In this series, Frank 151 invites you on a captivating journey around the globe, providing a unique glimpse into the narratives and imaginative landscapes of individuals who are driving creativity to new heights worldwide.
Embark on a visual and intellectual adventure as we delve into the worlds of not only photographers and actors but also delve into the realms of rappers, musicians, graffiti artists, filmmakers, and the visionary minds behind emerging brands. Our creative chronicles are set to unfold, offering a rich tapestry of insights, anecdotes, and life wisdom that traverse the vibrant streets to the dynamic boardrooms, from the vast oceans to the majestic mountains.
Join us as we connect with the crème de la crème of the creative realm, bringing forth a diverse spectrum of perspectives that highlight the intersection of artistry, innovation, and entrepreneurship. From the pulse of urban streets to the serene landscapes, this series promises to capture the essence of the global creative scene, providing an immersive experience that transcends boundaries and celebrates the multifaceted expressions of human ingenuity.
In an era where culture is consumed in seconds and buried just as fast, Yüth Magazine is doing something radical: slowing things down. Founded by Michael Walshe and Carson Kropfl, Yüth is a print publication rooted in surf, skate, snow, art, music, and the creative undercurrent driving today’s youth culture. What began as a spark of inspiration at a vintage market has quickly grown into a thriving community, with packed launch parties, a dedicated subscriber base, and a clear creative vision.
Blending nostalgia with modern energy, Yüth isn’t just documenting youth culture — it’s archiving it. Frank151 caught up with Michael and Carson to talk about print in the digital age, building something timeless, and why going “Back to the Roots” might be the most forward-thinking move of all.
Frank 151: What was the moment when you realised there was a gap in youth culture media that Yüth needed to fill, and how did that insight turn into the idea for a print magazine?
Yüth Magazine: I was walking around a vintage market and noticed everyone looking down at their phones. Then I came across a booth filled with vintage surf magazines, and something clicked instantly. I called Carson right away. I’ve always been passionate about young kids not being on social media too early — and honestly, older people being on it too much. I even wrote my senior English essay about it. That moment made us realize there was space for something physical, something intentional, something you could hold.
Frank 151: In a world dominated by digital feeds and short-form content, why did you choose to launch a physical magazine, and what value do you think printed media still holds for young readers?
Yüth Magazine: So many works of art get scrolled to the bottom of feeds and forgotten. Print is collectible. It’s something you can keep for years. Time slows down when you sit and read a magazine. When you’re scrolling, it speeds up and you wonder where half your day went. A magazine gives stories permanence — it lets culture breathe.
Frank 151: Yüth covers everything from surf and skate to art and music. How do you decide what stories make it into an issue, and what do you think the magazine says about youth culture today?
Yüth Magazine: Yüth has always been about the things and people Carson and I genuinely think are cool. That’s the filter. What it says about youth culture today is that our generation is nostalgic for things we never got to experience. There’s resentment building toward screens. Kids want to unplug, travel, explore, and reconnect with something real.
Frank 151: Your audience grew up with social media and algorithms shaping culture. How does Yüth challenge or complement that experience?
Yüth Magazine: We actually complement digital media. We use it ourselves to market the magazine — we have to. But the goal is to make each issue timeless, almost like an archive of cool people and moments. You might see the results of a local surf comp on Instagram that night, but owning the magazine lets you always remember it. It sits on your coffee table.
I also grew up loving video, so digital storytelling still excites me. The key is balance.
“I grew up in San Clemente doing a little bit of everything, surfing, skating, snowboarding the list goes on. But ever since I was young I always had a passion to create. When I was 6 I was selling lemonade, then when I got bored of that I took that lemonade stand and made a skate ramp out of it. When I was 11 I found a skate deck at a garage sale and decided to take it home and cut it up to make a skateboard that could fit in my backpack and locker. I called it “Locker Board” and started selling them at lunch to friends. A year later I was featured on Shark Tank for the board and landed an investor. Now I’m 19 and somehow a publisher. Me and Mikey have the most fun job ever, we have creative freedom to do whatever we want with Yüth. It makes every day such a mystery and I’m excited to see the future.”
CARSON KROPFL
Frank 151: What was the biggest surprise you encountered while creating your first issues — creatively, logistically, or personally?
