Chasing Bandos UrbEx Podcast

Welcome to the second episode of the UrbEx debate! In this episode, we have three distinguished guests: John Law, a legendary urban explorer with over 45 years of experience exploring abandoned places in San Francisco; Max Boncina, a world traveler and explorer based in New York; and Eric Holubow, an expert urban explorer from Chicago.

Throughout the episode, our guests engage in lively discussions on a range of topics related to urban exploration. They delve into controversial issues such as stealing items from abandoned places, the artistic value and legality of graffiti, the ethics and safety of breaking into abandoned sites, approaches to preserving these places, strategies for dealing with law enforcement while exploring, the merits and risks of exploring alone, encounters with dogs during exploration, the language used within the urbex community, and the rules that govern urban exploration.

John Law, with his extensive experience, brings a wealth of knowledge to the discussion, emphasizing respect for abandoned spaces and the importance of responsible exploration. Max Boncina provides a global perspective, considering cultural variations and ethical implications of different practices. Eric Holubow shares his expertise from the Chicago urban exploration scene, offering insights into legal considerations and preservation efforts.

Throughout the episode, the guests offer unique perspectives, drawing from their diverse backgrounds and experiences. Listeners gain valuable insights into the complexities of urban exploration, its impact on communities and historical sites, and the ethical considerations involved.

Tune in to this thought-provoking episode as our guests engage in passionate debates and share their wisdom, contributing to a deeper understanding of the world of urban exploration.

Links / Social Media: 

Instagram: johnwilliamlaw (John Law), eholubow (Eric Holubow), max.bon (Max Boncina)

Website: johnwlaw.com (John), ericholubow.com (Eric), maxbonphotography.com (Max)

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.

Join urban explorer and photographer Bryant Neal from Rochester, NY, as he takes us on a thrilling journey through abandoned places on the Chasing Bandos Podcast. Bryant's passion for capturing the beauty and history of decaying locations has led him to explore abandoned houses, hospitals, asylums, car graveyards, schools, movie locations, and more. In this episode, he shares his projects, engages in lively debates about urban exploration, and uncovers fascinating stories.

Since 2015, Bryant has been documenting the abandoned places of Upstate New York and other regions in the Northeastern and Midwestern USA through his Abandoned Upstate Project. His visual documentation preserves the stories of these forsaken properties for posterity, revealing their hidden histories. One such discovery is an unassuming house in Upstate New York that served as a former slave home. Bryant delves into the property's captivating past, using historical records, personal accounts, and support from current owners to shed light on its rich history. From its former occupant Colonel William Ransom to the details of a family member's printing press business, Bryant unveils the complex tapestry of this significant American heritage site.

During the interview, Bryant shares the intriguing story of "The Glass House," a modern dwelling with walls made of thick double-paned glass. Unfortunately, due to construction issues and a bitter divorce, the house remained unfinished, leaving behind a tale of unrealized potential.

Bryant also recounts his exploration of a unique abandoned Pennsylvania Railroad GG1 electric locomotive with an Art Deco design. These locomotives, produced from 1934 to 1943, were retired in 1983. Additionally, he shares his favorite exploration spot, an abandoned mental hospital, where he stumbled upon a well-preserved section containing electro-shock therapy machines and even tried some ancient crackers, with predictable results.

To wrap up the episode, Bryant shares a humorous encounter with a security guard who not only allowed him to explore but also revealed another hidden abandoned location. These are just a few of the captivating stories you'll hear on this episode. Tune in to the Chasing Bandos Podcast for an exciting conversation with Bryant Neal and delve into the world of urban exploration and the forgotten histories of abandoned places.

Links: 

Instagram: abandonedupstate

Website: abandonedupstate.com

Link to the Slave House video: over 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!

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.

Adam Slater is a British explorer from Birmingham, England. Adam has been exploring abandoned places since early 2000s. He belongs to community of urban explorers on 28dayslater.co.uk forum.

Adam explored the UK’s ‘UrbEx Holy Grail’, a nuclear bunker from the Cold War era that served as England's Central Government War Headquarters. The Cabinet Office commissioned this subterranean urban fortress during the 1950s when the West faced an imminent threat of all-out nuclear war. Although the facility was commonly referred to as a bunker, the UK government never used this term officially. Instead, they used various codenames, such as "Burlington," to refer to the facility. His other impressive lactation is the decommissioned Soviet submarine nicknamed 'Black Widow', which was equipped with 22 nuclear warheads and 53 explosive mines, possessing an explosive power equivalent to that of the Hiroshima bomb. During this part of the interview we discussed the concept of "urbex tourism" and the differences between exploring new and already-visited locations.

