The Mark Schulein Passion Project

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.

Keoni Watson comes across like your long lost best friend. So happy and positive and approachable; and just the nicest, most humble guy. When you hear the stories of who his mentors were, who his friends are, and where and how he grew up… you quickly start to connect the dots. Then you hear of his accomplishments in the surf and paddling worlds and in the surf industry; all at the very highest levels, and the awe creeps in.

Keoni is one of those people. Humble, cool, funny, wicked smart and incredibly accomplished on so many levels. His story is so rad, you will love this guy.

Bill Lobdell prefers to be behind the scenes and to “tell the story, not be the story.” With decades of journalism expertise, a book, and an amazing podcast, Bill is not keen to be on “this side” of the camera. So it was really cool to put a face to the name and to the voice. Bill’s podcast “Newport in the Rearview Mirror” is not only a historical account of this famed SoCal town, but provides a central clearing house for the incredible stories of Newport Beach’s history and all the characters and events that made it what it is today. And the stories are wild, super interesting and diverse; just like Bill.

From the rivers of Ohio to the southern coast of California, with stops all over the world along the way, Jimmy Terrell has done just about everything that requires a paddle in one’s hands. 4 Olympic Games, ultra marathon paddling races, downwind, flat water, you name it.

An ultra craftsman and innovator, Jimmy has an engineer’s mind and the hands of a master. Paddles and boats, wood and carbon fiber; he makes the very best... and he makes them for the most elite athletes in the world; many of whom he calls close friends. What a legend and the nicest guy you’ll meet.

Ben Carlson made his final rescue, in massive surf, on July 6, 2014; just 4 days after his 32nd birthday.

Ben’s passing galvanized the community where he had made his home for 15 years.

Ten years later, his heroic act, and his passing in the line of duty, has left a lasting impression that is evident throughout Newport Beach and well beyond.

His father, Chris Carlson and his brother in law, Jake Janz, share their story from start to finish.

These are incredible guys and they tell the story of an incredible man; Lifeguard Benjamin Maywood Carlson.

Willie Reichenstein is one of those guys that we all want to grow up to be like. 76 years young and fitter and faster than 98% of the population. He has not stopped, nor even slowed, since his Olympic Games in 1976 and 1980. From Scotland to California, Willie is a family man, a lifelong teacher, a beast of an athlete, an awesome role model, and is amazingly nice, humble, and as cool as a guy you could hope to have in your circle.

Willie was high on my list to get in the studio and I’m so grateful for this interview. Whether you know Willie or not, you’ll want to hear his stories. So good. Enjoy and thanks ⚡