MtnMeister

In today’s episode, we’ll cover the relationship between people, land, and how we use the land. My guest is Len Necefer, a Professor with appointments in American Indian Studies and the Udall Center for Studies in Public Policy at the University of Arizona. Len’s newest film,  "Welcome to Gwichyaa Zhee" explores the impact of opening the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil and gas development on the local Gwich’in people in Northern Alaska and Canada. Len is the founder of Natives Outdoors, an outdoor apparel company that supports indigenous people through cultural empowerment, and a board member of the Honnold Foundation, Alex Honnold’s foundation which supports solar energy initiatives to create a more equitable world.  Our Company Spotlight is with Fisher + Baker, a seven-person men’s apparel company based out of Minneapolis. Fisher + Baker uses technical fabrics in casual menswear designs where you wouldn’t expect to find technical fabrics. I’ll interview Alexa Stodola and Maggie Maloy about the company, then Roommate Max and I will see if Fisher and Baker is as timeless, purposeful, and functional as they claim to be.   Episode Sponsors SAXX Underwear: Use the code "meister" at checkout for $5 off and free shipping! https://www.saxxunderwear.com/ The Nomadik: Use code: "meister" for 20% OFF your first purchase at https://www.thenomadik.com/meister   Episode Links Welcome to Gwichyaa Zhee - https://www.gwichyaazhee.us/ About Len - https://ais.arizona.edu/users/len-necefer Natives Outdoors - https://www.natives-outdoors.org/ Honnold Foundation - http://www.honnoldfoundation.org/ Fisher + Baker - https://fisherandbaker.com

Scott Johnston is the co-owner and head coach of Uphill Athlete, a specialized training platform that includes a couple of books, a website with a host of resources, training plans, stories, and articles, and personalized coaching for uphill athletes. On today’s show, we’ll talk about his newest book with Steve House and Kilian Jornet, Training for the New Alpinism: A Manual for Mountain Runners and Ski Mountaineers, where they set the record straight about what is known, unknown, and what works in endurance training. He’ll also provide some advice about how to get faster and go further.   Our Company Spotlight in this episode is with Reggie, a Canadian cycling apparel company that uses vibrant colors and designs in technical riding gear. I talk with Reggie's co-founders and siblings Laura and Jeff Wills about the company, then Hannah van Wetter and I review their Double Cross kit. Get 25% off at https://reggie.bike/ with the code "reggiemeister" at checkout.   Episode Sponsors SAXX Underwear: Use the code "meister" at checkout for $5 off and free shipping! https://www.saxxunderwear.com/ The Nomadik: Use code: "meister" for 20% OFF your first purchase at https://www.thenomadik.com/meister   Episode Links Uphill Athlete: https://www.uphillathlete.com/ Buy the book: https://www.amazon.com/Training-Uphill-Athlete-Mountain-Mountaineers/dp/1938340841 Training Peaks: https://www.trainingpeaks.com/ "Just Enough" Plan: https://bridgerridgerun.wordpress.com/2015/03/30/how-to-run-a-3-hour-marathon-a-just-enough-training-approach/

Caroline Gleich is a professional ski mountaineer, endurance athlete, and environmental activist. This past fall, she climbed and skied Cho Oyu, the sixth highest mountain in the world. On today’s episode, we’ll talk about that adventure, where she faced a spell of high altitude pulmonary edema (hape) that threatened her chances at summitting. Later in our conversation, we’ll talk about the implicit and sometimes explicit bias that women face in adventure sports that are predominantly male.   In today’s Company Spotlight, we feature Onsight Equipment, an eco-friendly travel gear company based out of British Colombia. Onsight uses recycled materials to build travel storage solutions, including bicycle frame bags, messenger bags, and travel organizers. After my interview with their marketing and business development manager, Jens Ourom, I'll review some of the products with Roommate Max and Hannah Van Wetter. For 20%, use the code “mtnmeister25” at https://www.onsightequipment.com/    Episode Sponsor: SAXX Underwear. Use the code meister at checkout for $5 off and free shipping! https://www.saxxunderwear.com/     Episode Links:   Caroline Gleich's website: https://carolinegleich.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolinegleich/ Misogyny and Sexism: https://www.outsideonline.com/2313816/caroline-gleich-sexism  

Bethany Hughes (Fidgit) and Lauren Reed (Neon) are in the midst of a daunting project: hiking (and occasionally paddling and cycling) from the southern tip of Argentina to the northern tip of Alaska. The 20,000 mile journey is expected to take 5 or 6 years, and in this interview, they join from Medellín, Colombia, about 2.5 years into their journey. Fidgit and Neon talk about their motivation, strategies to get along with adventure partners, and Her Odyssey: a mission to connect stories of the land and its inhabitants.   In today’s Company Spotlight, we feature Peak Design, a camera accessory, bag, and “carry” brand. First and foremost, though, Peak Design is a design company. They’ve launched numerous successful crowdfunding campaigns for products that use innovative design to accommodate specific uses while still fulfilling the many different ways that people may use them. For 10%, use the code “meister10” at https://www.peakdesign.com/.     Episode Sponsor: SAXX Underwear. Use the code meister at checkout for $5 off and free shipping!      https://www.saxxunderwear.com/  

