Episode #233: Maddy Garcia on Vikings, FJs, and Joining Latitude 38, with Host Ryan Foland

This week in Good Jibes, host Ryan Foland chats with Maddy Garcia about vikings, FJs, and joining the Latitude 38 family. Maddy is Latitude‘s new sales and marketing manager, and brings along her true viking blood and an energizing passion for getting more people on the water.

Hear how Maddy’s first time sailing changed her life, what excites her most about working with Latitude 38, why we should all spend more time jumping in the ocean, what makes Latitude 38 appealing for advertisers, and why it may be time to go fly a kite.

Here’s a small sample of what you will hear in this episode:

• What boats did Maddy sail on after UCLA?
• How did she discover Latitude 38 Sailing Magazine?
• Is she more a cruiser or racer?
• Why did she move to San Francisco?
• What message does she have for potential advertisers of Latitude 38 Sailing Magazine?

Email [email protected] and connect with her on Instagram @MGarrr and on LinkedIn, and learn more about Ryan at Ryan.Online.

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and your other favorite podcast spots — follow and leave a 5-star review if you’re feeling the Good Jibes!

Check out the episode and show notes below for much more detail.

Show Notes

• Maddy Garcia on Vikings, FJs, and Joining Latitude 38, with Host Ryan Foland
  • [0:14] Welcome to Good Jibes with Latitude 38
  • [0:34] Email [email protected] and connect with her on Instagram @MGarrr and on LinkedIn, and learn more about Ryan at Ryan.Online
  • [1:24] What’s a story that shaped Maddy as a sailor?
  • [6:18] Why did it take her so long to start sailing?
  • [8:12] What boats did she sail on after UCLA?
  • [9:15] How did she discover Latitude 38 sailing magazine?
  • [11:42] What is she most excited about in her new role?
  • [14:58] Learn more about Shearwater Sailing at ShearwaterSailing.net
  • Latitude 38 sailing magazine
  • [16:20] How has Latitude 38 sailing magazine helped Maddy as a sailor?
  • [18:24] Is she more a cruiser or racer?
  • [19:45] Why did she move to San Francisco?
  • [25:25] How do you get better at sailing?
  • [32:15] Learn more about Shearwater Sailing at ShearwaterSailing.net
  • Advertising in Latitude 38 sailing magazine
  • [35:08] What message does Maddy have for potential advertisers of Latitude 38 sailing magazine?
  • [40:08 Email [email protected] and connect with her on Instagram @MGarrr and on LinkedIn, and learn more about Ryan at Ryan.Online
  • Check out the March 2026 issue of Latitude 38 sailing magazine
  • Make sure to follow Good Jibes with Latitude 38 on your favorite podcast spot and leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts
  • Theme Song: Pineapple Dream by SOLXIS

Transcript:

Please note: this transcript is not 100% accurate.

00:03

I lived that life and all I was doing when I was at my desk was like, I wish I was on.

00:14

Ahoy everyone and welcome to a very special episode of Latitude 38’s Good Jibes. We’re bringing good vibes with sailors from the West Coast to your dockside, to your ears, wherever you may be. And today our guest is one of the newest Latitude 38 members. Her name is Maddy Garcia and she is the person who is gonna help get you into the most famous, most legendary magazine in the history of the world, help you understand how you can be a sponsor of the magazine.

00:42

help you understand how you can sponsor the podcast, help you understand how you can get involved in all these crazy things that Latitude 38 does.

00:53

So welcome from the Latitude 38 Nation. Maddie, you are the newest on board and we’re ready to hand the tiller to you. Are you ready to go? I’m ready. Well, this is a good way for us to get to know you. And I like to get to know people from the stories upon the seas. So rather than reading a long bio of all of your accomplishments, maybe share a moment where something went wrong and it changed the way you looked at life, the world, sailing, something like that.

01:24

Um,  yeah, I mean, there’s  so many moments that have shaped me and there are so many moments. Yeah, the hard part is finding one. Yeah,  seriously. There’s so many moments where things have gone wrong. But that’s kind of like the best part though, because everything kind of like, you know, shifted me to something else and it kind of has all worked out. I guess the first thing that’s coming to mind really is the first time I actually ever went sailing was when I was at, so I was a senior at UCLA.

01:52

decided senior year, you know, I have some family background with sailing with my uncle and my siblings had tried it a little bit. Um, but nothing like super major until I decided, you know, I’ve loved everything about the water was like, you know what? I love swimming and worked at the ocean surfed. I was like, you know, sailing seems really cool. And, know, it’s in my blood. I’m, you know, half Norwegian thought it would kind of all translate. It’s not right. Yeah. Viking blood. But yeah, half Mexican half.

02:21

uh so a unique combo. Yeah, kind of thought it would all kind of click and make sense. You know, I’m like it’s another water sport. You know, can’t be too different. um It was incredibly different, so I went to the tryout slash kind of like first practice at UCLA where they sail FJ’s. Had no idea like no idea what I was doing. I showed up in flip flops and shorts. I had brought a pair of Vans  and they kind of did a little chat and they’re like, yeah, we’re just going to get on the water. Kind of get everyone to, you know, see how it is.

02:51

I’m sure they said more. think I was just kind of like excited and nervous. kind of blacked out a little bit and I’m like, yeah, let’s just go jump into it. And I remember specifically asking them, I’m like, oh, should I wear my flip flops or should I wear my bands? Like what’s the best thing for the boat? I’ve got zero boat knowledge. And they were like, you know, whatever you’re most comfortable in. Some people do it barefoot. And that to me, I was like, oh, amazing. I used to work at the beach, barefoot. I’m super like my second nature, very comfortable. Launched off the dock.

