How to Be Superhuman

Red Bull

Meet the people who have travelled to the very limits of human endurance and discover what it means to be superhuman.

  • 29 minutes 18 seconds
    The blind climber who conquered one of America’s toughest peaks: Jesse Dufton S3:E5

    Jesse Dufton's ascent of Devil's Tower redefined what’s possible in the world of free climbing. Not because nobody had climbed it before him, but because he did it without seeing the rock in front of his eyes. Jesse was born with a genetic condition that left him blind, and his climbing journey from his local crags in the UK to some of the world’s most challenging walls is a testament to innovation, trust and sheer determination, proving that vision isn’t just about what you see – it’s about how you move forward – even when you’re dangling hundreds of metres up in the air. 


    In this episode, I talk to Jesse about the challenges of climbing without sight, the unique communication system he and his climbing partner and wife, Molly, have developed together allowing him to navigate rock faces without sight, and the mental resilience required to push past fear and uncertainty. He shares the heartbreak of failure, the euphoria of summiting, and why climbing is more than just a sport – it’s his ultimate source of freedom and joy. 


    Follow Jesse on Instagram.


    If you want to tell us about https://www.instagram.com/jesseduftonyour own superhuman adventures, message us at superhuman@redbull.com


    Head to instagram.com/redbulladventure for more superhuman content.

    3 April 2025, 2:00 am
  • 36 minutes 56 seconds
    The Everest record-holder who faced life-or-death decisions – twice: Cathy O'Dowd S3:E4

    Cathy O’Dowd made history as the first woman to summit both the North and South sides of Everest, but her journey to the top was anything but smooth. Facing life-or-death decisions, brutal storms, and the weight of expectation, she learned that success in the mountains isn’t just about strength – it’s about resilience, strategy and knowing when to push forward.


    In this episode, I talk to the South African adventurer about the highs and lows of her record-breaking ascents, navigating one of the deadliest disasters in mountaineering history, the pressure of media attention, and the moment a call from Nelson Mandela inspired her to keep going. From near defeat to ultimate triumph, Cathy shares what it truly takes to stand on top of the world.


    Follow Cathy on Instagram.


    If you want to tell us about your own superhuman adventures, message us at superhuman@redbull.com.


    Head to instagram.com/redbulladventure for more superhuman content.

    20 March 2025, 3:00 am
  • 30 minutes 58 seconds
    The surfer who shattered his back on a giant wave and returned stronger: Andrew Cotton S3:E3

    Andrew Cotton has made a career out of chasing some of the biggest waves on the planet. But when a brutal wipeout at Nazaré left him with a broken back, his future as a pro surfer was suddenly uncertain. The road to recovery wasn’t just physical – it was a battle of fear, doubt and sheer determination to return to the giant waves that nearly ended it all.


    In this episode, I talk to Andrew Cotton about his journey from a plumber in North Devon, UK, to a professional big wave surfer, the mental resilience it took to get back on the board after his accident, and how pushing limits – both in and out of the water – became his way of life. He also shares why he's passionate about the Wings for Life World Run, a cause close to his heart.


    Follow Andrew on Instagram.


    If you want to tell us about your own superhuman adventures, message us at superhuman@redbull.com.


    Head to instagram.com/redbulladventure for more superhuman content.

    6 March 2025, 3:00 am
  • 33 minutes 14 seconds
    The runner who blazed through 3,524 km in just 40 days: Tara Dower S3:E2

    Tara Dower’s record-breaking run on the Appalachian Trail pushed the limits of endurance and mental strength. Covering 3,524 km in just 40 days, 18 hours and 5 minutes, she battled extreme fatigue, brutal terrain, and her own mind – where even a "dirt nap" could mean the difference between failure and success.

    In this episode, I talk to the ultra-runner and trailblazer, whose first attempt at the trail ended in a panic attack. She shares how overcoming anxiety, training with legends and leaning on her crew helped her break barriers – not just for a record, but for herself.

    Follow Tara on Instagram.

