Born to Explore Season 2 Episodes

Episode 1

Chile: First Lady of the Sea

Sat, Oct 6, 201226 mins

Richard Wiese travels to a land of extremes-Chile-the 2700 mile-long South American country noted for its rich culture and traditions. From the Andes Mountains to the Pacific Ocean, this is Chile. Richard sets out to meet an extraordinary woman, the only commercial fisherwoman in the entire country. He begins his journey in Santiago, Chile's capital, and travels to Valparaiso, a seaport filled with remarkable art painted on buildings and the "cueca brava" music that unites Chileans young and old. In the tiny village of Horcon, he meets fisherwoman Eugenia Ogaz, and launches into the Pacific to discover how she's faced danger for 40 years on the open seas.

Episode 2

Namibia: Elephants of the Desert

Sat, Oct 13, 2012

Explorer Richard Wiese travels to Namibia to discover the rugged beauty and wildlife of this otherworldly land. Join Richard in the game reserves of Namibia in search of the elusive desert adapted elephant. Richard and his guides track these animals looking for clues that the elephants are close by. Discover how they've learned to survive the harsh, dry conditions. Will he be successful in a close encounter? Or will these creatures elude him? Richard embraces the African culture through music and food. Learn how Namibia manages its wildlife and how farmers and local communities protect their land and coexist with the wildlife.

Episode 3

England: The Royal Swan

Sat, Oct 20, 2012

Explorer Richard Wiese travels to England where age-old traditions from beekeeping to gardening and afternoon tea are very much alive. Here, we discover that an unlikely bird, the swan, has been a part of the British tradition for hundreds of years. Journey to Windsor and the Abbotsbury Swannery, where caring for these magnificent birds is a royal tradition. Meet the Queen's Swan Hurd and Swan Warden to learn more and discover why everyone loves a swan! Richard participates in swan rescues and ongoing research and even helps to build a swan nest.

Episode 4

Cypress: Cleopatra's Secret

Sat, Oct 27, 2012

Richard Wiese travels to the Mediterranean island nation of Cyprus steeped in ancient tales of love and intrigue. His mission: to explore Cyprus' ancient connection to the love affair between Cleopatra and Julius Caesar. He joins world-famous archaeologist Dr. Joan Connelly, known by many as "Indiana Joan," who is digging for clues to confirm the existence of a sacred temple built by Cleopatra. Richard swims around the Rock of Aphrodite and journeys deep into the Troodos Mountains. Here, in the tiny village of Kyperounta, we'll attend a wedding that begins with a parade through the streets-and ends with the big party, attended by everyone in town-all 2000 of them.

Episode 5

Chile: The Horse Whisperer

Sat, Nov 3, 2012

Cowboys and horses are at the heart of Chilean culture. In fact, the rodeo is the second most popular sport in Chile, right behind soccer. Richard Wiese journeys to this fascinating South American land to explore the world of the Huaso-the Chilean cowboy. He learns the art of lassoing cattle and helps herd them through the surrounding hills; he tries his hand at making spurs with an artisan whose extraordinary handmade iron spurs sell for thousands of dollars. Richard encounters one of Chile's "horse whisperers," who guides him in the art of gently taming, saddling and riding a wild thoroughbred horse.

Episode 6

Namibia: Saving the Wild Cheetah

Sat, Nov 10, 2012

It's the world's fastest land animal­­­reaching speeds up to 70 miles per hour. The cheetah is also one of the most endangered cats in Africa. Join host Richard Wiese as he journeys to the Cheetah Conservation Fund in Namibia. Dr. Laurie Marker has spent her entire life protecting the cheetah from extinction. Richard learns why orphaned cubs can never be released back in to the wild and joins in the fun as the cats sprint through their daily exercise routine. We track cheetahs on the Namibian plains and discover what is being done to protect these big cats. See why local farmers and communities will help determine the cheetah's survival for future generations.

Episode 7

Canada: Land of the Spirit Bear

Sat, Nov 17, 2012

Born to Explore journeys to Canada in search of the legendary grizzly bear. Richard Wiese travels to British Columbia and the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast, a region filled with mountains, pristine forests, hidden lakes, and a past rich in the spirit of adventure and exploration.The wilderness offers sanctuary for one of the highest concentrations of grizzly bears in Canada, as well as black bears, cougars, bald eagles and wolves. Join Richard Wiese as he journeys on horseback, on foot and by boat to encounter grizzlies and experience one of the last true wilderness regions of the world, a "land without limits."

Episode 8

Earth's Hidden People

Sat, Dec 1, 2012

Born to Explore travels the world in search of hidden cultures. Join Richard Wiese as we journey from Belize to the Tiwi Islands and the High Atlas Mountains of Morocco to meet the local people of these exotic lands. Our journey begins in the Pacific Ocean as Richard travels to the Tiwi Islands off the coast of Australia. Here, the Tiwi Islanders live the way they have for centuries. Richard goes "outbush" and joins in local customs, dances, and a ceremony to banish stress. Discover the island of Belize in the Caribbean where Richard spends time with the Mayan people. He delves into their daily routine...washing dishes, making tortillas, taking care of babies and learns about the culture of the ancient Mayans. Travel to Morocco and a village lost in time to experience the life of the Berber people. High in the Atlas Mountains, Richard attends a Berber wedding and learns about their marriage traditions.

