Podcast appearances and mentions of rick thomas

Rossinavi is one of Italy's most distinctive full-custom superyacht builders, where beauty, engineering, family heritage, and advanced propulsion technology come together in every one-off build.In this episode of Yachting USA, Rick Thomas speaks with Federico Rossi of Rossinavi about what makes Italian yacht building different, from the cultural importance of beauty and craftsmanship to the technical discipline required to build steel and aluminium superyachts at the highest level.The conversation explores Rossinavi's full-custom approach, why every yacht is treated as a unique project, and why keeping key fabrication, components, know-how, and quality control in-house remains central to the shipyard's identity. Federico also speaks about Tuscany, Viareggio, Pisa, local marine supply chains, and the deep Italian infrastructure that supports yacht building at this level.Rossinavi's innovation story is also front and centre, including hybrid-electric propulsion, battery systems, solar integration, AI-supported power management, lightweight aluminium catamaran design, and the challenge of delivering new technology without compromising the aesthetic language of Italian luxury.From Rossinavi USA and after-sales support to future fuels, redundancy, vessel availability, hydrogen, LNG, and the technologies that may shape the next generation of superyachts, this is a focused look inside a brand built on Italian design culture, technical control, and long-term yacht-building vision.━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ SUPPORTED BY Engineered Yacht Solutions ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ https://eyswelding.com

Before Captain Kerry Titheradge became known to millions through Below Deck, he built his life at sea the hard way.In this episode of Yachting USA, Captain Kerry joins Rick Thomas for a rare and deeply honest conversation about the career, discipline, setbacks, healing, and leadership journey that shaped him long before television entered the picture.Kerry traces his path from parasailing boats and commercial vessels to landing barges, yacht engineering, refit work, luxury yacht service, and eventually superyacht command. He talks about grinding for sea time, taking night jobs, working for free when necessary, learning from every vessel he stepped onto, and earning the experience that would later carry him into the public eye through Below Deck Adventure and the main Below Deck franchise.But this episode is not only about a captain's maritime career. It is about what happens behind the title.Kerry speaks openly about depression, divorce, grief, therapy, medication, meditation, breathwork, accountability, and the personal work that changed how he leads. He also shares why he started Mental Health Mondays, using his platform to speak honestly about difficult moments while offering practical tools that may help others move through their own.This is a yachting conversation with real depth: commercial boating, superyacht leadership, white boat service, Below Deck, mental health, resilience, accountability, and the courage it takes to keep rebuilding without pretending the hard parts never happened.━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ SUPPORTED BY Engineered Yacht Solutions ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ https://eyswelding.com

What does it take to scale a business in today's yachting industry, and why are visibility and credibility now critical to accessing capital?Rick Thomas, host of Yachting USA, sits down with Rhonda Klch, Managing Partner at EquityFirst, to explore how entrepreneurs, investors, and growing companies can position themselves for real financial growth.Filmed at the Global Superyacht Forum Miami, this conversation brings an external perspective into yachting, connecting capital strategy, fundability, and the growing role of media in shaping business success.From her journey as a serial entrepreneur to advising companies on scaling and investment readiness, Rhonda breaks down how businesses move from concept to capital and why many fail to do so.

What defines truly exceptional superyacht design, and how does architecture shape the way yachts are lived in, not just admired?In this episode of Yachting USA, Rick Thomas speaks with Luiz De Basto, Architect and Yacht Designer at De Basto Designs, to explore the thinking behind modern superyacht design.Recorded at the Palm Beach International Boat Show, this conversation reflects both individual expertise and the broader direction of the global yachting industry, where innovation, craftsmanship, and evolving owner expectations continue to shape the future of yacht design.With a career spanning architecture, automotive influence, and decades of yacht design, Luiz brings a perspective grounded in real-world experience at sea. This conversation goes beyond aesthetics to examine how yachts function in practice, from movement onboard and spatial flow to the smallest design decisions that ultimately define comfort and usability.The discussion also explores how owner expectations are shifting, with a growing emphasis on privacy, personal use, and refined living over visible status, alongside the role of emerging technologies such as AI and virtual reality in shaping the future of yacht design.

What defines real superyacht innovation after more than 140 years of yacht building?In this episode of Yachting USA, Rick Thomas sits down with Anders Pehrson, Commercial Director of Huisfit, and Jurjen van 't Verlaat, Marketing & Communications at Royal Huisman, Huisfit and Rondal.Royal Huisman is one of the most respected names in superyacht construction, known for precision engineering, high-performance sailing yachts, and a long-term approach to build quality that extends far beyond delivery. Through its refit division, Huisfit, the shipyard continues to redefine what is possible by extending vessel lifespan and integrating advanced technologies such as hybrid propulsion systems.This conversation explores how heritage, engineering discipline, and strategic investment shape the future of superyacht construction and refit, and why lifecycle thinking is becoming central to the global fleet.• Over 140 years of Royal Huisman superyacht heritage • The engineering behind true superyacht quality • Hybrid propulsion and future-ready yacht systems • Why superyacht refit is critical to long-term performance • Northern Europe's leadership in yacht building and refit • The shift toward lifecycle thinking in modern yachting

