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.