“In the Fighting Chair” Live Interview Series Episodes:

We're excited to share our new educational interview series "In the Fighting Chair", hosted by our Curator Keith Cowley, where guests share their experiences and stories about sharks, shark history, and shark future from a respectful unbiased platform, repurposing the fighting chair as a platform for the communication of shark science and conservation. Follow all our social media to join us in all our live events: FB | TW | IG @livingsharks

Ep.01 - In the Fighting Chair with Wayne Davis - Shark Spotter Pilot - Hosted by Keith Cowley

Ep.02 - In the Fighting Chair with William McKeever - Author of Emperors of the Deep - Hosted by Keith Cowley

Ep.03 - In the Fighting Chair with Dr. Greg Skomal - Renowned Shark Biologist - Hosted by Keith Cowley

Ep.04 - In the Fighting Chair with Carl Gottlieb - Screenwriter of JAWS - Hosted by Keith Cowley

Ep.05 - In the Fighting Chair with Steve Alten - Author of MEG - Hosted by Keith Cowley

Ep.06 - In the Fighting Chair with Jon Dodd - Atlantic Shark Institute - Hosted by Keith Cowley

Ep.07 - In the Fighting Chair with Wendy Benchley - Shark Conservationist - Hosted by Keith Cowley

Ep.08 - In the Fighting Chair with Peter Hammarstedt - Sea Shepherd - Hosted by Keith Cowley

Ep.09 - In the Fighting Chair with Joe Alves & Dennis Prince - Designing JAWS - Hosted by Keith Cowley

Ep.10 - In the Fighting Chair with Patricia & Robert Heyer - Shark Attacks of the Jersey Shore - Hosted by Keith Cowley

Ep.11 - In the Fighting Chair with Jim Beller - JAWScollector.com - Hosted by Keith Cowley

WAYNE DAVIS | Shark Spotter Pilot, Ocean Aerials/AWSC

Wayne Davis is a pilot and photographer who specializes in photographing the offshore waters of New England. A Rhode Island native, Wayne has been flying for over three decades. His Citabria airplane with long range fuel tanks, allows him to remain aloft for over 12 hours in pursuit of the majestic creatures that reside offshore.

Ep.01 - In the Fighting Chair with Wayne Davis - Shark Spotter Pilot - Hosted by Keith Cowley

WILLIAM MCKEEVER | Shark Conservationist, Author, Filmmaker

William McKeever is an author and filmmaker with a focus on ocean conservation. In his new book, Emperors of the Deep: Sharks – The Ocean’s Most Mysterious, Most Misunderstood, and Most Important Guardians, McKeever is on a mission to raise awareness for sharks and protect the oceans. He is the writer and director for a feature-length documentary of the same name, a stunning look at the threats sharks face around the world. He is also the founder of Safeguard of the Seas, an NGO devoted to ocean conservation while raising awareness to the plight of sharks through activism, advocacy, and education.

Ep.02 - In the Fighting Chair with William McKeever - Author of Emperors of the Deep - Hosted by Keith Cowley

DR. GREG SKOMAL | Shark Biologist - MA Marine Fisheries

Dr. Gregory Skomal is an accomplished marine biologist, underwater explorer, photographer, aquarist, and author. He has been a senior fisheries biologist with Massachusetts Marine Fisheries since 1987 and currently heads up the Massachusetts Shark Research Program (MSRP). Through the MSRP, Greg has been actively involved in the study of life history, ecology, and physiology of sharks. His shark research has spanned multiple fish habitats around the globe taking him from the frigid waters of the Arctic Circle to coral reefs in the tropical Central Pacific. Much of his current research centers on the use of acoustic telemetry and satellite-based technology to study the post-release survivorship, ecology, and behavior of sharks. He has written dozens of scientific research papers and has appeared in a number of film and television documentaries, including programs for National Geographic, Discovery Channel, ESPN, and numerous television networks. His most recent book, The Shark Handbook, is a must read for all shark enthusiasts.

