In this episode of On Water, we sit down with acclaimed photographer, filmmaker, and creative director Chris Burkard to explore his latest project, A Northern Life. Created in partnership with apparel icon Faherty, this 14-minute film offers a sweeping yet intimate portrait of life among Iceland’s northern fjords, a place which Burkard has called home for years.

Through stunning panoramics and deeply personal close-ups, filmmakers Ben Weiland and Brian Davis, under Burkard’s creative direction, co-create a cinematic love letter to Iceland’s dramatic landscapes and its resilient communities. The result is a film that feels both expansive and deeply human.

Our conversation dives into the making of A Northern Life, Burkard’s creative vision for its characters and locations, and the intentional choice to use Iceland as the backdrop for this collaboration. Chris speaks candidly about his connection to the country, its people, and its culture while also reflecting on Iceland’s future and the importance of moving toward a more sustainable, tourism driven economy - rather than extractive metals & energy - that benefits both the land and the communities who depend on it.

While we know Burkard as a widely known as a master visual storyteller, this episode reveals another side of him: a thoughtful, passionate advocate for Iceland and its preservation. We were honored to welcome Chris to our HQ in Burlington, Vermont, for the official launch of A Northern Life last December … and are even more honored to share this conversation with you.

We have a feeling his words may change the way you think about Iceland as your next adventure destination. We hope they do. It’s a place worth experiencing—and protecting.

Welcome to On Water, the official podcast of The Session Magazine. If you’re enjoying the conversation, be sure to like, share, and subscribe to our show. You can listen and follow along on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Audible, Google Play, or anytime at session-magazine.com. Thanks for tuning in—we’re glad you’re here.

In this episode of On Water, I sit down with Glenn Hening, founding father of the Surfrider Foundation, to dive deep into the relaunch of his powerful book, Waves of Warning. Glenn’s narrative is more than a story—it’s an exploration of what happens when cultures collide against the backdrop of the ocean’s unlimited energy. The book, divided into Volumes I and II, creates the perfect stage for asking the big, uncomfortable questions Glenn never shies away from. In this episode, Glenn challenges us to rethink what we believe about wave riding. In discussing Waves of Warning, we explore our awe of the ocean, the corrosive pull of commercialism and competition into the realm of surfing, and the responsibility we hold - as water lovers - to leave a legacy rooted in generosity, community, and care for the playground that gives us so much.

Insightful, provocative, and grounded in raw experience, Glenn Hening isn’t afraid to unsettle anyone who claims to love the ocean while contributing to its cultural or environmental erosion. His perspective will push you to reconsider where—and how—we should draw the line between surfing’s explosive growth and preserving the spirit of sharing waves with respect and intention.

Welcome to this episode of On Water, the official podcast of The Session Magazine. If you like what you hear, please LIKE, SHARE and SUBSCRIBE to this podcast now available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Audible, Google Play and at www.session-magazine.com . Thank you for listening!

In this powerful episode of On Water, we sit down with Capt. Jon Hoover, a seasoned Search & Rescue (SAR) expert, water safety and risk management specialist and all-around waterman. With a rich history spanning big wave surfing, offshore sailboat racing, distance paddling, and an impressive career in water safety, Jon Hoover is one of the most respected figures in his field.

From teaching Ocean Risk Management to local, state, and federal agencies, including Navy SEALs and first responders, to executing rescue missions in some of the most challenging conditions, Hoover brings unparalleled experience and wisdom to this conversation. We dive into his journey, the harrowing story of rescuing big wave surfer Greg Long, and Hoover’s top tips for surviving and managing risk in any water-related (or other) emergency.

Today, Jon Hoover is an integral part of the Big Wave Risk Assessment Group (aka BWRAG) as a key instructor offering his experience in Emergency Action Planning, risk assessment and implementation of medical aid in places where there is none. This guy is fascinating. You’ll want to settle into this podcast with your full attention to gather some wisdom from Jon Hoover.

Key Topics in this Episode:

Jon Hoover’s Journey into Water Safety
Hoover shares how he developed his calling as an expert in water safety and rescue.

Greg Long’s Rescue: That Near-Fatal Incident at Cortes Bank
The story of Hoover's crucial role in rescuing Greg Long after a near-fatal drowning incident at Cortes Bank, 100 miles off the coast of California.

Water Safety in Extreme Conditions
Jon opens up about his experience with big wave surfers, including his work with world-class athletes like Greg Long and Garrett MacNamara. Hear firsthand stories of dangerous rescues and life-saving missions.

Top 3 Tips for Emergency Preparedness
Hoover shares his expert advice on how to be better prepared in an emergency situation, both on land and in the water.

This episode of On Water is brought to you by Session Magazine, the magazine for water lovers. Please LIKE, SHARE and SUBSCRIBE to our podcast that is now available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Audible, Google Play and at www.session-magazine.com . We thank you for listening!