Yüth Magazine: We completely underestimated how hard great page layout design would be. We got lucky connecting with Mick Sowry, a creative director from Australia who worked on publications like Great Ocean Quarterly. He showed us the massive skill gap between amateur design and true expertise. He’s taught us small design rules that most people won’t consciously notice but that make a huge difference.
Frank 151: You’re both very young and building a media brand for your generation. How does your own experience as part of Gen Z influence the voice and aesthetic of the magazine?
Yüth Magazine: Being 21 and 20 definitely shapes the voice. We decided early on to write in a way that’s readable for both younger and older audiences, but let the design and content reflect what we’re genuinely into. High school kids look up to college culture, and older generations like to see what youth — especially in action sports — are up to.
We also recognize attention spans aren’t what they used to be, so our articles aren’t as long as legacy magazines. We’re in the perfect moment in our lives to be doing this.
Frank 151: There’s a strong emphasis on compelling photography and bold design in Yüth. How do you work with visual artists and photographers to make sure every issue feels cohesive and impactful?
Yüth Magazine: Cohesion starts before we even begin producing. We build the issue in our heads and on paper first. For Issue 4, releasing January 20, we decided early it would emphasize snowboarding. That winter focus influenced everything — from visual tone to story selection.
Even surf stories shifted to winter aesthetics, like surfing in freezing Canadian conditions. Creating a clear theme upfront keeps everything unified.
Frank 151: Print magazines often take months to produce from concept to shelf. What does that slower rhythm do for the storytelling compared to instant digital content?
Yüth Magazine: We started with three print issues per year to make sure each one has buildup and zero filler. With a small team, we also wanted to guarantee we could deliver what we promise subscribers.
Each issue is 128 pages — that’s countless hours of work, refining every word and layout detail. That slower rhythm forces intention. Eventually, we’d love to move to quarterly, but only when we can maintain the same level of quality.
“I’ve lived in San Clemente California my whole life and I never want this city to change. Growing up I spent most of my days playing Baseball and doing a little bit of everything else. I used to always sell things like bracelets and pokemon cards in middle school to raise money for various different causes and being an entrepreneur has always been a dream of mine. Fast forward to freshman year of college, I had an idea and called the only person it would be right to do it with. From then on Yüth Magazine is something we work everyday on. I think at the end of the day I saw people missing that old school vibe that things like records, vintage clothing, and magazines all have. Speaking from experience people are also fed up with the never ending wormhole social media has turned into. Those two things combined are why I am passionate about continuing this magazine on. The brand had become my baby in a sense. Yüth is still in its baby stages, and there is a lot more coming.”
MIKEY WALSHE
Frank 151: What role does community play in Yüth — from contributors to readers — and how do you cultivate that connection beyond the pages of the magazine?
Yüth Magazine: Community is everything. We throw a launch party for every issue with live music and a big celebration. Our last party had over 600 people show up. That’s when we realized this was bigger than just us.
In just a year, we’ve met lifelong friends through Yüth. It’s really special.
Frank151: When you think about nostalgia and the past — whether in music, sport, design, or youth culture — what draws you to revisit those themes, and how do you make them feel relevant now?
Yüth Magazine: Our coined term, “Back to the Roots,” sums it up. We’re bringing back one of culture’s favorite mediums: magazines. When we revisit the past, we add our own twist. It’s about giving people nostalgia while still pushing things forward.
Frank 151: For young creatives who want to start their own projects but feel overwhelmed by today’s media landscape, what’s the most important lesson you’ve learned from building Yüth so far?
Yüth Magazine: Don’t build your platform based on what everyone else is doing. Build it around your own vision. Inspiration is great, but at some point you have to put out what makes you happy.
Algorithms are crazy, and it’s hard to grow fast. But if you provide value that isn’t already out there, you’ll find success.
Frank 151: Looking forward, what’s next for Yüth — new formats, collaborations, cultural territories you want to explore — and how do you want the magazine’s legacy to be defined?
Yüth Magazine: We have some insane plans for 2026 — amazing partnerships with brands you know and love, new apparel pieces like snow goggles and other unexpected drops, plus Issues 4, 5, and 6 which we’re incredibly proud of.
There’s also some badass content and events coming. Everyone’s invited.
Interview by Frank 151
Michael Walshe — Co-Founder, Yüth Magazine
Carson Kropfl — Co-Founder, Yüth Magazine