Nelly's Magic Moments Podcast

From being a nervous beginner to competing on the international stage, 14-year-old surf prodigy Isla Hardy opens up in this laid-back, inspiring chat. She opens up on the podcast about how she went from crying on tiny waves and getting physically sick from nerves to landing airs at major events like Stab High in Japan—all with a calm confidence way beyond her years.

What makes Isla really stand out isn’t just how quickly she’s progressing, but her attitude. She keeps things real when it comes to competition and failure, and shares her simple but powerf...

Surf's up in this thrilling episode featuring the incredibly talented Ryan "Chachi" Craig, a Santa Cruz native who's made a name for himself in the world of surf photography. Chachi shares his journey from his unconventional beginnings to becoming a renowned figure in capturing the vibrant essence of surf culture. Our friendship and professional collaboration form the backdrop to this engaging discussion, where we explore how diverse photographic styles can beautifully complement one another. Listeners will gain insights into Chachi's unique approach to photography, particularly in the realms of lifestyle and portraiture.

Photography enthusiasts are in for...

Meeting Zeke was one of those moments that just clicked—like dropping into the perfect wave out of nowhere. In this episode, we look back on our shared journey from laid-back beach days in La Jolla to some seriously heavy sessions on the North Shore of Oahu. We talk about everything from Zeke’s insane bomb drops to that one sunrise surf that turned into an iconic poster moment. He opens up about his roots, and how growing up between La Jolla and Santa Cruz shaped his wild ride through the surf world.

But this story goes deep...

When waves meet music and friendship, magic happens. This week on Nelly's Magic Moments Podcast, we welcome Landon, a long-time friend and the mastermind behind the unforgettable North Shore concert on Waihuana Farms. We explore the vibrant North Shore of Oahu, where Landon's vision for the "Canoeing Fest" is set to revive the music scene. But it all started with a celebration of his win at the Eddie. His passion for the arts and community spirit shines through as he shares his journey of bringing together bands like Kanaka Fire and Music and Rhythm, all in the name of...

Ever wondered what it’s like to ride monster waves on Hawaii’s North Shore with some of the best surfers out there? Well, you’re in for a treat! In this episode, we’re hanging out with Mikey Bruneau—an epic surfer and all-around great guy—who takes us on a wild ride through his journey from growing up on the Big Island to tackling the legendary Pipeline.

Mikey shares what it was like surfing with childhood friends like CJ Kanuha and learning from the legendary Shane Dorian. We dive into the deep connection Hawaiian surfers have with th...

Ready for an inspiring dive into the creative flow? In this episode of Nelly’s Magic Moments, we’re joined by the brilliant Maia Negre, an artist whose ocean-inspired masterpieces capture the rhythm and soul of nature. From her early days of mentorship at 12 to becoming a celebrated artist in Santa Cruz, Maia shares her incredible journey of growth and transformation.

We explore the magic of community festivals like the Art and Wine Festival, a true celebration of connection in today’s digital age. Maia opens up about how art, collaboration, and a mindful approach to life have s...

Get ready for an electrifying ride as we sit down with legendary big-wave surfer Alo Slebir, known for fearlessly charging the monstrous waves at Mavericks. In this episode, Alo opens up about the impact of climate change on the world’s most iconic surf breaks, reflecting on shifting weather patterns, rising ocean temperatures, and their effect on wave conditions and coastal erosion.

We dive into the thrill and danger of California’s dynamic geography, from riding towering waves to living on the fault lines that shape the coastline. Nelly & Alo share wild...

Geoff Weers and Adam Patterson of The Expendables join us for an exciting walk down memory lane as we celebrate their remarkable 25-year journey from childhood friends in Santa Cruz to reggae-rock icons. We were curious as to how this band's unique sound came to be, and our guests captivated us with tales of their spontaneous creativity and the casual jam sessions that laid the foundation for their musical style. Whether sharing stories of early gigs at the Santa Cruz Surf Shop or reflecting on the dynamic shifts in the music industry, Geoff and Adam provide a heartfelt glimpse...

Imagine catching a massive wave that lands you in the Guinness Book of World Records. That's the life of Shawn Dollar, who shares his incredible journey from a young surfer to a big wave legend. With accolades like the XXL Awards, Shawn recounts the heart-pounding moments of riding giants at Mavericks and the remote Cortes Bank, detailing the thrill and anxiety charging monster waves. But this isn't just a tale of adrenaline; Shawn opens up about the internal tug-of-war between his passion for surfing and the responsibilities that come with it.

We navigate the highs and lows...

What if one person could truly embody the spirit of a community? Join us as we celebrate the life and legacy of Santa Cruz legend Shawn "Barney" Barron, a surfer whose presence was as vibrant and lively as the waves he rode. With guests like renowned surf filmmaker Josh Pomer and multi-talented artist and musician Jason “Willz” Williams, we reflect on Barney's infectious energy and his unique ability to make everyone feel at home in their own skin. Discover how Pomer’s heartfelt film "Particle Fever" captures Barney's essence and the joy he brought to the surf community.

We...

This week, we had an unforgettable conversation with Zoe Chait, an incredible surfer (and a bit of a reluctant musician). Her journey takes us from the stunning waves of Half Moon Bay to the incredible atmosphere of Kelly Slater's Wave Pool. Through her storytelling, Zoe paints a vivid picture of the connections formed in the surfing world and the thrill of conquering Mavericks. Her experiences showcase the beauty of pursuing different passions and how they all blend in her adventurous life.

We delved into Zoe's background, from growing up with Broadway actor parents to her pivotal decision...

How does a young surfer from Santa Cruz rise to become a shining star in the world of surfing? Jackson Taylor's journey from being influenced by his dad's impressive backhand technique to experimenting with cutting-edge boards by Bobby Ledesma and Lost speaks volumes of his dedication and passion. This episode unpacks Jackson's story, his inspirations, and his insights into the next wave of talent, including Julian Trang, Otter Punch (Kai), and Brody Price, showcasing the relentless pursuit of excellence within the Santa Cruz surfing community.

In celebrating the vibrant culture of surfing and the invaluable bond between...

What does it take to become one of the world's best power surfers and a true ambassador of Aloha? Join us as we embark on an inspiring journey with Pancho Sullivan, whose life story begins at Taylor Camp, a unique hippie commune in Kauai, and leads us to the powerful waves of the North Shore of Oahu. Pancho and his longtime friend Nelly share heartfelt stories from their 30-year bond, reflecting on the deep sense of Ohana (family) that has shaped their lives. From personal relationships built through surfing to the full-circle moments of living in the same places...