kill your yoyo: Recent Episodes
ilinx
Biweekly dialogues on yoyo theory, improvisation, and performance with the greatest yoyoers of our time. Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/kill-your-yoyo/support
Summary
In this conversation, Ross Levine and Shalom Stern discuss Shalom's journey in the yo-yoing world and his rapid rise to success on Instagram. They also touch on other hobbies and interests, such as juggling, piano, and taekwondo. Ross shares how he connected with Shalom and helped him during his battle with COVID-19. They discuss the value of connections and the importance of consistency in building a following on social media. The conversation revolves around the success of the speaker's yo-yo videos on Instagram and the strategies he used to connect with non-yoyoers. The speaker emphasizes the importance of consistency in posting and continuously improving the video setup. The signature outfit, including the green hat, has become a recognizable element of the speaker's videos. The monotone voice and lack of exaggerated reactions in the videos have contributed to their appeal. The use of captions in the videos helps engage viewers who may not be able to listen to audio. The speaker's videos have gained a large following and have been shared widely, leading to viral success. The conversation covers various topics including the use of audio in videos, the impact of technology on mental health, the challenges of posting daily, the importance of landing tricks consistently, and the significance of not reacting after hitting a trick. They also discuss the concept of torsion in yoyoing and the difficulty of coming up with daily video ideas. The conversation concludes with a discussion about the challenges of maintaining consistency in posting videos and the impact of the Sabbath on participating in competitions. The importance of dedication and continuous improvement is emphasized, as well as the need to be creative in both trick development and content format. The episode ends with a teaser for a giveaway and a reminder to never give up and keep pursuing one's passions.
Chapters
00:00 The Role of a Lucky Hat in Shalom's Journey
23:43 The Journey of a Yo-Yo Influencer: Navigating Social Media
26:41 The Art of Connecting with Non-Yoyoers Through Video Content
32:00 Building a Following: Challenges and Triumphs
34:36 Hashtags and Video Format: The Key to Content Visibility
40:34 Skill Development in Yo-Yoing: Consistency and Qualification
43:44 The Impact of Social Media on Skill Promotion
45:23 The Art of Yo-Yo Tricks and Physics
46:49 The Daily Posting Challenge: Consistency and Creativity
48:43 The Impact of Unique Video Format and Content Creation
52:27 The Mechanics of Viral Videos: Shalom's Success Story
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This episode features the exceptional Connor Scholten @tricksyouforgot44. A revered competitor, and a cornerstone in yoyo education through his many YoTricks tutorials, Connor shares his invaluable insights and personal journey. Ross and Connor delve into the evolution of yoyo competition styles, the art of teaching and creating tutorials, the strategic use of statistics in competitions, the challenges of objective judging, and Connor's own yoyo journey.
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In this captivating episode of “Kill Your Yoyo,” Ross dives deep into the world of yoyoing with the phenomenally talented Katie Thompson. From her early days of casual practice to becoming a YoyoFactory-sponsored yoyoer and a beacon in the yoyo community, Katie shares her inspiring journey and the pivotal moments that shaped her passion for yoyoing. The duo explores Katie’s unique approach to practice, her transition from softball to yoyoing, and how her athletic discipline fuels her continuous improvement and creative process. They also touch on the importance of goal-oriented practice, the intricacies of competition scoring, and Katie’s significant influence on the yoyo community through her work with the Central California Yoyo Club. Additionally, Katie opens up about her emotional experience at the 2023 National Yoyo Championships, her creative process for making freestyle videos, and her excitement about her confirmed sponsorship with YoyoFactory. Whether you’re a yoyo enthusiast or just love a story of dedication and creativity, this episode offers a fascinating glimpse into the life of a yoyo virtuoso.
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Every time you go to a contest without signing up to compete you're missing a chance to get on stage. Even if you don't compete at all, the act of putting together a routine to music will make you a better yoyoer in ways that you cannot understand until you actually try it. And what better time and place to try than the San Diego Classic! Learn more in this mini series and check out sdyoyocontest.info for more info!
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Hi homies! Today we have Alec Ceceña on the show for the kickoff of a special series of episodes all about how to start a yoyo event. Alec is in the process of single-handedly founding a brand new yoyo competition and I want to track the process at every step of the way to provide a basic road map for you to follow! Expect one or two more follow-up episodes as the competition approaches and eventually takes place.
