JAWS at 50 - feat. Wendy Benchley

It’s hard to believe this summer marks the 50th anniversary of Jaws—the film that launched the summer blockbuster, introduced a then-unknown Steven Spielberg, and forever changed the way we look at the ocean… and for some of us, even swimming pools!

Beyond the suspense, the unforgettable score, and one of the best movie lines of all time—“You’re gonna need a bigger boat”—Jaws had some unintended side effects. It fueled a global fear of sharks, spiked shark tournaments, and contributed to decades of overfishing.

Today, I’m so excited to welcome someone who’s been there since the beginning—Wendy Benchley, widow of Jaws author Peter Benchley. From the writing of the book to the movie’s smashing box-office success, Wendy had a front-row seat. She has since dedicated her life to shark advocacy and ocean conservation.

Wendy is a world-renowned environmentalist, co-founder of the Peter Benchey Ocean Awards, board member of WildAid, and a Co-Executive Producer of Jaws @ 50: The Definitive Inside Story – a brand-new documentary diving into the film’s legacy.

Wendy and I talk about the powerful legacy of Jaws - not only as a film - but more importantly as a vehicle that has shown light on sharks and why they are such a critical part of our ocean’s ecosystem - one that must be advocated for and protected. Thanks in large part to her work, shark fin soup consumption in China is down an estimated 70–80%. The United Nations is now considering a resolution to protect marine life from overfishing on the high seas.

Wendy is brilliant, passionate, and a true force for change. Whether you’re a Jaws fan or simply care about the future of our oceans, this is a conversation—and a documentary—you won’t want to miss.

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