BIOGRAPHY
E.J. “Skullcrusher” Snyder stormed his way into the Reality World the summer of 2013 on the Discovery Channel’s Hit Summer TV Series “Naked & Afraid” starring in “The Terror In Tanzania”. E.J. also appeared on TNT’s brand new TV Series “72 Hours: The Fijian Jungle” E.J. is one of the very first to appear in the same season on two different networks and two separate shows in their very first seasons! EJ was then called in, along with Laura Zerra, when three others tapped out, for "Season 2 of Naked & Afraid: Man vs Amazon!" EJ was the first Man they thought of when all the locals said that no one could survive the Amazon in these conditions. Due to his "Tough-As-Nails" Personna and Mental Toughness, Ej was brought back in once again for "Naked and Afraid XL" in the Colombian Badlands.
E.J. was born and raised in North Jersey just outside NYC. His parents divorced when E.J. was very young and was the first of several life changing events in his life that set his course of to a very adventurous life. E.J. took on the “Man of the House role” early on with his first job delivering newspapers so his mother didn’t have to buy his school clothes. E.J was a shy kid and chosen last for most sports and PE activities, as well as the target of many bullies. E.J. was driven by these very much and self-taught himself, trained very hard, and eventually became excellent at every main sport. He also took a love for self-defense and regularly studied boxing, wrestling, and eventually martial arts too. He grew up very much loving the outdoors, football, sports, boxing, and the water. He graduated HS in 1984 and joined the U.S. Army shortly after launching a very long adventure.
E.J. Snyder is a 25 year veteran of the US Army. He is a former Army Sergeant Major (E-9) with a background of leading Soldiers in Airborne and Infantry Units, ALWAYS serving in Army Ranger coded positions throughout the Army. He is renowned for ALWAYS leading from the front and by example, as is his loud and "In Your Face" style of leadership. E.J. lived by his nickname "The Skullcrusher" and always did whatever was required to complete the mission.
He is a Highly Decorated Combat Veteran of both the 1991 Gulf War and OIF (Operation Iraqi Freedom) in Iraq. He has planned and conducted a broad range of missions covering the entire operational continuum. He is most proud of his Ranger Tab, Combat Infantryman's Badge with Star, Master Parachutist Wings, Pathfinder Badge, Drill Sergeant ID Badge, and his Order of St. Maurice (Centurion) Medal.
He is a graduate of over 30 formal military schools, which include 5 levels of Leadership Academies graduating each at the top of his class with honors from the Basic through the Executive Levels. He possesses skill sets and experiences that are highly diverse. He is a graduate of the U.S. Army Ranger School (Class 11-88) where he dedicated and molded his career around the "Ranger" Way of Life. He attended Survival School in 1996. Attending this school started E.J. on a self-quest to learn as much about Survival as he could. He has tried to master as many areas in the art of Survival as possible but always seeking more. He is a school trained Tracker as well. He has over 7 years experience as a Formal Military Survival Instructor and over 20 years in Experience in all aspects of Survival, specializing in Military Survival & Self-Reliance. He has an immense love and respect for the great outdoors and is very skilled in, on, and under the water. He has a vast love and knowledge for ALL Hand to Hand Combat Arts and Weapons of all kinds.
After retiring from the U.S. Army, E.J then started a new path and adventure in life trying to figure out what to do with the 25 years of knowledge, experience, and skills. He found himself quickly in the Entertainment World trying to work as a Military Technical Adviser, Actor, Stuntman, Producer, and Writer in Hawaii during his spare time. He appeared in several local commercials on TV and the web, as well as several feature, independent, and student films. He landed his biggest part as Freighter Boat Mercenary, "Redfern", on the hit TV Series "LOST", as well as a Military Expert on The History Channel's, "Patton 360".
Retiring with his family to North Carolina, E.J. continues to pursue these same interests, but found himself actually a more interesting character to the Reality and Docu-Series World. E.J. was a Finalist (Non-Select) for both Survivor (Season 21) and Big Brother (Season 14), but was replaced at the last minute for the final cast for both shows. E.J. filmed a pilot for a Spike TV series called "The Sheriff" alongside good friend Tony Shciena.
EJ was then asked to be part of the Chiller Networks, "Can You Survive a Horror Movie" as a Military & Survival Expert. He was then asked to try out for "Dual Survival", where he caught the interest of the Discovery Channel. Thus leading E.J. to his next two adventures, TNT's "72 Hours" in episode 7, “The Fiji Jungle” and the Discovery Channel's Hit TV Series "Naked and Afraid" in “Terror In Tanzania” on the Serenghetti Plains of Tanzania, Africa. EJ is the First Man to complete the challenge! EJ is the first Man to do it twice taking on the Amazon Jungle in Peru in "Man vs Amazon!" and EJ is the ONLY MAN to complete the challenge Three Times with his most recent Adventure in "Naked and Afraid XL" spending 40 Days and 40 Nights in The Badlands of Colombia!!!
