Chris and J Russ discuss various topics related to skydiving, including updates on the USPA board's decisions, the dynamics of the skydiving community, new coaching initiatives, and safety concerns surrounding tandem jumps. They also reflect on the concept of integrity within the sport and explore the use of technology, such as ChatGPT, in enhancing the skydiving experience.
Mike Swanson—legendary skydiver and Red Bull Air Force athlete—opens up about a life built around flight. From his roots in a skydiving family to mastering wingsuiting, speed riding, and BASE jumping, Mike shares the exhilaration and dangers of extreme sports. He reflects on the discipline required for safety, the challenges he’s faced along the way, and the joy that keeps him pushing the limits of human flight.
JRuss and Chris take listeners on a wide-ranging journey—from the energy of Rookie Fest and the challenges of running a safe, successful skydiving event to unexpected detours into culture, science, and philosophy. They reflect on the curious world of Scientology, share candid stories about health insurance, and swap book recommendations. The conversation then shifts to human evolution—exploring Neanderthal genes, the Great Leap Forward in intellect, and cultural ties across continents. Along the way, they dive into the moon’s role in life on Earth, the deep value of art, creativity’s link to mental health, and pressing questions about suffering, memory, and identity. The episode closes with provocative thoughts on AI and the future of human connection.
Chris and JRuss welcome Swati Varshney, a seasoned skydiver and one of the candidates for the Hera Rising mission, which aims to break the record for the highest altitude freefall. Swati shares her journey in skydiving, the engineering challenges of the Hera Rising project, and the importance of women's empowerment in STEM fields. The conversation also touches on the selection process for the mission, the training involved, and the current state of civil discourse in society.
Discover the awe-inspiring journey of Olav Zipser, the "Godfather of Freeflying." In this episode, we explore how Olav truly transformed skydiving because of three wonderful qualities: imagination, creativity and a child-like desire to have fun.
Join Chris, JRuss, and Kyle Barbour as they explore skydiving safety and emergency response, sharing vital tips for handling unexpected situations in the sky. This episode also dives into a candid discussion on the healthcare system, offering insights from emergency professionals. Equip yourself with knowledge that enhances both your aerial adventures and understanding of healthcare challenges.
In this episode of The Krāv Show, Chris and JRuss talk with skydiving coach Zach Vasnick about what it really takes to be an effective coach. From the importance of self-awareness to the power of asking better questions, Zach breaks down how coaching is evolving—and why it’s about more than just skills. A thoughtful look at growth, connection, and the future of the sport.
Chris and JRuss welcome Jason Peters, a seasoned skydiver with a rich history in the sport. Jason shares his journey from his first jump in 1991 to becoming a professional skydiver and coach. He discusses the evolution of skydiving equipment, his experiences with cutaways, and the importance of load organizers and coaching in the sport. The conversation also touches on the challenges of introducing new disciplines like MFS and the excitement surrounding upcoming skydiving events.
George shares his journey from law enforcement to becoming the owner of Firebird, a prominent skydiving gear manufacturer. He discusses the evolution of Firebird's products, emphasizing safety and innovation in skydiving gear. George also highlights the new EVO 2 container and the future of Firebird, encouraging listeners to enjoy skydiving for themselves and embrace the experience.
JRuss, Chris, and Tracy Holman discuss the intersection of technology and skydiving, particularly focusing on the use of AI in everyday life. Tracy shares her experiences as an event manager at Skydive Chicago, detailing the challenges and rewards of organizing skydiving events. The discussion also delves into the importance of canopy control and the growing popularity of flocking. Tracy highlights the evolution of Cloud Games, a remote skydiving competition, and reflects on the future of skydiving events and community engagement.
In this episode we dive into the fascinating world of movement jump programs with special guests Nicolas, Rodrigo, and Ana. Discover how these passionate skydivers are revolutionizing safety and progression in the sport by developing structured programs for movement jumps. Learn about the challenges they faced, the innovative solutions they've implemented, and how their programs are setting new standards for skydiving communities worldwide. Whether you're a seasoned skydiver or just curious about the sport, this episode offers valuable insights into the future of skydiving safety and education.
Another skydiving head down record! This time in beautiful Brazil. Join us for another episode of The Krāv Show: friends, skydiving, fun and great stories.
Join us as we dive into how 103 people broke a skydiving record in California! Watch as Chris, JRuss, and Matt Fry share their experience with head-down formations and breaking a state record.
In this engaging conversation, Matt Gagne shares his remarkable journey in skydiving, detailing his unexpected entry into the sport, the life-altering car accident that left him with a severe neck injury, and his long road to recovery. Matt's story is one of resilience, highlighting how he overcame adversity and continues to pursue his love for skydiving while maintaining a focus on health and longevity.
In this episode we discuss the evolving landscape of vertical world records in skydiving. We explore the changes in participation, the introduction of phase camps for training, and the lessons learned from past record attempts. We also talk about the “new” formation structure, expectations for participants and the plethora of financial demands when organizing a world record attempt.
Chris and JRuss have some fun with Frank Eloff. We talk about Franck’s background, how he got into skydiving and what it means to be current. Franck shares his journey to becoming an American citizen, discussing the challenges and triumphs of the immigration process. Franck also reflects on the importance of coaching and organizing in skydiving, highlighting that success comes from focusing on the students rather than personal accolades.
Chris and JRuss welcome Melissa Nelson, a third-generation skydiver with over 12,000 jumps. Melissa shares her journey in skydiving, her experiences as an instructor, and her dual career as a yoga instructor and author. She discusses the impact of her family legacy, her writing process, and her accomplishments in the sport. Melissa shares her groundbreaking journey as the first female meet director for a World Meet and her experiences in redefining the role to focus on competitors. She discusses the challenges of balancing safety and competitor needs, the evolution of the USPA board, and the importance of community representation.
In this episode of the Crave Show, host Chris J. Russ and guest Jesse Stahler discuss Jesse’s journey into skydiving, his time with the Golden Knights (U.S. Army's parachute team), and the personal challenges he faced along the way. They explore Jesse's background, his introduction to skydiving, and the camaraderie within the community. Jesse reflects on his growth in the sport, including his achievements in free flying and Vertical Formation Skydiving (VFS), and his multiple world championships.
We discuss psychedelics and spirituality, the valuable role of mistakes in learning, the telepathy tapes and effective coaching techniques and skill progression for sitflying.
This conversation delves into the three pillars of motivation—competence, autonomy, and relatedness—and how they contribute to personal development. We dig into the value of struggle and how struggle is the primary path to growth and improvement. Matt also highlights the significance of rites of passage for young men and the necessity of fostering an inner warrior in everyone.
