Exit Point

Exit Point
  • 4.9 (65)
  • AVIATION
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY
Exit Point

Welcome to Exit Point - A podcast about the advancement of BASE jumping and the exploration of its culture. Whether you‘re curious about getting into BASE, passionate about mountain sports, want to learn how top adventure athletes approach risk assessment or are even a 2000 jump expert, you‘re sure to pick up tidbits of actionable advice on best practices or gain new perspectives when you listen to Exit Point. Laurent Frat and Matt Blank draw on their experience and network of professional jumpers to gain a deeper understanding of all things BASE.

  1. OCT 29

    #56 Jeff Shapiro: recovering a fallen friend, reflecting on loss, and reshaping perspectives

    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.comProducers: Laurent Frat, Matt Blank, Mark Stockwell Host: Matt BlankSound mixing: Mark StockwellMusic credit: Staccato Strings by Andreas Beats

    1h 45m

  2. OCT 15

    #55 David Laffargue: state of BASE education, finding balance, and respecting the sport

    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.

    1h 26m

  3. SEP 24

    #54 Gavin McClurg: mentorship, flow and navigating intermediate syndrome

    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.comProducers: Laurent Frat, Matt Blank, Mark Stockwell Host: Matt BlankSound mixing: Mark StockwellMusic credit: Staccato Strings by Andreas Beats

    1h 47m

  4. AUG 5

    #53 Jacob Gardner: the art of rigging, overcoming gear fear, and Magic Backpacks

    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.comProducers: Laurent Frat, Matt Blank, Mark Stockwell Host: Matt BlankSound mixing: Mark StockwellMusic credit: Staccato Strings by Andreas Beats

    2h 2m

  5. JUL 15

    #52 Jen Jones: Bureau of Land Management, Moab Field Office Recreation Division Manager

    In this episode, Matt Lajeunesse interviews Jen Jones, the Recreation Director at the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Moab field office, who has been an integral part of the BASE jump community for over a decade. They discuss Jen's role and experiences working with BASE jumpers, managing public lands, and the unique challenges Moab faces with its 3 million annual visitors. The conversation touches on Turkey Boogie, the legality of BASE jumping on public lands, and the necessity of permits for commercial activities. Jen offers words to reassure the BASE community of BLM's openness and support while encouraging jumpers to stay informed and engaged.

    48 min

  6. JUN 3

    #51 Sean Devlin: analyzing risk, water training, and navigating BASE

    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.comProducers: Laurent Frat, Matt Blank, Mark Stockwell Host: Matt BlankSound mixing: Mark StockwellMusic credit: Staccato Strings by Andreas Beats

    2h 31m

  7. MAY 14

    #50 Katie Hansen Lajeunesse: passion, risk, and recovery

    In this episode, Laurent records with Katie Hansen Lajeunesse who is a highly accomplished air sports athlete. She is a world record holder in free flying, a multiple world record holder in wingsuiting, and an BASE jumper and swooper.  We touch on various aspects of these disciplines and the intricacies of navigating personal and professional boundaries in these extreme sports,  Katie shares some memorable jump stories, including her process of recovering from a very close brush with death. There are also elements where we critically address mentorship dynamics, particularly concerning women in the sport. We reflect on overcoming trauma, the importance of community support, and the balancing act between passion for the sport and personal well-being.Article mentioned: Surviving to Look Back Katie landing in a moving car: LINK Please support this independent project by visiting: support Exit Point For more info visit exitpointpodcast.comProducers: Laurent Frat, Matt Blank, Mark Stockwell Host: Matt BlankSound mixing: Mark StockwellMusic credit: Staccato Strings by Andreas Beats

    1h 15m

  8. APR 23

    #49 Kendrick Dane: law, advocacy and the National Parks Service vs BASE jumping

    In this episode, Laurent is joined by Kendrick Dane, a licensed attorney and BASE jumper. They explore the evolving world of BASE jumping, its legal battles, community spirit, and the pursuit of freedom through human flight. Kendrick is also General Counsel for the advocacy group BASE Access, whose mission is to preserve and open site access on public lands within the United States. Kendrick and Laurent discuss the challenges and hopes of legalizing BASE jumping in national parks, Kendrick’s journey through law and adventure sports, and the pivotal role of community and respect in advancing the future of BASE jumping. This episode is a dense discussion about the intersection of law, advocacy for our sport, and the culture war the National Park Service has waged against BASE jumping.https://baseaccessfund.org/ Please support this independent project by visiting: support Exit Point For more info visit exitpointpodcast.comProducers: Laurent Frat, Matt Blank, Mark Stockwell Host: Matt BlankSound mixing: Mark StockwellMusic credit: Staccato Strings by Andreas Beats Timestamps: 00:41 Exploring the Legal Landscape of BASE Jumping 01:01 Advocacy, Culture, and the Future of BASE Jumping 00:00 Welcome to Exit Point: Diving into BASE Jumping Culture 00:28 Meet Kendrick Dain: Attorney and BASE Jumper 01:01 The Legal Landscape of BASE Jumping in the US 03:10 Exploring the Challenges of Legalizing BASE Jumping 03:46 Kendrick's Journey: From Legal Troubles to BASE Jumping 12:35 The Evolution of BASE Jumping and Its Community 17:59 Navigating Legal Access to National Parks for BASE Jumping 32:22 The Administrative Procedures Act and Its Impact 48:52 Exploring the Wilderness Act and Its Impact 49:26 The Intricacies of Rulemaking and Executive Orders 51:29 The Role of Tenure in Federal Employment 54:48 Navigating the Legal Landscape for Base Jumping 55:03 The Struggle for Base Jumping Permits 01:01:02 Cultural Evolution and Legal Challenges in Base Jumping 01:06:19 The Path to Legalizing Base Jumping in National Parks 01:22:34 Community and Personal Motivations Behind Base Jumping 01:26:41 Legal Advice for Base Jumpers in Gray Areas 01:32:09 Closing Thoughts on the Future of Base Jumping

    1h 35m
See All (56)

4.9
out of 5
65 Ratings

About

Welcome to Exit Point - A podcast about the advancement of BASE jumping and the exploration of its culture. Whether you‘re curious about getting into BASE, passionate about mountain sports, want to learn how top adventure athletes approach risk assessment or are even a 2000 jump expert, you‘re sure to pick up tidbits of actionable advice on best practices or gain new perspectives when you listen to Exit Point. Laurent Frat and Matt Blank draw on their experience and network of professional jumpers to gain a deeper understanding of all things BASE.

Information

  • Creator
    Exit Point
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2024
  • Episodes
    56
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2021 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Exit Point

To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

Stay up to date with this show

Sign in or sign up to follow shows, save episodes, and get the latest updates.
Select a country or region

Africa, Middle East, and India

Asia Pacific

Europe

Latin America and the Caribbean

The United States and Canada