Without Compromise

In this episode we sit down with William Vazquez, founder of We Explore Earth, to explore how a grassroots movement of community hikes, cleanups, and outdoor gatherings has grown into a powerful force for connection, healing, and outdoor access. William shares his journey from the music and event world into connecting folks outdoors, and how creating inclusive, welcoming spaces in nature has become a pathway for people to reconnect not just with the outdoors, but with themselves and each other. Supported by Athletic Brewing Company’s Two for the Trails program, which helps fund and expand efforts like We Explore Earth, this conversation highlights how community-driven outdoor experiences can lead to lasting impact. We dig into the barriers that keep many from feeling like the outdoors is “for them,” how intentional programming can shift that reality, and why connection is the first step toward conservation. It’s a powerful look at what it means to build something meaningful without compromise, and how investing in people is just as important as protecting places we love to explore.

In this episode of Without Compromise, we sit down with Pitt Grewe, Head of Social and Environmental Impact at AllTrails, to explore a hopeful shift happening across our public lands. As more people get outside than ever before, new tools and ideas are emerging to help protect and improve the trail experience for everyone. From powerful data insights that help land managers make smarter decisions to innovative programs that support on-the-ground stewardship, this conversation highlights how technology and intention can work hand in hand to create a better future for the outdoors. Through AllTrails’ Public Lands Program and Stewards Fund, and by sharing initiatives like the Two for the Trails program from Athletic Brewing Company, Pitt shares how organizations, businesses, and communities are coming together to turn outdoor participation into meaningful conservation outcomes. This episode is an inspiring look at what’s possible when we invest in the places that connect us all. Learn more about Athletic Brewing and AllTrails partnering here: alltrails.com/partner-lists/two-for-the-trails

What does it look like to walk away from stability in pursuit of something uncertain but deeply meaningful? We know a thing or two about that here at Athletic Brewing. In this episode of Without Compromise, we sit down with professional triathlete Justin Riele just days after a major life decision: leaving behind a 10-year career in corporate America to pursue triathlon full-time. Justin shares what led to that leap, the tension of stepping away from security, and the mindset required to chase excellence at the highest level of endurance sport. With Athletic Brewing IRONMAN 70.3 Oceanside this weekend, our conversation offers a real-time look at what it means to bet on yourself. Justin’s journey mirrors a familiar ethos that rings true in our brewery: building something meaningful requires risk, discipline, and a willingness to go all in.

In this episode of Without Compromise, Mason sits down with Claire Smallwood, professional freeskier turned chef turned nonprofit founder, to explore how a love for wild places evolved into a national movement expanding access for women and girls in the outdoors. Raised in Santa Fe, Claire’s early connection to the mountains shaped both her identity and her career. But it was her lived experience navigating outdoor culture that ultimately inspired her to launch SheJumps, an organization dedicated to increasing participation and leadership for women and girls across skiing, climbing, mountain biking, and beyond. This conversation moves beyond origin stories. Claire reflects on what “access” truly means, how inclusivity in outdoor culture has evolved over time, and what it takes to scale a grassroots idea into a national nonprofit without losing its soul. She also shares honest insights on risk, failure, and the mindset required to build something meaningful from the ground up.

In this episode of Without Compromise, we sit down with Alison Hales, founder of Culture Club South Bay, for a conversation about place, history, and what it really means to belong. Alison grew up in London and built a career spanning music management, estates, real estate, and civic engagement. But the through-line in her work has always been culture and access. Today, through Culture Club South Bay (CCSB), she’s helping reshape who feels ownership and belonging over the California coast. CCSB provides free beach culture and outdoor recreation camps for youth ages 8–13 across Los Angeles County. But this isn’t just surf lessons, it’s surfing, beach sports, environmental education, food, arts, and local history, all rooted in the legacy of Bruce’s Beach and the long history of exclusion from coastal spaces. The mission goes beyond exposure. It’s about confidence, leadership, and long-term belonging. This conversation traces Alison’s journey from her personal story into the deeper sense of purpose that now guides her work, and explores how something beautiful can grow where joy, history, and healing meet. Learn more about CCSB: @cultureclubsb www.cultureclubsb.com

In this episode of Without Compromise, we sit down with Nick Goepper, one of the most accomplished freestyle skiers in U.S. history, to talk about what it really takes to sustain excellence at the highest level. From growing up in a small Indiana town with no mountains to becoming a three-time medalist, Nick shares the early grit, sacrifices, and unlikely pathways that shaped his career. We explore how raw talent, repetition, and relentless self-belief carried him onto the world stage long before the spotlight found him, and after he made his unexpected return from retirement.This episode is about redefining success, doing the work when no one is watching, and choosing to keep going, even when walking away would be easier.

