"I was gonna die where I was sitting, so I might as well die trying."

In this episode of Pursue Vegas, we sit down with Matt Jaskol, a professional race car driver, skydiver, and adventure junkie who doesn’t just flirt with danger—he races toward it. From Red Bull's Formula One development team to surviving 42 days on a deserted island, Matt’s life is proof that playing it safe isn’t always the safest bet.

Raised in the fast lane, Matt got his start racing motocross and go-karts as a kid, eventually making his way to NASCAR. But Matt didn’t stop there. In true thrill-seeker fashion, he became the first NASCAR driver to skydive into his own race.

"Jumping out of the helicopter was going to be the safest part of my day."

We dive into what drives someone to push every limit—on the track, in the sky, and on reality TV. His time on Castaways, where being stranded on a jungle island taught him the hard truth about being alone versus being lonely, and why discomfort is often the greatest teacher.

Through all of it, Matt shares how adrenaline isn’t just about the rush—it’s about healing, clarity, and testing who you really are when all the comforts are stripped away.

"When you do something like that, it changes your life in a positive direction."

Whether you're into high-speed races, mental endurance, or just love a story about defying the odds, Matt’s journey will light a fire under you to stop waiting and start doing.

Key Takeaways:

• Racing and skydiving aren’t just sports—they’re metaphors for life.
• You don’t need comfort to grow. Discomfort is often the best classroom.
• Blending adrenaline and purpose can be a path to healing.
• Reality shows like Castaways test more than survival—they test spirit.
• Doing scary things rewires your brain toward strength and resilience.

Resources:

• Matt Jaskol on Instagram
• Learn more about skydiving, motorsports, and adventure therapy
• Watch Castaways for a raw look into survival and self-discovery

"The greatest experience of my life. I would do it again." — Matt Jaskol

Thanks for tuning in to The Pursue Vegas Podcast!