The Golden Mic Podcast

Robert Absher is a historian with the Wake Sports Hall of Fame. Robert has hundreds of boards on display in his home museum, a temporary home for the collection until a proper brick and mortar location is built. He welcomed Dano to his museum in March 2021 for a full tour and to talk about the history of the sport.

Tommy Phillips is back for part 2 with Dano the Mano on episode 152 of the Golden Mic Podcast. Presented by Tommy's Boats, the two finish their conversation and talk about the different personalities between the original Denver and Florida locations, founding and being honored by the Wakeboarding Hall of Fame, selling his business and much more!

Tommy Phillips joins Dano on episode 151 of the Golden Mic Podcast. In the first of this two episode series, the guys kick off “Tommy's 40 years of Awesome” with conversation around how Tommy got started in towed water sports, opening his two industry-changing locations, being featured in a major Super Bowl commercial spot and the early days of wakeboarding.

Space Mob is in the house! Episode 150 features a one-on-one interview with Quinn Silvernale. From the "Land of 10,000 Lakes" to Valdosta, Georgia, hear the full story from one of wakes' most influential riders.

Dano stops by the Valdosta Wake Compound to talk with owners and co-founders Quinn Silvernale and Luke Tilt about how they created one of the best wake parks in the world.

Videographer extraordinaire Jake Snider stops by the Golden Mic Podcast to talk about what is was like to film Keith St. Onge barefooting on the Chicago River, the current state of web edits and Instagram videos as well as how growing up in the Midwest shaped his love for the sport.  

JB ONeill stops by the Boat House Studio for his second full audio appearance on the Golden Mic Podcast to talk about how he was able to create one of the biggest YouTube channels in all of wakeboarding. The two take listeners along JB's YouTube journey and share advice for riders looking to build a following.   

The original DanO — Dan Olson — invites the Mano and the Golden Mic Podcast to his office at Active Watersports newest location down in Central Florida to talk about growing up in a waterskiing family, bringing wakeboarding techniques into the world of freestyle jumping and how his battle with an autoimmune disease changed his life forever. The guys also talk about Dan's charity efforts through his non for profit, The Olson Project.

Tyler Higham stops by the Golden Mic Podcast to talk about his decision to move to the West Coast as a kid and now to Florida, joining the Ronix family, competing in the X Games Real Wake and winning the 2019 Wakeboarding Magazine's Wake Award for Best Boat Rider.

Hunter Hanson stops by the Golden Mic Podcast to talk about growing up in waterskiing, performing all over the world, working at the legendary Cypress Gardens and Sea World, and his contest accomplishments -- including his World Championship Wake Park title in 2019.

Two-Time Supra Boats PWT Overall Champion and #1 Ranked Wakesurfer in the world, Sean Silveira stops by the Golden Mic Podcast to talk about what it's like competing in his thirties, his love of flowboarding and how he is personally evolved and matured as an athlete.

Dave AV stops by the Golden Mic Podcast Boat House studio for a shred and to talk about how he was able to combine his love of wakeboarding, filmmaking and drone flying to create some of the best footage in the industry. Dave tells us about how he got into the sport and how he has quickly, with hard work, gained the respect of major players all over the international wake scene.

Wakepark rider John Dreiling joins Dano for an impromptu talk about the current state of the industry, staying on the water in the time of COVID-19 and how his stance on boat riding has matured over the years. 

Dano stops by the 2020 Wisconsin Think Tank Water Ski Convention & Expo and sits down with a few members of the 2020 USA Water Ski Show Team including, Brea Imse, announcer Michael Thornton and co-show director David Rezin.

Dano talks with professional slalom skier and host of the Water Ski Podcast, Matteo Luzzeri. Matteo discusses his Italian upbringing, his collegiate career, getting his PHD in sports psychology and so much more.

Dano sits down with O'Town Watersports owner and one of the most accomplished wakeboard coaches on the planet, Glen Fletcher, to discuss his humble beginnings in New Zealand, how riders and parents should approach being coached and what it was like to coach the likes of Rusty Malinoski, Steel Lafferty and Dallas Friday.

In a very special episode of the Golden Mic Podcast, Dano talks to former pro waterskier Ty Oppenlander about his passion for the sport, dealing with a prolonged injury at the height of his career and how his recently diagnosed brain tumor has affected his outlook on life.  

In this episode, we take an even deeper dive into the world of kneeboarding with kneeboarding legend - Ted Bevelacqua. This is part two of our two-part kneeboard series -- it focuses on Ted's history in the sport and all the different avenues he's been able to navigate throughout his career from recreational rider to pro athlete and innovative creator of new technology to brand representative and industry guru. The two also cover the overall culture and evolution of kneeboarding. 

