SMiLe Interviews : Brian Anderson

Brian Anderson interview with the Ben Raemers Foundation. Brian opens up about his experiences with addiction, mental health and skateboarding.

[@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…

[@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

[@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.

[@TangoDown357]

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.

[@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

[@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

[@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!

[@TheHSIHP]

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

[@thetalkingfly]

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

[@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.

[@eddycd24]

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.

[@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 ✌

[@sh8157]

Thanks for sharing your story BA.

[@SDXStudio]

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

[@gizmosfere]

Thanks for this BA. I needed this.

[@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.

[@calvinappleberry2437]

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

[@connorsiedow5815]

We need these so much. Thank you. 🖤

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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

[@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.

[@askemeum]

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

[@Yungbeck]

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

[@benkatz2085]

Wish more people could see these outside of skateboarding

[@corysekine-pettite1783]

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

[@ashleyphillips9481]

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

[@0goaway0]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@BenBuchanan]

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

[@RonsonLambert247]

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

[@chauncypeppertooth9438]

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

[@christophercornelius9198]

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

[@hampusgote7357]

Such an inspiring story to tell 🖤

[@noahdyedotcom]

This is amazing. Thank you.

[@tomgillespie]

Inspirational human being. Thank you for sharing this Smile

[@ROACHED]

Thank you for sharing, Legend.

[@ronniecreager]

❤ Thank you for sharing 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!

[@jcsk8]

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

[@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...

[@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

[@bengone63]

Thank you Brian.

[@petestah101]

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

[@perdedoronline]

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

[@seanfromaustin]

What a great interview. BA is an inspiration.

[@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.

[@zachnahshel]

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

[@joefoley1079]

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

[@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

[@eboogie1895]

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

[@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..

[@bobb-o6519]

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

[@chrisedney6869]

Thanks 🙏

[@acidtortoise]

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

[@andydiaz6384]

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

[@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.

[@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]

❤

[@eddycd24]

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.

[@areabass]

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

[@mnm2481]

so powerful, thank you

[@matthewjames206]

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

[@khrissyboy69]

So beautiful thanks Bri thanks Ben

[@johncastro728]

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

[@civilenggggg]

I needed to hear this thank you BA and RIP Ben

[@lambo485]

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

[@alexanderdavid8441]

what a beautiful guy, so inspirational.

[@gooseallie4417]

This was beautifully done ❤️

[@antonmyhrvold]

Love this! ❤❤❤

[@KasLemmens]

Beatiful story, thank you for sharing Brian.

[@steveperry7799]

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

[@hillpunk92]

thanks brian.

[@SuperJ5891]

Thank you

[@mcdickassass]

Thanks for being you, Brian.

[@CTCAC2000]

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

[@rippendale]

wow. thank you.

[@willystark84]

Much Love BA! You the man.

[@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?

[@garbwearer217]

amazing. thank you.

[@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.

[@patmcconville4453]

Mad respect for Brian

[@2WheelsGood]

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

[@magicwood2360]

Thanks for sharing your story Brian!! 🤙👊

[@BortPimpson]

Love to see it

[@richardsmith7322]

If I could meet anyone and chill n skate for a day it’d be BA and Fred Gall. Best dudes in my book even know I don’t know them

[@brandondavis5404]

Thank you BA!

[@MombaTrout]

Hell yeah Brian, thanks for this.

[@codyclark2780]

Incredible watch. Stay super, Brian

[@Mrbungleface0u818]

The greatest of all time!

[@kdontslappat2564]

This was amazing.

[@halvatron2852]

Thank you BA!!

[@TheMovesmoves]

That was beautiful!

[@TheFrancisLalanne]

This is beautiful