The Failed Experiment
Kyle Cowling
THE FAILED EXPERIMENT is a weekly podcast hosted by Southern California based DP/cinematographer, Kyle Cowling, along with a guest.
Each week, in his dining room, Kyle sits down with filmmakers, photographers, musicians, artists, athletes, and individuals from all walks of life to discuss everything from their journey of how they got to where they are today, their goals, accomplishments, failures, mental health, work/life balance and more.
TFE is an open and honest exploration in sincere conversation with a new guest each week, sharing laughs and stories to help us better understand the humanity in all of us.
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Top 10 The Failed Experiment Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best The Failed Experiment episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to The Failed Experiment for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite The Failed Experiment episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
15. Kris Keefer - Athlete/Test Rider
The Failed Experiment
08/07/23 • 134 min
A high desert rat from Hesperia, CA, Kris Keefer is a former professional Supercross and motocross racer who is now working as a full-time test rider in various capacities. At his company, Keefer Inc, he tests motorcycles and products within the dirt bike world and does editorial and video reviews for the consumer. He is also a podcast host of the Rocky Mountain ATV/MC Keefer Tested podcast where he tests bikes, gear, accessories, and hard parts, as well as a test rider for different motorcycle manufactures where manufactures hire him to do private testing on not yet released dirt bikes to help the brand improve overall performance.
In today's episode, Keefer dives into his formative years as a kid growing up in the high desert, being bullied at school, taking care of his ailing mother, how he got into riding and racing dirt bikes, not riding his first-ever Supercross race until he was 27-years old, leading the heat race at Anaheim 3 in 2004, mental health, how working for Yamaha Motor Co. destroyed his marriage, realizing it was time to walk away from his editorial roots at Dirt Rider, testing the Alta, the electric bike movement, our fandom of Tom DeLonge and Angels & Airwaves, and many laughs and off the rail stories.
Keefer is one of the good guys in the dirt bike industry, and our conversation was illuminating, honest, genuine, and filled with insights and wonderful stories I hope all that are passionate about the motocross industry will enjoy.
Follow Kris Keefer: https://www.instagram.com/kkeefer120/
Visit His Web site: https://www.keeferinctesting.com/
Listen to his podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rocky-mountain-atv-mc-keefer-tested/id1245516386
The Failed Experiment on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheFailedExperiment
Follow The Failed Experiment: https://www.instagram.com/_thefailedexperiment/
Follow Kyle Cowling: https://www.instagram.com/kylecowling/
03. Brad Resnick - Filmmaker
The Failed Experiment
05/15/23 • 106 min
Brad Resnick is a Southern California native currently working as a filmmaker within the action sports community for The Brand Amp, an Orange County, CA based production company.
Before landing his position with the production company, Brad cut his teeth within in the world of Supercross and motocross racing, working full time as the in-house filmmaker for VitalMX. However, what maybe the most impressive part of Brad's story is that he has his college degree in film production. Why is that impressive? Because I am convinced Brad is the only filmmaker to work within the motocross industry that has a degree in film production. Most all of us are self-taught monkeys pointing these little boxes and pushing buttons without a real education.
Brad's story is a fun one. We dive into his BMX roots and his original goals of being a professional BMX rider, his time in college and how hard work and stubbornness got him into the action sports industry at VitalMX, his transition to agency life, and much more.
Follow Brad Resnick: https://www.instagram.com/b_resnickmedia/?hl=en
Support The Failed Experiment: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2156809/supporters/new
Follow the Failed Experiment: https://www.instagram.com/_thefailedexperiment/
Follow Kyle Cowling: https://www.instagram.com/kylecowling/
38. Andrew Bauer - Factory Race Mechanic
The Failed Experiment
03/19/25 • 193 min
Originally from Minnesota, Andrew Bauer is a race mechanic within the world of professional Supercross and motocross racing. Most recently, Andrew spent multiple years as a factory race mechanic at Rockstar/Husqvarna. As a mechanic, Andrew has won multiple X Games gold medals with his riders including Vicki Golden and Colby Raha as well as wrenching for riders such as Alex Martin, Chris Alldredge, and Matt Buyten.
In today's episode, we dive into Andrew's story of growing up in Minnesota, the grind to become a race mechanic, the enigma that is Sean Hamblin, why he doesn't like wrenching for Raha while he's doing long distance jumping, separating from Rockstar/Husqvarna, being on stage with Pennywise, and a lot more.
This was a great episode with a lot of insights into the sport, the ebbs and flows of being a factory race mechanic, and more. I hope everyone enjoys!
Follow Andrew: https://www.instagram.com/bauer651/?hl=en
The Failed Experiment on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com https://www.patreon.com/c/TheFailedExperiment
Follow The Failed Experiment on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_thefailedexperiment/
Follow The Lost Frames on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.lostframes/
Follow Kyle Cowling on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kylecowling/
29. Allie Anderson - Stand-Up Comedian
The Failed Experiment
01/29/24 • 139 min
Allie Anderson is a stand-up comedian based in Los Angeles, CA. A Las Vegas, NV native, Anderson grew up with a very unique family dynamic that spilled into a very unique academic career where Harry Potter Club was the biggest club on campus. Yes, seriously.
