"Don't Go Surfing. It's Terrible." 🌊 Third Eye Blind's Stephan Jenkins

What do multi-platinum 90s rock anthems, terrifying hold-downs at Ocean Beach, and swearing at Great White Sharks have in common? Third Eye Blind frontman Stephan Jenkins. In this episode of the Outside Podcast, host PaddyO sits down with singer, songwriter, and guitarist Stephan Jenkins to explore the unexpected collision of alternative rock and hardcore surf culture. Stephan opens up about his lifelong connection to the water, sharing a wild story about losing his longboard in the fog right in the middle of a notorious Northern California shark breeding ground. But this conversation goes much deeper than catching waves. Stephan breaks down how the raw, frightening energy of the ocean subconsciously fuels Third Eye Blind's songwriting (including tracks like "Weightless" and "To the Sea"), shares an unforgettable on-stage moment with David Bowie, and explains why he believes live performance and surfing tap into the exact same state of transcendence. We also dive into Stephan's passionate environmental advocacy for California's kelp forests, his fierce defense of public lands, and his profound work with the Jimmy Miller Memorial Foundation, using surf therapy to help military veterans heal from PTSD. Whether you are a die-hard 90s music fan, a big-wave surfer, or just someone who loves a great story about wildness, this episode delivers. Follow The Outside Podcast for the latest and greatest: https://www.outsideonline.com/podcast/ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... https://open.spotify.com/show/1jC5hCV... Get unlimited access to articles, courses, premium films, series & more with Outside+ The one subscription to fuel all your adventures: https://outside.watch/Plus 0:00 - Introduction: Scared by the Things I Love 0:52 - The Outside Podcast: Introducing Steven Jenkins 4:21 - The Burnt Toast Moment: Longboarding Without a Leash 8:43 - The Best Wave: Surfing Therapy for Veterans 11:44 - The Best Performance: Awe in the Presence of David Bowie 16:06 - The Thrill: Wave vs. Audience Connection 18:46 - Surfing Style is Grunge, Music Style is Post-Grunge 21:09 - Songwriting and the Ocean: The Sound of "Weightless" 26:48 - The Terrifying Hydraulics of Ocean Beach 32:29 - Environmental Stewardship: Protecting Collective Wealth 39:24 - Purity, Aliveness, and the Simple Joy of a Single Wave 40:24 - The Final Ramble: Gear, Snack, and the Hottest Take 42:48 - Tour Planning and Outro