Modern Huntsman is bi-annual magazine that works to restore the perception of hunting in our modern society by curating stories, pictures, recipes, and more. On today’s episode, I talk with the CEO and Co-founder Brad Neathery and Editor in Chief Tyler Sharp about why hunting has gained a certain reputation - from the influences of hunting companies and media to the individual-level behavior. We’ll also hear an essay from Volume 1 called “And So I Hunt", narrated by Brad. Finally, we’ll talk about how we reduce the divide between hunters and non-hunters.   Episode Sponsor: SAXX Underwear -  Use the code meister at checkout for $5 off and free shipping! https://www.saxxunderwear.com/   Episode Links: Modern Huntsman - https://modernhuntsman.com/ Pre-Order Volume 2 - https://modernhuntsman.com/shop/volume-two @ModernHuntsman - https://www.instagram.com/modernhuntsman/  

Dr. Robb Gaffney is a psychiatrist, former extreme skier, and author of Squallywood: a guide to Squaw Valley’s most extreme lines. In this episode, we’ll talk about the brain and risk taking, social contagion, and ways to encourage the next generation to take more responsible risks. Robb is also part of a movement to Keep Squaw True, as unwanted real estate development is threatens the North Lake Tahoe area. In today’s Company Spotlight, we feature Coalatree, an eco-friendly outdoor apparel brand founded by Charlie Bessey. Coalatree uses recycled materials like coffee grounds and plastic bottles to make sustainable, organic products for the mountains and the city. After my interview with Charlie, Hannah Van Wetter and I review the Trailhead Pants. For 20%, use the code “meister” at https://coalatree.com/. Episode Sponsor: SAXX Underwear. Use the code meister at checkout for $5 off and free shipping! https://www.saxxunderwear.com/   Episode Links: Keep Squaw True: https://www.sierrawatch.org/keep-squaw-true/ Movie Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/world-premiere-the-movie-to-keep-squaw-true-tickets-48848643608 The Effect of Sexual Arousal on Sexual Decision Making: http://people.duke.edu/~dandan/webfiles/PapersPI/Sexual%20Arousal%20and%20Decision%20making.pdf Squallywood: http://squallywood.com/  

Chris Warner is a well established mountaineer who has been climbing and guiding for several decades, a leadership educator, and the founder of Earth Treks climbing gyms. Last year, Chris attempted to climb the third highest mountain in the world, Kangchenjunga, but the summit escaped him. This season, he decided to give it another go. This episode is slightly different from our others. In hosting conversations with adventure athletes on MtnMeister, I’ve noticed that we are almost always talking about the past. This makes some sense  because we better understand the past; we can tell more cohesive stories because we already know the setting, the climax, and the resolution. But that isn’t reality, especially in adventure sports (there’s a good quote that goes, “Life is lived forward but remembered and understood backward.”) For today’s episode, the interview will have two parts which occurred at different times: I interviewed Chris a few days before he left for Kangchenjunga, and then again once he returned.   In today’s Company Spotlight, we feature DannyShane, a cycling apparel brand founded by Shane Hunt. DannyShane uses bamboo white ash in their fabrics, and the designs feature tartan plaids and other classic designs and colors with Scottish and Irish influence. After the interview, Roommate Max and I review the products. For 20% off at their online store (until August 12th), use the code “meister20” at www.dannyshane.com.    Episode Sponsor: SAXX Underwear. Use the code meister at checkout for $5 off and free shipping!   https://www.saxxunderwear.com/       Episode Links   https://chrisbwarner.com/ www.dannyshane.com/ https://www.earthtreksclimbing.com/ https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2213661.The_Graveyard_Book https://www.amazon.com/Shoe-Dog-Phil-Knight/dp/1508211809    

Pete Ripmaster is the winner of the 2018 Iditarod Trail Invitational. You’ve probably heard of the Iditarod before, and you might think it’s bizarre to be pulled by a bunch of dogs in sub-zero temperatures in the Alaskan wilderness. But that’s not the Iditarod that Pete won. He did the same course - 1,000 miles and 50 degrees below zero - in the form of an ultramarathon. With no dogs to help him along the way, Pete's feet carried him an average of 38 miles a day over 26 days. Go to SAXXunderwear.com and use the code “meister” at checkout for $5 off and free shipping on your first order.  Iditarod Trail invitational - http://www.iditarodtrailinvitational.com/ Pete Ripmaster's website - https://www.peteripmaster.com/

Chris McNamera is the founder of Outdoor Gear Lab, Tech Gear Lab, and Supertopo. If you are a climber or gear head, there’s a chance you’ve heard of these. He’s also well respected climber, holds some serious big wall speed records and has climbed El Cap 80 plus times. In the early 2000s, Chris was one of the pioneers of wingsuit base jumping, but he eventually quit the sport because of it's risk. Today, he's reinventing South Lake Tahoe one of the best mountain towns in the US. In today’s Company Spotlight, we feature Sufferfest Beer Co., and it’s founder, Caitlin Landesberg. Sufferfest is a beer built to reward you post-adventure – or maybe during your adventure, depending on what you’re in to! After the interview, Hannah Van Wetter and I review the beer and have a few drinks. For 20% off at their online store, use the code “meister” at www.sufferfestbeer.com. You can buy the beer online at Craft City - https://www.craftcity.com/all-beers/all-breweries/sufferfest This summer I am reporting on Big City Mountaineers and their Summit for Someone trip on Longs Peak from September 7th to 9th. I have reported on these trips in the past, and this year, we’ll be promoting their Corporate Challenges program, where a company can host a trip of it’s own. I think it’d be a cool story about team-building and corporate social responsibility (plus your company will get some good PR out of the whole thing). Everyone who signs up gets a 70L pack, Mountainsmith trekking poles, a BCM t-shirt, and their voice on MtnMeister! If you or your company are interested in getting involved, shoot me an email at ben@mtnmeister.com. Links Outdoor Gear Lab - https://www.outdoorgearlab.com/ Tech Gear Lab - https://www.techgearlab.com/ Supertopo - http://www.supertopo.com/ South Lake Tahoe - https://tahoesouth.com/ Buy Sufferfest Beer - https://www.craftcity.com/all-beers/all-breweries/sufferfest Chris McNamara on Enormocast - https://enormocast.com/episode-88-chris-mcnamara-living-the-ever-changing-dream/