What does it actually take to build a career and business inside the superyacht industry?In this episode of Yachting USA, host Rick Thomas speaks with Morgan Sandoval, Founder of Morganized and Head of Sponsorship & Partnerships for the Global Superyacht Forum Miami.Morgan's pathway into yachting reflects the reality of how many careers in this industry are built. From corporate roles in New York supporting senior executives, through COVID layoffs, and into entry-level boating roles, her progression into yacht brokerage and now consulting was developed step by step through experience, adaptability, and operational awareness.Working within yacht brokerage, Morgan expanded from administrative support into listings, contracts, marketing, and client management, becoming a central operational force within the business. That same foundation now drives Morganized, a consulting model focused on improving structure, efficiency, and team performance across the yachting industry.This conversation also addresses the less visible side of career development. The personal challenges, resilience, and reinvention required to continue forward in a demanding, relationship-driven sector.As the superyacht industry continues to evolve, the ability to create structure, manage complexity, and operate across multiple roles is becoming essential.Guest:Morgan Sandoval Founder, Morganized Head of Sponsorship & Partnerships, Global Superyacht Forum MiamiMorganized: https://www.morganized.coGlobal Superyacht Forum Miami: https://www.gsyforummiami.com/Host:Rick Thomas━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ SUPPORTED BY Engineered Yacht Solutions ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ If you need serious metalwork done right, from precision yacht fabrication to dependable, real-world solutions, Engineered Yacht Solutions is the team to call. Visit: https://eyswelding.com

Maritime law, yacht industry leadership, and professional networking are all critical to long-term success in yachting. But what does that actually look like in practice?In this episode of Yachting USA, Rick Thomas speaks with Erin Ackor, Partner at AeroMarine Law, about her 21-year career in maritime law, her decision to launch a new firm, and the realities of building influence in the superyacht industry.This is a direct, experience-driven conversation that goes beyond theory and into how careers are actually built in yachting.From maritime law and aviation law differences to the role of the International Superyacht Society (ISS), this episode breaks down how professionals create opportunity, build networks, and contribute to the future of the yacht industry.Key topics in this episodeMaritime law in the yachting industry Aviation law vs maritime law differences Launching AeroMarine Law after 21 years Career reinvention in yachting International Superyacht Society ISS leadership Yacht industry networking and business growth ISS Ambassador Program and global industry reach Meet the Fleet initiative and captain feedback Talent shortage in yachting and the Talent Pledge Leadership transition and industry evolution Building credibility and influence in yachting Giving back and long-term career developmentGuest & industry linksAeroMarine Law https://www.aeromarine.lawInternational Superyacht Society (ISS) https://www.superyachtsociety.orgPrefer to read? Head to Yachting News on the website. https://www.yachtinginternationalradio.com/yachting-news━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ SUPPORTED BY Engineered Yacht Solutions ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ If you need serious metalwork done right, from precision yacht fabrication to dependable real-world solutions, Engineered Yacht Solutions delivers. https://eyswelding.com

What does the future of the expedition yacht actually look like?In this episode of Yachting USA, host Rick Thomas explores a new generation of aluminum expedition catamarans designed for long-range cruising, owner-operators, and modern offshore exploration.The discussion looks at how modern yacht builders are rethinking expedition vessels by combining catamaran stability, aluminum yacht construction, efficient hull design, and emerging propulsion technologies such as hybrid systems, electric propulsion, and future methanol fuel solutions.From the advantages of aluminum over GRP construction to the realities of building yachts for real offshore capability, this conversation explores the engineering, design philosophy, and operational thinking behind modern expedition yachts.The episode also examines why many yacht owners are now prioritizing simplicity, efficiency, and owner-operated capability rather than increasingly complex onboard systems.Topics include expedition yacht design, catamaran stability, hybrid propulsion systems, electric boats, sustainable yacht technology, and the evolving global yacht market.For anyone interested in yacht design, expedition cruising, marine technology, aluminum boatbuilding, and the future of long-range yachts, this episode offers valuable insight into where the industry may be heading.In this episode• Expedition yacht design and long-range cruising • Aluminum yacht construction vs GRP boatbuilding • Why catamaran expedition yachts offer stability and space • Owner-operated yachts and simpler onboard systems • Hybrid propulsion, electric propulsion, and methanol fuel • Hull efficiency and naval architecture in modern yachts • Expedition platforms designed for real offshore capability • The outlook for the global yacht marketPrefer to read? Head to Yachting News on the website. https://www.yachtinginternationalradio.com/yachting-news

How does someone go from working onboard as yacht crew to advising high-net-worth clients on superyacht charter, yacht sales, and yacht ownership strategy?In this episode of Yachting USA, host Rick Thomas sits down with Hannah Wolstenholme, Sales and Charter Broker at Edmiston, to explore her journey from discovering the yachting industry at 19 years old to building a successful career in superyacht brokerage.Hannah shares how mentorship, preparation, and persistence helped her move from crew into the highly competitive world of yacht brokerage, where trust, long-term relationships, and deep industry knowledge are essential. The conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at how brokers guide clients through complex yacht purchases, charter programs, and ownership decisions.Rick and Hannah also discuss the balance between emotion and analytics when buying a yacht, why pre-purchase surveys and technical due diligence are critical, and how yacht management plays a major role in protecting the owner's investment and ensuring successful yacht programs.The discussion expands into broader trends shaping the superyacht industry, including how charter often becomes the gateway to yacht ownership, how younger owners are influencing yacht design and onboard lifestyle, and how technology, sustainability, and hybrid propulsion systems are beginning to reshape the future of luxury yachting.From the realities of brokerage negotiations to the evolving expectations of modern yacht owners, this episode offers a clear and insightful look at how the global superyacht industry actually works.In this episode• How Hannah Wolstenholme transitioned from yacht crew to superyacht broker • Why mentorship is critical in building a career in yachting • How yacht brokers prepare for major yacht sales and charter deals • The role of data and analytics in yacht ownership decisions • Why pre-purchase surveys are essential when buying a yacht • How charter introduces many clients to the superyacht lifestyle • Why yacht management is key to a successful ownership experience • The growing role of Miami and South Florida as a yachting hub • How younger yacht owners are influencing yacht design trends • The impact of sustainability and technology in modern superyachtsPrefer to read? Head to Yachting News on the website. https://www.yachtinginternationalradio.com/yachting-newsHost: Rick ThomasGuest: Hannah Wolstenholme — Sales and Charter Broker, Edmiston

