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    Long Shot Leaders with Michael Stein

    Long Shot Leaders tell the stories and secrets of leaders, Innovators, entrepreneurs, and various high achievers. We interview people of all walks of life and explore their struggles, shortcomings, challenges, and setbacks that ultimately lead to growth and betterment. Hard-hitting and fast-moving, connecting people from all walks of life to learn about entrepreneurship, leadership, relationships, cruise ships, and any other kind of damn ship you can think of. We talk to leaders in culture, film, regular business, show business, monkey business, you name it! digging deep to find the tools, tactics, and tricks that listeners can use. Michael Stein likes deconstructing why people do what they do and how they can be better.
    enMichael Stein435 Episodes

    Episodes (435)

    A seasoned fighter pilot, shares the remarkable journey that led him from a childhood fascination with aviation to becoming a distinguished member of the U.S. Air Force, Hasard Lee.

    A seasoned fighter pilot, shares the remarkable journey that led him from a childhood fascination with aviation to becoming a distinguished member of the U.S. Air Force, Hasard Lee.

    Hasard Lee is a U.S. Air Force fighter pilot and the international bestselling author of “The Art of Clear Thinking,” a Wall Street Journal Bestseller that was the #2 bestselling business book in the country. It has since been translated into nearly a dozen languages. As a flight commander, Hasard led pilots into combat during one of the most intense periods of War in Afghanistan. There, he flew over eighty combat missions and became one of the only fighter pilots to fly two different types of jets into combat on the same day while supporting troops under fire.

    Hasard was then hand-picked to fly the F-35―the most advanced and expensive weapons system in history―which was still in development at the time. During his last role on active duty, Hasard became the Chief of Training Systems for the largest training base in the world, leading the development of new technology and teaching methods to train future fighter pilots. In his book, "The Art of Clear Thinking," Hasard distills what he’s learned during his career flying some of the Air Force’s most advanced aircraft. With gripping firsthand accounts from his time as a fighter pilot and fascinating turning points throughout history, he reveals decision-making principles that can be used in business and in life.

    Hasard’s keynote presentations have been called “a gripping display of visual storytelling” where audiences need to “strap in and hold on to as he lights the afterburner on leadership and risk management under extreme pressure.” His videos have been viewed over 130 million times on YouTube, and he has reached over 290 million people globally.

    The crucial role of time management in achieving success, highlighting the value of maximizing time and effort, Michael Stein.

    The crucial role of time management in achieving success, highlighting the value of maximizing time and effort, Michael Stein.

    Michael Stein is born prematurely with immunity issues and diagnosed with dyslexia and a stutter, he grew up in a broken home feeling socially awkward and impulsive. Despite these obstacles, he found inspiration in the movie Rocky and began exercising daily to improve his health. Stein became a physical fitness trainer at 16 and founded a social club in high school. He initially aimed to be an entrepreneur and actor but faced setbacks, including a failed tool company venture. Despite not attending college, he pursued interests in psychology, business, and acting.

    At 19, Stein ventured into stand-up comedy and later became a prominent nightclub promoter. He landed acting roles, including the lead in a short film later adapted into "Boogie Nights." He organized major promotional events, delved into personal growth studies, and produced documentaries on nightclub and rave culture. Transitioning to filmmaking, Stein wrote, directed, and produced acclaimed works like "Rituals and Resolutions," which garnered festival awards and HBO distribution. Facing financial struggles, he started a tarp-selling business, Abadak Inc., which became highly successful.

    In his mid-30s, Stein wrote, directed, and starred in "Love Hollywood Style," featuring renowned actors. Alongside his business success, he initiated "Tarp-Aid," donating tarps to the homeless. Today, Stein continues to diversify his ventures, including stand-up comedy, acting, filmmaking, and podcasting. His journey from adversity to success serves as inspiration for those facing similar challenges, embodying the spirit of resilience and determination.

    His journey from stand-up comedy to entrepreneurship reveals how his ADHD diagnosis shaped his approach to podcasting, authenticity, and his unique perspective on concentration, storytelling, and the impact of personal branding, Michael Stein.