Dr. Jared Vagy is a doctor of physical therapy and known as “The Climbing Doctor”. He’s a professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at USC, works with Olympic athletes on teams in both the US and China, and has treated and taught more than 1,000 climbers. He’s the author of Climb Injury Free, which includes injury advice from professional climbers and step by step rehabilitation instructions for climbing injuries. In this interview, we talk about common injuries among climbers, how to know when to push hard and when to back it off, and the difference between pain and injury. In today's Company Spotlight, we feature a Portland, OR based company, Thunderbolt Sportswear, and it's co-owner, John Connor. Thunderbolt's signature item is a do-it-all pair of soft shell pants/jeans made with Schoeller Dryskin, and they've now expanded to shirts and outerwear. After the interview with John, Roommate Max and I review the products. For 25% off, use the code "mtnmeister" at https://www.thunderboltsportswear.com/ Episode Links: The Climbing Doctor - https://theclimbingdoctor.com/ Stephen Curry strobe classes - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O6CHAmdkVDM Clarifying the Role of Pain in Injuries - https://theclimbingdoctor.com/clarifying-the-role-of-pain-in-injuries/ Buy the Book - http://a.co/5PoHwQO Climbing Doctor Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/theclimbingdoctor/?hl=en

Of all of the guest requests that I receive from listeners, Steve House is the name that comes up most. Steve is one of the most respected alpine climbers of this generation. In a time when establishing a quantity of summits has a certain superficial appeal, Steve stays committed to quality. He moves through the mountains in light and fast style, and through his programs like Alpine Mentors and Uphill Athlete, he teaches other climbers to do the same. In this interview, we’ll profile his introduction to climbing, the importance of mentors, and his approach to training. He’ll also talk about an accident in 2010 that left him stranded on the wall. After Steve's interview, I’ll speak with Jeff and Susan Russell, the founders of Ridge Merino, in our Company Spotlight segment. Jeff Russell was heading up soft goods at Armada when he realized that all of the Armada athletes - when they weren’t at photoshoots - wore merino baselayers instead of the synthetic ones that Armada produced. Jeff and Susan set out to make youthful, cost effective merino base layers to fill the void. Get 20% off with the code "meister" at https://www.ridgemerino.com/ This episode is supported by Health IQ, an insurance company that uses science & data to secure lower rates on life insurance for health conscious people. healthiq.com/meister Links: Training for the New Alpinism - https://www.amazon.com/Beyond-Mountain-Steve-House/dp/0980122775   Beyond the Mountain - https://www.amazon.com/Beyond-Mountain-Steve-House/dp/0980122775   Uphill Athlete - https://www.uphillathlete.com/   Skyward Mountaineering - http://skywardmountaineering.com/   Alpine Mentors - https://www.alpinementors.org/        

This is MtnMeister's semi-annual gear giveaway episode! If you’re a fan of the show, you’ve probably heard of it.    If this is your first time listening, here’s how it works. A couple of weeks ago, I went to the Outdoor Retailer trade show in Denver where over 1,000 different outdoor brands exhibited their newest products. In exchange for being featured on today’s episode, each company agrees to give you gear.  These are all real products that are either currently on the market or will be later this year - this is not “swag” or the branded cheap stuff that you end up throwing away.   To win the free gear, all you have to do is listen to this episode, and when you hear a product you want, email me at ben@mtnmeister.com and tell me you want it. The first person to request it wins! You can only win one prize, and after you win it, you cannot exchange it. Winners must be in the USA.   Finally, this time around, we had a grand prize of 2018 Salomon QST skis, which will be raffled off to one person who purchased information about the date or time of this episode’s release. I’ll announce that person at the end of this episode. 

HOW IT WORKS In our Outdoor Retailer episodes of MtnMeister, we record short interviews with innovative and exciting outdoor brands. In exchange for being featured, they give you free gear! When you hear a product that you want, email ben@mtnmeister.com to request it. The first person who requests it wins! Last year we gave away over $5,000 in prizes. THE CATCH Easy, right? The only issue is that there’s a lot of competition from others who want the free gear. Last year, everything was claimed within about an hour of the episode’s release. This year, Outdoor Retailer will be from January 25 – 28, and the MtnMeister giveaway episode will be released at some point after that. IMPROVE YOUR CHANCES To gain a competitive advantage, we are giving you the option to buy valuable information: $5 for the date - https://gumroad.com/l/yjSWi $10 for the date and 3hr time window - https://gumroad.com/l/kzHsG $20 for the date and exact time - https://gumroad.com/l/jGpz BONUS PRIZE! By purchasing one of the items above, you will be entered to win our GRAND PRIZE, a brand new pair of 2018 Salomon QST. The QST was the #1 selling freeride ski in North America in 2016/17, and the 2018/19 pair will be updated with basalt and C/FX 3 technology which now extends edge to edge. This is Solomon’s proprietary carbon/flax blend which gives the ski stability while maintaining its lightweight. The winner chooses a pair up to $850! BOTTOM LINE With this small purchase, you significantly increase your chances of winning gear worth a whole lot more! Last year there were 30+ winners and the average prize was worth $150. Note: Winners must be in the USA because of shipping restrictions. Sorry!    

