I met Anthony as a youngster in the mid 1980's around the So Cal Skate scene, at CASL competitions, at the Tracker factory etc... He is 46 years old now, so he must have been 14 or so at the time. We've always gotten along and he's always made me smile. Turns out we have even more in common that I knew. We talked about his early sponsorship with House of Kasai with him and Jason Dill as ams which I did not remember. We talked about his losing his love for skateboarding, and then finding it again. He moved to Louisiana just before hurricane Katrina, and later moved to Houston, Texas where he worked for South Shore Skateboard distribution. Big shout outs and respect to Damian Hebert at South Shore and the whole crew. He even brought up the fact that I made his first skateboards for Delic at ABC board supply, something I didn't even remember, but was happy he liked them and was stoked.

I loved learning that Delic skateboards was inspired by FunkaDELIC, and that Anthony produced Hip Hop and R&B music while living in New Orleans. I officially decided from now on Anthony will be known as FUNKA to me.

We talk a little bit about being a Black Skater, and ways its affected him, and some of the experiences he's had along the way, good and bad. I admit some of my own white ignorance as well, I've got lots of that. We had breakfast for dinner at Norms restaurant and did our podcast in the car in the parking lot.

We have enjoyed so many people and things in common. We are G&S, Tracker, and A-1 Meats Alumni.. Many names come up like Ned Hadden, Mark Hostetter, Matt Hensley, Ben Chibber, Mike Carroll, Mike Hill, Chris Carter, Willy Santos, Jinx, Daewon Song, Chris Cole, Ray Underhill (RIP), Eddie Reategui, Ron Chatman, Cameron Tabbytite and so many more. We tossed out a little extra love for his mentors and friends Bryan Ridgeway, and Freddie De Sota.

Had a great time chatting with Anthony, and hope you enjoy it.. Thanks again FUNKA!!!!

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