During the interview, Adam shared a plethora of fascinating stories from his 20-year-long exploration journey. Our discussion triggered my introspection on numerous facets of this hobby, such as its distinctiveness, the driving force behind it, and the essential elements associated with it. Due to the multitude of stories present in the interview, I cannot share all of them in the notes. Therefore, I highly recommend tuning in to this thought-provoking conversation with one of the most productive explorers in the UK.

Links: 

Instagram: slaterspeed

flickr: slaterspeed

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.

Bedtime UrbEx stories by American explorer Alex DragonBoy:

Story 1: The Flea house - While taking a picture on the ground of an abandoned house, Alex contracted a skin infection. He initially believed that a swarm of fleas had attacked him, as the house was commonly known as “Flea House”. However, after consulting a doctor, he discovered that it was actually folliculitis, which is a prevalent skin condition that occurs when the hair follicles become inflamed. 

Story 2: The Caretaker - After visiting an abandoned building, Alex received a message from the caretaker. Strangely, a stalker was able to locate Alex’s mother’s Facebook account and inundated her with messages, yelling at her to remove the photos and unblock him.

Story 3: The Paranormal - Alex and Katie embarked on their initial attempt at a “paranormal investigation”, which was coined as “the entertainment”. They spent the night at historical house without and peculiar happening. Surprise. Ghosts aren’t real.

Story 4: Creepy Man with a Cane - While exploring an abandoned church, Alex encountered a peculiar man with a cane who claimed to be present to “feed the cats”. The man invited Alex to the back of the church to view newborn kittens in a dark closet. However, in an unexpected turn of events, Alex was forced to witness the odd man indulging in a stack of gay pornographic magazines which were scattered throughout the church. So weird. 

Story 5: Getting in trouble near the mansion in Virginia - Alex found himself in a difficult situation when he was caught on the grounds of an abandoned house by a police officer in Virginia. Despite never entering the house, he was charged with trespassing and had to appear in court. This experience prompted him to reconsider his hobby and he eventually switched to portrait photography. 

Story 6: The Mausoleum - Alex shares a story about his girlfriend Katie and a group of explorers who visited a mausoleum. While some stayed in the car, the others went to explore inside. At one point, Alex received a frantic phone call from one of the explorers who claimed to have heard a door slam and believed that someone was inside. This caused Alex to panic, but the outcome of the situation is revealed in the podcast. Give it a listen:) 

Story 7: When Alex Met Katie - As we conclude this episode, we delve into an enticing yet somewhat perplexing tale of how Alex encountered both Katie and her former beau while exploring an abandoned penitentiary. The captivating and enthralling saga of “American UrbEx Drama” continues without a moment’s respite. Have an enjoyable listening experience.

Links:

Instagram: dragonboyac, adventure_as_one

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. Urbex song at the end of the episode by dragonboyac and adventure_as_one

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

On today's podcast, we are delighted to welcome American explorer Leland Kent. Hailing from the southern states of the United States, Leland has dedicated several years of his life to exploration, boasting an impressive list of various abandoned locations that he has ventured into, such as funeral homes, colonial-style houses, abandoned hospitals, and a plethora of other unique and fascinating abandoned sites.

During the podcast, we discussed the potential dangers of exploring abandoned houses. Leland shared some valuable tips and methods that he uses to determine whether a house is truly abandoned or not, which make for an interesting and informative segment. Leland has a great fear of bees and it is his worst nightmare to encounter them. His fear is justified by a particular incident where he was stung 27 times by a swarm of bees, which serves as a good reason why you should check out his interview. His account of the harrowing experience is a must-listen.

One of the podcast's most compelling stories, was Leland's tale of exploring an abandoned funeral home. During his exploration, he stumbled upon a collection of abandoned caskets and made a gruesome discovery of dead bodies. It's a haunting story that leaves a lasting impression. 

Leland recounted a fascinating tale of stumbling upon a collection of love letters inside the infamous 'Swingers Tiki Palace', also known as the Playboy Mansion. During his exploration, he also uncovered the shocking story of the house's former owner who was sentenced to prison for murder-for-hire. It's a gripping story that provides insight into the secrets hidden within one of the most notorious homes in America.

Links:

Instagram: abandoned_southeast

Facebook: AbandonedSoutheast

Website: abandonedsoutheast.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. 

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

Ben James is British explorer who shares his pictures and videos on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok. Ben recounts how he began his explorations as a young lad sneaking into abandoned homes and how his exploration has expanded to include abandoned asylums, hospitals, and funeral homes, often finding morbid or intriguing items left behind. He shares a tale of exploring what he thought was an abandoned hoarder house, only to be confronted by a man wielding a shotgun, as well as stories of exploring the abandoned home of a serial killer and discovering bodily organs in abandoned hospitals in France and Spain. Ben also addresses criticism he received from a member of the "28dayslater" UK-based exploring forum, before the interview takes a serious turn as he shares a personal story of being falsely accused of stealing items from abandoned homes and sexually assaulting female explorers, and messaging underage children. Overall, the episode provides a fascinating insight into the world of abandoned place exploration, complete with its dangers, surprises, and controversies.

