#66 Jill Kuzman and the Mat Kenney Story Part 2

This installment of Exit Point was pulled from the archives, where it was never intended to end up. In this episode Laurent Frat sits down with the globally notorious BASE jumper and locally legendary Australian BASE Association leader known by his fitting moniker, Feral. 

This is the second part in a multi-part series examining the life and death of jumper Mathew Kenney. Part 1 can be found on episode #56 with Jeff Shapiro. In this installment, Matt Blank sits down with veteran BASE jumper Jill Kuzman to discuss her BASE jumping journey alongside Mat and how she views their adventure after his addition to the BASE fatality list. 

This is the second installment of a series on jumper Mathew Kenney who lost his life BASE jumping in 2016.  In this episode we sit down with jumper Jill Kuzman to talk about her journey through BASE alongside Mat and after losing him. You can revisit the first installment of this series in episode #56 Jeff Shapiro: Recovering a Fallen Friend. 

This was supposed to be the second installment of a series following the career of Wingsuit BASE jumper Kate "Compton" Escott, but instead it has become the last in this series. This episode was recorded a month before she lost her life while wingsuit BASE jumping and aimed to cover her transition from up-and-coming amateur to true professional. You can listen to her first interview with us by scrolling back to episode 33.  This episode was released with the love and support of her family and friends and features her mentor Jeff Weatherall at the close of the episode. 

In this episode, we explore the critical topic of mental health, particularly within the context of high-risk sports. Sara Pendlebury, a registered psychotherapist from Chamonix Therapy discusses with Laurent Frat the unique challenges faced by athletes in high risk-sports. They cover a range of topics including the impact of grief, the importance of self-regulation, and the role of community. Sarah shares practical advice on navigating mental health issues, the therapeutic benefits of awe and beauty, and how to approach individuals who may be taking excessive risks. If you're involved in BASE jumping or simply interested in mental health, this episode offers valuable insights and actionable tips. - How to reach Sara: https://www.chamonixtherapy.com - Book recommended: Awe: The Transformative Power of Everyday Wonder Paperback – 4 Jan. 2024 by Prof. Dacher Keltner - Resource on suicide: https://www.stayingsafe.net/ - Research on male suicide (Instagram):  https://www.instagram.com/male_suicide_research/ - Public guides to academic studies: malesuicideresearch.com/resources/  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 Host: Laurent Frat Sound: Mark Stockwell / Laurent Frat Music credit: Staccato Strings by Andreas Beats 

In this episode, Laurent sits down with Dante Wardlaw, a multidisciplinary air sports athlete. Their discussion covers Dante's journey from early exposure to skydiving and paragliding, to becoming a full-time professional. Dante shares insights into his rigorous but fun training schedule, his constant quest for improvement, and the delicate balance between humility and confidence. They also discuss the mental and technical aspects of various air sports, stunts vs. sport, the importance of understanding gear, and the power of reflection.  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 Host: Laurent Frat Sound: Mark Stockwell / Laurent Frat Music credit: Staccato Strings by Andreas Beats 

In this episode I’m Matt Blank speaks with Peyton Malesovas.  In an attempt to start bridging the gap between the gray hairs and the youngbloods, she’s agreed to come on and share her perspective about getting into BASE jumping and becoming an "intermediate".  They address imposter syndrome, early onset sendiness and she sheds light on the big-picture questions of how we keep the BASE jumping community progressing and avoid the mistakes made by the former generations. 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 Host: Laurent Frat Sound: Mark Stockwell / Laurent Frat Music credit: Staccato Strings by Andreas Beats    

In this episode, Laurent sits down with Jon Devore.  Jon is a professional skydiving stuntman, aerial stunt coordinator, and captain of the Red Bull Air Force team. This episode is rich with insights and full of contrast. From his beginnings as an educator, to pioneering freeflying, to doubling as Johnny Utah in the Point Break remake - Jon shares how teamwork, and dedicated training were vital to his accomplishments. Jon also discusses the delicate balance of humility and excellence, and how crucial both are to his success and the sport as a whole. In contrast to his many amazing accomplishments, Jon shares some very personal stories such as the loss his teammate Eli Thompson, his recent near-fatal speed flying accident, and the immense physical and mental hurdles he had to overcome and still deals with daily. Finally, John gives us a glimpse into the future of the Red Bull Air Force and the rigorous process of integrating a new team member. Our conversation offers a deep dive into the mind of one of air sports' most accomplished figures.  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 Host: Laurent Frat Sound: Mark Stockwell Music credit: Staccato Strings by Andreas Beats 

In this episode, host Matt Blank pulls over with Anne Helliwell to get a look into the renaissance era of BASE jumping.  An integral part of creating BASE specific equipment, Anne pioneered and invented a substantial portion of the techniques and technology BASE jumpers use today. She’s been an active jumper for close to four decades, leading and participating in jumps all over the world. We touch on everything from the innovation process for the first BASE specific equipment, to what it was like for her to learn how to BASE jump when they were still inventing the rules. By all accounts, Anne is a living legend of the sport who’s narrative gives helpful context for anyone who is pursuing BASE jumping.

In this episode, Laurent sits down with Tomic, an expert wingsuit BASE jumper, skydiving and tunnel coach. They cover his journey, strategies, and philosophies.  Tomic shares his approach to both teaching and executing technical jumps, the importance of mindset, and how he combines intense training, and athletic preparation with creative expression. He also reflects on his acceptance of the inherent risks of being at the sharp end of the world's most dangerous sport. 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 Host: Laurent Frat Sound: Mark Stockwell Music credit: Staccato Strings by Andreas Beats