Ep.03 - In the Fighting Chair with Dr. Greg Skomal - Renowned Shark Biologist - Hosted by Keith Cowley

CARL GOTTLIEB | JAWS Screenwriter, Author of The Jaws Log

Carl Gottlieb is the author of “THE JAWS LOG,” the most popular book about the making of a motion picture ever written, now in an expanded edition published by HarperCollins. Gottlieb came to Hollywood in the Sixties with the famed satirical improvisational revue THE COMMITTEE. He co-wrote the screenplay and acted in JAWS, for Universal Studios, and his additional screen writing credits include THE JERK, with Steve Martin, JAWS 2, WHICH WAY IS UP (starring Richard Pryor), JAWS 3D, and DR. DETROIT with Dan Aykroyd. He co-wrote and directed CAVEMAN, a feature for United Artists starring Ringo Starr, and he’s been an executive producer, director, and show runner of several television series while under contract to Universal. He directed a Steve Martin short film, THE ABSENT-MINDED WAITER, nominated for an Academy Award. He’s appeared (briefly) in numerous television films and series as an actor, including MASH, JAWS, THE JERK, CLUELESS, INTO THE NIGHT, “Mork & Mindy,” “Laverne & Shirley,” “Chico and the Man,” and many others. As an author, he's appeared on the NY Times and other national best-seller lists. He cowrote Long Time Gone, The Autobiography of David Crosby, and its sequel, Since Then, How I Survived Everything and Lived to Tell About it. His television credits include “The Bob Newhart Show,” “The Odd Couple,” the original “Smother Brother Comedy Hour” on CBS, and other musical, comedy, and variety shows on the three major networks. Gottlieb’s won an Independent Spirit Award in 2007 for a mini-short for which coauthored the script, and has been nominated for Golden Globe and BAFTA Awards for the JAWS screenplay. He’s won an Emmy for his writing on the Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour for CBS, a Clio for his work in commercials as a voice-over actor, and in 2010, the Writers Guild honored him with the Morgan Cox Award, in recognition of his decades of service to the WGA. Gottlieb has taught screenwriting at the Film Division of Columbia University’s School of the Arts in New York, AFI (the American Film Institute) in Los Angeles, the University of Miami's School of Communications and the University of Southern California's School of Cinema & Television, and he's taught and lectured at international seminars and conferences. He's an Oscar-voting member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and has been active as a Director and Officer of the Writers Guild of America, West, since 1983.

Ep.04 - In the Fighting Chair with Carl Gottlieb - Screenwriter of JAWS - Hosted by Keith Cowley

STEVE ALTEN | Author of MEG

Steve Alten grew up in Philadelphia, earning his Bachelors degree in Physical Education at Penn State University, a Masters Degree in Sports Medicine from the University of Delaware, and a Doctorate of Education at Temple University. Struggling to support his family of five, he decided to pen a novel he had been thinking about for years. Working late nights and on weekends, he eventually finished MEG; A Novel of Deep Terror. Steve sold his ’71 Malibu convertible to pay for editing fees. On September (Friday) the 13th, 1996, Steve lost his general manager’s job at a wholesale meat plant. Four days later his agent had a two-book, seven figure deal with Bantam Doubleday. MEG would go on to become the book of the 1996 Frankfurt book fair, where it eventually sold to more than twenty countries. MEG hit every major best-seller list, including #19 on the New York Times list (#7 audio), and became a popular radio series in Japan. Steve’s second release, The TRENCH (Meg sequel) was published by Kensington/Pinnacle in 1999 where it also hit best-seller status. His next novel, DOMAIN and its sequels, RESURRECTION & PHOBOS: MAYAN FEAR were published by St. Martin’s Press/Tor Books and were #1 best-sellers in Spain, Mexico, and Argentina and best-sellers in Germany, and Italy, with the rights selling to more than a dozen countries. After being left at the altar twice (Hollywood Pics in 1998, New Line in 2007) Steve’s friend, producer Belle Avery optioned the dramatic rights to MEG in 2008. Ten years of hard work and tenacity later and The MEG opened on August 10, 2018 and quickly became the #1 move in the U.S. and the world. Belle’s company, Apelles Entertainment has also optioned The LOCH, Sharkman, and Goliath. The sequel to The MEG is now in pre-production.

