Sam In Cham with Samantha Ryder

Joining me this week is Iranian alpinist Nasim Eshqi. Kickboxing champion of Iran, many times over, Nasim left the sport in her early 20's because of the pressure to ‘cover up'.Climbing mountains gave her the chance to be outside, and away from prying eyes. Since she started climbing aged 23, Nasim has established many new routes in countries including Iran, Turkey, India, and across Europe. She left home on a climbing expedition in 2022, but following the death of Mahsa Amini, she never returned. “We are all Mahsa,” she says. “She was an innocent young girl, who didn't even live long enough to commit a crime”. Nasim's mission now is to defend those who cannot defend themselves. If we feel something is not right, she tells me, we must be brave, and speak out.For more on the amazing athletes and sports enthusiasts featured on the podcast, head to Instagram @samincham_thepodcast and Facebook

John Falkiner, Professional ski bum, stunt man, telemark skier, and now mountain guide, there seems to be little he cannot conquer when it comes to mountains. At 18, lured by the prospect of deep powder skiing, he moved from the snowy mountains of Australia to the Swiss resort of Verbier – and it didn't disappoint. A chance meeting on the slopes with fellow skier Ace Kvale and photographer Marco Shapiro – next stop, the front cover of Powder Magazine. From here, sponsorship deals and lifelong friendships turned John's passion into 50 years of action-packed fun. He's been involved in more than 80 films…including James Bond and Bridget Jones…although I'm reliably informed, he wasn't her stunt double. His adventure continues, all be it a little toned down, playing guitar with his ‘Lost Guides' and taking a more cultural route through life. He tells me he was really happy to be born when he was…saying it's become way too expensive to be a ski bum!For more on the amazing athletes and sports enthusiasts featured on the podcast, head to Instagram @samincham_thepodcast and Facebook.

This week freeride skier Megane Betend joins me for a chat. The French speed queen started skiing at the age of 2 and soon joined the ranks of the local alpine ski club. It gave her all the essentials - discipline and great technique - but her heart was never really in it. After she qualified as a ski instructor, she started to freeride, skiing often in the wild mountains of the Chamonix valley. It was fast, steep, and exciting and in her first competition she made the podium … the rest, as they say, is history. This winter Megane will compete in the Freeride World Tour – a culmination of everything she has put in place and the sacrifices made to get to this point. It may almost be time to dream of that championship title, but she tells me the hardest is yet to come.For more on the amazing athletes and sports enthusiasts featured on the podcast, head to Instagram @samincham_thepodcast and Facebook 

Chamonix legend Gary Bigham is about as original as you can get. Luckily, he had some free time...and was available for a chat! From the ski bum era of the 70s, 80s, and 90s, we take a trip down memory lane to some of the wild times here in the valley, when beer was cheap, and work was a dirty 4 letter word…Gary travelled the world with his skills as a photographer and filmmaker – films including ‘Life's a beach in the Alps' and ‘I'd rather be skiing than happy with you'. During this time, he skied for Sweden, Italy, Switzerland, and France, until in his words, they found someone better. Back in the 1980s, Gary bought a chalet here in the Chamonix valley, and over the last 40 years, it's become a mecca for some of the world's coolest, including Patagonia founder Yvonne Chouinard…a story he still won't tell me about…but there's time!Gary's daughter Guri is currently in the process of restoring slides and films in order to make his legendary archive accessible for all. These iconic images published in legendary magazines are a special time in skiing history. To find out more, you can visit @thegarybighamarchiveFor more on the amazing athletes and sports enthusiasts featured on the podcast, head to Instagram @samincham_thepodcast and Facebook  

Joining me this week is Carly Van-Evelingen – groom/ equestrian/ climber/ ski bum/ van lifer… yes, it's been a mixed bag…even for her. Having delved into all kinds of professions, she says she never really fit…then one summer, decided to come to Chamonix to climb…it may have been a fleeting visit, but she knew she'd be back, And within months, Carly had returned – this time for good.Carly has not only had her fair share of jobs, but also life's hurdles. She talks about mental health with a sense of authority, but also trepidation. It's something she has and will have to deal with for the rest of her life – but she says, thanks to the mountains, it's no longer controlling her – now, for the most part, she tells me she is in the driving seat.Follow Carly @cooroo on InstagramFor more on the amazing athletes and sports enthusiasts featured on the podcast, head to Instagram @samincham_thepodcast and Facebook