    His journey from stand-up comedy to entrepreneurship reveals how his ADHD diagnosis shaped his approach to podcasting, authenticity, and his unique perspective on concentration, storytelling, and the impact of personal branding, Michael Stein.

    Michael Stein is born prematurely with immunity issues and diagnosed with dyslexia and a stutter, he grew up in a broken home feeling socially awkward and impulsive. Despite these obstacles, he found inspiration in the movie Rocky and began exercising daily to improve his health. Stein became a physical fitness trainer at 16 and founded a social club in high school. He initially aimed to be an entrepreneur and actor but faced setbacks, including a failed tool company venture. Despite not attending college, he pursued interests in psychology, business, and acting.

    At 19, Stein ventured into stand-up comedy and later became a prominent nightclub promoter. He landed acting roles, including the lead in a short film later adapted into "Boogie Nights." He organized major promotional events, delved into personal growth studies, and produced documentaries on nightclub and rave culture. Transitioning to filmmaking, Stein wrote, directed, and produced acclaimed works like "Rituals and Resolutions," which garnered festival awards and HBO distribution. Facing financial struggles, he started a tarp-selling business, Abadak Inc., which became highly successful.

    In his mid-30s, Stein wrote, directed, and starred in "Love Hollywood Style," featuring renowned actors. Alongside his business success, he initiated "Tarp-Aid," donating tarps to the homeless. Today, Stein continues to diversify his ventures, including stand-up comedy, acting, filmmaking, and podcasting. His journey from adversity to success serves as inspiration for those facing similar challenges, embodying the spirit of resilience and determination.

    His extraordinary journey and a multifaceted entrepreneur whose resilience and creativity have propelled him from a challenging childhood to entrepreneurial success, Michael Stein.

    His extraordinary journey and  a multifaceted entrepreneur whose resilience and creativity have propelled him from a challenging childhood to entrepreneurial success, Michael Stein.

    Michael Stein is born prematurely with immunity issues and diagnosed with dyslexia and a stutter, he grew up in a broken home feeling socially awkward and impulsive. Despite these obstacles, he found inspiration in the movie Rocky and began exercising daily to improve his health. Stein became a physical fitness trainer at 16 and founded a social club in high school. He initially aimed to be an entrepreneur and actor but faced setbacks, including a failed tool company venture. Despite not attending college, he pursued interests in psychology, business, and acting.

    At 19, Stein ventured into stand-up comedy and later became a prominent nightclub promoter. He landed acting roles, including the lead in a short film later adapted into "Boogie Nights." He organized major promotional events, delved into personal growth studies, and produced documentaries on nightclub and rave culture. Transitioning to filmmaking, Stein wrote, directed, and produced acclaimed works like "Rituals and Resolutions," which garnered festival awards and HBO distribution. Facing financial struggles, he started a tarp-selling business, Abadak Inc., which became highly successful.

    In his mid-30s, Stein wrote, directed, and starred in "Love Hollywood Style," featuring renowned actors. Alongside his business success, he initiated "Tarp-Aid," donating tarps to the homeless. Today, Stein continues to diversify his ventures, including stand-up comedy, acting, filmmaking, and podcasting. His journey from adversity to success serves as inspiration for those facing similar challenges, embodying the spirit of resilience and determination.

    Explore the remarkable journey of Skiing and Olympics, a Colorado native, as she shares her extraordinary evolution from growing up on a ranch near Glenwood Springs to becoming a professional ski racer, Alice Mckennis Duran.

    Explore the remarkable journey of Skiing and Olympics, a Colorado native, as she shares her extraordinary evolution from growing up on a ranch near Glenwood Springs to becoming a professional ski racer, Alice Mckennis Duran.

    Alice McKennis, born and raised in western Colorado, embraced a childhood filled with skiing and horseback riding. Her passion for skiing led her to the U.S. Ski Team, where she excelled on the World Cup circuit and earned a spot in the 2010 Winter Olympics. Despite a setback from a knee injury in 2011, Alice persevered, achieving a career highlight with a World Cup Downhill win in 2013.