Today, we dive into Allie’s upbringing with a father who had wild conspiracy theories and identified as a sovereign citizen, how she eventually found her way to California and comedy, her first time performing comedy and forgetting her set and running off stage, to eventually performing at the historic Comedy Store in Hollywood, CA, her writing process, free speech and cancel culture and how it affects the state comedy, her influences and so much more.
This was truly a fascinating and transparent conversation with a kind human and one of my personal favorites. I hope all enjoy this episode and will get watch Allie perform at their local comedy club in 2024 and beyond.
The Failed Experiment on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheFailedExperiment
Follow Allie Anderson on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/allie_anderson96?igsh=NzBmMjdhZWRiYQ==
Follow The Failed Experiment on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_thefailedexperiment/
Follow Kyle Cowling on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kylecowling/
28. Oliver Keenan-Lyu - Musical Composer
The Failed Experiment
01/22/24 • 132 min
Oliver Keenan-Lyu is a musical composer and audio engineer currently based in Scotland with his wife and son. Oliver has been working as a professional musical composer since 2013, working for brands such as Red Bull, American Honda, Dunkin' Donuts, Jennifer Lopez, Volvo, and more creating music for all kinds of unique projects.
However, many may know Keenan-Lyu from his work on The Spectrum Series, which was a docu-series that I directed, shot and edited. Oliver was responsible for almost all of the music in that series, as well as sound mastering and sound design. In today's episode, we dive into Oliver's time in school, growing up in London, moving to Scotland, AI, working on The Spectrum Series, writing music for Premium Beats, his process for writing music, and so much more.
The Failed Experiment on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheFailedExperiment
Follow Oliver Keenan-Lyu on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanbmarcus/?hl=en
Oliver Keenan-Lyu’s Portfolio:
https://oliverkeenanlyu.com/
Follow The Failed Experiment on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_thefailedexperiment/
Follow Kyle Cowling on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kylecowling/
27. Ryan Marcus - Filmmaker
The Failed Experiment
01/15/24 • 198 min
Ryan Marcus is an award-winning director, filmmaker, and editor based out of the Orange County, CA. Originally with ambitions of becoming a professional skateboarder, Ryan eventually found his way behind the camera and a job at the iconic 411 Video Magazine.
After his tenure at 411, Ryan moved onto DVS where he was responsible for one of the most progressive and forward-thinking motocross commercial ever done in the sport entitled, DVS Flux, with the GEICO Honda team. Eventually, Ryan spent 10+ at Fox as the head of their video department, producing, directing, shooting, and editing projects such as Alway5 with Ryan Dungey, RISE ABOVE with Ken Roczen, Deadman Walking with Justin Mulford, and much more. Now, Ryan is heading up a new studio project at Skullcandy where they are giving back to creatives with a very unique (and free) creative space called Skullcandy Studios in Costa Mesa, CA.
For all my creatives out there, this is a must listen. Ryan Marcus shares so many wonderful stories about his experiences in the skate and moto industries, his strengths and weaknesses, and so much more. Ryan is a true creative through and through and I hope all enjoy this conversation. Also, visit us on Patreon for a bonus episode with Ryan where we breakdown his project with Ryan Dungey, Split Decision, where he made Ryan Dungey's KTM 450 disappear while going through set of Supercross whoops. Yes, I am serious.
The Failed Experiment on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheFailedExperiment
Follow Ryan Marcus on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanbmarcus/?hl=en
Ryan Marcus' Portfolio: https://www.ryanmarcus.com/
Follow The Failed Experiment on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_thefailedexperiment/
Follow Kyle Cowling on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kylecowling/
25. Yakov Olivarria - Film Director
The Failed Experiment
01/01/24 • 133 min
Yakov Olivarria is a film director currently residing in Riverside, CA. The writer and director of the award-winning short film, Benny Bill, Yakov opens up about the journey to write the script, and then hiring and casting the film. We also dive into his thoughts on film school as he is currently in his sophomore year of higher education with an emphasis on film, the struggles of indie-filmmaking, and so much more.
Yakov's short film, Benny Bill (which I was the cinematographer on), is now available on YouTube to watch for free. Link provided below. For all my aspiring film directors and creatives, this is a must listen from somebody that is young, in the trenches trying to make films, while also attending film school. This was a wonderful conversation with some wonderful insights and stories for all creatives.