Joining me this week is ultra-runner Emily Schmitz. Born in Wisconsin, Emily studied art at university there but says she didn't realise how little it was going to prepare her for life in the real world. After finishing, she waited tables before a friend of hers suggested heading to Colombia. With few plans on the horizon, she boarded a plane to a country she had never been to with a language she didn't speak. Determined to learn Spanish, her plan was to stay in Colombia for a few months – 10 years later, she says it's time for a change. Emily first came to Chamonix 3 years ago staying for the summer months to run and train for races – now she's back, with a plan to make trail running more than a hobby. With a track record of being pretty successful never planning the plans…something tells me she might just make it!Follow Emily Schmitz @emilyschmitz.runs for moreFor more on the amazing athletes and sports enthusiasts featured on the podcast, head to Instagram @samincham_thepodcast and Facebook.

Fay Manners has had quite the year so far. In her ‘spare time,' the UK-born Data Analyst likes to play in the mountains here in Chamonix. In fact, not just here in Chamonix, but in any mountains.  For Fay - it's been a year of firsts so far. Along with climbing partner Lina Van den Berg they got Phantom Direct's first female ascent of the Grandes Jorasses. Then, a few months later, crossed the pond to the US where she joined expedition partner Michelle Dvorak to become the first female pair this year to climb the Cassin Ridge on Denali, America's highest peak at almost 6200 meters.  Fay's love of the mountains brought her to Chamonix 7 years ago – and like many others before her, she only came for a season. So, what next for the young adventurer? She says climbing rock faces in Greenland has been a long-time ambition, but to add a little twist, she's going to sail there…and why not…Follow Fay Manners @faymanners for moreFor more on the amazing athletes and sports enthusiasts featured on the podcast, head to Instagram @samincham_thepodcast and Facebook.

Emmanuel Ocampo is dedicated, determined, and incredibly disciplined. He's also an ultra-runner who lives in Chamonix. Growing up in a small town in Argentina, he was always very sporty – competing mostly in team disciplines, hockey, football, swimming, and the like.In his early 20's he ran a 10km road race – he didn't like it. Then he discovered a trail race of the same distance…he completed it…and the rest, as they say, is history. Since then, he has completed numerous ultra-marathons, moved to Chamonix, learned to ski, mastered ski touring, found a new love of road biking, and got himself some sponsors!  But he tells me life is not always that picture-perfect image we so often see on social media. There is a dark side to sport as we see more and more now, and Emmanuel has not gone unscathed. With a deep competitive edge, he is prone to self-punishment when things don't go according to plan. He has suffered depression and bouts of anxiety, and although for him, the mountains offer relief and comfort, he says it's important to share these down times with others just in case there is someone out there suffering the same.  Follow Emmanuel Ocampo @emmanuelocampo14 for more  For more on the amazing athletes and sports enthusiasts featured on the podcast, head to Instagram @samincham_thepodcast and Facebook.

Tamsin Gay may not have known what she wanted to do with her life growing up, but she has certainly found her niche. The International Mountain Guide and TV Safety Location Advisor spends the majority of time at home in the mountains – whether it's guiding people around some of the most stunning peaks in the French and Swiss alps, trad climbing in the Scottish Highlands, or ensuring the safety of TV crew in some of the world's most remote locations.  In this week's podcast, Tamsin bares all – quite literally. She says she didn't like school but went on to obtain a first-class honors degree, and after a few years in the insurance business, Tamsin put on a pair of skis – and basically hasn't taken them off since. A few years ago, she was given an opportunity to work with a TV production crew as part of their safety team – and despite being filmed in her pants and having a close encounter with a polar bear… she tells me she has the best jobs in the world…I for one am inclined to agree. Follow Tamsin Gay @tamsin.gay for more. For more on the amazing athletes and sports enthusiasts featured on the podcast, head to Instagram @samincham_thepodcast and Facebook.Warning: this content does contain some adult language

British and world-renowned mountaineer and author Victor Saunders has not only reached six of the seven summits but has also made SIX ascents of Everest – however, he still won't agree he's a good climber. Instead, he's happy to play down his MASSIVE achievements and focus on his ‘failures' – which you and I would be happy to have even considered. He spent his adolescence in Lossiemouth, Scotland, where he developed a love of exploring, and while academia was more of a chore, he did manage to earn himself a place at the school of architecture in Bedford Square, London. His job would allow him to earn enough money to pursue his love of climbing and fulfill his dreams of exploring the very edges of the world.  In this week's podcast, Victor talks peaks and troughs, and why the shape of the mountain is far more important than the size! His slight frame and rather shy demeanor resulted in occasional bullying at school – and while he may not look like a superhero, I think this is as good a time as any to say not all heroes wear capes. Follow Victor Saunders @victorsaunders for more.For more on the amazing athletes and sports enthusiasts featured on the podcast, head to Instagram @samincham_thepodcast and Facebook.

