VICE and HBO recently partnered up to produce an incredible new series (it just wrapped but you can catch episodes at Vice.com). It’s basically documentary-style coverage of some of the more fucked up places and things happening on this planet. Our friend Jake Burghart films the show. And last year his itinerary consisted of Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India and North Korea — yes, he is one of the few Americans who’ve ever penetrated the concrete walls of North Korea. And he went with two Harlem Globetrotters and Dennis Rodman of all people.
We sat down with Jake and just let him tell stories. Touching on some of his most terrifying experiences — including being held at gunpoint by rebels in the Congo, going left at Sunset and his new past time: commenting on Kelly Slater’s Instagram.
For more in depth stories that make the ending in Argo sleepy, grab a copy of What Youth Issue 4 for a full interview with Jake as well.
Editor’s Warning: The night before this interview we…well…we had a big night out. And fuck, who could blame us? The dude’s itinerary for 2012 consisted of death around every corner. We had to celebrate. We didn’t know if we’d ever see him again! Ride the rollercoaster of emotion inside Jake’s hangover while he recounts a few highlights of his year.—Travis