Driving Force Podcast
Episode 42: Bruckner Chase - Endurance Ocean Athlete & Protector
Today’s guest is Bruckner Chase. Bruckner is an internationally recognized ocean advocate and professional waterman. He’s also an accomplished ultra-endurance athlete whose athletic career spans the most challenging events in water and on land. His 25-mile swim across Monterey Bay in 2010 launched both the BLUE Ocean Film Festival and his own career committed to moving others to sustainable action that benefits our oceans. Prior to this commitment to bettering our oceans, Bruckner was a corporate executive who worked in international project and brand development for companies such as Abercrombie & Fitch and West Marine. Today, as founder and President of the Bruckner Chase Ocean Positive non-profit, him and his team designs, develops and implements innovative and inspiring ocean adventures and programs that connect individuals and communities around the world to our oceans. His work has taken him all over the world from the Jersey Shore to Poland and the American Samoa. In this interview, we get into how he’s adjusted to the pandemic, how he went from almost drowning twice as a kid to becoming a passionate ocean advocate, his 25-mile Monterey Bay swim, and the awesome work he does with his non-profit.
Timestamps
00:02:32 How he's been adjusting to the pandemic
00:11:11 Relooking at the "why" behind your training
00:12:40 Growing up in Memphis, Tennessee
00:17:30 Finding his passion for the ocean
00:20:50 His corporate career
00:24:41 Deciding to leave the corporate world
00:25:26 His 25-mile Monterey Bay swim
00:35:03 His meditation practice
00:39:05 Biggest takeaways from his 25-mile swim
00:41:06 Surf lifesaving sports
00:47:58 His work with his foundation
00:52:55 NOAA Agency
00:57:31 His work in the American Samoa
01:02:18 Biggest misconceptions around ocean safety
01:07:38 What does it mean to be a waterman?
01:08:45 Ultimate vision for his non-profit
01:10:37 His daily routine
01:12:42 His driving force
01:14:33 Words of wisdom around taking care of our oceans