Episode 9

Taste of the World

Sat, Jan 12, 2013

Join Richard Wiese on a culinary adventure as he explores the way food mirrors the cultures of the world. Richard travels to Morocco and the famed Djemma el Fna square, known as the world's largest outdoor restaurant. He learns to make a classic "tanjia" or the bachelor's dish. On the island paradise of Hawaii, discover why some of the best coffee and chocolate is made here. Meet Shiro, the philosopher/noodle king of Oahu, and learn the secrets of a noodles dish called "saimin," a meal completely unique to these islands. Finally, journey to Africa to sample exotic fare -Richard is dishing up mopane caterpillars.

Episode 10

Cyprus: In Search of the Golden Fleece

Sat, Jan 19, 2013

Explorer Richard Wiese travels to Cyprus to discover the beauty and wildlife of this Mediterranean island. Join Richard on his search for the elusive mouflon sheep high in the mountains of the Paphos Forest. These wild, agile horned creatures are one of the symbols of this small nation and considered an indispensable part of the Cypriot heritage. On his journey, Richard gets a taste of the island: he makes halloumi cheese from fresh goat milk, samples cuisine with a famous restaurateur and learns about the "tatsia" dance where skilled folk dancers balance 19 water filled glasses atop their heads.

Episode 11

Canada: The Islands of Beauty

Sat, Jan 26, 2013

Explorer Richard Wiese travels to Canada to the remote islands of Haida Gwaii, where age-old traditions are very much alive. These "Islands of the People" are home to the Haida nation, one of Canada's First Nations tribes. Richard discovers the mystery of Haida Gwaii's monumental cedar totem or "mortuary" poles and meets the Haida watchmen who protect this sacred site. He experiences the islands' rugged beauty, the rich ecology of the Pacific coast and celebrates more than 10,000 years of the Haida connection with the land and sea.

Episode 12

Chile: Oasis in the Desert

Sat, Feb 2, 2013

Richard Wiese travels to the Atacama Desert in the South American country of Chile. Considered to be the driest place on earth, some parts of the Atacama have never received a drop of rain in recorded history. Richard travels through the Valley of the Moons on horseback to meet the Atacameno, a people who have survived in this harsh environment for hundreds of years. He takes part in a sacred thanksgiving ceremony called the "Floramiento" or flowering of the llamas, where these beasts of burden are adorned with flowers.

Episode 13

Namibia: Kissed by the Sun

Sat, Feb 9, 2013

Explorer Richard Wiese travels to the African country of Namibia to meet the Himba tribes of the desert. The Himba's traditional way of living has not changed for thousands of years. Learn how their houses are constructed from dung and the significance of their unusual hair and jewelry. The Namib Desert is considered the oldest in the world and filled with life from dune beetles to giraffe, which have had to adapt to harsh conditions. Richard discovers mysterious "fairy circles" and poisonous cactus, samples local "braai," or barbecued meats and fat cakes, and learns the secrets of the desert.

Episode 14

South Dakota: Where the Buffalo Roam

Sat, Feb 16, 2013

It's a taste of the Wild West as it used to be, when herds of buffalo roamed the plains. Feel the thunder as Richard Wiese joins the cowboys and cowgirls of South Dakota in the 50th annual Buffalo Round Up at Custer State Park. Meet three generations of round-up riders as they put Richard through the paces on horseback. Join in the festivities of an all-American country fair and explore the underground caves of South Dakota as Richard goes spelunking

Episode 15

South Africa: A Penguin's Tale

Sat, Feb 23, 2013

Explorer Richard Wiese travels to South Africa and discovers the surprising charm of Capetown's penguins. He learns what's being done to conserve these African birds, who fall victim to illness, injury and oil spills. Join the fun when Richard helps the research team feed and prepare formula for penguin chicks and learns how the birds are rehabilitated. Discover some of South Africa's rising talent in a local music contest. Meet the young singers and get an intimate glimpse into their lives. Join Richard as he samples Cape Malay cuisine, best known for its hot spices and curry.

Episode 16

The Wild Life

Sat, Apr 6, 2013

Born to Explore travels the world to meet four exceptional people who have dedicated their lives to protecting the animals they love. Join Richard Wiese as he travels from Botswana to Namibia and on to London and Dartmoor, England. Here, he has close encounters with elephants, cheetahs, swans and wild ponies. Our journey begins in the Okavango Delta in Botswana, where Richard meets a family of orphaned elephants and their caretakers, Doug and Sandi Groves. Richard then journeys to the Cheetah Conservation Fund in Namibia to meet Dr. Laurie Marker, who has spent her entire life protecting the cheetah in its race for survival. We travel north to the misty moors of England where Richard learns why Dru Butterfield is devoted to the Dartmoor pony. And we discover how Sheila Bolin and her volunteers preserve the Queen's royal swans.

