Episode 14: Ben Masters- Rad Ass Cowboy

Stories From the Trailer with your host Chipper Bro

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Ben Masters

Ben Masters and I first met about a decade ago at the energizing DO Lectures in Hopeland, California and have remained friends ever since. At the time he was in Los Angeles working on his latest film with his crew of three who drove to Ventura for a surf. In the evening we gathered in the ’56 Kenskill trailer as Ben reflected about surfing his longest wave, filmmaking, and environmental conservationism.

His dedicated efforts delve into some of the most pressing ecological challenges facing the American West today. Along with being a talented filmmaker and writer, specializing in wildlife and adventure stories, Ben has made significant contributions through his captivating documentaries and impactful storytelling. He crushes it as a fearless Vaquero!

Ben studied wildlife biology at Texas A&M University which fueled his passion for wildlife-focused storytelling. He founded Fin and Fur Films, a production company creating short films about wildlife research, conservation, and activism, and has authored two books published by Texas A&M University Press. In addition, his endeavors have been recognized in National Geographic and Western Horseman.

Ben has enjoyed fruitful collaborations with: The Wildlife Society, Borderlands Research Institute, YETI, and Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation. He rides his life passionately and courageously through challenging terrians, bravely facing obstacles in order to document untold wildlife experiences with film to promote its conservation.

Fin and Fur produces films from idea conception through distribution, focused on environmental themes, including the restoration of endangered species and advocating for healthy river ecosystems. His team utilize film to raise awareness and inspire action for wildlife and habitat preservation.

Ben Masters’ work is truly inspiring, and his dedication to wildlife and storytelling shines through in his films and writing. Enjoy this episode with Maverick, Ben Masters!

Documentaries to date:

· “The River and The Wall” (2019): Directed by Ben, this feature-length documentary, which won an award at SXSW, explores the natural beauty and challenges along the U.S.-Mexico border.

· “Unbranded” (2015): Ben produced this documentary, which received the Audience Award at Mountainfilm. The film follows four friends on a wild journey as they ride mustangs from Mexico to Canada.

· Ben’s films have been distributed on prominent platforms like Netflix, National Geographic, Starz, and PBS.

Chipper Bro - raconteur, pioneer, instigator, entrepreneur, will enlighten, inspire, and woo you with his genuine and touching enthusiastic tales and interviews. Some so touching and poignant you will want to listen to them over and over.
Stay tuned to Stories from the Trailer to learn about his good friends who relive the most interesting and amazing stories from around the world. These episodes include inventive force for good business leaders, swell busting surfers, fine edged skateboarders, activist artists, Pro Frisbee Players, earth moving musicians, and global direct action environmentalists and so much more.