03:20

with a girl named Madeline Coon, um who is an important part of this, but they’ll come back later on, and started sailing and didn’t know anything, didn’t know the terms, was pretty good at balancing the boat as a crew, because I was like, okay, with like, you know, surfing and stuff, had that part down, was  really trying to be aware of the boom, not get hit by it. The ropes,  called them ropes, got corrected many times, like their jib sheets, and I was like, got it for sure.

03:48

learned kind of some things. And I remember specifically once we did our first tack, we got some water splashed in the boat. I didn’t think much of it. Every other tack, things started getting slippery. And that’s when the shorts and the barefoot thing really was difficult. was like, any movement I tried to do, I was losing my balance, slipping and sliding like a fish, like flopping around to the point where it was embarrassing. But I was like, we were in the water. We could not turn around and get off. I was like, just got to keep going.

04:17

but loved it, had an incredible time. Again, was so bad at every part of it, but I was like, this is great, let’s keep going. And everyone’s like, are you sure? And I’m like, yeah, yeah, no, I’m in, let’s go. When we finally got back to the dock, I was chatting with Madeline, who actually goes by Maddie. So quick, I don’t know if Maddie and Maddie. Yeah, so the funny thing, quick little story inside my story, is that when I went to the team, there was already a Maddie, Maddie Kuhn, and there was already a Madeline.

04:47

So they were like, what do you want to be kind of called? And so I went by Mgar. My last name is Garcia. My brother was called Agar in high school. I was like, that’s quick. It’s my Instagram handle made sense. So it’s also funny because I’m in a very strong part of my life. There’s just a lot of people that only know me as Mgar. And then when someone else hears that it’s very jarring. But anyway, we get off the boat and in the chaos of it all, I was actually wearing like a shell anklet.

05:14

Um, didn’t notice in all the flipping and flopping around, one of the shells like broke and cut my like ankle. And I like looked, someone was like, are you okay? And I looked down I’m bleeding and I didn’t even feel it. I was like full of adrenaline and I was like,  also embarrassed. I was just bleeding out on the dock and it wasn’t too bad, but I was like, yeah, yeah, no, I’m fine. It’s cool. But  yeah. sweat, but no tears. Blood sweat, no tears.  Yeah. No tears actually. So, you know, it was good, but, uh I guess that’s an example of where like literally everything went wrong and

05:44

I just was kind of like, got to take it on the chin. Like when you’re out on the water, like there is no kind of like pause button. Like you’re at the mercy of the waves, the wind and trying to navigate it. And that was my introduction to sailing. And I loved it,  even though was absolutely chaotic, but it was amazing. Now with Viking blood, how did it take you so long to get out on the water?  That’s a great question. I guess I grew up doing like swimming and stuff and going to the beach and from LA and

06:13

You know, it just was never something that we lived more in like the mid city LA. So we weren’t at the coast too much. And it just wasn’t something that kind of really clocked on my radar, weirdly. And it’s kind of funny because the second I did it, I was like, this is what I want to do for the rest of my life. And so it’s kind of weird. took  so long. And then when I did, I was like, why haven’t I been doing this for so long? Were your parents or your family ever into sailing or boating? It sounds like you’re water folks, but.

06:39

Yeah, definitely water babies. That’s way from my dad’s side. No, but actually,  my mom’s brother, so my uncle, he actually went to the Maritime Academy. And then he also sailed on a tall ship called the Christian Radek, a Norwegian tall ship. He sailed that around the world. And so we’ve always heard, you we call him Uncle Gaw. His name is Christian, but we call him Gaw because it’s a short nickname for Guli, which is Norwegian for golden boy. There’s a long description of it. But yeah.

07:09

I feel like I need a nickname now too. So we might have to work on that. I feel like you brought a whole new nicknaming to the system. Yeah, there’s a lot of layers to it. But yeah, so he was always a big sailor. He actually had a boat in Sausalito for the longest time. When we were little kids, we would go and look at it and stuff. But there was four of us and it was a little too much to have four young kids on a boat. Yeah, I remember just learning from him and hearing his stories about sailing and

07:38

you know, everything of just being on the water and like, you out at sea for like long stretches at a time. That’s also when I learned once that if you ever because they used to this was back in like the 80s and 90s, but they used to smoke cigarettes like all the time on the boats. If you ever run out of lighter fuel, you can use like cologne or perfume as a substitute. So learn some few handy tricks that was like, to things do, you know, you got to be scrappy. Yeah.

08:05

So after UCLA experience,  you were sort of hooked. Are you more of a small boat, medium boat, big boat? Like what is your sailing appetite? Went from UCLA to then  working  in tech and everything, moved up to the Bay Area, knew I always wanted to live in SF  and wanted to continue it. It was intimidating because I was very comfortable on dinghies and I was very much loving that. Really loved roll tacking when I finally learned how to do it. Do like lasers at all or Ilkazes they’re called?

08:34

No, I’ve done a Lido and FJs, but those are the only like smaller boats. But now I sail Beneteau’s and Catalina’s mainly. Sweet. So yeah, it’s kind of what I’ve been on to. interested. I just sailed my first like catamaran a few months ago, too. That was pretty exciting. I think I like, you know, monohulls more because I really like heeling over like a lot. I know you’re like technically not going as fast to me. It feels so fun. And that’s what I love. Yeah, that’s cool. And

09:03

How did the world find you and Latitude 38 to match up into this new marriage, this new large boat, this big ship, this entrepreneur ship that’s been going for 40 years? Oh, good wordplay. That was very good. um I’d say it kind of  just  all came together. So  Madeline Maddie Kuhn, who I sailed the first time with ever, she and I actually became very good friends and stayed friends even after graduation. She’s from the Bay Area. When I moved up here,

09:33

She was already living here and we kept getting closer and closer. And so I got into more sailing events and stuff with her and she kind of showed me the ropes, or sorry, the sheets really. She showed me the sheets. She showed me the sheets of just how to kind of, she knew I was like super enthusiastic about it, was always happy to answer any questions or invite me along to any crew parties.

