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BLISTER Podcast
Ted Ligety on the 2026 Olympic Ski Racing; the Carving Renaissance; & His New Carving Skis
Ted Ligety is back to talk about the ‘26 Olympic games, and the performances of Breezy Johnson, Lindsey Vonn, Federica Brignone, Mikaela Shiffrin, Lucas Pinheiro Braathen, Ryan Cochran-Siegel, Franjo von Allmen, and what specific attribute makes Marco Odermatt such an all-time great. Then, we talk about the ‘carving renaissance’ we are currently experiencing, and Ted walks us through the new DPS Pisteworks skis he’s been developing.
Note: We Want to Hear From You!
We’d love for you to share with us the stories or topics you’d like us to cover next month on Reviewing the News; ask your most pressing mountain town advice questions, or offer your hot takes for us to rate. You can email those to us here.
RELATED LINKS:
Discounted Summit Registration for BLISTER+ Members
Non-Member Registration: Blister Summit 2026
Get Our 25/26 Winter Buyer’s Guide
Enter Our Free Weekly Gear Giveaways
Our Podcast Conversations with Ted:
- GEAR:30 ep 342: Ted on Testing Gear
- GEAR:30 ep. 340: Ski Tuning & the Art of Going Fast
- Blister Pod ep 332: Major Storylines of 24/25 WC
- GEAR:30 ep 272: The Pro’s Gear: Ligety
- Blister Pod ep 14: Ted’s Story + FIS-Regulation Skis
CHECK OUT OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELS:
Blister Studios (our new channel)
Blister Review (our original channel)
TOPICS & TIMES:
Palisades Tahoe (1:33)
BLISTER+ Updates (2:23)
Comparisons: the ‘26 Olympics (5:08)
Broadcasting Logistics (8:12)
Favorite Men’s Ski Race? (20:24)
Drone Coverage of Ski Racing (22:48)
Marco Odermatt (24:40)
Franjo von Allmen (30:52)
Breezy’s Gold-Winning Run (39:20)
Lindsey Vonn (48:42)
Comebacks / are Europeans still interested in Vonn? (56:00)
Other Memorable Moments? (1:00:28)
The ‘Carving Renaissance’ (1:07:41)
DPS Pisteworks Series (1:13:25)
FIS Width Regulations (1:22:19)
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415. How to Create More Snow & Rain: Rainmaker founder & CEO, Augustus Doricko
01:12:38||Ep. 415Water scarcity is a very real (and growing) problem, and Augustus Doricko started his company, Rainmaker, to address it. Today we discuss the technology of cloud seeding; the history and evolution of that technology; the big questions and concerns about human efforts to modify the weather; and we talk about the potential here, which includes things like literally saving the Great Salt Lake.Note: We Want to Hear From You!We’d love for you to share with us the stories or topics you’d like us to cover next month on Reviewing the News; ask your most pressing mountain town advice questions, or offer your hot takes for us to rate. Email us at: info@blisterreview.com RELATED LINKS: Momentous: livemomentous.com use code: BlisterOneSkin: oneskin.co/BLISTERGet Yourself Covered: BLISTER+Order our 26/27 Winter Buyer’s GuideEnter Our Free Weekly Gear GiveawaysTOPICS & TIMES:New BLISTER+ Members (1:46)Introducing Augustus Doricko & Rainmaker (3:03)What is “Terraforming”? (4:42)History & Evolution of Cloud Seeding Technology (6:07)Addressing Concerns & Questions (11:30)How Much Could this Increase Snowfall? (19:41)Silver Iodide: Why Find Alternatives? (22:53)Augustus’ Background & Path to Rainmaker (27:22)Desalination (34:52)Clouds & Cloud Seeding (41:27)Predicting the Impacts of Cloud Seeding (49:17)The Rainmaker Journey (56:29)Current & Future Clients (1:03:03)Hail Suppression? (1:05:53)CHECK OUT OUR OTHER PODCASTS:Blister CinematicCRAFTEDBikes & Big IdeasGEAR:30