Chris Davenport, at age 46, is one of the most accomplished big mountain skiers today. He was a pioneer in figuring out a way to make a career out of skiing and has inspired the generation of freeskiers that you see today. Recently he was inducted into the Colorado Snowsports Hall of Fame. Chris talks about the early days, his upcoming projects, gear, and MountainHub, an app that uses Crowdsourced information to assist you with your outdoors adventures. https://mountainhub.com/explore After Chris's interview, we introduce a new segment to MtnMeister: the company spotlight. In our company spotlights, we feature short interviews with lesser-known outdoor brands and give them an opportunity to talk about their line of products. Then, Hannah Van Wetter and I review the product. Today's company spotlight is with OROS Apparel, who features a NASA technology used for space suit insulation in their outerwear and midlayers. Get 10% off with the code "meister" at checkout. https://www.orosapparel.com This episode is supported by Health IQ, an insurance company that helps active and health-conscious people get lower rates on their life insurance. See if you qualify with a free quote at healthiq.com/meister

This is MtnMeister's annual episode about Big City Mountaineers’ Summit for Someone program, where passionate climbers can ascend their dream peak and raise money for charity in the process. On these trips, I bring a portable recording device with me while I try to climb a mountain that’s outside of my comfort zone.    Summit for Someone is the fundraising arm of Big City Mountaineers. Similar to how marathon or cycling fundraisers work, hiking and climbing enthusiasts can take on a big physical challenge and raise money for an organization that aligns itself with the challenge. In this case, outdoors enthusiasts are raising money to give underserved urban youth the opportunity to discover the outdoors and learn critical life skills along the way.   This year was an especially exciting trip for MtnMeister. We invited invited listeners of the podcast to join the climb - all of them had to fundraise $4,000, physically train to climb the Grand, and be open to spending 4 days climbing with people they have never met before. We also had a professional photographer, Chris Shane, and a designer/illustrator, Adam Danielson join to visually document the trip.     In this episode, you’ll learn more about Big City Mountaineers and hear from one of the program participants, Kim, about how BCM has had an impact on her. Then you’ll hear about our experience climbing the Grand Teton with Jackson Hole Mountain Guides. Finally, we’ll wrap things up with how you can do your own Summit for Someone climb.   Special thanks to: Osprey Packs for providing our climbers with the Variant 52L pack. American Alpine Club for their support of MtnMeister. Former host of MtnMeister Russell Wilcox. Save up to 50% on solar installation with Do-It-With at https://www.diwhome.com/ or email Russell at rwilcox@diwhome.com Jackson Hole Mountain Guides for keeping us safe. We highly recommend our guides for your next adventure: Nate Opp, Michael Wachs, Jacob Schmitz  

Today's guest is Dan Richards, the CEO of Global Rescue. Global Rescue provides travel and health risk management services, ranging from specialty care to evacuation. In this episode, we talk to Dan about Global Rescue's business model, how having a "backup" impacts decision-making, and whether Dan has ever had to use the services of his own company. Gear up and support Big City Mountaineers’ Summit For Someone Grand Teton Climb sponsored by Osprey and MtnMeister. Save some cash – 20% - and make a donation to Big City Mountaineers all at once!  Click through here to get your discount and make your donation!   http://www.mountaingear.com/webstore/?voucherCode=20BCM5&cmp=emc-20BCM5   OR just type 20BCM5 at checkout in the Keycode box.  Offer good from 6/7-6/9.

Today's guest is Chris Noble, author/photographer/climber. He’s the author of Women Who Dare: North America’s Most Inspiring Female Climbers, and his newest book, Why We Climb, which explores the various answers to that question - "Why do we climb?". The book includes interviews and stunning pictures of some the world’s elite climbers including Conrad Anker, Angie Payne, Alex Honnold, Raphael Slawinski, and many more. Buy the book here - http://bit.ly/WhyWeClimbBook

April 15-23 is National Park Week, and this coming weekend, April 22-23, you get free admission to every National Park in America. In this episode, I interview Mikah Meyer, who is on a mission to become the youngest person to experience all 417 units in America’s National Park System. He started around this time last year, and as of the release of this episode, he’s a little over a third of the way. In today’s episode you’ll hear about his motivation for the project, how he makes it work, and a change in lifestyle that makes it all worth it. Follow along Mikah's journey on his website tbcmikah.com or follow him on Instagram @TBCmikah. To sign up for our Grand Teton climb this summer to benefit Big City Mountaineers, visit mtnmeister.com/teton