    However, tragedy struck in Germany, causing a severe knee injury that jeopardized her future in ski racing. Although she aimed for the 2014 Winter Olympics, recovery proved challenging. Alice returned to competition in 2015, securing a national title and showcasing her resilience. In the 2018 season, Alice continued to shine, finishing fifth in the Olympic Downhill and earning third in the World Cup Downhill in Sweden. Unfortunately, a coaching accident in 2018 led to a prolonged recovery, with five surgeries keeping her off the slopes for 11 months.

    Alice returned to competition in 2020, maintaining her momentum until a knee and ankle injury in 2021 forced her to reconsider her career. In the spring of 2021, she made the tough decision to retire from ski racing. Post-retirement, Alice has embraced coaching at Ski and Snowboard Club Vail and works as an Athlete Gift Officer for the US Ski & Snowboard team, contributing to fundraising and supporting fellow athletes.

    A remarkable journey to world championships in skiing, coupled with her dedication to mastering the sport's mindset, is illuminated through personal anecdotes and reflections on parenthood, Lorraine Huber.

    A remarkable journey to world championships in skiing, coupled with her dedication to mastering the sport's mindset, is illuminated through personal anecdotes and reflections on parenthood, Lorraine Huber.
    Lorraine Huber is recognized as one of the strongest and most experienced female big mountain skiers in the world today. She is a long-term competitor in the Freeride World Tour and has podiumed over twenty-five times at international freeride competitions. Lorraine has been featured in ski films by Warren Miller and Shades of Winter, as well as in a series of experimental ski films by Austrian filmmaker Hanno Mackowitz.

    She is a winner of the ‘Best Freeride Female’ film award by the International Freeski Film Festival (iF3). The ski instructor’s daughter from Lech am Arlberg, Austria, is a UIAGM ski guide and Level III ski instructor and a sought after freeride coach in Austria. Each year, she runs the highly popular ‘Women’s Progression Days’: a freeride camp for women to improve ski technique and risk management in the backcountry.

    She also co-founded and managed Austria’s first ever freeride school, the ‘Freeride Center Sölden’, for five years. Lorraine is a presenter at film festivals, a columnist for a freeride magazine, and works as a professional speaker. Fascinated by the mental side of her sport, Lorraine is currently studying a Master degree in mental strength coaching at the University of Salzburg.

    He started his entrepreneurial journey at 13 and later became the CEO of GreenPal, an online platform like Instacart but for lawn mowing services, Bryan Clayton.

    He started his entrepreneurial journey at 13 and later became the CEO of GreenPal, an online platform like Instacart but for lawn mowing services, Bryan Clayton.

    Bryan Clayton is CEO and co-founder of GreenPal an online marketplace that connects homeowners with local lawn care professionals. GreenPal has been called the “Uber for lawn care” by Entrepreneur magazine and has over 200,000 active users completing thousands of transactions per day.

    Before starting GreenPal Bryan Clayton founded Peachtree Inc. one of the largest landscaping companies in the state of Tennessee growing it to over $10 million a year in annual revenue before it was acquired by Lusa holdings in 2013. Bryan‘s interest and expertise are related to entrepreneurialism, small business growth, marketing and bootstrapping businesses from zero revenue to profitability and exit.

    Bryan Clayton has been recognized as one of Inc. Magazine's "Top Entrepreneurs" and has built GreenPal to over 300,000 customers and $30 million a year in revenue. He is a serial entrepreneur with 22 years of experience in the lawn, landscaping, and garden industry. Before GreenPal, he built Peachtree Inc. to over $10 million a year before selling it. In my experience, most people don't know this, but Bryan is a thought leader in the green industry, often sharing his insights through various media outlets and speaking engagements.

    A remarkable journey, tracing his path from the heartland to various entrepreneurial pursuit and the eventual hurdles culminating in personal bankruptcy, underscoring the profound growth and resilience born out of adversity, Hunter Durham.

