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The Failed Experiment
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THE FAILED EXPERIMENT is a weekly podcast hosted by Southern California based DP/cinematographer, Kyle Cowling, along with a guest.
Each week, in his dining room, Kyle sits down with filmmakers, photographers, musicians, artists, athletes, and individuals from all walks of life to discuss everything from their journey of how they got to where they are today, their goals, accomplishments, failures, mental health, work/life balance and more.
TFE is an open and honest exploration in sincere conversation with a new guest each week, sharing laughs and stories to help us better understand the humanity in all of us.
39 Episodes
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Send us a text Originally from Minnesota, Andrew Bauer is a race mechanic within the world of professional Supercross and motocross racing. Most recently, Andrew spent multiple years as a factory race mechanic at Rockstar/Husqvarna. As a mechanic, Andrew has won multiple X Games gold medals with his riders including Vicki Golden and Colby Raha as well as wrenching for riders such as Alex Martin, Chris Alldredge, and Matt Buyten. In today's episode, we dive into Andrew's story of growing up in...
Send us a text Originally from Southern California, filmmaker, Nathan Avila (@studio39filmco on social media) split his time between the Orange County coastline and the desert landscapes of Albuquerque, New Mexico. We dive into his time growing up in two very different landscapes, how he got into video production, dropping out of college, chasing his dreams and moving back to California, the dream dying, and the dream reemerging again. Nathan's story is a great one chasing dreams, givin...
Send us a text Drew Ruiz is a commercial stills photographer based out of Southern California.If you are not familiar with Drew's work, I highly recommend viewing his portfolio which is included below. We dive into quite a lot in today's episode from his early years at Dirt Rider Magazine to working with Cameron Baird, Taylor Creative, Fox Racing, commercial work, and becoming a photographer by accident. I really appreciated Drew's open and transparent look into his story, the mistakes...
Send us a text Three months after we recorded our first conversation together (April, 2024), Nick Evennou and I were able to finally sit down one more time (July, 2024) to record part two of our conversation. And, that brings us to episode 35. In today’s conversation, dive deeper into Nick’s time with Yamaha of Troy, his hopes to secure a ride with YoT for the 2005 season, corporate Yamaha already knowing (most likely) the fate of YoT, exactly why he turned down an opportunity with Factory C...
Send us a text Spencer Owens is a professional stills photographer based out of Southern California focusing his work within the action sports community. He’s earned multiple cover shots for Racer X Illustrated as well working alongside clients such as 100%, Troy Lee Designs, and more. Aside from taking over a year to make this episode happen, this particular episode was truly a fascinating and illuminating discussion into the creative world of the dirt bike industry. Many stories and exper...
Send us a text Melissa Gutierrez is a stand-up comedian and viral Instagram and TikTok content creator from southern California. If you haven't, I highly recommend diving into Melissa's Instagram and/or TikTok page (@fiveoclockmommy) before listening to this one. Laughs will be had! Melissa has gone viral for quite a few of her reels, but the one that caught my attention is pokes fun at the Tesla Cyber Truck. With almost two million views alone on Instagram and, rightfully so, I was in...
Send us a text In today's episode we sit down with former professional motocross racer, Nick Evennou. In today's episode, we dive into Nick's career sharing his journey into racing, growing up riding with Travis Pastrana, winning a Loretta Lynn's championship, riding for Yamaha of Troy, MotoXXX, his time in Canada, and so much more. This is a fantastic conversation sharing the ebbs and flows of a turbulent career, battling mental health, injuries, family struggles, and finding a new path in t...
Send us a text A Bakersfield, CA native, Kyle Crabb is a filmmaking within the motocross industry. Most recently, Kyle released his long form passion project on YouTube entitled, YOUNG BLOOD, which highlights the amateur motocross scene. It's a modern twist with old school sensibilities. Essentially, think a modern day version of Mini Warriors. In today's episode with Kyle, we dive into his years growing up in Bakersfield, CA, struggling with a speech impediment, how and why he got into fil...
Send us a text Originally from the Thousand Oaks, CA area, Corey Martin is a Los Angeles County firefighter who is married with two children. Corey grew up riding and racing motocross with aspirations of racing professionally. However, injuries hindered that goal and, eventually, he found his way to becoming the transport driver for the TLD/Red Bull racing team during their tenure with Honda and KTM. In today's episode, we dive into Corey's early years of racing motocross, the journey ...
