#849 - James Kingston

Episode Timestamps

• 00:00:00

  James Kingston: The Fearless Stunt Climber Challenging Heights and Limits

  • James Kingston discusses his journey from a timid childhood to becoming a renowned stunt climber, facing his fear of heights through parkour.
  • Highlights include Kingston's thrilling climbs, including a dangerous ascent of one of Ukraine's tallest buildings with partner Mustang Wanted.
  • The conversation emphasizes the meticulous training and mental preparation required to perform high-risk jumps and stunts safely.
• 00:07:35

  Confronting Death: James Kingston's Perspective on Risk in Extreme Sports

  • Kingston compares his mindset to that of celebrated climber Alex Honnold, stressing calmness and preparation over adrenaline seeking.
  • The discussion includes the risks of extreme sports and the importance of confidence and focus to minimize mistakes.
  • Through anecdotes, Kingston illustrates the fine line between thrill-seeking and meticulous execution in climbing and parkour.
• 00:09:15

  Risk-Taking Adventures: The Viral Journey of Extreme Climber and YouTuber

  • Discussion on the impact of social media on extreme sports and climbing.
  • The climber's first viral video led to a TV show opportunity on Channel 4 in the UK.
  • Insights about Ukrainian climbers and their extreme lifestyle choices, including organized street fights.
• 00:17:29

  Behind the Scenes of Fame: The Life of an Extreme Sports Influencer

  • Explanation of the daily work of an extreme sports influencer beyond stunts.
  • Details about revenue streams such as YouTube income, merchandise, and sponsorships.
  • Discussion on the extreme risks faced by climbers and the dangerous practices within the community.
• 00:18:03

  Wingsuit Daredevil's Fatal Attempt Discussed by Adventurers

  • Discussion around a wingsuit flyer's dangerous attempt near a bridge.
  • Graphic details about the impact and the subsequent reactions from onlookers, described akin to a car accident.
  • Contrast between the thrill of extreme sports and the anxieties and aversions associated with witnessing potential death.
• 00:25:38

  Adventurer Reflects on Risky Beginnings and Family's Reactions

  • Interviewee shares experiences of starting adventure filming at a young age and quitting school early.
  • Family reactions to risky pursuits, including reluctance and disbelief from mother upon viewing daring videos.
  • Exploration of personal motivations in extreme sports, emphasizing passion over competition.
• 00:27:06

  James Takes on Dubai's Skyscraper: The Perilous Crane Climb

  • James shares his experiences of climbing a crane in Dubai, discussing the legal implications of trespassing in the UK.
  • He encounters a friendly crane operator who agrees to keep the crane still while he climbs.
  • The heights he climbs reach 450 meters, leading to reflections on the dangers of the slippery surfaces and potential consequences.
• 00:33:03

  Building the Modern Marvel: Dubai's Labor Exploitation

  • James describes his early morning entry into the construction site while workers arrive for their shifts.
  • He touches on labor exploitation in Dubai, where workers are promised better lives but face harsh realities.
  • The conversation highlights the rapid urban development of Dubai, including plans for a massive Ferris wheel named the Dubai Eye.
• 00:36:21

  Extreme Thrills: James Kingston's Journey from Six Flags to Urban Exploration

  • James Kingston discusses his love for amusement parks, contrasting Six Flags with Disneyland for thrill-seekers.
  • He reflects on the potential short lifespan of his career in entertainment and his desire to create a travel show exploring extreme sports and athletes.
  • James shares concerns about safety in extreme activities, reminiscing about a tragic incident on a reality show adventure in the early 2000s.
• 00:39:38

  The Danger Zone: Urban Exploration with James Kingston

  • James describes his adrenaline-fueled exploits, including climbing structures like the Eiffel Tower without plans.
  • He explains the allure of dangerous activities and the natural progression of seeking higher and more thrilling adventures.
  • The chapter ends with James reflecting on the excitement derived from pushing boundaries and the fascination it evokes in viewers.
• 00:45:58

  The Eiffel Tower Adventure: Stevi and I's Late Night Climb

  • Stevi and a friend decided to climb to the top of the Eiffel Tower during the night.
  • After entering a restricted area, they were caught and forced to hide from security guards.
  • They remained hidden in small pockets in the tower for hours, navigating the risks of being discovered.
• 00:50:44

  Caught on the Eiffel Tower: The Arrest of Stevi and His Escape Plan

  • As they attempted to avoid detection, the climbers were eventually spotted by maintenance staff.
  • Facing police interrogation, they had to cleverly hide their camera equipment to avoid seizure.
  • Despite the ordeal, they successfully concealed their footage and were not deported from France.
• 00:55:45

  Thrill-Seeker Explores Emotions of Climbing: The Eiffel Tower Incident

  • The narrator signs an agreement promising not to climb the Eiffel Tower for three years after an interview.
  • A police officer in California confronts the narrator after he illegally climbs a crane, leading to a tense but harmless encounter.
  • The narrator reflects on the differing attitudes towards law enforcement between Europe and the United States.
• 01:00:05

  YouTube Fame and Its Risks: Navigating Influence in Extreme Climbing

  • The narrator discusses concerns about encouraging reckless behavior among young viewers through his climbing videos.
  • A conversation about the origins of extreme climbing culture points to Russian climbers pioneering the trend.
  • The discussion highlights the evolution of filming technology, allowing for the documentation of increasingly daring stunts.
• 01:05:00

  Tragic Parkour Incident: A Look at the Risks Involved with Filmmaker and Daredevil Culture

  • Discussion of a parkour accident in Russia where a man fell and died while performing a back somersault on a rooftop.
  • Exploration of the rarity of fatalities in extreme sports, highlighting publicized cases.
  • The contrasting views on risk-taking in extreme activities and personal reflections on living without fear of the future.
• 01:50:00

  Living the Dream: Filmmaker's Passion for Extreme Sports and Luxury Cars

  • Insights into the filmmaker's dual passion for parkour and filmmaking, which complement each other.
  • A discussion on the success from YouTube and sponsorships leading to luxury car ownership, specifically an M4.
  • Reflections on the engineering of cars, personal preferences for manual vehicles, and the joy of video creation.
• 01:13:47

  James Kingston's Daring Parkour Feats and High-Stakes Challenges

  • James Kingston discusses the risks and thrills of parkour, emphasizing proper landing techniques from high jumps.
  • He shares a story about a reckless backflip attempt from a rooftop that highlighted the dangers of extreme stunts.
  • The conversation touches on Kingston's athleticism, training regimen, and the balance between fame and personal safety.
• 01:56:12

  The Life and Adventures of James Kingston: A Sneak Peek at His Upcoming Book

  • Kingston reveals upcoming projects, including a book detailing his journey into parkour and climbing.
  • He mentions working on new high-adrenaline videos, including a helicopter shoot in downtown LA.
  • The discussion concludes with Kingston's experiences entertaining and inspiring audiences through his daring exploits.