Chasing Bandos UrbEx Podcast

The host of Chasing Bandos Podcast met today's guest Dmitrii Negrutsa in the canteen building of the former Soviet mining settlement known as Pyramiden. Pyramiden is situated on the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard and stands as one of the few remaining authentic Soviet ghost towns in the world.

The host was immediately struck by Dmitrii's eloquence and welcoming nature when they met during a visit to Pyramiden with a group of fellow explorers.

During the episode, Dmitrii provides a wealth of information about Pyramiden, offering a vivid picture of life in this abandoned mining settlement. He delves into the realities of Russian presence on Norwegian soil, he clarifies if polar bear threat is real, how the region has transformed since the Ukrainian-Russian war, and what it was like living in Pyramiden from a miner's perspective during the Soviet era.

Additionally, Dmitrii shares his impressions of the group of urban explorers who ventured to Pyramiden. This episode presents a fascinating and unique perspective on the historic and enigmatic ghost town of Pyramiden, as well as the experiences of those who explore it today.

Links / Social Media: 

Instagram: dmitrii_negrutsa and goarctica

Website: goarctica.com

Chasing Bandos Podcast is available on chasingbandospodcast.com or your favourite podcasting app. Check out the pictures of our guest on Instagram at chasingbandospod. 

You can get in contact by email: [email protected] 

Support us by purchasing Abandoned China book - fascinating journey into incredible abandoned locations all over China!

Why 'urbex explorers' don't share exact locations here: gregabandoned.com/urbex

Intro song is Watcha Gon' Do is performed by Chris Shards [EPIDEMIC SOUND MUSIC LICENSE]. Rapid fire round background songs are: Greaser by TrackTribe and a tune composed by New Jersey explorer dragonboyac. 

Listnerer discretion announcement at the beginning of the episode was done by Adrian Wunderler-Selby.

In this episode of the Chasing Bandos Urbex Podcast, a panel of four Australian urban explorers—Jims, Trespvss, Steak, and Mariachi — engage in a lively discussion on various urban exploration-related topics.

They start by sharing their experiences dealing with homeless people and scrappers commonly encountered in abandoned buildings. The explorers consider strategies for managing these encounters and the challenges they pose.

The panel then delves into the topic of protection for urban explorers, debating the necessity of carrying personal safety equipment while exploring abandoned places. Safety concerns and preparedness are key points of discussion.

Another topic explored is the potential need for rules, guidelines, or a code of ethics within the urban exploration community. The panel debates the advantages and challenges of creating and enforcing such standards.

The ethical dilemma of taking items from abandoned locations is also addressed, with the explorers sharing their perspectives on whether this practice is akin to rehoming or simply stealing.

Adapting behavior when traveling to different regions, countries, or cultures is discussed, highlighting the impact of local customs and laws on the explorers' approach.

The panel debates whether it is acceptable for urban explorers to engage with the press or media about their experiences, considering the potential consequences and benefits of such interactions.

The episode wraps up with a fascinating story about an abandoned wildlife park in Australia, featuring an abandoned shark left inside a tank. 

This discussion provides a comprehensive exploration of urban exploration topics, offering insights and perspectives from experienced explorers within the Australian urbex community, but in all honesty... it's a train wreck. 

Links / Social Media: 

Instagram: Jims (jims_urbex), Steak (steak_and_titties), Mariachi (mariachi.abandoned.melbourne), Trespvss (trespvss)

Website: Jim's Urbex: jimsurbex.com

Belly Cave Podcast: listen here

Chasing Bandos Podcast is available on chasingbandospodcast.com or your favourite podcasting app. Check out the pictures of our guest on Instagram at chasingbandospod. 

You can get in contact by email: [email protected] 

Support us by purchasing Abandoned China book - fascinating journey into incredible abandoned locations all over China!

Intro song is Watcha Gon' Do is performed by Chris Shards [EPIDEMIC SOUND MUSIC LICENSE]. Quiz song Piano Score performed by Jimmy Fontanez - Media Right Productions

Listnerer discretion announcement at the beginning of the episode was done by Adrian Wunderler-Selby.

Welcome to today's episode, which is all about Pyramiden. So, what is Pyramiden? It's a former Soviet mining settlement located in the Arctic Circle on the Svalbard archipelago. This place is a ghost town, frozen in time. The Russians used to mine coal from Pyramiden, a settlement they bought from Sweden. Due to various circumstances, including an airplane disaster in 1996, the decision was made to close all operations.

