Hi Bear, since when you started to drink your own piss?
haha! well we might as well start with this! First time i think was as a dare by my sister when I was about 6- but for the record I do NOT do it for fun! I only ever do this in a survival context … and you never know- one day it might save your life!
Bear, I've recently read 'Mud, Sweat and Tears' and 'A Survival Guide for Life' and absolutely loved them. Any new books coming out soon?
true grit was published this week- true stories of heroism and survival that have inspired and shaped my life - you'll diff it!
Hey Bear loved watching man vs wild you really gave some helpful tips to surviving in the wild and your demonstrations were gutsy to say the least.
My question for you is how did you get started with television and what was your first pilot/show?
my first series was called escape to the legion - where I signed up to go through simulated basic training with the foreign legion in n africa- was a brutal time actually but an amazing journey in so many ways
Hey Bear, how did it feel to get to the top of Everest? It must have been amazing.
was a special moment- was a long 3 month climb and we lost 4 climbers whilst we were on the mountain tragically but the summit was incredible- you see the curvature of the earth and dawn rising over tibet. altho it was cold and blowy as hell and you are very aware you are at your most vulnerable point still as most of the fatalities happen on the descent
I am in love with your terms "blowy" and "slippy."
my english grammar does sometimes slip when i am under pressure half way up a rock face! apologies!
No question, just wanted to thank you for giving me some of my knowledge of the wilderness. You have also inspired me to lose weight and get into decent shape. Lost 90 lbs over the last year and I'm going for my daily bike ride in a few minutes. Adventuring is pretty fun, even in your neighborhood. Thank you.
good on you buddy! keep it going
What food have you tryed that looks disgusting but is actually delicious?
scorpions when roasted over fire- well not delicious but way better than raw at least
[deleted]
4000 letters and a big dose of perseverance
When you're not drinking your own pee, what is your favorite breakfast cereal?
Also, could you post in /r/kelloggsgonewild please?
oatmeal and banana
Hey Bear, what's your favorite food ?
avocado!
What are the top 3 things you recommend to take anywhere?
into the wild always take a good knife, masses of ingenuity and a sense of humour!
Hi Bear, you've mentioned your faith many times in your shows. Very cool. Can you tell me what you are trusting in to get to heaven?
grace
Sir, so nice to have the chance to ask you a question! I would like to know how did you manage to keep yourself motivated during your life!
cos life is a gift and our job is to live it boldly despite the doubts and fears that always snap at our heels
Bear! I'm a huge fan and have actually read your book 'Mud, Sweat, and Tears' 5 times. I love that you're a man of faith and are open about it in a gradually changing world where it is more frowned upon. How do you keep a strong, Christian faith with all the fame and (probable) pressure not to talk about your faith?
its our greatest asset in life
Something isn't right here. Ppl getting downvoted for questions that aren't sarcastic or mean spirited. Questions not being answered looks like we got another great ama
am doing my best to keep up! sorry!
Where is your favourite place in the world? (to be stranded and survive on your own, or just in general haha)
our welsh island hideaway home
Hey Bear! Huge fan here. Remember that episode of man vs wild you did with Will Ferrell? What was that experience like? Also what was the funniest thing that happened with Will?
Will was amazing and worked so hard out there- we had a lot of laughs along the way but the real test of a man is cheerfulness in adversity and for that he gets full marks
You were in the SAS, any crazy stories to tell?
lots but thats for another time and place- the greatest thing it gave me though was a confidence to be able to look after myself when the chips are down
Bear, I am big fan. How much do you train and what types of training do you do to keep such a level of fitness where it seems you can tackle anything?
i train 6 days a week- for about 40mins a go- short sharp intensive body weight style training
Hi Bear, thanks for the AMA! What is your role as Chief Scout and how did you land that position? Also, what is one thing I should carry every day that will help me survive in a worst-case scenario?
chief scout is a huge honour and I was elected by vote from amongst scouts- it is all about encouraging kids from every country on earth whatever their background to be able to access and enjoy adventure- I love being part of the mission to bring that to kids
Hey Bear, just a quick one! How many bears could a Bear Grylls grill if Bear Grylls could grill bears?
