Behind The Bars Action Sports Podcast

Josh Hannah is a fascinating individual. Still only in his mid 30's, he has lived 2 very different careers, the first one as a Freestyle Motocross Professional Rider, and his current exploits as the Promoter of one of the biggest action sports tours on the planet, Freestyle Kings Live. Growing up in Western Sydney, Josh was Influenced firstly by his Dad, who ignited the love and passion for dirtbikes that you see today.Josh's grit, determination and relentless hard work resulted in him creating the Freestyle Kings brand, which started humbly in his family's backyard in the mid 2010's, before turning in to what you see today, an action sports tour that has been all over the world, and entertained hundreds of thousands of people. Maybe millions.Whilst Josh is a notoriously private person, this is a fascinating insight in to a mind that doesn't stop. His passion for the action sports space is second to none. The fact that he gets to share this with his family, friends and his wife is something really special.We are all better for knowing, and for working with Josh. He is a one of a kind individual.Ladies and gentlemen, Mr Josh HannahTakeawaysPassion for Dirt BikesEntrepreneurial SpiritTransition to Freestyle MotocrossInception of Freestyle Kings Brand building and business development in the FMX industryNavigating challenges in international marketsThe challenges and successes of event promotion. Evolution of a PromoterPride in Sharing SuccessImpact of FatherhoodChaptersThe FMX journey begins 07:53The Journey into Professional Freestyle Motocross 13:08Learning to Flip and Overcoming Challenges 15:28Aussie FMX Scene in the 2010's 22:48The Birth of Freestyle Kings 24:14Building the Freestyle Kings brand 27:34Breaking into the Chinese Market 31:56Navigating Business Challenges in China 34:29Transitioning from Rider to Businessman 40:09From Qudos Bank Arena to New Opportunities 49:03Reflections on the Impact of COVID 53:41Freestyle Kings Live 2.0 01:04:11

In true Lance Russell style, he credits everyone around him, but himself, for the dirtbike career he has had to date. If you looked up gratitude or humility in the dictionary, chances are there is a photo of Lance next to these words. But once the helmet and goggles go on, he transforms in to someone else. That someone else is a wild man on a dirtbike, and he shares some amazing insights in the do's and dont's for aspiring professional athletes.Lance is a student of the sport, and having been a fan first in the early 2000's there is not too much that he doesn't know about the industry. Some of the names and stories he tells of the pro riders that came before him will warm the heart, from Steve Mini to Travis Pastrana to Robbie Maddison, to name but a few. He credits Australian FMX OG Jason Tranter as his mentor and the reason he is the rider he is today, and Lance is paying it forward with his mentorship of one of the brightest young stars in the world of FMX, Ry Davis.Freestyle Kings and Family are recurring topics throughout the episode, and if you know the Russell family, you will appreciate this greatly.FMX has given Lance so much, but it has also taken friends from him, and given him more nights in hospital than he can remember. This is an important conversation as he gives an insight in a few things he would've done differently over the course of his career.A social media wizard away from the dirtbike, Lance's hobbies away from FMX don't exactly scream bad man on a bike, but that's what makes Lance great. He has broken the stereotype of the FMX athlete, and we are all richer for having him in our lives.Ladies and gentlemen, the Lance Russell episodeChapters01:25 Early Influences and Passion for Riding11:20 Transition from racing to FMX19:18 The influence of early FMX riders26:47 Lance's first paid riding gig33:41 The rise of Freestyle Kings37:55 Accidents and their impact39:00 Behind the Scenes at Nitro Circus and Mental Preparation47:19 Remembering Tyrone Gilks01:01:55 Navigating COVID01:07:29 Evolution of Freestyle Kings01:13:18 Mentorship and the bond with Ry Davis01:25:40 Mental and Physical Toll of Injuries01:36:03 Generosity of Robbie Maddison & Travis Pastrana01:41:57 Life after dirtbikes01:44:35 Rapid fire questions

