39 - Justin Dauer: Think Like a Champion

Kill Your Yoyo

In this conversation, Ross Levine and Justin Dauer explore the intricate world of yoyoing, focusing on Jusitn's journey of becoming a national champion, the importance of nurturing talent, and the art of routine and trick construction. They discuss the pressures of competition, the significance of audience engagement, and the role of music in crafting compelling performances. Dauer shares insights on developing cleanliness and consistency in routines, as well as the necessity of practicing recoveries and understanding the nuances of performance art. The conversation emphasizes the storytelling aspect of yo-yoing and the need for variation in routines to captivate audiences. In this engaging conversation, Ross Levine and Justin Dauer explore the evolution of online yo-yo competitions, the behind-the-scenes efforts of the Ante YoYo Cup. The duo delves into the mechanics of yo-yo tricks, the design and durability of the Evolve yo-yo, and the concept of positive and negative tricks, all while emphasizing the balance of fun and competition in the yoyoing community.

Chapters

00:00 Nurturing Potential in Yo-Yoing

16:20 The Journey to National Champion

29:27 The Pressure of Competition

36:11 Crafting a Winning Routine

42:47 The Art of Combo Construction

45:15 The Art of Trick Construction

48:23 Chunking: Building a Routine

51:24 Song Selection and Routine Flow

54:09 The Evolution of Online Competitions

01:03:37 Auntie: The New Era of Yo-Yo Competitions

01:17:14 The Timing of Competitions

01:18:15 The Importance of Online Competitions

01:19:16 Filming Techniques for Success

01:20:57 The Evolution of Cleanliness in Yo-Yoing

01:21:25 Raising the Stakes in Yo-Yo Competitions

01:22:33 The Impact of Community on Yo-Yoing

01:23:33 The Subjective Experience of Winning

01:24:30 Community Reactions to Competition Results

01:26:03 The Anticipation for Future Competitions

01:28:10 The Philosophy Behind Ante Competitions

01:29:19 Prize Structures and Competitor Engagement

01:30:27 Judging Standards in Yo-Yo Competitions

01:32:30 The Growth of Competitors in Yo-Yoing

01:33:33 The Role of Sponsors in Competitions

01:35:20 The Evolve Yo-Yo: Design and Philosophy

01:39:21 Durability and Material Strength in Yo-Yos

01:48:13 Understanding Yo-Yo Materials and Their Impact

01:51:52 Applied Yo-Yo Theory: Positive and Negative Tricks

02:00:00 Conceptualizing Tricks: Theoretical Foundations of Yo-Yoing