Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Living Proof Radio

Harry Jumonji for Living Proof Radio. Full episode on the Living Proof Patreon. http://patreon.com/livingproofnewyork

Harry Jumonji is a Brazilian-born skateboarder regarded as one of the defining icons of New York City’s skateboarding history. 

After moving from Brazil to New York as a child, Jumonji was introduced to the New York skate scene through Andy Kessler, one of New York’s most influential skaters and the first person he met when arriving in the city. Deeply shaped by Kessler’s mentorship, Jumonji grew into a legend in the downtown street skateboarding scene of the 1980s. His skating was known for power & aggression, and his larger-than-life personality made him a standout character amongst all who came in contact with him. 

Throughout his time in New York, Jumonji became entangled with hard drugs and spent multiple stretches incarcerated, most notably after selling drugs to an undercover officer. These struggles interrupted his career, changed his life, his outlook and symbolize both the allure and dangers of New York street life. Over the years, he has been candid about these experiences in documentaries and interviews, offering a stark account of survival in and around skateboarding’s fringes.

In later life, Jumonji turned away from these destructive patterns, achieving sobriety from the hard drugs and choosing a more stable path. He eventually relocated back to Brazil, where he continues to live today. He is remembered not only for his skating but for embodying the unfiltered character of New York skateboarding during its formative years. Jumonji’s story ensures his place as one of the most legendary figures in New York skateboarding history.

Brian Anderson for Living Proof Radio, full episode on the Living Proof Patreon.
http://patreon.com/livingproofnewyork

Brian Anderson is an iconic professional skateboarder celebrated for his lasting influence on street skating. He rose to prominence in the mid-1990s with Toy Machine, gaining early notoriety around the era of Welcome to Hell, turned pro in 1998, and was named Thrasher’s Skater of the Year in 1999 after joining Girl Skateboards. That same year he won the World Cup of Skateboarding in Germany. 

Beyond video parts and contest results, Anderson has left a mark as a designer and brand builder. He launched his own board brand, 3D Skateboards, in 2013, released his Nike SB signature “Project BA” shoe, and later joined Anti-Hero Skateboards after winding down 3D. His current sponsor roster includes Anti-Hero, Nike SB, Spitfire, Ace, Bones Swiss, and Jessup. 

In 2016, Anderson publicly came out as gay in a widely viewed Vice Sports documentary—an important moment for LGBTQ visibility in skateboarding—and subsequently explored personal themes through art and zines such as Cave Homo.

Henry Chalfant for Living Proof Radio, full episode on the Living Proof Patreon.
http://patreon.com/livingproofnewyork

Henry Chalfant is an American photographer, videographer, and sculptor best known for his pioneering work chronicling New York City’s graffiti and hip-hop culture.

Beginning in 1977, Chalfant started photographing graffiti on the subway cars of New York City, capturing hundreds of ephemeral artworks by legendary writers such as Lee, Dondi, Skeme, Blade, Cap and Seen. His technique, shooting from one position while the train moved, allowed him to create single, highly detailed images constructed from multiple exposures, setting a standard for graffiti documentation worldwide. Over his career, he amassed an archive of more than 1,500 photographs that preserve a visual record of a fleeting urban art movement.  

Chalfant co-authored Subway Art with Martha Cooper, a seminal book often referred to as the “Bible” of graffiti, and later co-authored Spraycan Art, which documented the global spread of the phenomenon.

In 1983, Chalfant co-produced Style Wars with director Tony Silver, a groundbreaking PBS documentary that explored the battle over public space between the city’s authorities and its graffiti writers, while also highlighting the parallel rise of breakdancing, MCing, and DJing. Style Wars became the first major film to capture hip-hop culture in its infancy, giving a global audience a look at the voices, rivalries, and creativity of New York youth. It went on to win the Grand Prize for Documentaries at the Sundance Film Festival, cementing Chalfant’s role as both participant and historian in the culture’s early years.

Today, his photographs are housed in major exhibitions and collections worldwide, including retrospectives like Art vs. Transit, 1977–1987 at the Bronx Museum, ensuring his legacy as the preeminent visual chronicler of New York’s graffiti and hip-hop era.

AVE for Living Proof Radio, full episode on the Living Proof Patreon. 
http://patreon.com/livingproofnewyork

Anthony Van Engelen is a legendary professional skateboarder who emerged in the mid-1990s as part of a new generation pushing street skating. With parts in some of the most influential skate videos of all time, including Photosynthesis, Mind Field, and Vans’ Propeller; where his performance earned him Thrasher Magazine’s Skater of the Year award in 2015.

He co-founded FA alongside Jason Dill, building it into one of the most pivotal skate brands of the last decade. As a long-time Vans team rider, he has also collaborated on multiple pro shoe models.

Leo Fitzpatrick for Living Proof Radio, full episode on the Living Proof Patreon. 

Leo Fitzpatrick is an artist and actor who first caught public attention as Telly in Larry Clark’s controversial 1995 film Kids; a performance that earned him both acclaim and harassment, as some viewers confused him with his character and even blamed him for the film’s fictional misdeeds.