Ep.05 - In the Fighting Chair with Steve Alten - Author of MEG - Hosted by Keith Cowley

JON DODD | Executive Director, Atlantic Shark Institute

Jon Dodd co-founded the Atlantic Shark Institute with a singular focus; to help provide critical support and resources to the most respected shark researchers working in the northwest Atlantic. In doing so, the ASI helps these researchers answer the most pressing questions concerning the biology, survival and sustainability of sharks in the northwest Atlantic Ocean. Jon has spent his entire life on the water with a particular focus and affinity for sharks. From his first close encounter with a blue shark at age 14, he has been fascinated by sharks and their growing need for greater understanding and protection in many parts of the world. Having caught and released almost 1,000 sharks for different research projects, and having tagged over 500 of those specimens, Jon brings a wealth of real world experience to this research. He has worked with a wide variety of shark species both above and in the water including white, mako, blue, thresher, porbeagle, tiger, hammerhead, bull, lemon, dusky and many more. Current research projects with the Atlantic Shark Institute include white, mako, blue, porbeagle and thresher sharks as well as acoustic technology and Baited Remote Underwater Video Systems (BRUVS). These projects involve a variety of researchers, organizations, aquariums, universities and state agencies. Jon earned a Biology degree with an emphasis on fisheries from the University of Rhode Island and has worked as a volunteer for the NMFS Apex Predator Investigation. He was on the Board of the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy for several years, has an Advanced Open Water dive certification and has enjoyed SCUBA diving for more than 40 years.

Ep.06 - In the Fighting Chair with Jon Dodd - Atlantic Shark Institute - Hosted by Keith Cowley

WENDY BENCHLEY | Shark Conservationist, Marine Policy Advocate

Wendy Benchley is a renowned global voice for protecting sharks and safeguarding our seas. As a scuba diver for more than forty years, she has witnessed dramatic changes to our ocean’s wildlife and its habitats. This has motivated her vigorous efforts to help shape smarter, stronger environmental and marine policies with government officials, NGOs and other civic leaders. Wendy co-founded the prestigious Peter Benchley Ocean Awards,™ an annual award honoring her late husband’s legacy, in order to shine a light on the exceptional conservation work being done by marine scientists, researchers, explorers, and policy makers both in the United States and internationally. Now in its seventh year, the Benchley’s have awarded nearly fifty honorees for excellence and achievement. Wendy is the 2014 recipient of the International SeaKeepers Award, which is given annually to an individual or an organization that has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to ocean conservation. Based in Washington, D.C., Wendy is actively engaged in the marine policy community and supports many of the world’s leading ocean & environmental philanthropies.  She was President of the Board of Shark Savers and was instrumental in helping to merge the organization into WildAid, a widely respected global non-profit solely focused on reducing demand for illegal wildlife products, including ivory, rhino horn and shark fin, where she is currently a member of the Board of Directors. She is also an Advisory Board member of Ocean Champions, a non-profit political organization that supports pro-ocean Congressional candidates and lobbies members of Congress on behalf of the oceans. Throughout the ‘80s and ‘90s, Wendy worked on many environmental issues as a trustee of Environmental Defense Fund. She is currently a Trustee on the EDF’s Advisory Board. Wendy started her environmental and political career in the '70's in her home state of New Jersey as a co-founder and Trustee of the New Jersey Environmental Federation.  She was elected to the Mercer County Board of Chosen Freeholders and was elected as a Princeton Borough Councilwoman for three terms. Among many legislative accomplishments, she worked on smart growth and sustainability issues, playing a leadership role in bringing to fruition a prize-winning downtown development and expanding affordable housing. Wendy was married to Peter Benchley, the author of Jaws and a well-known voice for ocean conservation through his numerous books, articles and documentaries about the wonders of ocean life and its many threats.   

