Gabe Cruz Used to be the Biggest Aaron Kyro Hater | The Braille Drop Podcast Ep. 1

In our conversation with Gabe, a seasoned skater, we explore his journey from his first experience on a skateboard to becoming a sponsored rider for Revive. Growing up in a Northern California, Gabe shares his unique perspective on the challenges and rewards of being a skater in that environment. He opens up about his initial dislike for Aaron, a surprising revelation that highlights the evolution of their friendship.
As the discussion progresses, we discover another side of Gabe's passion: film and visual effects. We explore how Gabe combines his interest in filmmaking with his love for skateboarding, showcasing his creative endeavors within the community. Additionally, we tackle a thought- provoking question: how can we balance creating content that appeals to the KZbin algorithm while still making a positive impact and helping others?
As we delve deeper into Gabe's journey, we uncover the reality of being a KZbinr, including the struggles of dealing with trolls and hateful comments. We explore the emotional toll this takes on content creators and gain insights into how Gabe manages these challenges.
Finally, we touch upon a unique aspect of skateboarding culture: Illegal Tricks. Gabe provides an entertaining and informative perspective on this phenomenon, offering a glimpse into the subculture that surrounds skateboarding. Join us as we embark on this captivating episode, packed with personal stories, insights, and a deeper understanding of the skateboarding world and KZbin landscape.
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Domestika: Check out our producer's course on recording, editing, and mixing audio for podcasting thebrailledrop.com/audio

[@EmeryTausend]

I just want to tell y'all how much you inspire me. I'm 33 and legally blind. Growing up I was told I couldn't skate because of my eyes. So at 33 I'm hanging up my marathon shoes and getting a skateboard. I'm not letting my eyes stop me any longer.

[@rickyglaser]

First, something about dropping in

[@himebaughchris4026]

Or that Roll-In Aaron did. Bring in Bob Burnquist. 😁

[@captainshiner42]

​@@himebaughchris4026That video had me in tears, bro!

[@TheAlmighty]

Gabe finally dropped in

[@Bigboigamerguy]

Ricky or bust

[@braillearmy]

Oh Rick! You silly goose

[@purplepixeleater]

This is such an awesome experience to share with us! Will definitely be tuning in to EVERY episode! :D

[@braillearmy]

Thanks so much! New episodes every Monday

[@dawsonsmith7905]

Bro, your screaming in videos actively INCREASES my enjoyment of the videos. It makes the whole vibe seem more real and relatable, like yea ima be hyped asf when my homie lands a trick. Yea I’m gonna scream my head off, how u not gonna let the cameraman do it too?!

[@mesoc]

facts

[@braillearmy]

I appreciate that

[@Grimboww]

I thought I had missed a few episodes when you were talking about having already interviewing others but super happy to be here on the ground floor for an incredible behind the scenes and fun chatting podcast! You and Gabe have such a sick history together with how you two first met! Shoutout Gabe's mom for raising such a champion!

[@braillearmy]

Thanks! New Episodes every week 🔥

[@braillearmy]

Every Monday

[@Grimboww]

@@braillearmy Mondays just got 500% better, Garfield's gonna be STOKED

[@JPCoovert]

Dudes! This was so great! Love hearing your backstory Gabe, getting some behind the scenes, and seeing how you two interact is amazing. Gotta get all the Revive fam on here!!!

[@braillearmy]

Yes and we should get you on here too!!!!!

[@NickAtNightGaming]

I 2nd all of this

[@JPCoovert]

@@braillearmy Would LOVE that!

[@MrWorsterLike]

@@JPCoovert big ups

[@GameBoyDad]

I loved the all turain tour!!! We need a once a year full team tour. Was amazing to watch and was very well edited. WE WANT MORE!!

[@braillearmy]

Awesome

[@StuffnThings42]

Yes! Braille Podcast! Let's Go!!! This is a great first episode. Looking forward to more. 😍

[@braillearmy]

Yay! Thank you!