09:58

I started like really falling in love with it, took, my ASA certification stuff through Modern Sailing and Sausalito. um Um, her and I have been out sailing a few times and she actually has a friend, um, that she met through like the Yacht Club, Fritz, who works at Latitude 38, who I’ve met a few times, like, you know, over like the years and stuff, but wasn’t super close with him until a few months ago, I realized I  wanted to get out of tech and I wanted to do something that actually like I was passionate about.

10:28

And I didn’t know how it would align, but I knew I wanted to do something in the sailing industry. And I looked high and low  and I was like, okay, this is going to be a bit of a task to find something that is a perfect balance.  And I was like, you know, applying to a bunch of places, things that I was not qualified for, but I was like, hopefully they can just keep me on the radar for anything else that opens up. And then Fritz had talked to Maddie and Maddie told me, like, Hey, latitude 38.

10:56

has job opening and I was like, oh my God, are you kidding me? This is perfect. uh I’m a reader of latitude 38. And when I heard that I was able to get introduced to John aren’t pretty quick over email and that kind of just took off and now we’re here. And I’m amazed that a few months ago, sitting  in my room being like, I don’t know how, but I want to completely change my life and go after something that I only discovered seven years ago.

11:23

And I was able to  make that jump and  only like a week and a half in and I’m  so happy and I’m so excited for like what’s to come. That’s awesome. That’s kind of how it all came together. Yeah, the world and the weather in mysterious ways, just everything sort of collided together there. The perfect storm. The perfect storm, yes.

11:43

So what are you most excited about in this new role? Because you basically like you’re a kid in a candy shop if the candy is sales and sailboats. like what do you what excites you the most? And then what’s kind of your game plan? Because you have an entire world of sailing on the West Coast to capture. Like, where do you even start? That’s a great question. I’m starting right now just trying to take it all in. I think obviously, like I started in college sailing in small boats, then moved to like, you know, bigger boats and still.

12:10

like, you know, just have been exposed to that area. Now I’m working in an industry like at the magazine where I there’s so many more like. rabbit hole goes deep. Yeah, there’s so many different like channels, if you will. I forgot, I immediately just blanked on every termite. Channels work, because, know, like, you know, that’s also punny, too. Definitely different channels. Lots of slips and docks and marinas. There’s so many slips, so many docks, so many.

12:38

ways.  But I’m learning like there’s just so much more. So like, yeah, for like a kid in a candy shop, I’ve walked in, I feel like I’m unlocking levels to like the sailing world and the maritime world that I didn’t know for like learning all about like boat builders and what goes into that like paint for boats, canvas makers,  brokers, like things like that, because I’ve just been pretty like stayed in my lane a little bit. But now I’m like, oh my gosh, I get to like explore more. So it’s a  little daunting at first, because I’m like,

13:08

totally new to it, but really exciting. And so yeah, pretty excited about that. But I’m honestly just excited to learn. And I feel like when I speak with people, I am aware that people are like, oh, people have been in the industry for so long. They’re just kind of like, oh yeah. And I’m like, yeah, but you don’t realize how amazing that is. Like you get to like, even like hydrofoil or something. I’m like, just the concept of it. I’m like.

13:33

I’m literally like a child in a candy store. Yeah, no. Well, the magazine has been around for 40 years. There’s a lot of old dogs out there. But a big part of what I think Latitude 38 does a great job at is finding people who are interested in sailing and interested. You know, it’s it’s a pathway to get in. And within each page, there are everything from people who are building boats to, you know, sightings from around the world and just chronicling all these different things. I remember when I first picked up the magazine, I was like,

14:01

similar to this, like there’s so much stuff that’s going on. But it can also be intimidating because there’s just like, well, I didn’t know am I into racing? Am I into cruising? Am I into this? Am I into that? Like, it’s just, I don’t know, it almost presents itself with so many opportunities. The wind’s blowing in different directions. And how exciting to be there and sort of like, bring everybody in. You’ve got the old dogs who you’re continuing to build those relationships with and you’ve got this sort of

14:28

new modern era of people who are coming up in the sailing world. And just the world of sailing is fundamentally changing as we know it, right? It’s just the sails have been down kind of literally and figuratively. But I feel like there’s this energy  and, you know, uh post-COVID people wanting experiences and wanting to be out there and get out there and sort of go where the horizon leads them to.

14:56

Looking to spend some time on a serious offshore sailing yacht?  Join Shearwater Sailing on their custom 53-foot fast cruiser Atlanta  for a variety of sailing adventures,  from day sails on Monterey Bay,  to coastal hops up and down the California coast,  to ASA sailing courses,  and even  a trip to Hawaii and back this summer.  These trips are fun,  hands-on,  instructional, and built for sailors like you  who want real experience

15:26

on the water.  Find more information about Atlanta and upcoming trips  at shearwatersailing.net.  Hawaii trip spots are limited,  departure is mid-August, and the return will be mid-September.  Visit shearwatersailing.net now to secure your bunk.  That’s shearwatersailing.net,  S-H-E-A-R,  W-A-T-E-R,  sailing.net.  For your interest,  I mean…

15:55

I think it’s super exciting to be able to not only meet these people, but then help find people to highlight what they’re doing in Latitude 38. Because if you can’t find these businesses or you can’t find these nuanced places or you can’t find these services, how do you actually find them? And you were traveling around pre-Latitude 38, just trying to get involved into the community. Was Latitude 38 the magazine you said you were a fan? Has it been something that’s helped you to find different opportunities?