E.J. continues to work as an Independent Government Contractor training Soldiers in the Art of Surviving behind enemy lines. He is also doing Motivational Speaking & does Appearances for various Charities, Causes, Veteran & Soldier Events, and Trade Shows. He is writing several books, circulars, and articles on Survival,Mindset, Leadership, Success, and Life, and offering Independent Survival Training to small groups. He belongs to several Veterans and Military Organizations and Associations. EJ works hard supporting two Charities year round, "Michelle's Place" for Breast Cancer and "Give Kids The World Village" for kids fighting life threatening illnesses. E.J. lives and succeeds in Life and ALL his Adventures and endeavors by his motto….”Tua Sponte Superstes” which means “Survive By Your Own Will!
RESUME
Film:
You May Not Kiss the Bride Mobster Bodyguard Rob Heddon
The Informant Golfer Steven Soderbergh
REDLOVE (Indie) Gunnery Sergeant Murray (Principal) Vanderpoel Films
Outrigger Island Colonel Potter (Principal) Lifeway Bible Productions
Forgetting Sarah Marshall Tourist Nicholas Stoller
Soul Savior (Indie) Sam Hutchinson (Principal) Jeff Katts Films
Haole (Indie) Sid, John’s Father (Principal) Justin Zagri Films
2007 Boeing Future Combat Systems Sergeant Major Cobb Avalon Visual Productions
Television:
NAXL: The Dirty Dozen Return Himself, EJ “Skullcrusher” Snyder Discovery Channel
NAXL: 40 Days & Filth and Fury Himself, EJ “Skullcrusher” Snyder Discovery Channel
NAXL: 40 Days & Falling Apart Himself, EJ “Skullcrusher” Snyder Discovery Channel
NAXL: 40 Days & Sacrifice Himself, EJ “Skullcrusher” Snyder Discovery Channel
NAXL: 40 Days & Death March Himself, EJ “Skullcrusher” Snyder Discovery Channel
NAXL: 40 Days & Jungle Rich Himself, EJ “Skullcrusher” Snyder Discovery Channel
NAXL: 40 Days & Snake in the Grass Himself, EJ “Skullcrusher” Snyder Discovery Channel
NAXL: 40 Days & No Escape Himself, EJ “Skullcrusher” Snyder Discovery Channel
NAXL: 40 Days & 40 Nights Himself, EJ “Skullcrusher” Snyder Discovery Channel
NAXL: Enter The Jungle Himself, EJ “Skullcrusher” Snyder Discovery Channel
D News Segment on Mega Week Himself, EJ “Skullcrusher” Snyder Discovery Channel
Naked and Afraid: Snaketacular Himself, EJ “Skullcrusher” Snyder Discovery Channel
Naked and Afraid: Awkward & Afraid Himself, EJ “Skullcrusher” Snyder Discovery Channel
N&A: Bares All, Starvation,Snakes,Strife Himself, EJ “Skullcrusher” Snyder Discovery Channel
Naked and Afraid: Man vs Amazon Himself, EJ “Skullcrusher” Snyder Discovery Channel
Naked and Afraid: Bares All Himself, EJ “Skullcrusher” Snyder Discovery Channel
Naked and Afraid: Terror In Tanzania Himself, EJ “Skullcrusher” Snyder Discovery Channel
72 Hours: The Fijian Jungle Himself, EJ “Skullcrusher” Snyder TNT
Combat Pawn Himself, EJ “Skullcrusher” Snyder Zodiac Productions
Dual Survival (Chemistry Test) Survival Co-Host Discovery Channel
The Sheriff (Docu-Series Pilot) Himself, EJ “Skullcrusher” Snyder 5 X 5 Productions/Spike TV
Can You Survive A Horror Movie Himself, EJ “Skullcrusher” Snyder Chiller Network
Patton 360 (Episodes 1 thru 10) Himself, SGM Errol James Snyder History Channel
Big Brother 14 Finalist (Non-select) Himself, EJ “Skullcrusher” Snyder CBS
Survivor 21 Finalist (Non-select) Himself, EJ “Skullcrusher” Snyder CBS
Mc Donald’s Commercial The Luchador (Principal) Kinetic Productions
LOST Season 4 (Episodes 11 & 13) Kevin Durand’s (Body Double/Stand-In) Jack Bender/ABC
LOST Season 4, (Episode 7 thru 13) Redfern (Freighter Boat Mercenary) Jack Bender/ABC
Nighttime with Andy Bumatai Himself, SGM Errol James Snyder OC 16 Hawaii
LOST Season 3, Episode 15 US Marshal & Bar Patron Jack Bender/ABC
LOST Season 3, Episode 6 US Marshal & Wedding Guest Jack Bender/ABC
Central Pacific Bank Commercial Dad’s Friend (Principal) Kinetic Productions
KITV News (2 Spots) Himself, SGM Errol James Snyder KITV/CBS Hawaii