Send us a text Allie Anderson is a stand-up comedian based in Los Angeles, CA. A Las Vegas, NV native, Anderson grew up with a very unique family dynamic that spilled into a very unique academic career where Harry Potter Club was the biggest club on campus. Yes, seriously. Today, we dive into Allie’s upbringing with a father who had wild conspiracy theories and identified as a sovereign citizen, how she eventually found her way to California and comedy, her first time performing comedy and f...
Send us a text Oliver Keenan-Lyu is a musical composer and audio engineer currently based in Scotland with his wife and son. Oliver has been working as a professional musical composer since 2013, working for brands such as Red Bull, American Honda, Dunkin' Donuts, Jennifer Lopez, Volvo, and more creating music for all kinds of unique projects. However, many may know Keenan-Lyu from his work on The Spectrum Series, which was a docu-series that I directed, shot and edited. Oliver was responsi...
Send us a text Ryan Marcus is an award-winning director, filmmaker, and editor based out of the Orange County, CA. Originally with ambitions of becoming a professional skateboarder, Ryan eventually found his way behind the camera and a job at the iconic 411 Video Magazine. After his tenure at 411, Ryan moved onto DVS where he was responsible for one of the most progressive and forward-thinking motocross commercial ever done in the sport entitled, DVS Flux, with the GEICO Honda team. Eventua...
Send us a text Ryan Holliday is the team manager Team Green Kawasaki. Team Green Kawasaki is the most prestigious amateur support program within the sport of amateur motocross racing. Throughout the decades, Team Green has been responsible for the success of athletes such as Ryan Villopoto, Jeremy McGrath, Ricky Carmichael, James "Bubba" Stewart, Jeff Emig, David Bailey, and more. In today's episode, we dive into Holliday's background: growing up in Pittsburgh, PA, wanting to be a photojour...
Send us a text Yakov Olivarria is a film director currently residing in Riverside, CA. The writer and director of the award-winning short film, Benny Bill, Yakov opens up about the journey to write the script, and then hiring and casting the film. We also dive into his thoughts on film school as he is currently in his sophomore year of higher education with an emphasis on film, the struggles of indie-filmmaking, and so much more. Yakov's short film, Benny Bill (which I was the cinematographe...
Send us a text From Whittier, CA, 21-year-old Jake Isaac is a professional Supercross and motocross race mechanic for the factory TLD/Red Bull/GasGas Racing team, spinning wrenches for Pierce Brown. Prior to landing his current job with TLD/Red Bull/GasGas, Isaac was working with Derek Drake on the small, satellite team, Bar-X Suzuki. In today's episode with Jake, we dive into his early years growing up in Whittier, CA, his flat track racing career winning junior national championships, how...
Send us a text Originally from Budds Creek, MD, Kenny Day now resides in Southern California, working at Fox Racing as the Pro Athlete Manager. Kenny works alongside athletes such as Christian Craig, Adam Cianciarulo, Ken Roczen, Max Vohland, and the entire Pro Circuit/Kawasaki team. However, prior to his position at Fox Racing, K-Day was working at Aplinestars and also Traders Racing before A-Stars. In today's episode with K-Day, we dive into his early years in Maryland and growing up at B...
Send us a text A New Jersey native, Tom Journet is a content creator within the professional Supercross and motocross world. Tom got his start with vurbmoto before helping to start Evergood Co. From there, Tom went onto handle all of the filming needs for Team Fried (Jason Anderson's creative outlet). Today, Journet is working for Racer X Illustrated as well as Hunter and Jett Lawrence creating weekly video content creation for Web and social. In today's episode with Tom, we dive into his e...
Send us a text Born and raised in Seal Beach, CA, Katie Hayes is a public school teacher working in the Southern California school system with an emphasis in special education. She has been teaching for 10-years. Originally, she started teaching in private schools; however, she eventually transitioned into teaching in the public school system. In today’s episode with Katie, we dive into her childhood and what it was like growing up attending private school as a student, how and why she ...
Send us a text Ricki Bedenbaugh is a professional cinematographer based in Southern California. Originally born in Tennessee before moving down to Florida, Ricki grew up in the skateboarding world with dreams of becoming a professional skater. While Ricki didn’t end up as a professional skater, he did end up as a professional cinematographer in the skate world. Ricki has been apart of some of the biggest skate parts in the industry, working at 411videomagazine, and is also responsible for sh...