Fast forward to 2007, the owners decided to embark on new operations, this time linked with tourism. This summer, I invited nine of my former podcast guests on a trip to the Arctic to experience this remarkable place — an experience that makes you feel like you've stepped back in time to the era of the Cold War. You'll have the opportunity to see what living in Soviet Russia was like, with all the relics of the past left behind.

In this podcast, we'll highlight the events of this trip and share the best moments of this adventure.

Links / Social Media: 

Instagram of our guests: Katharina mio_terriyaki, Giannis absenceoftime80 and Max max.bon

Chasing Bandos Podcast is available on chasingbandospodcast.com or your favourite podcasting app. Check out the pictures of our guest on Instagram at chasingbandospod. 

You can get in contact by email: [email protected] 

Support us by purchasing Abandoned China book - fascinating journey into incredible abandoned locations all over China!

Why 'urbex explorers' don't share exact locations here: gregabandoned.com/urbex

Intro song is Watcha Gon' Do is performed by Chris Shards [EPIDEMIC SOUND MUSIC LICENSE]. Rapid fire round background songs are: Greaser by TrackTribe and a tune composed by New Jersey explorer dragonboyac. Song from the beginning of the episode called Away was performed by Patrick Patrikios.

Listnerer discretion announcement at the beginning of the episode was done by Adrian Wunderler-Selby.

In this episode, we had a fascinating conversation with Sara Starkström, a Swedish urban explorer. She shared her journey into urbex, starting with a childhood fascination with an old farmhouse. Sara's love for underground spaces and tunnels led her to explore catacombs and underground locations. She expressed her dream of exploring Japan, where she's explored amusement parks and an untouched sanatorium.

Sara recounted a thrilling encounter with a wild boar in Spain, narrowly escaping a cliff's edge. She also talked about an asylum in Sweden, and its famous "black storm building," and a humorous encounter with unaware politicians. We discussed the legal aspects of urbex, mentioning two urbexers who got arrested for exploring a military base in Sweden.

Sara's entry into the urbex world began with the German abandoned amusement park, Spreepark, leading to the discovery of its incredible history. She also shared her experience at a boat graveyard in the Caribbean, where she went to learn how to sail.

The conversation delved into disaster sites, exploring whether they can still be considered urbex. Lastly, we wrapped up the episode with Sara's recent expedition to Svalbard Island, where she explored a frozen-in-time, abandoned former Soviet coal-mining settlement located in the Arctic Circle. Tune in to the podcast to hear these captivating stories and insights from Sara's urban exploration adventures.

Links / Social Media: 

Instagram: starkurbex_ and starkasara

Chasing Bandos Podcast is available on chasingbandospodcast.com or your favourite podcasting app. Check out the pictures of our guest on Instagram at chasingbandospod. 

You can get in contact by email: [email protected] 

Support us by purchasing Abandoned China book - fascinating journey into incredible abandoned locations all over China!

Why 'urbex explorers' don't share exact locations here: gregabandoned.com/urbex

Intro song is Watcha Gon' Do is performed by Chris Shards [EPIDEMIC SOUND MUSIC LICENSE]. Rapid fire round background songs are: Greaser by TrackTribe and a tune composed by New Jersey explorer dragonboyac. 

Listnerer discretion announcement at the beginning of the episode was done by Adrian Wunderler-Selby.

Meet Matt Lambros, an American urban explorer and photographer with a passion for abandoned theaters. Over nearly two decades, he has diligently documented decaying theaters in America and actively works to revive them. Matt collaborates with theater owners and offers photography workshops. In our interview, he emphasizes his ethical approach to access, contrasting it with less scrupulous practices in urban exploration.

We delve into the Newark's Adams Theatre incident, where Canadian explorers had a confrontation with the owners, gaining Matt's insights. Matt also shares his humorous ghost-hunting past and how he transitioned from documenting state hospitals to theaters.

Kings Theatre holds a special place for Matt, and he authored a book about it. He recalls a suspenseful encounter with a homeless individual at the theater. Matt's near-death experience at the Palace Theatre in Gary, Indiana, due to falling plaster, adds to his remarkable stories.

Matt recounts other intriguing experiences, such as a man chaining himself to save a theater, a flooded entrance at the Foxborough State Hospital, and a warning through a camera-speaker system. Our conversation reveals Matt's preparedness and touches on his trips to England and a chilling discovery of a deceased homeless person in an abandoned building. Tune in to our podcast, Chasing Bandos, for the full collection of Matt's captivating urbex adventures.

