Just In Time Justin Loffredo! There is so much that makes up Justin's incredible life experiences and so many that I wasn't aware of! If there is one message that I hear the most often prior to sitting down to interview it is that the subject of the podcast doesn't feel worthy. I will keep plugging away and put these people of BMX history to accept that they have made a difference and accomplished some of life's greatest achievements...happiness and pride. Justin sure has made Long Island proud and created bonds that, although with occasional gaps of time, will last a lifetime. THAT is something you will here much about in this podcast. I'm extremely grateful that two of Long Island's finest, Tom Bivona and Keith Mulligan, accepted my request to call in and remind Justin of his importance to them and others. The stories and laughs will last forever, as they should! Stick with the podcast because even at 3 hours it moves along quickly and is so entertaining. 

Thank you Powers Bike Shop for continuing to support the podcast. If you haven't already, please try them out for your BMX needs at.... https://powersbmx.com/
Also, if you are into BMX history jump on to https://www.powersbmxmuseum.com/ It is amazing!

Last but not least, thank you https://oldbonestherapy.com supporting these old bones. I've always believed in the product and am so grateful for their support...get it...support? Podcast Dad joke. Anyway, give any number of there products for BMX of any kind as well as running, skating and more!

Thank you Todd Breau for the podcast artwork, always greatly appreciated!

Episde #116 - Justin Loffredo - Long Island Legend

I first met Kevin Robinson Jr. at the Find Your Fight Jam in 2018. The night before that jam Kevin and I were working on a Hoffman bike that Mat Hoffman had sent Kevin to start riding a level up on. Three short years later KRobJr is riding competitively all around the Country and riding for Ron Bonner and Subrosa! It is absolutely crazy how fast Kevin has progressed. His 1st flair was around a year into riding. Just amazing. Kevin Sr. is watching from above and clearly so proud of what an amazing young man Kevin has become, just as much off the bike as well. Huge huge huge shoutout to his mom, Robin Robinson, and his Uncle Kenny Robinson among others that have helped bring Kevin to the level he is at with so much love and support. 

Something that I would love to have all of the listeners pay close attention to is the move USABMX Freestyle has made to create a competition platform for amateurs that is helping riders like Kevin have a goal in competition and a pathway (as you will hear) to the Olympics if they so desire. That was not happening previously. I am so impressed by the hard work of Tony Degollado, Shannon Gillette and the staff at USABMX for making the series happen. You can find the easily by searching for USABMX Freestyle on IG or or their website.

Enjoy the listen and keep your eyes out for these outrageous rippers as they progress while building friendships for a lifetime.
Thanks for listening and thank you Powers BMX Shop in Richmond, VA for continuing to support the show, it wouldn't happen without them! Support those that support the show!

Episode #117 - Kevin Robinson Jr.

This episode has a couple things going on. Most importantly I was able to interview Rich Vatalaro, one of the most dedicated volunteers I have had the fortune to work with at the annual fundraisers that I put on. Rich is such selfless person that just loves to have a good time and help the cause each year. In addition to that Rich is a blast to ride with as we gently age. 

The other focus of the podcast is to talk a bit about this year’s Road2Recovery Jam at the Trumbull BMX Track in Trumbull, CT on July 25th. It was great to get some feedback from Rich on some events he would like to see and the events he loves to see year after year.

I would like ask each of you that have the ability to donate, please do so! We are always looking for raffle items and silent auction memorabilia or larger items. They do not have to be BMX related. On the auction side of things I should tell you that even though you may think it isn’t of value to the fundraiser (last year’s Taj T1 frame blueprint and the Brian Foster Fit complete 22” come to mind) they are incredible fundraising items that really help Road2Recovery out. As Ground Chuck says, the object isn’t to get a deal, it is to bid more than what the item may be worth. So plan on lots of fun with so much to do at the event…and meet Mike Aitken! While you are at it please say hello to Rich Vatalaro and thank him for his hard work at making the event successful. 