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Join Ross and Ed Haponik as they discuss the lessons Ed has learned from a year of yoyoing with the same single fixed axel yoyo...though it is definitely a little (read nearly 10 months) late hahaha. Thanks for your patience.
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The title says it all. Subscribe and share. Buy the Dopamine, signature yoyo of Ross Levine on Sunday, Sep 3, 2023 on Yoyoexpert.com. Visit @modern_yoyos on instagram for giveaway rules.
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The title genuinely says it all. Buy my merch at modernyoyos.com and tell your friends to listen to this show. Nerds.--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kill-your-yoyo/support
Don't forget to bid on the spotlight ultra in the video here: https://www.ebay.com/itm/394515102323Spotlight Ultra: https://hunter-yoyos.square.site/product/spotlight-ultra/81The Pads and Bearings super pack: https://modernyoyos.comBulk Hollywood Pads (19mm slim): https://www.ebay.com/itm/394377508667Bulk 100% Tested Center Trac Bearings: https://www.ebay.com/itm/394377518647Bulk 100% Tested 10-Ball KonKave Bearings: https://www.ebay.com/itm/394377524376
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Join me as I talk yoyo history and theory with a man who's seen it all, Eric Koloski. Eric is one of the most legendary yoyoers around and has been a member of some of the most beloved teams and companies. You won't want to miss a single word he says!
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What does it mean to entertain? Perhaps you should ask the man who went from winning the world yoyo contest to working as a comedian. John Narum has seen it all and in this episode, we talk all about what he's learned from his many unique experiences.
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Welcome to the Hollywood Modern Yoyos era. Thank you for your support through everything.
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You know Hunter Feuerstein, but do you understand how he thinks? How has this 18-year-old yoyo god found himself leaps and bounds ahead of some of the best yoyoers of our time? Listen in as we discuss this and so much more on today's episode. Oh, also chack out HunterYoyos.com to support hunter as he transitions from highschooler to a full-time yoyoer (not sponsored, just want him to thrive).--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/kill-your-yoyo/support
This is a copy of episode 27 but as a video podcast! Tell me what you think of the whole video podcast thing in a message at @helix_throws on instagram. Patrick and I dive deep into a review of the Monarch and discuss the design philosophy, methodology, and concepts that make this yoyo fun while maintaining a competitive edge that any yoyoer can get behind. Support my work by bidding on an exclusive Patrick Dressel signed Fist Salud edition Monarch on ebay here: https://tinyurl.com/yc75pdwv Buy yours at the following retailers: https://yoyoexpert.com/ https://yoyorewind.com/ https://spingear.jp/index.php?sl=en https://dresseldesigns.bigcartel.com/ Follow Dressel Designs at @Dressel Designs
--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/kill-your-yoyo/support
Patrick and I dive deep into a review of the Monarch and discuss the design philosophy, methodology, and concepts that make this yoyo fun while maintaining a competitive edge that any yoyoer can get behind. Support my work by bidding on an exclusive Patrick Dressel signed Fist Salud edition Monarch on ebay here: https://tinyurl.com/yc75pdwv Buy yours at the following retailers: https://yoyoexpert.com/ https://yoyorewind.com/ https://spingear.jp/index.php?sl=en https://dresseldesigns.bigcartel.com/ Follow Dressel Designs at @Dressel Designs
--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/kill-your-yoyo/support
Every yoyoer is on a development path from learning basic tricks to creating new tricks from pure theory. In this episode I lay out 5 milestones along that path of yoyoer development and what you can do at each stage to level up.--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/kill-your-yoyo/support
Join legendary underground yoyoer Mike Monty (@MikeMonty) and I as we discuss the tumultous balance of being an artist and a human being. CONTENT WARNING: this episode includes very lightly edited discussions of mental health, suicide, and other topics that may not be suitable for some listeners. Viewer discretion is advised.
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/kill-your-yoyo/support
Join Ed Haponik (@edhaponik) and I as we discuss the art and meditative practice of yoyo as a way of life.
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Come listen to @ppolor dropping some brilliant yoyo wisdom about how he uses visualization and time management to construct the best yoyo tricks on instagram.