i bear grylls can only grill one bear because i've only got a one bear grill
where are You at right now Bear in this big ol world?
on our houseboat in UK
hey bear, was there ever a situation that actually made you nervous on man vs. wild?
jungles are the tough ones- as the danger can so often be unseen- you have to really think smart and be ultra alert but I like that challenge- it brings out the best in us as a team always
Hello Mr. Grylls What is your opinion on Les Stroud? Like him? Hate him? just give us your honest opinion on the man. AND would you ever consider doing his kind of survival show where you don't have a camera crew or a predetermined destination? Would you go out on your own?
yes a great guy who does an amazing job and his shows rock
Man vs Wild with Jake Gyllenhaal seemed like a enlightening experience for you both. Who would you also like to take into the wild if you could take any three people?
i have just filmed an episode with stephen fry who was great- we have russell brand up next which will be fun no doubt!
Woh, when is this airing?!
Escape from Hell airs tonight in USA on Discovery. Enjoy! thanks guys. I have got to run now but I hope you enjoyed the session and thanks for joining me! Keep adventuring and keep safe. BG
Not a question but you looked great in the seal skin tank top.
haha! thank u. not my greatest look though!
Hi Bear,
Just watched you swim in freezing water. You really seemed to hate that. Is cold your least favourite environment?
it is unforgiving if you mess it up!
Can you say ''Hi'' to me?
hi!
[deleted]
train hard fight easy is a good mantra to live and train by
Edward (Bear), I'm curious if you think that today's "survival reality" TV shows are actually teaching our youth how to survive or are they just another conduit for entertainment?
both is a good combo- when we are entertained we learn by default- i like that
Do you like the name 'Gryllers' for your fans?
a great honour!
Who do you think could survive longer on a deserted island, yourself or Ray Mears?
survive longer or get away faster!!!!??
Ray Mears it is then.
he's another top survivor
No question - just wanted to thank you for teaching me that simple things in life are what truly matters. Like the moment when you start a fire going, so you can get warm, or hunt down something tasty for dinner. Also, thank you for teaching me to never give up.
its the best lesson to ever learn- never give up
Used to watch episodes of man vs wild while I was deployed in Afghanistan. Thanks for the good entertainment !
Edit: fixed a minor spelling mistake...
Edit 2: more grammar. Is there anything else ?
glad you are back safely- much respect soldier
Hey Bear, Have you seen this: Man vs. Metro, what do you think about it?
the spoofs always make my team laugh!
hey bear, was the scene where u were running from the train in the tunnel real?
we knew a train was coming but not quite as soon as it did!
you're awesome and I am so glad you have another show in the U.S. And it premieres on my birthday! :) Thanks for teaching and entertaining!
hope u enjoy escape from hell- it was a very personal show to do and I am proud of it
I remember watching one episode of you where you were in a everglade-like environment. You made a raft of some sort out of timber and attempted to go fish in the river. You caught not only a fish but also a HUGE gator.
What exactly is the protocol if say you fell into the water or attacked by a gator (or crocodile when you were in Australia?)? Is there some sort of marksmen nearby to ensure your safety against dangerous animals in the wild or is your SAS piss coated knife enough?
get out and fast! salties are the most dangerous predators out there
Bear, what inspired you in your younger years to become who you are now?
my late dad who was a royal marine and a climber- he was a special man for sure
Hey there Bear, I have watched most of the episodes of Man vs Wild. Though I have two questions, how do you divide your time between work and family? Do you have lots of months to spend with them after recording different shows? -Also- have you ever been in a situation where you need to eat your own poop? Thanks and looking forward to your future endevours!
i try and film in the school term times- whilst the boys are working then I work and then I try and take as much time out as possible when they are on holiday - but sometimes it is hard for sure being away
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spending good time with family was the key
What is the grossest thing you have consumed in the wild? What had the worst taste?
raw goats testicles by a mile!
