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Imagine hiking through the misty mountains of Rwanda, not knowing exactly what awaits you—and then suddenly finding yourself standing just feet away from a family of mountain gorillas. It’s one thing to see wildlife. It’s another to look into the eyes of an animal that is so incredibly powerful, intelligent, and familiar… and realize you’re sharing its world. On this episode of Type2Fun, Theresa is joined by Julia Nesbitt from Embark Explorations and David Cope, an Embark client who recently returned from this extraordinary journey. David takes us inside the experience of trekking through Rwanda in search of mountain gorillas and what it was like when that long-awaited moment finally happened. Julia shares what goes into coordinating these incredible trips and why Rwanda has become such a powerful destination for adventure travelers. And the gorillas are just the beginning. The journey also includes encounters with chimpanzees and golden monkeys, incredible trekking through Rwanda’s landscapes, and a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial—an experience that adds an important and deeply moving dimension to the trip. This is a story about wildlife and adventure, but it’s also about perspective, connection, resilience, and those rare travel experiences that change you long after you’ve unpacked your bags. In this episode:• Getting up close with Rwanda’s mountain gorillas• What it feels like to encounter a gorilla family in the wild• Trekking for chimpanzees and golden monkeys• The physical and emotional challenges of the journey• What goes into planning a life-changing Embark adventure• Visiting the Kigali Genocide Memorial• Rwanda’s remarkable story of resilience• Why some adventures become memories you carry forever

Episode: Getting Mountain Ready: How to Train for Your Next Big TrekType2Fun Podcast | Presented by Embark Exploration Greg Amorelli is a U.S. Army veteran turned personal trainer with a passion for the mountains and helping people reach their physical peak — literally. Greg has climbed with Embark Exploration and brings a coach's eye to everything from beginner fitness to summit prep. In this episode, we cover: Embark's 4-Month Training Plan & Fitness AssessmentGreg walks through Embark Exploration's structured approach to pre-climb preparation, including the fitness assessment used to benchmark where you're starting and how the 4-month timeline is designed to build you up progressively — not just get you moving, but get you mountain-ready. Gym Fit vs. Mountain FitOne of the most important distinctions in this episode. You might crush it in the gym, but the mountain is a completely different animal. Greg explains why cardiovascular endurance, load-bearing capacity, and functional movement under fatigue matter far more than how much you can bench press. Weightlifting as Part of the PlanStrength training isn't left out — Greg makes the case for how and why lifting fits into a mountain training program, and what kinds of movements actually transfer to the trail. Training Without Elevation: Advice for FlatlandersLiving in Texas or Florida doesn't have to hold you back. Greg shares practical, proven strategies for building altitude readiness and hiking-specific fitness even when the tallest thing around you is a highway overpass. Nutrition for PerformanceWhat you eat before, during, and after training sessions matters — and on the mountain, it can be the difference between a strong summit push and bonking on a ridgeline. Greg covers the nutritional principles that support serious mountain training. The Mental Side of TrainingPhysical preparation will only take you so far. Greg discusses how to build mental toughness, manage discomfort, and develop the mindset that carries you through the hardest moments on a climb. Connect with Greg Amorelli: www.arxhp.comLearn more about Embark Exploration: www.embarkexplorationco.com

What happens when the plan falls apart? In this episode of Type2Fun, host Theresa Stephens sits down with professional adventure guides Milo Gomezand Jordan Cargill to explore one of the most important — and least discussed — aspects of outdoor travel: decision-making when conditions change. From rapidly shifting weather systems to managing risk in remote environments, experienced guides know that success isn’t always defined by reaching the summit or completing the route. Sometimes, the bravest and most professional decision is to turn around. In this episode, we discuss: ✅ Why weather is the most unpredictable factor in expedition planning✅ How guides assess risk and make safety calls in real time✅ Setting expectations and safety rules before an adventure begins✅ The psychology of disappointment when goals change✅ Leadership lessons from outdoor guiding✅ Why the journey — not the summit — becomes the lasting memory Whether you’re an experienced adventurer, aspiring guide, or someone curious about expedition leadership, this conversation reveals what truly defines a successful adventure. Discover your next adventure at Embark Exploration

Jamin Heppell, since the age of 22 has founded three sustainable organisations, and developed an introductory program to social enterprise for teenagers. Jamin's organisations include Game Changers Australia, Healthy Communities Australia and The Man Cave. Passionate about community development and facilitating young people to reach their greatest human potential, Jamin leads by example through positive role modelling, hard work, innovation, courage, persistence and confidence. This episode we talk about amazing Type2Fun adventures, mental health, powering through adversity, and much more! Follow him on instagram

