
Sign up to save your podcasts
Or


Skydiving, BASE jumping, climbing the highest peaks, adventuring to remote parts of the world — pushing the boundaries of safety. For thrill-seekers, chasing the rush is what it's all about. Where lots of us would break into a cold sweat, they experience something different: calm, focus, even moments of sublime awe. So what is it that makes thrill-seekers different? On this episode, we investigate what fuels their desire for adventure, and ask when the pursuit of kicks becomes dangerous and disruptive. We hear stories about storm chasers, rocket builders, and hikers. We also talk to a psychologist who avoids thrills in his personal life, but is deeply invested in understanding why other people love it.
Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices
NPR Privacy Policy
By WHYY4.6
304304 ratings
Skydiving, BASE jumping, climbing the highest peaks, adventuring to remote parts of the world — pushing the boundaries of safety. For thrill-seekers, chasing the rush is what it's all about. Where lots of us would break into a cold sweat, they experience something different: calm, focus, even moments of sublime awe. So what is it that makes thrill-seekers different? On this episode, we investigate what fuels their desire for adventure, and ask when the pursuit of kicks becomes dangerous and disruptive. We hear stories about storm chasers, rocket builders, and hikers. We also talk to a psychologist who avoids thrills in his personal life, but is deeply invested in understanding why other people love it.
Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices
NPR Privacy Policy

90,849 Listeners

21,993 Listeners

43,990 Listeners

32,200 Listeners

38,594 Listeners

43,737 Listeners

27,167 Listeners

9,234 Listeners

4,003 Listeners

1,007 Listeners

39 Listeners

943 Listeners

6,441 Listeners

4,672 Listeners

16,366 Listeners

6,563 Listeners

2,210 Listeners

192 Listeners