Podcast Summary: The Wayback #57 | Jason Ellis

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Wayback with Ryan Sickler
• Host: Ryan Sickler
• Guest: Jason Ellis
• Release Date: January 30, 2025

Overview: In episode #57 of "The Wayback with Ryan Sickler," host Ryan Sickler engages in a nostalgic and lively conversation with guest Jason Ellis. The episode delves into Jason's upbringing in Australia, his adventurous youth, experiences with wildlife, early forays into sports, and his journey to becoming a professional skateboarder. Filled with humor, heartfelt moments, and intriguing stories, this episode offers listeners a comprehensive look into Jason's life and the cultural backdrop of Australia.

1. Introduction and Guest Welcome (02:03 - 02:45)

Ryan Sickler opens the episode by expressing gratitude to the audience for their support and enthusiasm for the show. He introduces Jason Ellis as a first-time guest, highlighting the show's commitment to exploring guests' pasts through social media, old photos, and personal anecdotes.

Notable Quote:

• Ryan Sickler [02:35]: "This show is so much fun. I've been loving doing this."

2. Jason Ellis’s Promotional Segment (02:09 - 02:35)

Jason Ellis promotes his upcoming tour dates and his presence on YouTube with Father Grind, emphasizing his role as a skateboarding coach for adults. He humorously claims superiority over Tony Hawk in coaching older skateboarders.

Notable Quotes:

• Jason Ellis [02:09]: "Tour dates are thejasonellis.com. Go on there and wherever I'm going, you'll see it and get a ticket. I'm killing it. Come out."
• Jason Ellis [02:27]: "I'll get you shredding. I'm the greatest older skateboarder coach in the world. Better than Tony Hawk. We've argued about it, and I won."

3. Growing Up in Australia: Cars and Competitions (03:43 - 05:59)

Jason shares stories about his father's passion for panel vans and car competitions in Australia. He reminisces about unique car modifications, such as his father's custom grill and integrated TV, and discusses the car culture rivalry between Holden and Ford, drawing parallels to the American Shelby vs. Mustang rivalry.

Notable Quotes:

• Jason Ellis [04:25]: "Our arguments were Holden versus Ford."
• Ryan Sickler [04:34]: "Are these Holdings?"
• Jason Ellis [04:53]: "That's our Shelby."

4. Wildlife Encounters: Kangaroos vs. Deer (05:11 - 10:09)

The conversation shifts to wildlife, comparing Australia's kangaroos to America's deer. Jason recounts a thrilling incident while dirt biking in the Australian bush, where he unexpectedly encountered a large mob of kangaroos. The encounter resulted in a chaotic and dangerous situation, highlighting the unpredictability of Australian wildlife.

Notable Quotes:

• Jason Ellis [08:50]: "A mob of kangaroos came. I'm like, dude, I don't know, maybe 10, 11, you know."
• Jason Ellis [09:36]: "They don't like you either. Trust me."
• Jason Ellis [09:57]: "My bike is loud. And they came flying out of the bushes, into me because it was so many of them."

5. Traumatic Experiences: Canoeing Mishap (15:12 - 20:57)

Jason delves into a harrowing memory of a canoeing trip with his father and friends. Under the influence of alcohol, the group's lack of preparedness leads to a life-threatening situation where Jason's brother's car is vandalized, and Jason narrowly escapes drowning after the canoe is ripped apart by strong currents. This story underscores the perils of youthful adventures gone awry.

Notable Quotes:

• Jason Ellis [18:45]: "The current rips the canoe in half."
• Jason Ellis [20:18]: "Everybody got caught up."
• Jason Ellis [20:57]: "That was the most traumatic part of it."

6. Dealing with Venomous Wildlife: Snakes and Spiders (21:05 - 24:52)

Jason discusses the dangers posed by Australia's venomous snakes, particularly the yellow-bellied black snake. He narrates an incident where he inadvertently killed a snake while riding a three-wheeler, highlighting the constant vigilance required in the Australian bush. Additionally, he shares a personal story about overcoming arachnophobia after a terrifying encounter with a huntsman spider.