Watch Benny Bill: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=foWFaZAuZU0
Follow Yakov on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yakovolivarria/
The Failed Experiment on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheFailedExperiment
Follow The Failed Experiment on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_thefailedexperiment/
Follow Kyle Cowling on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kylecowling/
24. Jake Isaac - Factory TLD/Red Bull/GasGas Race Mechanic
The Failed Experiment
10/09/23 • 132 min
From Whittier, CA, 21-year-old Jake Isaac is a professional Supercross and motocross race mechanic for the factory TLD/Red Bull/GasGas Racing team, spinning wrenches for Pierce Brown. Prior to landing his current job with TLD/Red Bull/GasGas, Isaac was working with Derek Drake on the small, satellite team, Bar-X Suzuki.
In today's episode with Jake, we dive into his early years growing up in Whittier, CA, his flat track racing career winning junior national championships, how he discovered his love for working on motorcycles, a school project he did about the factory Kawasaki team, a hilarious story about an interview he had with Pro Circuit Kawasaki's Mitch Payton, how he finally got his opportunity as a race mechanic for Derek Drake, transitioning over to the TLD/Red Bull/GasGas team, and so much more.
This was such a fun and insightful conversation with a very charismatic and outgoing human. Jake is very candid in sharing his perspective on life, the ebbs and flows of how he got to where he is today, and so much more. For anyone looking for a job in the dirt bike industry, especially how to become a factory race mechanic, this episode is for you. I hope all enjoy this one!
Follow Jake Isaac on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jakeisaac16/
The Failed Experiment on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheFailedExperiment
Follow The Failed Experiment on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_thefailedexperiment/
Follow Kyle Cowling on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kylecowling/
23. Kenny Day - Fox Racing Pro Athlete Manager
The Failed Experiment
10/02/23 • 122 min
Originally from Budds Creek, MD, Kenny Day now resides in Southern California, working at Fox Racing as the Pro Athlete Manager. Kenny works alongside athletes such as Christian Craig, Adam Cianciarulo, Ken Roczen, Max Vohland, and the entire Pro Circuit/Kawasaki team. However, prior to his position at Fox Racing, K-Day was working at Aplinestars and also Traders Racing before A-Stars.
In today's episode with K-Day, we dive into his early years in Maryland and growing up at Budds Creeks, the Amish community, his attempts to qualify for the outdoor nationals and a handful of Supercross races, working in manholes, being a mechanic and then team manager for the Traders Racing team, the highs and lows of the race team, his time at A-Stars, the opportunity at Fox Racing, exactly what his job entails at Fox Racing, and much more.
K-Day is truly a kind soul with some wonderful insights about his journey and never giving up on yourself. I thoroughly enjoyed our conversation that covered such a wide array of topics and insights. I hope all enjoy listening as much as I did having this conversation.
Follow Kenny Day on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kdayinthelife/?hl=en
The Failed Experiment on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheFailedExperiment
Follow The Failed Experiment on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_thefailedexperiment/
Follow Kyle Cowling on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kylecowling/
31. Kyle Crabb - Filmmaker
The Failed Experiment
02/19/24 • 128 min
A Bakersfield, CA native, Kyle Crabb is a filmmaking within the motocross industry. Most recently, Kyle released his long form passion project on YouTube entitled, YOUNG BLOOD, which highlights the amateur motocross scene. It's a modern twist with old school sensibilities. Essentially, think a modern day version of Mini Warriors.
In today's episode with Kyle, we dive into his years growing up in Bakersfield, CA, struggling with a speech impediment, how and why he got into filmmaking, cleaning pools, the mental and emotional battles he fought trying to figure out how to make a go at a career in the motocross industry, the inspiration for YOUNG BLOOD, getting away from the Instagram 9x16 trap, taking a chance on making a long form film, and so much more.
This was a great conversation with an individual that decided to throw caution to the wind and make a long form piece. And, a long form piece that truly maybe the best thing done since the original Mini Warriors films of the late 1990s. If you haven't already, you can watch Kyle Crabb's film, YOUNG BLOOD, below and I hope all enjoy this conversation with somebody he took a chance on himself.
The Failed Experiment on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheFailedExperiment
Watch YOUNG BLOOD: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xUFYkqEQMMI&t=30s
Follow Kyle Crabb on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/kcrabb223/
Follow The Failed Experiment on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_thefailedexperiment/
Follow Kyle Cowling on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kylecowling/
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FAQ
How many episodes does The Failed Experiment have?
The Failed Experiment currently has 40 episodes available.
What topics does The Failed Experiment cover?
The podcast is about Photography, Filmmaking, Cinematography, Art, Visual Arts, Music, Mental Health, Storytelling, Podcasts, Science, Philosophy, Sports and Arts.
What is the most popular episode on The Failed Experiment?
The episode title '28. Oliver Keenan-Lyu - Musical Composer' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on The Failed Experiment?
The average episode length on The Failed Experiment is 148 minutes.
How often are episodes of The Failed Experiment released?
Episodes of The Failed Experiment are typically released every 7 days.
When was the first episode of The Failed Experiment?
The first episode of The Failed Experiment was released on Mar 21, 2023.
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