Rodney Mullen: Pop an ollie and innovate! (TED Talk)

[@zamardii12]

I remember playing Tony Hawk Pro Skater and unlocking the skater vids... Mullen's blew my mind.

[@BallisticTech]

zamardii12 Yuuuuup! Same. Then I found Rodney Mullen vs Daewon Song Round 2

[@realma7755]

+zamardii12 why the game dont " Rodney Mullen pro skater" named ?

[@nathan16larson]

+zamardii12 Holy shit my mind just exploded on this memory....well done sir.

[@AkuCintaIslamVideo]

+zamardii12 Yeah, It was Tony Hawk Pro Skater 4 I believe. I also remember there is a bug in that which I was able to make 1mill+ points in a game

[@AkuCintaIslamVideo]

+zamardii12 Yeah, It was Tony Hawk Pro Skater 4 I believe. I also remember there is a bug in that which I was able to make 1mill+ points in a game

[@snipeuoutjsl]

Wow. I can feel how much skating means to him. That's amazing.

[@Mr1hmm1]

***** Good call Royak! Just watched that again a few weeks ago. Forgot how intense Rodney is in it!

[@VonDutchyy]

***** That was one of the best Docs I have ever watched

[@botond1111]

+Jeremiah St.louis Yeah exactly, there was something off for me too... something strange about him... a step from being weird, then i realised... it's just that he freaking loves skating, and since he has been able to do that, he exudes an aura that says: ''I'm fulfilled with what I have, what I've done'' and that is rare. It kind of gave me the chills, since I've never seen anything like him before :O he's awesome! :)

[@OceanCrasher]

Yea, he is very transparent with his love for skateboarding. It's great because you can totally relate to the things we love too, except that most of us feel we need to be more reserved for the fear of what other people think, and that we don't want to be arrogant with our skills.

[@Moloko_Synthemesc]

+Brandon Owen You can see with his slides early on in the talk, he makes a point of saying he doesn't want to be too indulgent, but he's smiling and laughing and almost choking up when he's showing those slides, he just wants to share his passion so badly, because it obviously makes him very happy talking about it, but you can see he is very humbled by the weight of the history attached to the pictures. Rightfully so, he has a lot to be proud of. It's not that he knows he's good, but how his journey is not unlike any other creative medium, you just have to have the right approach and attitude about how to tackle your challenges. I don't skate (I ride BMX), but I can certainly appreciate Rodney and everything he's done for skateboarding, but it's more than that. His passion for skateboarding is the kind of passion that makes you want to do well at whatever it is you do. His energy is infectious.

[@LunchBXcrue]

After all these years he is still as passionate as ever, favourite skater of all time

[@robbroadhead3495]

"Skaters tend to be outsiders, who seek a sense of belonging, but a belonging on there own terms" -Rodney Sums up why I got into it.

[@arthuribagy5006]

Rob Broadhead me too

[@dinglebingus2625]

I'm not a skater but I feel the same way. I do enjoy the culture though, and in turn I listen to a lot of punk and firmly believe in counter culture. Probably started because of THPS/THUG.

[@scrimpmster]

Same here. I love it. What he said about street skaters also. There's loads of parks where I live but the closes to me is about a 20 minute cycle ride away so the easiest option for me is street.

[@DavidSiciliano2100]

​@@dinglebingus2625 wtf punk and counter culture has to do with skate besides some dorks has listened in some period. You could say whatever style of music to try to fit into skateboarding but at the end it's just a sport whatever you try to define into something else but it's a sport associated with other things but no one needs to listen to punk, hip hop or whatever modern western garbage on the menu or let alone to be political to get into the SPORT

[@mattsdpell5029]

DARKSLIDE OF THE MOON. That's what your smart, genuine and sincere person has created.

[@mattsdpell5029]

Your*

[@krucialkevkalamity2055]

I once met Rodney in the in the 90's at radlands England and i said " It's a pleasure to meet you Mr Mullen" and he said "No it's a pleasure to meet you" and then we skated together like life long bros. Good times.

[@dmoeller0]

sure

[@Bill-rk8vb]

its true, its called a pro tour, they come out and skate and meet fans, in the early 90's i met Ed Templeton, Kris Markovich & Tony Hawk just to name a few and im in Sydney, Australia

[@hoogzy78]

Bob Swardson I had the pleasure of meeting with and skating with Ed Templeton, Willy Santos and Jason Lee in Melbourne ( early to mid 90s ) and I still think / talk about it all the time.

[@SymmetricalHorizon]

Rad landsss dudeeeee the best

[@craigmiller2101]

dmoeller0 jealous much ?!

[@ricardoortiz3376]

Not only a great contributor to the sport, but a unique mind. I love how Rodney explains what we do and how we nourish each other as a community.

[@adams1458]

That's the best apart: Humility. We as a society of ego forget that & that message transcends everything, it also connects with everyone.

[@ricardoortiz3376]

I agree.

[@DRose-uv9gt]

Did you just agree with yourself?

[@ricardoortiz3376]

Adam S I agree Adam.