Web and New Media:
Hawaii GIFT Found Webmercial Skullcrusher Super Villain (Principal) Kinetic Productions
Voice Over/Radio Spots:
Venetian European Spa Commercial Himself, EJ Snyder Beasley Broadcasting
Various Radio Station ID’s Himself, EJ Snyder Beasley Broadcasting
Producer, Military/Survival Expert & Technical Adviser, Crew, & Writer:
Naked and Afraid Series Survival Tech Expert and Consultant Renegade 83/Metal Flowers Media
Dual Survival (Chemistry Test) Survival Expert & Co-Host Discovery Channel
Can You Survive A Horror Movie Military & Survival Technical Expert Chiller Network
The Sheriff (Docu-Series Pilot) Military Technical Adviser 5 X 5 Productions/Spike TV
LOST Season 4, Episodes 7 thru 13 Military Tech. Adviser (Unaccredited) Jack Bender/ABC
REDLOVE Producer Vanderpoel Films
REDLOVE Locations Manager, Military Tech Adv. Vanderpoel Films
Training:
US Army Survival School, Tracking School, Thai Ranger Jungle Survival School, Florida Ranger Instructor & SERE Instructor
Richard Futch Auditioning Seminar ----------------------------------------------------------- Richard Futch, Army Wives Casting Director
Contract Role Player with US Government play acting in realistic training scenarios (July 2009 to Present) –--NEK/ FXCS Inc.
Anna Fishburn’s Commercial & Auditioning Classes Beginner & Advanced (30 hours) ----------------- Anna Fishburn Casting
Role Playing Gig Playing Improvisational Roles for training scenarios (2,500 hours) ---- Phoenix Consulting Group/US Army
Special Skills & Hobbies:
Survival Skills, Tracking, Navigation, Military Skills, Drill Sergeant, Ranger, Sniper, Parachuting, Rappelling, Mountaineering, Weapons Expert, Leadership, Combat Expert, Hand to Hand Expert, 4 X 4 Driving, Most Sports, Weight Lifting, Avid Outdoorsman, Animal Handling, Horseback Riding, Waterman, Rafter & Canoer, Swimming, Snorkeling, Free Diving, Retired US Army Sergeant Major with 25 years and a decorated Combat Veteran of the 1991 Gulf War and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
WRITING:
So You Were Ambushed by an Emergency...Huh? Free Lance Writer Survival Quarterly Magazine
Tua Sponte Superstes Free Lance Blog Writer Survival First.com
Instinct, Experience, & Wit: the Rest of the Survival Mindset Free Lance Blog Writer Survival First.com
RADIO & PODCASTING:
Weekly Podcast Skullcrusher Survival Podcast Host Spreecast
Monthly Podcast Episode 15 Podcast Co-Host Intellectual Gentlemen's Club
Ventitian Day Spa Commercial Himself Beasley Broadcast
Multiple Station ID's Himself Beasley Broadcast
** For Any Acting, Host, or Stunt Work, Please Contact E.J.'s Agent on the Contact Page! Thanks! **
NEWS & MEDIA
ALL NEWS & MEDIA Happenings of EJ Snyder. Here you will find Press Releases, Radio Show Interviews, TV Show Interviews, News & Magazine Articles, and links to them.
TV NEWS and TALK SHOWS:
March 19, 2014 ~ CNN with Brooke Baldwin discussing Missing Malaysia Airline FLT 370.
June 26, 2013 ~ Wilmington, NC on WECT NBC Affiliate and FOX News Affiliate with Lindsay Curtain discussing Naked and Afraid.
NEWS and MAGAZINE ARTICLES:
September Issue ~ American Survival Guide Magazine featured a four page spread on EJ, his Survival Expierence on "Naked and Afraid", offered some of his Survival Tips, and his future plans.
February 24, 2014 ~ USA Today's Life Section featured EJ and his partner's picture from Naked & Afraid Season 1 and the article talks about the evolving world of reality TV and Survival Shows.
October 9 , 2013 ~ CNBC.com - Adam Molan reporting.
http://www.cnbc.com/id/101098932
October 3 , 2013 ~ United Kingdom - Four News Articles.
August 29 , 2013 ~ United Kingdom - One News Article.
July 17, 2013 ~ Fayetteville Observer featured Article "Built to Survive" by Catherine Pritchard.
http://fayobserver.com/articles/2013/07/17/1269069
Fayetteville Observer TV Announcements on July 5, 19, & 26 July of upcoming episodes.
