The Real Influencers Project

Craig "gOrk" Barette has been on the bmx scene for decades. In this episode, he shares with them the big news behind USABMX's move to Oklahoma, updates on the BMX Hall of Fame, and more. 

NASCAR Xfinity Crew Chief Chris Gayle joins me to talk about the influences that helped him become one of the best crew chiefs in auto racing, what it's like to work for Joe Gibbs, and his goals for the future. 

Todd Hicks joins me for part 2 to show more gratitude and talk about the infamous jump into the San Francisco Bay by Travis Pastrana. 

Salma Khalil, co-founder of the post production studio Feather Creative, joins me to talk about growing up in Egypt, moving to the states to further her education, and how her darkroom skills prepared her for digital editing. All that and more! Enjoy!

John Ker is one of the most well respected and liked photographers in the bmx and mountain biking world. He has, for decades, captured some of the best in the sport. His images are timeless and when you see one, you know he shot it. His skills are unmatched and he even gives us some photography tips in this episode.

BMX industry insider Mike Carruth has spent decades racing, documenting and helping to grow the sport. In this episode he discusses that plus the influences behind his love of bikes and media. 

Chad found his love of bmx bikes at an early age, vowed to become a champion, and did it. Today, he took that skill set and applies it to clay shooting, another area where he intends to become a champion. In this episode he shares with me the start of his career, his time at Shimano, and what the future holds for him.

Rory Karpf is a director, producer, and amateur boxer. Rory took a leap of faith to go out on his own, and it's paid off in a big way. Producing documentaries for ESPN, NASCAR and partnering with Dana White and the MMA, he shares with me the influences behind his journey and the one man that believed in him from the start. 

Meg Seitz, owner of Toth Shop, joins me this episode to discuss career longevity, business school, entrepruenership and the importance of consistent branding and who helped her get to where she is. 

Charles Townsend is one of the greatest bmx champions the sport has ever seen. Not just because of his talents on the bike, but also because of his character off the bike. In this episode he discusses the influences behind the early stages of his career, his list of sponsors and how they happend, and his gratitude for it all. 

Eddy King's presence in the BMX world is well documented. From his championships, to his days as one of the top professionals. In this episode he joins me to talk about how he got started, what he's doing now and speaks about the crash that almost ended his ability to walk. 

Roni Zulu started out, like many kids do, coloring and drawing on anything he could, but for Roni it wasn't just a phase. His desire to be an artist was too strong to deny. With the support of family and friends, it became his life. Today he joins me to talk about just that, how he became a tattoo artis, and his newest venture, writing and illustrating children's books.

When one thinks of selfless, kind and genuinely nice people, not many think of Barry McManus. But that's where they are wrong. One of the greatest to ever race a bmx bike, Barry took the time to chat with me about his early years in the sport, his influences and where he is today.

Jennifer Goodrich was leading a successful career in the corporate world when, after a series of events, she realized that her mental health and wellbeing was more important than anything she was getting working for someone else. So she took matters into her own hands and, not only helped herself, but is helping others as well.

Mikey King had a cycling career most dream of. Successful in every discipline he competed in, he's now seeing the same success in his post-racing career. In this episode he talks about that and so much more. 

Dale Holmes chased his BMX racing career from England all the way to Southern California, leaving a trail of wins and championships. His historical knowledge of the sport has helped to keep the memories alive, and his drive to get more kids involved has led him to a business venture that has proven results of introducing and keeping kids coming back to BMX racing. 

You can't think of the early years of BMX racing without thinking about Greg Hill, one of the sports premier athletes for decades. His dedication and drive propelled him to the top of the sport where he resided for years before retiring to coach and train other athletes. In this episode, Greg talks to me about his entry into BMX and what he does today that fills his soul.