A big thank you Powers BMX shop for continuing to sponsor the podcast and helping ease the costs that go along with it. 

Be safe everyone and enjoy the interview with Sir Richard Vatalaro!

Intro music 
Sonic Youth - Schizophrenia

Outro music
Sonic Youth - Dirty Boots

Episode 118 - R2R Jam With Rich Vatalaro

The Woodward East stop of the USABMX Freestyle series was amazing! Aside from Woodward being the best BMX playground in the world they had the perfect setup for the contest. All the way from lodging to a huge variety BMX terrain to ride, Woodward does it right. When you add the incredible staff of USABMX Freestyle to the mix you end up with a perfectly run event with great judging, efficient schedules and super happy amateur riders. What was really cool was that USBMX was able to include a UCI contest on the last day of the event giving our Olympic hopefuls some competition for the first time since before the Covid pandemic and before the next UCI event in France. I was really impressed that these Elite athletes watched all of the amateur classes and cheered them on and took photos with the finalists and anyone else interested. Like racing, freestyle Elite professionals are so accessible, that is something we should tap into as often as possible. In this podcast you will hear riders of all ages and skill talk about their Woodward USABMX Freestyle experience, including @themajorbmx What a pleasant surprise Marshall was!

I would like to offer most sincere thanks to the staff at Woodward and the everyone at USABMX, Tony D, Shane Fernandez, John David, Shannon Gillette (podcast with Shannon coming up)Travis and many others that were working both the freestyle event and the Gold Cup BMX race at the same facility. The Ivory Tower analogy that some of us have joked about is so far off, I even saw holes in Shannon's shoes that proved it otherwise. They work a TON of hours weekly and love their jobs!

Anyhow, thank you @PowersBMXShop on IG and powersbmx.com for continuing sponsor the show and do great things all around the mid-Atlantic states and beyond. Check them out for all of your BMX needs and the biggest BMX museum around!

One more big thank you to Kevin Robinson Jr. (@krobjrbmx)for helping me get the contest competitors over to the #thebmxinourblood podcast booth, it was perfect and there is no better person to do it! A great kid with a great future in BMX.

Episode 119 - USABMX Freestyle Stop #2 Woodward

Have you ever meet someone that gives you a renewed faith in humanity? Christian Arehart is one of the rewards of patience. I'm not saying I was heading toward quitting the podcast but it is a challenge sometimes that can get you feeling that way. Christian is a fantastic conversationalist and is great at articulating his experiences and gratefulness. You do not find that as often these days in 18 year old kids. Congratulations to Christian for finding his own way to experience a happiness and contentment that people of all ages could learn a thing or two from. So thank you Christian! Keep enjoying the ride that we call life!

Also, thank you to @joshmcelweephoto for the podcast announcement photo and @nagooarts for pulling the graphics together!

Thank you to the sponsor of the show, @powersbmxshop powersbmx.com I couldn't do it without you guys!

Lastly, the @road2recovery fundraiser is coming up quick. July 25th at the @trumbull_track_bmx If you are able to donate BMX memorabilia and/or raffle items of any kind, please do! Also, if you all want the pit bike race to happen we need about 20 bikes that must be 16" wheels or under. Huge thanks to the Trumbull crew along with @andrew_mcconnie @rj__reale @thiskid_jonny and more for getting the jump lines ready for the jam!

Episode 120 - Christian Arehart

Bonus EP - Bobby Iovinella Dedication - Tri City's 40th Anniversary

Episode #121 - Shannon Gillette, what an interesting conversation with a guy that clearly knows his way around the United States because of his childhood as a military brat and BMX. If I remember correctly from this interview, Shannon has been with USABMX for about 25 years after starting as a CDL driver for them and worked his way right up the ladder to marketing. It was really nice to give Shannon a platform to talk about whatever he wanted to. My personal goal was to get to know Shannon and talk about his experience with BMX to kind of...qualify him to be one of our stewards of our beloved sport. Pretty ridiculous, right? I think many of us actually do that and we certainly talked about exactly that. It turns out Shannon, as you will hear, has been involved in some way with BMX for 40 years or so. Flip through the pictures on my post for this episode on IG to see what I'm talking about, Gromdad2000. He goes way further back than I had ever thought and he is beyond modest about that! So feel confident that Shannon, as well as many others in the USABMX office, have the experience to keep BMX moving forward with our interests in mind. 