How did you motivate yourself to try to join the British SAS again, after you failed your first attempt? I red your book, you'r incredible Bear! So much strength!
knowing that good things don't come easy- and being determined to stick with the goal despite the setbacks- that changes everything
Hey Bear im a big fan. When you're not working what kind of hobbies do you enjoy doing?
yoga and paragliding and making stuff with our three boys
I would really like to become a alpine mountaineer, but I don't know how to start. I haven't told anyone about my inspirations yet. My family has always been the non-athletic type so I'm sure they would frown on it. How could I convince them it is a actual career? Any advice?
just go for it - we only get one life so live your own one- good on u
If given a choice to live in Sahara desert, Greenland or a remote island in the Pacific, given there are no people in any place, which one will you chose and why?
the island option- it has the most diversity with the sea
Which celebrity would you hate to be stuck in the wild with?
haha! there is a list but I better not say!
How tough do your cameramen need to be? It seems they traverse the same challenges you do at times, but they are holding giant cameras as well! Some times I feel they are even more badass haha.
there are the real heroes for sure- best buddies and tough as hell
Hi Bear, from a safety standpoint, what's the advantage of backflipping into water instead of just straight jumping?
its maybe more dangerous but it's also more fun!
Hi bear, Do you ever get chided by shara for doing anything dangerous om the shows?
sometimes but the show is filmed by that stage!
If you are so tough and seasoned, why are you only responding to the trivial softball questions?
try me!
Reposted from below:
Given all of the criticism that you have received from the outdoors recreation community regarding to your "outdoor parkour" approach to survival and the claims that your previous show promotes reckless and dangerous actions by the less experienced and knowledgeable, what actions are you taking to avoid such criticisms in the future?
Or do you simply consider all of those criticisms as being totally without merit?
there will always be critics and you have to have broad shoulders and listen to when it is valid and disregard the rest. life is a continual learning process and i don't always get it right but as a team we do our best to make shows that empower and help people
What about fear? Are you ever afraid? How do you cope with it, or what do you do not to get afraid? Do you always just know perfectly well what your mind can force your body to do? I think about the situation in man vs wild with jake gyllenhaal hanging just on a rope over this huge canyon... I look at the things you do and have a lot of respect, yet don´t get it how you can do it without being incredibly scared...
fear is something we all experience in life but it grows when we run away from it and it often shrinks when we run towards it
Have you had any physical injuries that still give you pain today or are hindering you? Ones that you have got from adventuring, I mean.
i broke my back whilst I was in the military and it still aches today but thats part of life- i consider the scars a reminder that I am not as tough as I sometimes hope- but also a reminder that life is for living and is worth going for - all in
What is the most normal thing that you do, that nobody would believe you?
shopping with shara (cryptonite!!)
Do you carry the same crew in Escape From Hell as you had in Man vs Wild?
mostly yes- i really fight hard to keep us all together and working - it is the what makes the whole journey so fun
Hey Bear, We've seen you eat some pretty vile things. Has your wife ever went "Nope not kissing you for a month after that?"
yes!!
If you were to have a "survival school" would you have students try any of the stunts you pull in your show to prepare them for that situation in the wild? If so which ones?
we do it the whole time! www.beargryllssurvivalacademy.com and all our profits go to charity
Why Marmaduke and Huckleberry?
because at least they will get the job interview!
Hello Bear - I've read so many of your AMA's but this is my first time to ever post on one. As a fan, I've sat and cheered you through all your survival situations on TV - so many memorable ones (the train, that darn log you crossed in the rain forest, sleeping in dead animal skin, getting down to your undies for a quick dip in a frozen river, and yes...drinking your own urine). You push yourself farther than I could ever imagine. I thank you for your willingness to put yourself through what you do for the sake of education on survival techniques and I cannot wait to see your new chapter. It's Veteran's day here in the US so I'll go ahead and thank you for your service as well. Thanks for the memories Bear and hope to see much more from you!
wow -- thank you for that
Hey Bear, of all the places you've traveled, what place in your opinion was the most breathtaking?
being in a small rigid inflatable boat in the arctic- humbling inspiring scary all at the same time
What do you think is the most important thing to teach children about the wilderness?
respect for themselves and others and a gratitude for the great outdoors
You are clearly a great rock climber. How long have you been climbing and where are some of your favorite spots?
im not a great climber - i am just a keen one who loves the mountains and tries to give it his all
Hello sir, Tell me the secret of your success of your life and what is your inspirations?
a lot of luck and a lot of tenacity at key moments
Bear, Have you ever been bitten by a poisonous snake?
