The Mark Schulein Passion Project

#80 - Candice Appleby - World Class Paddler + Surfer + Coach

Candice Appleby is a world champion paddler, accomplished surfer, and deeply committed coach whose life has been shaped by the ocean. With roots in Southern California’s surf mecca, she developed into the most dominant force in women’s stand up paddling, and has spent decades in this space, earning global recognition while continuing to evolve as both an athlete, waterwoman and coach. Her success isn’t built on hype. It’s based on loving the ocean, and spending a lot of time in and on it. Whether competing at the highest levels on the world stage, or surfing and paddling at home, Candice employs the same focus and intention; an approach that has defined her career and her reputation as both a hammer athlete and well respected member of the ocean community around the world. But competition is only part of the story. As a passionate coach, Candice has dedicated herself to developing others, sharing not just technique but mindset, grit and fun. She understands that performance is as much mental as it is physical, and her ability to translate her knowledge and experience into guidance has made her an incredible resource for ocean athletes at all levels. Her passion for helping others find their place in the ocean is crystal clear.  Positive, fun, and driven, Candice Appleby represents an impressive balance of elite performance and grounded perspective, proving that success isn’t just about winning, but about how you show up, day after day, in pursuit of something greater; while bringing others along with you.  0:00 – “Introducing Candice Appleby & Her Journey” 2:40 – Growing Up Around the Ocean & Competition 7:25 – Becoming a World-Class Paddler & Surfer 12:15 – Training at an Elite Level 17:35 – Discipline, Consistency & Longevity 22:50 – Setbacks, Injuries & Mental Toughness 28:10 – Coaching Philosophy & Helping Athletes Grow 33:35 – Balancing Competition, Life & Personal Growth 39:00 – Mindset, Pressure & Performing Under Stress 44:25 – Lessons Learned Through the Water 49:50 – Advice for Aspiring Athletes & Competitors 55:20 – Final Reflections & Closing Thoughts

#79 - “Big Tony” Alvarez. Know Your Rootz

Big Tony. For thirty years, that’s all I had known him as and I’m guessing I’m not alone. Like “The Rock”, Sting, or Bono, he doesn’t need more than one name. “Big Tony” is enough. It carries weight. It means something; and it fits. But behind the name is the man: Tony “Big Tony” Alvarez. And while a lot of people know the name, far fewer know the full story. The truth is, his path is deeper, broader, and more impactful than most would expect; and certainly more than I knew. The accomplishments span decades and the stories behind them are even better. As Tony tells it, he’s lived two thirty-year careers running in parallel. One in the surf world where he held many roles; always grinding,  building brands, at the biggest names, and leaving his mark across the industry and the people. The other path; in personal security, water safety, and training; teaching discipline, awareness, and protection at the highest levels.  Two paths. One mindset: show up, do the work, make a positive impact, leave it better than you found it & live with mana. Today, Big Tony Alvarez leads a life grounded with a commitment to Honor. Courage and Protection.  He’s proof that where you start doesn’t define where you finish. From a kid with very little to a respected and accomplished leader forged by discipline, culture, determination (and fun) in and out of the water. His story is about staying true to who you are, pursuing what drives you, and never bending to expectations that don’t fit. Know Your Rootz. That’s how you build something that lasts. 0:00 – “Introducing Big Tony & Episode Overview” 2:30 – Tony’s Background & Early Life 7:15 – How the Journey Started 12:05 – Key Turning Points & Breakthrough Moments 17:20 – Challenges Faced & Lessons Learned 22:45 – Building Discipline & Staying Consistent 28:10 – Mindset, Pressure & Decision-Making 33:40 – What Separates Winners From Everyone Else 39:05 – Personal Growth & Evolving Perspective 44:30 – Advice for the Next Generation 49:50 – What’s Next & Future Vision 55:15 – Final Thoughts & Closing Takeaways

#78 - Thom McElroy. Surfer. Entrepreneur, Creative Visionary & Co-Founder of Volcom.

