Sobriety, Skate Culture & Second Chances | Mike Blabac

Mike Blabac is one of the most influential photographers in skateboarding and action sports. His work includes Danny Way’s iconic Great Wall of China jump, the rise of DC Shoes, and global campaigns with athletes like LeBron James and Usher. In this episode, Mike shares his journey from a chaotic childhood in rural Ohio to becoming a defining photographer of modern skate culture. He opens up about years of living in chaos and drinking heavily, and how meeting neuroscientist Andrew Huberman became the turning point that pushed him to rebuild his health, career, and relationship with his kids. Follow the podcast on all platforms: https://lnk.to/the-other-side-of-hardYT Thank you to our sponsors Ketone-IQ: ⁠https://ketone.com/rideout Athletic Brewing: https://athleticbrewing.com Code "Rideout" V14: ⁠https://v14.com/rideout⁠ Mike Blabac Website: https://www.blabacphoto.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blabacphoto X: https://x.com/blabacphoto Chapters (00:00) Introduction: Who is Mike Blabac?(00:23) Danny Way’s Great Wall of China jump(03:06) The crash, broken foot and Chinese officials(10:33) Growing up in rural Ohio(18:21) Discovering photography as a kid(24:04) Meeting skaters and working early jobs(24:56) Moving to San Francisco at 19(25:58) Skating Embarcadero and breaking into the scene(31:49) Writing to Grant Brittain & first published photos(45:36) Mad Circle, Girl, Chocolate & career foundations(54:13) Joining DC Shoes & shooting global trips(57:39) Ken Block, DC, and the birth of Gymkhana(01:06:28) Airplane chaos with Colin(01:16:03) Becoming comfortable in chaos(01:27:11) Transition to commercial photography(01:32:05) Drinking heavily while working nonstop(01:34:58) Meeting Andrew Huberman & the turning point(01:40:33) Sobriety, training and career momentum(01:45:12) How sobriety changed his parenting(01:53:11) Final reflections and lessons Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices