This episode dives deep into creativity, identity, and how to stay grounded when life keeps changing. Jake shares lessons from Instrument, Google, cycling, fatherhood, and co-founding Apogee Bikes. EPISODE OVERVIEW In this conversation, Christopher sits down with Jake — Creative Strategy Lead at Google Brand Studio, early strategist at Instrument, longtime cyclist, and co-founder of Apogee Bikes. They talk about: • Finding identity again after becoming a parent • Staying grounde...

In this episode of outside is Magic, I talk with illustrator and designer Brett Stenson about creativity, style, community, and the long, messy path of figuring out who you are as an artist. We dive into everything from his early days in the Milwaukee BMX scene to discovering design through zines and catalogs, to eventually finding his way to Young Jerks — one of the most trusted studios in branding and illustration today. Brett shares how he builds rules for himself, how he breaks them, how ...

In this episode of outside is Magic, I sit down with Sean, a creative working at Rapha, to explore how architecture, design, and sport all intersect through storytelling and process. We talk about growing up in Switzerland, the value of reflection, and what it means to create work that feels intentional — work that comes from curiosity, not ego. Sean shares lessons from his time in architecture school at Cornell, transitioning into visual communication, and finding his place at the intersecti...

In this episode of outside is Magic, I sit down with professional skier, artist, and filmmaker Sage Cattabriga-Alosa for a conversation about creativity, mentorship, and what it means to stay inspired after two decades in the mountains. We talk about doing hard things, learning to love the process, and finding balance between creating for yourself and creating for the world. Sage shares lessons from a lifetime of big lines, film shoots, and creative pursuits, from early days with Teton Gravit...

In this episode of outside is Magic, I sit down with artist, mountain biker, and psychology student Serena Rio for a conversation about fear, creativity, and the art of stepping outside your comfort zone. We talk about her evolution from graffiti and murals in New York to painting in Los Angeles, her obsession with making friends, and how mountain biking became a mirror for courage and growth. Serena opens up about overcoming fear, finding balance through meditation and movement, and how psyc...

This week there’s no guest, just me. I wanted to take a moment to share where the podcast is at, why I started it, and what I’ve learned 16 episodes in. I talk about the intention behind outside is Magic, the challenges of scheduling and editing, the process of putting an episode together, and why these conversations have been so meaningful to me. It’s a little peek behind the scenes and a chance to reflect on where this project is going. If you’ve been enjoying the show, the best way to supp...

I am joined by Bryan, someone I first met in the NYC cycling scene and really got to know on the Oregon Outback, a 364 mile ride across Oregon. We talk about growing up around skateboarding, finding photography, the move from New York back to California, and what it takes to keep showing up as a creative. It is a simple story about friendship, bikes, and finding your voice behind the lens. outside is Magic is hosted by Christopher San Agustin. Produced by Broken and Coastal. Follow us on Inst...

Jeremy Dunn has been shaping cycling culture for years. From co-founding The Athletic to making zines, hosting rides, and creating community through the simple joy of sport, his work has always been about more than products. It is about people. What I admire most about Jeremy is his openness and his willingness to bring others into his world, to lift them up, and to give them a platform to shine. In this conversation we talk about zines, subcultures, community, and the importance of keeping i...

Fear can stop us in our tracks, but Chris Burkard reminded me that sometimes the only way forward is to do it scared. Chris is one of the most recognized photographers and explorers of our time, but what stands out most is his openness and his willingness to share his process, his lessons, and his story in a way that lifts others up. In this conversation, we talk about fear, risk, slowing down, and what it means to create with purpose. If you enjoy the conversation, subscribe to the channel a...

Life moves fast and summer in the Northwest feels even faster. My conversation with Jenn Levo is about holding onto those fleeting moments, making space for creativity, and finding balance between work, play, and everything in between. Jenn’s story stretches from Ohio to SCAD, from building bikes at Vanilla and Speedvagen to designing bottles at Hydro Flask. We talk about the lessons learned in sport and design, the pull between structure and freedom, and what it means to live like you are dy...