Links / Social Media: 

Website: mlambrosphotography.com

Facebook: Afterthefinalcurtain

Instagram: afterthefinalcurtain

Chasing Bandos Podcast is available on chasingbandospodcast.com or your favourite podcasting app. Check out the pictures of our guest on Instagram at chasingbandospod. 

You can get in contact by email: [email protected] 

Support us by purchasing Abandoned China book - fascinating journey into incredible abandoned locations all over China!

Why 'urbex explorers' don't share exact locations here: gregabandoned.com/urbex

Intro song is Watcha Gon' Do is performed by Chris Shards [EPIDEMIC SOUND MUSIC LICENSE]. Rapid fire round background songs are: Greaser by TrackTribe and a tune composed by New Jersey explorer dragonboyac. 

Listnerer discretion announcement at the beginning of the episode was done by Adrian Wunderler-Selby.

In this podcast episode, we introduce Rob Bryce, the owner of Northern BC Jet Boat Tours and a fearless Canadian explorer who has uncovered the enigmatic secrets of the Anyox ghost town. Rob specializes in curating unique adventures in Northern British Columbia, offering personalized boat tours to remote areas and historical ghost towns within the region.

Rob shares his unexpected journey into arranging tours to deserted and far-flung destinations, leveraging his educational background to establish connections with the proprietors of these remarkable sites. Assisting in the interview is Mike (miketheurbanexplorer - Instagram), the co-host of the episode, who compiles questions from the exploration community for Rob to answer, delving into topics ranging from unusual guests to intriguing requests.

Rob's stories resonate deeply, particularly the heartwarming account of reuniting former Anyox residents with their abandoned homes. While Rob maintains strict regulations against removing items from these sites, he makes a touching exception for former inhabitants, permitting them to take a brick from their past abode as a keepsake.

Further insights emerge as Rob describes his meticulous efforts in mapping the Anyox town, using landmarks, fire hydrants, and coordinates to pinpoint the locations of houses and streets. Drawing on his background teaching mapping and GPS courses, Rob's discovery of insurance maps provided detailed street layouts and house numbering.

Rob's captivating narrative continues as he recounts his explorations of other deserted British Columbia towns like Kitsault and Alice Arm, sharing historical anecdotes and the lasting connections he's forged with their proprietors over time. These tales offer a vivid glimpse into the allure of exploring these extraordinary locales.

Anecdotes also include an intriguing story about a former Anyox resident named John Jackson, who believed his life was in danger due to his wife's intentions. This adds a suspenseful layer to the town's history.

The episode takes a curious turn with the account of lightbulbs retrieved from the Anyox ghost town, each bearing the word 'stolen' and adding a layer of mystery to their past.

Finally, Rob reveals the widespread presence of abandoned mines in British Columbia and discusses his ongoing exploration efforts. He expresses excitement for the uncharted territory and the multitude of exploration opportunities it holds, indicating that his adventures have merely scratched the surface.

Links / Social Media: 

Website: Northern BC Jet Boat Tours

Facebook: Anyox - The Town that Got Lost

Instagram: fishnbc (Rob - today's guest), miketheurbanexplorer (Mike - today's co-host)

Youtube: RobBryce

Chasing Bandos Podcast is available on chasingbandospodcast.com or your favourite podcasting app. Check out the pictures of our guest on Instagram at chasingbandospod. 

You can get in contact by email: [email protected] 

Support us by purchasing Abandoned China book - fascinating journey into incredible abandoned locations all over China!

Why 'urbex explorers' don't share exact locations here: gregabandoned.com/urbex

Intro song is Watcha Gon' Do is performed by Chris Shards [EPIDEMIC SOUND MUSIC LICENSE]. Rapid fire round background songs are: Greaser by TrackTribe and a tune composed by New Jersey explorer dragonboyac. 

Listnerer discretion announcement at the beginning of the episode was done by Adrian Wunderler-Selby.

Welcome to another captivating episode of Chasing Bandos! In this installment, we are joined by Markus, an accomplished German urban explorer and photographer. His journey into the world of urban exploration is intricately linked with his childhood fascination with dinosaurs and the allure of Jurassic Park, which ignited his passion for uncovering the hidden stories of abandoned places.

Markus takes us on a rollercoaster of stories, each revealing the unexpected encounters and thrilling escapades that come with his explorations. From stumbling upon an unexpected guest, a horse, during one of his adventures – which left a rather memorable deposit behind – to the astonishing recovery of a lost wedding ring inside an abandoned building, his tales are both hilarious and heartwarming.

