Intrepid explorer Ben Fogle has conquered various challenging feats such as scaling Everest, crossing the Atlantic by rowing, participating in the Marathon des Sables, trekking to the South Pole, and visiting some of the most isolated corners of the globe. However, there is one realm he has yet to venture into – the domain of politics. Fogle, a former Royal Navy Reservist, reveals his interest in politics, stating, “I’ve always felt a pull towards politics.”
While facing extreme environments in remote regions poses no intimidation for the 52-year-old Ben, whose upcoming show “New Lives in the Wild” premieres this Thursday, he expresses some apprehension about delving into the political arena. He reflects on the current state of politics as increasingly tribal, making him uncertain about fulfilling his political aspirations. “Politics have become so tribal now that I don’t know that I will ever be able to actually scratch that itch,” he confesses.
Ben emphasizes the importance of bringing joy to people, a task he believes could be challenging if he were to attain a position like Prime Minister. Expressing doubt about handling the role, he admits, “I don’t know if I could handle being Prime Minister.” His inclination towards people-pleasing clashes with the reality of being in a position where half the nation might hold negative views. This dilemma makes him contemplate sticking to mingling with captivating individuals in intriguing locations.
During the filming of his new series, Ben encountered another fear, apart from politics, when he met a woman living along an American highway. Reflecting on the experience, he shares, “I found it terrifying. I don’t really trust cars and trucks, and when you’re living on the hard shoulder, moving up and down it, and you’re sleeping in it in a tiny little wooden carriage, it’s pretty scary.”
Despite his adventures, Ben finds solace in nature and the wild, considering it a friendly environment. He acknowledges that after enduring expeditions, he has realized that respecting the environment diminishes the fear associated with it. He confesses that what he fears most is the unpredictability of people.
As the author of nine books, Ben, who recently relocated with his family to South Oxfordshire, reflects on the unique individuals featured in “Lives in the Wild.” He admires their ability to live with minimal resources, contrasting it with the consumer-driven mindset prevalent in society. Ben admits feeling guilty about his own lifestyle choices when observing the simplicity of those living off the grid.
Having risen to fame 25 years ago through the reality show “Castaway,” Ben has since evolved into a seasoned TV presenter, exploring numerous countries through documentaries and shows like “Country File.” Despite his journey in broadcasting, he expresses a newfound readiness to embrace reality TV once again.
Ben acknowledges the transformation in reality TV over the years, highlighting the shift towards more positive content. However, he voices concerns about the increasing negativity in online platforms, affecting mental health. He emphasizes the importance of monitoring his children’s digital interactions and setting rules to navigate the online world responsibly.
Wrapping up the conversation, Ben’s wife interrupts to search for one of their dogs, prompting him to prepare for a dog walk. Reflecting on his family life and aspirations, Ben shares his dream of living off the grid in a simple cabin, although he acknowledges the need to balance individual aspirations with familial considerations.