INTERVIEW: These guys have been ‘100 Miles From Nowhere’ … literally

The premise for Animal Planet’s new show, 100 Miles From Nowhere, sounds almost like a hypothetical dare. Imagine this: You’re dropped in the middle of nowhere with two of your closest friends. Your nearest supply of safety and food is 100 miles away, and you need to get there in four days. How would you survive?

Matt Galland, Danny Bryson and Blake Josephson, friends originally from Utah, have decided to make each of these four-day adventures into reality television. Without the help of camera operators, they took to the harsh terrain of planet Earth and filmed their survival exploits. The resulting series, which will premiere 10 p.m. Sunday, April 5 on Animal Planet, is the latest entry in “probably-shouldn’t-do-this” programming.

Recently, Hollywood Soapbox exchanged emails with the intrepid trio. Questions and answers have been slightly edited for style.

What’s the best thing about getting dropped in the middle of nowhere?

Matt Galland: One of the best things about what we do is that we are dropped in some of the most beautiful places on Earth. They are so untouched by humans, and we’re really lucky to get to see this spectacular nature.

Danny Bryson: The best thing about these adventures is that moment at the very end when we can say, “I can’t believe we did that!” That feeling of great accomplishment makes it worthwhile. The chance to see such stunning landscapes, while challenging ourselves, is also really incredible.

What’s the worst thing?

Matt Galland: I would say the hardest aspect is the added responsibility of carrying camera equipment and having to film ourselves while on the run, although we wouldn’t be able to share the beauty of the world with viewers without cameras.

Danny Bryson: Although we need the camera to make these trips and this show possible, it definitely feels intrusive at times and can be extremely difficult to handle while trying to hike and take in the view.

Blake Josephson: It’s very hard being away from my family and my own home. I definitely miss normal food and WiFi, but the stunning nature that we are so lucky experience makes it all worth it.

Did you ever come across people or communities in your trekking for the show?

Matt Galland: Seeing anyone at all on these long adventures is quite an anomaly, but yes we did on one occasion. We were looking for the entrance of La Venta canyon in Southeastern Mexico early on in the trek. We had lost our way pushing through thick jungle late on day one, and we heard some clanking in an opening. It was a small dirt road we were about to cross, and lucky for us a 7-year-old native alone on a horse was caught staring us wide eyed wondering what he was seeing. Three white guys with cameras in hand. He was our lucky charm as I was able to speak fluent Spanish he guided us to the canyon’s entrance.

What specific experiences have you had prior to the show that helped with the trekking?

Matt Galland: I have a lot of experience with these treks. For the past 15 years, I have run about 3,000 miles each year in the mountains, so that has definitely prepared me for the show. I have also run a trail race called the Wasatch 100 in Utah’s steepest mountains. That race in particular consisted of perpetual running for more than 27 hours. Also, the many 50 milers and marathons I’ve done over the years have definitely prepared me for the challenges on the show.

Are you better friends now?

Blake Josephson: Through this experience, we have definitely learned to let go of our quirks and really work as a team to make it through our expeditions. When you spend so much time together like we have, you really learn about everyone’s personalities and needs. We’re bound to get on each other’s nerves, but I would say that definitely brings us closer at the end of the day. I know Matt and Danny would do whatever it takes to get me out of any dangerous situation.

By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com

• 100 Miles From Nowhere premieres 10 p.m. Sunday, April 5 on Animal Planet. Click here for more information.