The Empire State Proposal: Ivan Kuznetsov and Angelina Nikolau
Join Joel and Chase as they discuss Ivan Kuznetsov and Angelina Nikolau’s extreme proposal atop the Empire State Building’s antenna in Midtown Manhattan.
Best quote from The Empire State Proposal: Ivan Kuznetsov and Angelina Nikolau
When the power of love beats the love of power, the world knows peace. It’s a heavy sentiment to hang over New York City, especially when you’re balancing on a narrow ledge while the NYPD is scrambling below.
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The story of the daredevil couple's climb and proposal on top of the Empire State Building, and the origin and context of the manifesto: 'When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace.'
Frequently Asked Questions
Ivan Kuznetsov and Angelina Nikolau are world-famous rooftoppers from Russia known for scaling the tallest structures on the planet without safety gear. In this episode of The Empire State Proposal, we explore their daring ascent to the very tip of the New York City skyline. The couple moved beyond the 102nd-floor observation deck, using a maintenance hatch on the 103rd floor to reach the antenna for a high-stakes romantic statement.
During this extreme urban climbing event, Ivan Kuznetsov and Angelina Nikolau climbed the antenna of the Empire State Building, over 1,400 feet above Midtown Manhattan. While balancing on a narrow ledge, they unfurled a massive banner about the power of love and peace. This stunt occurred in broad daylight while the NYPD scrambled below, creating a fascinating tension between the couple's lifelong commitment and the legal chaos on the ground.
The rooftoppers bypassed the standard safety fences and the 102nd-floor observation deck typically visited by tourists. Instead, they accessed a maintenance hatch on the 103rd floor, an area usually reserved for water tower technicians. From there, they continued their ascent to the flickering red light at the very tip of the building's antenna. This climb was performed without any safety equipment, high above the pavement of Midtown Manhattan.
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From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