Notable Quotes:

• Jason Ellis [21:37]: "A lot of these snakes, like the yellow belly black snake, it's super venomous."
• Jason Ellis [23:03]: "That's how I found out that a yellow belly black snake is venomous."
• Jason Ellis [23:17]: "That's where I got arachnophobia."

7. Childhood Mischief: Stealing Car Badges and Action Figures (24:16 - 25:15)

Reflecting on his youth, Jason admits to stealing car badges, particularly Mercedes-Benz emblems and He-Man action figures. He describes his methods and the consequences he faced, including getting caught and reprimanded by his mother's boyfriend, who was a lawyer. These stories illustrate Jason's rebellious side during his formative years.

Notable Quotes:

• Jason Ellis [24:25]: "I used to steal car badges. Got in trouble for that."
• Jason Ellis [25:11]: "I got caught. I had a pillowcase full of them underneath the bed."

8. Defending His Mother: A Stand at Eleven (25:15 - 29:03)

One of the most impactful stories Jason shares is about defending his mother from his mother's boyfriend at the age of eleven. Armed with homemade nunchucks, Jason intervenes during a violent altercation, showcasing his courage and protective instincts. This pivotal moment not only illustrates his sense of justice but also sheds light on his troubled home environment.

Notable Quotes:

• Jason Ellis [27:20]: "I grabbed my nunchucks and got him right in the forehead and dropped him to his knees."
• Ryan Sickler [28:37]: "Can you imagine being a grown ass man having to take an l from a 10-year-old's nunchuck?"

9. Sports and Athleticism: From Football to Skateboarding (29:03 - 32:59)

Jason transitions to discussing his involvement in Australian Rules Football and cricket during his youth, highlighting his athletic prowess and passion for competition. However, his true calling emerged with skateboarding. He narrates his experiences competing against legends like Tony Hawk and his eventual recognition as Australia's first professional skateboarder. This segment underscores Jason's dedication and the challenges he faced in pursuing his passion.

Notable Quotes:

• Jason Ellis [29:08]: "I put 100 in."
• Jason Ellis [30:54]: "I'm on the deck."
• Jason Ellis [31:41]: "I'm the first Australian born professional skateboarder."

10. Reflections and Personal Growth (32:32 - 33:42)

Towards the end of the episode, Jason reflects on his relationship with his father, who struggled to understand his skating career. He shares a humorous yet poignant exchange where his father mistakes his legitimate earnings from skateboarding for drug money. Jason also touches upon overcoming personal challenges, such as attempting to sell weed, which ultimately did not pan out.

Notable Quotes:

• Jason Ellis [32:37]: "What'd you think that I was doing?"
• Ryan Sickler [33:01]: "Jason Ellis, you're a gem, my man."
• Jason Ellis [33:24]: "Love me, people. That's all I want."

Conclusion: Episode #57 of "The Wayback with Ryan Sickler" offers an intimate and entertaining exploration of Jason Ellis's life, from his adventurous Australian upbringing and encounters with wildlife to his rebellious youth and rise in the skateboarding world. The episode balances humor with deep, personal stories, providing listeners with both laughter and moments of reflection.

Final Notable Quote:

• Jason Ellis [33:42]: "If you go to my show, I do take hugs. Thank you."

Stay Tuned: Ryan Sickler wraps up the episode with warm acknowledgments, promising more engaging conversations in future episodes.

Key Takeaways:

• Cultural Insights: The episode provides a glimpse into Australian car culture, wildlife, and sports, contrasting them with American counterparts.
• Personal Growth: Jason Ellis's stories reflect his journey from a rebellious youth to a dedicated professional skateboarder.
• Overcoming Fear: Jason's battle with arachnophobia and his courageous act to defend his mother highlight his resilience.
• Humor and Heart: The conversation seamlessly blends humorous anecdotes with heartfelt moments, making for an engaging listen.

For those interested in stories of adventure, personal growth, and the vibrant culture of Australia, this episode is a must-listen.