16:24

before getting involved? Yeah, before that they even needed like, the roll open at Lodge 38, I was like actively scanning the pages. Like I would go and pick up a copy from like Modern Sailing and I’d be like, okay, what’s going on? What can we do? And just look at everything, looking at the different advertisers in it and being like, oh, like maybe this like, know, boat yard needs some help. Like I was like looking anywhere and everywhere, I could just get my foot in the door. And so that’s where it helped because

16:54

Yeah, there’s Google and things like that. But if you’re not in the know of the community,  it is a little bit harder to break in, whereas Latitude just pulled everything together.  And so it’s funny that  I  use Latitude to try and find a job only to end up working at Latitude. So I kind of think it was kind of all meant to be. And it’s just funny because I literally would highlight it and be like, OK, look into that one. OK, let’s Google that company. OK.

17:21

Yeah, I could work with Canvas. Maybe let’s try it. And only to find out that it actually it’s the place where I was searching is the place that I am um going to be at now and can help, just that’s one thing I’d love to do is, you know,  bring the opportunities and awareness to more people who are kind of like interested in doing it, whether it passively being like, oh, maybe I would do something that or being like, no, I’m actively searching because I was both for a few years. I was like,

17:50

I’ll just keep my eye out, see if  the stars align and then the stars aligned and I was like actively searching. So I got to view the magazine two different lenses and it all worked out. But I do remember the pressure and like the kind of, you know, feeling like you’re upside down, feel like you’re capsized and you’re trying to be like, okay, where am I going to start with trying to  start this adventure that I’ve never done before? Now you’re on board. You’re straight up on board.

18:19

Do you think or do you have enough data to know now if you’re more of a cruiser or more of a racer? Because I found that that sometimes is one of the big divides as far as just what people are doing in the sailing world. Yeah, I think  I kind of straddle both, actually. I really enjoyed like my earth’s to it was more into like, you know, racing and college, which was really fun. Then like once I moved up here and everything with the bigger boats, you know.

18:47

Once I finally learned uh and got my certification stuff, I’d go out and a lot of people were like, yeah, we’re just going to go the cruise, just go under the Golden Gate Bridge, check it out. That was one of the coolest things ever.  been able, like I’ve crossed that bridge so many times since I was a kid. And now I was able to like  sail underneath it and then be on the outside of the gate, which was incredible. But I really like both sides. I see  like the appeal of both sides. And I think it kind of just depends on  what my schedule allows me to participate in.

19:17

It’s mostly have an excuse now to get everywhere. have like a- I know, that’s the best part. I’m like, I got an excuse. It’s for work. It’s like the best thing ever. Are you kidding me? But yeah. gives you carte blanche to get on all kinds of stuff. Was there something about San Francisco? You mentioned that you always wanted to go there. What drew you there? Why was that location something that you kind of knew you were headed towards? Yeah, so my mom actually grew up in Marin. And so when I was a kid, so I was raised in LA.

19:46

where my dad’s from. But as a kid, we would come up to Marin a lot when my grandmother was alive and uh go visit her. And so  and also my uncle like uh still lives in Marin, but he used to have a sailboat down in South Solito. And we would, you know, go and visit him a lot. And I just thought it was like  one of the most beautiful  cities. Like my parents met in college here. And so it was fun to like, you know, go around, hear the stories and then like feel the buzz of the city and then to just do a quick

20:15

beautiful drive across the bridge to a really quaint, you know, waterfront town. just, something about it really called to me and I just knew like ever since I was a kid. And so I was like, I’m going to go to college there. I’m going to go to college there. Ended up going to UCLA. Um, because I wanted a big school experience and, but I knew I’m like, okay, if I go to UCLA, then I’m going to move to San Francisco after. And so I didn’t know what I was going to do or how did we get there? I just knew that’s where I wanted to go.

20:45

ended up from a recommendation from my cousin to get into sales, because if you guys couldn’t notice, I talk a lot. He’s like, you’re really social. You talk a lot. I think you should work with people. And yeah. little did he know it was spelled two different ways. were to be sales and sales. Sales and sales. Yeah. And so when I was working in tech, was like, know, everyone, when they found out I a sales, they were like, oh, you’re the selling sailor.

21:14

And I was like, yeah, okay. Yeah. like it. What type of a salesperson are you?  How, I mean, do you, mean,  salesmanship is a whole nother ship, right? I mean, you’re, you’re really like at the end of the day, you’re selling the dream of sailing. You’re selling the people who are selling sales. You’re selling to brokers. You’re selling, like you’re selling a lot of sailing to a lot of different seas.

21:42

Yeah, yes, I believe I followed that one. yeah, it’s kind of a lot because and I was intimidated at first too. Once I actually got the job, I immediately went like, Oh, no, like, can I do this? Am I ready? And I still feel like that a little bit. But that’s kind of like the point because if something kind of makes you a little bit like, it’s like a little bit thrilling, it’s a little exciting. It’s not like completely terrifying. It’s a little terrifying at times. But that’s kind of like

22:09

how you know you’re alive when something makes you feel alive when you become really aware of things. For me, like I’m still trying to navigate it,  like I just started.  but even then I’m just, when I just went around with uh Nikki, whose role I took over and she was just introducing me to some people in East Bay, just chatting with everyone. It really just, I thought I was gonna have to, you know, be super buttoned up and be like, okay, I have all my things together. I went more like sales person mode.

