Raymond Braun | |
|---|---|
| Nationality | American |
| Alma mater | Stanford University |
| Occupation(s) | Media personality Journalist Endurance athlete Documentary filmmaker |
Raymond Braun is an American media personality, journalist, endurance athlete, and documentary filmmaker.
Braun grew up in Toledo, Ohio, a city in Northwest Ohio. Braun graduated from Stanford University cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Science, Technology, and Society and a Master of Arts in Media Studies and Journalism. [1] [2] [3] He received the J.E. Wallace Sterling Award for Scholastic Achievement from Stanford's School of Humanities and Sciences. [4]
In the documentary State of Pride , which Braun hosted and produced, he discusses how his upbringing in Ohio influenced his decision to pursue a career in media. He credits the internet and news media with exposing him to diverse stories that shaped his perspective and inspired him to study the impact of media and technology on culture at Stanford University. This interest later informed his work in content creation aimed at engaging and inspiring others. [5] [6]
Braun is an endurance athlete, journalist, and sports broadcaster. [7]
Braun has appeared as a journalist and commentator on all four major U.S. television networks—NBC, CBS, ABC, and FOX. His television appearances include segments on The Today Show, [8] Morning Joe, [9] CBS News, [10] The Tamron Hall Show, [11] Nightline, [12] and CNN. [13]
He set a world record in 2023 as the first person to complete seven triathlons on seven continents in seven consecutive days. [14] Known as the "World Triathlon Challenge," the effort aimed to raise awareness and funds for mental health programs while honoring his personal recovery journey from OCD. [15]
That same year, Braun participated in the Bosphorus Cross-Continental Swim, an open-water race organized by the Turkish Olympic Committee, where he swam from Asia to Europe. [16] [17]
Continuing his endurance pursuits, he completed the Abbott World Marathon Majors in 2024, serving as a guide for Chris Nikic, who became the first person with Down syndrome to finish all six races in the series. [18] Their journey was featured in a mini-documentary produced by the Abbott World Marathon Majors. [19]
Before his endurance sports career, Braun worked in marketing at YouTube and Google. In 2013, he developed and implemented YouTube's first LGBTQ+ marketing campaign, "#ProudToLove," which gained millions of views and widespread support. [20] He later became the LGBTQ marketing lead for Google and YouTube. [21]
In 2023, Raymond Braun hosted Fuel Something Bigger, a national tour and documentary storytelling series presented by Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson's ZOA Energy. [22] In an interview with CBS News, Braun described the series as showcasing individuals making significant contributions to their communities, alongside prominent athletes, with a focus on destigmatizing conversations around mental health. [23]
Braun is the founder and captain of the Soho House Run Club, which was recognized by the Los Angeles Times as one of the most inspiring run clubs in Los Angeles. [24] In a profile by the publication, Braun stated that his primary focus was on fostering an inclusive community rather than solely on running. [25] Membership in Soho House is not required to participate in the club, and the Los Angeles Times highlighted its efforts to be accessible to runners of varying abilities, including those with disabilities. [26] Discussing the initiative, Braun stated, "There are so many conversations happening right now about isolation and how we're in a loneliness crisis. I wanted to provide an opportunity for people to socialize and make friends." [27]
In 2019, Braun hosted and produced the documentary State of Pride , which premiered at the SXSW Film Festival. [28] The film received critical recognition, winning the GLAAD Media Award for "Outstanding Documentary" [29] and being listed by TIME as a "must-see" documentary for Pride Month. [30] For his role as host and executive producer, Braun was named the "Doc Star of the Month" for June 2019 by the International Documentary Association. [31]
Braun served as a mental health correspondent at the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, focusing on athlete well-being, sports psychology, and mental resilience. [32] His coverage featured interviews with Olympians, Paralympians, and sports figures, highlighting the psychological challenges of elite competition.
During the Games, Braun's interview with Noah Lyles at the Track & Field Press Conference gained widespread attention after Lyles candidly discussed his mental health struggles in the Olympic Village. [33] The conversation contributed to broader discussions on mental health in elite athletics.
Braun also interviewed Novak Djokovic about mental resilience and maintaining a championship mindset under pressure. The interview, released shortly before Djokovic won gold at the Games, was widely shared in sports media. [34]
In addition to his reporting, Braun participated in and covered the 2024 Paris Olympic Marathon Pour Tous, a public race held on the Olympic marathon course. While running, he conducted on-course interviews with Olympians and amateur runners, discussing their experiences, training, and motivations for taking part in the event. [35]
In 2014, Braun was recognized on Forbes 30 Under 30 in marketing and advertising. [20]
In 2015, Braun was listed on the Out 100. [36]
In 2016, Braun was again recognized as a Forbes 30 Under 30 "All Star Alumni". [37]
That same year, the Financial Times ranked Braun No. 1 on its "Power Rankings: Top 50 Future LGBT Leaders" list. [38] In the Financial Times profile, Danielle Tiedt, the CMO of YouTube, stated that Braun "left a permanent imprint" on the company's culture. [39]
In 2020, Braun received the GLAAD Media Award for "Outstanding Documentary" for State of Pride , which he executive produced and hosted. [40] That same year, he was named the "Doc Star of the Month" by the International Documentary Association. [41]