We sat down with Glen Van Peski, author of Take less. Do more. Surprising Life Lessons in Generosity, Gratitude, and Curiosity from an Ultralight Backpacker. We discussed some amazing Type2Fun adventures and of course, his ultralight backpacking skills. Glen Van Peski is widely recognized by the trail name “Legend” for his legendary contributions to the backpacking community. A native Californian with a childhood rooted in the western outdoors, Glen’s journey into backpacking began when his oldest son joined Scouts, and he led the Troop’s backpacking program. Through those experiences, he became intrigued by lightweight backpacking and started sewing his gear. In 1998, he founded Gossamer Gear, a company dedicated to manufacturing ultralight backpacking equipment. Over the years, Glen and his company have been featured in Backpacker, Outside, and National Geographic Adventure magazines, and The New York Times. The Sub-3 lb. Gear list mentioned is ⁠here⁠. Glen's First Aid kit is ⁠here⁠. The gear list for my bike packing on the Great Divide is ⁠here⁠, and the blog post about the trip is ⁠here⁠. For Europe hiking or adventure travel the gear list ⁠here⁠, and a blog post about how I he did it ⁠here⁠.

Join us as we listen to one type two fun story after another from the man, the myth, the legend.... Jay Irwin. In Jay's own words, "I have a strong belief that Adventure is a key ingredient in transforming lives." We couldn't agree more! Buckle up, this one is a bumpy ride!

In this inspiring episode of Type2Fun, we sit down with the remarkable Meryl Lassen, a true adventurer and mountaineering trekker whose journey through the great outdoors has not only pushed the boundaries of human exploration but has also redefined what it means to overcome challenges. Meryl's story is a testament to the indomitable spirit of the human adventurer. Join us for a candid and organic conversation as we delve into Meryl's incredible life of climbing and adventuring. We explore how and why she embarked on this extraordinary path, tracing her steps through the last 10+ years of adrenaline-pumping adventures that have taken her to some of the world's most breathtaking heights. What sets Meryl's story apart is her incredible resilience in the face of adversity, which we'll be highlighting. She has not let any obstacles deter her from her passion, and her journey serves as an inspiration to many. You won't want to miss her insights into how the culture of climbing and adventuring is evolving, making outdoor pursuits more inclusive and accessible to all. At Embark Exploration Co, we believe that trying something adventurous for the first time can change lives, and Meryl's experiences are a testament to that. We'll explore the profound impact her adventures have had on her life, both physically and mentally, and discover how she has harnessed the transformative power of the outdoors. Tune in to hear Meryl's unforgettable stories, intriguing tidbits, and captivating experiences from the mountains and beyond. Whether you're an experienced adventurer or someone looking to take their first steps into the wild, Meryl's journey is sure to leave you inspired and ready to embark on your own adventures. Join us for a conversation that reminds us all that with determination, passion, and a love for the great outdoors, there are no limits to what we can achieve. It's time to reach new heights with Meryl Lessen on the Type2Fun podcast. Choose your next adventure at www.embarkexplorationco.com

This episode we sat down with Nima, Embark's Site Director in Nepal to discuss the lure of Everest and some amazing stories from the trail.  Learn all about sherpa life and Nima's exciting ancestry  Envision what a typical day is like trekking to Everest Base Camp What's a tea house? What are the differences between a trek in the Annapurna region vs the Everest Region What surprises people about Nepal  and so much more!  Learn why people come back multiple times to Nepal and hear stories from the trail.

Introducing Embark’s Slow Hiker Community, officially called the Pole-Pole club. Pole-Pole is Swahili means “slow slow,” and that’s what these trips will be designed for – Slow Hikers. We have been running hiking adventures around the world for decades and know, first hand, the power and perseverance inside those who might not be the fastest in the group.  Being slow doesn’t stop us from being amazing hikers, climbers, and adventurers!  You know you will make it to your destination, it just might take a bit longer.  And, let’s face it, it can be deflating to feel like you are constantly slowing others down.  You know you’re strong… you’re just… slow.  And what’s so wrong with that? The Pole-Pole club is set around the concept of a slow pace- anyone can participate; just know if you come, you’re definitely going to be taking your time. Next Steps Join our Slow Hikers Mailing List Tune in for our podcast about slow hiking Watch for our upcoming hikes designed for slow hikers Sign up and hike together, collecting Slow Hiker badges along the way- you know you want one! Prepare for the ultimate culmination of all your hard work – Everest Base Camp or Oaxaca Mexico! This summer, 2023, Embark will be planning a series of hikes meant for our Slow Hiker community.  Together we will turn the slow hiker connotation on its head- we’re going to Embrace the Slow.  Our hikes will be just as dynamic and engaging as any of our Embark’s adventures but there will be an emphasis on a measured pace, deliberated breaks and more assistance with packing and personal gear management.  We are planning adventures to Canada, the Colorado Rockies, and Oaxaca, Mexico with a culminating epic trek to Everest Base Camp. There will be hikes every year for the Slow Hikers. The slow hikers concept is a way to really take in your surroundings; for some of us, this will be our only experience in the remote neck of the woods where Embark adventures take place…so why not take our time? Come hike with us! P.s. The hiking will be slow but don’t dilly dally reserving your spot; there’s a lot of us out there who are super enthused to have found this group and space is limited!