[@thebyronicmann]

What an incredibly intelligent, articulate and artistic human being. You don’t have to like skateboarding to be mesmerised by that talk. He was just riffing with no autocue. No uming or erring, the words just flowed from his mouth. He knew exactly what he wanted to say and said it with such passion. Utterly compelling.

[@chesterpuffington8368]

The Byronicmann Well said sir.

[@BrodyEllis111]

He's like a little kid, how he gets so excited just talking about skating. It's awesome

[@joshualane1716]

I've been a fan of him for more than a decade and this is the first time I've ever heard him speak.

[@BrandoCommando1986]

Joshua Lane same here ... crazy

[@treatb09]

he is wacky isn't he? all his videos he never comes off like he is. his skating persona is noble as hell, and he's a massive dork when he talks XD just an average every day skater with the skills of god mode.

[@infinitr7021]

Check out the Bones Brigade documentary made by Peralta. Lot's of great Mullen among other things.

[@adahbombdon1512]

Same. Should've known he'd be so soft spoken.

[@andrewpegg5321]

same.

[@firecrakka]

Can't say I'm much of a skater, but I've always appreciated watching the masters of their craft. And to me, Mullen always stood out from the pack. Always nice when somebody so talented is both humble and respectful. Far too rare these days. Kudos Mr Mullen.

[@Solonghoney]

It's so funny to see him stand! Dude is always ready to pop a Oli even when he doesn't have his board.

[@treatb09]

gotta practice, gotta stay ready, stay prepared.

[@cheapthrillonthetube4027]

Muscle-memory for sure LOL

[@Zzz-ghostyyy]

He’s probably spent more time on the board than he has on his two feet.

[@onlycorner5565]

@@treatb09 kzbin.info/www/bejne/q3bQXqqghdCYnac lack at that face

[@lxlcaesarlxl]

@BOMBAATA Wilt Chamberlain 2K 20K Yo chill dawg

[@leerobbo92]

Pure, raw enthusiasm. The best kind of lecture. So infectious.

[@amateurwave3593]

the bill Nye of skating haha

[@charlesnokes8938]

+Roberto Rosas Jr. more like Dr. Michio Kaku

[@amateurwave3593]

***** hahaha what??

[@CrossWindsPat]

Hes the Nikola Tesla of skating.

[@Mr1hmm1]

What a genius. The first person to envisage practically every trick he's ever filmed.

[@lukaj1n]

+Mr1hmm1 I skate myself but im not much into watching skate videos, though I remember watching this rodney mullen clips playing tony hawks pro skater 3 with my little brother. Why do they always show the same fuckin clips of him from the 90s?

[@corneliussmith4907]

+Mr1hmm1 a genius? bam margera is far better then him. He's well known around the world. bam, pioneered skateboarding. rodney mullen copied most of his moves from bam. His technique is shoddy and lacking.

[@MonsterTVchannel]

+Cornelius Smith cool story bro

[@lukaj1n]

***** Hell yeah, fatty coked up bam was doin darkslides primoslides and casper flips... shit nigga u trippin hard af frfr

[@yokopunana]

+Cornelius Smith .....you are a sick,sick,sick troubled person....

[@3tenzo3]

Yesterday, my doctor told me that I could never skate again. I've injured m ankles too much. They wouldn't restore completely. I just wanted to say thank you skateboarding. You have changed my life. And of course Rodney Mullen, the godfather of skating will forever be my main source of inspiration!

[@samuraix7091]

Feel bad for you bro...Maybe you could switch to fingerboarding? Haha just a suggestion but who knows one day your ankle might recover... Miracles can happened...

[@3tenzo3]

Yeah, one can only hope. But thanks man. My physiotherapist said that i could get into swimming and such. Who know maybe Ill swim for olympic gold someday haha

[@Regosta98]

Stay in skating start designing boards, shoes or even parks Fuck this swimming bullshit :)

[@samuraix7091]

Good suggestion, but it may also be bad. If he does those jobs he will feel said not able to skate anymore while looking at the decks he is designing, shoes or skateparks. But if he can maintain his feelings and feel happy doing those jobs then it will be great.

[@3tenzo3]

It would be awesome if this would work. How great of a story would that be to tell my children someday, haha! But swimming is something I've also done for years now, and maybe I can start doing that profesionnally and become the second Michael Phelps ;))

[@brandimullins8813]

He's got such a humble way of speaking and carrying himself. He's the kind of person you'd pay an arm and a leg to have lunch with lol

[@treatb09]

he probably eats at del taco.

[@brandimullins8813]

Bo Huggabee lmao yeah you're right. Still even that would be a blast.

[@DecayedPony]

I don't know anything about skating, but this guys passion is mesmerizing.

[@Debunked86]

Lawlhero i know all about skating and i totally agree with you.

[@alexcaminiti]

This was an excellent TED talk. Rodney comes across as such a happy, grateful and kind person. The world needs more people like him.

