HERO'S JOURNEY Podcast (with Travis Varga)

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Black & Decker Portable AC Unit (Best Purchase of 2026)https://amzn.to/3UeaxwqI finally did it..got an AC unit lolOwning an AC unit in Southern California is a luxury. Some people have it, some don't. And I put it off forever cause the reviews are super mixed. And it can add a decent bit of an increase to the energy bill. But these heat waves keep a coming, so here we are.Some really seem to suck - not even some all of them. The Internets make you think thye all suck. So put if off forever.After a month of owning this Black & Decker BEAST though, I'm obsessed and it's my on of my new favorite things list. It's basically R2D2 and just hangs out with you, keeping you cool.If you work form home and live in SoCal, and you don't have AC, it's time to get this or something similar. Your future self will thank you.Black and Decker 12,000 BTU Features & Specs:Cooling Capacity: 12,000 BTU ASHRAE (8,350 BTU SACC) (Ideal for rooms up to 550 sq. ft.)Multifunction Modes: 3-in-1 or 4-in-1 system depending on model (Cooling, Dehumidifier, Fan, and Optional Heat)Mobility: Built-in rolling caster wheels and sturdy side carrying handlesMaintenance: Auto-water evaporation system with a removable, washable air filterControls: Top-mounted LED control panel and a "Follow Me" remote control thermostatSmart AC with Voice Control: This smart air conditioner allows Wi-Fi connectivity and can be controlled using our mobile app available on iOS and Google Play stores, and voice controlled by Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant Doesn't take up too much floor space (16.5” x 14.06”)Quickly cools a small room up to 550 sq. ft.Weight is 58.7 lbs.1060 WATTS | 7.3 CEER | 12 AMPS | 115V/60HzFits unobtrusively into bedrooms, offices, basements, and other areas of the homePanels that fit horizontal or vertical window openings from 20.5" to 59"6-inch diameter Threaded Exhaust Hose | Drain hose | Foam seal | Window bracket| Hose inlet and outlet0.8L water collection tank for dehumidification mode52db noise levelAdjustable Up/down & Auto Air Swing (Left/right) louversAs an Amazon Associate, I earn commission from qualifying purchases on the links in the description. #airconditioner #portableac #blackanddecker #acunit #portableacunit #air #conditioner #airconditioning #blackanddeckerairconditioner #portableairconditioner #review #coldair #heatwave #hvac

I surfed a new spot in...Palm Desert? And it's my new favorite break.Before opening, I was lucky enough to be invited out by  @beachstreetsurf  to test shred all the various wave types that  @dsrtsurf  has to offer, before they officially open to the public very soon. From turns and carves to draining pits, and even a bit of longboarding in there - DSRT Surf really has everything a surfer wants.Backing up - Southern California very recently (Summer 2026) got a new 5.5-acre  @WavegardenOfficial  surf lagoon that now stands as the largest Wavegarden Cove in North America. Powered by an expansive 52-module wave generator, the facility can pump out up to 1,000 waves per hour.Located in Palm Desert, CA alongside the already existing Desert Willow Golf Resort, it features a ‘twice the length' of lagoon compared to  @AtlanticParkSurf , which is insane. This helps the inside bay act more as a whitewater zone for beginners - and also makes the wave itself a bit more powerful and longer.Unique to DSRT Surf too is the lagoon's bottom. It features a cushioned surface, one that I've never seen before, and that really helps when you hit the bottom on a bail. Compared to other surf lagoons with cement floors, this really changes the game and creates a much safer experience for both experienced and beginner surfers.Now, no shade to my other fave lagoon in North America - Atlantic Park - https://youtu.be/jrv6LyZK4Ow?si=05pDUwBQkyenoukwFilmmakers:Lachlan Mckinnon aka Mister Clips - On Land & In Water Footage https://www.instagram.com/misterrclips/https://www.mandiribeach.comTime Kuratek - Drone Videographyhttps://www.timothykuratek.comhttps://www.instagram.com/kuratekphotoBoard wise, they had an epic fleet of trusty  @LostSurfboardsNetwork  surfboards there, and I brought my quiver of  @firewiresurfboards  and  @surfnvs  fins. Can you guess which surfboard (and surf fins) performed best at DSRT Surf? Watch to find out.Wave Types at DSRT Surf:Beginner Session - Designed for first-time surfers and those building confidence in the water, our beginner sessions are all about accessibility, fun, and progression. These waves are softer, more forgiving, and intentionally designed to help riders focus on the fundamentals, from pop-ups and balance to timing and confidence on the face of the wave.Intermediate Session -Built for surfers who are comfortable catching and riding waves, our intermediate sessions are designed to help riders progress with more confidence, flow, and control.High Performance Session - Built for high-performance surfing, these sessions are designed around speed, power, and more critical wave outcomes.bLearn more about DSRT Surf at https://www.dsrtsurf.comAtlantic Park lagoon - https://atlanticparksurf.com/Timestamps:00:00 - Intro to DSRT Surf 00:57 - DSRT Surf Highlight Reel03:30 - Best Surfboard and Fins for DSRT Surf?04:40 - Barrels & Tube Waves (High Performance Session) at DSRT Surf 09:54 - Super Session at DSRT Surf with Josh Kerr, Ian Walsh & Luke Walsh11:54 - Longboard Waves (Beginner Session) at DSRT Surf13:05 - Turn & Carve Waves (Intermediate Session) at DSRT Surf14:00 - Firewire Revo Max in the Surf Lagoon14:36 - Firewire Machadocado with NVS AM Comp Fins in the Surf Lagoon15:00 - Turn & Carve to Barrels Wave (High Performance Session) at DSRT Surf17:27 - Bring a Top lol - Weather & Water Temps at DSRT Surf18:20 - Unique Cushioned Bottom of DSRT Surf is a Gamechanger18:25 - Outro to the DSRT Surf Review Support me on my Amazon Creator's Hubhttps://www.amazon.com/shop/travisvargafilms?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsfshop_KHE6SSXSGE2C2FFHTYZTAs an Amazon Associate, I earn commission from qualifying purchases on the links in the description. #dsrtsurf #surfing #dsrt #wavegarden #dsrtsurfreview #surfers #atlanticpark #machadocado #surflagoon #dsrtsurflagoon #surfreport #nakedvikingsurf #palmdesert #desertwillow #indonesia