Thank you Powers BMX Shop for continuing to sponsor the podcast while preserving BMX history in the Powers BMX museum. While shopping at Powers online check out Curtis Cantwell's latest craziness in the bio of @powersbmxshop Unreal!

Also, thank you @nagooarts for keeping up with the last minute podcast announcement requests! Couldn't do it without you!

Episode 121 - Shannon Gillette Of USABMX

Ok, I'm a little biased but for good reason. Robbie "Robo" Morales is the real deal. Has he been perfect? Admittedly, no. Who really is? Robbie openly talks about exactly this in the interview. What Robbie has been is an accomplished trail rider, racer, street rider, marketer, company owner and dedicated sponsor to his riders over the years. Having grown up around Robbie I have seen the sincere, the passionate, the obnoxious, the skilled, the fun loving...the everything that makes Robbie who he is today. Everyone learns as they go and Robbie has learned more than most of us in BMX, sometimes the hard way. Bottom line, I want people to get to know the Robbie I know. A mature man that owns everything he has done, perfect and not. I loved taking this interview on and digging into the mind of a passionate BMX lifer that has much left to give. I hope you feel the same by the end of the listen. 
Find Robbie at @cultcrew on IG or through the www.cultcrew.com
And please, the next time you see Robbie or contact him on social media...thank him and tell him what an integral part of BMX he has been. We couldn't and can't do this without people like him!

Episode #23 - Robbie Morales - Cult BMX

Gary Young! The man behind the amazing professional BMX freestyle athlete that you all know and love. Listen in as Gary tells stories about everything from word traveling to his humble beginnings in San Diego. Definitely one of the nicest pros you could meet. I was very fortunate to have Chris Doyle, a good friend of Gary's, available to sit in on this one and add to the experience for the listener. I believe even Chris learned a thing or two about Gary! The three of us also talked about the role being parents have in our lives as we each enjoy this role. As always, thanks for listening and supporting the podcast through IG and the www.thebmxinourblood.com
It is much appreciated and fuels the podcast forward through your donations, merchandise purchases and kind words! Lastly, please support the sponsors that support Gary-
www.vans.com
www.sundaybikes.com
www.odysseybmx.com
www.lifeproof.com

Episode #27 - Gary Young

Trey Jones is one passionate and determined 25 year old. He has already put down two major BMX events with Swamp Fest 1 and 2 as well as being sponsored by two major companies for over ten years combined, Cult and now Subrosa. Trey is proud to call Central Florida home and equally as proud to be a Lynyrd Skynyrd listening redneck that drives a 1979 TransAm as though he is Burt Reynolds. In the interview we cover the good, the bad and more good as we discuss the ups and downs of Swamp Fest and the responsibilites of being a pro that sometimes involve having some thick skin. I found Trey to be enthusiastic, proud, passionate and ready to talk at length on any topic...and so we did! Follow Trey through @treyjonesucks on IG, www.florideah.com or through his sponsors...
www.vans.com
www.subrosabrand.com
www.theshadowconspiracy.com

Episode #31 - Trey Jones

Garrett Byrnes. I went into this interview like most interviews, interested in the life of a BMXer but not knowing much beyond the person in the photos, documentaries, video parts, etc. This is the reason why I do it. The payoff was huge with Garrett. This is the 1st time I have split a podcast into two parts because there is so much about Garrett that I would love for you all to hear and not feel rushed. So enjoy and remember what is most important in life, you. 
Special thanks to Matty of www.crustbikes.com for the interview location and thank you Garrett for trusting me with your story.
As always, support those that support Garrett and the sport
www.terribleone.com
www.etnies.com
www.animalbikes.com
www.digbmx.com
www.profileracing.com