Over the past two summers, I’ve had the amazing the opportunity to climb two iconic peaks in the continental US: Mt Langley in 2015 and Mt. Hood in 2016. These are some of my fondest memories over the past few years. I have met incredible people and been forced outside of my comfort zone. These experiences have been part of the Summit for Someone program - charity climbs that raise money for Big City Mountaineers (BCM), a non-profit that takes underserved, inner-city youth on immersive, weeklong expeditions into the wilderness. This summer, I figured that rather than telling you about what happens to me, I should invite you to experience it with me. Further, I should invite a past guest on this podcast to serve as our mountain guide. I'm happy to say that all of the pieces have come together, and you're invited to join us! Where: Grand Teton When: July 7-10 Guide: Brian Warren, Jackson Hole Mountain Guides Photographer: Chris Shane, @chrismshane More details and register here: http://www.bigcitymountaineers.org/summit-for-someone/2017-climbs/grand-teton/

It's our semi-annual GEAR GIVEAWAY episode! Twice a year, we attend the Outdoor Retailer trade show in Salt Lake City to cover new products, technologies, and companies in the outdoors industry. If this is your first time listening to our gear giveaway episode, here’s how it works. In exchange for being featured on today’s episode, each company has agreed to give away free gear to our listeners. These are all real products that are either currently on the market or will be - they aren’t promotional. To win the free gear, all you have to do is email me at ben@mtnmeister.com. The first person who requests it, gets it. You can only win one prize, and after you win it, you cannot exchange it. Winners must be in the USA. 20 companies, $5,000+ in prizes, 30+ winners! For $5 off a MtnMeister t-shirt - gumroad.com/l/QiebU

    In our annual New Year episode, we look back at what we accomplished in the previous year and set goals for the next one. Unfortunately, over the past two years my success rate hasn't been good - 33% to be exact. I’m not the only one with this problem. Goals are inherently hard and life can take us in different directions that move the finish line. Still, it’s obvious that we need help, so in today’s episode, we bring on a guest who knows a whole lot about goals and motivation. Hengchen Dai, a researcher on goals, motivation, and self regulation. She holds a PhD from University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business and she’s an assistant professor of Organizational Behavior at Washington University in St Louis’s Olin Business School. We discuss strategies to increase your chances of achieving your goals in 2017. A temporal landmark or "Fresh Start" will help motivate goal pursuit. Reengage goals with a range. Give yourself skin in the game. Reduce cognitive load when choosing between a "should" and a "want" Utilize temptation bundling Plan B is not an option To purchase information about MtnMeister's upcoming Gear Giveaway episode, go to mtnmeister.com/giveaway.        

For the fourth consecutive season, MtnMeister will be hosting its OR Giveaway episode. In this extra-popular episode, we record segments with companies about their latest and greatest gear, technologies, footwear, and apparel. All participating companies give away free prizes to our loyal listeners. Here's how to win: After you listen to the episode, email ben@mtnmeister.com and say which specific prize you want. The first person who requests a prize, gets it! You can only win once and you can't trade for a different prize. Listening early is important, but the episode is released on mystery date, unless... We are offering you the opportunity to purchase information about the episode’s release (the date, a time window, or the EXACT date and time). Last giveaway episode, there were over 30 prizes and 26 people purchased the “date and exact time” package. Those are damn good odds! $4 for the date - https://gumroad.com/l/XFCZF $8 for the date and 3-hour time window - https://gumroad.com/l/zpdGn $12 for the date and exact time - https://gumroad.com/l/Ksxl Note: these prices will double on January 1st, so ACT NOW!

If you’re a fan of this show, you probably understand that time outside makes you feel better. In fact, you’ve probably built it into your schedule - a little time outside every day keeps the doctor away, right? Buy why does this work? Are there bigger implications than your own personal use? On today’s episode, we bring you three distinguished guests who are working on advancing nature as a public health solution.   Episode Guests: Stacy Bare, Director of Sierra Club Outdoors and veteran of the United States Army Dr. Nooshin Razani, pediatrician and researcher at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Craig Anderson, post-doc researcher and fellow at the UCSF VA hospital and the Greater Good Science Center.   Want to get involved? Shoot me an email at ben@mtnmeister.com.   Buy a MtnMeister T here - https://gumroad.com/l/QiebU

This episode was originally recorded in February of 2016. The “Did someone get paid to say that?” question runs through my mind a lot. Often, I have trouble finding the answer. For example, when a guest on MtnMeister gives a gear recommendation, does he/she get paid by that company? If he/she does, can we trust that the recommendation is authentic? How do these sponsorships work? What do the brands get from the athletes and what do the athletes get from the brands? How does this impact us as outdoors consumers? In this episode, we hear from a couple of professional athletes, a large outdoors brand, and a talent manager. If you have questions or comments, leave them in the discussion forum on our website mtnmeister.com or send me an email (ben at mtnmeister.com).

This episode was originally recorded in February of 2016.  In 2009, Adam Kimble ran his first 5k. In 2011 his first half, 2012 his first marathon, and 2014 his first ultra. Now, in 2016, he is attempting to become the fastest person to run across the USA. The time to beat is 46 days, 8 hours, 36 minutes, and to do it he will have to average 68 miles a day. On February 15th, he will leave Huntington Beach and head west to hopefully finish around March 30th in NYC. Follow Adam @thebeardedsole on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or his website. To express interest in MtnMeister's Summit for Someone climb to benefit Big City Mountaineers, fill out this form - https://goo.gl/forms/k9xaPQB4jW3Ai31i1 Buy a MtnMeister t-shirt here - https://gumroad.com/l/QiebU  