Aside from acting, Fitzpatrick co‐founded the experimental New York gallery Home Alone Gallery in 2012, later becoming a co-director at the Marlborough Chelsea gallery in Manhattan. His gallery Public Access provided an accessible approach to art to both the viewers and artists that was less common within the New York gallery space.

http://livingproofnewyork.com

Larry Clark for Living Proof Radio: Full episode now available on the Living Proof Patreon.

Larry Clark is an American photographer and filmmaker known for his unflinching approach to his work. Clark emerged in the 1960s as a pioneering voice documenting youth culture from the inside out. Rather than observe from a distance, he embedded himself within the communities he photographed: skaters, drug users, misfits, and outsiders, offering a perspective that was intimate. His work often draws from his own experiences with addiction, adolescence, and rebellion, making him both a chronicler and participant in the worlds he captures.

Clark’s breakout photo book Tulsa (1971) was a portrait of young people in his hometown navigating drugs, sex, and violence. The book was groundbreaking in its honesty, setting the tone for Clark’s future work. In 1995, he directed Kids, a controversial and iconic film that followed a group of New York City teenagers through a single day of sex, drugs, and recklessness. Written by then-teenager Harmony Korine, Kids was praised and condemned in equal measure, but undeniably influential cementing Clark’s legacy as an artist unafraid to expose the underbelly of youth culture with brutal honesty. 

Larry Clark in conversation with William Strobeck. 

http://livingproofnewyork.com

Ruby Neri, also known by her graffiti name Reminisce, emerged as a prominent figure during the golden era of San Francisco’s graffiti scene in the 1990s. She immersed herself in the Bay Area’s graffiti culture, painting, shoplifting and hanging alongside figures such as KR, AMAZE, Barry McGee (TWIST), Margaret Kilgallen (RIP) & Alicia McCarthy; all of whom helped define the street graffiti & art scene of the time. 

Rather than a classic throw-up, her graffiti focused on riderless horses that appeared across the Mission District. Her horses became iconic and are considered a classic amongst the Bay Area scene.

By the mid-1990s, Neri shifted from graffiti to studio practice, pursuing an MFA at UCLA and exploring new media; particularly ceramics. Over time, she grew tired of the adjacent phenomena that come with the culture of graffiti. She moved away from graffiti to sculptural vessels and figurative ceramic forms. Her ceramic works, often marked by vibrant sprayed glazes and stylized female figures, maintained a connection to her past as Reminisce. In recent years, Neri has returned to painting, bringing her career full circle. Today, Neri’s work bridges the raw immediacy of graffiti with the refinement of fine art. She is a key figure in the evolution of Bay Area art from underground to institutional recognition.

Full episode on Patreon-  http://patreon.com/livingproofnewyork

Futura 2000 in conversation with Chino BYI.

Futura 2000 is a legendary graffiti writer, designer, and painter who emerged in the 1970s as part of New York City's first wave of subway graffiti writers.

He began tagging subway trains under the name "Futura 2000" and was one of the first artists to bring graffiti into galleries. In the early 1980s, he collaborated with The Clash, painting live on stage during their concerts and designing artwork for their albums, which helped introduce graffiti to a broader international audience.

His work spans fine art, fashion, and commercial collaborations. He’s partnered with brands like Nike, Supreme, Levi’s, BMW, and Off-White, often blurring the lines between street culture and high design. He’s also known for his character "Pointman", a recurring figure in his art and toy design.

Today, Futura is celebrated as a pioneer whose influence has shaped generations of artists across disciplines.

http://livingproofnewyork.com

Full episode on the Living Proof Patreon: http://patreon.com/livingproofnewyork

Beatrice Domond is a professional skateboarder who spent her early years skating solo in a small town in Florida. Filming herself skating her nearby park or backyard alongside her little brother, she found William Strobeck’s email from his old website and began sending him clips. Strobeck showed the videos to Jason Dill, forming Beatrice’s initial connection to FA.

She was featured in early Supreme videos and has consistently championed FA; having made her own FA shirts by hand in Florida before she could afford them, now having a full collection with the company, it being the first woman’s collection. Beatrice became a professional rider for FA in 2022.

Now living in New York City, Beatrice remains active within skating, fashion collaborations, and design. Her sponsors include FA, Supreme, Vans, DB journey, Yerba Madre, Spitfire Wheels & Venture Trucks.

http://livingproofnewyork.com

Full episode now on the Living Proof Patreon. 

Dustin Dollin is one of the original members of both Baker Skateboards and the infamous Piss Drunx crew. His parts in Baker 2G, Baker 3 and Volcom’s Let’s Live left a lasting impression on an entire generation of skateboarders. Dollin joined Baker in 1999 and became a defining figure of the crew, creating a legacy as one of the most iconic personalities to come out of skating during his era. 

http://livingproofnewyork.com

Full episode on the Living Proof Patreon. William Strobeck for Living Proof Radio.

Through decades of work behind a camera, William Strobeck’s auteurship and taste has been massively influential in shaping the look of today’s era of skateboarding.

