Chris Bashinelli
Actor-Turned-Activist, Host, Founder and Executive Producer, Bridge the Gap TV, National Geographic Explorer
For socially conscious members of the modern world, Chris Bashinelli, the Cross-Cultural-Explorer, takes us on an introspective adventure walking in the shoes of people halfway around the world on his TV show Bridge the Gap. He’s a kid from Brooklyn who gave up an acting career (The Sopranos, HBO), to follow his real passion—using media to bridge intercultural gaps around the world. Whether he’s speaking on stage with Stevie Wonder, interviewing Dr. Jane Goodall for PBS, or living as a nomad in Mongolia for National Geographic, Bash keeps us engaged, entertained, and inspires compassion for “the other.”
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Full Bio
For socially conscious members of the modern world, Chris “Bash” Bashinelli, the Cross-Cultural-Explorer, takes us on an introspective adventure – walking in the shoes of people halfway around the world and encouraging us to think differently about our lives. Bash is a relatable everyman who forged his own unique path in life Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Bash gave up an acting career (The Sopranos, HBO), to follow his real passion – using media to bridge intercultural gaps around the world. Whether he’s speaking on stage with Stevie Wonder, interviewing Dr. Jane Goodall for PBS, or living as a nomad in Mongolia for National Geographic, Bash keeps us engaged, entertained, and inspires compassion for “the other”.
Bash’s unapologetic energy, humor, and compassion have made him a go-to speaker everywhere from multi-million dollar corporations to Ivy League Universities, to the United Nations General Assembly Hall. From TEDx, to Abu Dhabi, to Austria, to Azerbaijan, Bash has left attendees in tears of empathy and joy. He brings attendees on an inspirational journey, coupled with stunning video footage and thought-provoking exercises. He equips us with the practical tools we need to grow our business, connect with others and contribute to humanity.
Host of Bridge the Gap on PBS and the National Geographic Channel, Bash has interviewed some of TIME Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People on the Planet and is an Eagle Scout. At 24 years old he became the youngest male ever to moderate the UN International Day of Peace. Bash is a vanguard for all things service, productivity and cultural exchange.
His mission in life is to create a Culture of Compassion. The fire behind his unquenchable thirst for change, stems from the life of his parents, and his late father – Stephen Bashinelli, who passed away in 2009. An Actor-turned-Activist, he throws himself into high stakes scenarios on TV with no holds barred. He has harvested Buffalo with Native Americans in Pine Ridge, walked miles for clean water in Haiti and worked side by side with individuals from countless corners of the Earth. With humor and humility, Chris presents us with a new way of looking at the world.
Testimonials
Ernie was perfect for our Elders Conference at Little River Casino Resort in Manistee, Michigan. We will definitely be using PDA again!
LITTLE RIVER BAND OF OTTAWA INDIANS
Our speaker was great and the crowd enjoyed her! She was very engaging. Thank you again PDA for the great list of suggestions!
MEDTRONIC
Everything went great! and our speaker was wonderful! Thank you so much for all your help PDA! Looking forward to the next one.
UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI – KANSAS CITY
I hope that this message finds you well. We had a phenomenal time with Atsuko this past Thursday. We wanted to just let you know how amazing she was. All those that were in attendance thoroughly enjoyed her and had nothing but amazing things to say about her. Thank you for working with us to make sure this happened!
BAYLOR UNIVERSITY CAMPUS
We had a fantastic day with Inge! She was very engaging with all those that attended. Her personal stories about the holocaust were very special and we were moved that she was willing to share them with everyone. Thank you again, PDA for all your hard work and dedication to make this program such a success!
SALT LAKE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Dear PDA Group, Thank you so much for your hard work in scheduling our speaker! From the moment we reached out to you the first time, you worked with us on all details and logistics and kept us up-to-date on the progress. Thank you for all your hard work on making our event such a success! We couldn't have done it without you and your team!
SAP COMPANY
Thank you again, Dr. Kimbrough, for a great presentation, our attendees are still talking about it!
CAMPUS LABS
Dr. Henry Lee's presentation was entertaining, insightful and wise. I, and everyone at Pfizer, especially appreciate the remarks you directed about following your passion and preparing yourself to excel. Thank you, everyone, at PDA for helping to make this happen!
PFIZER
The event was successful! I received many messages expressing how awesome, outstanding and inspiring Ms. Webb-Christburg's speech was."
DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. MEMORIAL BREAKFAST, BOSTON, MLK SPEAKER
Everything went well. Atsuko was very easy to work with and the students enjoyed her performance! Thank you again for your recommendation and I hope to work with you again in the future!
CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Dr. Novello left this morning after a very successful event on our campus! Thank you PDA Group for your help from the first phone to the last you were with us every step of the way.
GRAND VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY
Jordan Carlos was very very entertaining! A majority of students who answered the event survey indicated they really enjoyed Jordan and definitely will bring him back!
WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY
On behalf of myself and my organization Entertainment Unlimited the Campus Programming Board of Ferris State University, we thank you PDA and Dan for a successful event!! Dan was magnificent! Students really enjoyed the presentation. I know I did. Can't wait to bring in more programs with PDA Group.
FERRIS STATE UNIVERSITY
It was a great pleasure to work with PDA Group! The communication was always prompt, friendly and helpful. We loved the speakers and events we booked through Mr. Peter Walker (PDA Group).
WESTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Thank you, Peter, for all your help, you'll be happy to know that the event went incredibly well! Aneesa Ferreira was by far one of the best speakers we've ever had!
FURMAN UNIVERSITY
Topics
Global Citizenship: Change Your Mind, Change Your World
Start at Step “Z” – Stepping into Powerful Performance
Steps from the Stoop: Cultivating Connection
Videos
Chris Bashinelli - Cultivating Connection
Finding the Stoop: Chris Bashinelli at TEDxWakeForestU
Books
News
Testimonials
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