In this final episode on trekking with children, we sit down with Carrie again to go a bit deeper into what trekking with your kids can mean for your family, for their development. We discuss what it is like for them to meet new people, time change, a new currency, and more. There is so much more gained by kids when they travel. For more information visit www.embarkexplorationco.com

We sit down with three wonderful parents: Kelly Ramey, Carrie O'Callaghan, & Anil Gunturu, who have all gone on trekking adventures with their children. In this episode we discuss:  Pre-trip planning Training- Importance of hiking and doing it with friends to keep the kids engaged Setting up expectations/goals with your kids Safety Packing Prep for long haul flights High altitude considerations Age of your kid is important On the trek – setting up the day, engaging on the trek, fun activities etc. Food Comforts from home for times of struggle Flexibility Enjoying the trip yourself as a parent For more information, visit www.embarkexplorationco.com

This latest episode of the Type2Fun podcast about Ecuador takes us from the Andes to the Amazon to Cotopaxi.  With such diverse offerings (including the famous Galapagos Islands) there is so much to explore with no one day being the same as the one before it. At 19,347 feet- how do Embark climbers manage to summit this behemoth in just one day?  You’ll find out in this podcast!  From volcanoes, to snow, to stories from the Amazon and Galapagos, we spend the next hour exploring all Ecuador has to offer from the passionate insight of Embark’s site director in Ecuador.  You will fall in love with this beautiful part of the world and might get a notion that you would be silly to leave this destination off your bucket list! And of course, some stories from the trail, and lots of Type Two Fun! To learn more visit embarkexplorationco.com

Stephen Boyer, M.D. grew up on a sheep ranch in Wyoming, graduated from Yale with a paleobiology major. Then received his MS in Quaternary Geology from University of Colorado and his MD from University of Colorado. Completed his Emergency Medicine Residency at OHSU, is Board Certified in Emergency Medicine and has his emeritus physician license. Public Speaking - Education -Wilderness Medicine 3-day course for Tanzanian guides at African Environments in Arusha, 2001 -Wilderness and Expedition Medicine Course: on trek to K2 basecamp, 1986 -US Antarctic Research Program: Orientation for all US scientists new to life on the continent, 1978 -Himalayan Rescue Association, Manang, Nepal: started the clinic, 8-12/82 So needless to say, he is extremely qualified to dive into the understanding of High Altitude Sickness. In this episode we will cover: - Can I train for altitude? - Should I take Diamox? (Most people take 125 mg once in morning/once in the evening) - What are the side effects of taking it? -  is it common for people to get light level altitude at the beginning of their adventures, stop, sleep, hydrate and continue? - how fast oxygen from a canister can treat severe altitude sickness. - Pathophysiology of high altitude: AMS, HACE, and HAPE   The physiology portion is important in understanding the "why" of the pathology, avoidance, and treatment And finally come stories from the trails. And his personal expeditions range from: Everest (Tibet): physician/climber with French/Italian expedition, spring, 1988 Annapurna (Nepal): physician/climber with French/Italian expedition, ascent of S. Face, fall, 1988 Lhotse (Nepal): physician for Polish international expedition, fall, 1987 Everest (Nepal): physician/climber with Austrian expedition, fall,1987 K2 (Pakistan): physician/climber with American expedition, summer 1986; (13 fatalities among 9 exp.) American Medical Research Exp to Everest (Nepal): climber/scientist, 7/81-12/81 (> 50 publications from the expedition: co-author on 4, senior author on weight loss study) Dufek Massif, East Antarctica: physician/geologist for USGS team, 10/78-1/79

Listen to John Godino, the “unofficial guru of wilderness navigation in the Pacific Northwest” – how did he get that nickname? John has been a Portland resident for 25 years, a long-time Mazamas climbing and hiking club member, and their climb leader and principal navigation instructor.  John has his Masters of Geography Geosciences Mapping and Cartography from Oregon state. After graduation, he spent six years as a full-time cartographer. He competed in the sport of orienteering and was a backcountry ranger and wildfire firefighter for the US Foresting Service.  In this episode, John goes over the dos and don’ts of wilderness navigation and the essential tools needed for a successful adventure.  Links:  Alpine Savvy Baseplate compass Zoleo  InReach

Join us as we record live in Cusco Peru interviewing one of the guides for the phenomenal Peru trips. Claudio walks us through what to expect from your trip to Peru, tips on what to pack, and tales from the trail (with maybe some Type Two Fun thrown in there)  To learn more about Claudio and the trips offered in Peru visit www.embarkexplorationco.com