But the adventure doesn't stop there. Markus shares a heart-pounding tale of narrowly escaping the clutches of the police at a Juvenile Detention Centre, only to find out later that the officers were conducting a training exercise. Another story unfolds in France, where a property owner's aggression took an unsettling turn, leading to a physical slap in the face! 

As Markus's journey takes us through abandoned palazzos in Italy, where he encountered a surprise dancing lesson and a youth rap video shoot, we gain insights into how these abandoned spaces transform into unexpected stages for various activities. Markus's recent venture into Poland led him to explore crypts filled with coffins, a chilling experience that left an indelible impression.

However, the most spine-chilling tale involves an abandoned asylum in Italy intertwined with the haunting stories of World War II. Markus discovered documents from former patients that shared a harrowing common thread. The podcast leaves you hanging in anticipation, urging you to uncover the dark secret hidden within the episode.

Markus's talent as a photographer shines through his work, which can be explored on his Instagram handle @frost.schock. Over his 15-year journey, he has passionately and meticulously captured the essence of abandoned locations across Europe.

So, get ready to be enthralled by Markus's stories, his passion for urban exploration, and the remarkable sites he's encountered on his adventures. Tune in to this episode of the Chasing Bandos Podcast and immerse yourself in a world of intrigue, adventure, and the unexpected!

Links / Social Media: 

Instagram: frost.schock

Chasing Bandos Podcast is available on chasingbandospodcast.com or your favourite podcasting app. Check out the pictures of our guest on Instagram at chasingbandospod. 

You can get in contact by email: [email protected] 

Support us by purchasing Abandoned China book - fascinating journey into incredible abandoned locations all over China!

Why 'urbex explorers' don't share exact locations here: gregabandoned.com/urbex

Intro song is Watcha Gon' Do is performed by Chris Shards [EPIDEMIC SOUND MUSIC LICENSE]. Rapid fire round background songs are: Greaser by TrackTribe and a tune composed by New Jersey explorer dragonboyac. 

Listnerer discretion announcement at the beginning of the episode was done by Adrian Wunderler-Selby.

In this episode, we have the privilege of welcoming Lana Sator, a remarkable Russian urban explorer, photographer, and blogger. During the interview, Lana courageously shares the harrowing events that unfolded during her time in Albania, shedding light on her arrest, detention, and the nine months she spent in an Albanian prison. Additionally, she candidly discusses the unjust solitary confinement she endured.

With great detail, we explore the step-by-step accounts of what transpired on that fateful day at the abandoned Gramsh factory. Despite her challenging circumstances, Lana has been ordered to remain in Albania with her passport confiscated until the investigation concludes. Moreover, she has applied for refugee status due to baseless charges she faces in her native Russia, making returning there impossible.

Nevertheless, Lana's unwavering optimism and positivity throughout these hardships serve as a true inspiration to urban explorers everywhere. Join us as we delve into Lana Sator's extraordinary journey, providing insights into her resilience and the indomitable human spirit.

How to help LANA: Support Lana

Links / Social Media: 

Instagram: lanasator

Lana's blog: lana-sator.livejournal.com

Chasing Bandos Podcast is available on chasingbandospodcast.com or your favourite podcasting app. Check out the pictures of our guest on Instagram at chasingbandospod. 

You can get in contact by email: [email protected] 

Support us by purchasing Abandoned China book - fascinating journey into incredible abandoned locations all over China!

Why 'urbex explorers' don't share exact locations here: gregabandoned.com/urbex

Intro song is Watcha Gon' Do is performed by Chris Shards [EPIDEMIC SOUND MUSIC LICENSE]. Rapid fire round background songs are: Greaser by TrackTribe and a tune composed by New Jersey explorer dragonboyac. 

Listnerer discretion announcement at the beginning of the episode was done by Adrian Wunderler-Selby.

Get ready for an action-packed episode of the Chasing Bandos Urbex Podcast, featuring the incredible stories and insights of our guest, Dave dnf.n. As a seasoned explorer, Dave takes us on a thrilling journey through his UrbEx adventures and shares some valuable lessons along the way.

From a young age, Dave's fascination with exploring was ignited by living near an abandoned hospital. For him, it was all about the thrill of adventure and finding a way into these intriguing spaces, without worrying about the legal implications.

Dave prides himself on being an authentic explorer, avoiding popular Instagram spots and instead seeking out hidden gems that few have ever seen. He emphasizes the importance of true exploration, relying on his instincts rather than relying on maps or prior information about a location.

One of Dave's specialties is exploring power plants, making him a prolific figure on social media. He highlights the unique and unseen aspects of these industrial sites, noting that they are rarely accessible to the general public unless you work there.