Send us a text A Huntington Beach, CA native, Sean "Borky" Borkenhagen, is a former professional Supercross and motocross athlete now working full-time with Kawasaki Motor Corporation in Tech Services. Borky is a longtime friend (we grew up riding and racing together), and this conversation was a lot of fun being able to walk down memory lane and hear his journey. We dive into his Huntington Beach, CA roots, his amateur career, winning a Loretta Lynn's championship in the 250 B class circa ...
Send us a text Fun fact. After recording this episode with Stu Alfano, he was shortly thereafter promoted to Art Director at 100%. Maybe we need a part two with Stu to talk about the promotion and what the role of an art director entails? Not a bad idea. Anyways, I digress... Originally a North Carolina native, he eventually made his way out to Southern California (specifically San Diego, CA) to chase an internship opportunity with Nixon. After a summer of beach life in Encinitas, CA and int...
Send us a text A Boston, MA native, Allison Keddie is a former private school and public school educator. Working in the education system for six years, Allison’s emphasis was within the special ed area of education. However, after six years in the education system, she walked away from her career to pursue her dreams of becoming a professional stills photographer. In today’s episode with Allison, we dive into her journey to the education system, the good, bad, and ugly of that world, ...
Send us a text Kelli Crigler is a Police Lieutenant working within the Southern California area. Kelli has been a police officer for 18-years; two of those years as an unsworn police officer aide. For almost the last four years of her career, she’s been the Police Lieutenant of her current department. This episode is a big one. We dive into everything from Kelli’s early years growing up, childhood trauma and removing her mom from her life, to how and why she became a police officer, and the ...
Send us a text A high desert rat from Hesperia, CA, Kris Keefer is a former professional Supercross and motocross racer who is now working as a full-time test rider in various capacities. At his company, Keefer Inc, he tests motorcycles and products within the dirt bike world and does editorial and video reviews for the consumer. He is also a podcast host of the Rocky Mountain ATV/MC Keefer Tested podcast where he tests bikes, gear, accessories, and hard parts, as well as a test rider f...
Send us a text Originally from Tucson, AZ, Mike Williamson is a gaffer/chief lighting technician (CLT) working in Hollywood, CA on commercials and music videos. After graduating from the University of Nevada Las Vegas, Williamson made the move to Los Angeles, CA to pursue his dreams of working in the film industry. Since making the move, Williamson has worked with clients such as Apple, Captain Morgan USA, Urban Plates, Honda Motor Co, along with artists such as Lady Gaga, Nicki Minaj, Tom ...
Send us a text David Pingree is a former professional athlete, racing Supercross and motocross from 1993 to 2003. Pingree rode for Splitfire/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki, Primal Impulse Suzuki, factory Red Bull/KTM, and MotoWorld Suzuki before transitioning into the editorial life for Racer X Magazine. A multi-time Supercross race winner, Pingree was a title threat throughout a majority of his career. Most notably, the 2000 125 West Coast Championship, where he fell two points shy of the championshi...
Send us a text Originally from Glendora, CA, Ryan Cooley is an account director, producer, and business owner of The Medium Creative Group, a creative agency specializing in still photography, video production, graphic design, Web design and more. Based in Costa Mesa, CA, Cooley and co-owner of the MCG, Luis Rodriguez works with clients such as Red Bull, Nike, American Honda, Toyota, Schwinn, Brixton, Cannondale, and more. However, before the MCG was birthed, Cooley got his start in t...
Send us a text Jeff Emig is a retired professional Supercross and motocross athlete who now works in television broadcasting, handling the color analyst for the World Supercross Championship. Prior to his television career, Emig rode for factory Yamaha and factory Kawasaki throughout the 1990s. He won the 1992 125 outdoor motocross championship, the 1996 250 outdoor motocross championship, and the 1997 Supercross and outdoor motocross championships. This episode with Emig dives into all kind...
Send us a text Casey Davis is an action sports filmmaker with an emphasis in the Supercross and motocross world, based out of Southern California. Casey works with the creative outfit, Octopi Media, alongside Garth Milan and Ryne Swanberg, handling video needs for clients such as Monster Energy/Star Racing Yamaha, Scott Goggles, Kawasaki Motor Co, and more. Casey’s story is incredibly wild and, for any and all filmmakers (new or veterans), an important listen. Casey dives into his journey to...
