 or the “Jurerè Track” is Located in Florianópolis Brazil. Inspired by Skatercross skatepark in LA, this spot was chosen for its steep downhill run and rock structure. This place was a truly historic skate park for the history of skateboarding in Brazil. All images and videos can be found here Part 2 Oldenzaal is one of the oldest snake run…

The fern has been associated with myth and mystery for centuries, but the Victorians took their appreciation for this plant species to new levels. I discuss some events and circumstances that led to pteridomania (“fern fever”), as well as ways in which the magical fern was incorporated into the everyday lives of millions of Victorians.*****Referenc…

Wet Willy's waterslide located in Fenton MO, opened in the summer of 1978. Built on a 40-foot hill and made entirely out of concrete, it had three winding, twisting 500-foot slides. Abandoned during the late 90's it became adopted by skateboarders. Wet Willys featured on our YouTube channel Other videos to check out: Skating Wet Willys 1 Skating We…

Welcome to the Skateboarding History Podcast, brought to you by The skateboarding Crucible! A podcast for skate enthusiasts and history lovers. Join us as we dive into some of the more obscure, forgotten skate spots and skateparks throughout history. Some of those that still exist today and others that are extinct. So sit down, chill out, grab coff…

Fainting women were a pretty common trope in 19th century literature. I discuss some reasons why Victorian-Era women were likely to faint, but also explore how much of what we know about “fainting culture” might have been myth, and how much was likely reality.*****ReferencesAgnew, Molly Elizabeth. “The Truth About Corsets: Busting the Myths.” https…

Although Valentine’s Day existed prior to the 19th century, the Victorians helped to make this day what we know and love (or hate) today. I briefly discuss the history of the day, then talk about the many “vinegar valentines” Victorians looking to insult rather than flirt could choose from.****ReferencesAndersen, Charlotte Hilton. “What Is Valentin…

I read 2 fairy tales from the 1893 children’s book, Rays of Sunshine: “A Frog He Would a Wooing Go” and “Death and Burial of Cock Robin.”*****References“A Frog He Would A Wooing Go.” Rays of Sunshine. New York: M'Loughlin Bros., 1893. https://archive.org/details/raysofsunshine00unse/page/n7/mode/2up“Death and Burial of Cock Robin.” Rays of Sunshine…

In this minisode, I discuss the history of the zoetrope & explain why, even though it was generally marketed as a “toy,” I believe it was much more than that.*****ReferencesCoterill, Chris. “Early Pioneer: William George Horner.” https://animationgeek.blogspot.com/2011/01/early-pioneer-william-george-horner.htmlObject Lessons. “Zoetrope, Victorian,…

The Victorians are credited with giving us many of the Christmas traditions we know and love today, but in this episode, I look at some with which the majority of us may be less familiar, including the Christmas Pickle, “festive science,” dangerous parlour games, and the infamous wassail bowl.*****BBC. “History of Christmas.” https://www.bbc.co.uk/…

I recently had the opportunity to talk to Traci Muller Rylands about cemeteries she has visited around the U.S. and the research those visits have inspired.About Traci: An almost-native of Georgia, Traci Muller Rylands has bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Georgia. She didn’t take an interest in cemeteries until 2012, when she …