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Chris Toledo, sponsored by Duncan, walks through how to really prepare and execute clean routines in whatever Yoyo performance you want. He also goes into juicy detail on how to step on stage and do everything you aim to do and more. Get 12 pairs of yoyo pads for $8 at pads.ilinxtoys.com
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/kill-your-yoyo/support
Join me as I talk about what flow is and how you can use flow theory to improve your throwing. Half book report, half yoyo philosophy rant about the amazing book Stolen Focus by Johan Hari.
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Gavin Hubner is one of the top competitive yoyoers in the nation. In this episode we discuss
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Step into my room in the middle of my life and hear about what on earth is happening and why I haven’t posted in a while.
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Shivum Berry is the founder of the incredibly popular brand Thesis yoyos...and he's only been out of high school for two years! Learn the story behind his brand's meteoric rise and exclusive secrets about what goes into each brilliantly planned yoyo release.
Notes:
Watch: Black, TedX talk
Download: Fusion 360
Buy: Ender 3 Pro 3D printer
Read: Free Play, Stephen Nachmanovitch
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/kill-your-yoyo/support
What do you call an Australian who quits his stable corporate job to sell yoyos on youtube? You call him Brandon Vu. Learn how Brandon built his online yoyo empire and how you can follow in his footsteps.
Notes/further research:
Grant Johnson Youtube Video: Stronger Yo-Yo
Scott Dikkers: How to write funny characters
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/kill-your-yoyo/support
The legend himself, Doctor Popular shares some awesome pieces of yoyo history as well as his approach to creating many of the tricks that we now regard as classics.
Doc's insta: @docpop
my insta: @ilinx_toys
notes and further reading
Serious Guide to Joke Writing by Sally Holloway
How To Write Funny: Your Serious, Step-By-Step Blueprint For Creating Incredibly, Irresistibly, Successfully Hilarious Writing by Scott Dikkers
Step by Step to Stand-Up Comedy by Greg Dean
Splitting the Atom yoyo trickbook by Richie
Upright Citizens Brigade Comedy Improvisation Manual by Matt Walsh Et al.
Instagram: @danyllo_barbiero
Dale Oliver: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-5OYS_VJ6Dc
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/kill-your-yoyo/support
Jonathan is an incredible yoyoer who's sponsored by Duncan and Original Throw. In this episode, we talk all about trick and routine design as well as flow theory, keeping your yoyoing unpredictable, and much much more.
Notes:
Netflix - The Toys That Made Us
TV Show - Blazing Teens
Jonathan's instagram - jonathanstggg
Polo's instagram - ppolor
Ricardo's instagram - blablanchard
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/kill-your-yoyo/support
Michael Nakamura is one of the world's best 4a yoyo players who, in four years went from picking up his first yoyo to winning the world yoyo contest. So what accounts for his meteoric rise? Well, you'll find out that and much more as we discuss horizontal 4a theory, the future of soloham, and Michael's approach to contest and performance preparation.
Further research:
Michael's Instagram: @michael_nakamura
Maximum Entertainment 2.0 by Ken Weber
Showmanship for Magicians by Dariel Fitzkee
The Goal by Eliyahu Goldratt (the theory of constraints)
The Magic Way by Juan Tamariz
Tarbell Course In Magic by Harlan Tarbell
The Yonomicon by Mark McBride
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/kill-your-yoyo/support
Ty Goldman is a social media trailblazer and an extremely creative yoyoer with an appetite for bangers. We talk all about his trick creation process, his thoughts on competition and making yoyoing a sustainable lifestyle, and his perspective on yoyoing as someone who was performing at the national level at a very young age.
Follow me on insta: @ilinx_toys
Follow Ty on insta and tiktok: @yobigty
Look up:
Free Play by Stephen Nachmanovitch
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Have you ever wanted to do a real yoyo performance? Not just your 1-minute freestyle, but 30 minutes to an hour of live entertainment! Well, it's possible, and in this episode, I'll talk about some options you have to start doing just that!
Showmanship for Magicians by Dariel Fitzkee
Maximum Entertainment 2.0 by Ken Weber
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/kill-your-yoyo/support
Angelo Aguirre is undoubtedly one of the most influential yoyoers of our time. With 3.2 MILLION TikTok followers, he's clearly figured out how to spark the interest of the non-yoyoing public. In this episode, you'll hear how he created his following and how he consistently maintains genuine human connections with each and every follower. There's so much more to learn in this episode than I could ever type, just sit back, listen and enjoy. Follow my Instagram: Click Here Virtual Juggler: Click Here Derren Brown: Click Here
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And you are too! Find out why we are all "the best yoyoers in the world" and how we can still strive to become better.
