Skating Across America for Sobriety and Purpose
In this week’s Team Never Quit episode, Marcus and Melanie are joined by the incredible Chad Caruso — a skateboarder, YouTuber, and Guinness World Record holder who skated 3,000 miles across America in just 57 days, from Venice Beach, CA to Virginia Beach, VA.
Chad didn’t just break records — he used this cross-country journey to raise money for Natural High, a nonprofit youth drug prevention program, and to share his powerful story of overcoming addiction and injury. Skateboarding became more than a passion — it became a lifeline, helping Chad find sobriety, resilience, and purpose.

In this episode Chad shares about:
•His record-setting skate across the U.S.
•What pushed him to keep going — physically, mentally, and emotionally
•How skateboarding saved his life
•His work raising awareness for addiction and mental health
•The creation of his book, “Pushing Through America”
•What’s next in his mission to inspire and uplift others

Chad’s journey is one of grit, growth, and giving back. Whether you're a skater, in recovery, or just need a push to chase your own goals — this episode is for you.

Follow Chad on Instagram: @chad_caruso
Check out his book: Pushing Through America

In This Episode You Will Hear:
• I’ve been skateboarding for a little over 25 years. That’s really all I’ve devoted my life to. (3:19)
• I definitely recommend finishing school. (5:36)
• It doesn’t happen overnight. You go to a party here, a party there. Then you’re 26, 28. The habit thing. I didn’t want to be a part of the system. I was just all about rebelling. (7:40)
• That was the real turning point [when facing jail time] I had to look around and say “Alright, what are you doin?” (10:02)
• [I got into the Guinness Book of World Records] It was this year. (13:30)
• It’s nice to get the pat on the back, but ultimately, it was about much more than that. It was about giving up the drinking, focusing on something positive. I did the Skate Across America to raise money for charity. (13:40)
• When you’re at the start line it’s all fun. Everyone’s there filming, talking, it’s exciting. Then you push off, and then a couple of miles in, you’re like “Oh, I’m gonna be doing this for the next 2 months. (18:32)
• [I completed the entire distance with] 1 board; I didn’t change the wheels or the bearings, or anything. (23:56)
• Even if it’s way slower than you normally go, if you keep treading that ground, you’re gonna make it there. (28:55)
• I figured out that if I skate head-on to trucks, like tractor trailers; they’re coming at me at 70 mph. If I made myself seen, I could take over the whole lane. So, I would basically play chicken with them, and wave them out of the way. (30:14)
• [At the finish] The mayor put his hand up for a high five. I skated right past him, I didn’t even notice. (35:23)
• “If you keep pushing, you’re gonna get there.” (36:17)
• When you’re out there alone for so many hours, all the noise of society and people’s opinions kinda fades away. (36:26)
• When you’re left to yourself, you realize how simple life is. (36:35)
• Quitting drinking and focusing on my hobby turned my life around. (41:34)
• Whatever you’re most interested in or gets you excited – just pursue that. (41:52)
• If I can help to make this life a little bit better, that’s a win. (47:41)

Socials:
  - Chad's Website: https://chadcaruso.com/?srsltid=AfmBOop-itFsFDe1VaizcL5bdyRpDn-edp0YecWQ-SdGcoBmGKkCH3lo
  - Chad's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChadCaruso
  - Chad's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chad_caruso/?hl=en
  - Chad's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chadcaruso

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