EP009 - Cindy Whitehead
Cindy Whitehead is more than a pro skateboarder, and that’s just how she likes it. This legend is an activist, skate historian and founder of the nonprofit ‘Girl Is Not a 4-Letter Word’. In this chat with Cindy, we explore her deep connection to skate history through her involvement with Hermosa Beach Museum and the Smithsonian, and how she values activism in skate culture. Cindy also shares insights on the influence of her family on her confidence, the evolution of skate sponsorships, and the balance between competition and personal expression for young skaters. This discussion highlights the evolution of women’s roles in skateboarding since its early days and the importance of visibility and support for the next generation of girl skaters.Chapters00:00 Opening Credits and Music00:15 Intro to Cindy Whitehead00:51 Cindy's Skate History at Hermosa Museum05:23 Involvement with the Smithsonian and Skateboarding at the Museum11:47 Skating is the Vehicle; Activism is What Matters15:01 Family's Influence Matters18:52 Individualism and Independence of Skaters20:48 How Skateboarding is Changing with the Olympics22:12 Skating is Freedom24:31 Supporting and Mentoring the Next Generation of Female Skaters28:27 The Evolution of Sponsorship in Skateboarding31:12 Finding Your Place in the Skateboarding Community32:45 Freestyle in the Early Days37:07 Redefining Success: Skating Beyond Competitions38:27 The Pressure of Winning in Sports40:33 Role Models and Mentorship in Skating44:44 The Importance of Representation in History49:56 Making Skateboarding What You Want It to Be - Outside Sponsors and Setting the Example for Others52:57 The Challenge of Being the First and Handling Social Media Criticism56:31 Supporting Girl is Not a 4-Letter Word57:51 Building Community and Support in Local Skate Culture01:00:39 Bringing the Book, It's Not About Pretty, to Life01:05:18 Tapping Into New Markets with Skating01:08:08 End Credits and Music