The Lunatic Fringe Podcast

The Lunatic Fringe with Luke Aikins

A third generation skydiver with an origin story stemming all the way back to World War II, Luke Aikins was literally born to be a skydiver. Growing up surrounded by skydiving in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, he had always known that his future would undoubtedly take place in the sky, but even back then he could have never predicted the amazing career he would carve out for himself. Both behind the scenes and up front for some of the most iconic stunts of our skydiving generation, Luke, his family and all his team mates and collaborators put one hundred and ten percent into every project that he takes on, and it shows. With RedBull helping to make even the most intricate and outrageous plans come to fruition, there's no doubt that the Lunatic Fringe has an ambassador for his as well as future skydiving and aviation generations to come.

Lunatic Fringe with Ryan Graney Reboot

Another kick ass mid-week reboot with Ryan Graney!

Teen climbing instructor and a bit of a lost soul, to a 200,000 a year oil and gas man, Ryan Graney made it pretty big pretty young, and exceeded expectations in more ways than one. A hard charging BASE jumper and professional party guy, you'd be surprised at just how much thought has gone into his crazy antics over the years. Articulating his desire not only to live a life less ordinary but one with real meaning, I think you'll be more than a little surprised and what hides behind the apparent show stopper personality. Join us on the next Lunatic Fringe.

Lunatic Fringe with Simeon Lott

Another alumni from the epic (or infamous) Cross Keys, Mr. Simeon Lott got his start with a very last minute decision brought about by an almost chronic Point Break viewing habit.  Skydiving courtesy of Her Majesty's military, his transition from regimented to out of control was pretty abrupt with his first week at CK seeing both awesome change and tragedy. Having now traveled the globe and having taken more than ten thousand tandem students, Simeon is a prime example of what the Lunatic Fringe can achieve when they put their minds towards a goal, ignore pain and soldier on.

The Lunatic Fringe Reboot with DJ Marvin

Another kick ass mid-week reboot with DJ Marvin!

DJ Marvin, host of the successful Gravity Lab Radio Podcast, founder and owner of the Ratings Center, long time skydiver and professional shit shooter sits down to talk to me about his beginnings in the sport, the podcasting world and where it's all led him. A love not only of skydiving itself but the community in which its based have been the driving force behind his desire to educate and expand the wonderful Lunatic Fringe in which we live, and he takes the time to tell me why.

Lunatic Fringe with Ellen Pulford

A second-generation skydiver born to a father who’d managed to make hundreds of jumps back when “sex was safe and skydiving was dangerous”, Ellen Pulford had grown up with the lure skydiving even though both her jumping parents had hung it up before she was around. Late to the game by some standards, it had been the corporate game she’d been playing and playing well without much distraction, right up until that first tandem in her 30^thyear. For a time she had both business and skydiving in her life, but a cancer diagnosis, difficult decisions and the supportive power of the skydiving community pulled her away from the so called “American Dream”. Now working hard at living, getting healthy and staying happy take top priority for this deeply devoted member of the Lunatic Fringe.

Lunatic Fringe Reboot with Olga and Cornelia

It's another mid-week reboot With Olga and Cornelia!

 

On this episode of The Lunatic Fringe I get the opportunity to sit down with World Champion canopy pilot Cornelia Mihai and up and comer Olga Naumova about what its like to work, play and compete in what up until recently has been a male dominated corner of the skydiving world.  Funny and insightful, these two are happy and hardcore!

Lunatic Fringe with Chris Stewart & Jyro

I mean, what can you say… Back in the can for another chat about all things nylon and Jyro, it's the man with an incredibly long job title who manages to have a great time pretty much every step of the way. The Athlete coordinating, social media creating, canopy swooping, rebranding man of the hour, Chris Stewart and The Lunatic Fringe.

Lunatic Fringe Reboot With Mike Wittenberg

Another Mid-Week Reboot with Mike Wittenburg!

Semi Professional snowboarder turned professional competitive skydiver, Mr. Mike Wittenburg has a whole lot to brag about with more medals and championship teams than most; yet if you were to ask him what his greatest accomplishment was, he's more likely to start telling you about his kids accomplishments than his own. Listen in to find out just how a world champion dad not only put himself on track toward air-sports greatness, but helped guide his children to not just national but world gold in the wind tunnel.

Lunatic Fringe with Connor Meyer

In need of direction. Like a lot of us, Connor Meyer didn't come out of school with any real plan or fire in his belly. His father, a proud US veteran who worked hard to provide his son opportunities made it clear that Connor was expected to put in the work, so put in the work he did. Graduating from military academy and serving in the United States Army as a commissioned officer, Connor learned exactly what hard work and team spirit could achieve. Just in time to sit and do nothing while Covid flushed most peoples plans down the toilet; right until he made that first drive to the drop zone. Now a few years into the game with injuries and recoveries under his belt, Connor has his sights aimed towards longevity in our sports both for himself, and his brothers in arms, knowing full well what the Lunatic Fringe has to offer to those willing to give it a shot.

Lunatic Fringe Mid-Week Reboot with Andy Ford

Another Mid-Week Reboot with Andy Ford!

Having covered skydiving from almost every angle, Andrew "Fordy" Ford had the opportunity to compete at a world class level in Skysurfing in its heyday courtesy of a proper military grooming, watch the creation of wingsuits from the beginning, and earn and exercise instructional ratings all over the world. As the story goes, "It all started with a beer. It always starts with a beer!"