The Mark Schulein Passion Project

By Mark SchuleinSociety & Culture Documentary Relationships Personal Journals

The Mark Schulein Passion Project episodes

January 16 #72 - Chuck Patterson. Multisport Extreme Athlete. Going Big… in Everything
Chuck Patterson may not be a household name but if you’re into extreme sports that happen in massive surf, big mountains, or howling wind, there’s a very good chance you know exactly who he is. And if you don’t know him… you want to.
Chuck is also known for his huge smile and infectious positivity. He possesses the unmistakable energy of someone who’s not only incredibly accomplished, but genuinely stoked to be doing what he loves. He is an all-around rad human.
There are very few people on the planet with Chuck’s level of extreme, multi-sport mastery. Who else has earned major brand sponsorships, magazine covers, film roles, and massive accolades across surf, snow, and wind? There are only a handful.
Chuck shares the story of how his family helped shape his path, how surrounding himself with the right people opened doors, and how he repeatedly found himself at the right place at the right time—early windsurfing, the emergence of tow-in surfing on the world stage, the beginnings of snowboarding and stand-up paddling, and the early days of foiling.
Across every one of these disciplines, Chuck didn’t just participate—he got in early, leaned in with passion and drive, and mastered them at the highest level.
And he’s not done yet.
1 hr 39 min
January 02 #71 - Lauren Kleiman. Public Service. Local Leadership. Lasting Impact.
Lauren Kleiman is a dedicated public servant and community leader serving the residents of Newport Beach, CA in numerous community and civic roles. She is a member of the City Council and for 2026 she is serving as Mayor. No small feats.
This is especially impressive considering that Lauren grew up on Long Island, New York and had no aspirations for “politics.” But she found herself wanting to be an engaged and active member of her community when she and her husband moved to Newport Beach over a decade ago. Today, she is as passionate and committed to her community as they come.
Formally trained as a lawyer, her knowledge and tenacity have found fertile ground in public service and have provided a strong foundation for the positions she holds. These same skill sets are the basis for her desire to dig deep and develop a strong understanding of the technical details that are paramount within these roles.
Known for her clear views and pragmatic approach to local government, Lauren brings a strong focus to fiscal responsibility, public safety and preserving the unique character of Newport Beach’s neighborhoods and coastline.
While Newport Beach is the canvas, Lauren’s path to public service, her why and the challenges associated with public office is what I was most interested in. Regardless of where you live, public service and being an active and engaged member of your community is something that we all need to play a role in; or risk what happens without our engagement.
In this conversation, Lauren shares her path to public service, her goals and the challenges of serving, and her perspective on leadership at the local level. It’s a candid look at what it takes to govern a world-class coastal city while staying grounded and representing the needs of the people who call it home.
0:00 – “Introducing Lauren Kleiman & Today’s Conversation”
6:40 – Lauren’s Background & Path Into Public Service
14:10 – Why Local Leadership Matters More Than Ever
22:05 – Community Needs, Listening & Real Representation
30:00 – Challenges Facing Local Government Today
38:15 – Leadership Under Pressure & Tough Decision-Making
46:20 – Balancing Policy, People & Practical Solutions
54:10 – Building Trust & Long-Term Community Impact
1:01:45 – Lessons Learned From Public Service
1:09:30 – Advice for Aspiring Leaders & Civic Engagement
1:17:05 – The Future of Local Leadership
1:25:10 – Final Reflections & Closing Thoughts
1 hr 33 min
December 19, 2025 #71 - Branch Lotspeich & the Rescue Tube Foundation. Saving Lives
Branch Lotspeich is co-founder and Director of the Rescue Tube Foundation, a non-profit based on Kauai, Hawaii, whose mission is to save lives. Is there a more important purpose for an organization? I don’t think so.
If you’ve spent time on the Hawaiian islands, there is a good chance that you’ve seen, or been in close proximity to a Rescue Tube. Hopefully you’ve not needed to use one or be saved by one; but that’s what they are there for… and that’s exactly what they do.
Hundreds of these “public access rescue devices” are strategically placed on beaches around the islands (and on the mainland) where there are typically no lifeguards. These Rescue Tubes provide a safe and effective way for a family or community member or any Good Samaritan to save lives when professional lifeguards are not present.
Countless rescues have been made with these tubes, and dozens of lives have been saved with their assistance; and no rescuers have been hurt in the process while employing a rescue tube on a rescue. Amazing.
