Bear Grylls is a survivalist in the purest form; from tsunamis to sharks to scaling the highest mountains, he’s even survived a punch from boxing champ Anthony Joshua. While many people long to travel to Antarctica and the Arctic, Grylls has led record-breaking expeditions and conquered challenges for countless charities worldwide.
From Disney+ to National Geographic, and more, he’s hosted more extreme adventure TV shows across more global networks than anyone else in the world, garnering accolades and a following unlike any other.
The Koalition spoke to Grylls about the sixth season of National Geographic’s Running Wild with Bear Grylls, how literally living life on the edge has impacted him, empowering life lessons, celebrities he’s worked with and more.
Running Wild with Bear Grylls brings the wild to celebrities as each episode features a different celebrity tackling the outdoors with Grylls leading them on an unforgettable adventure. Consisting of just a story producer, two camera cinematographers, two field recordists, and a mountain guide, there’s a real intimacy between Grylls, his guest and nature.
“The wild is the real star of the show, I always feel. We got to so many amazing locations and spectacular backdrops, and pair that with some epic survival adventures and some honest revealing insights into these super stars and it makes for compelling TV. The stars and the wild, make my job easy.”
“I also think the wild is a safe place to share personal stuff because it doesn’t judge. Out there in a jungle or on a mountain the fears and concerns we carry in regular society often seem so trivial. There are more important things to focus on. That’s a good thing.”
“The show keeps me fit for starters, it also keeps me working with my close buddies, the crew, and it keeps me living with eyes wide open in awe at mother nature. Not to mention that it also keeps me learning and listening from all these amazing stars. In short, its a privilege.”
After a near-death experience over twenty years ago while serving in the Special Forces unit of the British Army, Grylls has become of the one the world’s most popular survival specialists that truly encapsulates the title of being “The Most Interesting Man in the World.”
Whether by himself or with celebrities from President Obama to Julia Roberts, Grylls has managed to turn frightful journeys into educational family-friendly entertainment. For viewers, the shows offers a rare moment of seeing celebrities who usually well-rehearsed and dressed in the latest fashions, let their guard down as they test their physical and mental limits.
“The show keeps me fit for starters, it also keeps me working with my close buddies, the crew, and it keeps me living with eyes wide open in awe at mother nature. Not to mention that it also keeps me learning and listening from all these amazing stars. In short, its a privilege.”
“I’ve been so lucky to take some incredible guests on some adventures over the years, from Roger Federer, Julia Roberts, President Obama, Ben Stiller, Kate Winslet, Will Ferrell, and so many other great names. I am always reminded that however big the celebrity they are always just like you and me underneath all the glitz: they put their trousers on one leg at a time and have their quiet fears like us all. It is often very humbling though to be beside these stars when they are working at their limit and so far out of their comfort zones.”
“Danny Trejo really impressed me with his persistence and ability to keep going through the terrain and the many challenges despite facing heat stroke at one point. He is the oldest guest that we have ever had on Running Wild, yet his story is mind blowing. To listen to his life and guide him through the wild was an experience I will never forget.”
Season six of National Geographic’s Running Wild with Bear Grylls premieres March 29th.
