Uncharted Conversations: Primatologist Mireya Mayor: Pink Boots and a Machete

Join world-renowned scientist and National Geographic explorer Mireya Mayor on a wild and inspiring romp through her unconventional path to success. From her early days as an NFL cheerleader to near-death experiences in the Congo and co-discovering the world’s smallest primate in Madagascar, Mireya shares her incredible journey with us. Mireya hosts a wide variety of TV series, including the Discovery Channel’s hit series Expedition Bigfoot. Between field expeditions, on-screen work, and her real-life drama of juggling a family of eight, Mireya reminds us that we are capable of more than we can imagine.

This show is part of the 2026/27 Uncharted Conversations Series powered by ATC.

View the full series here!

Dr. Mireya Mayor Bio

Dr. Mireya Mayor is a primatologist, explorer, National Science Foundation fellow, Fulbright scholar, and Emmy Award–nominated wildlife correspondent for the National Geographic Channel. Her explorations have led to several scientific discoveries, most notably her co-discovery in Madagascar of the world’s smallest primate. Mireya has hosted dozens of documentaries, including her Nat Geo WILD series, Wild Nights with Mireya Mayor; Expedition Africa on the History Channel; La Cuba De Hoy on Nat Geo Mundo, and currently stars in Discovery Channel’s hit series Expedition Bigfoot. She is the author of a best selling book,  Pink Boots and a Machete, and the subject of an award winning children’s book, Just Wild Enough. Mireya is also executive director of exploration and science communications at Florida International University, where she is helping scientists effectively communicate complex topics. She’s been recognized as a National Geographic Emerging Explorer, a Fulbright Global Changemaker, and one of Stony Brook University’s “40 under Forty.”