SMiLe Interviews : Brian Anderson

[@dutchmckracken9025]

BA is the most amazing person. His impact on skate culture is immeasurable. ❤️❤️❤️🤟🤟🤟

[@mattmolloy636]

One of the best skateboarders to pick as a mouthpiece for mental health, good work 🤞🏻

[@wasnt_it]

he's a mental health lawyer?

[@augormasterson9312]

Now do Marc Johnson

[@mattmolloy636]

@@augormasterson9312 I feel like you could throw a dart at a list of pro skateboarders (past and present) while blindfolded and there’s a huge chance you’ll land on someone with awful mental health issues. It’s a brutal industry that chews team riders up and spits them out because it takes advantage of kids with passion who are too blinded to see there’s nothing stable or long term about it. It’s the coolest dead end job in the world, and most of the ppl working this hustle don’t realize how easily disposable/ replaceable they are until it’s too late…

[@SDXStudio]

We love you so much Brian. Thank you! ❤❤❤

[@sammylindsay9236]

Brian Anderson absolutely radiates kindness. It really can't be overstated how impactful his coming out was, to the skateboarding community. An exceptional man.

[@Hoodinator17]

If only he didn’t go gay

[@sammylindsay9236]

@@Hoodinator17 haha. Yeah, bummer .

[@stewroo]

@@Hoodinator17 Just wow. Who gives a shit?

[@Hoodinator17]

@@sammylindsay9236 it’s gross 🤢

[@mikequinlivan8842]

@@Hoodinator17who gives a f u c k? It’s not like he’s forcing anyone to suck his dick. Nor would he be a better skater if he was straight. He’s a good dude.

[@sole__doubt]

As a recovering opiate addict who rides bmx this interview really hits home. I think, or hope, conversations like this become more prevalent in the skate and bmx scenes. It is cool to be sober and we need more people like Brian showing that.

[@pillliam]

This comment and interview hit home I pray for u brother stay strong on ur battle man

[@DoAsYouWish]

I worked at the Trasher wearhouse for 8 years and I meet BA and he was the nicest dude. He remembered my after the first time I met him and would always say call me by my name when I saw him. And would sign mags and stuff for me if I asked. Best dude forsure!

[@abandonedbuildingexplorer]

That's cool! As a skate nerd, that's a blessing for real. I find Brian to be a positive rolemodel. He is so nice bro! You can sense it.

[@natronbetticus]

helping a girlfriend through the suicide of her best friend kept me from actually considering it for myself for a long time...until the self medicating didn't work anymore. thankful for the people that cared and for the professional help i got. thanks for the openness brian.

[@holdmusic_]

I wish I'd never lost my copy of Thrasher where BA was SOTY, on that throne. He was my hero, and still is in lots of ways, and I'm 40 now. This insight into people's lives is game changing. We've all got stuff going on under the surface. Thanks Brian

[@ToxicGreen357]

The look on BA's face when he front blunted Hubba was so impressive to me as a kid. I would always try tapping into that energy whenever I jumped on something gnarly, and it changed the way I skated ever since. He's a true living legend.

[@juanticimo]

BA was always one of my fav skaters growing up. There was just something different about him, he was stoic, and gnarly af. When he came out I was taken by surprise as I am sure many others were. I remember getting tears in my eyes thinking, well now hes finally himself. It made me respect him more, knowing that he pushed that dark place out of his mind, and was finally able to truly be free. Being gay in skateboarding in the 90s when I was skating in my teens was a no no... being gay was taboo in teh best of places, but in skateboarding it was frowned upon... so happy to see him share his story

[@Hoodinator17]

Sorry your childhood hero went gay. That’s rough 🤢🤢

[@adrianibarra8758]

@@Hoodinator17 sorry you are hateful and not attractive

[@thetalkingfly]

That was beautiful! Thank you Brian. Thank you filmmakers.

[@karlkidd1]

Wow. I had to pause at 5:00 to comment.. I'm 41, street skateboarder from dt San Jose. My only wish in life was to become a sponsored skater. I got really good. Pulled out of my senior year to move to Lodi, Ca after my parents divorced. I continued my best to skate and progress. I met a bunch of bmx dirt jumpers, and started partying.. I joke and say I've lived a life of partying, w a side of work.. Depression played a major role in my life. Suicide always seemed like an option. So when you talked about your sister, it was word-for-word what I went through when my best friend hung himself. I appreciate you sharing this. I will always remember your part in Yeah Right. Keep skating. And thank you *Edit: I've been struggling/trying to quit drinking for well over 10 years straight now. It's amazing how the thing that's destroying my life, can be the only thing to make me feel better. And it's cheap and easy to get. Everything in my life, every aspect, gets better when I quit. After the nightmares and whatnot, but still. I hate it

[@Humble-iq5ue]

Wow, I'm from San Jose too ✌

[@chrisauble556]

He was easily one of my top 5 favorite skaters,Thrasher skater of the year 99. And a lot of the stuff he dealt with in life is similar to what myself and lots of other people have dealt with. Always appreciate when someone I look up to shares things like this, definitely let's you know you're not alone

[@discocartography5876]

Difficult to describe how much of a hero Brian is. This is the guy. I'm straight. In my mid 40's. I look up to this guy hugely and have done for 25 years. Thanks for being so earnest. Thanks for sharing on and promoting the BR Foundation. Thanks for that impossible at 10:18. Thanks for tall style, art, ease, and loving skateboarding, being human and everything that is still to come. I'm glad you are you. It makes the days better.