[@Myke_thehuman]

Just wanted to let you guys know, I found your channel last Friday with the - Don't Break The Amazon Polycarbonate Skateboard. - video. That video got me back into skateboarding after 15 years of not touching a board. Even when I did skate I didn't skate that much. Just got to the point of jumping off of a curb. Got my first board today, a Walmart Tony Hawk board. Had to get new wheels because well... Walmart. But I rode today and I'm addicted. 30 years old and I'm back at skateboarding. 🤘🤘

[@Myke_thehuman]

And your tutorial about skateboarding helped a ton. Got riding and the tic tack trick down.

[@braillearmy]

Yes I love it! This comment right here is why I keep doing what I do ❤️

[@dwolivas]

Hearing Gabe talk about Smosh and Freddie Wong just made my day

[@josejimenez7445]

I sat through the all terrain video in one sitting. Long video are great as you can pause and come back to it.

[@braillearmy]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@phantom9813]

Really needed a long video. Rough mental day

[@braillearmy]

Hope it helped and tomorrows gonna be a better day ❤️

[@phantom9813]

@@braillearmyit did and i hope so too. thanks so much!!

[@degerdi]

We need to decorate that office

[@braillearmy]

Ya hahaha

[@surpriseshoveit3514]

Yesterday i wrote that it would be awesome if you guys make a podcast. Sometimes life is super 👍

[@braillearmy]

❤️. Been working on this for a while. New episodes Weekly on Mondays

[@surpriseshoveit3514]

@@braillearmy That’s pretty dope 💪

[@nollieheel]

This was great. Hearing the stories from both of you reminded me of so many of the same stories but from my perspective. Good times!

[@shawnskates]

you guys should start breaking the wall of youtube skaters and start reaching out to "pro" skaters. Ask them to come out and have them teach their favorite trick. they get more publicity and you get views.... and possibly bring everyone together. could be a type of series.

[@braillearmy]

Im so down and this has been the plan for a while now. Will launch it later this year

[@shawnskates]

@@braillearmy ❤️

[@MARGWAA]

PODCAST TIME LETS GOO THANK UUU

[@braillearmy]

🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@jamesortega2340]

I'm going to finish this video at work. Now I can enjoy Braille while I'm working, and not only on my lunch breaks. Thank you!

[@braillearmy]

Perfect!

[@Agapelovestudio]

Bro I literally look forward to your daily videos. They're one of the only things that keep me going, LOL.

[@Agapelovestudio]

Whatttt a braille podcast finally 🙌 soo stoked hope this keeps going g how often are the up loads. Love the name just so .a n y things I love about this and have been waiting for for so long.. ...so.etging new to listen. To at work

[@braillearmy]

More to come!

[@digibath89]

listening to this makes me think of the good ol'days of highscool, skating w/the bros back in 2005. Man, whata vibe, very relatable! thanks!

[@earthleaf9567]

This is so fresh!!! Love just hearing about the life stories!!! I love how personal it gets and has a good flow to the conversation.

[@DstrtdMnd]

This is awesome. It's great to hear you two talking about the behind the scenes stuff.

[@helpsloan]

Great video! After Moguely's goodbye video, I was thinking that I'd like to hear more longform discussions with the guys on the crew, so perfect timing with this. If you do decide to make more educational content or skate school, could you make a channel that translates them to spanish?

[@braillearmy]

We actually already have a channel that translates them into Spanish! Search for Braille Skateboarding Spanish channel

[@thevillianats1599]

Could listen to Cruz all day . Great talker n great stories.. legend

[@braillearmy]

Truly

[@Lordementor96]

loved watching the podcast, every topic was so interesting to me. It really feels like I am having a conversation with friends. I have been watching Braille on and off for 10 years too :) And shoutout to Lance, that was my favorite era. I wish you guys many more years of teaching people how to skateboard. Greetings from Germany

[@pittiagoodrider5400]

100% love this. I swear nobody remembers the other Braille Drop Pod. But I’m so happy for something more serious 💪🏾☝🏾

[@timoburgi3784]

I been watching braille pretty much when they started. I used to skate in my teens and had some basic tricks down. Always wanted to get back but never actually commited. Coming 32 years old and finally wanting to get back in to skating I can't wait and will trying to get my daughter to learn everything from scratch again. Thanks braille for the many hours of entertainment and finally pushed me to get back on it.