Branch tells his story and how he was compelled to jump in deep with the Rescue Tubes and ultimately co-found the Foundation many years ago. Incredible safety statistics have driven significant awareness, accolades and recognition; and it is not slowing down. Branch’s legacy and that of the Rescue Tube Foundation will continue to save lives across the Hawaiian Islands and well beyond. Hallelujah.
2 hr
December 09, 2025 #70 - James Merrill. Stoked Plastics & Opolis Optics. Innovation & Inspiration
James Merrill is the Founder, CEO and the force behind Stoked Plastics and Opolis Optics; and he is an unapologetic optimist about our ability to fix the worldwide plastics problem.
James has built these companies that don’t just talk about sustainability… they literally turn plastic waste into high-performance products. From discarded plastic water bottles to premium materials, his work sits at the intersection of sustainability, environmental impact, design, and innovative business.
James’ background is not what you might think. He did not grow up in the outdoor, action sports or fashion industries but deep in international assistance work; in some of the most heavily impacted (and most dangerous) regions on the planet. What he saw and experienced firsthand is what has led him to do the work he’s doing today.
James isn’t just focused on feeling or acting “green;” he’s obsessed with making an impact. Taking ocean found and ocean bound plastics out of the environment and turning them into materials that can compete at the highest levels of performance, durability and fashion is the future; and James is at the forefront of this technology.
James shares his path and how Stoked Plastics and Opolis Optics came to life, what it really takes to turn trash into something people love.
1 hr 26 min
November 14, 2025 #69 - Cyril Derreumaux. Athlete. Explorer. Adventurer. Inspiration & 3x World Record Holder
Cyril Derreumaux is truly one of a kind. There are only a handful of people in the history of the world that have done the things that he has.
Cyril has paddled his kayak (named Valentine) across both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, solo and unsupported.
He is the ONLY person in history to paddle both oceans in this way.
And for the record, the Pacific took him 91 days and the Atlantic, 71.
Can you imagine?
Before that he kayaked across, he rowed the Pacific with a crew of four guys, also unsupported.
These accomplishments have landed Cyril in the Guinness Book of World Records 3 times. Incredible.
In addition to these feats, he also speaks 6 languages, is a keynote speaker, coach and mentor and is a positive and infectious force for good.
Cyril has done the work and he’s accomplished incredible, unimaginable feats of human perseverance and determination; and his mission is to share what he’s learned, along with the tools and tactics, with the world; to help others reach their full potential and to break limiting beliefs.
He’s been written about in Esquire Magazine, Sports Illustrated, Men’s Journal and many more.
Cyril is truly one of a kind and will leave you inspired and ready to go conquer your next big adventure.
1 hr 37 min
October 31, 2025 #68 - Kaleigh Gilchrist. 3x Olympian. 2x Gold Medalist. Pro Surfer & Such a Rad Human
Kaleigh Gilchrist is as cool and rad and impressive as they come.
It’s not just that she is a three time Olympian, or that she has two Olympic water polo gold medals (in her sock drawer) or the NCAA championship ring, or the high school CIF win; or the multitude of other championship wins on the water polo world stage.
What if I told you that she’s also a professional surfer with a ton more elite level accomplishments spanning her youth, collegiate and professional career? A two sport monster.
Kaleigh has had incredible success based on her passion for both sports and an unbelievable work ethic, attitude, goal setting, having great people in her court… and a lot of grit.
Meanwhile she’s had to deal with all the things that go along with the pursuit of excellence and has had to overcome, and come back from a harrowing, life threatening accident. And she absolutely has.
Now Kaleigh is starting on the next BIG chapter in her life which was always part of her plan… being a wife and a mom. It’s quite a story… that already has countless rad chapters… and many more ahead.
1 hr 37 min
October 24, 2025 #67 - L8Night with Choccy + the Mark Schulein Passion Project
Jay Larson and Lyndon Cabellon; aka L8Night with Choccy. These guys are surf industry pros going back decades, Huntington Beach icons, ripping surfers, funny guys and hosts of the wildly popular L8Night with Choccy podcast.
With diverse backgrounds, these guys connected early in HB and have been friends ever since. Jay was a professional surfer on the world stage and part of the “Momentum Generation” palling around with some of the most accomplished surfers in history. You would have seen Jay featured in surf magazines and video parts in the most popular surf movies of that era.
Lyndon and Jay, based on their histories, roles and personalities, have been smack dab in the middle of the spider web of connection known as the surf industry for years. They have taken their love of surfing, passion for the industry and their deep and diverse connections and started talking about it behind a microphone during the early days of podcasting.