    A remarkable journey, tracing his path from the heartland to various entrepreneurial pursuit and the eventual hurdles culminating in personal bankruptcy, underscoring the profound growth and resilience born out of adversity, Hunter Durham.

    Hunter Durham, a resilient and enterprising young individual, embodies a journey marked by the peaks and valleys of entrepreneurship. Transitioning from a tenure at Facebook to a remarkable acquisition of four businesses totaling 3.8 million dollars. 

    Hunter faced the stark realities of watching them slip into bankruptcy. His narrative encapsulates the raw emotions of navigating stress, enduring pain, and confronting the profound loss of his entrepreneurial endeavors.

    Throughout his tribulations, Hunter found solace and renewed purpose in his unwavering faith, the unwavering support of his family, and the uplifting embrace of his community. His unwavering optimism and resilience shone through the darkest moments, illuminating his path to finding hope amidst adversity.

    His journey into the world of photography, shedding light on his evolution from sports photography to a passionate advocate for wildlife conservation, David Chancellor.

    His journey into the world of photography, shedding light on his evolution from sports photography to a passionate advocate for wildlife conservation, David Chancellor.

    David Chancellor is a multi award-winning documentary photographer. His work brings him across the world, from the sombre mountains of Scotland, to the tribal lands of Kenya and, more recently, the arid plains of Saudi Arabia. A regular contributor to National Geographic, he has participated in numerous group and solo exhibitions, exhibited in major galleries and museums, and published worldwide. Recognized by World Press Photo, the Taylor Wessing National Portrait Prize and Pictures of the Year International, David published the monograph ‘Hunters’ in 2012. His work continues to examine mankind’s complex relationship with the natural world.

    Visually reminiscent of 19th-century daguerreotypes, David’s photographs are arresting, engaging, and thought-provoking. His passion for his work allows him to consistently succeed in navigating the minefields surrounding his chosen subjects. The resulting bodies of work never fail to draw people in and create a space for a much-needed dialogue. David has won over 50 awards for his work, including Nikon Photographer of the Year multiple times, World Press Photo Award for Elephant Story, Sony World Photography Award for his project Lion, Veolia Environnement Wildlife Photographer of the Year Award for Hunters, World Understanding Award, Environmental Vision Award and Best Long Form Documentary story in Pictures of the Year International for his projects Hunters, Butterflies and Warriors and A Gamekeeper’s Life. 

    He was recently awarded the Siena International Photography Prize for best documentary story With Butterflies and Warriors – shot entirely in the northern rangelands of Kenya over a period of 13 years, the project follows a generation of Samburu warriors as they metamorphose from boys to men. David’s work appears in numerous global publications, including National Geographic, The New York Times, Time Magazine, The Independent, The Telegraph

    She found fulfillment as a climbing guide, valuing the opportunity to share her knowledge and teaching climbing involves patience, emphasizing safety, using breathwork, and offering reassurance during climbs to ease fears, especially with beginners, Heidi

    She found fulfillment as a climbing guide, valuing the opportunity to share her knowledge and teaching climbing involves patience, emphasizing safety, using breathwork, and offering reassurance during climbs to ease fears, especially with beginners, Heidi

    Heidi Wirtz is one of the country’s few prominent female adventure climbers. She has been climbing for over twenty years, letting her passion for adventure and exploration lead her to places such as Nepal, Morocco, Jordan, Siberia, Tasmania, Czech Republic, Eastern Europe, Pakistan, South America, Canada etc. Heidi has pioneered new routes up unclimbed big walls and mountains and pushed the limits of female exploration. 

    She is known in the United States as Heidi Almighty for her bold and technical climbing as well as speed ascents in Yosemite Valley. Heidi is also known for her philanthropic work and her passion for yoga. She is co-founder of Girls Education International (girlsed.org), an organization that helps bring education to women and girls in under-served areas throughout the world. 

    Heidi is also co-founder of Earth Play Retreats (www.earthplayretreats.com), an adventure/yoga retreat service that empowers people to find there true potential and to connect with nature in a deeper more meaningful way. 

