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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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/

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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

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.

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

Timestamps: 

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 Outside

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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/baseworldrecord

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For more information about the podcast visit www.exitpopintpodcast.com

Music credit: Staccato Strings by Andreas Beats 

In this episode, the Exit Point team holds a round table discussion about how we've been doing and where we hope to go. This episode also celebrates a milestone in our podcast. Sometime last year, thanks to all of you out there, we passed 100,000 downloads and have since blown past that. Thank you all for listening and supporting us by sharing the podcast, leaving us reviews, and donating so that we can continue producing the show.
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Please support this independent project by visiting: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/exitpoint                                 _____ For more info visit www.exitpopintpodcast.com