Episode 38 Part 1 - Garrett Byrnes

The much anticipated Part 2 of the Garrett Byrnes interview is here! Enjoy! Thank you Garrett Byrnes for you insight and impact, much appreciated by all. As always support those that support BMX. Thanks again to www.crustbikes.com for the interview space, it was perfect.
Lastly, keep July 29th open for the Find Your Fight Jam for the family of Kevin Robinson. It is shaping up to be the best fundraising event yet! Find info on the jam at www.thebmxinourblood.com along with links to past podcasts, especially Part 1 if you haven't listened to yet!

Episode 38 Part 2 - Garrett Byrnes

Brian Foster Part 1...who would have guessed anyone could nail down BF let alone for over 4-1/2 hours. I feel pretty damn grateful and honored.  We talked about everything from family to education to BMX, of course. These interviews are pretty loose so it allowed BF to digress at will. That made the interview really relaxed to say the least. Next week's episode (Part 2) things get even more entertaining as we talk about everything from the BMX Hall of Fame induction (coming up on September 8th, drugs in BMX, John Purse wrestling matches and more. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Sorry for the cicadas noise in the background for the 1st little bit, they do go away! Have a great week!
www.thebmxinourblood.com
IG - Gromdad2000
FB - Joe Doherty

Episode #47 PT 1 - Brian Foster

Brian Foster Part 2! If you liked Part 1 you will love Part 2. We talk about his HOF nomination, 6 month suspension, transition to full time trail and park riding, mid school track smarts and of course the rock in his life, Dr Jennifer Foster. We also touch on some of the strong characteristics of the Strelecki family that have driven his in-law family to success. Definitely an episode that I feel really good about. The next time you see Brian Foster, give him a high 5 for his determination, staying power and relevancy that he seems to have naturally along with a laid back disposition. Also, big thanks to www.powerbikeshop.com for stepping up to sponsor the show, I'm extremely grateful for that. This show sponsor along with a few more in the works will allow me to take the show on the road even more and farther. I have some big goals that will happen! So please give Powers a shot when ordering online or at their shop, races and events like the DIY World Championships at Powers Bike on October 20th put on by www.digbmx.com and www.fbmbmx.com!
Follow Brian's sponsors at:
www.foxbmx.com
www.fitbikeco.com
www.merrittbmx.com
To donate to the show hit up the donation link at www.thebmxinourblood.com While there link to any past episode!
Intro music by Will Evans who can be found at www.willevans.com ** Newsflash! I accidentally edited out the secret word to be entered into the drawing for a Powers prize. It is DIY. Direct message me with that word/acronym and you'll be entered!***

Episode #47 PT 2 - Brian Foster

Clint Reynolds. I might have pushed to the point of annoying for this podcast with Clint. Sometimes that backfires and the interview isn't what you had hoped for any number of reasons. This was not the case with Clint at all. It ended up being an interview that I feel really good about! Part of the reason is you all, the listeners, who gave me plenty of questions to work with and Clint for keeping it relaxed. Thank you! 

Clint and I talked about all of the changes in his life this past year and how he has balanced it the best he can. Clint is such an amazingly modest guy that would clearly give you the shirt off of his back. Combine that with his mechanical intelligence, amazing skills on the bike and perseverance and you end up with an amazing private skate/bmx park at his house and loads of other of DIY projects. Oh, and he happens to think well under pressure when he finds a black bear in his bowl while giving me the tour! Thank you Clint for making the time for this old man fan of everything you do. 

Enjoy the interview everyone and thank you for the continued support and thank you Powers Bike Shop for helping support the show and helping it move forward. Chicago soon? Maybe! 