Ep.07 - In the Fighting Chair with Wendy Benchley - Shark Conservationist - Hosted by Keith Cowley

PETER HAMMARSTEDT | Director of Campaigns, Captain - Sea Shepherd

With Sea Shepherd, Captain Peter Hammarstedt created and piloted a “civilian offshore patrol vessel” program to help developing nations care for fish stocks in their territorial waters and sustain the health of the ocean. In 2014, Peter captained a boat that set the record for longest maritime pursuit in history, chasing an internationally-blacklisted vessel across three oceans and 10,000 miles before it was intentionally sunk by its captain off the coast of São Tomé and Príncipe. The dramatic chase was documented by the New York Times. Joint patrols between Sea Shepherd Global and law enforcement agents of African coastal states have resulted in the arrests of over 23 illegal fishing vessels over the past three years. Peter is the 2016 recipient of the Winsome Constance Kindness Gold Medal for Humanitarian Service, an award previously given to individuals such as Maneka Gandhi, Christine Townend and Jane Goodall.

Ep.08 - In the Fighting Chair with Peter Hammarstedt - Sea Shepherd - Hosted by Keith Cowley

JOE ALVES | JAWS Production Designer

Production designer Joe Alves is best known for his work with Steven Spielberg, with whom he has worked on four films. Before beginning his career, he studied at San Jose State, Chinaurd Institute (where he majored in motion picture design) and at USC. During the 1950s, he worked as an assistant animator at Disney. He then went on to work as a set designer for stage and television productions. Upon establishing himself in feature films, Alves became distinguished for his work in science fiction. It is Alves who created Bruce the shark, the deadly protagonist of Spielberg's Jaws (1975). For his design of the mother ship in another Spielberg production Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977), Alves won a British Academy Award. He made his directorial debut in 1983 with the unmemorable film Jaws 3-D. During the '80s and '90s, Alves has worked in various capacities ranging from assistant director to visual consultant to associate producer. His latest publication of his work is Designing Jaws, written with Dennis Prince.

Ep.09 - In the Fighting Chair with Joe Alves & Dennis Prince - Designing JAWS - Hosted by Keith Cowley

ROBERT & PATRICIA HEYER | Authors of Sharks Attacks of the Jersey Shore

Robert Heyer is a biologist, educator, wildlife journalist and co-author of Shark Attacks of the Jersey Shore - A History. He is a founder of the New Jersey Shark Attack File (NJSAF). He has been working with lifeguards and the shoreline community on alert system development, response protocol and investigative procedures. As a conservationist he researches and teaches the public about illegal trade in shark products and cultural uses of sharks still operating underground today. Patricia Heyer is also an educator and has authored multiple books about local history and folklore. Using Robert,s shark attack files data she humanized the events through fact-based creative writing for their recent book projects together via History Press.

Ep.10 - In the Fighting Chair with Patricia & Robert Heyer - Shark Attacks of the Jersey Shore - Hosted by Keith Cowley

JIM BELLER | JawsCollector.com

Jim Beller has been collecting items from the film JAWS since he was 9-years-old right after the film was released in 1975. Over the years, he has received questions and emails inquiring about JAWS items. His website contains his entire JAWS Collection with items from 1973 to the present.

This collection has been seen on Animal Planet’s Animal Icons JAWS Special, the JAWS Limited Edition 30th Anniversary European DVD Box Set, and was seen on display at the 2005 Sitges International Film Festival in Sitges, Spain. Selected items from this collection were on display at Richard Ellis’ exhibit SHARK at the Museum Of Art Fort Lauderdale until January 2013. Select items from this collection in the up-coming feature film ’77 and the documentary, The Shark is Still Working. Jim is the co-author of Jaws Memories from Martha’s Vineyard by Matt Taylor.

Ep.11 - In the Fighting Chair with Jim Beller - JAWScollector.com - Hosted by Keith Cowley