Ep 106 - Megan Costello: Big Wave Surf Culture, Photography, Filmmaking & Storytelling Across Hawaii and Beyond
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Megan Costello’s journey from a Rhode Island kid with a skateboard to a globally recognized photographer, filmmaker, and creator is a masterclass in turning passion into purpose. What began as a dream sparked by a single Pinterest image of Pipeline in Hawaii evolved into a nomadic life centered on big wave surfing, female empowerment, and visual storytelling across Hawaii, Australia, and beyond. Her career wasn’t built on a traditional path but through relentless hustle—shooting skateboarders in NYC, landing a lucky in-house gig in Hawaii, and eventually building a personal brand that blends art, activism, and authenticity. At the heart of her work is a radical belief in community over competition, a philosophy she lives through her podcast and upcoming mobile app, Sunwaves Creative, designed to connect content creators worldwide. But her story isn’t just about success—it’s about survival: surviving a near-fatal staph infection, overcoming imposter syndrome, and using her camera as therapy after years of emotional suppression. Megan’s message is clear: creativity isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about healing, connection, and the courage to show up, even when you’re not okay.
Use your camera as therapy—Megan credits photography with helping her process trauma and manage mental health after years of emotional suppression.
Build community, not competition: Megan’s 'community over competition' ethos has created a supportive network of creatives who collaborate, share opportunities, and uplift each other.
Create your own opportunities: There’s no job description for 'surf and swimwear photographer'—Megan built her career by pitching brands, working with small labels, and seizing every chance.
Embrace rejection as fuel: Megan learned to reframe rejection not as failure but as motivation, a mindset that helped her push through 100+ rejections before landing major campaigns.
Your creative project can be your launchpad: Megan’s upcoming multi-year project, 'The Photography Heals Your Soul Project,' uses a symbolic handoff of a Harlow light to create a chain of storytelling and connection.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
The Birth of a Visual Storyteller
Tyson introduces Megan Costello, a photographer and filmmaker whose work bridges culture, movement, and the ocean. Her journey began with a dream sparked by a single image of Pipeline on Pinterest.
From Skateboarder to Surf Photographer
Megan recounts how her love for skateboarding—despite nine ankle surgeries—led her to photography as a creative outlet. The transition began in NYC, where she interned with Mary Ellen Mark and later shot skateboarders who were also surfers.
The Hawaii Pivot: Luck, Chaos, and Calling
Megan moved to Hawaii on a whim with $2,000, landing a job at San Lorenzo Bikinis by sheer luck. She describes the chaotic early days—broken-down cars, unstable housing—and how the island’s energy tested her resilience.
Building a Global Creative Life
After Hawaii, Megan moved to Byron Bay, then Los Angeles, working with brands like Quicksilver and Billabong. She shares how her career evolved through serendipity, community, and a deep connection to the ocean and female surf culture.
The Power of Community Over Competition
Megan discusses the male-dominated nature of surfing and photography, but shares her belief that female creatives are more supported in this space than in many others. She champions collaboration through her podcast and WhatsApp group.
“I almost died. And I was ended up being in the hospital for like three and a half weeks off work for 10 weeks. I got home November 19th and my 50th birthday was the next day. So, I made it home for my birthday.”
“I credit my camera with a lot. It's my therapist, you know, it's my security blanket. I'm like Linus and the peanuts. It goes with me everywhere.”
“It's an app that is like connecting content creators. So it's sort of two part content creators, like influencers can meet up and shoot with each other or you can hire photographers and other content creators to shoot for you.”
Host
Guest
Megan Costello
person
Tyson Martin
person
Pipeline
place
Nazare
place
Quicksilver
brand
Billabong
brand
Sunwaves Creative
brand
Harlow Lighting
brand
Sister Evolution
brand
Bethany Hamilton
person
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