Please support those that support riders like Clint and many more...
www.sandmbmx.com
www.empirebmx.com
@relicbmx

And of course, thank you for helping the show out by donating or buying a shirt through www.thebmxinourblood.com where you can catch past episodes. Big thanks to Brian Iarocci for helping with the site, Nuno Olivera for the podcast announcement graphics each and every week and Tasha Lindemann of TJL Photo for creating the podcast logo!

Episode #53 - Credence Clint Reynolds

Vic Behm, wow. If there is one personality that I have interviewed that is ridicuosly skilled on the bike, brash to the BMX establishment and extremely confident, it's Vic Behm. He has definitely made his mark on BMX, like it or not. I say this because he isn't trying to be part of the BMX establishment. He is showing us how non-conforming you can be and still be part of competition. Anyone that has been in BMX for a bit remembers some of the most entertaining non-conformers (Chris Moeller, Dave Clymer, Terry Tenette, etc.) You may notice during the podcast that the one thing that I just don't understand is how USABMX can suspend someone without explanation and a time frame before Vic can race again. If it were me, I would lawyer up ASAP. 

I want to be clear here, I'm not condoning Vic's actions or any of the actions by the parties involved. Somewhere in-between is the truth. What I'm simply saying is that USABMX should explain why and how long the suspension is for. Pretty simple, unless you don't have a clear case along with witnesses and a police report. Whether you approve of Vic's actions or not, this is no way to handle the situation. Cult, Vic's sponsor, is as anxious for a ruling as Vic is. While they wait they lose opportunities to promote their BMX racing division. At the root of this Cult is a business and USABMX should never suspend without a process that includes all of the necessary information needed to satisfy everyone involved. I'm fully aware that there are two sides to every story, the details are of no interest to me. It's not my battle. Just give Vic and Cult the respect of a ruling so they can decide what to do from there. 

As always, that you Powers Bike Shop for sponsoring the show and a huge that you all for the IG DM's that make all of this worthwhile. Also, thank you Robbie Morales at Cult supporting my fundraising efforts, always.

Episode #64 - Vic Behm

The Fids. I think that some of us get to the point in life that we start live the way we want to, not the way we are told to by our peers and society. That point in life for Fids came early on. At the age of 11 he was already going where he wanted to with BMX and skating. Through elaborate schemes and lack of technology in the Mama Fids household, Fids found a way. As I took the trip down the Fids memory lane I heard so much of him taking on challenges that most wouldn't. The Nitro Circus mega ramp show came to England last year when Fids was almost 49 and he sweet talked his way on to the 63 step climb to the top and let go. If you haven't seen the video go to @thefids on IG and find it. Not only did he session it for 20 minutes but the Nitro crew asked him to be part of the show! This is much of how Fids has lived his life. The podcast starts off with a few minutes of Leland Thurman, Fids best friend in the U.S., because I just had to know about the tattoos each of them have of each other on their ass cheeks. It's a site to behold. The podcast was recorded at Swamp Fest last weekend and was worth every minute. You can find Fids at The Source at night giving lessons or anytime on IG and Leland @shitluck on IG. 
Enjoy and don't hold in the laughter, it's just too good to be true and it is very true! Warning, there is quite a bit of explicit language and talk so listen closely to the John Lee recorded disclaimer and proceed with caution and love every minute of it.

Episode #69 - The Fids

Joce Camarra is the epitome of a badass. Somehow the universe aligned and we connected at the 1st (maybe 2nd?) race and beginning of her BMX experience. Jocelyn (@joc313 on IG) is absolutely a different animal. Never before I have seen this type of progression while skipping the traditional steps of learning how to ride BMX racing, trails, park, etc. We jumped into some heavier questions and her opinion of how women as well as men (very much so myself) have learned that there is no perfect method of excelling in such a challenging hobby. Enjoy Jocelyn's (@joc313 on IG) journey thus far, it's pretty damn amazing. Also, you will hear @radshare mentioned over the next few episodes. If you are able, jump onto to Radshare.org/donate/ and give what you can to give back to the next generation of BMXers that are coming from less than ideal living situations. Enjoy your week!
You can also find me @Gromdad2000 on IG, Joe Doherty on FB and of course on thebmxinourblood.com to donate to the podcast mission. Thanks for listening!

