Chuck Gaidica was given a title once that included the word innovation. He has always looked to innovate in his career and life. He is one of the most trusted figures in Michigan and continues to be involved in many efforts in and out of business nationwide. He is now a frequent keynote speaker, podcast host and host of his own radio segment called “Journey Strong”.
Millions may know Chuck from his local radio and television work in Detroit over many decades. He has multiple Emmy awards and was awarded the prestigious Silver Circle Award for broadcast excellence. He could be found over the years hosting a game show seen across Michigan or getting in his New York state of mind by forecasting the weather on the NBC Today Show or the CBS Morning News.
While working in fulltime TV and radio Chuck maintained his own communications company and found time to go back for a masters degree at age 50. He kids people that at his pace he is on track to get a PhD at age 90.
That sums up what Chuck is about now in life; continued innovation in life and encouraging everybody, especially those over age 50 to focus on their “second half” of life.
Along with various degrees, Chuck also holds a certificate in “Second Half Significance” from Pepperdine University and the Halftime Institute. He is proud to be a “half-timer” and looks now to inform, inspire, encourage and lead people on a journey of joy.
This is how Journey Strong was born. Chuck is hoping that Journey Strong becomes more than a fun name or broadcast title. He hopes Journey Strong becomes a movement to connect so many who are planning to retire, rewire or reinvent completely.
Life is an Adventure
Calling Chuck a “real Boy Scout” is actually true in his case, but he has acquired many different titles over time.
Explorer Scout, keynote speaker, baby boomer, adventurer, husband, blogger, private pilot, Three Stooges fan, scuba diver, pastor, community ambassador, dad, meteorologist, game show host, company president, Batman nut, morning radio host, boater, dog lover, travel guide, Boy Scout, executive director, podcast host, grandfather, author, Halftime alum, Emmy award winner, non-profit board president and more.
Chuck’s Adventures in Life Include
- Penetrating the eye of Hurricane Diana in NOAA aircraft
- Becoming scuba certified
- Receiving a private pilot’s license
- Becoming an instrument rated pilot for high tech aircraft
- Flying in and piloting a B-17 bomber over Michigan
- Flying with the U.S. Navy Blue Angels
- Traveling on a 10-day expedition to the rainforest of Peru with Dr. Bob Ballard who discovered the Titanic
- Participating in 10-day expedition to top of Mt. Kilauea in Hawaii with Dr. Bob Ballard
- Chasing storms and tornadoes in Oklahoma and Texas
- Living and studying for 1-month in Israel and Jordan
- Swimming with lemon sharks in an enclosed tank
- Witnessing up close a water spout on the Caribbean Sea
- Leading trips to the Holy Land
Do Good
Don’t let self doubt or the world creep in and tell you that you can’t do something. You can change the world.
The links listed below represent various charitable organizations that I have experience with over time. I have seen first hand tireless, serving hearts accomplish such great things.
Let’s do good things.
Back the idea that no senior should ever go hungry.
Meals on Wheels Western Oakland and Livingston County
Support professional, non-profit theatre in southeast Michigan.
Tipping Point Theatre
Support a national non-profit in our backyard providing information and research for autoimmune diseases.
The American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association
Serve those who serve us with a welcoming place of respite for traveling military, veterans and their families.
Freedom Centers, Detroit Metro Airport
