Reviewing the Reviewer: Jonathan Ellsworth

Reviewing the Reviewer: Jonathan Ellsworth

Author: BLISTER September 27, 2019 Duration: 1:08:51

This episode is the 2nd installment of our “Reviewing the Reviewer” series, where we ask various Blister reviewers questions about their backgrounds and gear preferences to give you a more complete picture of the people behind our reviews.

Today, it’s the founder of Blister’s turn. So you’re going to be hearing about Jonathan Ellsworth’s life, including being charged by a bear; nearly burning his house down; teaching philosophy; his favorite gear in the world; and of course, the things he’s better at than Sam Shaheen.

And we are also putting up a video of this conversation here and on our YouTube channel, so if you want to watch Sam Shaheen in full payback mode, or watch Luke Koppa putting up his dukes, go check it out.

TOPICS & TIMES:

  • Random Review: Babybel Cheese (3:38)
  • Jonathan’s Background (6:15)
  • Why did you start BLISTER? (18:15)
  • Who’s your favorite reviewer? (25.48)
  • What’s the most interesting thing that’s ever happened to you? (28:03)
  • Who’s your favorite skier? (32:17)
  • What’s the stupidest thing you’ve ever done? (37:52)
  • What are you better at than Sam Shaheen? (42:03)
  • What gear are you most & least picky about? (44:55)
  • How many times have you almost died? (52:05)
  • What are your ski preferences? (54:27)
  • Dream podcast guest? (57:41)
  • Top 3 favorite books, movies, and musicians (1:01:25)
  • What’s the best question we haven’t asked you? (1:04:40)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


For anyone who has ever stood in a shop debating the merits of a new jacket or stared at a trail map while thinking about their skis, GEAR:30 is that conversation. This BLISTER podcast goes far beyond basic specs and marketing claims, offering a nuanced, often technical look at the equipment that defines our time outside. The discussion is driven by the people who live with these products: our own reviewers who are putting gear through its paces in real conditions, the designers who obsess over materials and intent, and the athletes whose livelihoods depend on performance. We also check in with the seasoned folks from our network of recommended shops, who see what works and what doesn’t after a season of hard use. Episodes dig into specific items, broader trends in innovation, and the sometimes-surprising realities of long-term testing. It’s a deep, authentic resource for anyone who appreciates the intersection of sports, design, and technology, and who believes the right tool can transform an experience. Tune in for honest, detailed talk that treats outdoor gear with the seriousness and curiosity it deserves.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 391

GEAR:30
Podcast Episodes
Reviewer Reports: 'Closing Day + Luke's a Father!' Edition [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:05:51
Luke’s a dad! Our patron saint of GEAR:30, Hoji, will be back at the Blister Summit! You can win custom skis at our Summit Dinner! Plus, you’ll hear lots of talk from Luke and Jonathan about the skis they tested to close…
Blister Summit ‘26 Preview, Big Announcements, & Reviewer Reports [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:12
Monoskis! Snowblades! Price Drops! Jonathan talks with Luke Koppa and Kristin Sinnott about some big announcements about our upcoming Blister Summit, and Otto Solberg joins us to give an up-to-date conditions report from…
What You're Probably Getting Wrong about Ski Width [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:30:18
When it comes to the question of ski width, there are some very strong opinions held by skiers, and lots of them aren’t true. Are lots of people on skis that are too wide? Will a skinnier ski always carve better than a w…
Reviewer Reports: Paul's New Pow Ski Design; Carving Skis; & More [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:17:34
Luke, Koppa, Paul Forward, and Jonathan talk about some of the gear they've been reviewing; discuss topics related to that gear; and dive deep into the ideas behind a new pow ski design that Paul has been thinking about…