Episode #87 - Jocelyn Camarra

Everything you want to know about Fingers Crossed is right here in this podcast! I was pretty excited to learn more about Ruben Alcantara and Garrett Byrnes newly released project. As of now Fingers Crossed is all about building your own fun, much like Steve Crandall would say! The basic premise is the amount of fun you can have riding a 20" BMX bike with suspension on any terrain. I'll leave the interpretation of this project up to each of you. What I do know is that Ruben and Garrett have something really cool going on and I'm very psyched to see what direction this goes! Garrett and I definitely spend some time revisiting some of his last podcast with me (episode #38) as we talk about the impact and rejection of the stigma of self help. There is a bit of everything for you all in this one! So enjoy and learn more about @fingerscrossedbmx on IG while it evolves week by week. As Darren Meenan said, if Ruben and Garrett are involved it is going to be good, and it is! As always thank you for listening and consider subscribing to the podcast and jumping on the www.thebmxinourblood.com to donate and check out past episodes. Coming up next, Brett Downs followed by Ground Chuck McCrea.

Episode #95 - Fingers Crossed BMX

Episode #97 - Ground Chuck Revisited

Part 1 of possibly the most amazing subject I have had the opportunity to interview for #thebmxinourblood This is only Part 1 and I'm so grateful that this happened. I lost count of the National and World Championship #1's that Tim accomplished but it is somewhere around 9. Most racers are fortunate to be in the top 10 once nationally let alone world #1. Listeners may not know but I'm a huge fan of world tour road cycling and happy to fight to get my lycra cycling kit on for a ride so talking with Tim about his transformation into endurance cycling and racing is awesome. One of the highlights of the episode is the Danny Bailey call in. If you don't get choked up you may want to check your pulse or your moral compass. It is nothing short of completely a part of BMX history that will always be remembered. Stay tuned for Part 2 where Tim really dives into substance abuse and transforming himself into a road and cyclocross phenom. Oh yeah, I should probably mention that his sister Jen is married to some guy named Brian Foster. Thank you Jen for the perfect intro. 
As always, thank you Powers Bike Shop, Powers BMX Museum and Powers Pre-owned for supporting the show. 
Also, thank you to Old Bones Therapy for assisting my body in keeping those runs and rides in along with some BMX in between! Check out both companies. They are both passionate about BMX and I thank them for that!
Lastly, the Road2Recovery Jam is back on!!! Follow my IG handle @gromdad2000 for info on that. I'm looking for auction items and raffle goods as soon as possible, it is only 3 weeks away on July 26th at the Trumbull BMX Track in Connecticut. Any help is appreciated!

Episode 104 - Tim Strelecki Part 1

Part 2 of the Tim Strelecki podcast! I hope you have listened to Part 1 before Part 2 but there is really no wrong direction when listening to Tim Strelecki talk! This entire podcast is amazing but the take away is absolutely toward the end of the interview. Tim mean what he says and we should all pause to ponder what this message may mean to you as a friend of someone that needs an ear to listen or someone have a difficult time with addiction. We all have something. We also have the ability to help ourselves and others. Pick up that phone. Answer that call. You just never know. Thank you Tim and Darcy Strelecki for the hospitality and visit. It may have been the longest and fastest trip for #thebmxinourblood but I have had a hunch for a while that this interview had to happen for so many reasons. I hope you are as grateful as I am that Tim was able to share his story. Send him the love and appreciation he deserves for being as strong as he is. There is only one Tim Strelecki and we are so fortunate to have him with us. Thank you Tim, for everything you are and will always be.