Strobeck was born in Syracuse, New York, and moved to Philadelphia as a teenager, where he skated and filmed at the legendary Love Park. Within a few years, he began working with Alien Workshop filming for Photosynthesis (2000), and moved to New York City shortly afterwards. Becoming immersed in the city’s downtown scene, Strobeck would continue his work in filmmaking, and was eventually brought on board by Supreme for their full-length video, Cherry (2014).

Strobeck featured a number of young skaters he had been filming with in New York, introducing the world to a new generation of stars including Tyshawn Jones, Sage Elsesser, Sean Pablo, Aiden Mackey, Ben Kadow, Nakel Smith and Kevin Bradley. The release of Cherry is looked back on as a major turning point within skate-culture, and marked a noticeable change in skate videos moving forward. Filmers everywhere would soon mimic his signature style of cinematography, use of B-roll footage, and eclectic soundtracking in their videos.

Today, Strobeck continues to film for Supreme, and in October of 2021 he founded Violet, his own skateboard company with a team comprised of Troy Gipson, Kader Sylla, Efron Danzig, Patrick O’Mara, Mike Ward, Joseph Campos, Kris Brown, Kyle Teh, Auguste Bouznad, Jax Effs and Seven Strong.

http://patreon.com/livingproofnewyork
http://livingproofnewyork.com

Full episode on Patreon - Greg Hunt is a skateboarding videographer and filmmaker celebrated for his approach to documenting skate culture. He directed Vans' first full-length skate video, Propeller, featuring the likes of Anthony Van Engelen, Tony Trujillo, Geoff Rowley, amongst others.

He has also played a vital role in the making of all time classic skate videos like Mind Field, The DC Video and the solo part Dylan. More recently, he has collaborated with Adidas Skateboarding on projects like Kader in New York City.

Originally from Ann Arbor, Michigan, Hunt began his career as a sponsored skateboarder before transitioning into filmmaking. His early experiences skating in San Francisco during the early '90s influenced his perspective and video-style. 

In addition to his video work, Hunt has engaged in photography, notably documenting skater Jason Dill over 15 years, culminating in a published photo book. 

http://patreon.com/livingproofnewyork

http://livingproofnewyork.com

Full episode now on the Living Proof Patreon. Ali Boulala is a skate icon who came to prominence through his association with Flip Skateboards in the late 1990s. He was one of the original members of the “Piss Drunx”, a notorious skate crew that embodied a raw, punk-infused ethos that left a lasting imprint on skateboarding culture. 

On March 7, 2007, Ali Boulala was involved in a tragic motorcycle accident in Melbourne, Australia. Boulala sustained severe head injuries, leading to a coma that lasted four months. He underwent extensive rehabilitation to relearn basic functions such as walking and eating independently. Due to the accident, he was convicted of culpable driving and sentenced to four years in prison, serving two years before being released and deported back to Sweden. The accident had a profound impact on Boulala's life, leading to years of substance abuse and personal turmoil.

In 2013, he began a journey toward recovery and has maintained sobriety since then. Finding new purpose in life and moving forward with a renewed spirit, he has channeled his creative energy into music. 

http://patreon.com/livingproofnewyork

http://livingproofnewyork.com

Full episode now on Patreon. This episode features GIZ in conversation with DESA. They speak on the charges behind the “Million Dollar Vandal”, GIZ’s time in Rikers Island, New York City throughout the 1990s, and more. 

http://patreon.com/livingproofnewyork

http://livingproofnewyork.com

Full episode on Patreon. Ozzie Juarez is an artist and curator from Los Angeles. His work explores themes of identity, ancestry, and the built environment. Coming from a graffiti-background, Juarez blends street aesthetics with spiritual symbolism to create richly layered paintings, sculptures, and installations. He is also the founder of TLALOC Studios, an artist-run space in South Central L.A. dedicated to uplifting emerging creatives through exhibitions, residencies, and community programming.

http://patreon.com/livingproofnewyork

http://livingproofnewyork.com

Full episode on our Patreon. Vinnie Stigma is a foundational figure in the hardcore punk scene and the longtime guitarist of Agnostic Front; a band that helped define the New York hardcore sound. Their music touches on the realities of an early New York, social change and independent thought. Stigma's guitar work was central to releases like United Blood and Victim in Pain, albums that became cornerstones of the hardcore genre. 

Stigma was involved with Madball, a band fronted by Roger Miret's younger half-brother, Freddy Madball. He also launched a solo project under the name Stigma, releasing albums such as New York Blood and For Love and Glory. 

In 2024, Stigma published his autobiography, The Most Interesting Man in the World. The book delves into his upbringing in Little Italy, his experiences in the hardcore scene, and his passions outside of music, including cooking, acting, and martial arts. 

Stigma remains active in the music scene, performing with Agnostic Front and maintaining a strong presence in the NYHC community. 

http://patreon.com/livingproofnewyork

http://livingproofnewyork.com

Full episode on Patreon. Arto Saari is a Finnish-born professional skateboarder and acclaimed photographer, who  first gained international recognition in the early 2000s as part of the Flip Skateboards team, where he became a standout in videos like Sorry and Really Sorry. Arto won Thrasher Magazine’s Skater of the Year award in 2001, cementing his legacy in skateboarding history.