22:38

and immediately just started portraying people. And I was like, wait, these are just people who are working in the industry that I’m so curious and passionate about. And they flip flops on and a ray on spooner and they’re not incorporated. Yeah. And it was just like just having like a shop talk with some of the coolest people and hearing their experiences and how they got into sailing was really cool because like, you know, everyone I think that’s the most fascinating thing is because I didn’t grow up with it.

23:06

And I got it a little bit later in life.  Um, and then you find out some people  have it even different ways, like John Price, who, um, was in the January edition. actually sailed with him last weekend. He didn’t start sailing till his sixties, which I think is amazing. He’s 88 now. And I’m like, you know, you never really know when you’re going to get bit by the sailing bug, but it’s always amazing to find out how people kind of found their way into it. Yeah. Well, I think you’re in a perfect position because

23:33

the excitement and energy that you have around it is really like what Latitude 38 Nation caters towards. And I’ve always found that, especially the underwriters, advertisers, everybody’s so cool. Like it’s very much not a buttoned up, stiff, sterile environment. And  it never  ceases to amaze me how these old dogs have  tons of stories  and you literally are just feel like you’re hanging out in a cockpit.

24:03

ah I mean, I talk with so many people and it’s just full of these crazy stories. And so you get so many vicarious thrills out there. But I’m excited because you do have that energy, that newness, that learning as opposed to say somebody who’s 40, you’re veteran in it. And maybe you might in that case kind of know everybody, everything. But I feel like you’re bringing this new energy. And I think that’s going to be exciting for the old dogs to re-explain why they’re there and what they’re doing.

24:31

to have a fresh perspective from a younger generation that’s coming in that not everybody’s owning boats as much, but still, there’s an opportunity for getting on boats. And I feel like done properly, the marine industry is just gonna continue to grow. So I like the enthusiasm and I think that your newness is only an advantage because you’ve still got that excitement.  You haven’t gotten scurvy out on  the seas yet.  Not yet, but.

24:58

I’ll wear it as a badge of honor when I finally do and then I’ll be more excited to be like to go turn around to tell other people I’m like, okay guys, when I was your age, this is what I was thinking or when I was at your level. And that’s what I kind of love too is because yeah, some people you have been in the industry amongst other people and it’s kind of, I could see where like there’s certain times where it’s almost the norm for them. And then when I come in with all these questions,

25:22

makes them have to be like, I haven’t explained that or answered that or thought of that in so long. So it kind of reminds them of like why, you know, there was like that initial spark with sailing and stuff too. And that’s what I love too. Cause then everyone’s, I mean, I look at it clearly, obviously with like starry eyes, right? um It’s great to also chat with people and learn about like what their spark was. And then I’ve noticed from just speaking with people as I asked them, as they’re telling the stories and stuff, it…

25:50

like that takes them back and like the kind of energy comes back and they’re like, oh yeah, like that is what happened. Like, oh, and then this happened too. And then this other thing. And so it’s kind of fun to kind of reignite that. And then for them to be so generous and share like any tips and knowledge they have with me. It makes me think of them just being literally salty, like just salty. And the best way to get the salt off is just throw them right back in the salt water and then just get that ocean potion one more time up there. The ocean potion. Yeah. Yes. The ocean is my potion. is, it,

26:19

Whenever people are like, oh, I’m feeling down to this. I’m like, when is the last time you jumped in the ocean? What do you mean? Like go jump in the ocean. I do it all the time. It helps to keep me fresh. 100%. I’m not sure if you’ve heard the term people are saying, like when someone’s kind of getting out of touch with reality or out of touch with their life. So it’s like, oh, they need to touch grass. Have you heard that? No, no, I haven’t. Oh, it’s it’s very, uh. Like to touch, like go down and just touch it or like run around your bare feet or what?

26:47

I mean, kind of either. mean, it’s just more like saying, like, wow, you need to like come back down to earth, like, you know, get grounded against like touch grass. can, it can be used jovially or maybe not so jovially, but it’s funny because like last fall when I was particularly at a point where I was just like, not like things were just not clicking or just They weren’t jiving? They were not jiving. No. I was, uh,

27:13

had no wind in my sails. I was completely stand still and I was like, what am I going to do? And my  best friend,  Katrina, she was like, I think you need to go touch sand because that’s my version of touching grass is touching sand slash just being in the ocean.  we, she picked me up at seven AM the next day and we literally just ran. was like November in Los Angeles, which again, it’s not that cold, but it’s not that warm.  It’s Still enough to get you, get you, get you swimming.

27:40

just in our swimsuits, no wet suits, just went swimming. I was, it literally just revived me and I was like, oh yeah, thank you for like noticing I needed that. And then, yeah. I just had this vision of you jumping off of whatever sailboat that you’re on in like a cannonball and just like creating this whole new wave splash of energy, just getting the magazine all wet again with salty water back where it begins. Yeah. I’ve want to jump off a sailboat. I have not had the privilege to do that yet.

28:07

Anytime I go out with people and they’re trying to do like man overboard maneuvers and practices. I’m like, guys, do we want to try it with a real man of work? Cause I will jump in and everyone’s like, no, no, no. I’m like, please let me jump in the next time. Just go. Yeah. I’m like, you know what? I’ll jacket. I’ll take the life jacket, put it on and then, yeah, I’ll be like, here we go. Now the best.

