Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 13 hours ago
Michael Alessi - is an elite videographer, filmmaker, mountaineer, rock climber, musician, devoted father, and passionate Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner. With an eye for authentic storytelling and a relentless pursuit of adventure, Michael has built a career capturing compelling visuals in some of the world’s most challenging environments. Whether he’s behind the camera on demanding productions, scaling remote rock faces, creating music, or embracing the discipline of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, his life is driven by creativity, resilience, and purpose. Michael has also has played a pivotal role in “On The Mountain Side” YouTube series, helping shape the visual identity of the series by capturing stunning cinematic footage that elevates each episode. His ability to blend storytelling with breathtaking imagery has become an integral part of the production, bringing viewers closer to the people, places, and adventures that define The Mountain Side. On this episode of The Mountain Side, Michael Alessi joins Bobby Marshall for a conversation about filmmaking, visual storytelling, the pursuit of adventure, mountaineering, rock climbing, music, fatherhood, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and the mindset required to push creative and personal boundaries. Together, they discuss the lessons learned through risk, passion, and perseverance, how to tell authentic stories through a camera lens, and why embracing discomfort often leads to life’s greatest rewards.
Be sure to like, subscribe, and follow The Mountain Side for more conversations with extraordinary people living extraordinary lives.
🔻Watch more of The Mountain Side Podcast Episodes here 🔻
youtube.com/watch?v=Qctzd4ml_RI&list=PLUVu632r4xm5lsI8x7BVdmpTQdQn7FHy0
themountainsidepodcast.com
Important Links:
michaelalessiimagery.com
Sponsor Links:
UNCHARTEDSUPPLYCO.com ➡️ alnk.to/3U4yO7W 🔗
Mountain Side listeners use Discount code TMS10 to receive 10%off UNCHARTED SUPPLY products!
SABObroadheads.com
Mountain Side listeners receive $10 off & Free Shipping on all SABO Broadheads!
00:00 Meet Michael Alessi
01:22 How We Linked Up
01:57 Leveling Up The Podcast
04:28 Long Island Roots
05:34 Music School And Industry
09:59 Scotland Side Quest
19:37 Back To Michael's Story
20:06 Learning Music And Talent
24:55 Parkour To Climbing
27:53 Jiu Jitsu And Injuries
31:40 Using Jiu Jitsu In Real Life
33:37 Airplane Incident Story
34:20 In-N-Out Shooter Story
35:42 AI Photos and Reality
37:21 Matt Serra Casino Takedown
39:13 SHOT Show Stabbing Aftermath
39:49 Garage BJJ Rolling Fundamentals
40:49 Belts and Gym Standards
45:48 Finding a Great Gym
47:23 Climbing Brought Me West
49:36 Trad vs Sport Explained
52:35 Soloing Shark’s Tooth
54:23 Rigging Work at Heights
55:13 Narwhal Truck Topper Pitch
56:27 Dillon Aero and SEMA
59:04 Videography Through Climbing
01:03:01 Learning Video the Hard Way
01:05:31 Les Baker’s Epic Work
01:06:41 Chasing Iceland Volcanoes
01:07:40 Chasing Solar Eclipses
01:08:39 Telescope Rig Breakdown
01:09:32 Mountain of the Moons
01:11:57 Light Painting Techniques
01:14:36 Climbing Film Logistics
01:18:46 Cinematography Inspirations
01:22:48 Life on Movie Sets
01:26:52 Indie Films and Comedy
01:32:33 Half Face Blades in Hollywood
01:34:16 Dad First and Wrap Up
Michael Alessi - is an elite videographer, filmmaker, mountaineer, rock climber, musician, devoted father, and passionate Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner. With an eye for authentic storytelling and a relentless pursuit of adventure, Michael has built a career capturing compelling visuals in some of the world’s most challenging environments. Whether he’s behind the camera on demanding productions, scaling remote rock faces, creating music, or embracing the discipline of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, his life is driven by creativity, resilience, and purpose. Michael has also has played a pivotal role in “On The Mountain Side” YouTube series, helping shape the visual identity of the series by capturing stunning cinematic footage that elevates each episode. His ability to blend storytelling with breathtaking imagery has become an integral part of the production, bringing viewers closer to the people, places, and adventures that define The Mountain Side. On this episode of The Mountain Side, Michael Alessi joins Bobby Marshall for a conversation about filmmaking, visual storytelling, the pursuit of adventure, mountaineering, rock climbing, music, fatherhood, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and the mindset required to push creative and personal boundaries. Together, they discuss the lessons learned through risk, passion, and perseverance, how to tell authentic stories through a camera lens, and why embracing discomfort often leads to life’s greatest rewards.
Be sure to like, subscribe, and follow The Mountain Side for more conversations with extraordinary people living extraordinary lives.
🔻Watch more of The Mountain Side Podcast Episodes here 🔻
youtube.com/watch?v=Qctzd4ml_RI&list=PLUVu632r4xm5lsI8x7BVdmpTQdQn7FHy0
themountainsidepodcast.com
Important Links:
michaelalessiimagery.com
Sponsor Links:
UNCHARTEDSUPPLYCO.com ➡️ alnk.to/3U4yO7W 🔗
Mountain Side listeners use Discount code TMS10 to receive 10%off UNCHARTED SUPPLY products!
SABObroadheads.com
Mountain Side listeners receive $10 off & Free Shipping on all SABO Broadheads!
00:00 Meet Michael Alessi
01:22 How We Linked Up
01:57 Leveling Up The Podcast
04:28 Long Island Roots
05:34 Music School And Industry
09:59 Scotland Side Quest
19:37 Back To Michael's Story
20:06 Learning Music And Talent
24:55 Parkour To Climbing
27:53 Jiu Jitsu And Injuries
31:40 Using Jiu Jitsu In Real Life
33:37 Airplane Incident Story
34:20 In-N-Out Shooter Story
35:42 AI Photos and Reality
37:21 Matt Serra Casino Takedown
39:13 SHOT Show Stabbing Aftermath
39:49 Garage BJJ Rolling Fundamentals
40:49 Belts and Gym Standards
45:48 Finding a Great Gym
47:23 Climbing Brought Me West
49:36 Trad vs Sport Explained
52:35 Soloing Shark’s Tooth
54:23 Rigging Work at Heights
55:13 Narwhal Truck Topper Pitch
56:27 Dillon Aero and SEMA
59:04 Videography Through Climbing
01:03:01 Learning Video the Hard Way
01:05:31 Les Baker’s Epic Work
01:06:41 Chasing Iceland Volcanoes
01:07:40 Chasing Solar Eclipses
01:08:39 Telescope Rig Breakdown
01:09:32 Mountain of the Moons
01:11:57 Light Painting Techniques
01:14:36 Climbing Film Logistics
01:18:46 Cinematography Inspirations
01:22:48 Life on Movie Sets
01:26:52 Indie Films and Comedy
01:32:33 Half Face Blades in Hollywood
01:34:16 Dad First and Wrap Up
