Matt graham survivalist biography

You’ve seen your favorite Primitive Skills guide Matt Graham on TV, but do you really know him?

Matt grew up in Southern California and was addicted to surfing and the ocean. His family had a small vacation cabin near San Bernadino Mountains that he frequented as a child and into adulthood.

That’s where his interest of primitive skills began, he would leave the city and retreat to the cabin and practice Earth Skills like making rope and creating fire out of thin air.

In the Yosemite area, Matt also developed his other love: long distance running, he’s broken several long distance running records and still holds some to this day. Running on the most minimal shoes possible was important to Matt, connecting with how our ancestors traversed the land, no foam on his toes. That’s still how he runs today.

Matt eventually met some producers in the CA area who were interested in Matt’s unique take on primitive skills, the rest is history. Matt loves sharing the priceless knowledge of being one with the natural world with as many people as possible.

We are so pumped to announce that we have added to the Spring Team Matt Graham -  Professional Survival Instructor, TV Host for top rated shows on both the Discovery and National Geographic networks, Author, and all around badass who is referred to as the real “Tarzan” of Southern Utah. We hooked up with Matt recently for some Q&A to get to know this fascinating human and what he has currently been up to in the wilderness world. 

How did you get into the outdoors and later become a survivalist?

I’ve always loved nature and grew up doing Martial Arts and Triathlons as a teen. At the age of 17, I moved to Yosemite Valley to work and take up climbing. It was probably the best decision of my life. I fell in love with the mountains and also regularly began running the Half Dome trail (18 miles with 5k vert) about twice a week. Connecting backcountry climbing routes with long ones became my favorite jam. Over time the runs became longer and the appeal to staying in the backcountry overnight with no gear is what fired my interest in Ancestral survival skills.

How did you end up on TV? What was it like shooting on location?

TV came unexpectedly. I liked the idea of being in martial arts films as a boy, though as I got older, the idea of being on screen seemed a distant reality. I had primarily led wilderness trips as my profession, then started consulting for a few television shows. This exposure led to networks wanting me on location. My first Discovery channel show “Dude you’re Screwed” was a bit of a whirlwind from my cave-life existence. There was lots of travel, lots of shenanigans for ratings, though I found I really liked the team work involved and presenting authentic material. That’s what kept me going with it. I’ve filmed over 6 series now, about 75 episodes, though I haven’t counted. 

What are the most important primitive skills to have?

The most important survival skill to have in the wilderness is a good attitude. That’s where it all starts

American survivalist and television personality (born 1974)

For other people named Matthew Graham, see Matthew Graham (disambiguation).

Matt Graham (born August 8, 1974), is an American survivalist and television personality who co-hosted the Discovery Channel reality show Dual Survival, and also Dude,You're Screwed.

Biography

Graham was born on August 8, 1974, in Pierre, South Dakota.

Graham is a co-host of the Discovery Channel reality television show Dude, You're Screwed. He also co-hosted the survival show Dual Survival for the latter part of season 4, and all of seasons 5 and 6.

In 2016 Graham joined the cast of National Geographic Channel's Live Free or Die.

Filmography

References

External links