Crew wellbeing is one of the most important and least understood challenges facing the global yachting industry.In this episode of Yachting USA, host Rick Thomas speaks with Simon Grainge, CEO of the International Seafarers' Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN), and Laura Beard, Welfare of Yacht Crew Project Manager, about the realities of life onboard modern superyachts and why independent support services are becoming critical to the long-term sustainability of the industry.At the center of the conversation is YachtCrewHelp, a confidential 24/7 multilingual helpline created specifically for yacht crew and their families, designed to provide independent support when crew face personal, professional, or safety challenges at sea.Drawing from real-world experience and data gathered through seafarer support services, the discussion explores how leadership culture, onboard incidents, and the pressures of a live-work environment affect crew wellbeing across the global fleet.As the number of superyachts continues to grow, the industry faces an important question: how do we attract, develop, and retain the skilled crew required to support the fleet of today and tomorrow?In this episode• What ISWAN is and how it supports seafarers worldwide • Why yacht crew often do not see themselves as “seafarers” • The creation of YachtCrewHelp, a 24/7 confidential support service for yacht crew • Why confidentiality matters when crew livelihoods are at stake • The psychological impact of incidents and near-miss events onboard • Leadership challenges in a live-work maritime environment • Why proper crew support systems improve retention across the superyacht industry • The importance of mentorship, training, and professional development for crew • How generational shifts are changing expectations in the yachting workforceIf you are interested in superyachts, crew welfare, maritime leadership, yacht careers, or the future of the global yachting workforce, this conversation offers valuable insight from leaders working directly on the issue.Learn more about ISWAN https://www.iswan.org.ukYachtCrewHelp – 24/7 confidential support for yacht crew https://www.yachtcrewhelp.orgPrefer to read? Head to Yachting News on the website https://www.yachtinginternationalradio.com/yachting-newsPrefer to listen? Search Yachting Channel on your favourite podcast platform.

The superyacht industry is growing fast. The question is whether service infrastructure is keeping up.With more than 800 yachts currently in build or contract worldwide, refit demand, control system upgrades, and technical service capacity are becoming critical issues across the global fleet.In this episode of Yachting USA, host Rick Thomas speaks with Marcel Aartsen of OEM Yacht Service about the realities behind superyacht refits, obsolete PLC systems, skilled labour shortages, and the migration of vessels between the United States and Europe for technical support.This is a direct conversation about what keeps yachts operational after delivery.In this episode: Why superyacht refit demand is accelerating The challenge of replacing aging PLC and control systems onboard Skilled technician shortages across shipyards The cost and inefficiency of flying engineers globally Why collaboration between service providers may be the future Entrepreneurship and growth in marine engineering If you work in shipbuilding, yacht refit, marine engineering, crew management, or yacht operations, this discussion is essential listening.Prefer to read? Head to Yachting News on the website: https://www.yachtinginternationalradio.com/yachting-newsSupported by ATPI TravelATPI Travel supports the global yachting and maritime industry with specialist travel solutions designed for complex crew logistics, operational travel and industry mobility.Visit: https://www.atpi.comYachting USA Host: Rick Thomas Guest: Marcel Aartsen, OEM Yacht Service

Revelation Of The Heart | When God Searches Within | Abundant Life Church | Bishop Rick Thomas

The superyacht industry is growing fast. Fleet expansion is accelerating, new builds are increasing, and operational demands are becoming more complex across the sector.But growth without alignment creates risk.In this episode of Yachting USA, host Rick Thomas sits down with Joey Meen, IAMI GUEST Director and President of the Superyacht Alliance, to discuss the coordinated effort now underway to raise standards across the superyacht industry.The Superyacht Alliance is not a discussion panel. It is a working coalition of associations focused on practical reform. The conversation explores crew welfare, fatigue and minimum manning realities, harmonisation of operational standards across vessel sizes, clearer employment contracts, onboarding consistency, and the development of a Superyacht Qualifications Framework to create structured career pathways both onboard and ashore.With more than 600 large yachts currently under construction worldwide, retention, training, and operational consistency are no longer secondary concerns. They are structural imperatives.This episode offers a serious look at how the industry is addressing safety culture, workforce sustainability, and long-term professional credibility.Prefer to read? Head to Yachting News on the website.Supported by ATPI TravelATPI Travel supports the global yachting and maritime industry with specialist travel solutions designed for complex crew logistics, operational travel, and industry mobility. 

New Beginnings | Being A History Maker | Abundant Life Church | Bishop Rick Thomas

In this episode of Yachting USA, host Rick Thomas speaks with Estelle Viriot, former superyacht chef and founder of SEANERGY Yachting, about the realities of yacht crew welfare, mental health, burnout and reporting culture across the global superyacht industry.This is an operational, experience-driven conversation about what life onboard really looks like for professional yacht crew and why current systems around leadership, references, NDAs and management structures often leave crew without safe pathways for support.Drawing directly from her own onboard experience, Estelle explains what led her to step away from active crew life and build a digital platform designed to support crew before entering the industry, throughout their careers and after they step ashore.The discussion explores the real impact of long charter seasons, extended working hours, fatigue, alcohol culture, power imbalance and the difficulty of reporting harassment and misconduct onboard. It also looks at why rotational roles, leadership accountability and practical wellbeing support are essential for the future of safe and sustainable yacht operations.This episode is essential listening for yacht owners, captains, managers, recruiters and crew seeking realistic, experience-based insight into crew wellbeing, retention, safety culture and professional standards within the superyacht industry.Topics covered in this episode include: Yacht crew welfare and mental health onboard superyachts Burnout, fatigue and long working hours in yachting Harassment, fear culture and barriers to reporting at sea NDAs, references and crew vulnerability Alcohol use, leadership responsibility and onboard safety Rotational crew positions and sustainable yacht operations Why change must be informed by lived crew experience How SEANERGY Yachting supports crew across their full career journey Prefer to read? Head to Yachting News on the website. 

