The Alpine Geek

#022 - Jason Hardrath is a physical education teacher at Bonanza Elementary and a mountaineer known for tackling difficult mountaineering challenges in record times. He has a goal to complete 100 of these "fastest known times", or FKTs, and it over 3/4th of the way there. To access the links and show notes for this episode, visit:https://alpinegeek.com/episode22

#021 - Kyle McCrohan is the author and namesake behind the blog ClimberKyle.com. In this episode, we discuss what inspired Kyle to start his blog, why he is drawn to high routes and traverses, and what we would like to see for the future of hiking technology.To access the links and show notes for this episode, visit:https://alpinegeek.com/episode21

#020 - Bill Goodgion is the creator and admin of the Pacific Northwest (PNW) Peak Baggers, a community of hikers, scramblers and climbers that pursue fulfillment on the summits of big mountains. Learn why he started the group and how he draws inspiration from the victories of its members, both large and small.To access the links and show notes for this episode, visit:https://alpinegeek.com/episode20

#019 - On August 8, 2020, fellow climbers Karen Wallace, Catrina Kindahl-Ross and myself climbed Mount Rainier via the Disappointment Cleaver route. This was the first successful summit for each of us and had been a multi-year goal for us. In this episode, we reflect on our experience and offer our thoughts and advice for any who may be considering attempting this Washington classic.To access the links and show notes for this episode, visit:https://alpinegeek.com/episode19

#018 - Matt Jacobs is the creator of the acclaimed website CalTopo.com and its search-and-rescue-oriented sister site, SARTopo.com. This week I sit down with Matt to discuss the origins of these tools, thoughts on some of its unique features, and where the platform is going.To access the links and show notes for this episode, visit:https://alpinegeek.com/episode18

#017 - Craig Romano is an award-winning author and co-author of over 20 trail guides covering Washington state. We discuss two of his upcoming releases, Urban Trails: Vancouver, Washington, and Day Hiking the North Cascades 2nd Edition, and he shares his tips and tricks for finding solitude on trails that are increasingly overcrowded. To access the links and show notes for this episode, visit:https://alpinegeek.com/episode17

#016 - Glen Young, climbing programs director for Miyar Adventures, describes how COVID-19 has impacted the guiding industry, and how Miyar Adventures is resuming guided trips under new precautions. He also discusses the creation of Karma Project, a non-profit that helps people living in remote Himalayan villages improve their lives by creating sustainable tourism companies.To access the links and show notes for this episode, visit:https://alpinegeek.com/episode16

#015 - Sam Sanders discusses leadership in the outdoors. Weaving together material from NOLS (National Outdoor Leadership School) and even the book, "5 Love Languages" by Gary Chapman, she presents a framework to help current and aspiring leaders be more empathetic and responsive to the needs of their group.To access the links and show notes for this episode, visit:https://alpinegeek.com/episode15

#014 - Mike Mojica is the owner and lead product designer for Outdoor Element, a gear manufacturer based out of Denver, Colorado. A proud member of the Pueblo Nation, Laguna Tribe, his Native name is “Bodaway” which means “fire maker”. That theme carries into the entire Outdoor Element product line of gear designed to help you create fire—one of the ten essentials. In this interview, I sit down with Mike to discuss how he develops products and talk about his latest innovation, Handled.To access the links and show notes for this episode, visit:https://alpinegeek.com/episode14

#013 - Ian Lauder is a climb leader with the Everett branch of the Mountaineers. Along with his wife, Rodica, the pair tackle remote summits all across the Pacific Northwest. In this episode, Ian discusses conditioning for mountaineering, how he went from a haphazard approach to a purposeful plan, and the impact that had on his fitness and mountaineering ability. We discuss the principles behind the conditioning plan he crafted for student's in the Mountaineers Basic Alpine Climbing course.To access the links and show notes for this episode, visit:https://alpinegeek.com/episode13

#012 - Cheryl Talbert is a true example of the servant leader. She is the chair of the Foothills branch of the Mountaineers in Seattle, WA, and chairs or co-chairs a number of committees within the club, including hiking, backpacking, and the Global Adventures program.In this episode, Cheryl and I discuss her experience leading over 25 international trekking adventures for the Mountaineers, including how they are different (and in ways, the same!) as regular Mountaineers trips, as well as how you can get involved!To access the links and show notes for this episode, visit:https://alpinegeek.com/episode12

