Claudia Lebenthal - Interview with The Temple of Surf - The Podcast
Release Date: 04/26/2025
The Temple of Surf Podcast
13TH SEASON FINALE!!! In this exclusive episode of The Temple of Surf Podcast, we dive deep into the mind of W. Peter Iliff, the legendary screenwriter who brought one of the most iconic surf films of all time to life : Point Break. Written in the early 1990s and directed by Kathryn Bigelow, Point Break became a cultural phenomenon, blending the adrenaline of big-wave surfing with the raw energy of undercover crime and spiritual brotherhood. Peter shares the incredible story of how Point Break came to be from his early writing days in Los Angeles to the moment the film caught...
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Johnny Cabianca – The Shaper Behind the Champions In this new episode of The Temple of Surf Podcast, we sit down with one of the world’s most respected surfboard shapers, Johnny Cabianca, the Brazilian craftsman whose boards have powered some of the greatest surfers on the planet, including Gabriel Medina, multiple-time World Champion. From his early days in Brazil to his current shaping bay in the Basque Country, Johnny shares an extraordinary story of talent, dedication, and a lifelong obsession with performance surfing. In this exclusive interview, Johnny Cabianca opens up about his...
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This week on The Temple of Surf Podcast, we welcome one of the most distinctive voices in modern surfboard design, Jeff McCallum. Known for his meticulous craftsmanship, innovative shapes, and instantly recognizable aesthetic, McCallum has become a cult figure among surfboard collectors and riders alike. From his San Diego workshop, he creates what many call rideable art boards that merge performance, creativity, and visual beauty in perfect harmony. In this episode, we dive deep into Jeff’s journey, from his early days learning the craft to developing his own unique design...
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🦈 Protecting Sharks, Protecting the Ocean – A Conversation with David McGuire (Shark Stewards) This week on The Temple of Surf Podcast, we swim into the world of ocean conservation with one of the most passionate defenders of marine life David McGuire, marine biologist, filmmaker, and founder of Shark Stewards. Known to many as “Shark Stewards Dave”, McGuire has dedicated his life to protecting sharks and restoring healthy ocean ecosystems. From the wild waters of California to the coral reefs of the Indo-Pacific, his mission is clear: to save sharks and safeguard the balance of...
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The Temple of Surf Podcast is back with another inspiring episode, and this week we’re diving into the world of surf art with one of the most intriguing names on the scene today: Rick Blake. Known for his bold strokes, vibrant palettes, and ability to capture the raw energy of waves and surf culture on canvas, Rick has established himself as a unique voice bridging the ocean and artistic expression. Surf art has always been more than decoration, it’s a way to preserve the soul of surfing, to translate fleeting moments into lasting visual stories. Rick Blake’s work does exactly that....
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Welcome to a new episode of The Temple of Surf Podcast! This week we sit down with Damien Marly, surfboard shaper, surfer, and founder of Chipirons Surfboards, a brand born in the heart of Les Landes, France. For Damien, surfing has always been more than a sport, it’s a lifestyle, a connection to nature, and a way of expressing creativity through craft. What started as a personal journey of shaping boards turned into Chipirons Surfboards, a label that has become known in Europe and beyond for its originality, community spirit, and beautifully crafted boards. In this episode, Damien...
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Pipeline, Legends & Surf History with Rory Russell This week on The Temple of Surf Podcast we are honored to welcome one of the most iconic figures in surfing’s golden age: Rory Russell. Known to the world as the “Pipeline Prince,” Rory rose to fame in the 1970s with a fearless style, unmatched charisma, and a deep connection to one of the most dangerous and celebrated waves on the planet. His story is not only about individual triumphs, but also about an era of surfing that shaped the culture as we know it today. Born and raised on the North Shore of Oahu, Rory grew up in the...
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This week on The Temple of Surf Podcast, we welcome a truly unique voice in surf culture: Japanese surf photographer Tatsuo Takei, whose eye for authenticity has inspired and preserved the soul of surfing for decades. Known for his celebrated book Authentic Wave, Tatsuo has carved his own path as an artist, blending timeless craftsmanship with a deep love for the ocean and the communities that revolve around it. Tatsuo’s story is one of passion, patience, and devotion. Born in Osaka, Japan, he grew up far from the breaks of California and Hawaii, yet the pull of the surf lifestyle was...
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This week on The Temple of Surf Podcast, we welcome a truly innovative guest: Taylor Lane, the creative mind and environmental advocate best known for building the now legendary Cigarette Surfboard, a surfboard made entirely from discarded cigarette butts collected from beaches and streets. What started as a student project has since become a global statement, sparking awareness about the devastating impact of cigarette waste on our oceans. Cigarette butts are the most littered item on the planet. Trillions of them are discarded every year, and the majority end up leaching toxic chemicals and...
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This week on The Temple of Surf Podcast, we welcome a guest whose life and mission revolve around one of the ocean’s most fascinating yet misunderstood creatures: the shark. Our guest is Madison Stewart, known worldwide as Shark Girl, a fearless advocate, filmmaker, and diver who has spent most of her life swimming with sharks and fighting for their survival. But in this conversation, we explore something very close to the heart of our listeners: the unique, complex, and often misunderstood relationship between sharks and surfers. For decades, sharks have been portrayed as villains in surf...
info_outlineThis week on The Temple of Surf podcast, we welcome Claudia Lebenthal, renowned storyteller, creative director, and lifelong surf enthusiast.
Claudia is the author of the brand-new book Surfer Stories, a beautiful collection of tales that capture the essence, passion, and spirit of surf culture through the voices of those who live it.
In this episode, Claudia takes us behind the scenes of her creative process, sharing what inspired her to gather these incredible stories and what she learned from interviewing surfers from all walks of life.
From legendary wave riders to hidden local heroes, Surfer Stories is a true celebration of the global surf community, its diversity, and the deep connection we all feel to the ocean.
Tune in as we dive into the making of the book, discuss memorable interviews, and explore why storytelling is so vital to surf culture.
Whether you’re a dedicated surfer, a lover of the sea, or simply a fan of inspiring human stories, this episode is for you.
Join us for an inspiring conversation with Claudia Lebenthal, right here on The Temple of Surf podcast.