When its all said and done, Clint Moore will have one of the greatest careers in FMX contest history. His 2015 Red Bull X Fighters World Championship sits proudly in his trophy room, but his insight in to what got him to that point is fascinating.One of the most liked and well respected athletes, on and off the dirt bike, Clint became a man possessed when it came to the contest scene.Debuting professionally on the 2010 Nitro Circus tour, he is still one of the best riders on the planet in 2026, plying his trade on the Freestyle Kings Tour.His battle with the 720, is stuff of legend, and after a 13 year battle he conquered it.Body varials, double flips, quarter pipe flairs also sit on his trick list, which elevated him to the top of the pile in 2015, as the best FMXer on the planet.A humble kid from the regional city of Bundaberg in Queensland, Clint gives you such a great insight into the mind of a professional athlete, the balance of personal and professional life, and what it takes to become a world champion.ChaptersThe kid from Bundaberg Clint Moore 00:00The Rise to Professional Status 07:39The first steps into a professional career 10:22The Nitro Circus Breakthrough 12:48The Journey to X Games and Red Bull X Fighters 15:27The FMX body varial 18:00Cracking into X fighters and X Games 20:49Achievements and Recognition in the Sport 23:25The Evolution of Freestyle Motocross Competitions 26:03The Legacy of Red Bull X Fighters 28:28Reflections on the X Fighters Experience 31:20The Hard Landing: Crashes and Consequences 38:37The Evolution of X Games and FMX contests 39:46First Bronze: The Breakthrough Moment 40:44Balancing Family and Fame: A Tough Decision 42:11The Shift: From Touring to Contests 44:12The Struggles of a Touring Athlete 45:27The Reality of Life on Tour 48:11The Transition: From Nitro Circus to New Ventures 50:02The contest scene gets wild 52:39Finding New Paths: Earthworks and Beyond 01:00:08The 720 01:02:42The Auckland Show: A Disastrous Return 01:07:26Navigating Injury and Recovery 01:09:12The comeback 2024 01:13:40The Pressure of Competition vs. Live Shows 01:14:43The Journey to the 720 01:19:24Achieving the Impossible: The 720 Completion 01:34:37

Trevor Brooks is one of the most well known and respected voices of the live moto events industry. Behind the scenes, he is as famous as people come. A humble kid from Ballarat, how did he become the mad ramp and dirt scientist?? Hopefully this gives you an insight into his big brain and even bigger heart. He is one of the greatest humans i've ever met, and hopefully this gives you a better appreciation for "Captain Grumpy". The man, Trevor Brooks.The conversation delves into Trevor Brooks' journey from growing up in Regional Victoria, and falling in love with dirtbikes as a kid before going on a succesful motocross racing career, before transitioning to work in live event space, highlighting his dedication, work ethic, and transition into the live event industry.It also explores his involvement in Crusty Demons as that tour was created, the challenges faced, and the support and friendship shared among the team members. The discussion emphasizes the balance between work and family, as well as the respect for venues and groundsmen in the live event industry. The conversation delves into the unwavering support of Brooksy during tough times, the challenges and triumphs of Nitro Circus, and the unique lifestyle of the track crew on the tour buses.It highlights resilience, leadership, and the balance between hard work and play. The conversation delves into the legacy of leadership, emphasizing the impact of leadership on team members, loyalty, and the influence of a leader's character and values. It also explores the enduring bond of friendship, the influence of a mentor, and shared experiences and memories. Additionally, it highlights the passion for dirt bikes and racing, professional and personal growth in the industry, and the enduring love for the sport.The conversation delves into the legacy of Trevor Brooks, the impact of he and Craig Dack had on each other, the rise and fall of SuperX, the evolution of FMX, and the behind-the-scenes of Nitro Circus. It provides insights into the personalities, challenges, and achievements within the moto and live events industry. The conversation delves into the challenges of building and managing tracks, dealing with non-English speaking venues, and problem-solving in crisis situations. It also highlights the legacy of Trevor Brooks and the impact of airbags on the sport. The conversation delves into the legendary journey of Trevor Brooks, his unique experiences and adventures, and a heartfelt tribute to his life and achievements. It also explores the art of crafting dirt and the significance of this skill in Trevor's life.This episode also features Blake Bilko Williams, Quirky and Neil Kerr, who all share some amazing stories and insight into Trevor Brooks.Party hard. Work harder. If you're not having fun, then why are you doing it.Brooksy is the man.00:00 Trevor Brooks growing up07:30 Transitioning from racer to working live events10:36 Family16:30 From Supercross into Crusty Demons20:54 Neil Kerr and Quirky join the episode38:35 How a goat almost took down the Crusty Demons Tour46:24 The early years of Nitro Circus Live touring49:37 What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas01:12:10 Craig Dack joins to talk about Brooksy01:38:13 Bilko joins to talk about the influence Brooksy has had on FMX02:14:20 Listner Q & A02:20:11 Photo Q & A | Brooksy through the years