    Her courageous decision to participate in the survival TV show "Naked and Afraid" demonstrates her toughness and adaptability, Stacey Osorio.

    Her courageous decision to participate in the survival TV show "Naked and Afraid" demonstrates her toughness and adaptability, Stacey Osorio.

    Stacey Osorio hails from Southern California but moved to Idaho with her family. Her father's business encountered financial struggles, prompting their relocation. Her mother, a dedicated graphic designer, worked hard to support the family. Stacey's upbringing revolved around embracing outdoor pursuits such as gold panning, hunting for rattlesnakes, and camping adventures with her father.

    Her involvement in the TV show "Naked and Afraid" came about when Discovery Channel reached out to her workplace seeking participants. Viewing it as a chance to earn money, she enthusiastically applied. To prepare, Stacey extensively studied survival techniques and eagerly volunteered for the show. Her initial stint took place in Eastern Croatia, where a burn injury on day six forced her to exit despite her determination to persevere.

    Undeterred, she later took part in another episode set in South Africa's Quazulu Natal during a harsh drought. Survival became a daily challenge as food and water became scarce. Their means of sustenance included catching catfish and ingeniously managing limited resources. Facing the challenge of nudity on the show, initially discomforted by the presence of clothed production crew members, Stacey eventually adapted. She observed that the participants' shared concern for each other's safety and success eclipsed any initial awkwardness about nudity.

    Unveils her journey from a car accident that altered her perspective to becoming a record-setting mountain climber, Jenn Drummond.

    Unveils her journey from a car accident that altered her perspective to becoming a record-setting mountain climber, Jenn Drummond.

    A car accident in 2018 left Jenn Drummond awestruck and emboldened. Rescue workers couldn’t imagine any scenario where she came out of it alive, but she did. That’s when she realized you don’t get to choose when you leave this life…but you sure can choose how you live it. Strengthened by this awareness, she set out to live in a more authentic and adventurous way. Inspired to climb a mountain for her birthday, her son raised the stakes by suggesting Mount Everest. 

    Not one to back down from a challenge, she accepted the pursuit. During her training, her coach upped the ante and proposed that she go for a Guinness World Record and become the first woman to climb the 7 second summits. The pursuit matched her desire to live a life of significance, not just success.

    Today, Jenn is a world record holder who elevates others to master their own summit in life. She’s a successful business owner and Mom of 7 remarkable kids who, as you have heard, boldly inspire and brazenly challenge her. She’s also an international speaker, an author, and Host of the Seek Your Next Summit podcast, who’s focused on inspiring others to go beyond success to a life of significance.

    A Journey from Gymnastics Closure to Climbing Heights, Balancing Athletics, Dreams, and Career Paths, Lisa Chulich.

    A Journey from Gymnastics Closure to Climbing Heights, Balancing Athletics, Dreams, and Career Paths, Lisa Chulich.

    Lisa Chulich, born in Olympia, WA, began as a gymnast before excelling in rock climbing and volleyball at 13. She competed nationally in both sports but chose climbing professionally, representing the USA in the World Cup Circuit from 2014-2019. Alongside competitions, she earned a BS in Biology and Math minor from the University of Portland in 2014.

    Starting her modeling career in 2011 in Portland, OR, Lisa signed with Sports and Lifestyle Unlimited, landing campaigns for Adidas, Nike, Ecco, and Nautilus. Balancing climbing and modeling, she expanded into commercial, film, and editorial shoots.

    When not climbing worldwide, Lisa enjoys beach volleyball, surfing in Hermosa Beach, CA, and exploring farmer's markets or running trails in Portland.

    Understanding how to create effective customer journey maps, identifying touchpoints, pain points, and moments of interaction across various channels to optimize the overall experience, Ali Cudby.

    Understanding how to create effective customer journey maps, identifying touchpoints, pain points, and moments of interaction across various channels to optimize the overall experience, Ali Cudby.