[@chty101]

Thats passion. You can take away all his popularity, his mony, fame all of that shit but as long as he has a skateboard he will forever be in his heart doing what he loves. Those are the people you want to learn from. People who work for something just to make it better and thats all.

[@ericg4915]

It's one of those sports where the pros are not motivated by money. Too much money corrupted these larger sports like football and basketball. Skateboarding has changed a lot in the last decade there is money being dumped into it but it's still not like the more traditional ones

[@flex_piper]

Wow.. Rodney really figured life out. He found something he loved so much he was able to make a career out of it and hearing him talk about he still has that excited passionate child like mentality that many people lose. Truly a talented guy 👍

[@alexanderwinston2257]

True.

[@jackmiddleton2080]

It is funny how he doesn't seem to realize how important and legendary he is. Because he was around in the early days of skateboarding he will forever be the Babe Ruth of skateboarding. A hundred years from now people will remember Rodney Mullen.

[@DanRoddy]

True dat

[@HQMatt]

+Jack Middleton Yep.

[@catastrophe218]

Jack Middleton *should remember

[@Syzygy17]

No he's just detached from his ego

[@TheRealNintendoKid]

lol, who's tony hawk?

[@ashspawk1206]

This guy is unparalleled in his art form. He is what Mozart was to classical music but for skating. You can literally see the love and passion for skateboarding glowing out of his soul. Just how happy the guy is too. He is one of the most influential and inspirational people alive today.

[@LtUnreal]

looks like he hit the crack pipe one too many times tho amirite olol

[@ayytygv]

@@LtUnreal nah

[@LtUnreal]

@@ayytygv yeah he does

[@TheSometimeAfter]

Fascinatingly eloquent. I've never seen him talk before and it was incredible to hear.

[@titandavid2008]

Rodney Mullen will always be my favorite skater. Dont be mistaken; he is a genius.

[@glowskullsmedia1499]

most humble king ever filmed! God Bless You Rodney!

[@TylerRaffle92]

Humble is referring to yourself as "the godfather of modern street skating? No He just comes of as the arrogant twat he is

[@bryand.5240]

+tyler raffle he didn't call himself that, he showed his style and said that was the reason he was referred to as that

[@brianbelcher7279]

+tyler raffle he's pretty humble. and he is the godfather of street skating if you ask me. he said he felt he was the worst with the plan b team he used to be with. the lone fact that he invented half the tricks they were using, he should have never been worried that he wasn't good enough to hang with them

[@Pur3Lojikk]

jack blue he may not be diagnosed with it but he certainly does have traits often linked with autism. Most people don't actually understand what autism is and don't understand that in some cases it's a gift rather than a disability. Often these people can convey their emotions through math, science, or engineering better than through social interaction. You can see this present in Rodney as he talks with his board.

[@herbivore7108]

That was the fastest 18 minutes ever, I could listen to him talk skateboarding for hours.

[@Micolash_is_behind_you]

oh shit that was 18?

[@monolithgeometry3221]

For real I will listen to him at work cuz that was a lightning quick 18

[@yoshimotoworld]

Feels like listening to a old crazy genius skateboarding professor. Love Mullens genius. And lol dat P.Rod picture

[@jasmineholland8184]

My dad played Mullens original videos for me when I got my first skateboard at 9 on Christmas after begging for one because I watched Zeke and Luthor and thought it looked so cool. At that age I couldn't comprehend how he did it. I thought it was magic. Learned how to ride and kick turn then put it down for several years became depressed and self destructive whilst picking up other things like music and drugs. 20 now and within the last year I picked skating up again, it helped me get sober, I got more boards. One of them being a revive. Started watching all kinds of skaters and styles. Few flat ground, quater pipes, staple guns, fakie, and free style tricks later and I'm in love. Still suck. Can't do most of it. But it's a constant personal progression. It means so much to me. It's a dream. I hope to do it until I die. It turned my life around. Rodney's smile is truly gorgeous. He is one of my heroes. Skating keeps you healthy and active, it's a creative outlet, it helps the environment. You definitely helped better my life. Also look he's almost 50 in this and I know 30 year olds that look worse than he does. Bless your heart dude. Keep cruisin'!

[@mattyKallday]

dude has permanent skate stance lol Mullen's the best

[@cyxcat9125]

yea he was like standing there to pop an first try tripple 360 flip out of nowhere.

[@rgbers]

CyxCat you mean 1080?

[@ezassegai4793]

he spends more time on a board than on the ground lol

[@C_O_N_C_E_P_T]

He has that locked in focus stance.

[@JustRockMySoul]

I dont skate, but this guy to me seems like the jimi hendrix of skateboarding

[@landseaandair8596]

JustRockMySoul you should skate

[@treatb09]

he has invented more tricks than any other skateboarder. i'm pretty sure he is banned from competitions XD. people give up if rodney walks in. he is the sage of skateboarding, alone in his mountain cottage while all the other little skateboarders have their competitions and games of skate. he is the true form of the guru.

[@Silencex84]

Bo Huggabee That is like the perfect description of Rodney Mullen

[@Napstablooky]

It's more than that, he invented the ollie which all street flip tricks root from so even if someone lands a new trick it's ultimately only possible because Rodney Mullen gave us the fundamentals.