In this episode of outside is Magic, I sit down with photographer and rider Kyle Emery Peck. We talk about growing up in BMX, lugging around a Hasselblad on massive rides, and how bikes shaped the way he sees the world. Kyle shares how photography became his career, his take on film vs digital, and what it means to hold onto style and humanity in an AI-driven world. We also go deep on grief, depression, and how riding bikes can save you when life gets heavy. This one is honest, raw, and inspi...

Billy Sinkford is the founder of Clipless Communications and the Director of the MADE Bike Show. A handbuilt bicycle show that celebrates craftsmanship, culture, and community. In this episode of outside is Magic, we talk about Billy’s early connection to bikes, the journey that led him to launch Clipless, and the vision behind the MADE Bike Show. We dig into the importance of celebrating craftsmanship, creating spaces for community, and why events like MADE matter now more than ever. 📌 Liste...

In this episode of outside is Magic, I sit down with Nate Hoe, founder of Windthrow, a creative retail space in Seattle that's part gallery, part store, part cultural experiment. We talk about the art of slowing down, trusting your taste, and building a shop that feels more like a conversation than a transaction. Nate shares his journey through creative retail, the lessons he’s learned from the outdoors, and what it means to make space for care, intention, and community. — 🎧 Listen to the ful...

In episode 13 of outside Is Magic, Christopher sits down with Natasha Woodworth, founder and creative force behind Curious Creatures, a mountain bike apparel brand based out of Montana. We talk about: Building a brand rooted in valuesSlowing down to move with purposeThe magic of rituals and toolsBalancing motherhood, creativity, and entrepreneurshipAnd why curiosity might be the most important design tool of allIf you’ve ever felt the pull to make something meaningful, this one’s for yo...

John Watson is the founder of The Radavist, a beloved cycling site rooted in storytelling, photography, and independent thought. In this episode, we talk about what it means to build something on your own terms, the highs and lows of creative work, and how bikes became a medium for so much more than riding. We get into the early days of blogging, navigating burnout, the impact of community, and how John’s managed to keep The Radavist weird, personal, and honest — even as the industry ch...

In this episode, I sit down with Naohmi Monroe and Ginger Boyd, co-founders of Amiga Studio, to discuss creativity, collaboration, and the lessons learned from building a values-led business. We explore the early sparks that shaped their creative paths, the leap from freelance and full-time into starting their own studio, and the trust that keeps their partnership firm. We also delve into the realities of advocating for representation in commercial work, building crews with intention, and ov...

In this episode, I talk with illustrator and designer Casey Robertson about the long road to finding your creative voice. Casey shares how skateboarding, Thrasher magazine, and the pandemic all shaped his unique style—and why he's less interested in chasing trends and more interested in making honest work. We get into creative burnout, pricing your work, dealing with clients, and why the real superpower is staying grounded in your values. This one's a must-listen for anyone building a creativ...

Gritchelle Fallesgon is a Portland-based photographer with a background in graphic design and roots in punk and DIY culture. In this episode of outside is Magic, we talk about what it takes to leave the safe path, how to rebuild your creative identity, and the power of showing up fully as yourself. We get into her transition from designer to photographer, navigating burnout, finding her voice in a male-dominated industry, and the importance of rest, self-trust, and owning your creative proce...

In this episode, I sit down with Tom Briggs, designer, creative director, and one of the minds behind some of the most impactful work in cycling, music, and identity design. We talk about how punk and DIY ethics shaped his creative foundation, how he approaches big design challenges, and why doing good work leads to more good work. Tom shares lessons from designing for Specialized, building a student loan documentary, rebranding Moog, and working with people who deeply care about the outcome....

In this episode, I sit down with Ron Lewis, a musician, rider, and route builder, to talk about the creative process, burnout, music, and the quiet lessons that come from spending time outside. Ron shares how he approaches life like a trail: one turn at a time, guided by feeling and intuition. We dive into how storytelling shows up in his design work, the role music plays in shaping perspective, and what it means to move through life slowly, with intention. We also talk about the tension betw...