[@atlantaperimeter]

You guys are great, this channel has rekindled my skateboarding. I love gabes camerawork

[@hoppefan]

The Braille drop Podcast should be on the main channel. Great fun to watch

[@daydaay]

YOOOOO THIS SO FIREEE 💯I’ve been asking for this for years

[@braillearmy]

Awesome

[@deactivated164]

Such a refreshing video from a long time braille watcher. Seriously good job all love

[@Dwyy__]

Been watching braille for a year. This podcast is one of my favorite videos, hope to see more+

[@bobbyugi]

Take off all Jamba Juice Gabe owes you to drop in

[@braillearmy]

Deal

[@NickAtNightGaming]

I am a Braille Army Plus Memeber!! And its awesome!!

[@braillearmy]

Lets go!

[@pinkavyek]

Good listen, enjoyed listening whilst practicing my Heelflips. love these, please do more

[@chrisevans212]

FINALLY. Another quality listen for getting through the day with

[@braillearmy]

❤️

[@withdrew1591]

I remember the first video that Gabe came on and how stoked he was driving to the spot. Its been amazing watching both of your journeys to today!

[@jamesortega2340]

Please bring Sam to the Braille House! I watch his videos all the time, but I didn't know him when he skated an actual skateboard.

[@braillearmy]

Lets do it

[@rylannguyen1873]

This was a great first episode. So excited for more podcasts from Braille! I want to see all the Braille members on the podcast. Would also love to see Chris Chann, Lance, Andy Schrock, Andy Anderson, Johnny Giger, Kelly/Luke, and John Hill. Also I feel like this episode was a bit long, I think 1.5-2 hours is the perfect length but that's just my opinion.

[@braillearmy]

Coming soon!

[@crolson43]

Now it's me because of that dang gramps wearing a backwards hat lol. Love you guys keep it up. Glad you wore it properly for this video 😂

[@braillearmy]

Thanks haha

[@joshuaadams5295]

I'm 32 in oct. Time goes by in a blink of an eye. The biggest mistake we make as humans I think is wasting time. When you really think about it every single second is so precious and should be spent doing stuff you truly love that makes you happy.

[@mau333gon]

Learned a ton about you guys from this video. Glad you decided to start a podcast

[@zarekhicks-gomez5919]

lowkey i had the same experience, i had my first popsicle board and i got into skating, then i stopped, then i got back into it but just so i could skate with my cousin, and i got a cruiser board, down in orange county, now here i am a year later from the moment skating a new deck which i got from venice. Greyson fletcher pro board, and now i skate quite a bit

[@wavez_9107]

I’m so glad these are back❤

[@braillearmy]

Thanks

[@braillearmy]

Trying to do every Monday

[@Vindalo100]

This was such a fun podcast to listen to! Please keep doing them!

[@braillearmy]

Every Monday

[@NaturalFork]

Little varial flipping Cruz's would be amazing!

[@braillearmy]

Yes

[@ethanfulton9659]

Thanks for bringing this back!!!

[@captainshiner42]

What really sucks is getting into skating as a 42 year-old introvert.

[@purpleclassified7671]

Have fun out there. Don't worry about others . I got your back

[@captainshiner42]

@@The_G_in_Jesus Right on! 🙂

[@captainshiner42]

​@@purpleclassified7671Fo sho. That's what I love about the skating community. You guys rock!

[@braillearmy]

We are here for you

[@Mrleahey]

Yesss been waiting for this to come back❤

[@IWjake]

Yo I’m SOOOOOOO about a braille pod. This is DOPE

[@braillearmy]

Thanks!

[@wyattmedley2426]

Cruz is always the man and energy behind the videos I feel, love everyone on the team and what they bring but without Cruz it wouldn't be what it is I feel. When JD was younger you could sense Cruz had a different understanding how to interact and talk to him and just knows how to push everyone but keep the spirits up as well. Im about to be 28 next month and it's crazy how different our paths are, I went from homeless for 2 years to a job and getting a place and now all these years later in a great relationship and watching Braille which inspires me to keep pushing. I ride BMX and dirt bikes and only push around on my set up I've had since I was 10 still which is crazy. Definitely need a new set up but waiting for that JD pro deck ;) Love all you do and keep on inspiring.