In this episode of Yachting USA, host Rick Thomas is joined by Cherise Reedman, founder of Yacht Pearls of Wisdom and host of the Superyacht Laundry, for a detailed, experience-led discussion on superyacht crew welfare, onboard power dynamics, harassment and abuse, reference culture, NDAs and the structural barriers that continue to prevent meaningful reporting across the global yachting industry.Cherise shares her personal journey into professional yachting, her transition out of life onboard and the motivation behind creating Yacht Pearls of Wisdom, a community designed to reconnect women after leaving the industry and to provide a safe space for honest conversations about intimidation, sexual harassment, career retaliation and the imbalance of power that continues to shape daily working life at sea. As stories began to surface through that community and later through Superyacht Laundry, clear patterns emerged around fear of references, contractual pressure, informal blacklisting and the lack of career-protected exit pathways for crew who experience serious incidents.Recorded during the Superyacht Forum in Amsterdam, the conversation connects lived crew experience directly to operational, reputational and commercial risk for yacht owners, managers and the wider industry. When crew wellbeing is compromised, service standards decline, team stability weakens, safety margins narrow and retention becomes increasingly fragile, ultimately impacting owner experience and the credibility of superyachting as a professional, responsible global sector. The discussion also examines why interior crew remain structurally undervalued within regulation and minimum manning frameworks, how training and professional development are still treated as optional in a sector built on luxury and excellence, and why long-form, uncensored industry media is becoming one of the most effective tools for exposing issues that previously remained hidden.This episode is essential listening for yacht owners, managers, captains, senior officers, crew agencies and maritime stakeholders seeking a realistic understanding of the cultural and structural challenges facing modern superyachting, and for anyone involved in shaping safer, more sustainable and more accountable working environments at sea.━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ SUPPORTED BY ATPI Travel ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ ATPI Travel supports maritime and yachting professionals worldwide with specialist travel solutions built around duty of care, crew welfare and operational efficiency across complex global operations.Prefer to read? Head to Yachting News on the website.

The superyacht industry has entered a new era of visibility, scrutiny, and political relevance — and there is no returning to the past.In this episode of Yachting USA, host Rick Thomas speaks with Christophe Bourillon, Chief Executive Officer of the Professional Yachting Association (PYA), for a direct, experience-driven discussion on where yachting now stands — and what must change to protect its future.Recorded during METSTRADE and the Superyacht Forum in Amsterdam, this conversation examines how superyachts moved from a discreet luxury sector into mainstream political, environmental, and economic debate, and why perception now directly influences regulation, policy, and public tolerance.Topics discussed include crew welfare and mental health, leadership pressure at captain level, training gaps, minimum standards versus operational reality, and why the industry's lack of consolidated data leaves it exposed when dealing with regulators and policymakers.Bourillon draws on his background in international lobbying and high-scrutiny industries to explain why yachting must evolve culturally as well as operationally — and what lessons it can realistically take from aviation, crisis management, and mature safety-critical sectors.This is not a promotional conversation. It is a factual assessment of where the superyacht industry sits today.✈️ Episode Sponsor: ATPI Travel ATPI Travel supports professionals working in complex, high-risk environments worldwide, including maritime and yachting. Their specialist travel solutions prioritise duty of care, crew welfare, and operational continuity across global operations.

Crew safety and welfare are no longer side conversations in yachting — they are operational priorities.In this episode of Yachting USA, host Rick Thomas is joined by Paul Shepherd, Chair of the CHIRP Superyacht Board, alongside superyacht Chief Officer Jonas Wiesand.Recorded at METSTRADE Amsterdam, this candid conversation examines the real risks crews face onboard yachts — from work-aloft incidents and unsafe diving operations to cultural barriers that prevent crew from speaking up before accidents happen.At the center of the discussion is CHIRP (Confidential Hazardous Incident Reporting Programme), an independent, non-punitive reporting system that allows crew to confidentially share near-misses, hazardous practices, and safety concerns so the wider maritime and yachting industry can learn and improve.In this episode, we discuss:• Why near-misses matter as much as accidents • How unsafe “normal practice” becomes normalized onboard • Work-aloft risks and recurring causes of serious incidents • Diving operations, training gaps, and systemic failures • The role of leadership and culture in crew safety • What real safety culture looks like in professional yachting • How confidential reporting protects crew, captains, and vessels • Why yachting must learn from aviation's safety systemsThis is a practical, experience-driven discussion focused on prevention, accountability, and learning — not blame.

