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Matthew Henson and the Land of the Frozen Summit (Show Notes)

Episode Number: 001

Season: 1

Release Date: 03/10/2026

Episode Duration: 27 mins 52 sec

Host: Jordan Chapman

Experts/Guests: J.R. Harris and Genevieve LeMoine

Experts/Guests Links:

J.R. Harris: https://www.jrinthewilderness.com/about

  • Black Explorer
  • Former Board Member and Chair of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee of the Explorer’s Club

Genevieve LeMoine: https://www.bowdoin.edu/profiles/staff/glemoine/index.html

  • Curator/Registrar at Bowdoin College

Episode Description:

  • Matthew Henson was a Black explorer part of Robert E. Peary’s Arctic Exploration team. An accomplished explorer, Jordan Chapman interviews J.R. Harris and Genevieve LeMoine to learn more about Henson's legacy and the frozen lands of the Arctic. 

Key Moments [MM:SS]:

  • Opening: 00:00–1:00
  • J.R. Harris Introduction: 1:00–1:30
  • Matthew Henson’s Early life: 1:30–4:10
  • Arctic Exploration: 4:15–4:40
  • Genevieve LeMoine Introduction: 4:45-4:50
  • Robert E. Peary’s story: 5:25–6:45
  • Henson and Peary meet: 6:50
  • The many adventures of Henson and Peary: 6:50–13:00
  • The Inuit and their contributions: 13:00–15:00
  • Dr. Frederick Cook’s travels and Peary’s response: 15:00–17:00
  • Henson and the North Pole: 17:25–22:00
  • The finish line: 22:00–24:00
  • The final question and J.R.’s conclusion: 25:00–27:00
  • Credits: 27:06–27:52

Links: 

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