With us this week is Lonnie Bissonnette, a BASE jumping pioneer who after suffering a nearly fatal accident that left him paralyzed, became the first person to earn a BASE number as a paraplegic, jumping all four objects in the BASE acronym (Building, Antena, Span [bridge] and Earth).
He has since traveled the globe BASE jumping and became a para-bobsleigh world champion representing his home country of Canada. 
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Exit Point is completely self-funded and there are no ads. If you would like to support this independent project, you can visit: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/exitpoint
Thanks to everyone who has already supported us!Mark Stockwell is the man that makes this podcast sound the way it does.  Please show him some love.  https://www.exitpointpodcast.com

#31 - Lonnie Bissonnette

A podcast about the advancement of BASE jumping and the exploration of its culture.

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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

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

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

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

In this episode, Matt Blank talks with Avery Badenhop, Dennis McGlynn, and Harry Parker, who were known during the 90s as the “three-headed dragon” of BASE and founders of the infamous Team Ill Vision. This team has been a timeless model for outlaw extreme sports gangs living an endless summer lifestyle. The leader of Team Ill Vision, Avery, is the quintessential counterculture athlete, creating a unique lifestyle that would inspire generations of jumpers to go all in and totally cut away from the mainstream. Dennis McGlynn, one of the first jumpers to perform BASE stunts for film and television, is also a pioneer of manufacturing BASE-specific gear. He was one of the original FJC instructors and the first to be prosecuted by the federal government for BASE jumping. Harry Parker, the man with the perspective, has been an active jumper and photographer for more than three decades, participating in and capturing some of our community’s historic moments. Harry helped put a face and voice to the BASE jumping lifestyle. Their team created a culture around the pursuit of BASE jumping, opening the first public events, competitions, and demonstrations. Their access efforts helped open jumps on BLM land, the Perrine Bridge, and recrafted Bridge Day in West Virginia, as well as forged paths to international BASE events, which have continued to grow over several decades.
Please support this independent project by visiting: support Exit Point
For more info visit exitpopintpodcast.comProducers: Laurent Frat, Matt Blank, Mark Stockwell Host: Matt BlankSound mixing: Mark StockwellMusic credit: Staccato Strings by Andreas Beats Timestamps: 
00:39 Avery Badenhop: The Counterculture Athlete
00:51 Dennis McGlynn: Pioneer of BASE Stunts and Gear
01:07 Harry Parker: The Man with the Perspective
01:22 Creating a Culture Around BASE Jumping
03:23 The Evolution of BASE Jumping Gear and Techniques
09:22 The Dark and Dangerous Early Days of BASE Jumping
24:55 The Transition to Legal and Sponsored BASE Jumping Events
28:52 The Art of BASE Jumping: Performance, Evolution, and Community
40:49 Cliff Camp '94: A Pivotal Moment in BASE Jumping History
44:14 The Legal Battle Over Aerial Delivery
46:47 The Cliff Camp Incident: A Tragic Turning Point
50:06 Learning from Mistakes: The Importance of Gear Awareness
54:07 From Legal Battles to Building a BASE Jumping Legacy
57:29 The Rise of Team Ill Vision and BASE Jumping Competitions
01:09:47 Navigating the World of Sponsorship and Event Organization
01:21:19 The Impact of Legal Troubles on Personal Life and the Sport
01:25:01 Surviving and Thriving in BASE Jumping: Lessons Learned
01:33:48 The Evolution of Safety and Community in BASE Jumping
01:34:00 The Shift in BASE Jumping Culture: From Tight Crews to Independence
01:34:30 Finding Community and Collaboration in a Solo Sport
01:36:13 The Challenges and Rewards of BASE Jumping Hiatus
01:38:24 Identity and Lifestyle: The Essence of Being a BASE Jumper
01:41:17 The Double-Edged Sword of Currency in BASE Jumping
01:54:03 The Impact of Gear and Training on BASE Jumping Sustainability
01:57:40 The Role of Community and Mentorship in BASE Jumping
02:08:26 Reflecting on Careers, Sacrifices, and Gifts in BASE Jumping

#48 - Avery Badenhop, Dennis McGlynn, and Harry Parker: Team Ill Vision

In this episode, Laurent welcomes Marshall Miller.  Marshall has inspired both jumpers and the public with his epic videos from his early days to his recent projects, including his appearance in Line of Sight (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TcWMZq8-3wI), shout-out to the KAVU boys for producing what we believe is one of the most incredible wingsuit BASE jumping videos ever made.  Marshall, a pioneer in the world of professional BASE jumping, was one of GoPro's first sponsored athletes and has played a pivotal role in shaping the community. He candidly shares his experiences, including his brush with the law in Zion National Park and the absurdity of the National Park Services' enforcement. We delve into the crucial role of patience in high-risk sports, the potential pitfalls of group mentality, and the valuable lessons learned from walking down.Marshall's Zion episode with OutsidePlease support this independent project by visiting: support Exit Point
For more info visit www.exitpopintpodcast.com

#47 – Marshall Miller: Saying yes, importance of patience in high risk sports, and balancing family w/ adventure

In this episode, Matt Blank interviews John Cox, a mostly self-taught BASE jumper who recently shattered the world record for "Most BASE jumps in 24 hours". He surpassed the previous record holders (Miles Daisher and Danny Weiland) at the end of 2023 with an outstanding performance, completing more than 100 jumps off the Perrine Bridge in Twin Falls, Idaho. We talk to him about his progression in BASE, his training for the world record attempt, and what it was like during the grueling 24-hour slog to accomplish his childhood dream of being in the Guinness Book of World Records.
If you'd like to donate to either of John's causes mentioned in the episode, John has provided this link: https://venmo.com/u/baseworldrecordIf you would like to support Exit Point, please visit: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/exitpoint                                For more information about the podcast visit www.exitpopintpodcast.comMusic credit: Staccato Strings by Andreas Beats

#31 - Lonnie Bissonnette

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