Exit Point

This installment of Exit Point was pulled from the archives, where it was never intended to end up. In this episode Laurent Frat sits down with the globally notorious BASE jumper and locally legendary Australian BASE Association leader known by his fitting moniker, Feral.

This is the second part in a multi-part series examining the life and death of jumper Mathew Kenney. Part 1 can be found on episode #56 with Jeff Shapiro. In this installment, Matt Blank sits down with veteran BASE jumper Jill Kuzman to discuss her BASE jumping journey alongside Mat and how she views their adventure after his addition to the BASE fatality list.

This was supposed to be the second installment of a series following the career of Wingsuit BASE jumper Kate "Compton" Escott, but instead it has become the last in this series. This episode was recorded a month before she lost her life while wingsuit BASE jumping and aimed to cover her transition from up-and-coming amateur to true professional. You can listen to her first interview with us by scrolling back to episode 33. This episode was released with the love and support of her family and friends and features her mentor Jeff Weatherall at the close of the episode.

In this episode, we explore the critical topic of mental health, particularly within the context of high-risk sports. Sara Pendlebury, a registered psychotherapist from Chamonix Therapy discusses with Laurent Frat the unique challenges faced by athletes in high risk-sports. They cover a range of topics including the impact of grief, the importance of self-regulation, and the role of community. Sarah shares practical advice on navigating mental health issues, the therapeutic benefits of awe and beauty, and how to approach individuals who may be taking excessive risks. If you're involved in BASE jumping or simply interested in mental health, this episode offers valuable insights and actionable tips. - How to reach Sara: https://www.chamonixtherapy.com - Book recommended: Awe: The Transformative Power of Everyday Wonder Paperback – 4 Jan. 2024 by Prof. Dacher Keltner - Resource on suicide: https://www.stayingsafe.net/ - Research on male suicide (Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/male_suicide_research/ - Public guides to academic studies: malesuicideresearch.com/resources/ This independent project is only possible with the support of our listeners. You can contribute by visiting: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/exitpointsupport Exit Point For more info visit exitpointpodcast.com Host: Laurent Frat Sound: Mark Stockwell / Laurent Frat Music credit: Staccato Strings by Andreas Beats

In this episode, Laurent sits down with Dante Wardlaw, a multidisciplinary air sports athlete. Their discussion covers Dante's journey from early exposure to skydiving and paragliding, to becoming a full-time professional. Dante shares insights into his rigorous but fun training schedule, his constant quest for improvement, and the delicate balance between humility and confidence. They also discuss the mental and technical aspects of various air sports, stunts vs. sport, the importance of understanding gear, and the power of reflection. This independent project is only possible with the support of our listeners. You can contribute by visiting: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/exitpointsupport Exit Point For more info visit exitpointpodcast.com Host: Laurent Frat Sound: Mark Stockwell / Laurent Frat Music credit: Staccato Strings by Andreas Beats

In this episode I’m Matt Blank speaks with Peyton Malesovas. In an attempt to start bridging the gap between the gray hairs and the youngbloods, she’s agreed to come on and share her perspective about getting into BASE jumping and becoming an "intermediate". They address imposter syndrome, early onset sendiness and she sheds light on the big-picture questions of how we keep the BASE jumping community progressing and avoid the mistakes made by the former generations. This independent project is only possible with the support of our listeners. You can contribute by visiting: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/exitpointsupport Exit Point For more info visit exitpointpodcast.com Host: Laurent Frat Sound: Mark Stockwell / Laurent Frat Music credit: Staccato Strings by Andreas Beats

