TIME interview
Wallenda says his parents actually tried to push him out of the family business:
I actually felt like my parents did everything they could to get me out of the business. In fact, I know they did. I was going to study to become a pediatrician, because the business had struggled financially and my parents were having trouble making ends meet.
He had struggled with going to college, because he had such a passion for performing. The family business has turned around:
It’s centered on continuing to keep the name in the spotlight.
The Chicago walk, with the added challenge of potentially testing wind conditions, will push the envelope:
It is definitely the most challenging walk I’ve ever done.
Esquire interview
Wallenda talks about the possibility of freezing up during a walk, what wind conditions would make him postpone the upcoming Chicago skyscraper stunt, and supporting his children whether they want to walk tightropes or choose another profession. Safety factors:
We’re all taking calculated risks. I train for the worst cases, and if the conditions are worse than that, I simply won’t walk that wire that day. But I train to grab that wire and hold on for up to twenty minutes. And I have rescue crews who can get to me within ninety seconds anywhere I am on that wire, so it’s much more calculated and much safer than most could fathom. I preach about it all the time. My industry is completely contrary to me. Normally our job is to scare everybody and tell them how dangerous it is. But I’m a realist and I preach the truth, which is I believe what I do is extremely calculated and very safe.
Discovery interview
Wallenda talks about Karl, and how his life and career provided inspiration for the rest of the family:
My great grandfather, Karl Wallenda, said life is on the wire, everything else is just waiting. And for our family, that’s true. He is the driving force behind our family. He always was…I’ve always though, How can I pay tribute to him, not to ever outshine him but to shine the light on what he did.
Tribune interview
Wallenda talks to the Chicago Tribune about the upcoming walk, revealing that he has promised to cover the city’s costs of additional police, firefighters, traffic realignment and related services for the event. He also carries $20 million in liability insurance for the safety of the rigging crew, citizens and the integrity of the buildings. Wallenda:
It’s complex, but it’s simple. It’s simple because I’ve done it for so long.
RedEye interview
Wallenda tells RedEye Chicago about his dream stunt:
Walk a wire over an active volcano. I’m actually actively working on it.
Hannity interview
Wallenda goes on Hannity’s Fox show to talk about his Grand Canyon skywalk and what he wants to do next. Hannity:
Do you ever get nervous, ever?
Wallenda:
I respect what I do, deeply. I don’t get nervous to the point of fear
He says he wants to walk between the Empire State Building and Chrysler Building, but New York City officials won’t give him the permissions he needs for the stunt.
