Into the Unknown, starring Cliff Simon, premieres on Travel Channel Monday, July 27 at 11 p.m. ET/PT. Ahead of that, Travel Channel is once again extending me the opportunity to talk to one of their show’s stars. In this case, Mr. Simon himself.
I always get a kick out of asking what others might ask because it (a) sparks conversation, but also (b) usually elicits questions I might not have thought to ask.
So, here we are again: What would you ask Cliff Simon?
But maybe you’re like me and don’t know much about him?
Here’s what I’ve learned so far about him, the show, the episodes, and questions I have so far.
If any of that sparks questions on your part, Check-In below and ask them. I’ll be sure to tell him I’m asking on your behalf if your question is one I present to him.
About Cliff Simon
Cliff Simon is an active type.
He’s an ardent adventurer and survivalist with a deep fascination and passion for the supernatural and unexplained. As the intrepid host of Travel Channel’s new series, Into the Unknown, Simon travels to far-flung destinations to confront legendary paranormal mysteries head-on.
He was born in South Africa and is a seasoned martial artist and veteran of the South African Air Force.
Simon is also an Olympic-class swimmer, certified scuba diver and top military marksman.
He’s also no stranger to screens both big and small as he’s appeared in numerous films and TV series including
- 24
- Castle
- The Americans
- Criminal Minds
- NCIS
- Stargate SG-1
When he’s not on the road, you can find Simon racing dolphins on his kiteboard off the beaches of Malibu.
About Into the Unknown
On a hunt for answers to the nightmarish myths and legends that have haunted locals for millennia, Simon uses his skills to hike, swim and even crawl his way into places most wouldn’t dare go.
Within the shadowy wilderness lurks chilling tales of swamp monsters, mythical beasts, ancient aliens and mysterious phenomena. In each hour-long episode, Simon journeys into the unknown to confront the truth behind these terrifying legends.
He meets with scientists, shamans, historians and witnesses who help shed light on the enigmatic tales. After consulting with local guides to best plan his route, Simon ventures off alone into one extreme landscape after another.
Whether he’s spending the night inside the ancient lava tubes of California’s Mount Shasta, trudging his way through the deadliest swamp in America or trekking through dense North Carolina forests, Simon’s journey takes him to haunting places where the wilderness and paranormal intersect. You can’t jaunt much deeper into the unknown than that!
The Episodes
Ep. 1: “The Night Marchers”
According to ancient Hawaiian legend, the Night Marchers are the ghosts of long-dead warriors who rise on the darkest nights of the year to march in a terrifying procession through the islands. Facing his deepest fears, Cliff Simon is determined to encounter this bone-chilling phenomenon himself and arrives on the Big Island a few days before the dark moon.
Ep. 2: “The Brown Mountain Lights”
The Brown Mountain Lights of North Carolina are one of the greatest mysteries on the continent, and Cliff Simon is on an eerie recon mission to find out more. For over a century, people have witnessed strange orb-like lights that rise up and hover above this largely unexplored wilderness. And the only way to find out more is to spend the night in an area where people have been known to disappear.
Ep. 3: “The Rougarou”
Legend has it that a fearsome werewolf-like creature lurks deep in the heart of the Louisiana bayou. Determined to track down the beast’s lair, Cliff Simon navigates his way through the largest — and deadliest — swamp in America.
Ep. 4: The Jersey Devil
The sprawling Pine Barrens of New Jersey are said to be home to the Jersey Devil—a terrifying mythical creature with bat wings, a long tail and a horse’s head. The legend first surfaced 300 years ago, and with a recent spike in sightings, Cliff Simon is determined to track it down for himself.
Ep. 5: “The Mojave Sandman”
In the haunting and inhospitable desert of Southern California, Cliff Simon is in search of the infamous Mojave Sandman. Sightings of a hairy ape-like creature also known as the Yeti, Sasquatch and Bigfoot have made headlines for decades. While Simon is determined to make a contribution to the ongoing investigation, he increasingly has the feeling that he’s the one being tracked.
Ep. 6: The Legend of Mount Shasta
California’s Mount Shasta is a dormant volcano with a supernatural reputation. Dozens of people have vanished there without a trace, and now, armed with the latest high-tech gear, Cliff Simon searches for both scientific and paranormal explanations.
Potential Questions
Cliff Simon made this statement:
“I had my first paranormal encounter when I was younger and I’ve been fascinated with otherworldly beings ever since,” said Simon. “There are dark secrets hiding in the furthest reaches of the earth, and that’s where I’m headed to find answers.”
This alone has sparked at least a few questions so far:
- What was your encounter?
- Where was it?
- Have you ever gotten any answers?
- Is it something you explore on Into the Unknown?
What about you? Has any of this, be it his statement or any of the other info about him, the show or the episodes, sparked any questions in your mind?
For More Info
Go to TravelChannel.com for exclusive behind-the-scenes videos and photos.
Follow @TravelChannel and #IntotheUnknown on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for additional content and updates.
Follow Cliff Simon on Twitter: @cliffmsimon.
Courtney Mroch is a globe-trotting restless spirit who’s both possessed by wanderlust and the spirit of adventure, as well as obsessed with true crime, horror, the paranormal, and weird days. Perhaps it has something to do with her genes? She is related to occult royalty, after all. Marie Laveau, the famous Voodoo practitioner of New Orleans, is one of her ancestors. That could also explain her infatuation with skeletons.
Speaking of healing, to learn how she channeled her battle with cancer to conjure up this site, check out HJ’s Origin Story.
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He’s gone to such interesting places and to such extremes to seek answers. I’d want to know if he ever found himself in a life-threatening situation.
Ooo! That’s a good question! Asking him! Also, thank you. I was hoping you’d comment because you always have such great Qs!