During our conversation, Dave opens up about the arguments within the UrbEx community and how he has grown personally, moving past the petty disputes and focusing on his own journey. He encourages others to do the same, reminding us all that exploration is a personal endeavor and should be enjoyed without unnecessary drama.

We also touch on the topic of acceptable methods to gain access to buildings and the importance of being mindful of what we share on social media. Dave discusses the concept of risk versus reward and the need to strike a balance between sharing our experiences and protecting the integrity of the locations we explore.

In addition to Dave's own adventures, we dive into a range of topics, including his court case for trespassing, the love of exploring with the legendary Bill Finan, and an unforgettable incident involving a dead body in an abandoned home.

Throughout the episode, Dave's passion for UrbEx shines through, and he leaves us with valuable insights and thrilling tales that will leave you wanting more. Join us as we embark on this captivating journey with Dave, the bro who knows a spot.

Links / Social Media: 

Instagram: dnf.n

Chasing Bandos Podcast is available on chasingbandospodcast.com or your favourite podcasting app. Check out the pictures of our guest on Instagram at chasingbandospod. 

You can get in contact by email: [email protected] 

Support us by purchasing Abandoned China book - fascinating journey into incredible abandoned locations all over China!

Why 'urbex explorers' don't share exact locations here: gregabandoned.com/urbex

Intro song is Watcha Gon' Do is performed by Chris Shards [EPIDEMIC SOUND MUSIC LICENSE]. Rapid fire round background songs are: Greaser by TrackTribe and a tune composed by New Jersey explorer dragonboyac. 

Listnerer discretion announcement at the beginning of the episode was done by Adrian Wunderler-Selby.

In this highly anticipated third annual episode of the Chasing Bandos podcast, we are join by Bill Finan as he celebrates his birthday in a unique and memorable way. This time, the episode takes a different approach as Bill is joined by a panel of three American explorers: reel-master Alex (dragonboyac), Ninja Nick (karmacula), and Ghostly Sonny (xplorewithsonny). Together, they delve into intriguing stories and address some pressing topics.

Bill begins by addressing two significant incidents from the previous year. He recounts his adventure exploring an abandoned radar base in Vermont, where he found himself unexpectedly left behind. He shares the challenges he faced during that exploration and sheds light on the lessons he learned from the experience. Additionally, he opens up about why he was uninvited to the UrbEx boxing match between Keeper and Jimmy, providing listeners with an exclusive insight into the circumstances surrounding that decision.

The episode takes a deep dive into the dichotomy between Bill's online persona and his real-life self. Bill's online presence often portrays him as a victim and manipulator who is downplaying his abilities as an explorer and creating a perception that he is the worst in the field. However, his fellow panelists, especially Sonny, express their surprise and admiration for Bill's actual skills and capabilities. They acknowledge that Bill is just as competent as any other explorer, debunking the misconceptions perpetuated by his online persona.

One of the crucial topics discussed during the episode revolves around Bill's Discord group. The panel engages in a thought-provoking conversation about the controversial practice of sharing location information with others. Nick raises a valid concern about how copper thieves exploit Bill's Discord platform to locate and steal valuable metals from abandoned places, resulting in the degradation of these sites. This discussion sparks reflection on the responsibilities that come with sharing information within the exploration community.

What begins as a sort of intervention for Bill's self-perception and online persona ultimately transforms into a positive reflection on his growth as an explorer. The episode concludes on a heartwarming note as the Chasing Bandos Podcast family extends their heartfelt birthday wishes to Bill.

Tune in to this remarkable episode to delve into the adventures, introspection, and discussions that make Chasing Bandos a captivating exploration podcast.

Links / Social Media: 

Instagram: concrete_urbex (Bill), dragonboyac (Alex), karmacula (Nick), xplorewithsonny (Sonny)

Chasing Bandos Podcast is available on chasingbandospodcast.com or your favourite podcasting app. Check out the pictures of our guest on Instagram at chasingbandospod. 

You can get in contact by email: [email protected] 

Support us by purchasing Abandoned China book - fascinating journey into incredible abandoned locations all over China!

Why 'urbex explorers' don't share exact locations here: gregabandoned.com/urbex

Intro song is Watcha Gon' Do is performed by Chris Shards [EPIDEMIC SOUND MUSIC LICENSE]. Rapid fire round background songs are: Greaser by TrackTribe and a tune composed by New Jersey explorer dragonboyac. 

Listnerer discretion announcement at the beginning of the episode was done by Adrian Wunderler-Selby.