Thank you Powers Bike Shop for continuing to sponsor the show along with Old Bones Therapy the co-sponsor. You can find these great people at:
powersbmx.com 
powersbmxmuseum.com
oldbonestherapy.com
Don't forget the Ride For Recovery fundraiser at the Trumbull BMX Track on July 26th, just two weeks away! Can't wait to see how well we can do for this amazing non-profit! You can learn more about them at road2recovery.com
Podcast announcement created by Todd Breau with the photo by Tedd Nelson. Thanks guys!

Episode 105 - Tim Strelecki Part 2

I don't get too nervous for podcasts interviews as often as I used to in the beginning but Payton Ridenour brought that out of me through being such a well spoken 18 year old with just so many accomplishments! Payton tried hard and patiently to explain the progression levels on the path to Elite Women status within the UCI World Cups and USABMX National classes. So interesting and helps explain the challenges that she is progressing through. With such great parents (Karen and Keith Ridenour) Payton has just the support she will need to make her ultimate goal a reality, one of which is earning an Olympic medal. Another big piece of the puzzle to make this happen is through her coach, Arielle (Martin) Verhaaren (@amv15), someone that clearly knows how to make it happen. Enjoy the interview along with the surprise call in from Carley Young (sk8bmxchic)as she delivers her questions and comments to this incredible young lady. As if all of this isn't enough Payton has a children's book coming out, A to Z: BMX Style, possibly by Christmas if all goes well!

Thank you to @powersbikeshop for continuing to sponsor the show and @oldbonestherapy for keeping this 50 year old man comfortable when riding, running, etc. as well as younger BMX shredders, @joc313 and @russbarone 

Podcast announcement photo by the amazing @tjl_photo and artwork by @nagooarts Thank you both!

Payton's sponsors are:
@mongoosebikes
@flybikesbmx
@e6racingcomponents
@onyxracing
@potterplates
@answerbmxusa
@hrpdesigns
@wd40bike
@shimanobmx
#soxsmith
@evssports

Episode 107 - Payton Ridenour

Everything you have heard about Ekim King, it's true. He is one crazy dude with more talent and passion than most any two of us combined. There isn't much more I can say aside from what you are about to hear. Thank you Ekim and the Catty Woods crew for your years of hard work. A special thanks to Garrett Byrnes for the call in!
As always, thank you Powers Bike Shop for sponsoring the podcast.

Episode 109 - Ekim King

This was and is a tough one for all to say the least. Roger Plaskett has been an absolute on going legend in Connecticut BMX. His on the track leadership as well as his amazing NBL National announcing is nothing short of amazing. Roger has unfortunately been given the news that he has an incurable illness and most recently two strokes. Roger is a fighter and is probably pushing his was out of medical care as we speak! In addition to his leadership in BMX in general there are so many things that Roger has done for the sport with our current local track (Foothills BMX)in Torrington, CT for over 27 years as well as Thunder Alley BMX in Bristol, CT as well just to name a few. Please keep Roger and his family in your thoughts. For somewhat obvious reasons I have hammered this podcast out in hope that Roger can hear the love the BMX community has for him. Thank you Tim Brown for the announcing Audio from 1996 and thank you to Todd Breau for once again whipping up the podcast announcement graphics with no notice! 
Lastly, thank you Powers Bike Shop in Richmond, VA for continuing to sponsor The BMX In Our Blood and the hidden support (pun intended) by Old Bones Therapy with huge array of products for joint pain and support.

