Ryan Schmies is one of the most talented illustrators in action sports and his game changing ski art singlehandedly helped change the look and feel of skiing in the early 2000's. While he's best known for dark graphics like the Hellbent and Public Enemy franchises that he created during his 15 years at K2 Skis, in recent years Schmies' artistical talents have been showcased by brands like J Skis, Smith Optics, REI, Ikon Pass, and more. On the podcast we talk about coming up in Wisconsin, art, High North Ski Camp, athletes, and life in the ski industry. Members of the Cascade Posse attempt to ask the Inappropriate Questions.

Ryan Schmies Show Notes:

4:00: Satanfinger, broken face, Wisconsin, skiing, and High North Camp

25:00: Elan Skis: Over 75 years of innovation that makes you better.

26:00: Shane Szocs, rooming with McConkey, art, learning tricks the old fashioned way, college and K2

42:30: Outdoor Research: The best is designed and tested in the brutal conditons of the PNW and beyond

44:00: Illustrating, athletes, China,

63:00: Inappropriate Questions with Andy Harris, Duane, and Travis Groves

Josh Berman was an Ivy Leaguer on his way to becoming a professional skier when a catastrophic knee injury derailed his chances of becoming pro. But Josh's passion for skiing was as strong as ever and pre-surgery, Josh strapped up his leg, headed up the mountain and went out and shot for his first Level 1 Production. What was supposed to be a 3-year adventure in filmmaking turned into an award-winning 25+ year career in snow. It's one of those episodes that I had to record, for historical purposes, before I end the Movement. Freedle Cody asks the Inappropriate Questions.

Josh Berman Show Notes:

4:00: Warren Miller, ghosts, Hibbert, and favorite athletes

25:00: Elan Skis: Over 75 years of innovation that makes you better.

26:00: Overachiever in HS, Dartmouth, Internship through connections, going from wanting to be a Dr. to a filmmaker, new school skiing, sponsorship, and knee injury

42:30: Outdoor Research: The best is designed and tested in the brutal conditions of the PNW and beyond

44:00: Starting Level 1 on 1 leg, jobs to pay for ski movies, getting footage early on, distribution, Super Unknown, the interns, ending at 20, making a feature,

63:00: Inappropriate Questions with Freedle Cody

The Outside Days Festival is the crown jewel of what a festival should be in 2026. It is part industry summit, part independent film festival, part interactive brand activation hub, part park experience, and part incredible music festival all rolled up under the Outside umbrella. This event was so well done. I used the access I was granted to take in as much as I could--to give you a peek behind the curtain. I also got sound bites from 14 of the industry's greatest athletes and behind-the-scenes players, which makes for a fun episode.

Outside Days Show Notes:

7:00: Robin Thurston

9:30: Jermey Bloom

13:30: Connor Hall

19:00: Peter from Lincoln Hills Cares

22:00: Elan Skis: Over 75 years of innovation that makes you better.

23:00: Paddy O

26:00: James Kelly

31:00: Stix

33:00: Tricia Byrnes

35:00: Cairo Foster

38:15: Andrew Cotty

40:30: Outdoor Research: The best is designed and tested in the brutal conditions of the PNW and beyond

42:00: Sierra Shafer

45:00: Chris Benchetler

47:00: Jeremy Jones

49:00: Amie Engerbretson