[@BurtGummerrr]

Same. I've shown his stuff to all sorts of non skaters. He's a special guy. Being a talk skater I was just drawn to him.

[@TheHSIHP]

What a true inspiration. I'm just over a year sober. What a wonderful man.

[@gizmosfere]

Thanks for this BA. I needed this.

[@UnjustifiedExistence]

this video helps me so much when I’m feeling depressed and when I feel like ending my life

[@margopadon5025]

❤

[@cjbcarr1]

hell, i love you brian anderson. sincerely. the very best.

[@scottishinglish331]

Thanks for telling your story Brian. You’re the best and hopefully this can help people that struggle with drinking and coming out. RIP Ben! We miss you.

[@IRAGEI1]

This just solidified BA as not only my favorite skater of all time. But probably my favorite human being of all time. As arecovering fentanyl addict we need more people like this in the skate community and in society in general.

[@connorsiedow5815]

We need these so much. Thank you. 🖤

[@pillliam]

“And who you are is okay” is the most impactful statement I ever heard in my life bruh I ain’t gay or nun loll but this shit rlly resonates

[@davidmanning4302]

No matter if you skate or not this campaign is excellent. I met BA in the early 2000's at a Girl demo in Adelaide, AUS crazy to think he was going through this then. Keep them coming!

[@lyzzrdlyzzrd8795]

Met BA at the CCS hand wash thing he signed my board I thanked him for everything he’s done on and off the board. Amazing skater amazing artist and human. This world is a better place bc of people like BA.

[@sh8157]

Thanks for sharing your story BA.

[@hugues118]

really thank you it helped me in my thiinking caused my handicap sister die and pass too soon me to in my family skateboard is art

[@calvinappleberry2437]

BA is that rare kind of person who is naturally very kind, but still works to be kind. You're the man, BA!

[@askemeum]

Thank you for doing this Brian. You are an immense inspiration.

[@RonsonLambert247]

Daamn this really resonates. Love you Ben, love you Brian!

[@christopherbest82]

I love everything about BA! I’m also bigger in stature and always loved the way he carried himself on his deck. Pure, raw style! As a skater in recovery for opiates I can relate, I always kept a job and hid my addiction but still. 30 year’s skating and folks like BA and Blender keep me stoked!

[@ashleyphillips9481]

Wow this was so incredible and moving. Such a beautiful soul ❤

[@Yungbeck]

I always loved Brian. Such a menacing beast on the board and such a kind soul off it!

[@BenBuchanan]

The best series hands down, I hope these videos never stop releasing.. Thank you!

[@chauncypeppertooth9438]

This brought tears to my eyes brother. Thanks for being so honest and amazing.

[@0goaway0]

Every second of this interview is amazing. Thanks for being you Brian.

[@corysekine-pettite1783]

Absolute legend. Love this guy and I love that he has inspired so many people.

[@jeffmartin1259]

This is amazing. Everything about the interview is perfect. Thank you Brian Anderson.

[@nikolaibarbarich7887]

So much respect for BA ! To be able to do this when it's something so personal takes some set of balls. You've got to love the skate community for being so open to individuals.

[@benkatz2085]

Wish more people could see these outside of skateboarding

[@hampusgote7357]

Such an inspiring story to tell 🖤

[@tomgillespie]

Inspirational human being. Thank you for sharing this Smile

[@ROACHED]

Thank you for sharing, Legend.

[@seanfromaustin]

What a great interview. BA is an inspiration.

[@ronniecreager]

❤ Thank you for sharing Brian ❤

[@BurtGummerrr]

My favorite skater ever. A skaters skater. I remember watching him throwing up blood in the old anti hero and girl tours. Worried mme big time especially after losing Dylan. So glad he's doing better. The raddest.

[@perdedoronline]

Loved you since I was in middle school back in the mid 90’s.🌈

[@ScoobMeisterFlex]

Man, here is hug from me Brian, you are so appreciated, loved, and never forgotten. Power in this story

[@eboogie1895]

No matter what brian Anderson is the goat. Much love and respect. Hope to meet u someday.

[@jcsk8]

Hi is an amazing inspiration. Thanks for that, Brian.

[@lovelesstv]

thank you for sharing, brian. i relate to so much of this, it's good to know we're not alone in the journey.

[@noahdyedotcom]

This is amazing. Thank you.

[@bobb-o6519]

this made me tear up. needed to hear this story today.

[@johncastro728]

BA all love for ever. That yeah right introduced me to interpol, great music with great skateboarding.

[@areabass]

That was superb. I was totally hooked on what he was saying.