[@user-fe7fz2vj9c]

I just listened on Apple Podcasts! Love this show!

[@braillearmy]

Yay thanks!

[@joshweiss2617]

You guys 1000% helped me I watched your how to skate videos and hit your board and everything I loved watched lance learn new tricks because I started late in life so seeing him struggle and actually get some tricks helped me a lot I love the worst board at the park and teaching stuff and games of skate

[@Renbedlam]

Great podcasts I look forward to more just like this and hope to not only progress in my skateboarding but also my scooter as well this year.

[@cptnpuffbar]

been waitin on a braille pod for years !

[@braillearmy]

Thanks!

[@cptnpuffbar]

love y’all

[@The-skate-collector]

Dig this hope more episodes are on the way!🙏🙏

[@Dave3rdEyeArt]

Bridging a gap from Braille to Core is someone like Matt Thomasillo! Itd be awesome to get him and Fancy Lad at Braille

[@mojitosb]

Ok wow....After years i love Gabe now 😅💙 What a humble guy. All the best from Germany and some hugs to my Sneakerking Globoarder ☔️ and the whole Braille Team

[@braillearmy]

Much love

[@AdventuresInSkateboarding]

This is good. Understanding who Mr. Cruz was helps me understand who he is. 100% agree that it is hard to relate to pro skaters when getting started. Channels like Andy's keep skateboarding accessable, even when you are over 40. I like how Gabe created his own success, with a good push from mom.

[@prodbycii]

Great video! Have you ever thought about bringing back the today I learned series? I think you and Gabe would smash that just like in the old days

[@marioherrera3060]

Love the podcast my favorite videos have always been when you guys go skating around a town somewhere

[@Dave3rdEyeArt]

Braille Podcast?!? Yes!!

[@braillearmy]

🔥🔥🔥

[@TheBiscuit.]

I absolutely love this! I need more!

[@braillearmy]

Every monday

[@TheBiscuit.]

@@braillearmy sick! :)

[@nikitaboches2974]

it's great. 'll be waiting for more podcast FOR. SURE.

[@dippedinhoneyy4899]

MORE OF THIS PLEASEEE

[@braillearmy]

Every Monday ❤️

[@12345morello]

2:50:19 hearing this after listening to this whole podcast really spoke to me right now. I’m on a 4 hour drive back home after a break up and couldn’t have asked for something better to get me through it

[@Chobonjwa]

Great first episode! I would love to see timestamps for the different subjects!

[@Bombaiden]

I feel something in every braille video

[@braillearmy]

Thank you

[@KingLoggFrogg]

I’m loving this and this is my first watch!

[@Rievoldt]

Feel like the content has hit a new level lately, really enjoying it

[@braillearmy]

Thank you

[@emilyolsen3916]

I appreciate what you guys do!

[@braillearmy]

Thanks so much

[@shawnskates]

Aaron is the grandfather of youtube skateboarding lol

[@Corntron5000]

This is the perfect background to playing some rust on the PC haha

[@MikaTarkela]

This was a really interesting episode! Could have done without the talks of views on videos because none of us are interested in those statistics and you shouldn't think about it too much. When you start making videos just for the view counts you lose the most important thing you have. I understand you need the views to pay salaries etc but please never forget your passion

[@braillearmy]

Much love ❤️

[@themediocre1]

Ya'll should do a road to sponsor type video series. Like finding locals and putting them through like the braille experience over the course of a few months and have the braille army vote and what not on who will be the next rider for braille.

[@AMJPEGALEE]

My first Braille video I saw was the Apple Wheels on a skateboard. It was all history from there.

[@braillearmy]

Much love

[@adziepollard]

Any chance of uploading to spotify? Would love to listen while i drive

[@braillearmy]

It’s up there! Links at www.brailleskateboarding.com/podcast

[@adziepollard]

Awesome! Found it. Thanks legend

[@bermudateenager]

I would love to see a musician as a guest on the podcast. I’m a musician and the Braille videos and align a lot with being a musician and having passion and dreams. Also just how close music and skateboarding are intertwined.

