Legendary surfer Laird Hamilton joins host Randall Kaplan on the In Search of Excellence podcast for a raw and unforgettable conversation about innovation, mindset, and personal transformation. Hamilton shares how he co-invented tow-in surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, and surf foiling, turning niche ideas into billion-dollar global sports.

From serving as Kevin Costner’s stunt double in Waterworld to surviving a near-death experience in the ocean, Laird opens up about the moments that shaped his fearless mentality. He dives deep into the philosophy of pain, extreme preparation, mentorship, and the pursuit of purpose. He also explores the challenges of public life, the importance of family, and how to thrive under pressure.

Whether you're an entrepreneur, athlete, or simply someone seeking inspiration, this episode offers powerful life lessons from one of the most innovative figures in extreme sports history.

🎧 Episode Highlights and Timestamps:

• 00:00 – Laird Hamilton’s Impact on Surfing and Paddleboarding
• 00:48 – Kevin Costner Stunt Double & Near-Death Experience
• 05:19 – Hawaii Five-0 Appearance & How Pain Can Be a Great Teacher
• 08:17 – The Role of Extreme Preparation in Achieving Success
• 17:51 – Co-Inventing Stand-Up Paddling with Tom Jones
• 25:07 – The Evolution of Surfing and Rise of Foiling
• 29:16 – Mentorship and Its Influence on Growth
• 40:52 – Family, Relationships, and Defining Personal Success
• 41:07 – Facing Controversy and Shaping Public Perception
• 50:49 – Marriage, Partnership, and Life in the Public Eye

👉 Listen now to hear Laird Hamilton’s incredible journey—and get inspired to break boundaries, defy expectations, and live with discipline and excellence.

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode filled with wisdom, success stories, and powerful insights.

🎙️ In Search of Excellence Podcast with Randall Kaplan

Listen to this episode on the go!

🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-search-of-excellence/id1579184310

🟢 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/23q0XICUDIchVrkXBR0i6L

For more information about this episode, visit https://www.randallkaplan.com/

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Website: https://www.randallkaplan.com/

1-on-1 Coaching: https://intro.co/randallkaplan

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In this raw and riveting episode of In Search of Excellence, legendary surfer and ocean pioneer Laird Hamilton shares his incredible story — from his unconventional birth using a method like a reverse hair dryer, a wild childhood in Hawaii, and surviving abuse and racism, to revolutionizing surfing with inventions like tow-in surfing, foilboarding, and modern paddleboarding.

Laird opens up about his near-death experience on Waterworld, why he never competed professionally, how he rescued another surfer by swimming naked, and what makes paddleboarding and foiling $4 billion industry rooted in innovation, art, self-expression, and raw danger. He reflects on growing up with an abusive father, bullying, fear, extreme danger, the challenges of big-wave surfing, near-death experiences, education, family, mentorship, the relentless pursuit of greatness, and his view on being considered the greatest surfer of all time.

From modeling for renowned fashion photographer Bruce Weber and being on the cover of Italian Vogue, to surfing 50-foot monsters at Jaws and Nazaré, this episode delves into what it means to master chaos, seek purpose over praise, and remain humble while pushing human limits.

0:00 – Laird Hamilton's Revolutionary Contributions to Surfing
19:00 – Laird Hamilton's Unique Birth and Early Life
19:13 – Challenges and Lessons from Laird Hamilton's Childhood
19:31 – Laird Hamilton's Early Surfing Career and Modeling
21:48 – Laird Hamilton's Views on Education and Career
25:19 – The Evolution of Surfing and Laird Hamilton's Contributions
29:45 – The Popularity and Challenges of Surfing
38:10 – The Impact of Big Wave Surfing and Nazare
48:26 – The Science and Experience of Big Wave Surfing
50:36 – Laird Hamilton's Philosophy and Approach to Life

In Search of Excellence Podcast - with Randall Kaplan
Listen to this episode on the go!
🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-search-of-excellence/id1579184310
🟢 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/23q0XICUDIchVrkXBR0i6L

For more information about this episode, visit https://www.randallkaplan.com/

Follow Randall
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/randallkaplan
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@randall_kaplan
Twitter / X: https://x.com/RandallKaplan
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/randallkaplan/
Website: https://www.randallkaplan.com/
1-on-1 Coaching: https://intro.co/randallkaplan

Get More Excellence!
In Search of Excellence Clips: https://www.youtube.com/@iseclips

Coaching and Staying Connected:

1-on-1 Coaching | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | LinkedIn

In this powerful episode, Mike Meldman — real estate mogul, co-founder of Casamigos Tequila, and founder of Discovery Land Company — shares the remarkable story behind his journey from instinct-driven entrepreneur to one of the most influential figures in luxury real estate and lifestyle branding.

Mike dives deep into how Casamigos, a tequila brand originally created with George Clooney “just for fun,” skyrocketed from a personal project to a billion-dollar business — despite having no plans for mass distribution. From there, he walks us through the origin and explosive growth of Discovery Land Company, a visionary take on private communities built around service, family, and meaningful experiences — not just golf.

One of his standout projects, Kukio in Hawaii, started with an underwhelming plot of lava rock but became one of the most successful resort communities in the U.S., selling $50 million worth of real estate in just 90 days. Mike reveals how a courthouse bidding war with Mitsubishi, unconventional thinking, and meticulous attention to member experience helped make Kukio what it is today.

But his ambition didn’t stop there. Mike also discusses his 7.5% ownership stake in the Las Vegas Raiders, the importance of choosing the right people to surround yourself with, and how he's used strategic investments in companies like Vuori (valued today at $7 billion) to expand his brand’s reach far beyond real estate.

He speaks candidly about the challenges he's faced — including the emotional toll of two failed marriages — and reflects on what truly matters: family, discipline, integrity, and giving back. Through the Discovery Land Company Foundation, Mike supports children’s charities and community development around each of his projects, making sure that luxury living doesn't come at the cost of social impact.

This episode is more than a conversation — it’s a blueprint for anyone who wants to build something iconic from scratch, stay grounded while chasing massive success, and leave behind a legacy that matters.

Timestamps:
00:00 – Casamigos and Discovery Land Company
00:58 – Investment in Las Vegas Raiders
03:00 – Kukio Project in Hawaii
06:44 – Challenges and Successes at Kukio
09:58 – Gaza Ranch and Personal Reflections
12:30 – Preparation and Team Building
21:07 – Acquisition of Yellowstone Club
27:58 – Investments and Strategic Partnerships
35:42 – Philanthropy and Community Impact
40:12 – Personal Reflections and Future Goals

Coaching and Staying Connected:

1-on-1 Coaching | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | LinkedIn