National Geographic’sEgypt with the World’s Greatest Explorer, premiering March 14, kicked off with a screening Monday night at the Crosby Street Hotel in Soho. Incidentally, that title is not Hollywood hype. Guinness Records bestowed the honorific “world’s greatest explorer” on Ran in 1984. After serving in the British Special Forces for eight years, Ran became the first person to walk across Antarctica. He has also written 19 books and at 65 summited Mount Everest.
In a brief chat with MediaVillage, Joseph said he learned a lot throughout this production -- primarily about preparedness -- from someone who has walked around the North and South Poles. “You don’t take risks if you want to do the next job,” he said.
The biggest takeaway he had and the one he hopes viewers will share is the strengthening of family ties. "I would love someone to watch this and say, ‘I should give my auntie or someone a call,'" Joseph said. "They may not have done the poles, but you all have a chance to grab someone and learn their history. For me, it was Ran.”