Beyond skating, Arto has built a successful second career as a photographer, capturing intimate moments within the skate, music, and fashion worlds. His most recent book “Bike Path” captures scenes from the local community within the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii.

http://patreon.com/livingproofnewyork

http://livingproofnewyork.com

Full episode now on Patreon. In the summer of 2002, CURVE suffered a fall in Southwest Philadelphia that left him in a coma for 6 weeks. Recovering from the traumatic brain injury took a full year, it onvolved CURVE relearning how to walk and dealing with the accompanying emotions. He spoke to Living Proof in an honest fashion of the experience.
http://patreon.com/livingproofnewyork
http://livingproofnewyork.com

Full episode on our Patreon. Braydon Szafranski is a professional skateboarder whose charisma and un-filtered personality saw him become an icon; symbolic of the live-fast energy that defined skateboarding during the early 2000s. 

Originally from Las Vegas, Nevada, Szafranski moved to Los Angeles to pursue a professional skateboarding career in the early 2000s; with no defined plan or place to live, he arrived and started sleeping on the streets of Venice. His talent caught the attention of Chad Muska, leading to Szafranski riding for Shorty's and Circa. He later joined Baker Skateboards, becoming a prominent team member and appearing in influential skate videos like "Baker 3" and "Baker Has a Deathwish”.

http://patreon.com/livingproofnewyork

http://livingproofnewyork.com

Full episode now available on our Patreon. Gino Iannucci is a legendary skateboarder from Long Island, New York. First gaining recognition in the mid-'90s, particularly through his parts in videos from 101 Skateboards. His video parts in Chocolate’s “The Chocolate Tour” and Girl’s “Yeah Right!” are considered all time classics.
As one of the original riders for Nike SB, he helped redefine the brand’s place in skateboarding. He has worked alongside Adidas putting out shoes like the Samba ADV, and now rides for ASICS skateboarding. In recent years, Gino has focused on Poets, his personal skate brand rooted in his East Coast roots in Long Island, New York.
http://patreon.com/livingproofnewyork
http://livingproofnewyork.com

Full episode now on our Patreon. Born in Portland Oregon and raised in Oklahoma City, Nuge is an icon in skateboarding who made a name for himself with classic parts in videos like Foundation’s Cataclysmic Abyss. Born to Vietnamese parents who came to America for a new life, Nuge’s childhood was largely spent coming up in Vietnamese pool halls. Eventually relocating to California to pursue skating, his early days saw him living in a legendary skate-house on Melrose dubbed “Hellrose”, an apartment that housed Nuge and 5 of his friends. Nuge later joined his close-friends at Baker Skateboards, who he still rides for today. 

Aside from skating, Nuge works on Open Beer alongside Tino Razo, Ako Jefferson and Atiba Jefferson. Open Beer has featured designs by artists like Joe Roberts, KATSU, and Meryl Smith on their beer cans. 

Nuge also has his restaurant, Burger She Wrote; a Los Angeles-based restaurant renowned for its high-quality smash burgers. Their smash burgers are made with 100% American Wagyu beef sourced from Snake River Farms, served on King's Hawaiian buns.

http://patreon.com/livingproofnewyork

http://livingproofnewyork.com

Full episode on Patreon. Kevin Spanky Long is a professional skateboarder, artist and art director of Baker Skateboards. Spanky was a key figure in the early Baker Skateboards line up, with classic parts in Baker 3, Baker has a Deathwish, This is Skateboarding and Stay Gold; his approach to skating made him one of the most recognizable skaters of his generation. 

Spanky now handles art direction for Baker skateboards, contributing to board graphics and other visuals every season.

http://patreon.com/livingproofnewyork

http://livingproofnewyork.com

Full episode on our Patreon. Cheryl Dunn is an American filmmaker and photographer known for documenting New York City’s downtown art and graffiti scene. Starting in the 1990s, Dunn photographed and filmed urban life, from protests to skateboarding and graffiti. Her work chronicled the spontaneous creativity that arose in public spaces, making her one of the key visual storytellers of the era.
Dunn’s films and photographs document key figures in the graffiti world, including artists like Barry McGee, the late great Margaret Kilgallen, Dash Snow (R.I.P) and Steve ESPO Powers. She became a visual historian of this art form as it transitioned from something illegal and underground to being recognized and embraced by galleries and museums.
Dunn’s documentary “Moments Like This Never Last” (2020) delves into the life of the late New York City artist Dash Snow, a highly influential figure in the downtown art scene of the 2000s. The film paints a raw, intimate portrait of a tumultuous, vibrant artist who was emblematic of the Lower East Side at the time. Her documentary “Everybody Street” (2013), showcases legendary street photographers like Martha Cooper and Jill Freedman.
http://patreon.com/livingproofnewyork
http://livingproofnewyork.com

Full episode on Patreon. Harley Flanagan is an iconic figure within the New York Hardcore scene. At age 13 he founded the Cro-Mags; one of the most influential hardcore punk bands of the 1980s and 1990s. At age 11, Flanagan began his involvement with music drumming for the New York punk band The Stimulators.

Flanagan’s early years were spent in New York City's Lower East Side, where he lived through the realities of the time. By age 10, he was living on the streets, often staying in abandoned / burnt out buildings within a neighborhood ravaged by economic decline, gang violence and social unrest. This existence would profoundly influence his later music. Many of the songs in “The Age of Quarrel” describe the day to day living of those years. 