28:30

way to be able to jump off of a sailboat is to have your own sailboat. Is that in your future or do you just love sailing on everyone else’s boats? Because that’s also like positives both ways. um I  hope  to have a boat. I will have a boat. all about manifesting that one. um I will have a boat.  I think it would be an amazing thing. think right now with my life, owning a boat just isn’t

28:56

the move for me at the moment. You also have hundreds of boats that you get to go on with an excuse to see what kind of boat that you actually like, which is great. that’s the thing too, is especially with this job, I’m going to be learning so much more. And so I think when the time comes that I do decide to purchase a boat, I will have a lot of knowledge and I will also have all the connections and know the best places to go for upkeep and maintaining that boat. Yeah, you’re perfectly positioned for that.  Yeah.

29:24

Give me a couple years and then I’ll be like, okay guys, I know what I’m doing. But yeah, but definitely it’s on the it’s on the horizon. Just watch out for the free ones and watch out for the two dollar catamarans because I’ve learned from experience hearing those stories. They’re not always free. Yeah, they’ll probably. Yeah, those ones can be tough. um I saw something on on Instagram. I sent it to sent it to a friend the other day. It’s sort of apropos for this conversation right here. And it was an image with  four geometric spots.

29:55

They’ll show you but they can’t see you see it here. So basically there’s a hexagon and hexagon then there’s a pentagon Which is a five side and there’s an octagon with the eight sides then there’s a sailboat and it says money gone  That’s yeah, that’s pretty accurate  from what I hear yeah But but it’s it’s the best money that you’ll ever spend because it it helps you to create these experiences that are Offshore and not necessarily things you can get on land. Yeah

30:23

I have a few friends that do own boats and have just, I mean, yes, there’s always going to be like, you know, the headaches of the maintenance and the up keeps and all of that. I’m like- Which is good news for all the advertisers in Latitude 38, the way, since everything always breaks down. We always need new bottom paint. We always need new electronics. We always need new boats. Always need new equipment, things, rigging, everything. But then it’s like, I think all of that, just what I’ve heard and seen is like when-

30:50

Those, they’re annoying and they’re hiccups and it’s just kind of part of it. But when you have that moment when you’re on the water and you that’s just priceless. There’s like money cannot touch that when you’re whether someone’s like just cruising or they’re in a race and they’re like, yes, finally, you know, my jib isn’t tight enough. Like I got it and it works. I feel like that’s when it’s just it all is worth it and priceless. Priceless. Priceless. Pricy and priceless at the same time. Pricy and priceless.

31:15

But it also doesn’t have to be super pricey. Like you can have a little dinghy that is, you know, rough around the edges or you can,  you know, co-own with, there’s just so many ways to get out there on the water, which I think, again, your new job is to help evangelize and you’re proof in the pudding because you’re the one that’s stepping on boats without a boat, looking to get a boat, all that kind of, all that ship. Oh yeah, all that ship.  You’re really good at these puns.

31:43

I mean, I know you’ve had practice, I’m yes I also I also just got the paperwork in the mail from the trademark office and I’ve officially trademarked the getting your ship together series and books  video podcasts when I launched that but my first Book in the series is speakership. I’ll have to make sure you get a copy and then I’m I’m writing entrepreneurship and then the next one is leadership and then my wife said when I published those three

32:12

She will co-author Relationship. Oh, love that. We have a whole ship pile after that. We’ve got Salesmanship. Maybe you and I can write Salesmanship together. partnership, internship. I mean, it’s endless. It’s an endless possibility. So, yes, I’ll be writing. I’ll be helping people get their ship together for the rest of my life. Ahoy, it’s Ryan Folan, one of your Good Jibes hosts. I’m excited to share that this episode is brought to you in part

32:40

by one of our Good Jives guests,  Kevin Washbauer  of Shearwater Sailing.  If his story stuck with you,  you can actually go sailing with him.  If you didn’t catch the podcast,  you can learn all about him and his charter adventures.  Kevin runs Shearwater Sailing aboard Atlanta,  a custom FAR 53,  a fast performance cruiser.  They offer everything from day sails on Monterey Bay,  to coastal passages up and down California, to ASA sailing courses,  and

33:10

offshore trips.  And coming up soon, they are sailing to Hawaii and back.  The Hawaii leg departs mid-August with a return in mid-September.  Spots are limited.  To learn more about what Kevin’s got on the calendar,  head to ShearWaterSailing.net.  That’s ShearWaterSailing.net. S-H-E-A-R-W-A-T-E-R-Sailing.net. uh

33:40

potential underwriters and people who are listening that haven’t yet been on the podcast and haven’t yet had their product or service to go out to our email blasts. But if you could speak directly to the people who are not yet  on board with advertising through Latitude in 38, what would you want to say to them? like,  what’s the ideal way for you to work with people? Like, it’s a very laid back, it’s a unique environment, but you kind of have this choice to kind of like set the whole new tone.

34:07

You’re out there, you’re being talkative, you’re telling stories, you’re hearing stories. Like, what do you envision and  how would you best want to work with people, right? Because there are people who are existing advertisers, there are people who are always potential advertisers, people who want to contribute, people who want to connect on social. Like, if you could  wave your magic wand and ideally sort of like interact with these people, what would that look like? Like, I don’t know, have you thought about…

34:36

manifesting that out there because we have everybody listening and so you can basically tell them exactly how you want them to to work with you and learn about what’s happening and things like that. Yeah, I mean if I could  wave a magic wand and really paint like a dream picture, it would be that  like we could all just get together at like an event or something or even just take over Angel Island like for everyone in the Bay Area and be like it’s like a massive Laudage 38 Fest, Angel Island.