In this episode of Yachting USA, Rick Thomas sits down with Jeroen van der Meer, CEO of Heesen Yachts, to explore how one of the world's most respected Dutch shipyards is shaping the future of superyacht design, engineering, and sustainability.Recorded following major ownership changes and a pivotal Monaco Yacht Show, this conversation offers a rare inside look at Heesen's strategic direction — from custom and semi-custom yacht building to lean manufacturing, crew wellbeing, and next-generation propulsion systems.Jeroen shares how Heesen is balancing tradition with innovation, why the 50–70m segment remains the shipyard's core focus, and how evolving owner expectations are influencing yacht usage, onboard livability, and lifecycle design.We also discuss: What defines build quality at a top-tier Dutch shipyard Custom vs semi-custom yacht production and why Heesen does both Engineering efficiency, hull performance, and system integration Sustainability, hybrid propulsion, and alternative fuel readiness Crew experience, routing, and long-term operability Global service strategy, predictive maintenance, and refit planning How U.S. yacht owners are influencing European yacht construction This is a technical, candid, and strategic conversation for yacht owners, captains, brokers, engineers, and anyone serious about where the superyacht industry is heading.Learn more about Heesen Yachts: https://www.heesenyachts.com

Barefoot cruising is returning, and it challenges almost everything modern cruising has become.In this episode of Yachting USA, host Rick Thomas sits down with Charles J. Kropke, CEO of The Windjammer Way, to explore the revival of tall-ship sailing and the return of barefoot cruising built on freedom, flexibility, and authentic connection at sea.Charles shares how Windjammer is rebuilding an iconic model rooted in small-ship exploration, captain-led itineraries, and deep respect for Caribbean culture and marine environments. Central to this story is the Mandalay, a 1923 sailing vessel with a remarkable history spanning luxury yachting and some of the most significant scientific research ever conducted at sea.This conversation goes beyond nostalgia and into the realities of scale, examining how mass cruising has reshaped the guest experience, why smaller sailing ships can reach places others cannot, and how crew culture, community, and purpose play a defining role in meaningful travel on the ocean.Listeners will gain insight into how Windjammer sits between luxury yacht charter and boutique cruising, why flexible itineraries matter, and how partnerships with research institutions and ocean science organizations are shaping the future of experiential sailing.Episode Topics Include What barefoot cruising really means in today's market Why tall ships offer access and authenticity big vessels cannot The Mandalay's legacy as both a luxury yacht and research vessel Captain-led itineraries versus fixed cruise schedules Crew culture, community, and the human side of life at sea Ocean science, research partnerships, and stewardship Where boutique cruising fits into the future of yachting Guest Charles J. Kropke CEO, The Windjammer Way https://www.thewindjammerway.comHost Rick Thomas━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ SUPPORTED BY ATPI Travel ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ ATPI Travel provides global travel management solutions for the maritime and yachting industries, supporting crews, executives, and operations with expert logistics, risk management, and sector-specific expertise worldwide. https://www.atpi.com

Built for What's Ahead | Vehicle for the Future | Bishop Rick Thomas | Abundant Life Church

Yacht management is expanding rapidly — but oversight, crew welfare, and vetting standards are struggling to keep pace. In this episode of Yachting USA, host Rick Thomas sits down with yacht management pioneer Bob Saxon for a wide-ranging conversation on where the industry is headed, what's being overlooked, and why yachting must evolve from a fragmented industry into a true profession. They discuss: Why yacht management is in a growth surge — and why it's not “easy money” Crew mental health, onboard stress, and the realities of close-quarters life at sea Vetting gaps, background checks, and how hiring failures still happen Crew gratuities, transparency, and misplaced expectations The charter boom and how new luxury travel models feed yacht charter demand Why coalition thinking and stronger standards are essential for the future ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━  SUPPORTED BY  Engineered Yacht Solutions ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ Engineered Yacht Solutions provides precision yacht fabrication, expert metalwork, and dependable solutions trusted by the industry.

Shows Main Idea – Forgiveness often seems impossible when the offense is deep, the pain is fresh, or reconciliation feels unsafe. But biblical forgiveness isn't about forgetting, excusing, or instantly trusting again. It's about releasing the debt—just as Christ released ours. In this gospel-centered webinar, Rick Thomas reframes forgiveness as an act of worship, not a concession to the offender, helping us see how freedom begins when we entrust justice to God. Show Notes: https://lifeovercoffee.com/podcast/ep-564-webinar-unforgiveness-and-the-gospel/ Will you help us to continue providing free content for everyone? You can become a supporting member here https://lifeovercoffee.com/join/, or you can make a one-time or recurring donation here https://lifeovercoffee.com/donate/.

Shows Main Idea – Anger is more than a behavior problem—it's a worship issue. In this powerful webinar, The Heart of Anger: What It Costs, What It Reveals, Rick Thomas exposes the hidden motivations behind both explosive outbursts and silent treatments. Learn how to move past surface-level management and address the root of anger at the heart level through a gospel-centered lens. Show Notes: https://lifeovercoffee.com/podcast/ep-563-webinar-the-heart-of-anger-what-it-costs-what-it-reveals/ Will you help us to continue providing free content for everyone? You can become a supporting member here https://lifeovercoffee.com/join/, or you can make a one-time or recurring donation here https://lifeovercoffee.com/donate/.

Shows Main Idea – In this powerful conversation, Rick Thomas interviews biblical counselor and author Rachel Coyle about her mini-book, Help! She's Struggling with Pornography. Rachel shares why she wrote the book, how pornography uniquely affects women, and why framing the struggle biblically—as slavery to sin and idolatry—offers lasting hope through Christ. If you're looking for compassionate, gospel-centered clarity on this often-ignored topic, this episode is essential. Show Notes: https://lifeovercoffee.com/podcast/ep-562-rachel-coyle-help-shes-struggling-with-porn/ Will you help us to continue providing free content for everyone? You can become a supporting member here https://lifeovercoffee.com/join/, or you can make a one-time or recurring donation here https://lifeovercoffee.com/donate/.