414. It’s Official: Freeride Skiing & Snowboarding are Going to the Olympics
55:54||Ep. 414It’s official: freeride skiing and snowboarding are becoming Olympic events. So Jonathan talks with Freeride World Tour co-founder & CEO, Nico Hale-Woods, about the process; the opportunities it represents for freeride athletes; and some of the potential risks and challenges. There are certainly a lot of strong opinions about freeride becoming an Olympic event, and today’s conversation will provide you with the backstory and context to inform your own. Note: We Want to Hear From You!We’d love for you to share with us the stories or topics you’d like us to cover next month on Reviewing the News; ask your most pressing mountain town advice questions, or offer your hot takes for us to rate. Email us at: info@blisterreview.comRELATED LINKS: OneSkin: oneskin.co/BLISTERGet Yourself Covered: BLISTER+Order our 26/27 Winter Buyer’s GuideEnter Our Free Weekly Gear GiveawaysTOPICS & TIMES:Shoutout to BLISTER+ Members (0:00)Freeride Goes to the Olympics (2:45)Nico's Journey and Background (3:41)The Evolution of Freeride (26:22)Concerns & Opportunities in Olympic Inclusion (43:32)The Future of Free Ride Comps (46:51)CHECK OUT OUR OTHER PODCASTS:Blister CinematicCRAFTEDBikes & Big IdeasGEAR:30
413. Reviewing the News w/ Cody Townsend (June 2026)
01:38:12||Ep. 413Cody and Jonathan discuss REI’s AI mishap; retro bolting Snake Dike; your submissions for Cody’s new catchphrase; we’ve got an epic ‘Most Canadian News’ segment; and more.Note: We Want to Hear From You!We’d love for you to share with us the stories or topics you’d like us to cover next month on Reviewing the News; ask your most pressing mountain town advice questions, or offer your hot takes for us to rate. Email us at: info@blisterreview.com RELATED LINKS: Get Yourself Covered: BLISTER+Order our 26/27 Winter Buyer’s GuideEnter Our Free Weekly Gear GiveawaysTOPICS & TIMES:Order our 26/27 Winter Buyer’s Guide (1:47)REI & AI (3:36)Telluride Bike Park Closed (19:48)Pattiegonia v Patagonia: Final Stages? (30:04)Retro Bolting Snake Dike (37:46)Cody’s New Catchphrase: Your Submissions (50:34)Most Canadian News: Cody & Alex (1:05:18)Most Canadian News: DoorDash (1:10:45)What We’re Reading & Watching (1:17:14)CHECK OUT OUR OTHER PODCASTS:Blister CinematicCRAFTEDBikes & Big IdeasGEAR:30
412. Dragons, Mountain Towns, & the Art of Exploring w/ George Sibley (Blister Book Club)
01:15:48||Ep. 412Jonathan talks with George Sibley, author of, ‘Dragons in Paradise,’ and longtime contributor to the Mountain Gazette. ‘Dragons’ is a must-read collection of essays on mountain town communities and culture, and today they talk about these topics and many others.Note: We Want to Hear From You!We’d love for you to share with us the stories or topics you’d like us to cover next month on Reviewing the News; ask your most pressing mountain town advice questions, or offer your hot takes for us to rate. Email us at: info@blisterreview.com RELATED LINKS:BLISTER+ Get Yourself CoveredSee our Updated Mtn Bike Buyer’s GuideEnter Our Free Weekly Gear GiveawaysTOPICS & TIMES:Shoutout: New BLISTER+ Members (0:54)George Sibley’s 60-Year Journey (2:18)Dragons in Paradise (4:30)The Threat of Modern Dragons (8:22)The Nature of ‘Work’ (17:58)Life in Gothic (24:06)The Art of the Essay: Exploring Ideas (32:35)A Book Everyone Should Read / Revisit? (37:11)The State of Poetry in 2026 (39:14)George’s New Collection: Storm in My Head (45:47)George’s Recent Piece in Mountain Gazette (49:46)Reflections on Aging & Mountain Town Life (55:48)The Importance of Mountain Towns (1:00:46)Engaging Young People to Create Change (1:09:50)CHECK OUT OUR OTHER PODCASTS:=Blister CinematicCRAFTEDBikes & Big IdeasGEAR:30