In this episode, Laurent sits down with Jon Devore. Jon is a professional skydiving stuntman, aerial stunt coordinator, and captain of the Red Bull Air Force team. This episode is rich with insights and full of contrast. From his beginnings as an educator, to pioneering freeflying, to doubling as Johnny Utah in the Point Break remake - Jon shares how teamwork, and dedicated training were vital to his accomplishments. Jon also discusses the delicate balance of humility and excellence, and how crucial both are to his success and the sport as a whole. In contrast to his many amazing accomplishments, Jon shares some very personal stories such as the loss his teammate Eli Thompson, his recent near-fatal speed flying accident, and the immense physical and mental hurdles he had to overcome and still deals with daily. Finally, John gives us a glimpse into the future of the Red Bull Air Force and the rigorous process of integrating a new team member. Our conversation offers a deep dive into the mind of one of air sports' most accomplished figures. This independent project is only possible with the support of our listeners. You can contribute by visiting: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/exitpointsupport Exit Point For more info visit exitpointpodcast.com Host: Laurent Frat Sound: Mark Stockwell Music credit: Staccato Strings by Andreas Beats

In this episode, host Matt Blank pulls over with Anne Helliwell to get a look into the renaissance era of BASE jumping. An integral part of creating BASE specific equipment, Anne pioneered and invented a substantial portion of the techniques and technology BASE jumpers use today. She’s been an active jumper for close to four decades, leading and participating in jumps all over the world. We touch on everything from the innovation process for the first BASE specific equipment, to what it was like for her to learn how to BASE jump when they were still inventing the rules. By all accounts, Anne is a living legend of the sport who’s narrative gives helpful context for anyone who is pursuing BASE jumping.

In this episode, Laurent sits down with Tomic, an expert wingsuit BASE jumper, skydiving and tunnel coach. They cover his journey, strategies, and philosophies. Tomic shares his approach to both teaching and executing technical jumps, the importance of mindset, and how he combines intense training, and athletic preparation with creative expression. He also reflects on his acceptance of the inherent risks of being at the sharp end of the world's most dangerous sport. This independent project is only possible with the support of our listeners. You can contribute by visiting: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/exitpointsupport Exit Point For more info visit exitpointpodcast.com Host: Laurent Frat Sound: Mark Stockwell Music credit: Staccato Strings by Andreas Beats

In this episode Matt Blank sits down with Joe Lohmuller in his home in Moab, Utah to talk about Joe’s journey from a life of self-destruction to one seeking self-actualization. This episode covers everything from substance abuse to terrain flying tactics as we dive into Joe’s progression toward the cutting-edge of wingsuit BASE jumping. Joe’s perspective and story not only provide valuable insights for anyone considering risking their life to fly today’s epic alpine lines, but also provides a clear window into understanding how and why a healthy human engages in such a risky practice. This independent project is only possible with the support of our listeners. You can contribute by visiting: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/exitpointsupport Exit Point For more info visit exitpointpodcast.com Producers: Laurent Frat, Mark Stockwell, Matt Blank Host: Matt Blank Sound: Mark Stockwell Music credit: Staccato Strings by Andreas Beats

In #57 Laurent Frat sits down with Peter Salzmann, an Austrian wingsuit pilot who recently set world records in BASE jumping with his innovative wingsuit foil. They cover Peter's career as a paragliding instructor, stuntman, and professional wingsuit pilot. Peter shares his early beginnings from jumping off the roof of his house as a child to what it feels like to fly the foil. Some highlights are their discussion about the importance of balancing risk with the exhilarating freedom of BASE, wingsuit start performance, and the technical details of his record-breaking flight that spanned nearly six minutes over 12.5 kilometers. Whether you're a seasoned BASE jumper or just curious about innovation in extreme sports, this episode offers valuable insights into the mind and methods of one of the world's top action adventure athlete. This independent project is only possible with the support of our listeners. You can contribute by visiting: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/exitpointsupport Exit Point For more info visit exitpointpodcast.com Producers: Laurent Frat, Matt Blank, Mark Stockwell Host: Laurent Frat Music credit: Staccato Strings by Andreas Beats

