“We need more people like Chris in the World,” says Dr. Jane Goodall. National Geographic Explorer Chris Bashinelli draws from real-life experiences in over 40 countries to empower organizations to create a culture of true human connection. He helps companies reignite employee inspiration, foster a culture of trust and empathy, and tap into the power of their greatest asset—their people.
Chris Bashinelli, better known as “Bash”, was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, to Lebanese and Italian-American parents. After a decade-long acting career including an appearance on the HBO hit television show The Sopranos, Bash decided to follow his real passion – using media to build bridges between cultures. He now traverses the globe from Uganda to Haiti as Host of Bridge the Gap, a television series featured on PBS and the National Geographic Channel, where he experiences life in countless cultures around the world, offering a unique and diverse perspective.
A celebrated Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion speaker, Bash brings to life an inspiring message of empathy and connection that has birthed lifelong friendships worldwide. His worldview was shaped by his childhood “Stoop,” where his friends shared over thirteen nationalities. His ancestors immigrated to the United States from Lebanon through Ellis Island, and his great-grandmother was onboard the Titanic. Bash helps companies understand in engaging, humorous, and practical ways how to create a workplace culture of trust, belonging, and empathy.
A passionate Mental Wellness advocate, Bash has studied meditation & mindfulness for more than a decade. After studying Anthropology in East Africa at 20 years old, he returned home to discover his father had been diagnosed with terminal cancer. The death of Chris’s father propelled him on an international quest to understand better the human condition and the universal qualities that lead to a happy, meaningful life. Today, he brings to life the powerful lessons he’s learned to overcome depression, increase productivity, and reignite employee inspiration.
Bash has spoken around the world, from Abu Dhabi to Azerbaijan, and at 24 years old, he became the youngest male to ever moderate the UN International Day of Peace. He has shared the stage with Stevie Wonder, the UN Secretary-General, and his mentor, Dr. Jane Goodall. He is a National Geographic Explorer and an Eagle Scout and has interviewed some of Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People on the Planet.
Bash has lived as a nomad in Mongolia, worked with suicide prevention activists in Pine Ridge, and Sumo wrestled the heaviest Japanese human being in recorded history. Through one-of-a-kind stories of adventure and authentic moments of human connection, he bridges the gap between self and others, helping us recognize our shared humanity. Bash takes audiences on an inspirational journey with stunning video footage and thought-provoking exercises.
Whether embarking on yet another jaw-dropping adventure for National Geographic or interviewing his mentor, Dr. Jane Goodall, for PBS, Chris Bashinelli leaves audiences inspired, empowered, and connected, reminding us of our greatest asset—our people.
"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."
"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."