Flanagan is a black-belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under the legendary Renzo Gracie, having started training at the gym early on when they were located above a methodone clinic. His love for the art and deep relationship with both Renzo and the late great Ryan Gracie led to a home-like environment in the gym, where he eventually spent time working as a professor. 
http://livingproofnewyork.com

http://patreon.com/livingproofnewyork

Full episode now on Patreon. Devon Turnbull is a designer and artist best known for his work in high-end audio and clothing. In the audio world, Turnbull is widely respected for his custom-built, DIY high-fidelity speaker systems. Much of the foundation for his approach to art and design stems from his time spent writing graffiti throughout the New York scene. 

His company, Ojas, specializes in handcrafted speaker designs, often using horn-loaded and tube amplifier setups that cater to serious audiophiles. His speakers have been showcased in galleries, shops, and personal listening spaces, ranging from places like Supreme, Lisson Gallery and fashion boutiques as well as collaborations with brands like Prada and Loro Piana. 

His approach is deeply influenced by Japanese hi-fi culture, where simplicity and analog purity take priority over mass-market digital sound. Through his work, he promotes active, deep listening; where music is not just a background noise but rather a central activity that is experienced with full attention. He often sets up listening rooms where people can engage with his speakers in an audiophile-focused, meditative setting.

Before Ojas, his time spent making clothing helped produce Nome de Guerre, a now-defunct but highly influential New York-based brand that blended military and workwear aesthetics.

http://patreon.com/livingproofnewyork

http://livingproofnewyork.com

Full episode now on Patreon. A-Trak is a DJ & record producer who, at the age of 15, gained wide recognition becoming a World Champion turntabilist in 1997. Coming from Canada, A-Trak and his brother Dave 1 were deeply influenced by the graffiti scenes of New York, Montreal and various European cities. He is widely celebrated for significantly contributing to growth of the electronic dance music scene during the late 2000s / early 2010s. Meanwhile, Dave’s band Chromeo became a trendsetting sensation and earned a Grammy nomination. In 2007 they both co-founded Fool’s Gold Records, an independent record label based in Brooklyn, New York. A-Trak's work has been featured alongside Kanye West, Kid Cudi, Cam’ron, Lupe Fiasco, Daft Punk, amongst many others. Now, A-Trak & Dave 1 also make music together as The Brothers Macklovitch.
*Artwork of A-Trak and Cam’ron by Kunle Martins for “U WASN’T THERE”
http://patreon.com/livingproofnewyork
http://livingproofnewyork.com

Full episode on Patreon. Christian Hosoi is a style icon within skateboarding whose rise to fame stemmed from the style and power he approached skateboarding with. Skating at an early age with the likes of the late great Jay Adams, Tony Alva and Shogo Kubo; Hosoi turned pro at 14 years old and subsequently lived a lifestyle immersed in attention and glory from the media of the day.

Hosoi’s career declined in the 1990s due to a long struggle with drug addiction, which culminated in his arrest in 2000 for trafficking 1.5 pounds of crystal methamphetamine and a subsequent prison sentence of nearly five years. During his time in prison, Hosoi turned his life around, finding faith and committing to sobriety. Since his release, he has shared his story of redemption while continuing to skate and influence the industry.
http://patreon.com/livingproofnewyork
http://livingproofnewyork.com

Full episode now on our Patreon. GREY PVC is a legendary graffiti writer who has suffered with severe addiction to various substances and today has reached a point of stable sobriety. Through methadone, GREY was able to get off of street-drugs and develop sound and stable routines; today, he is no longer on methadone. He speaks openly about his time spent in Kensington Philadelphia buying and using drugs. As the drugs consumed his entire life, he began aggressively shoplifting to fund his drug habit. For a time, he considered himself a functioning addict. Eventually he was overcome with illness to the point where he could not physically stand up, this weakness in his body became the gateway to the sobriety he has today. 

Most known for his iconic graffiti painted throughout San Francisco and New York City, GREY placed an emphasis on the traditional aspect of tags and throw-ups. After a 5 year break from painting to focus on tattooing, GREY began painting the New York City transit, which eventually led to his investigation.
http://patreon.com/livingproofnewyork
http://livingproofnewyork.com

Full episode on Patreon. ZE is a legendary graffiti writer from South Brooklyn, known for his hardcore bombing style and partnership with the late great RUSH ACID. He gained mass appeal in the early 1990s for his aggressive straightforward approach to graffiti, hitting elevated tracks, motions on subway cars, trucks and streets with legible handstyles and classic New York style throw ups using primarily chrome paint.

