Yes, this is one of those ‘Welcome New Followers!’ posts…
A ‘start here’ list of some popular blogs and episodes for newcomers to Looking Sideways.
I know everybody says this, but when I started the Looking Sideways podcast back in March 2017, I had zero ambitions other than to stick with it for a few months and see what happened.
Seven years later, I continue to be amazed at how Looking Sideways’ loyal and appreciative audience keeps on growing.
And yes, I know everybody on Substack also always says this, but shifting the whole thing over here in summer 2022, and then turning one ye olde paid subs in January 2023, has been truly transformative.
‘Going paid’ has enabled me to expand the LS universe in many different ways. It’s meant I can continue to take a bloody-minded, anachronistic stand on the pointlessness of shit local radio ads for podcasts (I’ve been proudly ad-free since day one); bring in guest writers (and pay them!); host some brilliant Open Threads with friends of the show; offer bonus episodes; and much, much more.
The Substack network has also proved to be a surprisingly fruitful source of new Looking Sideways followers, particularly in recent weeks. So with that in mind, and with a big old tranche of new subscribers on the books, this week I’m sharing some notable entries from the Looking Sideways archives to help newcomers get up to speed, and to give some love to some of my favourites from the archives.
Anyway, enjoy this week’s selection, and as ever let me know what you think.
1. Podcast Episodes
Before it was ‘a Substack’, Looking Sideways was a podcast, and is still the way most people find out about what I do. Here are some popular recent episodes if you’re wondering where to start - click the links to have a listen.
One of skateboarding’s best-loved figures on the connection between skating, music and photography; and how his faith helped him navigate fame.
In which I quizzed the astronaut and - yes - surfer on the moral implications of surf travel AND what it what it feels like to take a picture of Pipeline from the International Space Station as it flies overhead at 17,000 mph. Fun fact: Christina has been chosen to take part in NASA’s Artemis missions to the moon.
A generous treatise on art, creativity and life from one of skateboarding’s most beloved and influential figures, in which Campbell imparted his artistic secret: ‘just make sure you sit in the chair every day’.
The legendary snowboarder talked me through her recent cancer diagnosis, and showed how she faced the biggest challenge of all with her trademark grace and wisdom.
Arguably the most influential cultural figure in action sports, Peralta was in relaxed form as we discussed his Gerry Lopez biopic, the rest of his oeuvre and, randomly our shared love of William Sharer’s magisterial history of the Third Reich.
Bonus episode are usually only for paid subscribers, but I made an exception for this wide-ranging conversation with the mercurial Burkard, recorded in front of an audience in Shoreditch for my friends at Db.
2. My Articles
One of the great joys of Substack for me has been having my own editorial space through which to explore the ideas and share experiences. Here are my most popular articles of the last two years.
These days I probably get an email every week or so asking me for advice on how to set up a podcast. So I thought I would write it down here to help anybody else who’s thinking of having a go.
I’ve been interviewing people as a journalist and podcast host for almost three decades. Here’s what I’ve learned about the art of ‘thinking on three planes’.
I almost didn’t publish this one, thinking ‘This is probably a bit niche, even for me’. Imagine my surprise when it turned out to be the most popular piece I’ve ever written on here.
What a walking holiday on Gozo with a group of 70 and 80 year-olds taught me about life and ageing.
3. Guest articles
I’m passionate about giving other people a platform to discuss topics that don’t get covered across yer usual action sports media outlets. Here are four recent guest posts that seemed to strike a particular chord with readers. Got an idea for a story? Let me know - I pay for contributions!
I received an email from reader/listener Polly after I made a passing comment on ‘the trans debate’ in a 10 Things dispatch. Reading it made me realise that this perspective and voices like Polly’s are missing from this ‘debate’, and I was glad for the opportunity to reconsider the way I think about and discuss this issue. So I asked Polly if I could publish her letter in full.
Echo chambers, apathy and the impenetrable nature of most climate comms are common Looking Sideways themes. Just Stop Oil activist Calum’s quietly incendiary piece rattled the cage in all the best ways.
Lesley McKenna is one of my oldest friends and collaborators, so I was happy to publish this thoughtful follow-up to Calum’s piece.
I’ve been enjoying experimenting with this open letter format, in which to people from opposite sides of the divide debate and issue of the day.
4. Open Threads
Giving my listeners and readers a direct line to some of the amazing guests I’ve been lucky enough to speak to for the show is one of my favourite things about LS.
For starters, check out Easkey Britten on surfing and our relationship to water; Jeremy Jones on activism, climate change and snowboarding; and writer and producer Chris Nelson on the Big Sea. I also found this general Open Thread about the experiences of women and how men can be better allies to be very illuminating.
Thanks as ever to everybody who supports what I do with either a paid or free subscription. If you’re thinking of upgrading, here’s a special offer to say thanks.
I would recommend listening to episode 088 Rip Zinger also. My list could go on and on, but I’ve found that I get most enjoyment out of listening to the stories from people I don’t know. Thanks Matt for bringing those stories to life.