July 8, 2013 ~ People Magazine Announcement page 36.
June 24, 2013 ~ Zap 2 It: TV by the Numbers - 4.16 Million Total Viewers Tune Into 'Naked and Afraid' Premiere on Discovery Channel
PODCAST/BLOG:
EJ Hosts his own Live Podcast on the Get Real LOL ~ Skullcruher Survival Show most Mondays from 9-11 pm EST on various survival topics, tips, and gear, as well as discussing the latest on Survival TV Shows!!! Check his Facebook Page or Twitter for the weekly links!!!
April 8, 2015 ~ Nature's Edge ~ Dale Stewart's one hour interview with EJ on Naked & Afraid, Survival, his Charity work, New Knife from TOPS the SXB, Upcoming Projects, and many other things.
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/brnradionetwork/2014/05/21/2-fat-guys-and-the-internet
May 20, 2014 ~ Two Fat Guys and the Internet.
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/brnradionetwork/2014/05/21/2-fat-guys-and-the-internet
March 14, 2014 ~ IGC Podcast Co-Host "The Intellectual Gentlemen's Club" Episode 29 Co-Hosting with Jason Abbott and talking with Forrest Gallante about his "Naked and Afraid" Experience, his adventures as a Biologist and Diver, and his future ventures.
http://intellectualgentlemensclub.com/igc-29-forrest-galante-ej-snyder/
February 25, 2014 ~ Mike Wilkerson from Blastzone Online's Blog Interview with EJ about Naked & Afraid.
December 9, 2013 ~ Holistic Survival with Jason Hartman talking about EJ's Adventures and Urban Survival.
http://www.holisticsurvival.com/hs-196-urban-survival-with-e-j-snyder/
October 16, 2013 ~ The Roman Show - Roldolfo Roman talks with EJ Snyder.
August 29, 2013 ~ IGC Pod Cast "The Intellectual Gentlemen's Club" Episode 13 with Jason and Matt Abbott talking with EJ about his recent shows, life, and inner perspectives. http://intellectualgentlemensclub.com/episode-13-e-j-snyder/
Direct download to Mp3: http://traffic.libsyn.com/igccast/Episode_13_final_cut.mp3
iTunes link: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/intellectual-gentlemens-club/id612229569
Embed code: <iframe style="border: none" src="http://html5-player.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/2452927/height/360/width/640/theme/legacy/direction/no/autoplay/no/autonext/no/thumbnail/yes/preload/no/no_addthis/no/" height="360" width="640" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen oallowfullscreen msallowfullscreen></iframe>
July 18, 2013 ~ Blog Talk Radio's Staff Picks Featured Interview on "N the Queue" with Arlene Barshinger and Mark A. Johnston and aired to 4.6 Milion Registered Listeners. http://www.blogtalkradio.com/nthequeue/2013/07/16/naked-and-afraids-ej-snyder
RADIO INTERVIEWS
June 13, 2014 ~ Fayetteville, NC on WFNC 640 AM Radio with Goldie and Jim Koch.
March 20, 2014 ~ Cleaveland Radio discussing Missing Malaysia Airline FLT 370.
March 13, 2014 ~ Fayetteville, NC on WFNC 640 AM Radio with Goldie and Jim Koch.
August 14, 2013 ~ NYC, NY on 105 Sirrius XM Sat Radio Interview on "E Weekly Live" with Jenna Morasco and Dalton Ross.
July 18, 2013 ~ Fayetteville, NC on WFNC 640 AM Radio with Goldie and Jim Koch.
July 18, 2013 ~ Florence, SC on Eagle 92.9 with Palmer and Dan E.
July 1, 2013 ~ Youngstown, OH Follow Up radio Interview on WKBN with Dan Rivers.
June 28, 2013 ~ Seven City Radio Interviews in Minneapolis, MN on WCCO with John Hines; Oklahoma City, OK on KATT with Brad; Orlando, FL on WMGF with John and Leslie; Boise, ID on KQXR with Nic and Big J; Bismark, ND on KFYR with Phil Parker; Youngstown, OH on WKBN with Dan Rivers; Medford, MT on KMED with Bill Meyer; and.......
Las Vegas, NV on KOMP with Al and Andy
http://www.komp.com/play_window.php?audioType=Episode&audioId=6438872
June 21, 2013 ~ Houston, TX WKRC 950 AM Radio Interview on "The Janine Turner Show" with Janine Turner.
June 20, 2013 ~ Chicago, Il on Howard 101 Sirrius XM Sat Radio Interview on "The Abe Kannan Show" with Abe Kannan and Dan "BASS" Levy.