411. Founder’s Story: Stio Founder & CEO, Stephen Sullivan
01:16:06||Ep. 411Stephen “Sulli” Sullivan shares all the wild twists and turns of co-founding Cloudveil in 1997, then launching Stio in 2011. We dive into some of his most significant (and most painful) lessons learned; key industry insights; and the factors necessary to build a successful outdoor company.Note: We Want to Hear From You!We’d love for you to share with us the stories or topics you’d like us to cover next month on Reviewing the News; ask your most pressing mountain town advice questions, or offer your hot takes for us to rate. Email us at: info@blisterreview.com RELATED LINKS:BLISTER+ Get Yourself CoveredSee our Updated Mtn Bike Buyer’s GuideEnter Our Free Weekly Gear GiveawaysTOPICS & TIMES:Shoutout: New BLISTER+ Members (1:44)First outdoor sport you fell in love with? (4:04)When Did You First Think of Starting an Outdoor Company? (6:36)Starting Cloudveil (16:06)Turning Point: Denali (22:16)What Happened at Cloudveil? (27:12)Advice on Company Structure (37:37)Launching Stio (44:29)Biggest Surprises? (51:26)Dan Abrams’ 1st Question (56:21)Dan Abrams’ 2nd Question (1:04:44)Sulli’s Current Favorite Stio Technical Piece (1:06:27)Sulli’s Current favorite Casual Piece (1:08:12)What are You Most Excited about? (1:12:39)CHECK OUT OUR OTHER PODCASTS:Blister CinematicCRAFTEDBikes & Big IdeasGEAR:30
410. Athlete / Activist Caroline Gleich on Data Centers, the Situation in Utah, & Why It Matters to All of Us
01:00:19||Ep. 410The rapid proliferation of plans to build large data centers across the USA is a massive story with major consequences. So today, Caroline Gleich talks about what is happening in Utah and beyond; getting attacked by ‘Mr. Wonderful’ on national TV; and more. We also discuss her experience running for U.S. Senate, and why we need more good people to get involved in local politics.Note: We Want to Hear From You!We’d love for you to share with us the stories or topics you’d like us to cover next month on Reviewing the News; ask your most pressing mountain town advice questions, or offer your hot takes for us to rate. Email us at: info@blisterreview.com RELATED LINKS:BLISTER+ Get Yourself CoveredSee our Updated Mtn Bike Buyer’s GuideEnter Our Free Weekly Gear GiveawaysRESOURCES:Patagonia Action WorksErin Brockovich Data Center SiteVote411.orgBallotReady.org Local Journalism!TOPICS & TIMES:Caroline’s Background (2:54)The Data Center Debate (9:10)Utah's Data Center Controversy (16:13)Environmental & Community Impacts of Data Centers (20:43)The AI Arms Race and Its Implications (24:16)What is Real “Progress”? (30:53)Where to Find Facts, Not Misinformation? (35:35)What can be done right now in Utah? (44:26)Caroline’s Experience of Running for Senate (45:59)The Promise of Local Politics (54:36)CHECK OUT OUR OTHER PODCASTS:Blister CinematicCRAFTEDBikes & Big IdeasGEAR:30
409. Mountain Town Economics 2.0: Housing, Development, Public Lands, the Forest Service, & More w/ Jonathan Houck
