244. Kid David: Beliefs, Breaking, and Broadcasting

Kid David on breaking, terrifying tour stories, his Emmy-winning broadcast coverage of the Olympics, and finding freedom through mastery!

In this episode, professional B-boy and breaking commentator Kid David (David Shreibman) takes us from the streets where he discovered breaking to the biggest stage in sports—the 2024 Paris Olympics. The Emmy-winning commentator, whose credits span the Step Up film series to NBC's Olympic coverage, explores:

• The art of "forgetting" your technique—how spending decades mastering footwork, glides, and freezes is ultimately about trusting your body so completely that you can stop thinking and start truly listening, creating those magical moments where raw authenticity emerges through pure reaction

• Surviving Hollywood's disposable dancer culture—from literally almost dying in a malfunctioning stage lift during a major tour, to learning the harsh reality that performers are often seen as replaceable line items

• Breaking down breaking for the world—the intense preparation behind NBC's Olympic commentary.

Kid David embodies the evolution of breaking from underground culture to mainstream recognition. Whether you're interested in the intersection of street culture and elite competition, surviving creative industries that undervalue artists, or learning how mastery creates space for genuine expression, this conversation offers powerful insights into staying true to your craft while navigating its commercial possibilities.

Watch the full episode here.

Show Notes:

Connect with Kid David on IG

Read The Believing Brain by Michael Shermer

Listen to our episode with Marty

Read the Art of Learning by Joshua Waitzkin

Listen to our episode with Randi

Listen to the episode with Alison

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