If you have been involved in surf, skate or snow sports in the last three decades; you’ve been impacted by Thom McElroy.   Thom stands as one of the most influential creative minds to emerge from modern surf culture. Along with Volcom founder Richard Woolcot and co-founder Tucker Hall, he helped redefine what a surf brand could be. And helped shoot it to the moon.   With a background in graphic design and marketing (and his own firm McElroy Communications) Thom was working with other leading surf industry brands while he quietly helped to build Volcom into one of the biggest action sport brands in the world. And… he helped infuse it with an identity that blended surf, skate, snow, music, and art. His work created trends, changed the energy of youth culture and  inspired a generation to think differently about creativity and individuality… in and out of the water.   Thom has always had a clear belief in the importance of culture, following his gut, surrounding himself with great people, mentors and mentoring; while staying committed to surfing every day… still to this day. He championed, and employed athletes, artists, and creatives who embodied originality over conformity, pursued working and playing hard, while helping elevate Volcom and many, many other brands, on the global stage.   For much of the outside world, Thom McElroy may not be a well known name; but if you are in the inner circle of the action sports industries, you absolutely know, or know of Thom.   Today Thom is a prolific mentor, board of director member, community member, prone paddler, family man and a full on surf turkey. It’s an amazing story of working your tail off, loving what you do, and making an impact on those around you… and on some of the biggest brands in the world.   0:00 – “Introducing Thom McElroy & Episode Overview” 2:25 – Thom’s Background & Early Journey 7:10 – Key Turning Points in His Career 12:05 – Challenges Faced & Lessons Learned 17:20 – Building Experience & Developing Skills 22:40 – Mindset, Discipline & Consistency 28:05 – Navigating Pressure & Decision-Making 33:30 – What Separates High Performers 38:55 – Personal Growth & Long-Term Perspective 44:20 – Advice for Those Starting Out 49:45 – What’s Next & Future Vision 55:10 – Final Thoughts & Takeaways

#77 - DJ Wilson (O’Brien) Paddling Legend & Life as a Mermaid

DJ Wilson is awesome and is a highly recognized presence, and a standout name, in the world of prone paddleboard racing. She is one of the sport’s most consistent and respected competitors and contributors. Known for her relentless work ethic and fun, fast and focused presence on the water, DJ has built a reputation as both a fierce racer and an inspirational ambassador for the sport; and a major driver of women’s involvement in the Catalina Classic. Over the years, she’s competed at the highest level, taking on some of the toughest ocean conditions and deepest fields in endurance paddling. Whether it’s grueling long-distance channel crossings like Catalina or Molokai, or competing as part of the ISA World Games, DJ brings a blend of strength, strategy, and passion that sets her apart. Beyond results and her endless energy, she’s admired for her sportsmanship, inclusion and being super fun… and she brings all of this to the paddling community. Off the water, DJ is equally committed to sharing her knowledge and helping others as a long time physical therapist specializing in kids, helping others find or refine their prone paddling with her business Oceans Prone or via a breakfast and some coaching at Oceans Cafe and Grill. DJ never stops. DJ remains passionate in helping to grow the next generation of paddlers while she continues to train and race; with big goals still in front of her. Quite an inspiration; and we talk about it all. 0:00 – “Episode Overview & Opening Context” 2:30 – What Prompted This Conversation 6:20 – Breaking Down the Core Topic 10:45 – Common Misconceptions & Mistakes 15:35 – Personal Experience & Real-Life Insight 20:40 – Practical Strategies That Work 25:55 – Challenges, Adjustments & Expectations 31:10 – Consistency, Habits & Long-Term Success 36:25 – Mindset Shifts That Change Everything 41:50 – Lessons Learned Along the Way 47:05 – Who This Advice Is Best For 52:20 – Final Takeaways & Closing Thoughts

#76 - Joe Nance & KrakenX.ai - Bringing Artificial Intelligence to Lifeguarding, First Responders & Beyond

Joe Nance & KrakenX.ai. At only 19 years old, Joe Nance is bringing artificial intelligence to the lifeguard services with the goal of making the ocean safer by giving lifeguards an additional, powerful, tool to add to their arsenal. Joe started lifeguarding at 16 and he is passionate about it and yet… he, like many tech creators before him, wondered “what if?” While he originally created KrakenX.ai as a concept that he thought his department, in Laguna Beach, California, would think was “cool” little did he know the path this concept would take him on. Not only has Laguna adopted his platform, Joe is now engaged with not only other lifeguard and first responder agencies, but other business use cases altogether. The potential is truly limitless. This is a story of a vision, passion, determination and entrepreneurship with the very real potential to make life-saving impacts in lifeguarding and other first responder applications… and way beyond. It also showcases what’s possible when someone has the vision… and the grit to pursue a dream. 0:00 – “Introducing Joe Nance & His Background” 6:35 – Early Influences & How the Journey Started 13:10 – Key Turning Points in His Career 20:05 – Lessons Learned From Early Challenges 27:30 – Developing Skills, Discipline & Consistency 34:15 – Navigating Setbacks & Tough Moments 41:05 – What Separates the Best From the Rest 48:00 – Mindset, Preparation & Daily Habits 55:20 – Advice for the Next Generation 1:02:10 – Balancing Work, Life & Long-Term Goals 1:09:15 – Looking Ahead & Future Plans 1:15:30 – Final Reflections & Closing Thoughts