[@treatb09]

Tairy Hesticle actually, he did not invent the ollie. but he did invent what one could consider the flip variant of ollie being all forms of kick flips and heel flips. so you are still correct. that is why he is the sage or guru. its hard to say definitively who pioneered any of these tricks though because i've myself done things that later were done by pro's and i got no recognition for. different pressure flips or no comply variants. it seems those who are marketed and taped get the word of mouth for the first and ever. it is the person who names it and declares it. not the one walking on the land, but the one planting the flag. like history, the world was here, but some people think making history is their consciousness walking the ground. that provides some importance, though the land was walked by animals and creations far more existential to the consciousness of man. so is the freedom of skateboarding anymore. it is clear rodney had an imagination unlike any other for the time. but we yet to see an ollie north late back foot flip. the ollie is the path of leaving the ground through force applied to the lip of the board without application of hand till after the lift has been achieved. its just that people were doing this before rodney was around. there is no standard of plain for tricks, no matter of angle to otherwise define a hard flip from an inward kick flip. most people these days can't difference the two and its disappointing to consider the thought anymore. the sport isn't progressing, just becoming slow and demanding. my pursuit would lead to a loss of style, but aren't we there already?

[@01034599]

he just seems like the coolest guy

[@davidmedina8130]

I love how he's still so excited to show off what he has accomplished and what moves he's doing in the clips.. He loves skating so much still despite it growing beyond him. He's definitely a living legend.

[@iReima]

He's like a mad scientist of skateboarding

[@IndustryOfMagic]

Very well said sir! A mad scientist of skateboarding! A grandfather mad scientist of skateboarding! He is for me, the skateboarding GOD! Better and most experienced among any other!

[@skatesissypop]

Rodney, how pathetic is it to still be skateboarding at 47? I love you and can't hardly wait to meet with you! Skate hard to the death. I'm 57 and landed my first kick flip at 52.

[@ajcrm125]

Neal thanks so much for your comment. That fact you were able to learn such a hard trick at that age is super encouraging for the rest of us adults.

[@JaggerDoesEdits]

ajcrm125 im 17 and cant kickflip xD

[@vladajanura4958]

Man, you just inspired me to proceed with skateboarding. I did use my skate just as a tool of transportation in the city and have not stood on my skate for the past 10 years. but I will start again to finally lear the ollie and then the flip...you are never old. Thanks and deep respect to you and Rodney....

[@dalisochitulangoma1234]

***** i can imposibal im 11

[@JaggerDoesEdits]

Well apparently you can't spell, so keep skating (:

[@Omnis2]

It's funny how his resting posture looks like he's on a skateboard.

[@DestroyerofWorlds0x]

always ready to pop! :D

[@Rangstaa]

Omnis i doubt if this dude walked more than skated.

[@romanfox5368]

Bill Gates too. Well, 'cept for being on the computer.

[@spoom937]

Omnis Dude that's so funny! I've been sk8N for like 10yrs an his stance is just like that he was born to Sk8!

[@mariomartin1223]

He's probably spent more time on the board than on the ground

[@thehorror16]

Everything he said, is what made me fall in love with skating 26 years ago, and why I still love it

[@dallasmed65]

Rodney would play a great Joker

[@claysoggyfries]

Dallasmed65 He'd be a good stunt double for Jim Carey on a skateboard

[@marioleos9445]

N-15 Productio

[@TrappoRL]

yeah thought about that aswell!

[@DrJimJim]

Didnt expect to see you in here dallas haha get back on unity ;p

[@TheeMoonstar]

Dallasmed65 he kinda reminds me of Jesse Eisenberg's Lex Luthor.

[@NeonMacabre]

I don't post very often on youtube, but I saw this mans footage about 13 years ago when I was 8 years old, inspired me to pick up a board. It brings warmth to me to see who has inspired me the most and introduced on of the most significant joys of my life sitting adjacent to my love for music, and might I add has saved my life in so many ways when I felt "outside" and alone in this world, I'm happy to state that skateboarding has always been my absolution to my existence when I feel the need to connect to life. Thank you Rodney Mullen for being one of the biggest heroes I have ever known from a distance. It's amazing how someone you've never met personally can change the foundation of your being.

[@eire789]

it is amazing isn't it,great story you have there :)

[@acidjames]

man i can connect to what you're saying, just that i didn't have the courage to start skateboarding when i was watching his videos 15 years ago but the good thing is i just started skateboarding, i'm 30 and it's just amazing, helps me a ton and Mullen is awesome :D

[@Antigegner]

the happiness with which he is talking about his passion is so addictive !

[@madcow0023]

When he gets excited he sounds like the biggest stoner ever!!😂😂😂 Mullin is by far the 🐐

[@Jason918114]

Spot on comment.