#011 - The coronavirus pandemic has affected us all in some way. The most universal impact has been a deleterious effect on people's sense of well-being and mental health. Over the past couple months I struggled with anxiety and a desire to disconnect from reality. In this episode, I share a few simple tools and techniques I employed to help me stifle the anxiety, regain my focus, and resume productivity.To access the links and show notes for this episode, visit:https://alpinegeek.com/episode11

#010 - Katjarina Hurt is a climber, leader and educator in the Mountaineers. The loss of a close friend in a 2018 climbing accident set her on a mission to identify and combat the human factors that are too-commonly the cause of accidents among well-trained individuals. She presents a seminar called Breaking the Halo, and has published a book by the same name. In this episode, Katja and I discuss the six halos that every outdoor adventurer and outdoor leader should watch out for.To access the links and show notes for this episode, visit:https://alpinegeek.com/episode10

#009 - Whether at work or at play, giving effective feedback is a challenge. As outdoor leaders and educators, we are often tasked with giving feedback to those new to a potentially risky activity... and not all of the feedback is always good! In this week's episode, we delve into the elements of giving effective feedback.To access the links and show notes for this episode, visit:https://alpinegeek.com/episode9

#008 - Ryan Cairnes is a mountaineer, former engineer and survivor. In November 2019 he suffered a fall while descending from Cannon Mountain, a seldom-visited peak in Washington's Enchantments area near Leavenworth. Broken and alone for days, learn how he survived his ordeal, what he wishes he'd done differently and how it has changed the way he explores the wild.To access the links and show notes for this episode, visit:https://alpinegeek.com/episode8

#007 - Hadley 'KanHike' Krenkel is a lifelong hiker, backpacker, and climber who thru-hiked the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) in 2016. Learn what motivated him to begin the journey, the struggles he faced both on and off the trail, and how he has channeled his experience into giving back.Hear about the many people he crossed paths with along the way, including his trail companion Moonshine, Yogi of Yogi's PCT Handbook, Alex Honnold, and others!To access the links and show notes for this episode, visit:https://alpinegeek.com/episode7

#006 - Stephen Johnson has been adventuring outside since he was a kid, but one day, after bailing from a famous Washington rock scramble, he decided he needed to know more. After taking the Mountaineers Alpine Scrambling course, he decided to complete 24 scrambles in 24 weeks. In this episode, I chat with Stephen about how he found fulfillment in the mountains and what lessons he learned over the past year. "What's on your scary list?"To access the links and show notes for this episode, visit:https://alpinegeek.com/episode6

#005 - Misha Gopaul is the co-founder of the 3D adventuring platform, FATMAP. In this interview, Misha and I discuss the origins of FATMAP, its rapid evolutions, and what new features users have to look forward to in the near future. To access the links and show notes for this episode, visit:https://alpinegeek.com/episode5

#004 - Meet Lei Wang, an accomplished mountaineer, author and public speaker who was the first Asian American and the first Chinese woman to reach the highest summits on each of the seven continents, as well as the North and South poles. It's called the "Explorer's Grand Slam", and few have achieved this incredible feat of determination, focus and skill.To access the links and show notes for this episode, visit:https://alpinegeek.com/episode4

#003 - Certified Yoga instructor and alpine enthusiast Lori Heath talks about the importance of yoga practice to complement your outdoor fitness routine, and how you can experience greater mindfulness and awareness in the alpine through this ancient practice.To access the links and show notes for this episode, visit:https://alpinegeek.com/episode3

#002 - Learn about Summits on the Air (SOTA) a hobby originating the UK that combines passion for the mountains with amateur radio. Chris Caviezel is an experienced leader for the Mountaineers and a SOTA enthusiast, and we discuss how he got in the hobby, how it works, and how you can get started.To access the links and show notes for this episode, visit:https://alpinegeek.com/episode2

#001 - Thanks for tuning in to first ever episode of the Alpine Geek Podcast! In this episode I talk a little about who I am, why I created this podcast and give a preview of the kinds of amazing guests and topics you can expect from not only the podcast, but the website, moving forward. If you'd like to get the show notes for this episode, including links to the deep-dive videos on CalTopo, GaiaGPS and Windy.com, head over to:https://alpinegeek.com/episode1