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How to Be Superhuman

Author: Red Bull

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Discover what it truly means to push the limits of human potential. Red Bull's How to Be Superhuman is a captivating adventure show featuring extraordinary stories of athletes who have achieved the seemingly impossible – from conquering terrifying climbs and kayaking down jaw-dropping waterfalls to swimming the world’s longest rivers, running through uncharted mountain kingdoms, and embarking on solo expeditions to the most remote corners of the globe. In each episode, host Rob Pope and the athlete dive into the physical and mental resilience behind these awe-inspiring feats, offering immersive storytelling and insights into overcoming the world’s greatest challenges. Because everyone loves a good adventure story.

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.

43 Episodes
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Kayaking prodigy Nouria Newman has faced the extremes of both competitive pressure and raw, untamed adventure – but it was in the wild rivers of the Himalayas that she rediscovered what truly mattered. In a journey defined by resilience, survival and a deep thirst for exploration, Nouria traded podiums for mountains and learned to trust herself in some of the world’s most remote waters. In this episode, I talk to Nouria about her evolution as an athlete, her solo expeditions through life-threatening rapids, and the powerful moment in the Himalayas that shifted everything. We explore how fear can be transformed, why passion sometimes means letting go of the podium, and what it really means to follow the river where it leads. From mastering slalom courses as a kid to breaking the women’s waterfall record, Nouria’s story is one of fear faced head-on, limits tested, and joy reclaimed. Follow Nouria on Instagram.  Can’t get enough of Nouria? Check out the documentary Wild Waters on Red Bull TV and watch more of her crazy adventures here. 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 adventure content.
Climbing phenomenon Brette Harrington has spent her life chasing adventure on bold lines in remote places – but few climbs demanded more courage, resilience and emotional strength than her historic free solo of Chiaro di Luna in Patagonia. What began as a shared dream with her partner Marc-André Leclerc would ultimately become a powerful tribute to him, after his tragic passing. In this episode, I talk with Brette about the mental preparation it took to free solo one of the most difficult routes of her life – and what it meant to return to Patagonia and finish a line she and Marc-André had planned together. We explore the physical challenges she’s overcome, including a serious neck injury and concussion, and the emotional journey of keeping a promise to someone who’s no longer here. From childhood obsessions with rock walls to pioneering new routes in the harshest alpine terrain, Brette’s story is one of passion, pain and climbing as a way through grief. Follow Brette 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 adventure content.
At 52 years old, endurance swimming legend Martin Strel set out on one of the greatest adventure feats in human history – to swim the entire length of the Amazon River. Battling exhaustion, treacherous currents, parasites, piranhas and mental collapse, Martin’s 66-day journey pushed the limits of physical and psychological resilience. But this was never just about a personal challenge – it was a mission to raise awareness about the destruction of one of Earth’s most vital ecosystems, all while sporting a yellow pillowcase on his head. In this episode, I speak with Martin about what drove him to attempt this near-impossible swim, how he has stayed alive in some of the world’s most dangerous waters, and why he believes endurance swimming can be a force for change. From his unconventional beginnings in Slovenia to the heart of the Amazon rainforest, Martin’s story is one of grit, survival and deep connection with nature – proving that sometimes, the most powerful strokes are taken for something far greater than yourself. Follow Martin 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 adventure content.
Ultracycling phenomenon Lael Wilcox seems to have no limits when it comes to adventures on two wheels. Her record-breaking ride around the world in 108 days is a true testament to endurance, resilience, the power of community and a positive mindset. Faced with unexpected challenges – from food poisoning and poison ivy to navigating remote roads in gruelling conditions – Lael pushed through both physical and mental barriers, setting a new benchmark for the fastest woman to cycle around the planet. Along the way, she found strength in human connection, drawing inspiration and support that kept her pedalling through even the toughest moments. In this episode, I talk to Lael about the highs and lows of her world record attempt, the lessons she learned from adversity, and how community plays a vital role in testing the limits of human endurance. With her contagious energy and unshakable optimism, we explore what it takes to keep going day after day, and how cycling became more than a sport – it became a life-changing adventure. Follow Lael on Instagram.  Can’t get enough of Lael? Check out her previous episode on Season 2 of How to Be Superhuman. 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 adventure content.
Paragliding pilot Tom de Dorlodot has spent his life chasing the wildest skies on Earth – but few adventures demand more endurance, survival instincts and sheer nerve than flying among the world’s highest peaks. Alongside his friend Horacio Llorens, Tom set out with an ambitious goal: to take human flight to places it had never been before. When shifting wind conditions forced a change of plan, they seized a new opportunity – to fly to K2 and soar among the towering giants of the Karakoram mountain range, navigating lines no paraglider had ever flown, even hitching a ride with an eagle. In this episode, I talk to Tom about what it takes to paraglide at extreme altitude, the survival mindset required when the wind turns, and why the spirit of adventure keeps drawing him back to some of the planet’s most remote and unforgiving landscapes. We dive into his love for the unknown, the lessons learned from risk, and the optimism that allows him to keep going – even when nature doesn’t play along. From humble beginnings in Belgian fields to navigating the untouched landscapes of the world’s biggest mountain ranges, Tom’s story is one of grit, curiosity and a profound connection to the mountains. Follow Tom on Instagram and check out Flying Between Giants on Red Bull TV to watch Tom and Horacio’s adventure unfold.  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 adventure content.
In 2022, Preet Chandi MBE became the first woman of colour to complete a solo, unsupported expedition to the South Pole, covering 700 miles in just 40 days. And that wasn’t the only world record she would go on to break. But these achievements are more than just personal milestones – they’re a powerful challenge to long-held ideas about who belongs in the world of extreme exploration. In this episode, I speak with the British physiotherapist and Army officer about what it took to prepare for one of the harshest environments on Earth – from dragging a tractor tyre through the streets of her hometown in Derby, England, to enduring whiteouts, isolation and temperatures below -50°C in Antarctica. But the toughest battles weren’t only physical. ‘Polar Preet’ opens up about navigating cultural expectations, pushing through moments of fear and failure, and finding strength in the belief that her journey could inspire others to dream bigger. Follow Preet 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.
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 your own superhuman adventures, message us at superhuman@redbull.com.  Head to instagram.com/redbulladventure for more superhuman content.
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.
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.
Trailer – Season 3