[@juanlizarraga212]

The best ever been watching him since I was 13 im 28 now and still think he's the best to do it

[@kailynx2295]

@@juanlizarraga212 Woah that's trippy, also been watching Rodney since I was 13 and 28 now lol

[@PeteRumley]

So much so you spell his name wrong 😅

[@mundoz79]

A true legend. What an honor to hear him speak and share. Above all this guy teaches me the beauty of being oneself. He transcends the models of being "cool" "tuff" etc. he is genuinely Rodney Mullen, that is unique and unrepeatable. He is nothing else except himself. Thank you Rodney

[@ballinglikechoji]

the father of modern skateboarding. still alive and kick(flip)ing...

[@Project1182]

magicflipping

[@juanlizarraga212]

Bro this man is a role model

[@juanlizarraga212]

The mullenflip

[@banfasso3109]

I'm 100% sure that Rodney Mullen has an IQ over 200. Seriously.

[@zhbroder]

skateboarding IQ OVER 9000

[@banfasso3109]

zhbroder obviously both

[@danknugz4202]

he smokes meth

[@banfasso3109]

danknugz420 coming from a guy called "danknugz420", i'm gonna call some serious bullshit on that comment and say you should probably adjust your tinfoil hat and just stick to commenting on the 9/11 conspiracy vids you probably watch, bud

[@Squidward]

Ban Fasso Well said.

[@zofiadoesntneedwithstand4672]

This was like the first TED talk I've watched outside of school

[@8-bitBishop]

I've watched Mullen over the years and was blown away every time. But to hear him speak is almost more impressive than his talent on a skateboard. This man is so passionate, and It's very infectious. Complete respect.

[@bleachno9]

This is why i love this guy. Constantly thinking,constantly evolving, and still so humble. No offense to other skaters but for the most part they're not exactly a treasure trove of knowledge, Rodney is so insanely brilliant. He is the most underappreciated skater of all time.

[@REDEYEZGFX]

I agree 100% your comment...he should be the 1 with all the fame and fortune

[@Meinstantics]

FYI, He's worth around 30 million

[@Quxrk]

Brian lammas that's not true

[@chanceh1]

Trevor Goodchild www.celebritynetworth.com/richest-athletes/skateboarders/rodney-mullen-net-worth/

[@Meinstantics]

^^^

[@DavidHughesEire]

Everyone else made similar comments, but I'd like to add that, as a skater, I've been inspired by this man for over twenty years. His innovation and inventions ALWAYS kept skating fresh for me and others.. He also greatly helped to inspire many kids (myself included) who lived in areas where street-skating was hard to practice due to lack of ledges and gaps. Rodney's flatland flips opened a whole brand new world for all of us to explore... I remember studying Rodney and his various flip tricks, learning a new one every so often by pausing and rewinding those old VHS tapes, until I got his tricks right. I learned so many creative skills of him, especially underflips and landing flip tricks into various forms of manuals, not to mention the reemo and primo trick set and the pressure flips... This man is the personification of INPIRATION! Such a well-spoken, intelligent and overall nice guy. Respect to you ALWAYS Rodney, from Davey Hughes in Éire (Ireland)

[@DavidHughesEire]

Glad you agree bro! :)

[@metalliNERD]

"Such a well-spoken, intelligent and overall nice guy." I don't know the guy personally of course, but in light of what videos I've seen, that seems so descriptive of him! Well put!

[@aejm89]

Rodney just seems like the friendliest guy in the world. An absolute living legend. Even after all these years and being in his 50's he's still progressively getting better. If you think about that for a minute its just unbelievable! And the craziest thing is he'll just continue to get better!

[@TheDestiny18]

Just seeing Rodney smile makes me smile.

[@CRYPTfromCATACOMBZ]

+Lisette Balchunas just saying so ur profile picture makes me horny

[@PaulbylPaulbyl]

This guy is top shelf. Glad he made millions doing what he loves.

[@MnemonicMedia]

I love how he has skated so much throughout his life that his posture is in a permanent skateboarding stance.

[@shaunjones8964]

KaptainCrunch knees always bent

[@mrjohnnyk]

I think it's because he is pigeon toed

[@bobbydigitol7658]

This guy revolutionized skateboarding,

[@ThatPianoNoob]

What baffles me so much is that no other skater can make all that shit look so fucking clean. It just feels like hes spent so much more time than anyone else just on practicing.

[@Vinkie]

@@ThatPianoNoob Probably because he did. :)

[@doonfoon2915]

@@ThatPianoNoob he did. by a landslide. rodney was so fucking committed to his craft it’s so impressive

[@itsNAGOLS]

" OH LOOK AT THAT,ITS A *DARKSLIDE....SUPER FUN " hahahahaha

[@dnaeye]

LOL a feeling understood by probably less than 10 people in the whole world

[@hitless7385]

Dan Hong nah alot of people on youtube can do it

[@mero40k]

simple as that, no biggie.

[@babyduck9217]

Nintendo GangStar you’re slow

[@danielmorffi5503]

@80/90s Last of the great decades listen man 1999 doesnt make you a 90s babby calm down only a scrub millenial would call someone a scrub

[@snooze1974]

this man is such a legend and has the most positive attitude ever. This man makes me smile to even hear his voice.

