meta_pixel
Tapesearch Logo
Log in
Invisible Choir

Gator The Skater

Invisible Choir

Reach Freaks

True Crime

4.75.5K Ratings

🗓️ 6 February 2022

⏱️ 60 minutes

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

Professional skateboarding has exploded in popularity over the past few decades, but the best skaters weren’t always seen as the celebrities they are today. During the 1980’s, some of the 1st “skate stars” were born with the help of VHS skate videos, thrusting some of the most talented unknowns into a life of super stardom, fame, and riches. On this week's episode, we examine Mark “Gator” Rogowski, a pro athlete who was once as popular as famed skateboarder Tony Hawk. But when Mark Rogowski’s rags to riches lifestyle got the better of him, his ego became bigger than the sport itself. As his popularity began freefalling in 1991, 22-year-old Jessica Bergsten suddenly went missing after a night with Mark. She was last seen entering his apartment… but when eventually questioned by police, “Gator” told them he just wasn’t sure where she had gone… Written by Michael Dunphy Jr., Executive Produced by Michael Ojibway.  Special Thanks to Jenny Almeida & Nicholas Calitri.   Visit Invisible Choir on the web:  Patreon - Invisible Choir Premium:  https://www.patreon.com/InvisibleChoir  Website:  https://www.invisiblechoir.com/  Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/InvisibleChoirPodcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/invisiblechoir/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/InvisibleChoir   Written/Audio Sources:  Mark "Gator" Anthony beats, rapes, strangles Jessica Bergsten, buries her in desert.  Wikipedia: Mark Rogowski Mark Rogowski Wikipedia: Vision Street Wear Del Mar Skate Ranch Mark Gonzales Christian Hosoi Blind Skateboards World Industries Free Fallin' Gleaming the Cube Street skateboarding Vert skateboarding Mount Trashmore Park Mark "Gator" Rogowski: Free Fallin' Ex-pro skateboarder 'Gator' Rogowski up for parole again Stoked the Rise and Fall of Gator Hard Copy Mark "Gator" Rogowski story 1991 Gator Radio Mic Demo (1987) Skateboard World Cup 1988 Germany Part 7 Gator Interview Mark "Gator" Rogowski on Flip 1988 Mark "Gator" Rogowki insane ramblings Words from Gator Mark Anthony  Commentary - Sure-Grip Beach Style Mark Gator Rogowski street skating Tony Hawk's first ever 900! Mark Gator Rogowski in prison (RARE footage 2016) Former pro skateboarder convicted of murder granted parole Skateboarding star convicted of murder up for parole hearing Gov. Newsom denies parole for former pro skateboarder Fourth parole hearing for skateboarder and convicted murderer Mark "Gator" Rogowski Music & Sound Effect Sources Opening Track: The Passage of Time - ivanov93 Closing Track: Scammer - Cushy Music & Sound Effect Sources All music and sound effects used with express permission under unlimited blanket license authority from Epidemic Sound ® and SoundStripe ®.  Individual sources are available via request at info@invisiblechoir.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcript

Click on a timestamp to play from that location

0:00.0

The views expressed in the following episode are those of the subjects interviewed, or individual presenters from the case.

0:06.0

They do not necessarily reflect the views of retriex LLC, the Invisible Choir Podcast, or Cast Media.

0:17.0

Everyone, so you think you've heard the very best of Invisible Choir, not even close.

0:24.0

Join the nearly 2000 subscribers that are Patreon, where for just $5 a month, you get instant access to over 100 additional mini-episodes and other bonus content.

0:34.0

You've heard that right. Over 100 episodes. In fact, we've been doing felony Friday mini-sodes nearly each and every week since our launch in 2019.

0:44.0

So if you're ready to binge, click the link in the show notes. There is a lot of content out there.

0:50.0

We're also launching a special new video component this month called Invisible Choir D-Breath, where the entire Invisible Choir team sits down to discuss the full-length episodes you hear right here every other week.

1:02.0

We'll discuss the theories, omitted facts, corrections, and even listener feedback, all on video.

1:08.0

We'll also show you the key players from each case, and review relevant visual evidence, and let you in on a rare behind-the-scenes look at how Invisible Choir comes together.

1:18.0

There's also a higher tier of support that get you access to physical perks and Invisible Choir Uncensored, an exclusive program where I dive deep into some of the most horrific crimes.

1:29.0

Our most recent edition includes a must-eared full-length four-part series on the GORE community. It's unlike anything you've ever heard in true crime podcasting before.

1:39.0

So what are you waiting for? Sign up for Invisible Choir Premium by clicking the link in the show notes, or going to Patreon.com

1:47.0

forward slash Invisible Choir. Now on with the show.

1:52.0

Invisible Choir explores detailed depictions of violence and murder, and is not appropriate for all audiences.

2:03.0

Listener discretion is advised.

2:23.0

Invisible Choir Premium is a must-eared full-length four-part series on the GORE community.

2:33.0

The origin of this action sport dates back to the 1940s and early 50s, but its evolution has come quite away since the first roller skate wheels were slapped onto a solid plank of plywood. Currently, skateboarding is a near $5 billion industry, and now an official Olympic sport as of 2020.

2:54.0

It is remarkable how this once-counter culture has turned into what it is today, a worldwide phenomenon.

3:02.0

But we rarely see serious crimes related to skateboarding, or at least not murder.

3:07.0

See, before skaters were known as celebrities, they were outcasts, loners in fact.

3:13.0

Usually the punk rock kids that didn't necessarily fit in or have any interest in more conventional activities, such as baseball or football.

3:22.0

But this story isn't about the growth of skateboarding. It's about a horrible crime that will unfortunately end forever be attached to its reputation,

...

Please login to see the full transcript.

Disclaimer: The podcast and artwork embedded on this page are from Reach Freaks, and are the property of its owner and not affiliated with or endorsed by Tapesearch.

Generated transcripts are the property of Reach Freaks and are distributed freely under the Fair Use doctrine. Transcripts generated by Tapesearch are not guaranteed to be accurate.

Copyright © Tapesearch 2026.