    Ally Cudby, a Washington DC native raised by a real estate agent father and a graphic designer mother, fostered a deep-seated fascination with media and entertainment early on, securing her maiden role as an intern at a public TV station.

    Recognizing that Hollywood wasn't aligned with her values due to its prevalent egocentric environment, she made a pivotal decision to return to academia.

    Despite her passion for media, she charted a course in philosophy at the University of Pennsylvania, heeding advice to pursue her passions while gaining practical experience. Embracing philosophy, Cudby discovered its value in honing critical thinking and writing skills. Later, she ventured into an MBA program, acquiring a distinct skill set complementary to her educational journey.

    Blending teaching and photography, explores nature's tales while connecting with students, transitioning from a chalkboard to mountain peaks, Joey Starr.

    Blending teaching and photography, explores nature's tales while connecting with students, transitioning from a chalkboard to mountain peaks, Joey Starr.

    Joey Starr is a a photographer and school teacher. He grew up in a low-income household near Seattle with a teacher mom and a dad who worked at Costco. His parents instilled a work ethic in him, encouraging self-improvement by aiming to be 1% better each day. 

    Despite being a bad student who disliked school, he eventually became a teacher, a decision he initially rejected because of his mom's experience. He has an older sister who is also a teacher, though she became one after raising five children. Joey took a four-year break after high school due to family issues and lack of support for college. 

    However, a former soccer coach and her husband, a principal, recognized his potential and offered to support him through college, a gesture he greatly appreciated. His transition from security guard to teacher, driven by the need to support and mentor children in the public school system. His interest in outdoor activities like climbing and photography began after his competitive soccer days ended.  Joey fell in love with climbing, starting to document it through photography without any formal training. His Instagram journey started in late 2019, initially using a personal account before creating a new one to focus solely on outdoor content.

    A tale of cultural fusion, philosophical exploration, and a passion for healthier living, Mika Shino.

    A tale of cultural fusion, philosophical exploration, and a passion for healthier living, Mika Shino.

    Mika has a diverse background in culture, diplomacy, art, and business. She spent 15 years at UNESCO, creating World Philosophy Day and International Jazz Day. She advised notable figures like Herbie Hancock, Lady Gaga, and organizations like UNICEF and Cartier International on philanthropic efforts. 

    Mika has held roles in music tech firms, directed UNESCO International Jazz Day, and produced artistic projects. She's a published author, painter, Le Cordon Bleu graduate, and cookbook author.

    Currently, she's the Founder/CEO of Issei, a food innovation company that launched Issei Mochi Gummies exclusively with Whole Foods Market in the U.S., quickly selling out in multiple stores. Issei represents the heritage of first-generation Japanese immigrants and aims for significant growth with new product lines in development.

    A remarkable journey from family's entrepreneurial heritage to groundbreaking ventures in fintech, navigating through successes and setbacks, Daniel Marcos.

    A remarkable journey from family's entrepreneurial heritage to groundbreaking ventures in fintech, navigating through successes and setbacks, Daniel Marcos.

    Daniel Marcos, CEO of Growth Institute, is a pioneering force in online education for C-level executives in fast-growing firms. As a keynote speaker and certified CEO Coach, he champions empowering 1 million entrepreneurs to scale impact and streamline operations. With affiliations in prestigious groups like YPO and EO, Daniel's expertise as a Scaling Up methodology coach stems from his experience in EO's "Birthing of Giants" CEO program. His educational background includes a BS in Industrial and Systems Engineering from ITESM and an MBA (cum laude) from Babson College.

    Recognizing CEOs as pivotal to a company's growth, Daniel, a seasoned entrepreneur, collaborated in 2012 with Verne Harnish to democratize executive training. This effort made premium training accessible globally, moving beyond the confines of exclusive niches.

    Under Daniel's leadership, Growth Institute has achieved four consecutive INC5000 recognitions, reflecting its rapid growth and global reach. The institute boasts a vast membership of over 70,000 individuals across 70+ countries, signifying its profound impact on aspiring business leaders worldwide.