ZE is part of the ACID Crew (Attack Crush Invade, Destroy), a graffiti crew that has made a significant mark in the New York graffiti scene, with members like the late great RUSH, HOJO, DECO, GOUCH and SOBER. ZE's partnership with RUSH is particularly noted for the style and visibility of their work across Brooklyn and other boroughs. The duo's consistency and dedication have cemented their legacy in NYC graffiti history.
http://patreon.com/livingproofnewyork
http://livingproofnewyork.com

Full episode now on our Patreon. Erik Ellington is an iconic skateboarder who is one of the original members of the Baker Skateboards and Deathwish teams. Ellington, alongside his peers, revolutionized skateboarding with legendary videos like Baker 2G, Baker 3 and The Deathwish Video. These videos presented an unfiltered view of skateboarding at the time with energy that is nearly impossible to replicate. The footage often showed them not just skating, but also fighting, partying, and struggling with the highs and lows of their lives.

Ellington has been open about his personal struggles with substance abuse and subsequent sobriety after years of living the lifestyle seen in the videos. His story of positive change and optimism has left deep influence on skateboarders world wide.
With involvement in art and design throughout the multiple facets of his life, Ellington was instrumental in developing pro model skate shoes during his time with Emerica and later Supra Footwear. He played a key role in popularizing Baker’s classic aesthetic, and as one of Deathwish’s creative forces, his vision helped Deathwish become one of the legacy companies within skateboarding.

As a natural expression to other interests in his life, he has been designing luxury footwear with Human Recreational Services, as well as working on ‘Ellington’, a clothing line which will launch in due time.
http://patreon.com/livingproofnewyork
http://livingproofnewyork.com

Full episode on Patreon. Todd Francis is a renowned artist, perhaps best known for creating the Anti-Hero Skateboards eagle logo, one of the most recognized symbols in skateboarding. His work often combines humor, social commentary, and a gritty aesthetic, resonating deeply with skaters who embrace skateboarding as a countercultural expression. 

The Anti-Hero eagle logo, designed by Todd Francis, encapsulates the brand's identity: raw, uncompromising, and steeped in skateboarding’s punk ethos. The design is simple yet powerful, featuring a fierce eagle clutching a ribbon with the brand name. The eagle logo is instantly recognizable, even beyond skateboarding.

Anti-Hero was founded by Julien Stranger in 1995 as a response to the corporatization of skateboarding. It was during the early days that Todd Francis began doing art for Anti-Hero. The eagle logo became a badge of honor for skaters who aligned with the brand’s ethos of rejecting the mainstream, instead embracing the rebellious, street-level essence of skateboarding.

Anti-Hero's early skate videos, such as Fucktards (1997), Cow (1998), and Cash Money Vagrant (2003), are revered for their cultural impact on skateboarding. These videos embraced a no-frills aesthetic, authentically focusing on the raw realities of skateboarding. Todd Francis’s artwork can be seen in all of Anti-Hero’s videos alongside legends like Julien Stranger, John Cardiel, Tony Trujillo, Frank Gerwer and Peter Hewitt. The artwork of Todd Francis has left a lasting impact on skateboarding culture, inspiring a generation with flashing memories of Todd’s artwork side by side a stylistic approach to street and transition skating.
http://patreon.com/livingproofnewyork
http://livingproofnewyork.com

Full episode now on Patreon. Alexis Lacroix is a skateboarder riding for Vans and the Montreal-based skate brand, Dime. Coming from the Canadian skate scene; often participating in Dime’s innovative events like the “Glory Challenge” which blend skating with unconventional challenges. His free approach to skateboarding has drawn international attention.
A few years back, Alexis would travel the United States and Europe, performing music on the streets to get by. This minimalist approach to travel and sustenance allowed him to live on the road for extended periods of time, living a life where he is guided by intuition. He attributes this time period of travel as an eye opening experience that revealed to him a spiritual side of life. With years of coming up skating hyper-urban environments, he now is drawn towards connecting with what he considers to be a more “natural” side of life. Placing importance towards raising a family, he is contemplating things such as moving away from the city and even farming; all in an effort to further connect with the natural elements of life.
http://patreon.com/livingproofnewyork
http://livingproofnewyork.com

Full episode now on Patreon. Back by popular demand, POST VSOP is a legendary graffiti writer who mirrors a walking encyclopedia of New York City history. In this episode, he speaks on the sneaker culture that grew immensely in the 90s, racking history, graffiti and more. He is interviewed by Tommy Rebel and Rabbit, two legends who greatly contributed to the culture around sneakers in New York City.
http://patreon.com/livingproofnewyork
http://livingproofnewyork.com

Full episode now available on Patreon. 

GIZ MTA is a prominent graffiti writer from New York City. After a lifetime of sacrificing his body, mind and freedom for graffiti, GIZ has arrived at a point where his work is revered from the streets of New York City to the galleries of London, Amsterdam and Paris. 

His story is one of pain, joy and experience. Coming up in a crime-ridden New York City, GIZ suffered multiple stabbings from robberies over gear, served time in prison and lost many friends to street violence.

As a key member of the MTA crew, Most Talked About, GIZ contributed to the legacy of a group that became legend; not only for their volume & visibility, but also the iconic figures within the crew, include the late grate VE, and DESA. 