Dagu:
https://www.instagram.com/dagu5595/
Wes Peden:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MkqaPsE5W10
Aliyah Tan:
https://www.instagram.com/p/Ca_DpyNJi8s/
Bizarro:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/577Gk0MS7day3u6OjyUco9?si=6afcb19b5d964404
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My yoyo son (and 2019 Jr. National Yoyo Champion) joins me to talk about his performances on tv and music videos as well as how he creates routines that not only look good but score well too! Plus you'll get an exclusive look into the formula that Justin uses to create the dense, beautiful tricks that he's known for.
Add 3 minutes and 43 seconds to the timestamps to get the real-time stamps. The video version of this episode is posted here.
Check out this article for more information on the 7 types of waste. I did not do that topic justice as it's been a while since I've reviewed my industrial engineering notes. But the concept is solid and worth looking into.
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/kill-your-yoyo/support
If you haven’t seen the melatonin hype video then watch it right here: https://youtu.be/4OzW0XaHAzE
I made that video to hype up the upcoming first major ilinx yoyo release, melatonin. Join me as I go behind the scenes of why I made the video the way I did, what the video means, and how I almost died making it.
Shout out to the book “Free Play” by Stephen Nachmanovitch and also Logan @yoyodinnerlogan who I mention in the episode and deserves your Instagram follows.
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/kill-your-yoyo/support
The social media landscape is changing. In a community that's as tied to the internet as ours is, the ramifications of these changes will alter the course of yoyo history. So let's talk about it. Where did the online community start, where is it now, where is it headed and what could all this mean for the future? Let's discuss.
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Josh Yee is a national champion and one of the most knowledgeable yoyoers around! In this episode we talk about implementing music into your routines, how learning different styles can make you a better overall yoyoer, what the yoyo community can learn from the furry community and much MUCH more.
BTW, the person that Andy Warhol Painted whose name I couldn't remember was Marylin Monroe...duh.
Kitsune Box Video
Yoyo Fantastiq
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This past weekend I had the amazing experience of working backstage at the world famous Magic Castle in Hollywood. Here are some insights I learned from a few of the world's greatest magicians about how they make their magic better and how you can use their thoughts to improve your yoyoing.
PS, I recorded this the day after testing positive for covid (maybe barely sleeping while going to a nightclub for a week during the biggest covid surge on record was a bad idea). I apologize for any raspiness or throat clearing, I just wanted to get this episode recorded while the experience was fresh in my mind.
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This one is full of deep cuts and philosophy. We covered so much from how to get started in 3a to the theoretical framework for 3a improvisation. This may be your initiation into the vast and growing world of 3a yoyoing! Check out the video referenced here.
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My all-time favorite yoyoer, Anthony Rojas joins me to discuss how he creates his iconic freestyles and how he alters the elements of yoyo tricks to create the unique movements that he’s known for.
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I love conversations like these! @chrischunn4a is a professional yoyo performer who’s had an amazing competitive career. In this podcast, we talk about the difference between yoyoing and performing, how to prepare yourself to land your routines consistently, and how you can improve your performance skills by connecting with audiences. Enjoy!
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Coffin is an icon of the yoyo world. His distinctive fashion sense, genuine personality, and ubiquitous brand, OhYesYo, make him one of the most well-loved and respected yoyoers in the community. We talk about the community as a whole and what our responsibility yoyoers is in building our community (give a yoyo to the people you want to yoyo with). We also hit on yoyo design and Coffin's artistic inspirations and methods.
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The #fullyfreestyle legend Mark Montgomery talks how to improvise by falling back on your “pocket”, how to get the most expression out of simple tricks, and how to become comfortable in the uncomfortable.
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Welcome to the next iteration of this show! Kill Your Yoyo is a weekly live show where we talk yoyo theory and learn together! Today we had Luna (@thesonicpineapple) on and we learned that she solves 5-dimensional Rubik’s cubes, plus a TON of awesome ideas on trick creation and yoyo theory. Luna is a creative powerhouse and her tricks have probably blown your mind as much as they have mine. It’s truly worth watching this all the way through to get every last bit of her brilliance.
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