Factual
Discovery Channel to premiere Todd Sampson’s Body Hack 2.0 from 25th March
MUMBAI: Discovery Channel, India’s leading factual entertainment channel, is all set to premiere the second season of very popular series Body Hack 2.0 starting Monday, March 25 at 21:00 hrs. Adventurer Todd Sampson is on a mission to investigate some of the most extraordinary people on the planet to see what we can all learn from their lives. To try to understand them, he will not only walk in their shoes, he hacks into their world using science as his guide. This is the story of human potential and how our mind and body can adapt to almost anything.
Humans are the most adaptable and resourceful species on the planet. Our very existence has been forged by our ability to meet the challenges of the world around us. But for most of us today, the comforts of modern living mean we no longer need to adapt to survive. Do we still have this ability? And can science help us unlock the secrets of hidden potential that exist in all of us? To answer this question, science adventurer Todd Sampson explores some of the most challenging environments and resilient people on the planet. His body is the laboratory in which he puts to the test the science about our species and our ability to go beyond our limits.
In this second series, Todd faces extreme challenges with the Matsés of the Amazon, Iraqi frontline soldiers, sādhu holy men of India, the kung fu masters of China, the firefighters of Washington DC and the Kazakh Eagle Hunters of Mongolia. Each episode highlights a unique aspect of human physiology and psychology, including cold adaptation, chronic stress, spatial awareness, pain tolerance and heat duress.
In the first episode of the series, Todd explores the boundaries of pain and endurance with some of the most colourful and secretive people on the planet – the sādhus of India. Todd’s journey begins in Haridwar, where he meets a group of travelling sādhus who shun the modern world by refusing to wear clothes and carrying traditional swords. Among the feats of pain they practice, called “tapas”, Todd meets a sādhu who has stood without a break for seven years, another who covers his body in thousands of beads and another who’s held his arm in the air for nearly 20 years.
Using techniques and hacks that viewers can apply in their own lives, Todd will challenge himself to learn his hosts’ skills and attempt to make his body adapt in ways theirs have. From illuminating key moments in the story of human evolution to the use of the latest, hi-tech visual effects, this series is a visually fantastic journey that takes him from the frozen tundra to steaming jungles to see first-hand the ability of our species to go beyond the limit.
Factual
National Geographic launches ‘Postcards from Hong Kong’ with Ridhi Dogra
New series explores the city’s hidden gems and vibrant contrasts, premiering 28 March.
MUMBAI: Ridhi Dogra just sent a postcard from Hong Kong that’s worth framing because when a bustling metropolis reveals its quiet trails and timeless traditions, even the skyline takes a back seat. National Geographic has unveiled Postcards from Hong Kong, a refreshing travel series hosted and curated by actor Ridhi Dogra. Produced by National Geographic Creative Works in collaboration with the Hong Kong Tourism Board, the show offers an intimate, Indian traveller’s perspective on one of Asia’s most iconic cities, moving beyond its glittering harbour and skyscrapers to uncover serene beaches, scenic hiking trails and deep cultural traditions.
Across three visually rich episodes, Ridhi journeys through contrasting sides of Hong Kong. The first episode takes her on a quieter path of self-discovery to places like Sai Kung, Big Wave Bay, Dragon’s Back, Tai O, Ngong Ping, Po Lin Monastery and the Tian Tan Buddha. The second episode dives into the city’s energetic side, from the bustling streets of Causeway Bay to Happy Valley Racecourse, Michelin-starred spots and luxury shopping at Landmark.
Ridhi Dogra said, “Being part of Postcards from Hong Kong with Nat Geo was a deeply enriching experience. What I love about this journey is that it goes beyond the obvious; it’s not just about the skyline or the speed of the city but about the stories that live in its quieter corners.”
A National Geographic India spokesperson added, “With Postcards from Hong Kong, we set out to go beyond the familiar and explore the city through a more intimate, human lens.”
Hong Kong Tourism Board director of South Asia Puneet Kumar noted, “Postcards from Hong Kong is a reflection of meaningful storytelling that brings the city to life in an immersive way. It beautifully captures the diversity and spirit that define Hong Kong.”
Blending travel, culture and personal storytelling, the series celebrates Hong Kong as a city of contrasts where modern life meets tradition and every corner holds a story waiting to be discovered. It premieres on 28 March at 8 pm on the National Geographic Channel and will also stream on JioHotstar.
In a world of hurried travel reels, Postcards from Hong Kong slows things down just enough to let viewers truly see the city not just its lights, but its layers, proving that the best souvenirs are the stories you bring home.