[@dudemusstinkmeyer9843]

The nostalgia I get from seeing and watching him is almost overwhelming. He's always been one of my favorites since I started skating almost 20 years ago. And damn he made the hubba hideout ledge look so small

[@jackiechopz]

Keep on pushing B.A this world is better with you in it

[@petestah101]

Always one of the best. Even better now. Doing hard work on the board, and off. Much respect.

[@zachnahshel]

I hope to meet Brian one day. He seems so nice and genuine

[@sea4our]

i have a lot of respect for Brian. i can't say i was his biggest fan growing up but he broke a lot of barriers by having the courage to open up about something in a culture that can be so harsh about certain things. i became a way bigger fan afterward..

[@alexanderdavid8441]

what a beautiful guy, so inspirational.

[@leviathanbathory6903]

Damn I had that same problem with alcohol and benzodiazepines. I kicked both without winging off.. and the feeling of withdrawing is the reason not to be fucked up anymore

[@abandonedbuildingexplorer]

Oh man! Much respect for kicking those demons. I am currently addicted to those two substances. I have quit them before. It was horrible and I am scared to do so once again, but I must! When I was withdrawing in a foreign country, I bought a week's worth of comfort food and just locked myself in. I don't think I left my apartment even to do laundry in the basement for the first 4 days. On Day 5 I was still so irrationally scared to leave my apartment (I didn't want to see anyone), but I managed to... Life was so much better when I quit. But that withdrawal! I hallucinated, seeing a swarm of bugs crawling up my wall and over my ceiling. It was very scary!

[@matthewjames206]

An amazing skateboarder and human being. BA is a real one.

[@KyleShade]

It’s profoundly beautiful skating is an avenue for people of disparate lifestyles and life experiences to bond and relate to one another. It’s a common language we all speak and it’s evolving into giving everyone a chance to come together and be part of an all inclusive culture and community. It’s all love, I think skateboarding is on course to save the world.

[@alexwest4629]

BA you are a legend...

[@ale.g.x.667]

Thank you Brian.

[@joefoley1079]

Such a great interview. Takes a lot for someone to be so open about mental illness and sexuality. Thanks B A

[@civilenggggg]

I needed to hear this thank you BA and RIP Ben

[@willystark84]

Much Love BA! You the man.

[@RollForever88]

Being a tall guy myself, I always appreciated Brian’s style. He’s got that aesthetic aptitude, even still after all these years. Great video.

[@chrisedney6869]

Thanks 🙏

[@KasLemmens]

Beatiful story, thank you for sharing Brian.

[@michael2481-j4t]

so powerful, thank you

[@andydiaz6384]

Love you Brian you are such an inspiration to all of us. Thank you

[@gooseallie4417]

This was beautifully done ❤️

[@andrewgarcia7668]

This story has help me and him as a SKATER hiding something all my life (not gay) but having a mental disorder hiding all the time it hard…Got to a breaking point when I almost jump off a bridge 5 months still living

[@idontwantone132]

Hang in there bud

[@carolynberge2919]

Keep going, brother. Every day you keep living, you spit in the reaper’s face, and that makes you mighty, even if you don’t feel it.

[@Hoodinator17]

Sorry to hear man. But glad you didn't fall for the whole gay thing. Good on you. Take care

[@margopadon5025]

❤

[@steveperry7799]

Brian's new book will be out this December. It will be called " Frontside Blunts Backside Stunts " pick it up.

[@SuperJ5891]

Thank you

[@hillpunk92]

thanks brian.

[@DrDickason]

Fuck yeah, Brian. So much respect for you.

[@garbwearer217]

amazing. thank you.

[@CTCAC2000]

Awesome story, Brian. Quitting the drink is hard as fuck. Congrats!!!

[@antonmyhrvold]

Love this! ❤❤❤

[@rippendale]

wow. thank you.

[@codyclark2780]

Incredible watch. Stay super, Brian

[@patmcconville4453]

Mad respect for Brian

[@lambo485]

Brain is one of my favs. As a str8 man I respect him so much for being just him ❤️ 🙏🌈🌸🛹

[@Mrbungleface0u818]

The greatest of all time!

[@2WheelsGood]

Legend. Such a powerful skater. I've been a fan since Welcome to hell.

[@williamemerson8976]

I love Bryan Anderson I met him when I was a kid such a great guy!!

[@abstractmedia8949]

Damn I love BA what a legend. Admire so much about him and what he’s overcome. I’d love to have been a fly on the wall when he told Carroll. I bet mc was just like that’s cool you want to go skate tomorrow?

[@d.diggler9936]

I skated with Brian at the Nike sb park like fifteen years ago. I just couldn’t believe this tall guy could skate so well.

[@magicwood2360]

Thanks for sharing your story Brian!! 🤙👊

[@MombaTrout]

Hell yeah Brian, thanks for this.

[@ryanshea2909]

this guy is so cool, my uncle was best friends with him as a kid

[@TheFrancisLalanne]

This is beautiful

[@kdontslappat2564]

This was amazing.

[@marissac870]

So sick. Driving thru Eatontown and skating Asbury Park. Fuck yes brian. Keep doing what you're doing. Much love

[@TheMovesmoves]

That was beautiful!

[@halvatron2852]

Thank you BA!!

[@ryanhanrahan8075]

We love you Bri