*Edit: Venomous
bitten by a snake- yes- but i was lucky and it wasn't deadly
Named my son after you. Figured i needed to start him off as manly as possible. 2 months old now and i see a faint beard.
nice! keep feeding him the nails!
Hi Bear, I've been a massive fan of your work ever since I saw Escape to the Legion years ago, I'm always checking to see what you're working on next. Do you have anything in the pipeline or something you'd really like to do in the near future? Thanks for this!
lots more shows in progress and in the can ready to air- i feel super lucky to be able to make them and be out there still
hey bear, huge fan! Thanks for the AMA.
I've always wondered, where did you learn and develop most of your survival techniques?
from my dad, the scouts and the military- and then from endlessly trying stuff some of which works and a lot of which fails
Hi Bear! You are the man! Do you have a favorite bible verse for getting you through those tough times?
matthew 28;20
As a man of faith, forces and adventure. How have the three interlinked? Do you ever (or have you ever) found yourself hanging off a rock or trapped in dangerous place somewhere praying for Gods strength and help?
often!
Hey Bear, such a honor to talk with you. I would like to ask you if your sense of fear has decayed over the years, like if you're about to jump into a racing river you feel the same amount of fear you felt when you had your first jump? What can I do to overcome my fears in the wild?
i have learnt to manage the fear better and to try and use the feelings to sharpen me not to paralyse me
What's your ideal epic way to exit this world?
covered in scars, surrounded by loved ones and certain in my hope for the future
Bear, do you personally design/and or approve all the BG gear or does someone else do it? Just curious. oh and what piece of BG gear are you most proud of?
yes we are involved in it all- thats the fun part! the bg backpacks are especially cool I always feel as we have used and tested and beaten them so hard over many expeds. www.beargryllsstore.com
I bet you won't answer my comment, people never answered to my AMA comments :(
cheer up! I am hearing you
Hi Bear! Do you have a favorite Disney movie??
lion king (thats Huckleberry answering that one!!)
Hey Bear, how pissed where you when Will Ferrell ate that twinkie?
pissed!
Hey Bear, What is the number one thing you kept on your mind when you filmed Man vs. Wild?
come home alive, come home as friends, come home successful- and in that order
Can I get a virtual fist bump from you Bear? Fist ready
done!
Two questions:
1) As someone who has a crazy impressive list of accomplishments, is it annoying to be best known for drinking your own piss?
2) How awesome does it feel to stand on top of Mt. Everest?
funny and a privilege (in that order!)
What is it like when you are face to face to something that could easily rip you to shreds?
mind focussing
Do you love your fans? :)
of course! always grateful
Man i miss Man vs. Wild me and my dad used to watch almost every night it was a awesome show now discovery channel has the lamest shit.
then you will love Escape From Hell! airing this week on Discovery in USA
Hey there Bear, How do you stay so seemingly calm in potentially life-threatening situations?
there is often a little more flapping under the surface I assure you
Long time fan always loved man vs wild. No question really, just wanted to say thanks for giving me and my dad something to enjoy together :)
nice to hear- it makes the journey worthwhile
Hi Bear, are you still training in Ninjutsu? How do you find it in real life situations?
i train nowadays in krav maya which is an adaptation of ninjustsu really- just ultra practical
What do you think is the most, all-around useful survival skill to learn?
to leave your ego behind when in the wild and to always give yourself a big margin for error and nature
How much for a sample of your piss?
haha! you really wouldn't want to buy that!
Hey Bear! What kind of computer are you using to do this AMA?
smoke signals
Bear, huge fan! Given that you are thrown into all types of different scenarios, what is the most useful survival technique that you know of, that might go unnoticed?
awareness
Bear, What motto do you live by? Any tips to live life to the fullest like yourself?
fortune favours the brave
Hi, Bear. Loving Escape from Hell in the UK. What inspirations made you want to go back to outdoor survival, after your back injury? And did it ever make you think of giving up because of the risks?
i was told I might not walk or climb again after my free fall accident and I refused to listen
Hi Bear, it's awesome that you're doing this AMA! What is your all-time favorite movie/book?
unbroken is a fav book for sure
What do you like the most about being the Chief Scout?
hanging out and getting muddy with kids who have never seen the wild before
Would you say it's time to drink our own urine and retire to our 5 star hotel?
almost! but i'll be here for a little longer first!