Joining me this week is Chamonix native, mogul master, freeride phenomenon, and although he may not always admit…total lover of fashion, and unmistakable style...yes, it's Camille Jaccoux – oh, I forgot to mention, he started this brand here in Chamonix called Black Crows, apparently, they make pretty good skis. Throughout his life, Camille has attempted to do exactly what makes him happy – even down to creating his own skis so the mountain adventure is more enjoyable… and it seems to have worked! Although it was never in his plans to create a ski brand, along with his long-time friend and ski buddy, Bruno Compagnet, Black Crows was born. They call themselves ‘real skiers' and for me, this interview proved how real Camille is at least…I'm yet to talk to Bruno…that's an invitation by the way…Follow Black Crows Skis @blackcrows_skis for moreFor more on the amazing athletes and sports enthusiasts featured on the podcast, head to Instagram @samincham_thepodcast and Facebook.

Minna Riihimaki – says the human body is capable of recovery in an incredible way, but it all depends on the mind. She knows first-hand what it's like to suffer life-threatening injuries and not know whether recovery is even possible?  Growing up in Finland, Minna's childhood was spent happily exploring the great outdoors, but at age 20, she packed a car and drove to Grenoble to study – she already knew the Alps would become her home. However, it came to a crashing halt one perfect day in 2016 - after years of being in control, she found herself in uncharted territory following a horrific accident in which she almost lost her leg and her life. In this week's podcast, Minna, a dental surgeon, and mother of two, talks about determination and passion – maybe she doesn't believe in miracles, but her unwavering love for the mountains coupled with never giving up, has helped bring her back to some kind of normality. Her speed and agility may not be what they were, but she tells me every turn of a ski and every strike of an ice axe is a pure gift and source of joy. Follow Minna Riihimaki @minnamaki for more For more on the amazing athletes and sports enthusiasts featured on the podcast, head to Instagram @samincham_thepodcast and Facebook. 

Andy Parkin is a giant in the world of climbing. An exemplar of the purest form of ascent and descent – and a champion of the solo expedition. A Sheffield lad through and through, Andy was able to perfect technique on the rocky peaks and cliffs the length and breadth of the British Isles before his nomadic lifestyle took him to wider horizons.  In this week's podcast, Andy talks about the importance of Chamonix where he arrived almost 4 decades ago, and how this small mountain town became not only his base but his home. He talks about the highs and lows of climbing, particularly following an accident at the age of 29 that almost cost him his life, as well as the opportunity to ever climb again.  In the years after the accident, Andy returned to his next great love, art. Being able to draw the mountains breathed new life into a broken shell, helping to heal. His climbing and expeditions may not be as technical as they once were, but he tells me, his passion to discover new climbing lines has never been stronger. Head to Andy Parkin www.andyparkin.com for more.  For more on the amazing athletes and sports enthusiasts featured on the podcast, head to Instagram @samincham_thepodcast and Facebook.

Ross Hewitt grew up in Scotland. He started skiing at the age of seven, and never looked back. Ross began mountaineering in the harsh climate of the highlands until he discovered the Alps that offered the same adventure but with steeper slopes and more temperate surroundings.  In this week's podcast, Ross talks about dividing his time as an engineer and in the winter season, as a guide, taking those who dare, on their own Alpine adventure. Skiing may have taken him around the world, but he tells me his ultimate line is right here in Chamonix, on the west face of Mont Blanc. Follow Ross Hewitt @rosshewitt for more.  For more on the amazing athletes and sports enthusiasts featured on the podcast, head to Instagram @samincham_thepodcast and Facebook.

At 27, Chamonix local Tim Moniot is part of a new generation of Ski Patrollers, looking after the mountains for the thousands of skiers that descend upon the valley each year. With a long-standing history of mountain guides and patrollers, it seemed only natural that Tim would continue the 'family business.' Working solely at La Flagere for the past 8 years, his work involves mountain rescue, maintenance, and keeping the valley safe from the possibility of avalanches - yes - he quite literally has a license to blow shit up!In this week's podcast, Tim talks about the bike accident he was in a couple of years ago, that resulted in major surgery and almost cost him his left arm. He says since then he has slowed his pace on the mountains. Tim tells me he is super excited for the winter season, but he says after buying his first home, he's realised being indoors isn't so bad!Follow Tim Moniot @timmoniot for more.For more on the amazing athletes and sports enthusiasts featured on the podcast, head to Instagram @samincham_thepodcast and Facebook.

