On June 4, 1987, Dr. Mae Jemison was one of 15 selected for the prestigious NASA’s astronaut training program. On September 12, 1992, Jemison flew into space with six other astronauts aboard the Endeavour on Mission STS47, becoming the first African-American woman in space.

At just 16 years old, Jemison attended Stanford University and studied chemical engineering and Afro-American Studies. After graduating Cornell University medical school, she managed the entire health care program for the Peace Corps working in Cambodian refugee camps and in West Africa – BUT Mae couldn’t let go of her burning desire to go into space.

A cold call to a receptionist at the Johnson Space Center changed all that. Mae Jemison was about to make history.

Ben Cornell is the ultimate wingman. In 2009, he and Phil Keoghan rode their bikes across America and then five years later, Ben agreed to join Phil on another crazy adventure … retracing the 1928 Tour de France. Side by side, they covered an average of 150 miles a day over 22 days on original 1928 bikes which had no gears and marginal brakes.

Ben is a Physical Therapist, college professor and a pretty impressive athlete. He has completed 4 IRONMAN competitions, celebrated his 40th birthday by running 40 miles and five years later celebrated his 45th birthday by running 45k. Recently, Ben ran a Grand Canyon rim-to-rim-to-rim run in 100+ degree heat.

Ben is not one to brag about any of his adventures, so when Phil asked him to be a guest his podcast Ben said “I’m not an astronaut, big wave surfer, National Geographic explorer, undercover journalist or sports model”. Phil replied, “that’s true, but you share the same amazing qualities -- you ditch the excuses and see obstacles as opportunities”.

In this entertaining and inspiring interview, Ben shares what it is that pushes him beyond the comfort zone and into new and exciting adventures.

Selema “Sal” Masekela is the voice of action sports. He is best known for his work presenting NBC’s Red Bull Signature Series and ESPN’s Summer and Winter X Games as well as working as a National Geographic correspondent. Sal is also a journalist, producer, and musician. He is the son of the late great Jazz icon Hugh Ramapolo Masekela, who’s entire life was the definition of activism and resistance. Hugh Masekela stood for justice, freedom, and equality for all. It was Hugh Masekela’s deep seeded beliefs that lead to one of the greatest adventures of Sal’s life – going on the road for 3 months as a roadie, during a controversial trip to South Africa in the midst of Apartheid for the Paul Simon Graceland Tour.

Sal has broken many stereotypes throughout his life and career and through it all, he remains true to himself. Standing up on a surfboard in the whitewash close to shore for the very first time may not sound like a life changing moment for a man known as the voice of action sports, but for this X Games host, it was as extreme for him as anything he had ever covered on television. Sal tossed aside preconceived notions about who belongs where, what boundaries and stereotypes might exist in action sports, and he pursued his new passion with reckless abandon. His goal is to inspire teens, who are the most vulnerable, to believe in themselves through action sports.

In this humorous and insightful interview, Sal shares the lessons he learned from his parents and how he believes that by staying true to himself, he was able to open doors he never thought possible.

Mariana van Zeller is an award-winning journalist who’s been on assignment for the past 15 years covering stories about the war in Iraq, the sex slave trade, opioid abuse, drug cartels and illegal immigration. Often working undercover and in the most dangerous situations a journalist could find themselves in. Mariana has been chased by knife wielding insurgents, harassed by gang members and attacked by flesh eating bacteria – and has survived it all.

Paul de Gelder a native Australian, turned his life around at the age of 20. Following his

turbulent years as an out of control teenager he joined the military. First as an elite Army

Paratrooper and 5 years later became a highly skilled Clearance Diver with the Australian Navy.

No amount of elite training could have prepared him for what he would encounter during a

seemingly routine counterterrorism training exercise. Moments after plunging into the harbor,

Paul feels a massive hit at the back of his leg. Turning to investigate, he finds himself looking

directly into the eyes of a 600 pound Bull Shark whose razor-sharp teeth are partially embedded

into his arm and leg. Suddenly the unthinkable happens, the shark bites down.

In this raw and emotional interview, Paul shares his incredible story, how he fought through

excruciating physical and mental pain, and proves that one man’s ability to Improvise, Adapt

and Overcome is so much more than just a mantra, it is Paul’s life story.

Thirteen Days, Cocktail, No Way Out, The Bounty, Species, Dante’s Peak, The November Man, The Bank Job and The World’s Fastest Indian -  Australian born director Roger Donaldson’s resume is overflowing with big budget Hollywood movies starring A-list actors like Kevin Costner, Pierce Brosnan, Gene Hackman, Tom Cruise, Anthony Hopkins and Robin Williams to name just a few.

Roger Donaldson’s success as a director derives from a unique combination of tenacity, hard work, serendipity, loveable cheekiness, and a passion for storytelling. Roger is also a big fan of incorporating his love of speed and racing into his films.