Laurent sits down with Jeff Shapiro to share the profoundly personal and emotional experience of leading a fatality recovery from a remote wingsuit accident. Jeff provides a vivid recount of the technical challenges and emotional weight faced bringing the body of Mat Kenney home, while reflecting on the deep bonds within the BASE jumping community. Their conversation explores the balance between ambition and caution, the importance of camaraderie, and how personal adversities reshape perspectives in high-risk sports. This episode offers a poignant insight into human resilience and the powerful connections formed through shared intense experiences. This independent project is only possible with the support of our listeners. You can contribute by visiting: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/exitpointsupport Exit Point For more info visit exitpointpodcast.com Producers: Laurent Frat, Mark Stockwell, Matt Blank Host: Laurent Frat Sound: Mark Stockwell Music credit: Staccato Strings by Andreas Beats

In this episode of Exit Point, Laurent sits down with David Laffargue. Their conversation goes unfiltered as they have a gritty, candid exchange that attempts to strip away some of the unspoken elements of greed to reveal the sport’s raw truths. They tackle everything from the temptations of shortcuts in training to redefining ‘cool’ by prioritizing safety and longevity. Whether you’re a seasoned jumper or just BASE curious, this episode will have you nodding in agreement or seething with outrage. Either way, this episode invites you to challenge your personal risk reward balance, while reminding you that the best jump is always your next.

In this episode, hosts Laurent Frat and Matt Blank step outside the realm of BASE jumping to gain valuable insights from Gavin McClurg, the host of Cloudbase Mayhem and a celebrated figure in the paragliding world. Gavin, a former Red Bull X-Alps pilot and National Geographic Adventurer of the Year, shares his journey from ski racing to paragliding, offering lessons that resonate across high-risk sports. The discussion covers the importance of SIV training, the dangers of intermediate syndrome, and the crucial role of mentorship in extreme sports. Gavin also delves into maintaining passion and sustainability in high-risk activities and the value of community support. -This independent project can only survive with the support of our listeners. You can contribute by visiting: support Exit Point For more info visit exitpointpodcast.com Producers: Laurent Frat, Matt Blank, Mark Stockwell Host: Matt Blank Sound mixing: Mark Stockwell Music credit: Staccato Strings by Andreas Beats

In this episode, Matt Blank interviews Jacob Gardner, a renowned BASE jumper and equipment manufacturer. Jacob delves into his journey as a parachute rigger, the challenges and learning curve he faced, and how understanding gear transformed fear into fun. The discussion covers the evolution of BASE canopy manufacturing, the importance of equipment maintenance, and the trade-offs between different materials and designs. They highlight the balance between action and technical knowledge in BASE jumping, emphasizing the significance of self-reliance and passing down traditions. Jacob's passion for improving the safety and performance of BASE gear is evident as he shares insights on innovations and his vision for his company, Magic Backpacks. Please support this independent project by visiting: support Exit Point For more info visit exitpointpodcast.com Producers: Laurent Frat, Matt Blank, Mark Stockwell Host: Matt Blank Sound mixing: Mark Stockwell Music credit: Staccato Strings by Andreas Beats

In this episode, Matt records with Sean Devlin who comes on to share his perspective on wingsuit progression, using data driven analysis to enhance performance and the importance of water training in the BASE environment. Devlin has built an impressive career outside of BASE jumping as a risk analyst in the financial tech world as well as compiled an impressive wingsuit resume traveling the world to jump both to compete and adventure. He's a multi-sport instructor with several accreditations in both water and air sports and holds several world records in a few outrageously fun categories. We dive into navigating the BASE jumping world as both an outsider and a community resource as Devlin shares some stories about the mistakes and successes of his journey off the exit point. Please support this independent project by visiting: support Exit Point For more info visit exitpointpodcast.com Producers: Laurent Frat, Matt Blank, Mark Stockwell Host: Matt Blank Sound mixing: Mark Stockwell Music credit: Staccato Strings by Andreas Beats