[@Jax49]

OH MAN! No way! You made my idea come true! ♥ Thanks! You are the greatest

[@Blackenedwhiplash]

I think it's this podcast episode that Aaron talks about a funny skit video he made, something to do with Grimace's birthday, and how he was going to fall backwards into the vert ramp but decided not to and did something else for the video instead. Does anyone know which video Aaron was talking about? I can't find it on either the main channel or Braille Army. If anyone can point me in the right direction that would be much appreciated!

[@Skateceramics]

they back!

[@braillearmy]

Lets go

[@joshuaschmidinger3993]

This is so cool but I am gonna have to watch in chunks cuz I can't see it all with work 😔 very interesting stuff so far 😎👌

[@CaseUNO]

y'all need something in the wide shot on the wall. neon brail logo?

[@braillearmy]

Yes we do

[@CaseUNO]

@@braillearmy LET ME SHOOT THAT MUSIC VIDEO FOR AARON!!!!!

[@rogeliohernandez2355]

woah a podcast i didn't expect this, that is cool

[@braillearmy]

Ya thanks

[@philsortino2247]

We need more videos of gabe skating!

[@BenAesthetic]

Ngl, I don't even skate. I have been watching your videos for years just because I love the people. I agree that friendships and people are what make great content.

[@Freegrem]

The name is as perfect as i thought it would be

[@braillearmy]

Thank you

[@Mrivory810]

can you get Lance on the podcast?

[@braillearmy]

Ya

[@Mrivory810]

@@braillearmy awesome

[@veylun]

In relation to Aaron wondering about the amount of memes/challenge videos versus the learning/tutorial videos - maybe since there are so many videos every week you could have just one that's something like "Tuesday Tutorial" or "Saturday Skate Submissions" or whatever, and focus on one bread and butter trick that should be in everyone's aresenal for SKATE games or something. ❤

[@veylun]

ALSO if you're not able to skate because of whatever life circumstances you may be dealing with - the longer videos doing stuff like hide and seek, or the floor is lava, or anything counts SKATE, are amazing to watch. You get to see amazing tricks, have fun, and also get to see the tricks these amazing skaters are doing up close. 🎉

[@braillearmy]

Yes for a few weeks we did Tutorial Tuesday but damn not many people watched them. I gotta improve them I think

[@veylun]

@@braillearmy that could be down to SEO results and the algorithm ! Oh also, in relation to the chat about doing videos that tie into internet culture and memes more to ride those trends, maybe one video a week is specifically TRYING to do that? For example the new Spiderman movie just came out. I would have tried to get William Spencer in for an everything counts game of SKATE. I'm so happy you replied! Love from Ireland to you all 🙏💜

[@Joehockey1990]

It’s the symmetry of a variable flip that I prefer less than a tre. It’s a full flip to half a cycle for a varial, vs full flip and full cycle of a tre. No shade against a varial flip in any way. But that’s the factor for me. Kinda like kick flips will always look better than heel flips because of the flip speed. Even the best heel flippers kick flip faster than their heel flip. Just makes the flip look better when it has a snappy fast flip.

[@curtisjacksons3027]

Proud of you guys 👏

[@braillearmy]

Thank you

[@SlinkSkateboards]

Dope podcast yall 🤙

[@braillearmy]

Thank you

[@jonnyvanbibber5717]

That intro straight 🔥

[@tacktime]

Gabe I learned varial flips cause of you and I love them I don't know why people hate on them

[@PajamaPantsStudios]

Oh man, at around an hour and thirteen minutes in, you mentioned a comment about the yelling, and I swear I SAW that comment, and I kinda felt for that guy, lol! I don’t mind the yelling, I totally get it! Y’all are hyped. But man, it does get loud.

[@pa_pawlrus]

This is good. Keep it going Braille 💯

[@lilgingy75]

yoooo a podcast? this just made my day 100000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000x better

[@braillearmy]

Lets go

[@astoldbywhomever9756]

I wanna see gabe skate more love him!

[@TheKeener123]

Are these on Spotify? If not they need to be!

[@braillearmy]

Yep! Links are at www.brailleskateboarding.com/podcast