In this episode of Without Compromise, we sit down with outdoor comedian and creator Matt Lyons to talk about the unlikely intersection of thru-hiking, internet fame, and making people laugh at themselves. Matt shares his journey from middle-school science teacher to full-time creator, how long days on the trail shaped his comedy, and why humor has become such a powerful way to connect with the outdoor community and beyond. Along the way, we dig into the origin of his “cringe comedy” style and why poking fun at gear culture and stereotypes can actually bring people closer together. We also get candid about the realities of life as a creator: burnout, algorithms, brand partnerships, and staying authentic while working with companies you genuinely believe in, like Athletic Brewing. Matt reflects on what it means to take the outdoors seriously without taking yourself too seriously, and how laughter can be an entry point for more people to feel like they belong outside. It’s a thoughtful, funny conversation about identity, community, and finding your lane on the trail and online.

As the new year begins, this episode of Without Compromise focuses on purpose, service, and what it means to step forward when others need help. We sit down with Jeff Byard, Senior Vice President of Operations at Team Rubicon, a veteran-led humanitarian organization that mobilizes volunteers to respond to disasters and humanitarian crises. Jeff shares lessons from a career in emergency management, including what effective leadership looks like in moments of uncertainty, how veterans and civilians find renewed purpose through service, and why showing up consistently matters more than titles or recognition. This conversation is a reminder that the start of a new year is not just about resolutions, but about commitment to others, to community, and to doing the work when it counts. Athletic Brewing is proud to support Team Rubicon and those who choose service without compromise. Learn more about volunteering with Team Rubicon at their website: teamrubiconusa.org

In this episode of Without Compromise we sit down with professional skier and Athletic Brewing athlete Hannah Melinchuk, a force in the world of freeride skiing. Hannah has built her career on a blend of raw athletic talent, relentless work ethic, and a willingness to push into uncertainty. Her story is one of grit, self-belief, and trusting the long game. We dig into the path that brought her into skiing at a high level in college, including the turning points that helped her develop confidence in an unpredictable sport. Hannah opens up about training both body and mind, and balancing a life of athletic pursuits and a creative storyteller. She also shares what it means to pursue a career in outdoor athletics without compromising the values that keep her grounded. Whether you are an athlete, a weekend warrior, or someone exploring the edges of your own potential, her perspective offers something meaningful. So crack open an Athletic Brewing non-alcoholic beer and settle in. This episode is all downhill from here.

In this episode of Without Compromise we reconnect with professional gravel racer Pete Stetina five years after his first appearance on the show. We catch up on life, talk about fatherhood, and reflect on how much has changed as Pete has grown both as an athlete and as a parent. Pete also has a new film on the horizon titled “Feeding the Rat” which explores the inner hunger that pushes people to test their limits and search for meaning beyond routine. While the episode focuses on our personal conversation the film offers an additional window into the themes that continue to shape his journey. If you are navigating your own shifts in balance and ambition this episode will resonate. The film will debut on December 12 at 10amET/7am PT on Canyon Bicycles YouTube. Follow Pete on social media for updates! @pstetina

Thirty summers, thousands of bands, millions of people connecting with music they love and will come to love and at the center of it all was the visionary who turned a wild idea into the Vans Warped Tour, the longest-running traveling music festival in American history, Kevin Lyman. In this episode of Without Compromise, Kevin joins us to reflect on three decades of music, community, and chaos that helped define a generation. From punk parking lots to global stages, he shares the stories, lessons, and purpose behind building a movement that connected artists and fans the world has never seen before. Here at Athletic Brewing, we’re celebrating 30 years of Vans Warped Tour with Side Stage, a golden, hoppy pale ale for those who still know every lyric but don’t bounce back from hangovers like they used to. Listen now for a conversation about staying grounded while shaping culture, building purpose-driven projects that last, and what it means to live without compromise. Learn more at athleticbrewing.com

We first had Brian on the show back in early 2022 to share his story of building his fitness business and the lessons he had learned along the way. Four years later, he is back with new experiences, fresh insights, and a whole new perspective shaped by raising kids and growing both personally and professionally, and what it means to live without compromise. Originally from New York, Brian spent 15 years in the hospitality and fashion industries after a successful collegiate soccer career. But even with those achievements, he sensed there was more he could give and more life had to offer. Knowing that growth often comes from challenge, Brian made it his mission to step beyond comfort and create a life that tested his limits. Through launching new ventures and helping others uncover their own potential, he has discovered a deeper sense of purpose that is now guided by family, perspective, and the desire to live Without Compromise in every season of life.

In this episode of Without Compromise, we sit down with award-winning journalist, author, podcaster, and Athletic Brewing ambassador, Brendan O’Meara to talk about his book The Front Runner: The Story of Steve Prefontaine. Through vivid storytelling, O’Meara brings to life the grit, charisma, and uncompromising drive of one of America’s most iconic sports figures. We explore Prefontaine’s rise from small-town Oregon to the world stage, his rebellious approach to competition, and the enduring lessons his life offers about passion, purpose, and refusing to settle. Brendan has been a longstanding ambassador for Athletic Brewing, and hosts the Creative Nonfiction Podcast. You can learn more about him and his work at brendanomeara.com

Back in 2020, we sat down with chef, cyclist, and entrepreneur Chris Cosentino to talk about food, creativity, and living life without compromise. Five years later, he returns to the show to catch us up on where life has taken him, and how he continues to reinvent himself. In this conversation, Chris opens up about the ever-changing restaurant industry, what it takes to stay authentic in the face of shifting trends, and the lessons he’s learned about resilience and risk. We also dive into his love of cycling, how the bike has shaped his lifestyle, mindset, and even his professional choices. Finally, Chris reflects on the deeper work of identity: what it means to keep evolving, to embrace new passions, and to stay true to yourself through change. Whether you know Chris from the kitchen, the bike saddle, or his creative projects, this episode offers an honest and inspiring look at a life lived fully, and always without compromise.