Links:

Instagram: places_forgotten

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. 

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

Two Canadian explorers Mike and Wade travelled to remote location accessible only by boat. They went all the way to British Columbia in Canada to witness what was left from small town of Anyox constructed in 1912. In the mid 1920's the town of Anyox reached a population of 3000 with each home being supported by electricity and hot water from hydroelectric plant. In the early 1920s dam engineer John S. Eastwood designed the dam and it became the tallest dam in Canada at that time. Two podcast guests shared their story of traveling to abandoned town of Anyox and they described what this journey was like and how was it to explore this unique location. On the way back both explorers visited another ghost town called Kitsault. Mike & Wade shared an incredible story about this Canadian most preserved ghost town. They mentioned the story of it's eccentric owner Krishnan Suthanthiran and descried why the town became abandoned. 

Links:

Instagram: Mike: miketheurbanexplorer & Wade exploringwithwade

YouTube: Exploring With Wade

Video from Anyox: The Complete Exploration of Canada's Largest Ghost Town | Anyox BC

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. 

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

In this special bonus episode of Chasing Bandos, our host provides an in-depth account of the unfortunate fall that led to a significant injury, hospitalization, and the subsequent recovery process. Responding to numerous requests from listeners, he shares the details of the incident, shedding light on the challenges faced and lessons learned.

To facilitate this introspective conversation, our host is joined by guest-host Alex Ioannou, a Cypriot urban explorer who graciously agreed to interview him for this episode. Together, they delve into the harrowing experience, emphasizing the importance of safety and caution while engaging in urban exploration. The episode serves as a reminder to never embark on exploration alone.

Listeners can expect a candid and engaging discussion that highlights the reality of accidents and injuries in the world of urbex. Our host's firsthand account, coupled with Alex Ioannou's thoughtful questions, provides valuable insights into the consequences of taking risks without proper precautions.

Join us for this compelling episode of Chasing Bandos as we navigate through the host's personal journey of the fall, the subsequent hospitalization, the need for leg surgery, and the ongoing recovery process. Learn from their experiences and embrace the crucial message of exploring responsibly.

Links:

Instagram: al3xisdead

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. 

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

Join our host on a compelling episode of Chasing Bandos as he provides an update on his personal injury and engages in an enlightening conversation with Austrian urban explorer Stefan Baumann. With a passion for documenting abandoned locations since 2011, Baumann shares his deep insights into the true essence of UrbEx. Reflecting on his own experiences, Baumann candidly discusses past mistakes, the value of embracing the future, and the evolving nature of the UrbEx community.

During the interview, Baumann recounts a chilling encounter with copper thieves at an abandoned prison, providing a glimpse into the risks and challenges faced by explorers. The conversation also touches upon the delicate balance between exploring abandoned places and preserving the integrity of the hobby. Baumann and our host delve into the topic, contemplating the impact of their actions and striving to find a harmonious equilibrium.

Additionally, our host shares an update on his injury, offering an explanation for the podcast's month-long delay. Tune in to this episode of Chasing Bandos for an engaging discussion that unravels the essence of UrbEx, highlights personal experiences, and explores the delicate dynamics of the urban exploration community.

Links:

Instagram: lichtgespiele

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. 

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

Join Chasing Bandos in an intense episode of UrbEx exploration as they welcome Soren Relictus, a Buffalo-based explorer who recently survived a near-death injury. In this thought-provoking conversation, Soren shares his firsthand experience of a dangerous accident caused by relying on incorrect information about an abandoned location. His story serves as a compelling reminder for all explorers to exercise caution and consider the risks associated with UrbEx.

Soren addresses the criticism he received following the incident, emphasizing the importance of personal responsibility and the need for accurate information when venturing into abandoned spaces. Through his account, listeners gain valuable insights into the consequences that can arise when relying on unreliable sources.

Beyond his accident, Soren also shares an inspiring endeavor: the planned purchase and restoration of an abandoned church. He discusses his vision of transforming the space into an inclusive art center, highlighting the potential for abandoned structures to be revitalized for community benefit.

In this episode, legal UrbEx is also explored, shedding light on its advantages and the positive impact it can have. Through an engaging dialogue, Soren and the hosts delve into the benefits of respecting property rights and obtaining proper permissions when engaging in urban exploration.

Join us for this gripping episode of Chasing Bandos as we delve into the profound personal journey of Soren Relictus, his near-death injury, the lessons learned, and his inspiring restoration project. Discover the importance of exploring responsibly, being vigilant about reliable information, and embracing the potential of legal UrbEx to create positive change.

Links:

Instagram: saintrelictus

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. 

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