GIZ transitioned from illegal street graffiti to fine art and sculpture by gradually adapting his techniques into formats that could be appreciated within a gallery setting. His sculpture work brings his throw-up into a tangible, tactile form, adding a new dimension to his art and allowing him to create pieces that resonate within both urban and fine art spaces.

http://patreon.com/livingproofnewyork
http://livingproofnewyork.com

Full episode on Patreon. ZEPHYR, born Andrew Witten, is a pioneering figure in the graffiti movement, particularly known for his contributions to the New York City subway graffiti scene in the late 1970s and early 1980s. He grew up on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, where he became inspired by the vibrant graffiti culture that was emerging around him. His work, alongside that of his peers, helped shape the aesthetic and culture of graffiti during its golden era in New York City.

ZEPHYR became known as one of the original graffiti artists who elevated the art form from a street phenomenon to a recognized movement. Alongside other pioneers like DONDI, Lee Quinones, and FUTURA, ZEPHYR’s subway pieces garnered significant attention as they traveled across the city, carrying his name to a broader audience. 

As the city began to crack down on graffiti and the subway era waned, ZEPHYR transitioned into the fine art world. He started exhibiting his work in galleries, becoming one of the key figures who bridged the gap between graffiti and the mainstream art scene. ZEPHYR’s ability to adapt his style from the streets to the gallery space allowed him to remain relevant and influential in both the graffiti world and the larger contemporary art world.

He has recently published: “ZEPHYR; GRAFFITI BLACK BOOK/ SCRAP BOOK: 1978 & BEYOND”, presented by BEYOND THE STREETS
http://livingproofnewyork.com
http://patreon.com/livingproofnewyork

Full episode on Patreon. OJAE FYC is an iconic graffiti writer from the Upper West Side of Manhattan who cemented himself as one of the stand-out New York City graffiti writers to become renowned globally, past the reaches of the five boroughs. Coming from a troubled home, OJAE was separated from his mother at age 4 and transferred from foster home to foster home, dealing with abuse at each one. Finding a sense of freedom and relief within graffiti, OJAE fostered the spirit of effort. His approach to graffiti in sheer volume had him surpass many from his era.
http://patreon.com/livingproofnewyork
http://livingproofnewyork.com

Full episode on Patreon. Jerome Peels is a skateboarder originally from Florida who founded Citibike Boyz and Peels Clothing. 

Citibike Boyz is an informal group of riders in New York City who gained attention for their public stunts on Citibikes, the city's shared bike rental service. Despite using bikes designed for casual commuting, CitiBike Boyz push the limits of what these rental bikes can do, which has earned them a mix of admiration and criticism.

Peels Clothing is a New York-based clothing brand known for traditional workwear garments. Rooted in a personal connection to manual labor with inspiration from his father’s profession as a house painter, Jerome started Peels to honor the blue-color work ethic. The shirts became popular due to their simplicity and high quality. The hand-sown patches onto work shirts have been worn by the likes of Mark Gonzales, Pete Davidson, Jonah Hill and Ishod Wair.

http://patreon.com/livingproofnewyork
http://livingproofnewyork.com

Full episode on Patreon. Distort is a writer most known for very large scale graffiti using rollers in New York, New Jersey and Philadelphia. He hails from New Jersey and has made a significant impact on the graffiti scene in the northeastern United States. DISTORT blends graffiti with fine art, often incorporating themes of politics, mythology, and the human experience into his work.
http://patreon.com/livingproofnewyork
http://livingproofnewyork.com

Full version of the episode on Patreon. Labor Skate Shop for Living Proof Radio. Opened in 2012 by James Rewolinski, Labor was founded to serve as a core skate shop for New York City.

Before the rise of mainstream media and the explosion of skateboarding into the global spotlight, skate shops were the center of the skateboarding community. They weren’t just retail spaces but epicenters of culture where people went to immerse themselves.

Preceding Labor, Autumn Skate Shop, which opened in the early 2000s and closed in 2008, was one of the pioneering shops in the city. Located near Tompkins Square Park, it played a key role in nurturing the local scene, serving as the go-to shop in the area. Autumn created a community around New York’s skateboarding culture at a time when the city lacked these locations and commercialized skateboarding had not yet taken over.

The closure of Autumn Skate Shop in 2008 left a void in the Manhattan skate scene. Labor Skate Shop stepped in just a few years later to fill that gap, continuing the legacy of community-focused, independent skate shops that prioritize local talent and the spirit of skateboarding. In a way, Labor is the torchbearer for what Autumn Skateshop represented—a space for skaters to gather, share ideas, and push the scene forward in an otherwise commercialized urban landscape. Labor has played a critical role in shaping the identity of New York City's skateboarding and while there Brooklyn location has recently closed, the doors of their Manhattan shop remain open.

http://patreon.com/livingproofnewyork
http://livingproofnewyork.com

Full episode on Patreon. Originally coming up with the Shep Dawgs crew out of Southern California. Hawk, alongside Taylor Kirby, Rowan Zorilla and Jake Hill, gained recognition from the videos that showcased the raw energy of the crew.
Those videos played a crucial role in his rise within the scene, eventually leading to him turning pro for the iconic Baker Skateboards in 2013, a brand known for shaping modern street skating culture.
Outside of skateboarding, Hawk practices Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, a martial art that gained recognition in Brazil, Japan and the United States during the early MMA era of “no-rules” fights.
He speaks on the idea of longevity within professional skateboarding, how training martial arts has helped his mental, physical and emotional, how he got on Baker Skateboards and more.
http://patreon.com/livingproofnewyork
http://livingproofnewyork.com

Full episode now available on Patreon. Taylor Kirby is a skateboarder riding for Deathwish skateboards. Originally becoming known for his involvement with the Shep Dawgs; a skateboarding crew from Southern California that gained recognition in the early 2010s for their raw, DIY, authentic skate videos. Members of the Shep Dawgs included now well-known pro skaters such as Riley Hawk and Rowan Zorilla. Through the videos, Kirby was contacted by Brian “Slash” Hansen to ride for Deathwish. 