    If you want to tell us about your own superhuman adventures, message us at superhuman@redbull.com.

    Head to instagram.com/redbulladventure for more superhuman content.

    20 February 2025, 2:00 am
  • 35 minutes 32 seconds
    The cyclist who raced 2,750km across Africa on almost no sleep: Abdullah Zeinab S3:E1

    Abdullah Zeinab’s epic Rhino Run adventure crossing South Africa and Namibia redefines what’s possible in endurance cycling. Unsupported and unforgiving, this gruelling 2,750km ultra cycling race put his mental strength, grit and resilience to the ultimate test through breathtaking but brutal landscapes – where a tiny detail, like a tiny screw, made a world of difference.

     

    In this episode, I talk to the Australian endurance cyclist and winner of the 2019 Trans America Bike Race, whose journey began with an unconventional bike ride to visit his mother. He shares how sleep deprivation, raw determination and facing his deepest fears pushed him beyond his limits – leading him on a journey of self-discovery and transforming his perspective on life.

     

    Follow Abdullah on Instagram


    If you want to tell us about your own superhuman adventures, message us at superhuman@redbull.com


    Head to instagram.com/redbulladventure for more superhuman content

    6 February 2025, 1:00 am
  • 2 minutes 48 seconds
    Trailer – Season 3

    Ultra-runner Rob Pope returns with a new season of How to Be Superhuman, featuring the extraordinary stories of athletes who've achieved the seemingly impossible – from conquering terrifying climbs to kayaking down jaw-dropping waterfalls.

    30 January 2025, 2:00 am
  • 32 minutes 47 seconds
    The woman who trains superhumans: Veronika Mayerhofer, Series 2 Episode 12
    Cross-country skier Veronika Mayerhofer is a Mental Performance Specialist at the Red Bull Athlete Performance Centre in Austria. In this episode, she analyses the responses from this season’s superhuman guests.

    Listen to all episodes and discover more about How to Be Superhuman at http://redbull.com/superhuman
    28 June 2021, 2:05 am
  • 31 minutes 56 seconds
    The man who raced over 90km in a wheelchair: Aron Anderson, Series 2 Episode 11
    When endurance athlete Aron Anderson won 2017’s Wings for Life World Run, he raced an incredible 90km. The Swede talks Rob through his amazing sporting CV: he’s competed in four Paralympic Games in three different sports, swum from Sweden to Finland, climbed Kilimanjaro and skied to the South Pole.

    Listen to all episodes and discover more about How to Be Superhuman at http://redbull.com/superhuman
    21 June 2021, 12:09 pm
  • 32 minutes 47 seconds
    The man who ran 268 miles in record time, twice: John Kelly, Series 2 Episode 10
    In 2020, American ultra-runner John Kelly ran England's 268-mile Pennine Way in record time, breaking a 30-year-old record in the process. A week later, he lost it. He tells Rob what it took to win it back…

    Listen to all episodes and discover more about How to Be Superhuman at http://redbull.com/superhuman
    14 June 2021, 4:00 am
  • 33 minutes 31 seconds
    The woman who overcame death and landslides to reach the top of the world: Saray Khumalo, Series 2 Episode 9
    Mountaineer and explorer Saray Khumalo became the first Black African woman to summit Everest - but it was far from a simple trip. Three previous attempts had been thwarted by lethal landslides, earthquakes, bad weather and, sadly, numerous deaths. However, this didn't stop Saray's drive and determination to push towards her dream.

    Listen to all episodes and discover more about How to Be Superhuman at http://redbull.com/superhuman
    7 June 2021, 2:30 am
  • 33 minutes 31 seconds
    The woman who free-climbed El Capitan in 24 hours: Emily Harrington, Series 2 Episode 8
    In 2019, Emily Harrington fell 150ft while free-climbing Yosemite National Park’s famous El Capitan. In 2020, she returned and became the first person to free-climb the Golden Gate route in 24 hours.

    Listen to all episodes and discover more about How to Be Superhuman at http://redbull.com/superhuman
    31 May 2021, 2:30 am
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