The conversation delves into the life and journey of Josh Wood, a man whose life was forever changed by a catastrophic snowboard accident. It explores the impact of the accident on Josh, his family, and the fight for recovery. With special guest appearances from Robbie Maddison, Mitch Tripney and Josh's 10 year old son AJ, the hero of this episode is the incredible Kay, Josh's Mum. We all know we would go to the end of the world to protect our children, but Kay lived it. Her relentless drive and will to find a cure for Josh's spinal cord injury showed no bounds, emotionally, physically and financially. Her inspiration on what parenting looks like, needs to be heard.The conversation delves into the incredible journey of resilience, healing, and the power of support in the face of adversity. It explores the spiritual and alternative medicine aspects of recovery, the role of family and friends, and the transformative impact of a mother's love. The story of walking across America and the spiritual journey of recovery are highlighted, showcasing the importance of mind, body, and spirit in the healing process. The conversation delves into Woody's roots in the moto industry, his role in helping others overcome career-ending injuries, the power of mindset and mental health, and the impact of Josh's son AJ on his journey. The conversation delves into the themes of friendship, support, and unity in the face of adversity. It highlights the power of camaraderie and the strength of brotherhood in challenging times, emphasizing the bond of compassion and resilience. Josh's roots run deep in the moto industry, and that is highlighted by his friendship with Robbie Maddison and Seth Enslow, two of the biggest names in the sport of FMX.TakeawaysResilience in the face of adversityThe power of family support Resilience and determination are powerful forces in overcoming adversity.The journey of recovery is holistic, encompassing mind, body, and spirit.The unwavering support of family and friends is instrumental in the healing process. Resilience in the face of career-ending injuriesThe transformative power of mindset and mental health The importance of friendship and support in overcoming adversityThe strength of unity and camaraderie in challenging circumstancesChapters00:00 The Journey of Josh Wood06:07 The Accident and Its Aftermath17:45 The Impact on Josh's Family35:32 The Fight for Recovery48:04 The Power of Resilience53:24 Spiritual and Alternative Medicine01:00:07 A Mother's Love01:07:04 Walking Across America01:13:03 The Role of Family and Friends01:20:38 Woody's Roots in the Moto Industry01:43:01 AJ's Journey and the Impact of Josh Wood01:54:22 Connecting Through Shared Experiences02:00:14 Brotherhood and Unity02:05:22 Camaraderie and Compassion02:11:14 Camaraderie and Resilience

Jett Anderson (FMX) and Harley Allen (BMX), are two of the good time leaders on the Freestyle Kings Live tour. From the outside looking in, it would be easy to think they just party around the world, but in reality, there is a lot more to these two guys, and it's really rad to see them talk about their lives, their wins, their struggles, and their friendship, so openly. Real humans. Real good men. Real good at fun.These guys know the risks, they still take them, but they are not loose units, they are calculated, measured, and well rehearsed.The conversation delves into the journey of the Freestyle Kings, covering the early years of Jett's motocross journey, the transition to freestyle motocross, the impact of COVID-19 on their careers, and the importance of balancing work and passion. It also highlights the significance of having access to a compound (Jett at home & Harley at RWillyland) to improve their riding. The conversation delves into their early impressions of each other and their previous action sports tours, before becoming part of the Freestyle Kings family. It also explores life on tour, dealing with injuries, and the calculated risks and team dynamics involved in extreme sports. The conversation delves into the mental preparation and fear management in extreme sports, highlighting the importance of safety and the impact of loss on mental health. It also explores the balance between having fun and delivering a high-performance show, as well as the process of locking in for tricks during a performance. The conversation delves into the mental preparation and focus required for extreme sports, the importance of support and camaraderie within the community, personal development and growth, and the experiences of touring and life on the road.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Freestyle Kings08:21 The Nitro Circus Tour22:50 Balancing Work and Passion31:45 The Journey Begins38:26 Life on Tour and Injuries49:53 Calculated Risks and Team Dynamics55:04 Safety in Action Sports01:04:47 Balancing Fun and Performance01:16:41 Locking in for Tricks01:28:40 Touring and Life on the Road

