Laurent sits down with Jeff Shapiro to share the profoundly personal and emotional experience of leading a fatality recovery from a remote wingsuit accident. Jeff provides a vivid recount of the technical challenges and emotional weight faced bringing the body of Matt Kenney home, while reflecting on the deep bonds within the BASE jumping community. Their conversation explores the balance between ambition and caution, the importance of camaraderie, and how personal adversities reshape perspectives in high-risk sports. This episode offers a poignant insight into human resilience and the powerful connections formed through shared intense experiences.

This independent project is only possible with the support of our listeners. You can contribute by visiting: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/exitpointsupport Exit Point

For more info visit exitpointpodcast.com Producers: Laurent Frat, Matt Blank, Mark Stockwell Host: Matt Blank Sound mixing: Mark Stockwell Music credit: Staccato Strings by Andreas Beats

In this episode of Exit Point, Laurent sits down with David Laffargue. Their conversation goes unfiltered as they have a gritty, candid exchange that attempts to strip away some of the unspoken elements of greed to reveal the sport’s raw truths. They tackle everything from the temptations of shortcuts in training to redefining ‘cool’ by prioritizing safety and longevity. Whether you’re a seasoned jumper or just BASE curious, this episode will have you nodding in agreement or seething with outrage. Either way, this episode invites you to challenge your personal risk reward balance, while reminding you that the best jump is always your next.

In this episode, hosts Laurent Frat and Matt Blank step outside the realm of BASE jumping to gain valuable insights from Gavin McClurg, the host of Cloudbase Mayhem and a celebrated figure in the paragliding world. Gavin, a former Red Bull X-Alps pilot and National Geographic Adventurer of the Year, shares his journey from ski racing to paragliding, offering lessons that resonate across high-risk sports. The discussion covers the importance of SIV training, the dangers of intermediate syndrome, and the crucial role of mentorship in extreme sports. Gavin also delves into maintaining passion and sustainability in high-risk activities and the value of community support.

-This independent project can only survive with the support of our listeners. You can contribute by visiting: support Exit Point

For more info visit exitpointpodcast.com Producers: Laurent Frat, Matt Blank, Mark Stockwell Host: Matt Blank Sound mixing: Mark Stockwell Music credit: Staccato Strings by Andreas Beats

In this episode, Matt Blank interviews Jacob Gardner, a renowned BASE jumper and equipment manufacturer. Jacob delves into his journey as a parachute rigger, the challenges and learning curve he faced, and how understanding gear transformed fear into fun. The discussion covers the evolution of BASE canopy manufacturing, the importance of equipment maintenance, and the trade-offs between different materials and designs. They highlight the balance between action and technical knowledge in BASE jumping, emphasizing the significance of self-reliance and passing down traditions. Jacob's passion for improving the safety and performance of BASE gear is evident as he shares insights on innovations and his vision for his company, Magic Backpacks.

Please support this independent project by visiting: support Exit Point

For more info visit exitpointpodcast.com Producers: Laurent Frat, Matt Blank, Mark Stockwell Host: Matt Blank Sound mixing: Mark Stockwell Music credit: Staccato Strings by Andreas Beats

In this episode, Matt Lajeunesse interviews Jen Jones, the Recreation Director at the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Moab field office, who has been an integral part of the BASE jump community for over a decade. They discuss Jen's role and experiences working with BASE jumpers, managing public lands, and the unique challenges Moab faces with its 3 million annual visitors. The conversation touches on Turkey Boogie, the legality of BASE jumping on public lands, and the necessity of permits for commercial activities. Jen offers words to reassure the BASE community of BLM's openness and support while encouraging jumpers to stay informed and engaged.

In this episode, Matt records with Sean Devlin who comes on to share his perspective on wingsuit progression, using data driven analysis to enhance performance and the importance of water training in the BASE environment. Devlin has built an impressive career outside of BASE jumping as a risk analyst in the financial tech world as well as compiled an impressive wingsuit resume traveling the world to jump both to compete and adventure. He's a multi-sport instructor with several accreditations in both water and air sports and holds several world records in a few outrageously fun categories. We dive into navigating the BASE jumping world as both an outsider and a community resource as Devlin shares some stories about the mistakes and successes of his journey off the exit point.

Please support this independent project by visiting: support Exit Point

For more info visit exitpointpodcast.com Producers: Laurent Frat, Matt Blank, Mark Stockwell Host: Matt Blank Sound mixing: Mark Stockwell Music credit: Staccato Strings by Andreas Beats

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.com Producers: Laurent Frat, Matt Blank, Mark Stockwell Host: Matt Blank Sound mixing: Mark Stockwell Music credit: Staccato Strings by Andreas Beats

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.com Producers: Laurent Frat, Matt Blank, Mark Stockwell Host: Matt Blank Sound mixing: Mark Stockwell Music 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