In this episode, we take a deep dive into the world of kneeboarding with two of the top kneeboarders on the planet - O'Brien Watersports Pro team  athletes Tom Kohl and John Haile. The dudes talk about their history in towed watersports, Tom growing up in Minnesota and John down in Florida. Some other topics the guys discuss are equipment, winching, cable, their passion, the progression and the future of kneeboarding.

Wakeboarding double threat, Ronix team athlete, wake park and boat rider Jake Pelot joins Dano to talk about falling in love with the sport, becoming riding mates with Shaun Murray, developing his co-signature board with teammate Tyler Higham and judging competitions.   

Wake skating pioneer Thomas Horrell joins Dano to talk about the evolution of wakeskating, growing up in a waterskiing family and whatever happened to Cassette wake skates.   

Wakeboarding legend and pioneer Randall “The Vandall” Harris joins Dano to talk about the early wakeboarding competition days, revolutionizing the sport and knowing when to walk away.  

The 33rd Evening with the Stars took place at Active Water Sports' Oregon City, Oregon location and the line up of superstars did not disappoint. Quinn Silvernale, Bob Soven, Randall Harris, Jake Pelot and Greg Meloon are just some of the industry names Dano the Mano catches up with on his second year at the can't-miss event.

Dano the Mano and Brandon (BT) Thomas sat down to discuss BT's career from his start as an amateur wakeskater, following Brian Grubb around the cable at Orlando Watersports Complex (OWC), to winning some of the most prestigious events in wake sports. Today, he's behind the scenes, capturing the sport's most epic moments as one of the industry's rising videographers/editors.

Renowned Canadian Wakeboarder Dylan Miller joins Dano to talk about his journey from Saskatchewan to Florida, early days in wakeboarding, working on oil rigs and co-founding Wake Zeach.   

Dano steps aside and puts the spotlight on other podcasts in the towed water sports industry including: Distance From Center, Flow Point Podcast, The Waterski Podcast and Talk of the Tao.

Slingshot OG rider, Jeff McKee, returns for his very own episode of the Golden Mic Podcast. Dano and Jeff talk about everything from the evolution of flex wakeboards, wake foils, and Jeff's new innovative action sports app that allows you to #gowiththepros.

Superstar photographer, Rodrigo Donoso, makes his triumphant return to the Golden Mic Podcast. In this episode, Dano and Rodrigo share their thoughts on everything from the 2019 Malibu Smoky Mountain Pro, natural disasters to the similarities between wakeboarders and cage fighters.

Rusty Malinoski is back on the Golden Mic Podcast to discuss his recent “wake-beef” with Steel Lafferty, legendary rivalry with Phil Soven, unlikely friendship with UFC Fighter Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone, and so much more!

One-of-a-kind waterski collector and seller, Tommy Bawsel, joins Dano to share tales of his grandfather's aquaplane exploits in the 30s, 40s and 50s and how that led him to his passion.

Wakepark rider John Dreiling joins Dano in Episode 123, recorded inside the Boathouse Studio. John stops by to talk about cable riding, his personal struggles and triumphs as well as the politics of finding a full-time sponsor. Dano also announces the winner of the “Write a Review” contest.

Dano is joined by premier wakeskater and reigning Feet on Fire champion – Jake Ramsdell. Jake stops by to talk about his show skiing roots, the current state of wakeskating and what winning the illustrious Feet on Fire competition means to him. 

Today, Dano is joined by adaptive waterskier and wakeboarder, Scott Leason. Scott shares his inspiring life story as he talks about being blinded by gang violence and having to rebuild his entire life from scratch – eventually becoming the first blind athlete to ever compete in a WWA event. Get ready to be moved, everybody!   

Tune into the most controversial episode of the Golden Mic Podcast yet, as the Internet's favorite wakeboarder, David O'Caoimh, brings on the beef between himself and fellow riders. He also talks about his crazy filming schedule, other business endeavors and a possible future career as an announcer.

Dano is joined by the Pizza Boi, Massi Piffaretti. The two recorded this full episode inside Massi's Malibu boat on Lake Conway in Orlando, Florida. The boys discuss his recent ACL injury/recovery, memories of growing up in a small resort town in Italy, what it's like shredding on the legendary Lake Ronix and so much more.  

Dano sits down with World Record-setting ski jumper Ryan Dodd to talk about growing up on a farm in Canada, his skiing roots, his favorite career moments and his passion for gloves.

Recorded live from Wisconsin Dells at the Wisconsin Think Tank and Water Ski Convention, Dano goes back to his show skiing roots and interviews the likes of Wisconsin Water Ski Federation President Chris Coupland, Co-Show Directors of Team USA Matt Heilman and David Rezin, along with water ski legends Hank Longo and Tony Klarich. 