Trailer – Season 3

2025-01-3002:30

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.
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
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
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
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
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
In early 2021, 21-year-old teacher Jasmine Harrison set a world record by rowing 3,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean in just 70 days. She talks to Rob about her achievement. Listen to all episodes and discover more about How to Be Superhuman at http://redbull.com/superhuman
Camille Herron is an icon of ultra running, and the first person to hold the 50k, 100k and 24-hour world records simultaneously. She tells Rob about how she ran 270km in a single day. Listen to all episodes and discover more about How to Be Superhuman at http://redbull.com/superhuman
In 2012, Erden Eruç successfully completed a unique circumnavigation of the globe – his journey had been entirely human-powered. The Turkish adventurer had travelled alone; on foot and by rowboat, kayak, canoe and bicycle. Listen to all episodes and discover more about How to Be Superhuman at http://redbull.com/superhuman
When Lael Wilcox won the 2016 Trans Am Bike Race, she cemented her position as the world’s greatest long-distance cyclist. Even more amazingly, she had conquered the 4,200-mile course while still a relative novice. Listen to all episodes and discover more about How to Be Superhuman at http://redbull.com/superhuman
Welshman Ash Dykes became the first person to walk the 4,000-mile length of China’s Yangtze River in 2019. He tells Rob how he overcame extreme terrain and temperatures – and the threat of bear attacks – to do it. Listen to all episodes and discover more about How to Be Superhuman at http://redbull.com/superhuman
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Comments (8)

Ustad g

A birth certificate check online is possible to ascertain

Apr 5th
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Shaun Styles

Another great podcast! Another inspirational person!

May 12th
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Shaun Styles

Brilliant podcast! Got me the "feels". What an inspirational person.

May 12th
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ID18354486

Really interesting set of podcasts and well presented.

May 2nd
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susan riley

Amazing woman.

Apr 17th
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Maddie Purver

Absolutely fantastic podcast! Rob is truly an amazing presenter and the guest are so inspiring. Definitely helping me get through this lockdown!

Mar 27th
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June Allison

great podcast! rob is a great presenter and the guests are phenomenal! good production too so the podcast is great to listen. cant fault it. now just to find my own thing to conquer!

Mar 17th
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Darren Morris

Can't fault this podcast really really good well its better than good I've listened to many a podcasts of yhe years but this has it all, and its so motivational makes you want to ho out and trein like a god.. Cannot wait for the next podcast even the host run roble run is a podcast god..

Mar 14th
Reply