About this episode

The episode explores the daring rooftop climb of Angela Nikolau and Ivan Beerkus at the Empire State Building and the implications of their urban exploration.

How did two urban explorers pull off one of the most daring rooftop climbs in modern history? On this episode of The Tom Gulley Show, Tom dives into the astonishing story of Angela Nikolau and Ivan Beerkus, the Russian couple whose breathtaking—and illegal—climb to the top of New York City's iconic Empire State Building stunned the world. Known for scaling some of the tallest skyscrapers on Earth without safety equipment, Angela and Ivan became international sensations through incredible photographs and videos captured hundreds of feet above city streets. Their Empire State Building ascent pushed urban exploration to a new level, raising questions about security, risk, social media fame, and the psychology of people willing to gamble everything for a once-in-a-lifetime view. Tom explores who Angela Nikolau and Ivan Beerkus are, how they planned the climb, what happened during the ascent, the legal consequences, and why their exploits continue to fascinate millions around the globe. It's an unforgettable look at one of the boldest acts of urban climbing ever attempted. If you enjoy stories about incredible true events, famous landmarks, modern adventurers, unusual history, and…

More episodes of The Tom Gulley Show

• World Cup 2026 Autopsy 2: The Complete Review · July 21, 2026 · 1h 42m
• The Model T Ford: The Car That Put America on Wheels · July 16, 2026 · 1h 36m
• Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman: Turning Soap Operas Into Comedy Legend · July 8, 2026 · 51 min
• US National Team World Cup 2026: The Ultimate Sports Buzzkill · July 7, 2026 · 2h 34m
• Tom Knows All About Soccer: Ask Me Anything · July 6, 2026 · 1h 51m
• G.I. Joe Action Figures: The Heroes That Started It All · July 1, 2026 · 1h 26m

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the The Tom Gulley Show podcast page.