    Multifaceted ambitions merge his career goals with the vision for Terrapin Station Entertainment, aiming to reshape entertainment by embracing diversity and transcending traditional boundaries, Jonathan Shank.

    Multifaceted ambitions merge his career goals with the vision for Terrapin Station Entertainment, aiming to reshape entertainment by embracing diversity and transcending traditional boundaries, Jonathan Shank.

    Jonathan Shank has continuously forged pathways within the live entertainment industry, actively seeking out untapped territories and marginalized markets, thereby contributing to the creation of immensely successful family-oriented touring phenomena and unconventional cornerstone projects. As the CEO of Terrapin Station Entertainment, a dynamic collaboration with Sony Masterworks, Shank has firmly established himself at the innovative crossroads of artist management, event production, immersive experiences, talent cultivation, and community empowerment, all centered in Los Angeles.

    An ardent music enthusiast with a diverse portfolio spanning from collaborations with the Bob Marley Estate to partnering with Mickey Hart from the Grateful Dead, Shank stands as a trailblazer in adapting cherished intellectual properties into captivating live stage productions. His visionary contributions, such as Disney Junior Dance Party On Tour, Peppa Pig Live!, and The Fresh Beat Band Live, have collectively grossed over $80 million in box office sales. Notably, his collaborative efforts with Mickey Hart led to the groundbreaking Grammy Award-winning album, Global Drum Project, recognized in 2009.

    Moreover, Shank's commitment to charitable endeavors is equally noteworthy. His production of charity events like The Homeward Bound Concert and A Tribute to the Music of Linda Ronstadt showcases his dedication to leveraging entertainment for philanthropic causes. In recognition of his pioneering initiatives and substantial contributions to the industry, Shank was honored with the T.J. Martell Trailblazer Award in 2020.

    Carving His Snowboarding Path, Influenced by Family and Fueled by Passion, Lucas Foster.

    Carving His Snowboarding Path, Influenced by Family and Fueled by Passion, Lucas Foster.

    Lucas Foster, hailing from Telluride, Colorado, embodies an accomplished career as a snowboarder, showcasing his dedication and prowess in the sport. His impressive journey includes a 17th place finish in the 2022 Olympics, multiple podium finishes in the NorAm Cup, a second-place position in the U.S. championships, and numerous commendable rankings in various competitions.

    During his formative years, Lucas faced limited access to halfpipes in his local area, which prompted him to ski in other regions' halfpipes merely five to ten times a year. However, as his snowboarding career progressed, he immersed himself more deeply into mastering the halfpipe, dedicating extensive time to perfecting his skills in this domain. 

    Beyond his snowboarding endeavors, Lucas maintains a strong focus on health and wellness. He attributes skateboarding as a significant influence on his snowboarding journey, highlighting its role in shaping his approach to the sport.

    From Green Bay to Goals: A Journey Defying Expectations in Soccer, Lessons from the Field, and Creating 'Rise and Shine' for Holistic Learning, Jay Demerit.

    From Green Bay to Goals: A Journey Defying Expectations in Soccer, Lessons from the Field, and Creating 'Rise and Shine' for Holistic Learning, Jay Demerit.

    Jay Demerit is an American retired soccer player who played as a center back. He played college soccer for the UIC Flames and was in the Chicago Fire Premier development squad, but after not being drafted for Major League Soccer, he moved to look for a club in England. He played for non-league sides Southall and Northwood before signing for Watford of the Championship in 2004. 

    Demerit played 211 total games for Watford over six seasons, including one in the 2006–07 Premier League, having scored in their victory in the 2006 Football League Championship play-off final. After his release from Watford, he was the first player signed by the Vancouver Whitecaps FC for their entrance in MLS, where he played four seasons before retiring through injury.

    Jay was first capped for the United States in March 2007, earning 25 caps up to 2011. He was part of their squads that won the 2007 CONCACAF Gold Cup and came runners-up at the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup, also featuring at the 2007 Copa América and the 2010 FIFA World Cup.