Meet Jake Fraczek | Author, Podcast & Radio Show Host

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jake Fraczek and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jake, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Risk is merely a part of life. How much of the risk one chooses to, or is forced to engage in, depends on the individual’s experience. Risk for me, I’ve come to know, is woven into my DNA, embedded in my character, an extension of myself as intimate as my astrology or simply my right arm. I could blame my parents. I could thank my parents. The latter feels better. I’ve taken risks my whole life, at times rewarded, and at others punished and condemned, but regret and wonder never lingered as a painful reminder. I embraced risk taking without even knowing probably. Art, Skateboarding, surfing, travel, running the streets, testing the limits, overstepping the boundaries, I was consumed by it all. All of my dreams, desires, and interests, relied upon risk. I felt the fear, as I still do, but have been able to use that burning dread as an energy pushing me towards my eagerness. To excuse my melodrama, risk isn’t always a life threatening, life changing impression, yet exists in every realm of life. Curiosity is a hell of a feeling. Writing, broadcasting, and having a book published of all true and intimate stories scared the life out of me. Keeping everything buried in my head without the ability to process and share them scared me even more. The liberation that comes with expression is the greatest sensation, but other people connecting with, understanding, empathizing, or naturally being entertained or amused at what you express is also comforting and gratifying. There are moments in my life when an odd envy towards those with stability or strength to “play it safe” has hit me. Envy is everyone’s prospect, and some’s fate. Taking risks has brought me what I desire, what I know, and what I hope to find.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My grandparents were artists, painters, woodworkers, writers, and actors in plays. Some cousins were muscians. Expression through art was a natural path for me. The structure laid out by school, or society, presented itself as an oppostion to my nature. Being forced to play sports as a kid, while having its benefits and providing some good memories, felt against the grain for me. Skateboarding and surfing came as blessings of self-growth that could not be taught by any professor, coach, or peer. My need to express myself transcended different mediums, forcing constant maturation and humility. Their is an art and a reward in reinventing one’s self. I am proud of all my music, paintings & drawings, skate video parts, and broadcasting, but my first book Quicksand is my most proud achievement, showing for me my most natural talent and pleasing form of expression.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
As a surfer and someone who grew up by the water, I would take them to the beach. North malibu has some less traveled beaches with grand views. Evene if they did not surf themselves, to see and feel the ocean’s energy and witness the beuaty. Malibu creek park is a hike that can leave you feeling as if you walked trhough the Serengeti, with high cliffs to jump off into refreshing water flowing from falls. I embrace eating what is best locally. Koreatown for late night nourishment, the array of eccelent mexican food found at handfuls of trucks or establishments, fresh medditarrean food. I would invite us to drink at beachside bars in Venice, including a lively stroll on the boardwalk, taking in the happenings at the Venice skatepark.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My parents, family, and freinds. Nevis, Massachusetts, and everywhere that has been my home & destination. Books such as Soul On Ice, All Souls, Post Office, Papillon, The Last Year Of Malcolm X & many more. Too much music & film to name.

Website: www.damagedgoodspodcast.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jthes/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jthes
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jthes617/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/damagedgoodspodcast

Image Credits
photos by Adam Amengual