Episode 17

Hidden Villages

Sat, Apr 13, 2013

Born to Explore travels the world in search of hidden villages. Join host Richard Wiese as he journeys from Uganda to Iceland, Cyprus and Morocco to discover the power of community. Our adventure beings in the dense jungles of Uganda where Richard meets the Batwa Pygmies, or "forest people" and learns their customs, how they gather honey and build their homes. We then travel to Iceland, where friends and neighbors meet every year to round up hundreds of sheep in the snow covered hills. In the Sahara desert, we encounter a nomadic family in Morocco, who depend on neighbors for survival. Finally, we celebrate a wedding on the idyllic island of Cyprus, where the entire village of 2000 are invited guests.

Episode 18

South Dakota: Sacred Land

Sat, Apr 20, 2013

In the Black Hills of South Dakota stands a memorial to Crazy Horse, a Lakota warrior who symbolizes the Native American spirit. This land is sacred land. Host Richard Wiese journeys out West to learn about the Lakota Nation, the original hunters of the Great Plains whose history revolved around the buffalo. Discover how the culture of the Lakota people is still very much alive and celebrated through art, dance and song. Join Richard as he discovers the legend of creation of the Lakota people and visits Wind Cave, where all life was said to originate.

Episode 19

South Africa: Circle of Life

Sat, Apr 27, 2013

Richard Wiese travels to the wildest and most remote part of South Africa's fabled Kruger National Park for amazing encounters with elephants, rhinos and other wildlife. We find out how South Africa and neighboring Zimbabwe and Mozambique are working together to preserve the migration routes of these incredible animals. And we learn about the partnership of by communities here and how they are working to reduce poaching and create a new economy based on ecotourism.

Episode 20

South Africa: The Mighty Rhino

Sat, May 4, 201326 mins

Join host Richard Wiese as he travels to South Africa, a vast land rich in wildlife. Richard encounters giraffe, zebra and elephants but the focus of his journey--the magnificent rhinoceros. Learn what dedicated members of the Africa Foundation and the Phinda Private Game Reserve are doing to protect this majestic creature. Richard joins a team of researchers and scientists on foot and by helicopter to come face to face with the mighty horned rhino. Richard meets the Zulu people and learns about their customs and dance.

Episode 21

Tale of the Turtle

Sat, May 11, 2013

The tale of the turtle begins on the beautiful beaches of South Africa's Rocktail Bay, which has been declared a World Heritage Site. Join Richard Wiese as he searches for the extraordinary 300-pound loggerhead turtle, which swims thousands of miles to lay its eggs on the same beach year after year. It's a love affair between the local community and these timid shelled creatures. Richard also experiences the traditions and culture of the Thonga tribe, who catch fish in unusual reed traps on Kosi Bay.

Episode 22

India: The Royal Elephant

Sat, May 18, 2013

Explorer Richard Wiese travels to the mystical land of India to discover its exotic traditions. Join him as he spends a day in the life of elephants, long a symbol of the royal Maharajahs of the past. He travels to an elephant village, helps to bathe and feed the elephants and gets to know their keepers and one special elephant, Shambra. Meet an artist who is a master at the age-old custom of decorating and painting elephants for royal processions.

Episode 23

Bears Across America

Sat, Jun 29, 2013

Join Richard Wiese as he journeys across North America in search of bears. We criss-cross the continent in search of the world's largest land carnivores. We begin in British Columbia---home to one of the highest concentrations of grizzly bears. We then journey across Canada to the frozen tundra and mountains of Arviat, where Richard comes face to face with the mighty polar bear and the Inuit communities who co-exist with these magnificent creatures. We travel south to North Carolina's picturesque Outer Banks in the US, where hundreds of black bears thrive in a wilderness preserve and in South Dakota we meet adorable bear cubs who are just getting to know their own strength.

Episode 24

India: A Royal Life

Thu, Jun 6, 2013

Episode 25

Arizona: The Grand Canyon

Sat, Jul 13, 2013

Explorer Richard Wiese travels to India. Join him as he explores the legacy of the Royal Maharajas, once, the great kings and rulers of this exotic land. See how a Bollywood spectacular reflects the culture. Explore the magnificent City Palace, the residence of the 41st Maharajah of Jaipur. Meet the descendants of a noble family in the 17th century palace, which they call home. Richard learns to prepare Curry Gobi, a spicy Indian snack and meets artisans whose techniques in blue pottery and hand crafted jewelry date back to the days of the royal Maharajas.

Episode 26

Mysteries of the Desert

Sat, Jul 20, 2013

Richard Wiese explores the mysteries of the desert on two continents. He journeys to the Atacama Desert of Chile and the Namib Desert of Southern Africa. The Atacama is considered the driest place on earth. Here, Richard travels through the Valley of the Moons to meet the Atacameno, a people who have survived in this harsh environment. He journeys to Africa and the Namib Desert, considered the oldest in the world, is noted for its unusual wildlife, from dune beetles to giraffes. Meet the Himba people and see why their traditional way of living.