He speaks on what makes the Baker Boys approach to skateboarding so special that it survives generational cycles within the skate industry, how life has changed since the Shep Dawg days, the lifestyle that touring brings, getting over drinking and more. Now streaming on our website, Youtube, iTunes and Spotify. 
http://patreon.com/livingproofnewyork
http://livingproofnewyork.com

Full episode now available on Patreon. Graffiti on Low or No Dollars is a novel written by Elberto Muller. Muller, who lives life mostly as a drifter, writes about his experience travelling throughout North America via freight train. The book reflects on the state of American life & society today; the scamming, drugs and unorthodox ways of making a living that much of the United States has taken up to survive and get by. This episode covers many of the ideas in the book that are encountered throughout Elberto Muller’s stops across America.
http://patreon.com/livingproofnewyork
http://livingproofnewyork.com

Full episode on Patreon. 

Full episode on Patreon. Pedro Delfino is a skateboarder riding for Deathwish. After his Thrasher Magazine cover in 2018, Pedro went from being relatively unknown to gaining lots of attention from the skate world. In 2021 he went pro for Deathwish Skateboards, one of the most iconic brands in the industry whose videos profoundly influenced the skateboarding world, giving a glimpse into the partying, touring and lifestyle of the Baker and Deathwish teams. He has recently released his color-way of the Vans Half Cab, one of the most recognizable silhouettes in the history of skate shoes; with a design that pays homage to his home state of Florida. His part “Road to Nowhere” had him as a SOTY contender in 2023. 

http://patreon.com/livingproofnewyork
http://livingproofnewyork.com

Full episode now on Patreon. POST VSOP is a legendary graffiti writer who mirrors a walking encyclopedia of New York City history. In this episode, he speaks on the origins of the gear culture that engulfed the graffiti scene in the 90s, The North Face’s rise in popularity from graffiti writers to mainstream culture, the practice of loot-racking, the miniature-economy created around Ralph Lauren and the trading of pieces, old school / new school graffiti and more. He is interviewed by Tommy Rebel and Rabbit, two legends who greatly contributed to the culture around gear in New York City. 
http://patreon.com/livingproofnewyork
http://livingproofnewyork.com

Full episode now available on Patreon. CASH RFC is a graffiti writer from New York City who was one of the original members of the legendary RFC crew; a group of graffiti writers, boosters, stick up kids and hustlers who heavily influenced the gear, graffiti and downtown scene in New York throughout the 1990s.
http://patreon.com/livingproofnewyork
http://livingproofnewyork.com

Full episode on Patreon. Alehsy Lambo is a multidisciplinary artist born in south Spain, he moved to Barcelona in 2015 & now lives in New York. As a kid, he fell in love with the culture of tuning cars & street racing. He captures scenes and portraits of his favorites references and shows his world in the form of blurred visions, road dreams, and a fresh touch that persists in him since his youth. Inspired by Barcelona’s underground scene and subway graffiti, he began painting graffit at 14.
http://patreon.com/livingproofnewyork
http://livingproofnewyork.com

Full episode on Patreon. Chris DAZE Ellis is a graffiti writer & artist from New York City. Painting New York City’s subway cars in 1976, DAZE is part of the 2nd generation of writers to participate in the subway movement that went on to influence street graffiti & become a cultural artifact the world over. He remains one of the few artists of his generation to make the successful transition from the subways to the studio.
http://patreon.com/livingproofnewyork
http://livingproofnewyork.com

Full episode on Patreon. Frankie Spears speaks on preserving his body as a  professional skateboarder, riding for Adidas and Alien Workshop, coming up with Tyshawn Jones and more. Frankie Spears, Father Bop & Angel in conversation.
http://patreon.com/livingproofnewyork
http://livingproofnewyork.com

Full episode on Patreon. Coles speaks on riding for Vans & Alltimers, touring with Bronze 56K, video parts he came up watching, New York City spots & more. Segments on our website, Youtube, iTunes & Spotify. 
http://patreon.com/livingproofnewyork
http://livingproofnewyork.com

The Organic Grill was a restaraunt originally located in the East Village of downtown New York City. Over the years it became a staple of the neighborhood, often frequented by people within the hardcore-punk scene; members of the Cro-Mags, Madball, Youth of Today and The Gorilla Biscuits. A genuine neighborhood restaurant created by people who had real passion for what they did. After over 20 years of business, the restaurant must close its doors. New York City’s rising prices have led another neighborhood staple to meet its end. Please consider donating to help the final expenses for the restaurant’s staff here:
https://gofund.me/72ee4d74