Digital Science Speaker Series - Meet Rodney Mullen

Ahead of our next Speaker Series Live with engineer and godfather of street skating Rodney Mullen at the Royal Institution in September, Suze popped by his house in lovely Los Angeles after the FORCE11 Conference to chat about culture, creativity and community in science and skateboarding.

As a chemical engineer, an inventor and innovator, and a professional skateboarder responsible for revolutionising the sport and taking it from the pools to the streets, Rodney is no stranger to success, failure, and problem-solving. In this conversation, Suze asks him about the role community plays in research and development, the power of persistence, and why we need many different minds in art and science to make a meaningful and impactful difference to society. Read more about their conversation here:

Series lead and interviewer: Dr Suze Kundu, Director of Researcher and Community Engagement, Digital Science. Filming and production support: Huw James, Science Story Lab. Filmed at Rodney Mullen's home in Los Angeles, USA.

[YellowTissueBox]

He'll be remembered for all time.
Thanks for everything, Rodney Mullen.

[Phillice]

Hearing Rodney’s voice brings me peace everytime

[PBeetheFox]

It's always a treat to hear Rodney's thoughts on the philosophical side of skateboarding and performance. So rare to see someone who completely deserves the title "Artist and Scientist"

[thekittencult]

I met Rodney years ago and will never forget how he made me feel important in our conversation. Starstruck turned into admiration of the kind humble thoughtful human Rodney is. Thank you Rodney, for being you. 🧡

[joshcunningham]

Rodney’s ability to articulate his love for skateboarding is just as enjoyable as watching him skate.

[dosesandmimoses]

Mad PROPS! Rodney is so eloquent in his explanation. His description will help all engineers in their design and operation of their creations! Gratitude to all those who helped produce this video!

[mikul_]

My favorite public person of all time! ❤️

[KPpivot]

What a real treat. A masterful interview by them both.

[nonpungent]

Yes!! Always love to look up Rodney and find something new!

[thelovelyfunguscompany]

Thanks to you both for this conversation and to all who helped create the video. Peace x

[njkf]

His mind is singular. Thanks for everything you have done for skateboarding.

[Bozodubber]

This is so great. Rodney Mullen rules.

[benjaminnorris]

Rodney comes up, I click immediately. A genuis and a gentleman. Always. Great interview so far! As Tony Hawk and Jason Ellis say, I have officially 'like and described' to your channel. Well done!'

[treehouse]

Very cool! Im glad I found this. Thank you for sharing this interview of Rodney. Means alot to us skaters. Ill have to check out more of your videos.

[JusticeConstantine]

Suze did such a great job interviewing Rodney, not in just the questions he asked, but being able to summerize his thoughts with each response she gave.

[stephencarmickle]

Rodney is one of my favorite people to listen to speak.

[Mr_Battlefield]

Aa a older adult now. Growing up skateboarding starting in the year 2000. I owe the ones that cane before me with so much respect. I could listen to Rodney Mullen talk about anything. He's so humble and nice. I respect him on so many levels. I'm thankful for the wonderful topics he talked about in this interview. The ending made me cry. I can't explain it. It just hit home to me. I will share this video with another friend i grew up skateboarding with.

[Frsol]

This is amazing, rodney mullen will aLWAYS BE A PART OF MY LIFE

[noellzy]

Fantastic interview; so good to see Rodney be able to really extrapolate on his thoughts. King Mutt forever!

[Caveman-vrrw]

I love hearing Rodney speak, he doesn't even just blurt anything out. He takes his time and thinks about the question. He speaks so eliguently and intelligent. Love Rodney for his dedication to not just skateboarding but to humanity and his faith in the god of people. Good talk !🙌