Jennifer Cochran & Trenton Harper, ‘Naked And Afraid’: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know

Jennifer Cochran and Trenton Harper take on Naked And Afraid as two survivalists left in Udhampur without food, water, or clothing for 21 days. Do they both make it to the end of their journey together? The episode synopsis for the show is, “Trenton and Jennifer are inserted high above the steep valley region of Udhampur, India. They have to acclimate to the new geography, and new sensations that come along with surviving naked and afraid.” Stay tuned on the Discovery channel for their episode Sunday, May 17, 2015 at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT. Now check out our 5 Fast Facts on the two survivalists below.


1. Cochran Is NOT An Experienced Survivalist

Unlike most cast members on the show, Cochran does not consider herself to be an expert in survival. She says she’s new to the “survival scene” and she hopes to learn a lot from her partner on the show. Because of Cochran’s lack in expertise, her survivalist partner Harper doesn’t trust her right away. Have a look at a clip from the episode, showing the awkward disconnect between the two cast members.

At one point in the episode, Harper still refuses to lend Cochran his knife in order to gather fire wood in the rain. The two end up arguing and Harper leaves their shelter, venturing off in the rain.


2. Harper Is a Full-Time Paramedic

Jennifer Cochran, Jennifer Cochran Naked And Afraid, Jennifer And Trenton Naked And Afraid, Trenton Harper, Trenton Harper Naked And Afraid

(Discovery)

Harper works full time as a paramedic and is also an instructor with Aerie Backcountry Medicine. In his Facebook profile, Harper refers to himself as a:

Displaced Appalachian living in the Wild Rockies. Paramedic, wilderness medicine and survival aficionado, and general backcountry rambler.

In addition, his personal website bio expands on details in regards to his medical career stating:

I was drawn into the world of emergency medicine through my desire to be more self sufficient during travels in the backcountry; the unintended result has been an immersion in society as a professional care provider through which I have found a commitment to serving the spectrum of the human community during times of crisis. As a wilderness medicine and survival skills instructor I am able to bridge the gap between the social and environmental by sharing skills based knowledge with diverse groups who share common goals of wilderness conservation and service to others in times of need.

According to Discovery.com, Harper’s skills include: Shelter Production, Water Purification, Fire by Friction, Primitive Containers and Tool Production, Hunting, Gathering, Aidless Navigation, Tracking, Winter Survival and Rescue, and Wilderness Medicine.


3. Black Scorpions, Leopards, and Monkeys Pose a Threat in Udhampur

Jennifer Cochran, Jennifer Cochran Naked And Afraid, Jennifer And Trenton Naked And Afraid, Trenton Harper, Trenton Harper Naked And Afraid

(Discovery)

The wilderness itself poses a threat to survivalists, but in Udhampur, Cochran and Harper have monkeys and leopards to worry about. Their biggest threat, however, is the black scorpion, which causes hundreds of deaths in India each year. According to WalkThroughIndia.com, “The Red and Black Indian scorpions are listed as most dangerous scorpions.”


4. Cochran Currently Has An Interest In Water Purification

Jennifer Cochran, Jennifer Cochran Naked And Afraid, Jennifer And Trenton Naked And Afraid, Trenton Harper, Trenton Harper Naked And Afraid

(Discovery)

According to the Discovery Channel, Cochran recently took interest in water purification, stating:

J.C. spent her twenties traveling and camping across the states. She is currently bartending her way through a Nuclear Engineering Technology degree and volunteers for several charities. After working for a lab, she formed an interest in water purification and is constantly learning new ways to ensure the safety of effluent water.

Cochran’s listed skills on the show include: Tracking, Building Shelter, Water Purification, Motivator, Primitive Fire, and being a Nomad.


5. Growing Up In a Small Town Helped With Cochran’s Survival Skills

Jennifer Cochran, Jennifer Cochran Naked And Afraid, Jennifer And Trenton Naked And Afraid, Trenton Harper, Trenton Harper Naked And Afraid

(Discovery)

Cochran’s Discovery bio states that growing up in a small town helped Cochran develop a love for the outdoors, explaining:

J.C. grew up in a small town in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Surrounded by the wilderness her entire life, she found her passion at an early age. Being the sister of two brothers she was always outdoors. Her passion turned into a lifestyle and a yearning for more knowledge. She befriended several people throughout her life that have taught and helped her throughout her journey. She’s gone on several excursions and was forced to adapt to her surroundings. She’s used her stubbornness to excel in intense situations. Due to many inconsistent variables, she has learned many survival techniques in various situations. J.C. has constructed temporary shelters and has mastered minimalistic camping. She finds solitude and uses her love of the outdoors as an escape from the hustle and bustle of “real life.”