PBS: In Expedition, we see you embark on some extraordinary adventures to unexplored terrain, where you encounter venomous snakes, rock fall while abseiling, and quicksand just to name a few. We won’t drop any spoilers, but there were a number of moments that had us on the edge of our seats. What is it about these locations and especially the nature of these expeditions — not for the faint of heart — that’s been so compelling to you over the years?

Steve Backshall: To me the point of these expeditions is the unknown. It’s swimming into a sunken cave system, certain that no other human has ever been there before. That within those dark chambers there could be anything; ancient extinct animal remains, gloriously decorated galleries with stalagmites and stalactites that have never been illuminated… in millions of years. That real exploration like this is still possible in the 21st century blows my mind.

PBS: Beyond the physical aspect of these expeditions, whether that’s kayaking for several hours a day or pulling your own body weight up a cliff, how do you and your team mentally prepare for these journeys?

Steve: The mental aspect is often overlooked, but just as important as the physical. Our team is tremendously experienced, and we’ve been through every hardship and horror you can imagine together. I guess we get a lot of fortitude from knowing that one of your mates always has your back!

PBS: Our role in the natural world and impact on the environment play a key theme in every place you visit. Changing sea levels, ice melt and our rising population’s impact on wildlife are prevalent throughout these countries. What environmental lessons do you hope we can take away from watching the show?

Steve: That our impacts as a species are having effects on every part of our planet – even those where humans beings never go, or have never been. And the effects on individual animals can be one of the most powerful things. All of a sudden the impacts of our actions have a face. That’s probably why the polar bear has become such a powerful poster animal for climate change.

PBS: For those of us who might not have the opportunity to travel to these destinations or might not necessarily be up for the level of intensity of these expeditions, what can we do in our everyday lives to better immerse ourselves in nature and other cultures?

Steve: Learning some native birdsong is a lovely way to immerse yourself in nature. Once you learn a bunch of local bird twitterings, you’ll find every time you’re outside – even in a big city – you’ll suddenly become aware of a host of animals about you… many of which you may never see.

PBS: One of the most remarkable aspects of Expedition is how many places you explore that haven’t been visited by humans. How do you and your team decide where to explore next?

Steve: I’ve been keeping a little black book on exploration since the late 1990s, filled with contacts, leads, maps, scraps of paper with GPS coordinates, names of local hunters or village heads. Several of these expeditions have been plotted for over 20 years – it genuinely is my life’s work!