Naked Viking Surf - T Knox Wolverine Finshttps://www.surfnvs.com/collections/taylor-knox/products/taylor-knox-wolverine-twin-apexNaked Viking Surf - T Knox Arc Twin FinsNVS - https://www.surfnvs.com/products/taylor-knox-twin-apexCleanline Surf - https://alnk.to/8iXk9BFNaked Viking Surf - C-Drive 2 plus 1 FinsNVS - https://www.surfnvs.com/collections/c-drive/products/c-drive-twin-stabilizer-apexCleanline Surf - https://alnk.to/2uJQs0wSo the Cado by  @firewiresurfboards  has become my daily driver. When the waves get bigger, I usually take out the Revo Max. But with that in the shop on a recent larger swell, I had to make do with the rest of my quiver.And this means the Machadocado was up at bat - though with having issues on similar boards (Too Fish, Mashup) not working the best on proper waves with some juice, I knew one of my  @surfnvs  fin configurations would do the trick.Out of a couple options, including the regular T Knox Arc Twins, and the kinda crazy C-Drive fins - I opted for the Wolverine Twins. These has slightly more rake than their little brother the Arcs, and the back trailer is 1/2 inch further set back than the Arc trailer. So, in theory, better for bigger waves. But I didn't have the best of luck with the Wolverines in the Revo Max - so I wasn't too sure.  @ThomyeSurfs  though has been saying he loves the Wolverine's in his Cado (I think) and he does no wrong and always knows best.Watch in real time (sort of) as I test drive the T Knox Wolverine Twin Fins in the Firewire Machadocado on a few recent, sometimes larger surf sessions - and how they ultimately went. I also have a short segment on what 'rake' truly is for surf fins - as it can be kinda confusing. Shoutout to the NVS crew for really explaining it to me - after all these years, I think I finally get it (kinda..lol). Timestamps:00:00 - Which Fins to Ride in the Firewire Machadocado when it's Big?02:07 - Fin Options: NVS T Knox Wolverine, T Knox Arc, & C-Drives04:10 - What is 'Rake' on a Surf Fin08:30 - Putting the Taylor Knox Wolverine Twin Fins in the Machadocado09:22 - Surf Sessions (Cado with the Wolverines) & Feedback13:50 - Outro Check out the rest of the NVS lineup on their site - tell them Travis sent ya - https://www.surfnvs.com Watch the rest of my Surf Gear videos here - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIvxT-nQaqwhf6tyiXu4HUWxy50Q3JWr3&si=FNUySIHn2v7vL8urT Knox Arc Twin Fins in the Firewire Too Fish -https://youtu.be/4aYaFjfch68More in depth specifics about the Taylor Knox Wolverine Twin - Wolverine Twin was designed for Taylor to use overhead plus surf. Using the same general outline as his standard twin but by increasing the rake on the fronts and the moving the stabilizer back 1/2", these will have more hold and control in bigger surf.These will also work well on your standard thruster or a twin that feels a little too loose.Taylor's Arc Series Twins have wide bases, are relatively upright and utilize a hatchet style tip. These design characteristics bring balance to the template. You can expect these twins to be speed generating, offering down the line drive from the take off and through turns. The hatchet style tip will ensure that you can carve and stay on rail through the fullness of your turns. You won't have to baby your board through the last 1/3 of turns; these fins will help you stay locked in; allowing for more fluid, graceful surfing.Base: 5.04”Height: 5.55”Area: 21.18 in²Rake: 37.5°Foil: FlatMaterial: G10 StabilizerBase: 3.78"Height: 3.68"Area: 10.15 in²Rake: 29.0°Foil: 50/50Material: G10As an Avantlink, Cleanline Surf & NVS Associate, I earn commission from qualifying purchases on the links in the description.#twinfin #nvs #taylorknox #tknoxwolverine #wolverinetwinfins #taylorknoxtwinfins #nakedvikingsurf #surffins #rakedfins #firewiremachadocado #cado #machadocado #surfboards #surf #cleanlinesurf

