Looking Sideways: 10 Things
Spinal Tap 2, Yonder's Boardmasters boycott, and 50 years of Everest history.
1. One broken-down van on the way to the south west of France meant I missed last week’s 10 Things for the first time in ages.
We made it in the end, and I’ll be down in Messanges for the rest of August doing a lot of surfing and reading, and maybe the odd podcast. And looking for a new board after getting munched on the first biggish day yesterday/
2. I released episode 250 with Jeremy Jones last week, and was really humbled and grateful for all the shares, comments and very kind messages of support. My favourite undoubtedly came from long-time Looking Sideways supporter Malcolm, with a comment I took as the very highest praise (above).
Here’s the episode with Jeremy if you’ve yet to listen:
3. A very interesting and insightful post from my friends at Surf Yonder in which they explain the thinking behind their decision to boycott Boardmasters this year.
4. Spinal Tap 2!
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5. I enjoyed this Boardsport Source interview with snowboarder Elias Elhardt. Elias is always one of snowboarding’s most interesting thinkers, and he discusses his recent horrendous run of injuries with characteristic insight and grace.
6. Rory Stewart’s response to Gary Stevenson on Leading was pretty telling.
7. Dan Burgess’s latest episode of the Spaceship Earth podcast is a really provocative and vital listen.
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8. Matthew Goodwin has always struck me as the most egregious and blatantly cynical of the recent wave of right-wing grifters, so I found this methodical Prospect magazine takedown of his ideas to be revealing and insightful.
9. Apple TV’s documentary about Japan’s WWII kamikaze pilots is really excellent, and if you’re in the UK it’s on the iPlayer now.
10. Thanks to listener Jonathan Davies for drawing my attention to the brilliant Doug Scott Archive, which is currently posting ‘a special real-time series following the 1975 British Everest Expedition’.
Thanks for reading and supporting Looking Sideways! If you have any thoughts about any of the stories I discuss this week, let me know:
As always, leading that critical edge Matt and provoking thought and actions - thank you. I was also due to talk at Rising Tide, but have been struggling with ethics. Have messaged Surf Yonder to thank them for their leadership and hard work, and am joining them in the boycott. Big ocean love