35:06

2027 guys, it’s you’re here first. Now, I don’t know if I’m allowed to say that because it’s like government landfied. you look like just joined the party, right? Yeah. I think, well, first and foremost, I think even in this day and age, nothing’s going to replace like authentic connections and being able to speak with people face to face. And I think those other tools, what we’re doing right now, Zoom and stuff that helps, you know, bridge that gap when distance is an issue. But I think like as

35:34

love to meet with people in person as much as possible. And then second to that, you know, phone calls. you want to meet? What is a good meeting for you? Is it a coffee meeting? it getting them to take you out sailing? Is it meeting at a historic site? You get to do anything. You get to do anything you want. That’s so true. I guess I would be able to do anything. You know what I would do? I know this is going to sound a little crazy, but it’s something I just thought of. best type of crazy.

36:01

We’ll see if you keep it in or edit it out. Let’s see how crazy it is. But you know what I’d want to do if I could? I’d have everyone meet me down at the Marina Green to fly some kites. Because one, when was the last time people fled kites? I think it’s been a while for a lot of people. Yeah. I actually remember I bought one for my wife for Christmas like three years ago and I know exactly where it is tucked behind some like this place in my room where things go to die thinking that someday we’re going to go fly the kite as an exercise. no. So yes. And it has to do with wind.

36:30

It has to do with wind. Yeah, it’s actually I said that because when we were kids, we’d come up here a lot. We’d go to that one toy store and saw Salido get like a dragon kite or something. And then we go to the Marina Green because it was crazy winds. We’d hold on white neckling for dear life. Just try not to like have a break. And then we’d fight over who gets to hold it. And then it would always, you know, kind of, you know, sibling stuff. But I like, oh, yeah, I was thinking, I’m like, it’s been so long. People don’t fly kites anymore. And I’m like, when you can’t

37:01

Get enough people you  don’t have a boat big enough for a ton of people. We have the Marina Green That’s pretty massive space great wind  and you were able to just chat with people and so that’s that’s the Perfect way. I’d love to meet with people the but Marina Green kite mixer. I can see it now. Yeah, that’s what it’s gonna be  or  or when you just roll up you should just you should uh, you should

37:25

we should maybe make some latitude 38 kites or maybe make some that are versions of sale. Like scrap, maybe talk with some sale makers, see if they can use a pinnacle cloth. Yeah. Right. And then you could even like it could be a gift. Right. So you make a sale cloth kite for a potential customer or just one that is a customer to just check bases because I’m sure you’re to meet with all these folks. And then like, yeah, be like, oh, I thought it’d be fun if we flew this

37:52

custom kite that I made for you. It’s got your logo on it or something. Like what? Like, I mean, that sounds fun. That sounds like whole deal. I think if someone said that to me, I’d say yes. So hopefully other people would say yes, too. But I it’s just out there enough to be like, hey, when was the last time you flown a kite? Do you want to go do it? You know what? Yeah, actually, let’s go. Meet me at the location. I’ll bring the kites. I’ll the pin. Pull up the windstrong. Drop a pin. Hope there’s wind.

38:22

Drop a pin. Hope there’s when well, I like it I think that’s a good kind of crazy Maddie and I feel like you have plenty of more crazy ideas that are going to do Windy punny on brand and I think that latitude the latitude nation is going to be excited to have to have a little bit more just like Yeah, just some some new energy to to get things going to capture that wind and honestly, none of us know where we’re going and we’re all

38:51

like navigating this craziness out there in the wind, especially these days is just  blowing or not or gusting or not. But the fact is you got to build your ship. You got to get out there and then leverage whatever you can to move forward. And I think you’ve got you’ve got your broken ankle bracelet, bloody,  ready to go with no tears and a never say die, fearless attitude, ready to cannonball off of the next boat to be the woman overboard to

39:20

to help people learn as you learn at the same time. I feel like you’ve got this.  I feel like you’re gonna nail this. I can’t wait to see where this goes. Thank you. um I appreciate that. Yeah. I mean, it’s kind of it’s like sailing. You have your location in mind where you want to go. You can’t sail directly at it. That’s not work. So you’re gonna have to do some tax. You’re gonna have to make some turns and  then eventually you’ll get there. And that’s just kind of life. So yeah, that’s that’s salesmanship for sure. That’s salesmanship.  Maddie, for people who are now

39:49

For people who seriously have been thinking about advertising Latitude 38, but they just want to fly kite.  And now here’s their excuse to do both. How do people reach you? What’s the best point of contact? Are we connecting on LinkedIn as an email? Where are you at in  this new  stage here? Yeah, I’m on LinkedIn.  My name is Madeline Garcia. M-A-D-E-L-I-N-E Garcia. G-A-R-C-A-A.  But also my email is Maddy, M-A-D-D-Y, at Latitude38.com.

40:19

And that’s probably the quickest way to reach me. But you can also reach out to me. We can set up sometimes for like a phone call or something. Or if anyone wants to go fly, yeah, if it wants to fly a kite. Or if you want to sail on anybody’s, if you want to, you could also be the excuse for taking their boat out. Cause a lot of people don’t take their boat out, right? Like they’re just too busy with not, but if it’s for a business meeting, maybe they can dust it off. Oh yeah. Yeah. I’ll crew, I’ll do whatever. at one point a few months ago,

40:48

I was like, maybe I should just go hang out at the docks and just wait to see this. Anyone need help? I was willing to do anything to get to with a six pack of beer and you will be in the clear. In some of my earlier podcast interviews, I kept asking that and the reality is they’re like, just roll down with a six pack and you get on anywhere. That’s the best. Yeah. So if anyone wants to. Kites, beer, sales, win, hydrofoils, you just add it all in. Yeah.