What does it really take to go from the Australian outback to commanding 90-meter superyachts — and becoming one of Bravo's most talked-about Below Deck captains? Filmed at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, Yachting USA host Rick Thomas sits down with Captain Kerry Titheradge for one of the most transparent, unscripted and career-focused interviews since Bravocon. Kerry breaks down the real pathway behind the Bravo spotlight: trades, ferries, parasail boats, engineering work, deliveries, ticket progression and the exact strategy he used to stack seatime and qualifications to reach major-yacht command. No entitlement, no shortcuts — just structure, hustle and discipline. He also shares how Below Deck has become an unexpected leadership mirror, revealing blind spots, reactions, and the difference between running a private yacht and operating under a six-week charter pressure cooker with cameras rolling. They dive deep into today's crew culture — phones, distraction, burnout, pressure, expectations, boundaries, and how leaders need to shift away from “old school” thinking to keep crew safe, focused and performing at a high level. In this episode you will learn:

Universal Voices is back with an all new mini-series. This season we explore how different folks within the Universal Church are experiencing community within the Body of Christ. In this episode, Alissa welcomes Karina Breceda. Alissa and Karina discuss Fr. Rick Thomas whose case for canonization was recently opened. Fr. Rick was a central figure in Karina's life and she credits him for leading her to the work with migrants that she now does. The two chat about the rich community Fr. Thomas shepherded and how his model of prayer, joy, obedience, and service left a lasting impression. In this episode you'll also hear the two talk about:The blessing of place.The multiplication of Christmas Dinner.The miracle of a dump that becomes a "city on a hill."Being crazy for Jesus.The only thing that makes sense.Fr. Thomas' prophetic witness in creating a youth center.Being the 2025 version of the work of the Gospel.Being one day saints like Father Thomas.The video we reference (in which Father Thomas is interviewed about Christmas Dinner can be found here or by searching "The Glory of God" - Juarez Full Length on Youtube. Karina Breceda is a Fronteriza activist and cross-border advocate focusing on pro-life migrant work. She is Co-Founder and Director of Stela and Casa Maris, shelters located on both sides of the US/MX international border serving pregnant women and children seeking refuge. 

In this high-impact episode of Yachting USA from Yachting International Radio (YIR), host Rick Thomas sits down with world-renowned maritime attorney Michael Moore, Founding Partner of Moore & Company, to dissect the real state of the U.S. and Canadian yachting industry — legally, historically, economically, and environmentally. Together, they unpack why North America lost more than 75–80% of its yacht-building infrastructure, how global competition reshaped the market, and why shipyards like Westport, Delta Marine, Burger Boat Company, and Crescent Custom Yachts remain crucial to the continent's maritime future. They dive into the big questions driving searches worldwide: Can North American yacht building rebound? How does the Jones Act impact superyacht ownership and construction? What role do owners, crew, brokers, and shipyards really play in a healthy industry? Why are class rules, surveys, and maritime law more important than ever? How will American and Canadian yards compete with Turkey, Italy, the Netherlands, and Taiwan? Michael also gives rare insight into his decades-long career — from maritime cases in New York and Saudi Arabia to major work on the Exxon Valdez litigation. His perspective connects global shipping, commercial maritime law, yacht building, the International Maritime Organization (IMO), and the real-world economics behind superyachts. You'll also discover how yachts are becoming powerful tools for ocean science through organizations like the International SeaKeepers Society, Project Baseline, and Seabed 2030 — with actionable ways owners, captains, and crew can contribute to ocean data, conservation, and citizen science. KEY TOPICS COVERED Decline of U.S. shipyards (Christensen, Trinity, Palmer Johnson, Northern Marine & more) The resurgence of American builders and refit yards Jones Act realities for large yachts The risks of poor brokerage, bad surveys & misrepresented vessels How maritime law, class, and flag states shape yacht value Why Fort Lauderdale remains the true capital of global yachting How SeaKeepers & Project Baseline are changing ocean science U.S. & Canadian yachting trends in 2025 and beyond ABOUT THE GUEST Michael Moore Founding Partner, Moore & Company Maritime Law Advisor to yacht owners, captains & shipyards worldwide SeaKeepers Board Member • Maritime Industry Leader ABOUT THE HOST Rick Thomas Host of Yachting USA Veteran of 37+ years in North American yacht building, equipment manufacturing & maritime innovation

Hour 1 for 11/11/25 Drew and Wendy Wilmowski discuss the Trump administration's plan for a 50-year mortgage (7:47). Topics: are we concerned about the right things? (15:21), rent vs. own (18:55), costs (22:25), inventory issues (26:32), and putting extra money into principle (30:38). Then, Fr. Bill McCann covers the life of Fr. Rick Thomas, SJ whose cause for canonization has been advanced (35:21). Link: https://www.twocrownhome.com/

Can the Caribbean become the next powerhouse in global yacht refits? From the Monaco Yacht Show, Yachting USA host Rick Thomas sits down with Norina Edelman, CEO of International Marine Management (IMM), to discuss how IMM is transforming refit standards across the Atlantic. IMM combines European precision with Caribbean accessibility, offering full-service refit solutions in Guadeloupe, St. Maarten, and Puerto Rico. With a new 200 m graving dock and Class 5-rated covered facility under construction in Puerto Rico, IMM is reshaping how superyachts approach refit, repair, and maintenance — without crossing the Atlantic.

Can a shipyard in the desert redefine luxury on the water? From the Monaco Yacht Show, Yachting USA host Rick Thomas sits down with Erwin Bamps, CEO of Gulf Craft Group, to explore how the UAE-based builder is reshaping what's possible with the all-new Majesty 100 Terrace — a 30 m superyacht that blends indoor-outdoor living with innovation and intelligent design. Together, they discuss Gulf Craft's evolution, U.S. expansion through Denison Yachting, and how the brand's vertical integration enables smarter engineering, greater reliability, and future-focused ideas such as crypto-based yacht sales.

