Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York- Chris “Bash” Bashinelli gave up an acting career (The Sopranos, HBO) to exchange with the world. As Host of Bridge the Gap on PBS and the National Geographic Channel, Bash 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. He empowers each of us to become GLOBAL CITIZENS, productive members of our organization, our family, and ultimately- the world!
Quick Reference Card
Adventurers, Communication, Conflict Resolution, Cultural Awareness, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Happiness, Inclusion, Inspiration, Leadership, Motivation, Productivity, Service, Social Change
Domestic Keynote Fee Range*:
$5,000-9,999
New York, US
Perfect for:
Associations, Banquets, Closing Sessions, Corporations, Entrepreneurs, Entry Level, Management, Opening Sessions, Sales, Senior Executives
• Encourage attendees to shift limited perspectives, thereby viewing themselves, others and their world through a more empowering lens.
• Learn to strengthen our relationship with ourselves, our co-workers and those with whom we have no seeming connection- be it a Japanese Sumo Wrestler or our next-door neighbor.
• Learn to change the way in which we view ourselves we often find conditions change as well. Suddenly aspirations we felt were previously impossible to attain, are within sight.
*Speaker fees vary based on event location, program duration and other factors, and are subject to change without notice. Please contact us for an accurate fee quote for your event.
Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York- Chris “Bash” Bashinelli gave up an acting career (The Sopranos, HBO) to exchange with the world. As Host of Bridge the Gap on PBS and the National Geographic Channel, Bash 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. He empowers each of us to become GLOBAL CITIZENS, productive members of our organization, our family, and ultimately- the world!
Bash has spoken around the world, from the United Nations General Assembly Hall, to Fortune 500 Companies like the BMW Group, to entrepreneur organizations in Saudi Arabia. He’s shared the stage with people like Stevie Wonder, Dr. Jane Goodall and United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon. Bash 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 increase productivity, connect with others and contribute to humanity.
Bash’s keynotes have been developed over his one-decade as a social entrepreneur, explorer and television host. He shares the formula he has used to moderate major events for the United Nations with no formal training… to executive producing a TV Show for PBS at 23 years old… to leading a National Geographic Expedition in Mongolia- where he lived as a nomad. His unique life path has brought him to nearly 40 countries, building bridges across cultures and gaining unprecedented insight into the universal human experience. Bash invites you to “Step Outside Your World” and embrace a unifying perspective!
Bash’s unique approach to “Global Citizenship” empowers attendees re-structure the way they view the world- beginning with themselves. Being a Global Citizen begins with believing in our own potential. By creating a strong foundation within ourselves, with our co-workers and on our stoop, we will then be able to create lasting change in the greater world. Bash encourages each of us to realize our full potential- thereby becoming inspired members of our families, our organizations and ultimately our world.
If you’re looking for a vanguard that will engage your audience and empower them to think differently about their lives and their relationships, then Bash is your speaker. He reminds us how important it is step outside of our comfort zones, be fearlessly honest and put others first. Whether he’s interviewing Dr. Jane Goodall for PBS or embarking on yet another jaw-dropping adventure in Mongolia, with humor and humility- he presents us with a new way of looking at our world.
Bash has been an Executive Producer and TV host since he was 20-years-old. He has attracted major sponsorships from corporations like Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream, interviewed some of TIME Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People on the Planet, led a National Geographic Expedition in Mongolia and Sumo Wrestled the heaviest Japanese human being in recorded history. His work has been featured in acclaimed publications including Huffington Post, Delta Sky, American Way Magazine, Daily News Zimbabwe and Lonely Planet. He is the youngest male ever to moderate the United Nations International Day of Peace. He has an official day named after him in Montgomery, Alabama for his work with the Boy Scouts of America. His favorite song is “Layla”, the acoustic version, by Eric Clapton.
GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP – The Path Within
Bash’s unique approach to “Global Citizenship” empowers attendees re-structure the way they view the world- beginning with themselves. Being a Global Citizen begins with believing in our own potential. By creating a strong foundation within ourselves, with our co-workers and on our stoop, we will then be able to create lasting change in the greater world. Bash encourages each of us to realize our full potential- thereby becoming inspired members of our families, our organizations and ultimately- our world.
Steps from the Stoop
Bash’s all-inclusive approach to relationship building has been cultivated for 30+ years, starting with his ‘stoop’ in Brooklyn, where his childhood friends shared a combined total of over 13 nationalities. In this flagship talk Bash drives home the ease of relationship building with a personal, yet universal method he’s applied everywhere from farming with mystics in Uganda to living with nomads in Mongolia.
Change Your Mind, Change Your World
We each have an area in our life where we are currently at Step A and we’d like to get to Step Z. We often wait for conditions to be perfect before ever taking the first step towards our goal. Our excuses appear to be boundless- no time, no money, no resources- but they usually boil down to the same core belief- a lack of faith in our potential. Bash shows how, with no formal training or credentials he created a unique career as an explorer, TV producer and renowned international storyteller. His method is simple… start from the place you wish to be.
Ignore the Noise
Have you ever been uncertain of your life’s direction after graduation? Actor, PBS TV Host, UN Speaker, and Nat Geo Explorer, Chris Bashinelli, shares concrete examples colored by international adventures that help us ignore the noise and find meaning in our lives. At 20 years old Chris gave up his acting career, moved to Tanzania and discovered his true calling. How can I create my own venture? How can I raise money for my mission? How can I be sure this is my path? Bash can’t answer the question for you, but he will lead you in an empowering direction…
"Chris Bashinelli is an inspiration to youth worldwide. He speaks with passion and his message is one of hope, cultural tolerance and call to action. He knows how to reach young and old alike. Bridge the Gap shares exciting and inspirational stories of daily life from the developing world and encourages us to realize that at the end of the day, we really are all the same and every single one of us makes a difference. We need more people like Chris in the world." — Jane Goodall PhD, DBE - Founder of the Jane Goodall Institute, United Nations Messenger of Peace
"Dear Chris, It was a pleasure to meet you at the United Nations International Day of Peace. Your handling of the student panel discussion and your own speech were excellent. Your motivational skills and energy along with the positive message you send will truly inspire people to help make this a better planet. Congratulations and best wishes for a very promising future." — Mr. Michael Douglas - Academy Award-winning Actor, United Nations Messenger of Peace
"G'day mate! Great to meet you! I love your message and it fits perfectly in the corporate market. Who knew that traveling the world and living with nomads relates to work in an office setting!? I introduce a lot of speakers to events around the world and I rate your session very highly- Entertaining, engaging, compelling… All the good stuff!" — Larry Emdur - Australian Television Personality
"Chris opens peoples eyes up to the different worlds in which we live and makes people think about things we in the developed world take for granted. Exchanges like those we see in ‘Bridge the Gap’, which at first seem to be from worlds apart, in fact serve to make use realize how interconnected we all are" — Dr. Louise Leakey - Paleontologist And National Geographic Explorer In Residence