Today, L8Night with Choccy has over 330 published interviews with the most recognized people in the surf world; pro surfers, world champions, surf industry leaders, board builders, surf shop owners, and a wide range of business operators associated with surfing. The common bond is surf… but the story telling goes way beyond.
These are rad guys doing rad things: linking communities and sharing stories with the world. And they’re frickin’ hilarious.
1 hr 33 min
October 17, 2025 #66 - Jon Hoover. Water Safety Expert & The Guy You Want Looking Out For You
If you find yourself in harm’s way or in high risk situations in the ocean (or anywhere for that matter) you want Hoover and his friends running point on your safety.
Hoover is a respected Water Safety and Risk Management Specialist, master instructor and all around waterman. His list of certifications and expertise related to water safety and first aid is off the charts. His experience in big wave surfing (the biggest of big,) offshore sailboat racing, distance paddling, etc. is extensive and sought after.
Hoover has had a long and impressive career in water safety and today is one of the most respected figures in his field of Ocean Risk Management.
Hoover is a master instructor with the Big Wave Risk Assessment Group (BWRAG) which was created to construct advanced safety systems primarily for people striving to surf, and survive, the biggest waves in the world. Today BWRAG teaches courses around the globe for big wave aficionados, special operations teams, federal, state and local first responders… and for us regular people; as we all have a part to play in water safety in our communities.
For many of us, as close as we’ll get to these conditions is in front of a screen, so if you’ve ever watched people riding incredible, massive surf on TV or in movies, there’s a good chance that Hoover was a part of that mission; wherever in the world it may be happening.
At the same time, he’s one of the coolest, most humble guys you’ll meet; stick around for the super rad John Hoover.
1 hr 36 min
October 03, 2025 #65 - Joe Stapleton. Businessman. Athlete. Public Servant & Doing Good Things for his Community
Joe Stapleton is the busiest person I know.
At the time of this interview, Joe serves as the Mayor of Newport Beach, California and has passionately served this community for two decades. His view of public service is on point; and the genesis of it comes from an experience that changed his view of the world and of his own legacy.
Since that time, Joe has held more positions in his city than I can on my hands and feet, and attends more civic events than I can comprehend. Every day he’s somewhere… or five places.
At the same time he is the very active and engaged president of the financial services organization that he co-founded and between clients, family, and city roles, he is still committed to his friends and his fitness as an endurance athlete.
This all recently culminated in his role in the Ben Carlson Foundation’s 10th annual Ben Did Go community fundraising event which found Joe training and crushing the 30 mile solo prone paddle which is quite a feat for anyone, especially if that person grew up in Arizona.
Joe is a great storyteller and his path to today is impressive and interesting. Regardless of where you live or what you believe, Joe’s view of community engagement and of public service will resonate and captivate.
1 hr 30 min
September 17, 2025 #64 - Gaby Laurent is a unicorn. A harrowing and beautiful story of thriving through and beyond cancer
Gaby Laurent’s story starts the way every story should start; with an awesome, loving and supportive family and a wonderful upbringing. She grew up with love and the push, the drive and the support to have a great life. And when she went off to college she met the love of her life on the first day. Graduation, graduate school, marriage, career, and then pregnancy… everything that she wanted.
Then came the diagnosis that changed her life. AML. Acute Myeloid Leukemia. While pregnant. No one had ever gone through the aggressive AML treatment while pregnant. Ever. Gaby was a medical unicorn as is her son Louis who went through chemotherapy while in utero.
The story is harrowing but Gaby, along with family, went through it with incredible grace, humor, and a level of positivity that I struggle to comprehend. She tells the story in her book Wrinkles Welcome with the same level of humor and passion that is both profoundly powerful and amazing to watch, listen or read.
Today, Gaby is healthy, happy, married with two boys and has a very active life full of gratitude, community and adventure. She believes in the power of community, faith and nature to help heal those in this very difficult place and she uses her experience to support and influence other cancer fighters and survivors, through her book, and as a camp director.
1 hr 24 min

About The Mark Schulein Passion Project

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Mark Schulein is a businessman and community leader with a passion for people, philanthropy, and endurance sports. Mark is stoked to know so many talented and diverse people, and is setting out to…