01:04:18||Ep. 409Today we’re talking about housing, affordable housing, development in mountain towns, public lands, and more with Gunnison County commissioner, Jonathan Houck, an avid mountain biker, skier, and former sponsored climber.Note: We Want to Hear From You!We’d love for you to share with us the stories or topics you’d like us to cover next month on Reviewing the News; ask your most pressing mountain town advice questions, or offer your hot takes for us to rate. Email us at: info@blisterreview.com RELATED LINKS:Get Yourself Covered: BLISTER+See our Updated Mtn Bike Buyer’s GuideEnter Our Free Weekly Gear GiveawaysOur Other Mtn Town Economics Conversations:Ep. 390: Mountain Town Economics 2.0: Telluride Update w/ Jason BlevinsEp. 389: Telluride Closes, Ski Patrol Strikes, & the Future of Ski Resorts w/ Jason BlevinsCRAFTED Ep 47: How to Design a Well-Crafted, Affordable Home w/ Zack GiffinEp. 275: Mtn Town Economics: Zack Giffin on Skiing, Tiny Homes, & Big SolutionsEp. 270: Mtn Town Economics & Outdoor RecreationEp. 180: Mtn Town Economics, Pt 3: Developing Housing, Addressing Climate Change, & Mitigating Megafires w/ Scott Ehlert Ep. 179: Mtn Town Economics, Pt 2: Housing, Community, & Core Values w/ Troy RussEp. 177: Mtn Town Economics, Pt 1: Affordable Housing, Short-Term Rentals, & More w/ Jenny StuberTOPICS & TIMES:New BLISTER+ Members (1:21)Houck: Climber, Skier, Mtn Biker (2:42)How Did You Get into Politics? (5:59)Duties of a County Commissioner? (9:25)Affordable Housing Updates (12:10)Pushback (22:39)Quality of Space & Numerous Stakeholders (28:30)Managing Federal Lands (48:05)Houck’s 10-Year Prediction (59:17)CHECK OUT OUR OTHER PODCASTS:Blister CinematicCRAFTEDBikes & Big IdeasGEAR:30
408. Reviewing the News w/ Cody Townsend (May 2026)
01:32:11||Ep. 408Cody and Jonathan talk about Cody’s recent trip to Canada; Patagonia vs Pattie Gonia; the Enhanced Games; the Drunk Olympics?; a runners’ beef; the most Canadian news; what we’re reading & watching; and more.Note: We Want to Hear From You!We’d love for you to share with us the stories or topics you’d like us to cover next month on Reviewing the News; ask your most pressing mountain town advice questions, or offer your hot takes for us to rate. Email us at: info@blisterreview.comRELATED LINKS: Get Yourself Covered: BLISTER+See our Updated Mtn Bike Buyer’s GuideEnter Our Free Weekly Gear GiveawaysTOPICS & TIMES:Cody in Canada (4:09)Rant Response (9:19)The Enhanced Games (19:26)Enhanced X Games, FWT, or WC Ski Racing? (30:54)Is the National Spelling Bee a Sport? (36:46)VIDEO: Cody on ‘Sports’ vs ‘Competitions’ (43:15)Satisfy x Adidas Event (44:55)Runners’ Beef: Sage Canaday vs Cam Hanes (58:48)Patagonia vs Pattie Gonia, Revisited (1:11:00)Most Canadian News (1:15:55)What We’re Reading & Watching (1:20:34)CHECK OUT OUR OTHER PODCASTS:Blister CinematicCRAFTEDBikes & Big IdeasGEAR:30
407. 10 Quick Things: 'DC / NYC' Edition
25:59||Ep. 407Jonathan shares some highlights and takeaways from his 12-day trip to Washington DC and NYC.Note: We Want to Hear From You!We’d love for you to share with us the stories or topics you’d like us to cover next month on Reviewing the News; ask your most pressing mountain town advice questions, or offer your hot takes for us to rate. Email us at: info@blisterreview.com RELATED LINKS: Get Yourself Covered: BLISTER+Enter Our Free Weekly Gear GiveawaysTOPICS & TIMES:Shoutout: New BLISTER+ Members (0:51)1. Rogge’s Talk at the Library of Congress (1:42)2. Conversations w/ Members of Congress (3:11)3. Little Mtn Towns & Big Cities (5:09)4. Cycling in NYC (7:05)5. Walking & Hiking (11:33)6. My CRAFTED Trip Report (13:46)7. The Lincoln Memorial (14:51)8. The Fox (19:32)9. Mountain Bike Season (22:27)10. Some Personal Stats on This Past Winter (23:04)CHECK OUT OUR OTHER PODCASTS:Blister CinematicCRAFTEDBikes & Big IdeasGEAR:30