Podcast Summary: Office Ladies – "An Interview with Tony Hawk"

Release Date: July 9, 2025

Introduction to the Episode

In this special episode of Office Ladies, hosts Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey welcome a remarkable guest, skateboarding legend Tony Hawk. Known for his groundbreaking contributions to the sport and his entrepreneurial ventures, Tony brings a wealth of experience and stories to the conversation. This episode delves deep into Tony's life, his unexpected fandom of The Office, and the intersections between his skateboarding career and the beloved TV show.

Meet Tony Hawk

Tony Hawk is not just a name synonymous with skateboarding; he's a pioneer who began his professional skating career at the age of 14. Over four decades, Tony has not only perfected numerous tricks but also expanded his influence through ventures like Birdhouse Skateboards, Hawk Clothing, and the iconic Tony Hawk's Pro Skater video game series. Beyond his commercial successes, Tony is the founder of the nonprofit Skatepark Project, dedicated to building safe and inclusive public skate parks in underserved communities.

Jenna Fischer highlights Tony's entrepreneurial spirit:
"He is still skateboarding today and is a successful entrepreneur in the skateboarding industry." [03:19]

The Interview Begins

Tony’s Connection to The Office

Surprisingly, Tony Hawk is an avid fan of The Office. The hosts reveal how Tony's admiration for the show led him to be a guest on their podcast. This mutual appreciation sets a friendly and engaging tone for the interview.

Tony Hawk shares his viewing experience:
"I watched it from day one... It was a really special time to share with my daughter." [12:00]

Skateboarding Career Insights

Tony delves into his illustrious career, discussing the challenges and triumphs that have defined his journey. He recounts the development of legendary tricks, including the Ollie 540, which he considers his personal favorite due to its technical complexity and impact on the sport.

Tony Hawk explains the significance of the Ollie 540:
"I learned how to do an Ollie 540... I feel like it unlocked a new direction and a new way to keep your board on your feet." [38:09]

Personal Stories and Inspirations

Reflecting on his early days, Tony shares heartfelt memories, including his relationship with his father, who was instrumental in organizing skateboarding events in the 1980s. He also pays tribute to unsung heroes like David Z and Eddie Algara, whose innovations influenced his skating style and philosophy.

Tony Hawk honors his influences:
"David Z was the first person we ever saw truly fly high with ease and style... Eddie Algara was the most innovative skater when I was coming up." [45:28]

The Office Ladies Quiz Segment

Adding a fun twist, Jenna and Angela engage Tony in an Office-themed quiz. The segment highlights their shared love for the show and showcases Tony's impressive knowledge of its episodes.

Angela Kinsey enthusiastically comments:
"That was a hard quiz, Cassie." [32:17]

Deeper Dive into Skateboarding Culture

The conversation transitions to the broader aspects of skateboarding culture. Tony emphasizes the sport's inclusivity and the valuable life skills it imparts, such as discipline, problem-solving, and embracing failure. He contrasts mainstream misconceptions with the supportive community that truly defines skateboarding.

Tony Hawk on skateboarding's true essence:
"Skateboarding teaches you so much about how to solve problems, how to be self-motivated... It makes it a great equalizer." [54:18]

Skatepark Project and Philanthropy

Tony discusses his philanthropic efforts through the Skatepark Project, which has successfully funded over 600 skate parks worldwide, including one in his hometown of St. Louis. He shares stories of the positive impact these parks have on communities and aspiring skaters.

Jenna Fischer praises Tony's initiatives:
"It's really cool that through your foundation you have the Skatepark Project where you have helped fund something like over 600 skate parks around the world." [56:27]

Reflections on Fame and The Office’s Legacy

As the interview nears its end, Tony reflects on his enduring legacy and his unique relationship with The Office. He appreciates how the show remains a cultural staple and engages with fans across generations.

Jenna Fischer muses on shared moments:
"When you orchestrated that trick, it reminded me of the night Steve Carell won the Golden Globe... It felt like you won it for everybody." [43:04]

Conclusion

Jenna and Angela close the episode by expressing their gratitude to Tony Hawk for his inspiring stories and for sharing his deep connection to The Office. They also highlight upcoming features, such as the new Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 and 4 video game releasing on July 11th.

Jenna Fischer wraps up with enthusiasm:
"Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 and 4 is out July 11th. You gotta grab it." [69:25]

This episode seamlessly blends the worlds of television and skateboarding, offering listeners an engaging and insightful look into Tony Hawk's life and his unexpected fandom of The Office. Whether you're a fan of the show, a skateboarding enthusiast, or both, this interview provides a rich tapestry of stories, wisdom, and behind-the-scenes anecdotes.

Notable Quotes:

• Jenna Fischer: "He's the most famous skateboarder. Of course." [03:05]
• Angela Kinsey: "That's simplisafe.com officeladies. There's no safe like simplisafe." [34:52]
• Tony Hawk: "Skateboarding is this really supportive community... Everyone just loves doing it and being part of the scene." [42:08]
• Angela Kinsey: "I think that's so relatable for us, because all we want to do is create, you know, that's like, what makes us happy." [49:15]
• Tony Hawk: "Discipline... it's like, you know, you just gotta get up and try and keep trying and getting up and persistence." [58:01]

Key Takeaways:

• Tony Hawk's Multifaceted Career: From mastering difficult tricks to building successful businesses and philanthropic projects, Tony exemplifies dedication and innovation.

• Intersection of Fandom and Personal History: Tony’s love for The Office adds a personal dimension to the interview, showcasing how pop culture can bridge diverse worlds.

• Resilience and Adaptation: Tony's stories about overcoming injuries and career downturns highlight the importance of resilience and adapting to change—lessons applicable beyond skateboarding.

• Community and Inclusivity in Skateboarding: The interview underscores skateboarding’s role in fostering a supportive and inclusive community, countering mainstream stereotypes.

This episode of Office Ladies serves as a compelling blend of celebrity interview and passionate discussion about a beloved TV show and a legendary athlete's life, making it a must-listen for fans of both.