The South Pole is not a destination — it’s a proving ground. In Pole to Pole With Will Smith, explorer Richard Parks joins Will Smith on one of the most unforgiving expeditions on Earth, confronting sub-zero temperatures, endless icefields, and the mental toll of operating at the edge of human endurance.
About the Interview
A former professional rugby player turned extreme endurance athlete, Richard Parks serves as both guide and fellow explorer during the South Pole expedition featured in Pole to Pole With Will Smith. Parks is the first person of color to ski solo to the geographic South Pole, bringing unmatched experience and perspective to the journey.
In this conversation, Parks reflects on navigating towering ice cliffs, relentless winds, and whiteout conditions, while also supporting Will Smith as he pushes through physical and psychological limits in one of the harshest environments on the planet.
Survival at the Bottom of the World
Nothing at the South Pole is forgiving. Parks describes a landscape where small mistakes can escalate quickly, and preparation is the difference between progress and danger. From managing body heat to reading shifting ice beneath their skis, every decision carries weight.
“The South Pole episode strips survival down to its rawest form — no shortcuts, no safety nets, just discipline, trust, and the will to keep moving when your body tells you to stop.”
That mindset defines the expedition, transforming it from a travel experience into a lesson in resilience.
Pushing Past Physical and Mental Limits
As Parks explains, the challenge isn’t just the cold — it’s the isolation. Endless white horizons remove all sense of scale and time, forcing explorers to confront their own limits. Parks details what it took to stay focused, grounded, and supportive as Smith faced both physical exhaustion and mental fatigue.
The dynamic between guide and explorer becomes collaborative rather than hierarchical, built on mutual respect and shared survival.
Science Beneath the Ice
Beyond endurance, the expedition intersects with science. Parks discusses encountering researchers drilling deep ice cores beneath the Antarctic surface, collecting data critical to understanding Earth’s climate history.
Those moments reinforce the broader purpose of the journey — exploration not for spectacle, but for knowledge.
About “The South Pole” Episode
Episode Title: “The South Pole”
Premieres: January 13 at 9/8c on National Geographic
Streaming: January 14 on Disney+ and Hulu
The episode documents Will Smith’s journey to the southernmost point on Earth alongside Richard Parks, blending survival, science, and reflection into one of the series’ most demanding chapters.
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