Exit Point

Vincent ”Le Blond” Descols - Stories from a Wingsuit BASE pioneer, visualization for success, and world’s first tandem wingsuit operation Le Blond is a professional skydiver and BASE jumper who pioneered some of the longest terrain flights ever done.  Along with his buddies from the Vercor BASE team, Le Blond opened many new school wingsuit BASE jumping classic exit points in the French Alps - including Brevent and the Aiguille de Midi.   Vincent is a multi-time WWL Champion, and Wings for Love medalist.  He holds a degree in engineering at ENAC (Ecole Nationale Aviation Civile) and worked as an air traffic controller.  Le Blond now coaches wingsuit skydivers and runs the WORLD'S FIRST tandem wingsuit skydive operation. Links: https://skyvibration.com/en/ https://www.instagram.com/vincent_descols_le_blond/ https://www.instagram.com/skyvibration/  

Matthias Giraud or ”Super Frenchie” is a professional skier, mountaineer & BASE jumper, as well as a world record holder. Check out the Super Frenchie documentary here: www.superfrenchiemovie.com/watch-at-home https://superfrenchie.com/ https://www.instagram.com/superfrenchieofficial/ https://www.facebook.com/superfrenchieofficial/ photo credit: Orazio Guarnieri

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 Mat 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

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

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 Please support this independent project by visiting: support Exit Point For more info visit www.exitpopintpodcast.com

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 If you would like to support Exit Point, please visit: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/exitpoint                                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. _______ Please support this independent project by visiting: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/exitpoint                                 _____ For more info visit www.exitpopintpodcast.com

In this episode, Matt and Laurent interview Dan Darby.  Dan has been skydiving and BASE jumping for over fifteen years. He's a competitive wingsuit skydiver, BASE jumper, and a member of the US parachute team for wingsuit performance flying. He's also a co-founder of Arcus Flight wingsuit school in DeLand, Florida, and a multidisciplinary skydiving and wind tunnel instructor. In this episode, Dan talks about wingsuit progression, survival tactics, training techniques for performance flying and the new wingsuit BASE race he created in Sass Pordoi, Italy. https://www.instagram.com/dandarbybase/ _______ Please support this independent project by visiting: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/exitpoint _____ For more info visit www.exitpopintpodcast.com

In this episode, Laurent sits down with Matt Lajeunesse. Laj has been at the forefront of slider-down BASE jumping for nearly 20 years, along with his equally legendary wife, Katie Hansen. Not only have they been community leaders supporting local BASE jumping, but they also run a successful tandem BASE operation so that they can share their passion with non-jumpers from around the world. I’m looking forward to hearing his thoughts on how to prepare for jumping in Moab, how to do Turkey Boogie right, and what it’s like to run a successful BASE business, as well as some of the harder topics like love and loss. Matt is a thoughtful, empathetic person with a ton of experience, so this is bound to be a great conversation. https://tandembasemoab.com/ _______ Please support this independent project by visiting: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/exitpoint _____ For more info visit www.exitpopintpodcast.com

In this episode, Laurent is joined by Scott Palmer.  Scott, also known as Plamer, is a 3rd generation aviator, was a forward air controller with the US Air Force and after serving in Iraq, he went on to pursue a career in skydiving.  With over 15 years in the sport and over 11,000 skydives, Scott traveled the world competing and became one of the world’s most sought-after tunnel coaches. He has multiple world records and championship titles and has been involved in a ton of amazing aerial stunts, including appearing on Nitro Circus.  After reaching what might be the pinnacle of skydiving, Plamer changed his focus from flying his body to flying airplanes.  He now is an aerial firefighter for the US federal government. Please support this independent project by visiting: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/exitpoint - For more info visit www.exitpopintpodcast.com

In this episode, Laurent sits down with Yuri Kuznetsov. Yuri made his first skydive when he was 13 years old, his first BASE jump in 1994 with skydiving gear, and has since made thousands of jumps.  He has been active in urban, terminal, wingsuiting, sliderdown, you name it - to say that he is experienced is a massive understatement. We're looking forward to hearing some of his stories from back in the day, how his motivations around BASE have changed over the years, and talk about how he has remained so resilient  - Please support this independent project by visiting: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/exitpoint For more info visit www.exitpopintpodcast.com 

In this episode, Matt Blank interviews Brian Germain. Brian is a career educator with a master's degree in sports psychology and a groundbreaking parachute engineer and test pilot. Brian has authored numerous critically acclaimed books, including The Parachute and Its Pilot. https://briangermain.company.site/ https://calendly.com/brian-germain-1 http://adventurewisdom.com  . Please support this independent project by visiting: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/exitpoint . https://www.exitpointpodcast.com

In this episode, Laurent speaks with Luke Rogers, a professional wingsuit pilot from Australia. He's won multiple national titles, podiumed at various world championships, and was the first person in the world to flare a wingsuit over 100 meters. Luke is constantly training, competing, and coaching at wingsuit events. He's incredibly generous with all his tips and tricks regarding flying wingsuits.  This conversation is packed with info about maximizing performance. . Please support this independent project by visiting: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/exitpoint . Mark Stockwell is the man that makes this podcast sound the way it does.  Please show him some love:  https://www.instagram.com/mtstockwell/  https://www.exitpointpodcast.com