George Kourounis is a Canadian explorer and storm chaser. He’s been chasing storms for the past twenty years, from the powerful tornadoes of the midwest to giant hail, dust storms, hurricanes, and volcanoes in every corner of the globe. George is the host of a TV show called Angry Planet where he documents these incredible displays of Mother Nature. What’s so appealing about something so devastating? Listen to find out. Pictures, videos, and more here - http://mtnmeister.com/meister/george-kourounis-storm-chaser For 20% off Stio, use the code "meister" at checkout at http://www.stio.com/ For 5% off Bulls Bikes, use the code "bullseye5" at https://www.bullsbikesusa.com/

At 80 years old, Dale Sanders is the oldest person to paddle the entire Mississippi River. "The grey beard adventurer" paddled 2,345 miles from Lake Itasca to the Gulf of Mexico. Dale’s passion and enthusiasm are evident in our conversation, and I think you’ll find yourself smiling while you listen. Dale raised over $23,000 dollars to promote awareness and fight type 1 juvenile diabetes, a disease from which his 10 year-old grandniece, Anna, suffers. For 20% off Stio, use the code "meister" at checkout at http://www.stio.com/ For 5% off Bulls Bikes, use the code "bullseye5" at https://www.bullsbikesusa.com/ If you are interested in joining MtnMeister for a Summit for Someone climb to benefit Big City Mountaineers, please fill out this form - https://goo.gl/forms/8Y0bgqw650RYA8qE2

  In June, I had the opportunity to join a Summit for Someone climb on Mt. Hood to benefit Big City Mountaineers. In this episode (part 2 of 2), you'll hear about our summit bid, how we reflect on the experience, and how you can do your own Summit for Someone climb. BCM takes underserved urban youth on wilderness expeditions to help them learn critical life skills like leadership and teamwork. Summit for Someone is the fundraising arm where climbers pick their dream peak and raise money for the organization in the process. Joining me on this climb were Rob and Jasper, a father-son duo from Positive Tracks. Positive Tracks is a nonprofit that promotes the combination of philanthropy and athletics (or "sweat for good"). For 20% off our sponsor Stio, use the code "meister" at checkout at www.stio.com/ For 5% off our sponsor Bulls Bikes USA, use the code bullseye5 at checkout at www.bullsbikesusa.com/

In June, I had the opportunity to join a Summit for Someone climb on Mt. Hood to benefit Big City Mountaineers. It didn't look like the month of June though - the weather was, quite simply, terrible. The rain, snow, and wind made everything less certain and a summit bid unlikely. In this episode, you'll hear about my introduction to mountaineering, battling the elements, and how social influence impacts our decision making. BCM takes underserved urban youth on wilderness expeditions to help teach them critical life skills like leadership and teamwork. Summit for Someone is the fundraising arm where climbers pick their dream peak and raise money for the organization in the process. Joining me on this climb were Rob and Jasper, a father-son duo from Positive Tracks. Positive Tracks is a nonprofit that promotes the combination of philanthropy and athletics (or "sweat for good").  For 20% off our sponsor Stio, use the code "meister" at checkout at http://www.stio.com/ For 5% off our sponsor Bulls Bikes USA, use the code bullseye5 at checkout at https://www.bullsbikesusa.com/              

In June, Masha Gordon broke the speed records for the Seven Summits Challenge - climbing the highest peak on each continent - and the Explorer's Grand Slam - the Seven Summits plus reaching the North and South Poles. Contrary to what you might think, Masha isn't a lifetime climber. After 16 years in the finance industry (Goldman Sachs and PIMCO) she has switched her focus to mountaineering. Masha is the founder of GRIT&ROCK, a mission to get more young women interested in mountaineering. In the first half of this episode, we talk about the parallels of decision making in the mountains and in the markets. How do confirmation bias, randomness, and our emotions impact how we evaluate situations? In the second half, Masha talks about how mountaineering has very little female participation and what needs to happen to fix it.  This episode is supported by Stio. Get 20% off with the code "meister" at checkout at http://www.stio.com/ To purchase a MtnMeister T, go here - https://gumroad.com/l/QiebU

Augmented reality is impacting the way we participate in the outdoors. Consider Pokemon GO, which gained worldwide appeal in a matter of days and encouraged millions of people to go outside. Yet, is this the best way to promote outdoor participation? While there have been significant innovations in headsets, Google Glass, and the smartphone, the technology is only in it's infancy.    How will Pokemon GO and other forms of augmented reality change our outdoor experiences? Kelly Davis is optimistic. In this episode, we talk about the opportunities, business implications, and what’s worrisome about this rapidly evolving movement.   Kelly Davis is the director of research at Snowsports Industries America, or SIA. SIA is the non-profit, North American member-owned trade association representing suppliers of consumer snow sports with constituents in the retailer, rep and resort communities.      

Ueli Steck is well known for his speed ascents where he climbs routes in a few hours that take most climbers a few days. In his 82 Summits Challenge, the "Swiss Machine" climbed all 82 4,000 meter peaks in the Alps in two months. If that wasn't enough, he connected all of the peaks in a self-powered manner: hiking, biking, and running. I caught up with Ueli at MetroROCK, a climbing gym right outside of Boston while he was on a 2.5 week speaking tour presented by Alpina Watches and American Alpine Club In the first 10 minutes of this episode you’ll hear my chat with Ueli at the gym. What makes him so good? What can we learn from the "Swiss Machine's" training plan that we can apply to our own version of an 82 Summits Challenge? After that, you’ll hear Ueli’s presentation at the Somerville Theatre in Boston.   MtnMeister's sponsor, Stio, was founded to inspire connection with outdoors through beautiful, functional products infused with mountain soul. For 20% off, use the code "meister" at checkout at http://www.stio.com/   To purchase a MtnMeister t-shirt, go here - https://gumroad.com/products/QiebU/

