Eric Saperston

Biography

Eric Saperston is the founder and president of Journey Productions, Inc. He is instrumental in developing and executing the company’s vision and mission: "To bring people together through entertaining stories of wisdom, humor and inspiration."

Saperston was born in Chicago where he lived with his family until the age of 10 when they moved to San Diego, and he attended junior-high, high school and college. Saperston earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Speech Communications from San Diego State University, where he was also a resident advisor, president of Zeta Beta Tau Fraternity and was a member of VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America). He also earned an Associate Arts diploma from Grossmont College where he was Student Body President.

After college, Saperston bought a 1971 Volkswagen Bus, took his golden retriever Jack, and set out to follow the Grateful Dead and work a ski season in Aspen. Challenged by his mentor to make his trip more meaningful, Saperston decided to call up some of the most powerful people in the world and ask them out for a cup of coffee.

What started out as a personal journey to find the answers to life’s biggest questions—Why am I here? How can I find happiness? What is success? —quickly turned into something much bigger than he ever had imagined.

As his journey unfolded, it attracted the attention of three others: Dave Murcott, Paige O'Brien and Kathleen Kelly. They too were searching for purpose and meaning in their lives. So they quit their jobs, risked it all and jumped in the bus.

Saperston's summer vacation quickly became four people’s vocation. This team of eager travelers meandered across the country, from Atlanta, Ga., to Seattle, Wash. They bought a video camera, shot 500 hours of footage and interviewed more than 200 people in search of wisdom and inspiration from the famous and not so famous. These interviews resulted in a development deal with Walt Disney Studios, an award winning feature film, speaking engagements and a tour with a rock star.


The Journey is about four young people in search of the meaning of life. The Journey made its world debut at the 2001 South By Southwest Film Festival and was the Audience Choice Award Winner for the 25th Annual Atlanta Film & Video Festival. Since then, 20,000 people have paid to see the film at AMC Theatres in Atlanta, Ga., and Phoenix, Ariz., Loews Theatre in Washington, D.C., and The Pioneer Theatre in New York City. In addition to these theatrical runs, the film has also screened for such corporations as Coca-Cola, Fast Company and Nike.

In addition to the film, Saperston also has addressed thousands of people at conferences and events across America. He has provided keynotes, workshops, leadership seminars and interactive events and productions to organizations including the following: UC Santa Barbara, Georgia Tech, University of Oregon, University of Texas, University of Florida, UCLA, The Martin Luther King, Jr. National Conference, Coca-Cola, Fast Company, NIKE and the Americorps.


In addition to his successful speaking career, Saperston recently teamed up with Atlantic Recording Artist Edwin McCain in the critically acclaimed Do Your Thing Tour. It is one of the top collegiate tours in the country and was featured by Campus Activities Magazine as the “Best College Act of 2001.” The performance masterfully interweaves Saperston’s captivating stories with several of McCain’s Top 10 hits, including I'll Be and Just Do Your Thing. In addition to Saperston's live performances, he also is a leading author of Chicken Soup for the College Soul.

Titles

The Journey
Reflections of the Road