41:18

You have a chance to create the new Viking blood. Yes. And instead of terrorizing and killing, you are mesmerizing and cheering. Yes, I hope so. I hope that’s what I’m going to be remembered for. Yeah, no, I mean, I think it’s great. think there’s just so much to do. I mean, I already have a zillion ideas of what I want to do with Latitude 38 and ways I want to…

41:47

work with and get in touch with different people in the industry to be like, let’s bring this all together. There are people who are sitting there looking for what you have to offer and need your services. I was one of them. I was just trying to get into anywhere. But I also have people who own boats and they’re always like, oh my gosh, I don’t know. I’m going to haul it out or what I’m going to do. I’d be like, have you checked a lot, dude? Have you checked? Have you looked in there? Have you seen what’s around you?

42:16

I’m excited to work with all these companies and I know it’s not just the Bay Area. It stretches up from all West Coast to Seattle. Don’t forget about our SoCal down here. I got all kinds of people down here ready to get going. Yeah. mean, everything from Seattle where I family up there and I actually just told them about that I got this job and everything and they’re like, we’ll have the guest room ready. And I’m like, oh yeah, I’m going be up there a lot.  want to sit at Seattle companies. I’m going to be in the area somewhat soon. Maybe. I’ll let you know, but keep an eye out.

42:44

And then all the way down the coast down to, you know, Paso in California, where we love. I’m from LA, love SoCal, San Diego, all the way down to Mexico, where I also have family. So I’m excited. Un poco, mas o menos, but necesito practicar. So I need to practice it. got a great excuse now. Yeah. But yeah, I’m really excited because I mean, I’m already just learning so much about what’s in the Bay Area. I haven’t even tapped into

43:12

the rest of the West Coast. And so that’s what I’m really excited is having there’s so many little parts and little nooks and crannies that some people don’t realize there are some amazing talented people who are able to help with whatever your boat needs, whether it’s, you know, docking your boat, hauling out your boat, electrical, fixing up your boat, new sails, like everything. And I want to be able to get everyone involved because we are a community on the West Coast. And Logic 30 has been around since 1977.

43:41

And I think that’s pretty incredible. One of my favorite things is that you can go back and look at all of the archives. I think it’s so cool. The artwork from 1977 is so cool. And I’m like, we should be cool to bring some of that back or something. can do whatever you want. You can bring it back if you want. You’re the captain. You’re the captain of the salesmanship. How exciting. You just get it going. And John will go with anything. if he gives you

44:08

Say Ryan said it’s okay, that’ll give you some weight. know, just leverage. I got carte blanche. Ryan said it’s okay, I can do More like ginger blanche, but yes, very close. There we go.  I look forward to getting to know you more. This was fun to meet you. And on behalf of the Latitude 38 Nation, we’re very excited for you and your Viking spirit to come and get all those sheets lined up. Yeah,  I’m excited and happy to be here. All right, well, hey everybody, you’ve now met her,  M. Gar.

44:38

Known as Maddie, also sometimes Madeline depending on the space, but you can find her on LinkedIn, find her at Maddie at Latitude 38. And if you have not connected with the social media channels, we haven’t even talked about social media. There’s  all kinds of exciting things that I’m sure we’re going to see and leverage and see all of your kite flying and things like that. But make sure to follow Maddie. Maddie, what’s your Instagram so they can follow you too? It’s Mgar, it’s M-G-A-R-R-R, three R’s.  R.  R, yeah.

45:05

And I see, I made that before I even realized, you know, every life has a funny way of just invisible string just kind of making everything work. Yes, that is totally right.  M. Garra the sailor.  know,  well, you might know more about Vikings and pirates, but do know what a pirate’s favorite letter is? Oh my God, someone just did this  one to me and  I just heard it, but I’ve already forgot it. What is it? I don’t know. You have to guess. I’m setting you up. OK, it’s  is it R?

45:34

It’s not R. They always choose the C. Oh, that’s good.  Got me. You got me there.  I got plenty of bad jokes whenever you’re ready for it. And let me know when you’re in SoCal. We’ll definitely fly some kites. I have one behind my dresser I will bring out. It will be fun. And for everybody else, if you want to follow me and my crazy journeys, you can find me on Instagram at Ryan.Follin. And if you want to find more about me online, all you have to know is my first name. I’m Ryan.Online. That’s my website.

46:04

So here we are, we’re back at the dock. We’re gonna have to tie it up fancy and next time I’m with you, I’ll show you how to coil it real nice with a couple little quick tips on the coiling. I’ve got a little hack for it. So you can impress people when you step off the boat and then they’re like, wow, she not only cleated it, but it’s so neat. This is amazing. And then they’re gonna be like, I wanna buy. It’s all the little things, right? Yeah. All right, Maddie, well, I look forward to you jumping off of a sailboat.

46:33

and getting your feet continuously in the sand so that you can  help all of us sail more, sail more often and build that community, which I think is one of the most powerful things Latitude 38 has. It’s a bunch of pages that come out each month,  but behind the pages are a bunch of grubby, dirty hands  that are working on their boat, that are down at the dock, that are all looking to connect with each other.  So you be the six pack of beer, you go down to the dock, you go up and north and down and everything. And  let’s get this the

47:02

the magazine fat again. Did you know that  you should ask John about what I’ve seen? I’ve seen an issue hundreds and hundreds of pages. So let’s get it more towards a dictionary size here. And we’re all here to help support.  And with that,  we’re to wrap it up because we’re done. We’re at the dock. We’re cleaned up.  Great to meet you, Maddy. We’ll talk to you soon. All right. Thanks, Ryan.  Adios!