Breaking news from the bow and beyond.

From the HQ Lounge at the Monaco Yacht Show — with Acquera Yachting, Bachmann Group, Centtrip, and Destination Hub — Yachting USA host Rick Thomas sits down with Jeremy Katz, Founder of DocksidePros, to discuss his journey from Google marketing expert to one of the industry's most connected digital leaders. Jeremy shares how his passion for boating and over a decade of marketing experience evolved into Dockside Pros — an online network serving over 100 maritime businesses worldwide. Together, they explore how technology, passion, and people are driving the next wave of growth in global yachting. Their conversation dives into: - How Dockside Pros bridges marketing and maritime innovation - The importance of authenticity and connection in the yachting industry - Insights into crew welfare, design evolution, and sustainable technology - Why conversations like these redefine how the business of yachting is told

Shows Main Idea – In this episode, Rick Thomas talks with Pastor Joby Martin about his book Stand Firm and Act Like Men and the urgent need for Biblical masculinity in today's culture. Far from cultural stereotypes of passivity or toxic aggression, Joby explains how Scripture calls men to live as providers, protectors, prophets, priests, and servant kings—all under the lordship of Christ. Together, Rick and Joby unpack the traps that ensnare men—pride, anxiety, laziness, isolation, and lust—and the crucial role of accountability through what Joby calls “mat carriers.” They also address how women can encourage rather than correct, why technology is one of the greatest threats to family life, and how the Church must avoid softening or distorting masculinity. This conversation calls men to bend the knee to Jesus before they can stand firm in strength and love. Show Notes: https://lifeovercoffee.com/podcast/ep-559-joby-martin-stand-firm-and-act-like-men/ Will you help us to continue providing free content for everyone? You can become a supporting member here https://lifeovercoffee.com/join/, or you can make a one-time or recurring donation here https://lifeovercoffee.com/donate/.

From the HQ Lounge at the Monaco Yacht Show — with Acquera Yachting, Bachmann Group, Centtrip, and Destination Hub — Yachting USA host Rick Thomas meets two powerhouse women connecting global yachting destinations. Veronica Grandi, Chief Marketing Manager at Acquera Yachting, explains how her Venice-based agency bridges yachts and destinations across the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and Middle East — combining local expertise with a global network. Website: acquerayachting.com Keidy Gregorio, Office Manager at Yacht Club Port de Plaisance in St. Martin, details the marina's 110 slips, ability to host yachts up to 290 feet, and full-service offerings from customs clearance to in-house fueling and provisioning. Website: portdeplaisancemarina.com Together, their insights showcase how yachting excellence thrives across continents — from the heritage of Venice to the vibrant energy of the Caribbean. ✈️ Travel sponsored by ATPI Travel Website: atpi.com Instagram: @atpitravel

Ep. 558 Giving Hope to Anxious Hearts by Rick Thomas

A seed of faith unlocks destiny: Kingdom Purpose

Content Warning: This episode discusses death, assault, and systemic failure. In the third and final installment of this Yachting USA series, host Rick Thomas continues his conversation in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, with Elle Fisher — Author & Advocate. Elle shares the story of her friend Jess, a South African yacht chef whose death in Ibiza was silenced under powerful ownership and management interests. From the suppression of evidence and firing of crew to the lack of repatriation and investigation, Elle exposes the culture of silence that still exists in parts of the yachting world. She also opens up about her own decision to leave the industry she loves — and the desperate need for an independent, confidential crew support hotline free from management, owners, and agencies. Elle shares: ✅ The death of her friend Jess in Ibiza and the unanswered questions that remain ✅ How powerful figures silenced a crime scene and replaced an entire crew overnight ✅ Why NDAs, fear, and control keep victims and witnesses quiet ✅ The emotional aftermath — grief, trauma, and burnout ✅ Why she believes yachting still needs an independent crew protection system ✅ A call to entrepreneurs and leaders to step up and build what's missing For PART ONE: https://youtu.be/f49HePKUPP4 For PART TWO: https://youtu.be/Jlfizu_2_VU

Content Warning: This episode discusses domestic violence and sexual harassment. What happens when a crewmember says “no” and the industry looks away? In the second of a three-part Yachting USA series, host Rick Thomas continues his conversation in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, with Elle Fisher — Author & Advocate. Elle recounts a violent assault in Fort Lauderdale, the system's failure to protect crew, and a later incident aboard another yacht that tested her resolve to stay in the industry she loves. From restraining orders and DPAs to NDAs, background checks, and psychological screening, Elle calls for practical reforms that could make yachting safer—without slowing operations. She also shares the career highs that kept her onboard: leading a major refit, orchestrating an iconic Yacht Hop, and delivering 17 back-to-back charters. Elle shares: ✅ The Fort Lauderdale assault, hospital visit, and a successful restraining order ✅ Why threats, confiscated phones, and isolation keep victims silent ✅ How NDAs and DPA structures can leave crew unprotected ✅ Why quick-turn hiring undermines meaningful background checks ✅ A workable alternative: mandatory psychological screening for safety-critical roles ✅ Returning to yachting: interior manager/purser, nine-month refit, and what she learned ✅ The Antigua Yacht Hop that booked 17 consecutive charters—and the burnout that followed ✅ A later cabin-intrusion incident by a head chef, and why “the trash took itself out” still isn't justice ✅ Reflections triggered by the murder of Paige Bell and why speaking up matters now For PART ONE: https://youtu.be/f49HePKUPP4