Do you really have a slide on your island and how was it? Any pictures or videos?
the slide is awesome!
Hey Bear! I'm a big fan. Even dressed up as you on Halloween once.
Anyhow, I once trained a squad of Royal Marines in winter survival in northern Norway, and they all seemed fairly clueless even though they were great soldiers. At least on the skiing part. So how come you seem like a pro? Did you have any extensive training with the SAS/SBS, or is it just the Bad-Ass-Bear-genes kicking in?
And what do you prefer? Arctic cold or tropic jungle?
i learnt by doing it - often falling but then always getting up again
Would you rather fight 1 horse-sized duck or 100 duck-sized horses?
Please answer, would really appreciate it :) :)
1 horse sized duck
How can we change the world?
one random act of kindness at a time
Hey Bear I'm a big fan of yours, thank you for all you do. Question is, what is the sickest you've gotten on a shoot and what caused it?
a snake that had too many maggots in it caused 3 days of bad diaarhea! spelling!?
What do you think the toughest climate is to survive in?
desert- if you can't find shade or water you die
Have you played 'Survival Run with Bear Grylls', and if so what did you think of it?. Personally I loved it.
the most fun is when I spot someone playing it and I sneak up behind them and say hi!
What type of knife do you suggest to take when going into the wild?
you should know the answer to that one!!
Do you really buy your own shit and believe you're the ultimate survivor, or do you know you just make an entertainment show and enjoy the cash flow?
i am definitely not the best or toughest - you are right
Big fan bear! Do you think you will expand the bear grylls academy to the oceanic region? Perhaps Australia?
coming soon to Oz yes
Has the camera crew ever given you a clif bar?
yes!
When you drink your pee, does it make your asparagus taste funny?
haha! probably!
What does your wife think when she watches you eat all the bugs and other disgusting things?
she is long suffering!
Hey Bear! I always try to make a fire, I use dry hay and a flintstone, but it wont work! Do you have any advices on how I get a fire started? Thank you! :)
keep trying! remember the fire triangle of what a fire needs: heat oxygen fuel it will come!
What was the first experience that made you excited about living in the wild?
when I was lost in winter in the mountains with my dad when I was 8- we got out eventually but it sparked something inside that made me feel very alive
Hi Bear, i filmed you at randomhouse for your mission survival books - was lovely to meet you! Just wanted to say how nice and down to earth you are in real life!
ah thanks
My 8 year old brother is a MASSIVE fan. If you could say hi to him, it would really really make him a very happy 8 year old. He's asked me to pass on this message.
Hi! My name is Adam and I'm from England and really like your shows! I watch them on TV whenever they are on. The way you show us how to survive is really cool! But why do you eat disgusting things? Wouldn't it be easier to take a packed lunch. That's what I do when I go to school. Bye Mr. Grylls! From, Adam
say hi to him!
Is luck really important in the wild ? or the attitude ?
both - but attitude is always king
If you could do a one hour special on any topic in any setting on the Discovery Channel, what would you do and why?
on PTSD in former soldiers
Hey Bear, My brother and I love your show. Shout out from Nepal! Have you been here? It's a great place for adventurers such as yourselves.
i love nepal- special place in my heart for sure
Hey Bear, I am a big fan.