Roger’s string of well known Hollywood movies spans almost 35 years, but many don’t know that  it was his love for New Zealand that kick-started his career. His continues to be drawn to the bottom of the world to tell the stories of unlikely heroes and local legends like Burt Munroe, a motorcycle land speed record holder, depicted in The World’s Fastest Indian --  a critically acclaimed movie that almost never made it to the big screen.

Gabrielle Reece, who is married to legendary big wave surfer Laird Hamilton, is a fitness icon, model, bestselling author, and former professional beach volleyball player. She is Nike’s first female spokesperson and the first female athlete they called on to design a women’s shoe.

Gabby is the true definition of strength and beauty. Her message, particularly to women, is clear: stand tall, be proud, and stop being your own worst enemy. Embrace your imperfections and less than perfect life, be as fit and healthy as you can, and if your foot is too darn big for the proverbial glass slipper then so be it!

In this refreshingly candid and honest interview, Gabby shares the things she has learned raising children, her experiences growing up as a very tall woman, and talks about what marriage with one of the world’s greatest athletes is like.

Warning: episode contains an instance of swearing. May not be appropriate for small children.

Dr. Albert Lin is a National Geographic explorer, engineer, and technologist who has a brilliant talent for storytelling. Described by many as the “21st-Century Indiana Jones”, his engineering background, coupled with his unending curiosity and thirst for adventure, allow him to combine modern technology with the world of exploration in order to uncover some of history’s best kept secrets. It is this unique skill set that allowed him to lead the first ever western team on an archaeological search for Genghis Khan’s tomb in a sacred area called Ikh Khorig, or “The Great Taboo”, in Mongolia.

In this podcast, Albert takes us on a journey into the harrowing moments that surrounded his exploration into Ikh Khorig and explains the importance of understanding Genghis Khan’s legacy. Additionally, Albert describes how he was able to make crowdsourcing an incredibly effective and ground-breaking archaeological tool by giving millions of people online the power to help with the exploration in real time. Most significantly, Albert illuminates why it’s critical to be curious, explore, and seek knowledge of the human experience and world at large.

Albert’s character is built on grit, determination, and extreme effort. He lost a leg in a horrific 4WD accident last year, but was skiing on his new prosthetic leg and back on National Geographic assignments just weeks later. Also a family man, Albert seeks to pass on his own inquisitive nature and adventurous spirit to his two young boys.

"We have to decide why progress is important. Is it to create things that could make us obsolete, or is it to create tools to help us become more human?"-Albert Lin

Warning: episode contains an instance of swearing. May not be appropriate for small children.

Dr. Albert Lin is a National Geographic explorer, engineer, and technologist who has a brilliant talent for storytelling. Described by many as the “21st-Century Indiana Jones”, his engineering background, coupled with his unending curiosity and thirst for adventure, allow him to combine modern technology with the world of exploration in order to uncover some of history’s best kept secrets. It is this unique skill set that allowed him to lead the first ever western team on an archaeological search for Genghis Khan’s tomb in a sacred area called Ikh Khorig, or “The Great Taboo”, in Mongolia.

In this podcast, Albert takes us on a journey into the harrowing moments that surrounded his exploration into Ikh Khorig and explains the importance of understanding Genghis Khan’s legacy. Additionally, Albert describes how he was able to make crowdsourcing an incredibly effective and ground-breaking archaeological tool by giving millions of people online the power to help with the exploration in real time. Most significantly, Albert illuminates why it’s critical to be curious, explore, and seek knowledge of the human experience and world at large.

Albert’s character is built on grit, determination, and extreme effort. He lost a leg in a horrific 4WD accident last year, but was skiing on his new prosthetic leg and back on National Geographic assignments just weeks later. Also a family man, Albert seeks to pass on his own inquisitive nature and adventurous spirit to his two young boys.

"We have to decide why progress is important. Is it to create things that could make us obsolete, or is it to create tools to help us become more human?"-Albert Lin

Laird Hamilton is the world’s most famous big wave rider and the co-inventor of “tow-in surfing”, a method that utilizes a jet ski to tow surfers into giant, fast moving waves that otherwise would be impossible to ride. Growing up in Hawaii, Laird became an accomplished surfer by the age of 17. His unending passion for surfing has led him to ride the biggest waves the planet has to offer in famous spots such as Pipeline, Jaws, and Teahupoo. He continues to ride big waves to this day at 54 years old. Inspired by his stepfather to see surfing as a type of art rather than a competition against others, Laird holds a unique view of what it means to find fulfillment while doing what you love.

 

In addition to creating tow-in surfing, Laird was instrumental in introducing the world to hydrofoil surfing technology and has become an advocate of stand-up paddle boarding. He is married to former professional volleyball Gabrielle Reece. They split their time between residences in Maui and in Malibu.

 

Laird takes us through a few of his gnarliest surfing stories, what drives him to always be in the ocean, and some of the philosophies that he has adapted to help him live his “BUCKiT” lifestyle.