Fin Pullerhttps://amzn.to/4asaEtrOR Grab from Surfboard Broker (where I got mine) https://surfboardbroker.comOk I did another livestream on my first attempt - and I was kinda doing the FCS way (with Future Fins). You can watch that here - https://youtube.com/live/4Fx_rrPY17gNow this DOES work - but I found a kinda opposite way (with Future Fins in particular) that I think works better. Ultimately what I learned - this is a great tool that has a couple functions, whichever way you use it. Essentially it's helping you create leverage, which is an ancient tool used for who knows how long - to move stuff. This works better, however you use it, than just your hands (for sure..)As a Amazon Associate, I earn commission from qualifying purchases on the affiliate links in the description & comments. #finpuller #surfboardfins #surfgear #futurefins #nakedvikingsurf #twinfins #fcsfins #nvsfins #firewiremashup #surfboardbroker #surfing #surf #finpull #liss #livinginsunshine

Echo Dot Maxhttps://amzn.to/4uViW4gFirst Alexa 'physical' product. I've been using my phone to control all the stuff for a while. So lets see if I get stoked or not on this upgrade. Thanks for watching. Sanag M7 Speakerhttps://amzn.to/44FG1hEhttps://youtu.be/m7VX9W3MGLcAs an Amazon Associate, I earn commission from qualifying purchases on the links in the description. #alexa #echodotmax #amazonechodotmax #tech #electronicmusic #unboxing #sonya7siii #alexaplus #echo #amazonecho #echodot5 #amazonalexa #primeday #amazonprime

I kept calling it the 'Pro' - lol it's the 'Ultra' - but I mean its taking over the reins of my Pro Plus. Pro Plus did great for many years, but time got the best of her. She hath been retired. Now is the era of the Ultra...Nutribullet Ultra

Had the Max out a few weeks back during a big swell and took a slam on some reef. So she had to go to ding repair.Few weeks later, she's back in action on another good swell. And overall still stoked to have in the quiver - I almost rode a bigger, mid length type board. But then I always forget how much board the Max actually is. Feels a lot more than the size it says on it.Thanks Surfline for the clips.#revomax #firewirerevomax #surfing #surfboardrevie3ws #tomo #twinfins #surf #swell #bigwaves #goodsurf #vlog #surfline

#midlength #surfboards #alexandersurfboards

Cleaned off my two fave shred sticks - so figure I knock out a comparison between the two since they are so fresh and so clean clean.This was a livestream in an unusual location - forgive the slight de-resolution & blips here and there. Smash the like for more surf content.#machadocado #toofish #surfboardreviews #machadocado #firewiretoofish #surfing #surf #livestream #surfers #firewiresurfboards #surfer #dsrtsurf #rommachado #twinfin

Comment below - what's in your surfboard stash for the year?We go through mine in this deep dive on what I have locked into the bag of boards.Thanks for watching - smash the like and subscribe. 00:00 - Intro to the 2026 Surfboard Quiver10:24 - Mashup18:27 - Machadocado30:20 - Too Fish44:30 - Revo Max01:10:28 - Special Shoutout - Basis Surf Paddle Trainer01:20:50 - The Gem01:22:30 - Varga Board - Midlenth/Longboard Twin Pin01:28:30 - Overtime Yapping#surfboards #surfboardquiver #firewire #surfing #quiver #toofish #machadocado #revomax #twinfin #thegem #longboard #mashup #basissurfpaddletrainer #surfboardreviews #basissurf

Thanks for listening.

Thanks for listening.