Episode 110 - Roger Plaskett

Most of what I do in life are spontaneous yet thoughtful moves, this interview with Jane is one of them. I first zoned in on Jane McCarthy's work as an RN during the pandemic when I read a few of her Facebook posts that were, we'll say, written under extreme stress during the late winter/early spring of the rapid onset of Covid. She was accurate in her reasoning and frustrated at the lack of concern. At that time it was more of a light hearted joke relating the virus to Corona beer. Honestly, even those little things contributed to more complacency, in my opinion. I have known Jane and her family for a few years now as we end up at a lot of the same events and their volunteering at mine. Listening to Jane tell her story can be heartbreaking at times. If you are like me in any way you may have been suspect during the early onset of Covid...it only hurts the weak and old, it's no worse than the flu, etc. I feel like an idiot after listening to Jane tell her story of working huge hours and trying to protect her husband and children from her Covid exposure at her job at the hospital. If you take just one thing from this podcast let it be this, if you don't think the threat is real, think about the others in your life. It is far bigger than you. The preventive measures required are the least you can do for your fellow humans in this crazy world we live in. So mask up, clean up and stop the spread...for others, not just you.

Episode 111 - Jane McCarthy RN

Words can't describe the emotions felt by everyone involved in making this happen starting with Jenn Lyman of Foothills BMX. This was quite possibly the most moving experience I have had outside of my family. This was all BMX family in it's purist form. Thank you Roger Plaskett for towing the line and taking our little project to levels neither BMX sanction have seen up to when you took the program to such a high level, all while assisting on the National level with announcing events across the Country. You are in the BMX Hall Of Fame! So happy for you Roger! 

#thebmxinourblood is powered by @powersbikeshop and @oldbonestherapy For this episode we also have @devotedclothing
Support these entrepreneurs that support the sport and this podcasts!

HOF Induction Surprise - Roger Plaskett

It hasn't always been this way but I'm a bit less hesitant with podcast interviews with people I don't know much about. Thankfully people like Chris Childs are out there because he exceeded all of my hopes and expectations by being one of the nicest and most comfortable conversations. Huge thank you to the ever humble Chris for your gift of time for all of us to listen to. Special thanks to Matt Coplon of Profile Racing for being the surprise guest this week. Matt's call in was perfect! Also, thank you Circuit BMX for letting us your space for Chris and I to record after his work shift there at one of the most popular BMX only shops in the Northeast and beyond. 

Check out Chris's new venture "No Exit" and his recent edits "Welcome to S&M" and "Running Out of Daylight". Also, check out his band Remainder (RemainderMA) on Bandcamp. At the beginning of the podcast you will hear the single "Reproach". Holy screaming cheetah wheelies, they are wild!

Stay safe and be ready for the John Badessa interview in the next two weeks. It switches gears from the majority of my podcast and really focuses on health as well as the danger of exercise/competition fatigue that can cause some real health issues.

Lastly, please contact me through Instagram if you are able to support the show with a monetary donation. As with most of us times are uncertain and the podcast could always use the assistance. Thank you! ~ Joe

Episode 113 - Chris Childs

Another step out of the box for The BMX In Our Blood, an interview with John Badessa based on his book, Fit2besick. John is a former BMX racer and World Champion from Rhode Island that had the mindset of a champion. As you will learn through the podcast, champions suffer too. When John faced unexplained exercise fatigue after years of endurance sports he thought the answer and solution to the problem would be a much easier fix then it was. Stick with it to the end and you will learn about how to be your own health advocate and think trust your gut. You can find John's book on Amazon by searching Fit2besick.  

Once again, thank you to Powers Bike Shop for continuing to sponsor the show. Although I am grateful for the Powers sponsorship it doesn't cover the expenses. Please consider donating to the podcast through PayPal at josephPdoherty@hotmail.com if you like what you hear and I'll do my best to keep it going!

Also, as you will hear in the intro there is a GoFundMe for the funeral expenses for Dave Pawson who unfortunately passed this weekend. Please keep him and his family in your thoughts and prayers. You can find his GoFundMe by searching for "Funeral Costs For David Pawson aka BMX Legend". Still quite a shock for the BMX community that we are all a part of. 

That's it for this week, enjoy it and live every day with no reservations!

Episode 114 - John Badessa Fit2besick

Episode 115 - Dave "Whitey" Williams

The BMX In Our Blood Podcast
Interviews with the real people of BMX

The BMX In Our Blood

Top Tracks