The Lunatic Fringe Podcast

As one of the very first people I met in the sport, one of my first co-workers and especially as my first and only competition team member, Mary Tortomasi and I shared many of the same memories, experiences and losses and we started our way down the skydiving path; and even though we ended up going in very different directions, we've both managed long and "blessed" careers.  From her first job as an instructor at Flyaway Indoor Skydiving in Las Vegas, to skysurfer, AFF and Tunnel instructor, Perris Valley tunnel manager, multiple world record holder and big way skydiver, Mary Tortomasi has run the gambit. Lots of reminiscing, a few forgotten stories and some really cool insights, this is a very enjoyable and funny walk down memory lane on this edition of Lunatic Fringe.

Another converted member of the masses, Omar Alhegelan went from just another bean counter to one of modern skydivings most influential figures.  Filled with the feeling that this is what he was meant to do, Omar didn't think twice about walking away from the real world with all its rules and regulations and jump head first (Actually head up and feet first) into the wonderful world of skydiving.  World champion, world traveler and one of the pioneers of modern freeflying, join us on this episode of Lunatic Fringe to get his take on the "zen" of airtime.

Matt Munting. Nicholas Scalabrino.  Heterosexual life mates, BASE wing suit apex predators and all around great fucking guys take the time once again to sit down with The Fuckin' Pilot to fill me in on what sounds like a pretty epic summer season of "sending it". From seriously intense Dam flare's, 270's into cracks and totems off towers, their idea of a good time is the stuff of nightmares to some, but a good fucking laugh to every fuckin' body. Join on in to another fun and informative Lunatic Fringe!

From a missed shot a military flying career due to a childhood illness, to a desire to skydive which lead to an off the beaten path flying lifestyle, Taihuka Smith has had quite a ride so far. Near death experiences in West Papua, peeing in a bottle over the Mediterranean and looking ahead toward an airline career, This is a fun one to give a listen to! (and he sings and plays guitar... Just sayin').

Beep Beep! Or, depending on your perspective, Meep Meep.  Without question one of the most unique souls ever to walk the planet, he was without a doubt one of the most memorable in skydiving and BASE.  With over 20,000 skydives and countless BASE jumps, Mr. Stanley not only left his mark on these sports with his accomplishments, but he left it with his unique interaction with all those he jumped and played with.  On this edition of Lunatic Fringe, two of his closest friends, Mr. Mark Norman and Mr. Will Lajeunesse take the time to share some of their fondest and craziest memories of a legend that passed much sooner, and a hell of a lot later than anyone would have thought.

If you're not the type to stay until the credits have all rolled, then you may just miss her name, but chances are, you know her work!  From an active duty police officer to a UK National and then World 4-way champion turned professional skydiving instructor, Hannah Betts is not a woman scared of change; So when the opportunity knocked, she decided to answer her call to the world of professional stunt work in a major way! From AFF to the "MeToo" movement, badass stunt people and both sincere and asshole actors, she's got enlightening stories to tell, and I for one am a real fan. Join us now and listen in on Lunatic Fringe Into the Void!

In the world of "Air Sports", I have always considered BASE to be just about as hardcore as it gets, and wingsuit BASE to be the apex, but Charley Kurlinkus, Dr. Charley Kurlinkus to be precise takes it to another level in my opinion. ER doctor all night long, dealing with every accident, injury and "oops" imaginable and BASE Wingsuit jumper by day; he's traveled the world doing intense things to relax and get away from the intense things he deals with as a profession. Join in on this episode of Lunatic Fringe to hear about BASE antics, skydiving, and what kind of things people like to put in their butts.

Back by popular demand! From broken bones and burnt scrotums, Lunatic Fringe received so much feedback on Jim Mathews (one “t”) first appearance that there was no way he wasn't coming back to let out a few more of his outrageous and hilarious stories! You'd be on par with most if you were to think that Mr. Matthews was full of shit with some of the yarns he can tell, but in most cases you would be completely wrong!  Come on an enjoy another too funny to believe episode of Lunatic Fringe Into the Void.

I've said it before, I'll say it again, and I'll stand behind it every time. Manifest has got to be the most difficult job in skydiving.  In a rare behind the window interview, I have the chance to sit down and climb into the minds of two manifest Ladies who know all the little secrets and have all the stories.  With voices altered to protect the innocent (and guilty),  Sparky and Susan give us all a rare glimpse into the minds that keep the skydiving world in the air. If you want to find out how to keep your manifest Bi**h (they said it, not me!) happy, then this is one you don't want to miss!

All things ratings! Interested in what goes in to becoming a tandem or AFF instructor? Thinking about making the jump into skydiving as a job and want to know if it's something that would appeal?  Well then this is the one you're gonna want to listen to. Once again my semi frequent co host Junior, one of the busiest tandem and AFF evaluators sits down to tell me what goes in to a good course, a good student and a successful trip into the working world of skydiving.