It's our semi-annual GEAR GIVEAWAY episode! Twice a year, we attend the Outdoor Retailer trade show in Salt Lake City to cover new products, technologies, and companies in the outdoors industry. Unfortunately I wasn’t able to make it to the show this year, but we sent Roommate Max to fill in. If this is your first time listening to our gear giveaway episode, here’s how it works. In exchange for being featured on today’s episode, each company has agreed to give away free gear to our listeners. These are all real products that are either currently on the market or will be - they aren’t promotional. To win the free gear, all you have to do is email me at ben@mtnmeister.com. The first person who requests it, gets it. You can only win one prize, and after you win it, you cannot exchange it. Winners must be in the USA. 22 companies, $5,000+ in prizes, 30+ winners! For 20% from our sponsor Big Agnes, use the code "meister" at checkout at bigagnes.com To purchase a MtnMeister t-shirt - https://gumroad.com/l/QiebU

Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2016 will be in Salt Lake City from August 3-6. MtnMeister is there to create our semi-annual gear giveaway episode, where we give thousands of dollars of free gear to our listeners. Here's how the episode works: In exchange for telling you, the outdoors consumer, about their latest and greatest product or technology, companies agree to give away prizes. To win the gear, all you have to do is email ben@mtnmeister.com and say which specific piece of gear you want. You can only win one prize, and it cannot be replaced with a different prize after you win it. Those who listen early have a significant advantage. We are offering you the opportunity to purchase information about the episode's release (the date, a time window, or the EXACT date and time).  Purchase the information here: http://mtnmeister.com/gear-giveaway-at-summer-or-outdoor-retailer-2016/ For 20% off from our sponsor, Big Agnes, use the code "meister" at checkout at bigagnes.com.

On March 24th, legally blind ultrarunner Jason Romero set off on an audacious project: running across America. We originally spoke with Jason before he started the project (Vision Run USA) in episode #171, and in this episode, we follow up with him to hear how it went. In total, Jason traveled 3,063 miles or 51.5 miles a day for 60 days. For 20% off from our sponsor, Big Agnes, use the code "meister" at checkout at https://www.bigagnes.com/ To purchase a MtnMeister t-shirt, go here - https://gumroad.com/l/QiebU Join the American Alpine Club and use the code "meister" for a special AAC gift - https://americanalpineclub.org/  

Tom Gathman aka Jabba is @TheRealHikingViking. At the time of this recording, he was attempting a southbound winter thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail. In 2013 he thru-hiked the AT with fellow combat veterans in the Warrior Hike and in 2014 the 3,100 mile Continental Divide trail. In this interview, we talk with Tom about his progress thus far, faulty headlines, and whether his beard has contributed to his success as The Real Hiking Viking.

In a little more than a month, America’s National Parks System will celebrate its 100th birthday. Outdoors enthusiasts have a lot to celebrate on the centennial: 376 protected areas covering over 83 million acres. But there's still room for improvement. When you look at the people who recreate in America’s national parks, the demographics don't match the diversity that is so prominent in the United States.   José González is out to change that. He leads an organization called Latino Outdoors, whose mission is to "connect familias and youth with nature, engage and inspire Latino leadership, empower communities to explore and share their stories in defining the Latino Outdoors identity."   More on Latino Outdoors - http://latinooutdoors.org/   20% off at bigagnes.com with the promo-code "meister" at checkout.   Purchase a MtnMeister t-shirt here - https://gumroad.com/l/QiebU

Mary Brent Galyean is an expedition chef. She cooks some of the tastiest dishes you'll ever eat in places that very few people have ever been. Chef MB does it all without electricity and running water, and I had the wonderful opportunity to taste this five star cuisine on the Gauley River in West Virginia. Courses included but were not limited to lamb sliders, salmon and acorn squash poached in spiced honey, and the crowd favorite sweet potato and red apple au gratin. To purchase a MtnMeister t-shirt, go here - https://gumroad.com/l/QiebU To receive 20% off our sponsor, Big Agnes, use the code "meister" at checkout here - https://www.bigagnes.com/   

JT Holmes is an extreme athlete who has undertaken many different pursuits, some of which include skiing, BASE jumping, and speedriding (a hybrid of paragliding and skiing).  In today's discussion, we’ll cover topics like risk, skill vs. luck, and how we tend to judge others for decisions that may not have any impact on us. For pictures, videos, and other resources, go to JT's Meister Profile page here - http://mtnmeister.com/meister/JT-Holmes To purchase a MtnMeister t-shirt, go here - https://gumroad.com/l/QiebU For 20% off Big Agnes, go to bigagnes.com and use the code "meister" at checkout.

The first few minutes of this episode includes an update on my BHAG (big, hairy, audacious goal) in 2016 which was to qualify for the 2017 Boston Marathon.  For 20% off from our sponsor, Big Agnes, use the code "meister" at bigagnes.com To buy a MtnMeister t-shirt, go here - https://gumroad.com/l/QiebU What is the furthest you have gone under the water with a single breath? 15 feet? 20 feet? 30 feet? For our guest today, Herbert Nitsch, the answer is 830 feet. Herbert Nitsch is the current free diving world record holder and “the deepest man on earth". He holds 33 world records in all free diving disciplines - an unrivaled feat to date - which range from using weights and flotation to assist to no assistance at all.