It’s not every day you meet someone who has stood on the highest peak of every continent and now leads one of the world’s most iconic endurance brands. In this episode of Without Compromise, we sit down with Scott DeRue, CEO of The IRONMAN Group, to talk about the journey that brought him from academia to the forefront of global endurance sport. Now, as CEO, Scott is steering IRONMAN into the future while honoring its rich legacy. He shares what he’s learned from standing at finish lines around the world, how the IRONMAN ethos of “Anything is Possible” applies to both athletes and everyday people, and what excites him about the movement’s next chapter. Outside of his role, Scott is an avid mountaineer, having completed the Seven Summits earlier this year. Athletic Brewing and IRONMAN have partnered for years, built on a shared belief that balance, resilience, and community matter as much as performance. Together, they’re helping athletes celebrate their pursuits, without compromise.

This episode was originally published in 2022, but is now more relevant than ever. When we first released this episode, Lynn Rogers was deep in the fight of navigating her new reality after the sudden onset of CIDP, a rare neurological condition that had left her unable to walk just weeks before she was supposed to compete in her first IRONMAN. Her resilience, perspective, and determination struck a powerful chord with listeners. So much so, in fact, that her story became the inspiration for Athletic Brewing’s 2024 documentary, Inches to Miles. Since the release of that film, there’s been a major development: Lynn recently completed an IRONMAN, officially finishing what she set out to do years ago. Her journey from paralysis to the finish line is a remarkable example of what it means to live Without Compromise. We’re replaying this conversation to honor that achievement and give you a deeper look at the person behind the headlines. After listening, be sure to: Watch Inches to Miles (2024). It’s free on YouTube

In this episode of Without Compromise, we sit down with Crosby Colapinto, a rising star on the professional surfing circuit. Hailing from San Clemente, California, Crosby shares what it’s like growing up in the tight-nit surfing community, competing alongside his brother Griffin, and staying grounded while chasing the dream of becoming a world champion. We talk about mental resilience, his love of surfing and golf, and how staying true to your values, on and off the board, is the ultimate mark of success. Crosby’s laid-back attitude and deep love for the ocean remind us that living without compromise means embracing the journey, not just the destination. Whether you’re a lifelong surfer or just someone chasing your own passion, this episode is full of heart, grit, and inspiration.

In this episode of Without Compromise, we sit down with Crosby Colapinto, a rising star on the professional surfing circuit. Hailing from San Clemente, California, Crosby shares what it’s like growing up in the tight-nit surfing community, competing alongside his brother Griffin, and staying grounded while chasing the dream of becoming a world champion. We talk about mental resilience, his love of surfing and golf, and how staying true to your values, on and off the board, is the ultimate mark of success. Crosby’s laid-back attitude and deep love for the ocean remind us that living without compromise means embracing the journey, not just the destination. Whether you’re a lifelong surfer or just someone chasing your own passion, this episode is full of heart, grit, and inspiration.

In this episode of Without Compromise, we sit down with Jazmine Lowther, a professional trail runner, plant biologist, and coach. Raised on a farm in Nelson, British Columbia, Jazmine found her footing early among forests and alpine trails. From barefoot childhood adventures to breaking course records in some of the toughest mountain ultras in the world, her story is one of instinct, curiosity, and bold pivots. We dive into her transition from climbing to ultra-running, her science-driven approach to training, and how she’s navigated injury, competition, and recovery. Jazmine opens up about what it means to live “without compromise” as both an athlete and a scientist, sharing lessons from the mountains, the lab, and her coaching practice. She reflects on her breakout season, the power of self-coaching, and how her love of wild places fuels not only her athletic pursuits but her environmental ethos. Whether you’re chasing your next race or just looking to reconnect with what moves you, this episode offers a thoughtful, grounded conversation on balance, grit, and doing things differently.

In this episode of Without Compromise, we sit down with elite mountain runner and endurance athlete Tyler Andrews to unpack his bold attempt to set a speed record on Mount Everest. From hallucinations at 8,400 meters to boot failures and brutal weather windows, Tyler brings us deep into the mental and physical demands of chasing FKTs at the highest altitudes on Earth. He reflects on what went right, what went wrong, and why he’s still hungry for more. We also explore the mindset that drives him to live without compromise—whether he's racing up volcanoes, running hundreds of miles, or planning his next summit push. Find out more about Athletic Brewing at athleticbrewing.com Watch Athletic Brewing's FKT documentary, Journey to 100, here.