Send us a text Kit Karzen is an Emmy award-winning stills photographer and photo journalist based out of Los Angeles, CA working with clients such as the NFL, Amazon Studios, CBS, CNN, Netflix, Nike, Team L39ION Los Angeles, Zwift, Hammerhead, Oakley, Playboy, Stance, and many more. Originally, Karzen started racing cycling at a young age and eventually started racing at a professional level for the USA National team, traveling the globe to race his bicycle. Eventually, he walked away...
Send us a text Jordan Powell is a Southern California based filmmaker and cinematographer working within the action sports world. Originally cutting his teeth as the in-house video editor at TransWorld Motocross Magazine, Powell has since gone onto to work with clients such as Red Bull Media House, American Honda Motor Co., Capelli, Thor MX, and also spent several years working as a wedding cinematographer. Aside from discussing Powell's work and the ebbs and flows of working as a freelance...
Send us a text Originally from south Texas, Troy Murrah is a musician and artist now residing in Southern California with his wife and three children. Troy dives into his story of working as a set designer in the early 2000s for Comedy Central's, The Man Show, with Jimmy Kimmel and Adam Carolla, how he picked up a guitar and eventually started his two piece punk rock band, RESTAVRANT, (yes, the band's name is spelt with a V), working as a full-time artist creating wooden quilts, the documen...
Send us a text Shannon Stutenroth is a 1st AC (Assistant Camera) and cinematographer currently residing in Los Angeles, CA working on narrative, commercial, documentary, and branded content. Originally from Pennsylvania, Shannon had quite the road map in terms of education. She spent time in Philadelphia, California, and New York before graduating from the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York. Shannon’s film career started after graduating from the Pratt Institute and moving to Los Angeles...
Send us a text Chris Ray is a skateboarder and filmmaker residing in Southern California with his wife and kids. Partners with Martin Fobes at Motion Clubhouse (their production company), Chris is responsible for some of the most influential skate videos over the last 15+ years. In today's episode, Chris shares his journey from working crummy jobs while pursuing his passion for filmmaking in the skate industry, turning down a six figure job offer from DC Shoes (yes, you read that right), to...
Send us a text Originally from a small-town in Michigan, Martin Fobes is a professional filmmaker and also a skateboarded now residing in Huntington Beach, CA with his wife and pup. Martin is partners with Chris Ray at their production company called Motion Clubhouse where Martin and Chris work with clients such as DC Shoes, Fender, Ford, Nissan, GoPro, and more creating commercials, documentaries, branded content, and more. In today's episode, Martin shares his discovery of skateboarding a...
Send us a text Brad Resnick is a Southern California native currently working as a filmmaker within the action sports community for The Brand Amp, an Orange County, CA based production company. Before landing his position with the production company, Brad cut his teeth within in the world of Supercross and motocross racing, working full time as the in-house filmmaker for VitalMX. However, what maybe the most impressive part of Brad's story is that he has his college degree in film productio...
Send us a text Justin Kosman is a commercial stills photographer and filmmaker based out of San Diego, CA. Originally from Illinois, Kosman made the move to Southern California (specifically Huntington Beach, CA) in the early 2000s to live with former 2002 X Games gold medalist, Robbie Miranda, and commence his action sports career with X Games doing their research for BMX and motocross. Kosman goes in-depth about his journey from a small town in Illinois to now residing in San Diego, CA an...
Send us a text T.J. Signaigo is a gaffer and Local 728 Set Lighting Technician based in Los Angeles, CA working on major TV and movie productions such as Yellowstone, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, Insecure, Daisy Jones & the Six, The Baxters, and more. Originally a San Diego, CA native, T.J., discusses his early years growing up in San Diego, CA and what it was like playing in a small punk rock band during his formative years in high school. We also discuss the hilarious story of how w...
Send us a text Host of The Failed Experiment, Kyle Cowling, welcomes everybody to the podcast and explains exactly what TFE is all about. Support The Failed Experiment: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2156809/supporters/new Follow The Failed Experiment: https://www.instagram.com/_thefailedexperiment/ Follow Kyle Cowling: https://www.instagram.com/kylecowling/ Support the show
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