Unfolding Maps

What happens when you consciously leave behind the fast pace of life and devote ten years to wonder? Patrick Bringley once worked at The New Yorker, one of the world's most prestigious magazines. But after his brother Tom died of cancer at a young age, he left his career behind and became a museum guard at the legendary Metropolitan Museum of Art.


In his international bestseller “All the Beauty in the World,” Patrick recounts how he found solace amid the artworks of the MET—and rediscovered himself in the silence, beauty, and sheer humanity of this special place. In this episode, he talks about:


his journey from everyday office life in a skyscraper to life in the halls of one of the world's largest art museums the deep connection between grief, happiness, and art his favorite works at the MET—and why Peter Bruegel's “The Harvest” in particular radiates an existential calm the diversity and humanity behind the scenes: stories of his colleagues from all over the world the magic of slowness, observation – and art that doesn't lecture, but touches


A moving conversation about loss, hope, courage, beauty – and how art can enrich all our lives.


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Imagine standing on a mountain, right at the edge of a cliff. Below you, the ground drops steeply. Then you take a step forward— and let yourself fall. You spread your arms and – after a few seconds – begin to fly.


 


This feeling of flight is what many base jumpers and wingsuit flyers yearn for. They risk their lives for these moments of complete freedom, as base jumping and wingsuit flying are among the most dangerous sports in the world.


 


What drives athletes to voluntarily plunge into the depths under such life-threatening conditions? Is it a reckless, selfish pursuit of adrenaline, or a profound desire to feel alive? What fascinates them about this sport? And how do couples cope with the fear for each other’s lives?


 


These questions are explored in the new National Geographic documentary "FLY"—and in this episode of Unfolding Maps. We talk with the Emmy-award-winning directors Shaul Schwarz and Christina Clusiau, who spent seven years documenting three couples immersed in the world of base jumping and wingsuit flying. We also speak with wingsuit athletes Amber Forte and Espen Fadnes. Amber Forte is currently the No. 1 female wingsuit flyer in the world and holds the world record for the fastest woman in a wingsuit. Espen Fadnes is a pioneer in wingsuit base jumping and has won numerous competitions.


 


If you're interested in watching the documentary after this episode and live in the USA, you can find it on Disney+ and Hulu.


Production: Miriam Menz


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A giant whale shark gracefully swims beneath a fishing boat, its massive form capable of capsizing the small vessel with a single movement. This captivating moment was captured by the renowned Mexican environmental photographer and marine biologist Cristina Mittermeier. Whether it's majestic whales, gigantic icebergs, or indigenous people – Cristina has traveled the world for decades to capture the beauty and fragility of Earth's biodiversity and the wisdom of those who honor and respect nature. Her photography serves as a compelling call to action, illustrating the transformative power of photography in raising awareness and inspiring change.


 


Her work has established her as one of the most influential conservation photographers of our time. Together with her husband Paul Nicklen, she co-founded the non-profit organization "SeaLegacy," dedicated to promoting climate action and sustainable solutions by supporting scientific endeavors and conservation strategies. Cristina's photographs have been featured in numerous prestigious publications, including National Geographic Magazine, McLean’s, and TIME. With her new book "Hope", she aims to convey hope, which she herself finds in the deep connection between humanity and nature.


 


Support Cristina’s project „Hope“: https://crowdfunding.hemeria.com/fr/project/hope-cristina-mittermeier/ Support Sealegacy: https://www.sealegacy.org Cristina’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mitty/?hl=de


 


Production: Miriam Menz


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Steep rock faces, surrounded by vast glaciers and massive icebergs floating far below on the ocean - Greenland's nature is truly unique. Not only in terms of the landscape but also because Greenland’s glaciers and ice caps play a crucial role in climate change. However, exploring their condition can be extremely difficult as they are almost inaccessible due to their remote location.


 


Our two guests in this episode faced this challenge. French glaciologist Dr. Heïdi Sevestre researched the effects of climate change in remote regions of Greenland, supported by a team of scientists and three of the world's best climbers.


 


One of these climbers is Alex Honnold. He gained worldwide fame through the Oscar-winning documentary "Free Solo," which is about his free solo climb of El Capitan in California's Yosemite National Park. His goal in Greenland was to make the first ascent of one of the highest unclimbed rock walls of the world while also contributing to science. Thus, he embarked on a memorable expedition with Heïdi and a team of climbers and local experts. The expedition was documented in the three-part series "Arctic Ascent with Alex Honnold" by National Geographic.


 


In this episode, Alex and Heïdi give us insights into the challenges of a first ascent in Greenland’s rugged nature, the on-site research work, and the impact of climate change on a wilderness which is crucial for the future of the planet.





Heïdi's website: https://www.heidisevestre.com Alex's website: http://www.alexhonnold.com





The Three-Part Series premiered on National Geographic and is available for streaming on Hulu and Disney+.


Production: Miriam Menz


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.