Episode 123: The Ocean Is My Church with Jillian Morris
“Every time I’m in the ocean, I feel very lucky...it’s quiet and there’s this sense of peace.”
In this episode, Jillian Morris, the founder and president of Sharks4Kids - an educational organization that brings together scientists, educators, conservationists, and professional videographers to help create and inspire a new generation of shark advocates, joins us to share her story of studying the ocean and her respect for the marine animals to which she has dedicated her life. Jillian also discusses:
1:45 - What is Sharks4Kids?
2:45 - Her early years and how it led to her love of sharks
5:20 - Sticking with her childhood dream of becoming a marine biologist
8:00 - Her education and field experience
11:20 - Pressure to be pulled back to a more traditional path
14:00 - Her definition of success
17:45 - Stories of her field research and lessons she learned
19:15 - A 40-foot rogue wave
21:55 - Advice she has for listeners
23:30 - Her time on Whale Wars
25:15 - Going from marine biologist to business owner
28:00 - The decision to start Sharks4Kids
31:35 - When the passion project turned into a business
32:20 - Positive stories from her shark education
36:30 - Her love of sharks
39:00 - Fear of sharks
40:40 - Shark intelligence
43:50 - The ocean is her church
46:25 - What she wants people to know about sharks, the ocean, and the planet
47:55 - How people can learn more about the work she is doing
48:35 - Advice for people who want to follow their path but think it is too late
50:50 - Who is going to play her in a Hollywood movie about this adventure
You can learn more about Jillian by following her on Instagram @BiminiSharkGirl and Facebook.
To learn how you can become a shark advocate, be sure to check out the Sharks4Kids website and Instagram @SharkEducation.
See below for photos Jillian shared from her adventure.
Watch the Full Behind The Scenes Episode
Have a story to share?
We’d love to hear from you.