The Mark Schulein Passion Project

John Wadsworth grew up in NYC and found love for both the mountains and the ocean early on. He made his way to Southern California for college… and never looked back.

His life has been one of family, adventure, travel, and the ocean. Today, his passion for the ocean manifests itself in many ways, in him and his family. John is an ocean advocate who dedicates his time, energy and resources to protecting our oceans, and cleaning our beaches, as a co-chair of the Surfrider Foundation North Orange County, CA.

John talks about his path, his passion to serve and surf, and the cool stuff that he and his family are into… in the ocean and beyond.

Ethan Wayne has done a lot in his life. Growing up with adventure, travel and exposure to the world… and the world of Hollywood. He went on to be a stuntman and actor for decades.

Ethan opens up about growing up with a famous father, on sets and boats around the world, racing motorcycles, flying planes and splitting his time between the beach and out in nature.

Ethan talks about leading John Wayne Enterprises and operating as a Director at the acclaimed and inspiring John Wayne Cancer Foundation; and all the incredible things being done there in the fight against cancer.

Scott Richards grew up 2,500 miles from the Pacific but fell in love with surfing early. As a kid, he scoured surf magazines from front to back to front again; dreaming of surf… long before he made his big move to Southern California.

There he found his wife, art school, surf culture (in full force) and spent the next two decades living his dream; working in some of the most coveted roles for some of the biggest and most influential surf brands in history.

Scott shares his story of following his passions, taking big risks, making bold moves and all the incredible mentors, professional experiences and world views that culminated in his dreams truly becoming reality.

Today, all of these influences and experiences have converged in Scott’s awesome and distinctive brand… “Slightly Choppy.”

Billy Whitford is one of my favorite people; and he does not like to be the focus of attention. =)

He’d rather be behind the scenes; developing programs, organizing events, supporting groups, driving boats and trucks, and doing whatever needs to be done… at any hour; and he’s done this for decades. His influence has impacted the lives of countless people; far and wide.

In this episode, Billy shares his story of growing up in and around the ocean, being influenced by Polynesian culture, scouting, playing sports, influential coaches; and his introduction to outrigger paddling at a super early age.

These experiences, and many instrumental people, have ultimately resulted in Billy's ascension to being a major influence in paddling and rowing programs in the US and beyond.

These four women: Alyssa Norwood, Keri Pommerenk, Ericka Primeau and Alice Toth aka the VESL Vixens, for different reasons, decided to take on a very big, bold, and audacious challenge; to individually paddle 30 miles across the ocean as part of the Ben Carlson Foundation’s annual fundraising paddle, the Ben Did Go 9.0. And they rocked it, together.

However there were two big, key factors: none had ever paddled a prone paddleboard before, and they only gave themselves about 5 months to train.

They tell their “whys,” their “how’s” and they share the stories created along the way. It’s a powerful and fun interview that shines a light on doing hard things, doing it for a purpose, doing it together and realizing that it’s never too late to do something epic.

Joe Bark is an absolute legend in the traditional (prone) paddling world and the nicest and most humble guy you will ever meet. He has made the majority of prone paddleboards on the planet and has been racing them for over 40 years. His name is synonymous with the sport of prone paddling. And it’s a family affair; all are accomplished water-people, his kids make boards, surf, fish, dive and they paddle, FAST. Joe tells the story of his entry into paddling, his life in the ocean, his family and their paddling exploits, his business - Bark Boards, and everything else you’ve wanted to know about the accomplished, humble and humorous icon, Joe Bark.

Matt Emerzian is on a mission to change the world by helping us all recognize and embrace the fact that: I Matter, YOU Matter, WE Matter. Matt has dedicated his life and his non-profit, Every Monday Matters, to sharing powerful mantras and tools to help us all find our meaning, live fully… and to change the world! His books and keynotes have been utilized by the largest organizations and school systems across the US; and he has influenced individuals and companies around the world. Matt’s message is truly world changing… now we just need to do the work.

Johnny Puakea. Growing up in Hawaii working on historic Hawaiian koa canoes with his father and grandfather, to racing and coaching internationally at the highest levels; Johnny has melded historic Hawaiian canoe culture with modern design and methodology. The result is Johnny’s company, Puakea Designs, which produces some of the fastest and most innovative outrigger canoes on the market while he coaches and mentors some of the best paddlers in the world.

Aimee Spector operates at 110% and 100 miles per hour in everything she does and there is no off switch; which I very much appreciate. She has the best laugh but she is also passionately determined to drive herself, and her teammates, to peak performance… which may not always have her teammates laughing. From her career as an educator to running a non-profit fundraiser for over a decade, to running ultramarathons and paddling countless channel crossings, Aimee is all-in on the things that drive her; family, athletic achievements and adventure, service to others, community and way more. Aimee’s story is a damn good one that will get you fired up to get after it; whatever “it” is for you.

I’ve known Bret Marumoto since we were little kids. When most of us were thinking of college, Bret had a vision for taking his passion for making surfboards to the “proving ground” in Hawaii. Twelve days after we graduated high school, he moved to the North Shore of Oahu… and he has never looked back.

For the last thirty years, Bret has been making boards for some of the best surfers in the world; who are also some of his closest friends and peers. Bret tells the story of how he took a passion, became a master craftsman, and has become one of the best in the business.