The conversation covers Bilko's journey through the world of action sports, from his early days in supercross to his experiences on the Crusty Demons and Nitro Circus Tours.It delves into the challenges, triumphs, and friendships that have shaped his career, as well as the resilience required to overcome injuries, setbacks and the tragic loss of multiple friends in the FMX world.The conversation covers Bilko's journey from BMX, to Supercross and then eventually rising to the peak of the FMX world, becoming the first international to beat the American's at X-Games. his experiences with tours and competitions, and the challenges he faced due to injuries. It also delves into the culture of freestyle motocross and the transition from racing to freestyle.The conversation covers a range of topics including sponsorship, X Games, injuries, and the bond between friends.Cameo appearances in this episode are 4 of Blake's great friends, Robbie Maddison, Top Dog, Trevor Brooks and Matty Morris. They all share a story about Bilko, and then a story about Blake.It also delves into the unique personalities and relationships within the community, showcasing the bond and respect among the riders and their mentors. The conversation covers various themes including tour experiences, accountability, travel antics, and the transition from FMX to other career paths. It also delves into the role of friends and security in the FMX industry, as well as the challenges and pride associated with retirement.This is part 1 of 2, which hopefully gives listeners an insight into the man behind Bilko, my great friend, Blake.Chapters00:00 The Early Years and Adversity06:28 Exploring Four-Wheel Racing and Commentary22:35 The Journey in Freestyle Motocross29:24 Impact of Freestyle Motocross Culture43:57 The Bond of Friendship and Support53:30 Robbie Maddison drops in01:12:00 Bilko's roomate Hippie drops by to talk LEGO01:19:03 Trevor Brooks01:32:00 Top Dog and Nitro Circus antics01:43:00 Matty Morris security guard for Dennis01:56:36 The Crusty Demons vs Nitro Circus decision02:06:00 The Pastrana and Bilko friendship02:08:00 Remembering Jayo Archer

Jason Taylor AKA J.T, his face might not be instantly recognizable, but his voice, you can't have lived in the freestyle motocross world without hearing his sweet dulcet tones. He currently is one half of the voice of Freestyle Kings Live as the show host with Kenny Bell, but his roots in the moto world started way back in the 1990's.This episode is an incrediblly nostalgic trip down memory lane, in the era before social media and camera phones. Slowly fading memories, but JT's story telling ability is like no other. No surprise considering he is professional talker for a living.From running one of the first pit bike live show teams in the world to working on the Crusty Demons tour behind the scenes, Showtime FMX and his current role with Freestyle Kings Live, JT has lost count of how many shows he has done.An expert story teller, with a massive heart. Those that have crossed his path over time, are richer for that experience.Mr J.T ladies and gentlemenChapters00:00 JT's Journey in the Moto World06:37 The Rise of FMX and Crusty Demons27:09 Becoming an MC and Host34:30 The Art of Showmanship41:02 The Crusty Demons Rebirth50:27 The Future of Action Sports01:05:46 The Risk of Extreme Sports01:11:15 International Adventures01:17:35 Relaxation and Unwinding01:27:05 Mental Health and Personal Journeys01:32:25 The Freestyle Kings Live Show Experience

From the outside looking in, it is easy to think that Jed Mildon became an overnight success story after landing the world first BMX triple flip in his hometown of Taupo, New Zealand in 2011. In reality, he had been plying his BMX trade for 10 years before that, including his first competition win at age 15.The triple flip changed his career trajectory, but you only need to listen to him talk on this episode to understand that he was always destined for greatness. His dream big attitude towards life has helped him become a legend of the BMX sport, which culminated in another world's first, one that might not be repeated, the quadruple BMX flip in 2015.Don't let the personal records fool you though, this gentle giant gets just as much joy on helping others succeed, and through his work at the world famous Franklin Farm, he is determined to produce the next batch of Kiwi action sports stars, in the hope of winning an Olympic Medal.An incredibly deep thinker, you can't help but listen whenever he talks. One of the nicest, most humblest humans in the world of action sports, you will definitely get something out of this episode.Jed Mildon.

Mitch Tripney might just be the most inspiring human being you have never heard of, before listening to this episode.A dirtbike accident at the age of 9 was meant to be the end. In a coma, there wasn't much hope, but he bucked medical diagnosis and learnt to walk again. Having a tough time at school post accident, he credits the Crusty Demons VHS/DVD series as saving his life, and creating a passion for freestyle motocross, that burns brighter today then it ever has.That passion led to him having an FMX career locally in Australia. Retiring from the sport after achieving his dream of completing the backflip, he dusted off the FMX boots one last time to ride in front of his 10 week old son. That one last ride ended in a broken back, and another recovery and defying the diagnosis of doctors, and once again, having to learn how to walk again.Mitch has every right to hate dirtbikes, but he doesn't. He loves them. He embodies what positive thinking and its power is. He doesn't want or need anyone's sympathy. You can't listen to Mitch's story and not be inspired. The only thing he loves more than dirtbike's is his family, who have played the most important role in his recovery from his 2023 accident.Mitch also grills Browny on the Crusty Demons tour, and its a fun trip down memory lane for this host.Getting to know Mitch over the last few years has helped me become a better person. His story, his recovery and how he talks about his wonderful partner and kids resonates with you like few things have. Don't take life for granted, it can change in a split second. But as Mitch tells the story, its not the change that is the problem, its how you react to it that turns it into a problem, or a blessing.Mitch Tripney ladies and gentlemen

The pilot episode introducing myself and my podcast. A look behind the curtain of the action sports industry