[@lionheart5078]

Rodney mullen will always be a legend. The dude basically invented skateboarding, and in my mind is the best skater, at least street skater, that ever lived! God Bless Mullen!!

[@davebioz5857]

Skateboarding make most other sports look easy

[@inevitabletruth9808]

No doubt I've tried hard tricks thousands of times before I landed on my board once haha .

[@lawrence0299]

I don't think skateboarding is a sport, its more like a lifestyle

[@misspretty8969]

That's what you call steez my friend.

[@lawrence0299]

@Joshua yeah its very intensive, I always swet so hard its crazy

[@mr.broski4849]

Lawrence 02 its a sport and a lifestyle

[@HotRocker]

Oh man that energy. I was having a bit moody day but as soon as I started to listen to him I was suddenly laughing with him. He's got a very positive and funny vibe around him which gets to me even through a video. Ps. Why is it that some of you think that there's got to be something wrong with him or that he's an idiot just because he's happy, having fun and is not afraid to show it? Cheer up people and let yourselves be goofy. It's boring to be too normal anyway.

[@mattslaviner1867]

Geisha Rampage Agreed. Some people think, "look how happy he is! I can't get that happy when I am sober, so he must be high!" Do any of you remember what it was like to be a kid? I remember feeling high all the time. This man has harnessed the power of youthful joy!

[@martine.c3741]

Geisha Rampage Agreed!

[@rodneymoaratty6897]

Cheer Girl Rampage I'm the exact same way as him. It's kinda weird especially because I love skateboarding.

[@Brute6TheBear]

Alex H. His dad didn't want him to be injured and stereotypically, people believe that the only thing you can do skateboarding is get injured.

[@LiamCuthbert]

+Cheer Girl Rampage the only people who think he's weird or somethings wrong are the people who don't skate or don't know him. any skater will know him and have higher respect for him than any other pro skater in history. guys a legend.

[@jao2312]

The Da Vinci of skateboarding.

[@BobMarley-cm5xr]

jao hernandez a very similar form of genius flowing from him out of both hands and feet mind and mouth, as well going into his mind, he's one of the most inspiring people I've ever personally seen or ever lived to me.

[@MajorMeowmers]

100%

[@Firecrotch6979]

Rodney is just so good at being consistent and constantly evolving. He's always inventing new tricks, and looking at things in a different way, and that's what I think this whole presentation was about. You can't always look at things in a conventional manner. Be yourself, and do what you think would be awesome in the situation you're given, and you'll become a better skateboarder, or just a better person in general. Great video from the greatest street skater of all time.

[@DiogoPace]

One of my few heroes. He is inspiring on so many levels. I was always in awe from his talent and innovation, since my very first days as a skateboarder in the early 90s. And hearing him speak so truly, deeply from his soul, and to grasp how coherent and profound his words are to me.... I can’t barely define it, thank for being you, Rodney.

[@clintonleonard5187]

Holy shit he understands skating on a different level.

[@GyrusBeatz]

I'd hope so considering he invented all the roots for current tricks today

[@humnhumnhumn]

Imagine all those perspectives out there

[@ihatepop13]

30 years and still no one can do the tricks he's done as well as him. Nothing that impressive is being done anymore.

[@MrCherubhair1]

I think what people are doing today is just as impressive, people are jumping down insane things, and grinding down huge handrails, to me thats just as impressive.

[@ihatepop13]

MrCherubhair1 Not to me. It's not innovative. It's been the same tricks for like 10 or 15 years with a few exceptions. But essentially, no one has truly done anything new or amazing. No new styles of skating have come out in like 20 years. Oh, a tre flip down a 15 stair, just like 10000 other skaters. Yeah, it's cool but everything is so monotonous.

[@MrCherubhair1]

iHatePop Theres loads of guys doing innovative tricks now Watch daewon song or chris haslam or ritchie jackson, No new styles have come out? What about the mega ramp? Not everything has to be innovative, rodney mullen is still doing the same tricks he did back then.

[@ihatepop13]

MrCherubhair1 Man, I'm not saying people suck or anything, but it's the same tricks over and over. I love watching skating but it isn't innovative like Mullen was. And the mega ramp was built almost 15 years ago bro. Definitely not a new style. Skateboarding hasn't seen anything really big and new in 10-15 years. It's all been done and any new tricks being done are either really dumb looking or aren't practical in normal skating. So you get one spot where you can do one trick. I don't know. I'm not saying Mullen is amazing now, but still no one does anything like him, and no one is coming out with tricks as impressive as he did when he was in his prime.

[@DumbEraser]

Check out the MAJER crew. They are inovative from what I've seen..

[@its_kuro]

Honestly I really thought that Rodney wouldn't be such an intelligent well spoken guy but damn he's so cool!

[@deadbeat-vc9kg]

46 years old and I just ordered one of Rodney's Signature model boards. Master Mullen will always have my full support, respect and love for his authenticity, innovation, determination, humility and selflessness. Through his video soon, skateboarding has become a universal culture that embraces all who show love for it.