I don't have a clear direction in life but I'm pretty sure I would like to join the military. Do you think the French Foreign Legion is good for someone like me? I think it would be worth the challenge and I think it could better me as a person.
you will at least be fitter! go for it! better in life to say why not, rather than why
Bear, not a question, but a 'thank you.' I recall a particular episode where you were descending through the cloud forrest in Peru (?). And in the midst of your fight for survival/escape from the environment, you took a moment to point out a stunningly gorgeous red flower, and the fact that had you not come by this spot at exactly the right time, that that particular piece of beauty would have passed its existence completely without human appreciation. You found a lot of meaning there, as do I, and I just want you to know it is appreciated. Also, your occasional references to your kids and your wife really help to make you 'real' to your audience, and makes the show that much more enjoyable. Thanks for what you do & what you teach!
thank u
Thanks so much for the great inspiration to get outdoors and be active! For my question, if you had one piece of advice to give to any single person on how to achieve happiness in their life what would it be?
from my dad: follow your dreams and look after your buddies along the way
Hi Bear, big fan. I've read your book, was awesome! I wanted to ask, how did your parents react when they heard you got taken away in a police car after taking a jog...naked?
i got a royal bollocking as we say in UK!
What is your take on CrossFit?
its great- but our brand of fitness training is better! we launch it soon BG EPIC Training
Hey Bear! just to let you know, in my opinion Les Stroud is the better survivor. That is all.
yep he does great
How do you stomach that weird stuff you eat? Does it take a few takes to stomach it and keep it down?
sometimes for sure!
Best weapon and best survival tool for zombie apocalypse?
the BG machete as on the walking dead!
What is the most important thing to always remember when trying to survive? in or out of the wild.
deal with the pain… come back alive
Bear, would you ever consider writing a Survival Cookbook? Roasted scorpions, lightly salted goat testicles, etc. Can't wait for the premier of your new show tonight!
we are doing one!
Hey Bear, just wanted to stop in and say hi. You're a personal hero of mine and an inspiration. Since 'Man vs Wild' debuted, my brother, father and I have been watching you brave it all while teaching us (adventurers to a slightly less extreme degree) something new and useful with every episode.
Keep on trucking and good luck with 'Escape from Hell'.
PS - Any time a campfire is lit, "This'll make great tinder!" is always said. Sorry for stealing you catchphrase!
haha! great work- stay safe
hey bear do you sometimes go into your back garden and just eat some bugs?
only if I get locked out!
Hi Bear, very honoured to have the opportunity to ask a question.
Have you ever seriously injured yourself whilst filming?
yes a few times- never fun
Hey bear, you probably don't remember me at all haha but you gave me a high-five at Kent International Jamboree last summer holiday, and I have it say it made my year haha
hi again!
Hey Bear! First off I'd like to say my brothers and I love your show, it's great work! Secondly, what was your favourite episode to film and what made it so special? Thanks a lot.
the urban man vs wild ep probably
Pretty crazy seeing this AMA pop up while I'm watching Man Vs. Wild. I really enjoy the show, and the adverts make "Escape from Hell" look pretty awesome!
Instead of asking about the grossest thing you ever ate in the wild, could you tell us about the best thing you've ever eaten?
live sushi straight from alaskan rivers!
Is there any chance of passing through South Africa again and spending some time with some cubs and scouts? My son's dream is to meet you, his hero.
will be there next year God willing- in the meantime say hi to him!
Bear whats the context of this picture? http://imglulz.com/bear-grylls-eating-real-food/
end of a desert expedition we did some years back- always the best time as a crew at the end celebrating getting out safely!
Hi Bear! I'm a lifelong Scout and respect you greatly.
It's often said that the camera crew are forgotten in your shows. How much of what you do, do they do? Do they enjoy it? And do you get on well?
yes they are amazing and they work so hard 24/7 to get the footage - best buddies and the real heroes
The amount you achieved when you were my age just blows my mind , what's the best way to just get myself out in to nature , where would I even begin if I wanted to climb everest?
just begin...
The whole bat tennis thing was a little over kill, don't you think? A lot of bat conservation centers and people like myself viewed it as unnecessary and cruel.
yes in retrospect you are right
Give me a good survival tip that you always use.
Priorities of Survival: Please Remember Whats First: Protection Rescue Water Food
Bear,
What was the most challenging aspect of training for SAS? What did you learn from this?
Thanks!
the hard part is always giving 120% 24/7 day and night when you are tired wet cold and hungry - it is designed like that - but the rewards are friendships and skills for life
Hi Bear, big fan, what is the best advice that you can give? Would be awesome if you responded!
the 5 F's… you will work it out