In the second dose of this two-part episode, Dano continues the conversation with wakeboarding's 2005 Alliance Rider of the Year and current publisher at Bonnier (including Waterski, Wakeboarding and Boating Magazines): Ben Greenwood. The two discuss the state of print journalism, Ben's near death experience and good 'ole Clermont, Florida.

In part one of a two-part podcast, Dano sits down with wakeboarding legend and 2005 Alliance Rider of the Year, Ben Greenwood to discuss his role as a publisher at the Bonnier Corporation, his humble beginnings and how much the industry has evolved over the years.

The one and only Guenther Oka talks about his incredible year, culminating with him winning the 2018 Alliance Rider of the Year award. In his second audio appearance (ep. 59), Guenther sits down with Dano to talk all things wake and boat sponsorships -- plus, he gives us a preview of what he's got in the pipeline for 2019.  

Dano the Mano takes listeners on a tour through the 2019 Chicago Boat Show, featuring interviews with Oli Derome, Nate Reid, Dylan Miller, Rick Skinner, Rusty Makinoski, Jon Travers, Mark Ruck, Erik Ruck, Travis Robinson, Adam Wensink, Dan Miller, Ryan Sacksteder, Brooks Wilson, Matt Munson and Chris Sullivan.  

Dano the Mano plays clips from his most popular episodes, featuring legendary interviews with David O'Caoimh, Scott Byerly, Shaun Murray, Harley Clifford, Dallas Friday, Brad Smeele and Erik Ruck. 

Dano the Mano sits down with Neil Wahlberg, Malibu Boats 2018 salesperson of the year-Western Region, and Dan Lee, who was recently named to the 2018 Boating Industry 40 under 40 list of trendsetters under age 40 who are leading the boating industry. The two Boulder Boats sales pros join Dano to talk about living your passion, selling boats and wrestling theme songs.    

The fun continues! Here's part two of the podcast recorded live from the 32ndActive Water Sports Evening With the Stars event in Oregon City, Oregon. Episode 110 features interviews with Don Wallace, Raph Derome and Warren Freece.    

Recorded live from the 32nd Active Water Sports' Evening With the Stars event in Oregon City, Episode 109 is part one of a two-part series that features interviews with Tyler Higham, Trever Maur, Josh Twelker, Chris Desgeorges, Dylan Miller and Bob Soven.    

Episode 108 features one-on-one interviews with the 2018 Wakeboarding Hall of Fame inductees, including: Lee Elliott (who spoke on behalf of his father Chuck Morrow), Ronn Sidenglanz, Bill Porter, Randall “The Vandal” Harris, Sarah Cline, Cobe Mikacich and Parks Bonifay. Dano sits down with each legend to find out what they're up to and what the honor means to them. This episode was recorded live, following the 2018 Wakeboarding Hall of Fame induction ceremony inside the Alliance Wake booth at the Fall 2018 Surf Expo.    

Recorded live from the September 2018 Surf Expo, it's the induction ceremony from the Wakeboarding Hall of Fame. Dano hosts the stage as Chuck Morrow, Bill Porter, Ronn Seidenglanz, Sarah Cline, Cobe Mikacich, Parks Bonifay and Randall Harris are honored.    

Episode 106 features Hyperlite pro athlete Noah Flegel. Noah is young, but has spent more than a decade making his way up through the ranks in the World of Wakesports. He's an amateur national & world wakeboard champion and a junior pro national & world wakeboard champion, along with multiple podium finishes in the pro men wakeboard division. Noah is also one of the top competitive wakesurfers in the World today. Upon recording, Noah is rehabbing from an injury that kept him off the water most of the 2018 season. In this episode, Noah discusses his journey, his opinions, his injury and more.    

Episode 105 was recorded live during the Opening Ceremonies of the 2018 Nautique WWA Wakeboard World Championships. Dano captures live audio from all throughout the evening's festivities, featuring including interviews with Collin Harrington, Nicola Butler, Hudson Haynie, JD Webb, Corrie Wilson, Shannon Starling and tons of commentary from the House of Style Shaun Murray himself! Plus, the world debut of Beat Wave!    

Australian veteran pro wakeboarder Scotty Broome joins Dano on episode 104 -- recorded in Miyoshi City, Japan an hour before the kick off of the 2018 Nautique WWA Wakeboard World Championships presented by Rockstar Energy. The two talk about how Scotty got into the sport, Australia, what he's up to now and more.    

Episode 103 goes back to the Milestone 100th episode and lets you hear the conversation before the boys turned the table and interviewed the Mano. Former guests Erik Ruck and Kevin Michael join Dano along with Anthony Monaco. The four discuss Monaco's water sports career along with old stories from their times up in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin with their former ski club the Aquanut Water Shows, where the four were recently honored as Lifetime Honorary Members. Photo Credit: Lisa Neal Photography