[@MrFreerideForever]

I had no intention of watching all that. Then couldn't stop once it started. I was not expecting him to be such a good speaker. High or not, he gave a pretty awesome speech.

[@supermultiace27]

MrFreerideForever not high. he has aspergers

[@MrFreerideForever]

Reese O'Neill Oh, well in any case, very entertaining. Smart guy.

[@Iaanboi]

Such a humble amazing man. Nice to see how much he enjoys showing others and teaching about what skating really is

[@byonar]

Hes a brilliant human being

[@ark_millz6423]

His mind and thought process is so far ahead of all of us... it’s raw beauty at its truest form! Truly an amazing human! ❤️

[@Allan_Melon]

Rodney Mullen is what got me into skateboarding, watching his old school freestyle videos was so inspirational, he is a real legend

[@ST3RI0TYP3]

This guy is a legend. Truly inspirational. Keep doing what you're doing man. Till the end!

[@ry4nx]

he's the one skater that actually skates like you can in the games..

[@rollsaround2096]

What a humble human. I mean even his body language next to the interviewer he wasn't exactly ready for that exchange and you can tell he's genuine. I wish more popular or famous people would be the same.

[@PixelPerfect28]

This is cool. I think people forget that Rodney Mullen is just a boarder...hes not a speaker. I can imagine this kinda event being a little daunting for him, yet he pulled it off....well done RM

[@7camscdan249]

Is it safe to say Rodney Mullen should have a star in Hollywood? I'm just saying...

[@od1401]

He's so genuine, love him.

[@OculusOfficial]

He smiles though every minute, every single second you can tell he is having so much fun, and how much skateboarding means to him. Best skateboarder in the world easily for me, so much passion in what he does.

[@TheAsiansk8ter]

Rodney Mullen brings out the truth and real reason for skateboarding. To create invent and prosper your inventions. There are few skatera like Rodney. He is a geek and nerd of skateboarding, who was antisocial and had stutters emphasizing his geekish appeal but still makes him so much greater. Often times I think ive made my mind up about a favorite skater. But in reality Rodney Mullen embodies the true spirit of skateboarding.

[@highmagedemi6932]

makes one of the realest people out there that is simply the best ever at what he does

[@keemooneoone]

rodney mullen the best skater in the world☝🏻️

[@GogaGoga1600]

keemooneoone was*

[@whatup53]

no he's past was, he is

[@lky8]

he is the best in my opinion

[@sareykim]

JENKEN. Bro, people still can’t do some of the tricks that he’s created.

[@8andsk835]

No one can ever top what he's done on a skateboard period. Amazing talent and dedication.

[@jefffalstrom4282]

isn't it incredible how connected we are despite being different? we all have a deep understanding and respect for passion.

[@drummessiah2211]

I know Rodney has put in a lot of hard work...but I think a lot of it is just sheer talent. he was doing things right out of the gate that most won't learn with a lifetime of practice. his mind and body seemed to just connect to a skateboard where it's a foreign object you have to wield for most. I mean dude skates better than I can walk

[@r7calvin]

Talent is a contentious word. Is there some innate genetic component? Perhaps. But probably not as much as most people assume. If you watch the Bones Brigade documentary, his teammates talk about how much he used to practice. He was a loner and used to skate all day/night in his backyard by himself. There was certainly an aspect of his personality that drove him to practice so much more than other top skaters and to focus on freestyle when everyone else was skating vert. But it's not as if he was just born with some preternatural ability for freestyle.

[@ViciousTuna2012]

As a guitarist, I feel the same way. A lot of people talk loads about how some guitarists are innately gifted, and to some extent that is true (i.e. perfect pitch, etc...) but from what I've read about the greats, they had insanely rigorous practice routines, and gigged regularly (which is better than any amount of practice). The myth always outlives the reality, but I find it encouraging to know that our heroes are really just men and women like you and me, albeit with hella determination, and a drive to excel like no other.

[@drummessiah2211]

+Calvin Huang of course he practiced all the time. He was motivated by passion. But just passion and practice doesn't get you to his level, or there would be more like him. He defeated a world champ at 14 years, only 3 years after he had begun skating. I skated from about 15 to 19 almost daily and never got to be half decent. It just wasn't in me. Realistically, I'd say it's a combination of some natural talent coupled with tons of practice and deep passion.

[@chrisellersagangsta]

it was his drive he practiced everyday for hours in his garage his mind was so set on it most peo

[@ViciousTuna2012]

***** Yes, "most peo" indeed. I couldn't have said it better myself.

[@JsRf13]

I just love hearing him talk. I want to say that I have slight Asperger's syndrome, but I've never been diagnosed with any sort of disorder so I won't claim it. but there are just certain things and patterns in his speaking that ring true for me as well. as you can tell, there's just something a bit off about him, but that's only comparatively. he seems to be all over the place, interrupting the flow of the talk just to explain something, no matter how grand or minute. but the thing that really gets me is 10:58. you can literally just hear the truth and love in his voice he has for his peers, and that takes an outstanding person to say something like that. such a humble and amazing person.