Arlette Laan (trail name Apple Pie) took on an audacious project in the summer of 2014. The word diratissima in Italian means "most direct route", and in hiking it refers to the shortest route to connect multiple peaks. Apple Pie coordinated a White Mountain Diratissima where she linked all 48 of the 4,000-foot mountains. It took 258 miles to connect them all and she did it unsupported over the course of 11 days.

Exploration and adventure allow us to discover certain things: we discover new places, what we’re capable of, and what we love. Derek Abbey discovers something else. He’s a member of the BentProp project, a team of volunteers, trained specialists, and professionals who are dedicated to locating and assisting with identifying American POWs and MIA soldiers from World War II. The effort is done through extensive research, recoveries, and exploration all while coordinating with appropriate national authorities.

In mid-August of 2015, I received a text from some old high school friends. These are the kind of friends that you see a couple of times each year, maybe at a wedding or when you return home for the holidays. We already have the foundation of a solid friendship, so it's never awkward, but life takes you in different directions. Besides, with social media and technology you already know what's going on in their lives.   Anyway, the text said that they wanted to go on a hike in Peru in the spring of 2016. They asked if I wanted to go. I said yes, and so did three other people. This episode of MtnMeister is a trip report about six dudes in their twenties who want to go on an adventure. They have limited time to take off of work, and they don’t have sponsors to pay for it. To put it simply, it’s real life. I know listening to professional athletes and extreme adventurers is fun, and yes, it definitely serves a purpose. But the meisters are outliers. They show us what is humanly possible, not humanly probable.    Thanks to our sponsor for this episode, Big Agnes. For 20% off, go to bigagnes.com and use the code "meister" at checkout.

Aaron Gwin is a professional downhill mountain biker who has quickly ascended the ranks to become the best in the world. He competed in his first race at age 20, and today, at age 28, he’s a 3-time World Cup Overall Champion. Gwin has put the USA back on top in sport that in recent years has been dominated by Europeans. In this interview, we’ll talk about what it means to have supportive parents, the difficulty of staying competitive and passionate at the same time, and what goes on behind the scenes in downhill mountain biking and other action sports. Thanks to our sponsor for this episode, Big Agnes. For 20% go to https://www.bigagnes.com/ and use the code "meister" at checkout. Want a MtnMeister t-shirt? Check them out here - https://gumroad.com/l/QiebU

Eric McElvenny is an endurance athlete and a retired Marine Corps infantry officer. He deployed three times, and on his third and final tour in Afghanistan, an IED took away his right leg below the knee. Less than two years after stepping on the IED, he stepped up to the starting line at the Kona Ironman and completed the race in 11 hours and 54 minutes. 

The Tuckerman Inferno Pentathlon is a race that covers many miles through the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Participants can compete in individual legs as part of a larger team or show off prowess in various disciplines and compete as an individual. A few friends and I competed in the race as a team: I did the 8.3 mile running leg before my teammates took over for the kayak, bike, hike and ski legs. When I looked at the results, I saw that the winning individual did the running leg 4 minutes faster than I did my running leg. He then went on to finish the race in 3 hours, 53 minutes, 41 seconds, beating our team by about 30 minutes. That man is Andrew Drummond.

Alex Staniforth is 20 years old, and he has already accomplished what some would consider a lifetime of adventures. In 2014, his first Everest attempt was cut short by the avalanche in the Khumbu Icefall. He tried again in 2015 but was stuck at Camp 1 during the Nepal earthquake. Alex is the author of Icefall: The True Story of a Teenager on a Mission to the Top of the World.  Alex's Meister Profile page - http://mtnmeister.com/meister/alex-staniforth/ 

Billi Bierling is a mountaineer, journalist, and assistant for Miss Elizabeth Hawley, the legendary chronicler of Himalayan expeditions. Billi is the first German woman to reach the tops of Lohtse and Manaslu, the latter of which she summited without oxygen in 2011. Check out Billi's Meister profile page here - http://mtnmeister.com/meister/billi-bierling/

The outdoors has a diversity problem, not with the landscapes or the weather, but with the people who participate.  Today's guest is changing that by getting people out, outside. Elyse Rylander is the executive director of OUT There Adventures, an organization that takes queer young people on outdoors adventures to help them develop positive identities and individual empowerment. In this episode, we chat about how the outdoors can serve as a safe space for queer youth and why it's important for everyone to care about the movement.

Jason Romero is a legally blind ultra-runner who is attempting to run across the country. He will leave on March 24th, and he plans to run 50 miles a day from LA to Boston. Jason's previous accomplishments in ultra endurance include Leadville Trail 100, Badwater 135, and many more. In this interview, Jason talks about his upcoming project (Vision Run USA) and the challenges of adapting to a field of vision that is consistently narrowing. Thanks to this episode's sponsor, Mountain House. For 20% off of your purchase, go to mountainhouse.com/meister.

In addition to food, water, and shelter, it seems that Rickey Gates has two additional basic needs: running and traveling. At age 34, Rickey has been living a vagabond-ish lifestyle for nearly half of his life by running, writing, and taking pictures. In this episode, we discuss the "how and why" of Rickey's adventurous lifestyle. Check out Rickey's Meister Profile - http://mtnmeister.com/meister/rickey-gates Thanks to our sponsor for today's episode, Mountain House. For 20% off, visit www.mountainhouse.com/meister