Antoine Terray is a skier, a runner, and a businessman here in Chamonix – he is also the son of one of the greatest alpinists of his time, Lionel Terray. Adopted at the age of 4, Antoine spent just a few months with his father before his tragic death while climbing in the Vercors near Grenoble. Devastated at the loss, Antoine's mother Marianne was left to raise him and his brother alone.  In this week's podcast, Antoine talks about how, over the decades, he has been able to piece together who his father was through anecdotes, stories, and of course, the book Lionel wrote - Conquistadors of the Useless, a book described by many as one of the finest and most important mountaineering books ever written. Of his father, Antoine says he was a kind, caring man who had a deep and profound love for his wife, Marianne, and whose uncompromising love for the mountains, finally robbed the community of one of its most passionate figures.  “If the word has any meaning at all, I am a mountaineer.” Lionel Terray  For more on the amazing athletes and sports enthusiasts featured on the podcast, head to Instagram @samincham_thepodcast and Facebook.

Magnus Asberg started coming to Chamonix from the age of 13 - first on a school trip, then making the 24-hour journey by bus every year. He grew up on skis, but being an avid skater, transferred his passion onto the snow. 40 years later, Magnus has gone from snowboarding to No-Boarding – riding the Chamonix slopes on a surfboard style snowboard – no fuss, no muss! In this week's podcast, the Swedish born DJ and music producer talks to me about how Chamonix has changed over the last few decades – how he moved from ski stores to clothing lines to nightclubs, and from Sweden to Chamonix to the UK - but how his passion of snowboarding has always brought him back to the Alpine town.  Now, with a documentary in the works, he tells me his search is for snow this winter so he can complete the project – but if not, he says, there's always Petanque! Follow Magnus Asberg @magnus.asberg for more details. For more on the amazing athletes and sports enthusiasts featured on the podcast, head to Instagram @samincham_thepodcast and Facebook. 

Matthew Breakell was born with clubfoot and spent months in plaster. Doctors said he may never run. A couple of weeks ago in Switzerland, he completed his 20th ultra-run by finishing the Ultra Tour Monte Rosa – his 6th 100-miler. He has severe dyslexia and cannot read or write but his drive to succeed and not be left behind has been instrumental and helped him achieve a 2:1 for his degree in Outdoor Leadership. In this week's podcast, Matthew talks about the struggles he has faced because of dyslexia - the stigma and difficulties of getting a job, also, the frustration of simply not being able to do what is so natural for most – reading and writing. He doesn't need either to run or climb, and it's in the mountains where he is happiest. With his positive ‘can do' attitude Matthew's objective is simply to enjoy life. Follow Matthew Breakell @breakell90 on Instagram  For more on the amazing athletes and sports enthusiasts featured on the podcast, head to Instagram @samincham_thepodcast and Facebook. 

Meg Mackenzie is one of South Africa's top female ultra-runners. Growing up along the famous Comrades route – a 55 mile stretch of road between Durban and Pietermaritzburg – not to mention being born into a family of sports enthusiasts, it was almost inevitable that she would fall into the running community. But it didn't happen overnight - her journey to becoming a professional runner and coach was deliberate and considered. In this week's podcast, Meg talks about how lucky she feels having grown up when she did in South Africa, but that the country she once knew has changed. She says while there are many women who still run in the mountains, for her, the fear of running alone was too great. It was this fear that prompted a massive change in her life, that of moving to Chamonix. Having seen snowfall for the first time in April this year, conquering the mountains in winter, may just be her biggest challenge yet. Follow Meg Mackenzie @megmackenzie1 on Instagram or visit therunproject.co.za For more on the amazing athletes and sports enthusiasts featured on the podcast, head to Instagram @samincham_thepodcast and Facebook.

Catherine Poletti is the President and Co-Founder of the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc – one of the most important and indeed iconic events in the ultra-running calendar. From music to psychology to IT, Catherine dabbled in all sorts before landing firmly on the start line in Chamonix. Just over 700 people ran in the first official UTMB event back in 2003 – this year, 32 thousand people applied for a chance to race – just 10,000 were successful. “Now we make more frustrated people than happy people, and it's not our goal”, she says. With the launch of the new UTMB World Series…Catherine says the next stage of the journey will be one they can share with as many people as possible. In this week's podcast, Catherine talks about the history of the UTMB, where it all began – and, as the trail-running community grows, she tells me, so too must the number of races to give everyone the opportunity to experience that euphoria of crossing a finish line.  Follow Catherine Poletti @utmbmontblanc on Instagram or visit utmbmontblanc.com For more on the amazing athletes and sports enthusiasts featured on the podcast, head to Instagram @samincham_thepodcast and Facebook.