[@emmanueln1446]

Agreed

[@lizpalafox4799]

man I feel you. couldn't have explained it better

[@hiyof2]

I dunno, man, sounds like cocaine to mee.

[@ReanimatorsMutilations]

Vitor Chaves fuck off with your cocaine. Plainly obviously Rodney is a clean living person just from this video alone

[@ridhwan7963]

@@ReanimatorsMutilations welp yes he really is clean. Just to say if you dont know he actually has aspergers. Dont know why i want to say that but i did lol

[@brentvice8903]

That man is wise beyond his years.Great video,thanx dude!

[@Sabstahh]

I have known Rodney Mullen most of my life through skate videos, magazines and stuff, but it's the first time I hear him talking for so long about all these things and his past etc... I'm amazed how good of a speaker he is. Great guy, I like him even more now.

[@FreeZiicWorkshop]

Rodney Mullen, you're for me the one of the best skater in this world. i remember when i was young and the first time i see your video, i was like Wow.... this is why i've starte skating :) i want you back.

[@Aylissol]

When I was a kid he was my Idole, all those tricks... man that was insane ! Today He is my Idole too, but for something different... is mindset... is smile... That's the kind of human beeing that MUST inspire people... not the "I WANNA BE RICH"... Just try to be Happy... Thanks Rodney, Opinon To each is own.

[@000swift1]

I remember watching his videos back in the 1980’s and we looked at it as street performance with no ramps or rails. He was viewed as a ground skater and a lot of the tricks appeared almost silly. Guys like Danny Way, caballero and Tony Hawk got most of the attention with ramp and pool videos and street skating. Now I look back at it and realize that all of the varial tricks Rodney was doing set the stage for skateboarding as a whole. There’s still to this day no one that can do the tricks he can do. It’s like he’s already done everything that is possible on ground with a skateboard. . .

[@JPSkriP]

Man, ive been a fan of Mullen since the earliest days of my skateboarding start. 3 decades im still a fan, can never not be. The man paved the roots, and foundation of what its modern skateboarding. And still continues to invent and create, man is a genius at his art and passion for the board. Its awesome to feel his energy and passion he has in wanting to share his knowledge to everyone, as we watch this Ted talk. Ive seen the man many a times through the years, but this is the first time actually hear him speak in full. What an happy personality he has!! LEGEND always!!!! Thanks Rodney!!! Awesome Ted Talk!!!

[@passivlyassertive9696]

The Avatar, master of all four elements can't bring balance like Rodney Mullen has

[@Clanmemberkalvin]

Tears in my eyes. Thx for the inspiration. 🙏🏿💙

[@derangedpranks]

So much respect for this guy.

[@rjrudder]

The people who are Legends at what they do are always... interesting. “Legend” still doesn’t do this guy justice

[@lilPistolSmoke420]

Goat!!

[@DUFMAN123]

Savant is the word you're looking for

[@TheDocktor144]

I've never heard him speak before but now it's just one more reason to love him.

[@silverback1439]

1:04 I honestly don't know how I spotted it, but thats the location where Paddy's Pub is at from Always Sunny In Philadelphia.

[@NabGer]

+Silverback looool

[@ToddJDalton]

wow, good eye!

[@MrGettincutty]

I knew it! Thought I was the only person who noticed lol

[@clintonleonard5187]

That is so cool, i dont know how the hell you noticed that

[@asuhhDrew]

holy shit it is!

[@vr.evifnevesgen5642]

if only we had the feel of the board like rodney mullen does/did.

[@Moti0nFlip3rs]

if we had just 3% of his feeling to the skateboard we would be pro

[@JulianHoschke]

I’ve skateboarded the majority of my life and I’ve never understood skating in such a sentimental perspective. Brought me to tears, because I completely resonate with every word this man has to say about skateboarding. Rodney Mullen, skateboarding prophet....

[@camerontaylor1710]

I love how he sounds like an idiot and a genius at the same time!!

[@thomasdybdahl1673]

Cameron Taylor he sounds like he is crying! so annoying!

[@anton8492]

How does he sound like an idiot?

[@RayEttler]

Anton Nicola i guess we can agree on that he is not the greatest speaker

[@domenicopolo]

RayEttler no we can’t!

[@ColdSoul5150]

He's autistic man, but he is the most solid and talented skater on earth. And he's a pure genius.

[@Ocjayone]

Rodney, I have mad respect for you. You speak my language :-)

[@2fast4all]

The King of manual and the darkslide.

[@darnelldarden4683]

+2fast4all King of Fucking Everything

[@Rage25677]

+CLim-X Skateteam fuck yeah he is

[@DJSamsonofficial]

+2fast4all didn't geoff rowley invent the rowley darkslide and rodney mullen did the normal darkslide afterwards?

[@frankcalabrese7074]

goosebumps and weteyes at the end...42 years old.. so I remember King Rodney in his prime. Pure genius and an innovator. Awesome vid.