Every season begins with a seed: Purpose in Every Season | Bishop Rick Thomas

RISE Radio recently interviewed Rick Thomas of Life Over Coffee about his Substack article addressing the influence of Jordan Peterson. Peterson, though not a Christian, has garnered an unusually strong following within Christian circles—largely due to his moral clarity and psychological insights, many of which are shaped by Jungian philosophy rather than a biblical worldview. This curious devotion to a man outside the faith raises essential questions about discernment and the church's appetite for cultural saviors. David, the host at RISE Radio, shares similar concerns and invited Rick to unpack why so many believers are drawn to Peterson's message, and what this trend reveals about our theology, affections, and need for true gospel-centered leadership. Listen here: https://lifeovercoffee.com/podcast/ep-552-jordan-petersons-concerning-influence-and-philosophies/ Will you help us to continue providing free content for everyone? You can become a supporting member here https://lifeovercoffee.com/join/, or you can make a one-time or recurring donation here https://lifeovercoffee.com/donate/.

L'été s'annonce à haut risque du point de vue des incendies à cause de la sécheresse, de la canicule précoce que l'on a connu. En conséquence, un certains nombre de communes ont décidé d'annuler le feu d'artifice du 14 juillet. C'est le cas à Lys-Haut-Layon, dans le Maine-et-Loire. "C'est une décision qui n'est pas facile à prendre", souligne son maire, Médérick Thomas.Distribué par Audiomeans. Visitez audiomeans.fr/politique-de-confidentialite pour plus d'informations.

L'été s'annonce à haut risque du point de vue des incendies à cause de la sécheresse, de la canicule précoce que l'on a connu. En conséquence, un certains nombre de communes ont décidé d'annuler le feu d'artifice du 14 juillet. C'est le cas à Lys-Haut-Layon, dans le Maine-et-Loire. "C'est une décision qui n'est pas facile à prendre", souligne son maire, Médérick Thomas.Distribué par Audiomeans. Visitez audiomeans.fr/politique-de-confidentialite pour plus d'informations.

Ep. 551 Daniel Berger, Discipling a Fool's Heart by Rick Thomas

The primary focus of this podcast episode revolves around the profound significance of biblical counseling, particularly as articulated by our esteemed guest, Rick Thomas from Lifeovercoffee.com. We delve into the assertion that biblical counseling is deeply rooted in scripture and church history, offering a foundation that starkly contrasts with secular counseling, which often lacks a solid grounding. The dialogue explores how such counseling empowers individuals to think like Christ amidst life's myriad challenges, emphasizing the transformative power of the Gospel in addressing the complexities of the human heart. Furthermore, we discuss the necessity of speaking the truth in love, balancing grace and conviction in our interactions. This episode invites listeners to reflect critically on the essence of biblical counseling and its relevance in contemporary Christian life.Links referenced in this episode:lifeovercoffee.comstopandthinkpodcast.comsoulfishingministries.org

Shows Main Idea – In this episode, we explore the crucial distinction between biblical counseling and secular psychology. Rick Thomas joins us to unpack the historical roots of counseling and to highlight the sufficiency of Scripture in addressing life's deepest struggles. Far more than behavior modification, biblical counseling offers true, gospel-centered transformation. Listen: https://lifeovercoffee.com/podcast/ep-550-phil-sessa-interviews-rick-thomas-on-biblical-counseling/ Will you help us to continue providing free content for everyone? You can become a supporting member here https://lifeovercoffee.com/join/, or you can make a one-time or recurring donation here https://lifeovercoffee.com/donate/.

The salient focus of our discussion centers on the distinct dichotomy between biblical counseling and its secular counterpart. We elucidate that biblical counseling is fundamentally the application of God's Word to the complexities of human existence, thereby fostering genuine transformation rather than mere behavioral modification. Our esteemed guest, Rick Thomas, shares insights on the historical context of counseling, highlighting that biblical counseling predates secular approaches, which have increasingly infiltrated the church's understanding of mental health. We emphasize the necessity for believers to grasp the sufficiency of Scripture in addressing life's myriad challenges, as opposed to relying solely on secular methodologies that lack a foundation in divine truth. Join us as we engage in this profound exploration of biblical counseling, aiming to equip listeners with the knowledge to discern and apply these principles in their lives.Links referenced in this episode:lifeovercoffee.comstopandthinkpodcast.comsoulfishingministries.org

Shows Main Idea – In this compelling interview, Dr. Daniel Berger joins Rick Thomas to unpack the whirlwind of response—both praise and pushback—that followed the release of his provocative book, The Schizophrenic Unicorn: Understanding the Diagnosis of Schizophrenia, The Centrality of Sleep, the Biopsychosocial Diagnostic Model of Mental and Considering a Practical and Proven Alternative Approach. Dr. Berger candidly addresses critics and reflects on how his work has been a breath of fresh air for many who feel stuck in the traditional mental health paradigm. Watch or Listen: https://lifeovercoffee.com/podcast/ep-549-daniel-berger-the-schizophrenic-unicorn-2-0/ Will you help us to continue providing free content for everyone? You can become a supporting member here https://lifeovercoffee.com/join/, or you can make a one-time or recurring donation here https://lifeovercoffee.com/donate/.

Build Your Altar | Pitch Your Tent | Bishop Rick Thomas

TAKEAWAYSBiblical counseling is a subset of discipleshipThe words “stir up” literally mean to “irritate”God is a biblical and holy “irritant” who forces you to examine your own heart and soulWhen your heart and God's Word are on the same page, that's a biblical sweet spot