“Competing in Chamonix was a dream come true”, says Colombia's top ultra-runner Jhon Barerra. The 36-year-old biologist turned professional trail runner placed 13th in his debut European ultramarathon. While happy with the result, it's not a position Jhon is familiar with, having run numerous races to date, and always finished in the top 3. In this week's podcast, Jhon tells me why he gave up a successful career to pursue his dream of becoming a trail running great, how his background in anatomy has been crucial to both injury prevention and performance – and that returning to Chamonix to race again is top of his agenda, but this time, he says he's not leaving empty-handed. Follow Jhon Barrera @jhonbarreramoreno or @ultra1nstinkt For more on the amazing athletes, sports enthusiasts, and scientists featured in the podcast, head to Instagram @samincham_thepodcast and Facebook.

Polish ultra-runner Marta Wenta has been racing for almost a decade. This year, as part of the UTMB week, she completed the TDS, the ‘Sur les Traces des Ducs de Savoie' - 150km from Courmayeur in the Aosta valley back to Chamonix. She was the 7th woman to finish, 46th overall in a field of hundreds of incredible athletes. As an atmospheric scientist, Marta's love of the mountains drives her passion at work and her Ph.D. focusing on the influence of sea ice fragmentation on the weather has taken her to some fascinating areas on the planet. She says the rapid Arctic amplification is having massive impacts on extreme weather occurrences such as flooding, hurricanes, and heatwaves. We discuss the impact of climate change on the planet and indeed on the areas we enjoy running such as here in the Alps, ‘The ice is melting constantly, and it is highly probable that by 2050 we will have a summer with no sea ice in the Arctic' she says.  Marta tells me climate change is not going to happen the same way in every corner of the globe – some areas, she says, will get so hot it will be impossible to live there, other places, such as here in Europe, the weather will simply change, causing potential untold damage as the cities and towns we live in were not designed to withstand extreme conditions. She believes that ALL governments must now acknowledge the threat of the climate crisis and tells me we ALL need to work together. Follow Marta Wenta @venividiwenta or visit https://martawenta.com/ For more on the amazing athletes and sports enthusiasts featured on the podcast, head to Instagram @samincham_thepodcast and Facebook.

Rachel Kerr trained for 5 years to become a qualified ski instructor with French equivalence. She is an avid cyclist, kite surfer, runner, and one of 3 SheEO's of the Women's Mountain Club in Chamonix where she lives. Growing up on the banks of Loch Lomond in the Scottish Highlands, Rachel is no stranger to the great outdoors. Despite massive snowfall, the ski industry was hit hard in 2020 with the COVID pandemic putting a halt to global travel and wiping out almost all bookings. For the WMC, supporting the Chamonix valley, and local communities became a top priority. After winning financial help from @thenorthface, Rachel and the team were able to book guides and instructors, confident they could fund activities. In this male-dominated industry, Rachel talks to me about the importance of showcasing women's skills as mountain guides, International Mountain Leaders and ski instructors, and empowering women and girls, in general, to be more confident not just as skiers, but ensuring they have the technical skills to face the often challenging and unpredictable mountain surroundings. We talk about the changing attitudes towards women in the ski industry and how companies such as @voelklskis are offering more diverse equipment allowing the WMC to help educate women in what kit works best for them.Having been out for 2 years following the birth of baby Aonach, Rachel tells me being able to return to the mountains with the girls has been amazing. She says juggling baby with work is quite simply a walk in the park – as long as you have a pocketful of snacks.Follow Rachel Kerr @chamrach or @womensmountainclub on Instagram or visit womensmountainclub.com for more details.For more, head to Instagram @samincham_thepodcast and Facebook.

Chamonix is one of Europe's oldest ski resorts and a playground for adventure both winter and summer alike. While it may sit in the shadows of Mont Blanc, this small alpine town is brimming with life. So, join Sam Ryder (International journalist, producer, and lover of all things sport) as she chats with athletes, thrill-seekers, those who live in Chamonix, and those who just can't stay away. For more, you can follow me on Instagram and Facebook @Samincham_thepodcast