Today we’d like to introduce you to Myles Schwartz
Hi Myles, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started my scuba journey when I was 18 years old in Belize with my mother. I fell completely in love with the sport and industry after my first dive, and though I wanted to stay and become a professional right away, I went to college first. I spent 4 years at Minnesota State, Mankato, studying languages and saving up to go abroad after graduation. In 2021 I finally began my professional scuba education in Costa Rica with Oceans Unlimited, Golfito. I trained, dove, and fell more in love with the sport for 3 months. Immediately afterwards I knew that I needed to see more sites and experience more dive shops, so I backpacked around Central America.
After several months of soul-searching, I landed in San Diego, CA and obtained an instructor position at Ocean Enterprises. This is where my story really begins.
One day after teaching a fellow instructor and I were chatting about our classes and passing advice back and forth. We had the wild idea that maybe other young instructors might want to join the conversation, so Free Descent Podcast was born!
For the past year and a half, Free Descent Podcast has reached young divers and young dive professionals around the world (including Minnesota!). We have had the opportunity to share inspirational stories, advice, and lift up small businesses (Midwest School of Diving!). Like everything in life, this community and business is always evolving, but we strive to stay rooted in our original mission throughout the growth and change.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Nothing is ever a smooth road! Podcasting is one of the most time-consuming types of media, though one of the best ways to tell long-form stories. Learning what technology works best, what platforms gain the most listeners, and how to edit has been a huge learning curve.
One of the other struggles is getting your name out there. You need to not only find people to interview but also get to the point where people are ASKING to come on the show. And after all of that, you have to construct the best way to tell their story, with a good flow of conversation, and insightful questions.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I have many jobs, as most of us do in Southern California. During the week, I work for a luxury tour operator, Classic Journeys, as an operations specialist. I love to travel and plan itineraries, so this career is right up my alley.
I have continued to work at Ocean Enterprises as a scuba instructor for the past 3 years. This takes up many of my weeknights and weekends, though it doesn’t feel like work most of the time. Anytime I’m diving, and teaching others how to experience the ocean safely, I’m in my happy place.
Lastly, I run Free Descent Podcast as the main host and content creator. Building this community and brand takes over most of my limited free time, but the connections that I’ve made are priceless. I love taking the time to promote stories of the scuba diving industry, no matter the size. Each one makes an impact to someone out there, that will make a positive impact to our oceans in the long run.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
I feel like the list could go on and on, but I’ll start with a few:
1. My mother, for signing me up for my first scuba class, and being my first dive buddy.
2. My father, for supporting me endlessly, no matter how outrageous my plan was.
3. James Timney, my original Course Director, and lifetime mentor.
4. Rocio Gajon, for taking a change on a young dive instructor and hiring me onto the Ocean Enterprises team.
5. The entire team at Ocean Enterprises in San Diego, CA, for being my rock and a wealth of knowledge.
6. My original cohost, Jake Roth, for pushing the team forward when I lacked motivation.
7. My friends and family in San Diego, Kansas, Minnesota, and around the world, for being my first listeners and supporters.
8. Stephan Whelan of Deeper Blue, for being an outstanding mentor, friend, and super connector!
9. Every single guest that has ever been on Free Descent Podcast, the bread and butter of what we do.
10. Every listener, follower, and supporter. You keep me going!
11. My current team of cohosts, Walter Sweeney and Colton Gilmore, for taking the podcast to the next level. I am incredibly grateful!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://open.spotify.com/show/1xsMzx1ya9qZBJO2ZL7PWi?si=6222837414174636
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedescentpodcast/
