The Lunatic Fringe Podcast

First jump fears aside, both Brandon Johnson and Debi Brown took to skydiving pretty much from go, although from very different angles.  Brandon's military background would leave you to believe that it stemmed from that profession, but as it turned out, the military lifestyle was what was getting in the way, right up until it wasn't anymore. Debi Brown on the other hand was well and deeply entrenched on a course set toward the medical profession by her family, but it was a choice that hadn't been hers, and it wasn't one she was willing to commit to. To those outside the sport, walking away from either of the paths Debi and Brandon were on to jump from planes instead might seem like something only a Lunatic would do...       Both working now as professional skydivers and enjoying the direction they've chosen for themselves, they've aimed toward goals that may not be the "norm" their families were hoping for, but are ones that for them personally are vastly more rewarding. Check out this weeks edition and find out what pulled these two deep into the Lunatic Fringe.

Back in the can to talk all things nylon are Julien Peelman, Chris Stewart and first timer Chris Snell who are quite literally the ABC's of canopy development, design and production for New Zealand Aerosports. From concept to the production of Proto types to test jumping, we sit down to chat about exactly what it takes to put together the industries leading wings that help keep the lunatic fringe in the sky.

DK Live! The one and only Mr. Danny Koon has got to be one of the most upbeat, positive-vibe skydivers on the planet, and this after having spent more than half his life in the sport, 25 years to be exact. Starting out in what could only be considered one of the most challenging places to learn, the high desert of Las Vegas, Danny got his start almost completely by accident. From scrubbing toilets and packing, to video, freeflying and swooping, he's traveled all around the country working and playing hard in the sport that's been his passion for the last quarter century. As a lifelong member of the Lunatic Fringe, Mr. Danny Koon has more than a few stories, and a whole lot of experience to share.

Music by - Zach Kimsey

Back in the can for round two, this time with a lot less alcohol, Tai Smith shares how it's felt going  from a low time Otter pilot to a few thousand hours, low time jumps to hitting it with a wingsuit, and how hardcore COVID rules have put an real exclamation point on incredible experiences like our spectacular trip across the Mediterranean.  Join us on this edition of Lunatic Fringe for a few proper laughs and a couple of songs with a proper Kiwi jump pilot.

From the top of his game with multiple US National and World championship titles under his belt, to wondering if walking would ever again be an option, the journey Nick Batsch has been on over the last three years is a tough one to imagine. Years of training and top level athletic reflexes turned a landing that could have just as easily taken his life into the challenge of a lifetime, pushing Nick to work not only toward the physical demands a rebab of his type takes, but the often un thought of mental hurtles he had to overcome, not simply to live a normal life and perhaps even skydive again, but to once again stand on the top of the podium at the US Nationals. Join in on this edition with the current US National CP Champion Nick Batsch and hear in surprising detail all about his continuing journey with the Lunatic Fringe.

Only in the sport for 4 years, Dario Basile's time in both skydiving and BASE has made quite an impact in his life, and those that he meets. From A license to D, this base jumping, bull running, world traveling Tandem Instructor from Sussex NJ is absolutely going to let you, the guy sitting next to you and pretty much everyone else in earshot know that he is a skydiving, chili pepper eating high energy member of the Lunatic Fringe. Join in with Brian Casserly on this amped up chat.

In our second of two episodes, we pass on a little more knowledge, passion and joy from the one and only Mr. Tom Noonan.

"It's never goodbye, its only see you next time" - T.N

It's the return of Mr. Tom Noonan to talk a whole lot about safety!  At a time when more skydivers are less current than they've ever been, Tom has great information, tips and advice on everything from canopy choices and getting back into the nylon groove, to AAD's and his personal take on Covid.  Join us for a super informative and safety based talk on this edition of Lunatic Fringe.

The sport of skydiving lost one of its most generous this week. He was one of the sports most avid cheerleaders, motivators, teachers and first and foremost, passionate jumpers. Please, take a step back in time to relive with us here at Lunatic Fringe a little of the positivity and joy for our sport brought to us each and every day by Mr. Tom Noonan.

"It's never goodbye. It's only until next time." -T.N

The desire to skydive seems to grab each of us in a different way it seems, and Mr. Tom Noonan is no different. His passion? From the very start it was of all things, tandems! Where most of us are dragged kicking and screaming at first, he was drawn to instantly, and went about making it his lifelong passion to not only share our world with people as a tandem instructor, but to go much deeper and help train those of us who chose to throw drogues; and along with the true tandem pioneers in the sport, also to go about making it as safe as humanly possible. And on top of all this... he decided to hit the actual top of the world with Everest Skydive! Join in for an extremely informative and entertaining path along the Lunatic Fringe.

From the moment Per and Kim first met each other, it seems SkyGod had a plan in mind. From love at first sight and a shared passion for all things adventure and, well…pigs,  these two were a match made in the clear blue.  For 2021,  this amazing couple decided to "Downsize" and take their passion on the road, and that’s exactly where they’ve been found.  There’s almost no doubt that more than one episode will be needed to unpack all the Lunatic stories coming from “The Traveling Boogie”. This one happily hosted by the one and only Brian Casserly & Pussfoot!

He's left an indelible mark on skydiving beyond any shadow of a doubt, with more than 50+ Parachutist magazine covers, countless centerfolds, world record attempts and cutting edge development projects; add to that the fact that he was the pioneer for what is now a world wide multi-million tandem jump a year video legacy, Mr. Mike Mcgowan most likely either had a hand in why you became a skydiver, or the way you remember that first jump.  Starting out as a military rigger, it didn't take Mike very long to discover he had a true passion for freefall photography, which has been the driving force of his career for decades now. From how he came up with the perfect tandem video formula, to how the trees surrounding Cross Keys saved his life, this is one episode you won't want to miss, since the one and only Mr. Mike McGowan has been there pretty much since the beginning of the Lunatic Fringe.