INTERVIEW: Sue Aikens on the charms and dangers of living ‘Life Below Zero’

Photo: Life Below Zero stars Sue Aikens, who lives in the northern climates around the Kavik River in Alaska. Photo courtesy of BBC Studios Reality Productions, LLC / David Lovejoy / Provided by press site with permission.

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Sue Aikens is one of the most famous reality TV stars in history, amassing an enormous social media following, with millions tuning in to her adventures on Nat Geo’s Life Below Zero, which has returned recently with new episodes. On the show, Aikens and others living in the remotest parts of Alaska brave the elements, hunt for animals, and sit and wonder at the beautiful nighttime skies. They live a life that some may dream about, while others may fear.

For Aikens, her maintenance and management of the Kavik River Camp includes many difficult responsibilities, including staying warm, taking care of the buildings, catering to clients who fly in for their remote vacations and research trips, and fending off some of the predators in the area. It has been 17 seasons of reality television for Aikens, and many more seasons of living this fulfilling, dangerous life.

Recently Hollywood Soapbox exchanged emails with Aikens about the new season, her sense of humor and whether she’s seen the effects of climate change in her time at Kavik. Questions and answers have been slightly edited for style.

What’s your favorite time of year in Kavik?

Each of the seasons bring their own charm and dangers with them, but I love them each for those unique challenges. It isn’t in my nature to pick one thing over the other and dwell in the off-season on what I don’t have, but to thrill at each season in its turn for its unique spin.

Does the work associated with this life get easier the more you do it, or does it get tougher?

There really isn’t a “standard” set of duties, quota or chore list I follow. The environment can be and is as volatile as the people, so you must alter your approach and methodology accordingly. Then, toss in a splash of aging joints and memory recall issues for fun.

If there was one responsibility you have that you’d love to get rid of, what would it be? Why?

I don’t really think like that. I don’t shirk responsibilities much. I suppose if I had a wish list it would be to be able to own the land in Kavik over leasing it.

Is everyone cut out for this type of life? This type of cold?

There is not, in my estimation, any lifestyle suited to everyone. We are a varied species, genetically and personally inclined to lifestyles we feel suited for. Occasionally there are some that break the standards and color outside the lines though. Life is meant to be technicolor not monochrome. Some need sun and heat, some deep blue waters, some Ice. How wonderful the variety is!

Have you seen the effects of climate change at Kavik and in the surrounding area?

In my 21-plus years here I have seen many changes in the climate and ecosystem. Animal and plant life changes, water system failures and tectonic shifts. There are fossilized banana leaves and multiple glacial valleys. Climate change is not new; however, the rapidity and causes, the acceleration of it, bears some attention.

Where did you get your sense of humor?

I learned very early to counsel my own company. I like myself, I always have, and I find my own thoughts and dialogue smirkingly funny. I appreciate intelligence and logic … sort of an Einstein meets Bette Midler thing going on.

 

When you surprise a bear (or a bear surprises you), what’s going through your mind?

Each time is so very unique that there is no standard thought. You have an intensely small amount of time to assess. You shouldn’t be thinking at all. In fact, you should be internally schooled enough to instinctually react. If I am on alert a lot, it is a way to hone in the instincts. If people see that as being obsessed or dramatic, it matters little, except to note that their own instincts have gone dormant. Your lifestyle and instinctual reaction to that lifestyle or gut is a time-honored survival tool. Hone it, own it.

By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com

Life Below Zero, featuring Sue Aikens, airs Mondays at 8 p.m., followed by the spinoff series Life Below Zero: Next Generation. Click here for more information.

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