Advertise on podcast: Finding Elevation: Conversations Beyond the Mountain

In this episode, Eric Riddleberger shares his transformative experience trekking the Snowman Trek in Bhutan. He discusses the initial decision to switch from a planned K2 Base Camp trek to Bhutan, the daily routines and challenges faced on the trail, and the rich cultural experiences encountered along the way. Eric emphasizes the importance of physical and mental preparation for such an arduous journey, highlighting how training enabled him to fully immerse himself in the experience. The conversation also touches on the unique cultural aspects of Bhutan, making it a destination worth exploring for adventure travelers. In this conversation, Eric Riddleberger shares his experiences in Bhutan, focusing on the importance of education, cultural sensitivity, and the challenges faced by local communities. He discusses his adventures in the wild, including encounters with snow leopards, and reflects on personal growth through travel. Eric emphasizes the transformative power of travel and encourages others to pursue their adventurous aspirations while providing practical advice for aspiring trekkers.

In the inaugural episode of the Finding Elevation podcast, host Lisa Thompson engages in a heartfelt conversation with mountaineer Steve McConnell. They explore the transformative power of climbing, emphasizing that personal achievements can serve as a catalyst for positive change in communities. Steve shares his journey from climbing for personal validation to using his adventures as a platform for community impact, particularly during his recent trip to Nepal's Khumbu Valley. He discusses his initiative, 'IF,' which encourages individuals to consider the potential positive outcomes of their actions in the communities they visit. The conversation delves into Steve's unique approach to training outdoors in the Pacific Northwest, embracing the elements rather than avoiding them. Lisa and Steve also touch on the mental aspects of climbing, including confronting fears and the importance of listening to one's instincts. The episode serves as a reminder that personal challenges can be intertwined with a greater purpose, inspiring listeners to leave places better than they found them and to engage meaningfully with the communities they encounter during their adventures.   https://mountainmadness.com/  https://www.alpineathletics.net/    https://www.sagarmathanext.com/ https://www.sagarmathanext.com/sustainable/spcc/ https://lnt.org/

In this episode of the Finding Elevation podcast, host Lisa reflects on her six-month hiatus and shares significant changes in her life, including her recent acquisition of Mountain Madness, a renowned guiding company. She discusses the challenges and excitement of stepping into this new role, emphasizing her commitment to making climbing accessible and supportive for everyone, not just elite climbers. Lisa expresses her desire to create transformative experiences in the mountains while respecting the communities and environments they engage with. Looking ahead, Lisa reveals a new format for the podcast, focusing on sharing stories from mountain athletes and adventurers. She aims to extract valuable lessons from their experiences, fostering a sense of community and connection among listeners. 

Join us in this inspiring episode as we talk to Dr. Kim Silloway, a seasoned mountaineer and the oldest American to summit K2 at age 60. Kim shares her journey from summiting Kilimanjaro to tackling some of the world's highest peaks, including her experiences on Everest and K2. We delve into the mindset, training, and decision-making processes that have shaped her mountaineering career. Key Highlights: Kim's transformation from a novice climber to a seasoned mountaineer. The importance of decision-making and risk assessment in mountaineering. Insights into training and preparation for high-altitude expeditions. The role of curiosity and personal growth in pursuing challenging goals. Reflections on the mountaineering community and the impact of mentorship. Engagement Link  Erin Carson: https://www.ecfitstrength.com  Wanda Rutkiewicz: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wanda_Rutkiewicz

In this episode, Emma Schwerin shares her inspiring journey as the youngest American woman to complete the seven summits. From her early aspirations and the spark of inspiration that led her to mountaineering to the challenges she faced on Denali and Everest, Emma discusses the importance of grit, resilience, and support from her family and team. She offers practical tips for aspiring climbers, reflects on the emotional challenges of her climbs, and emphasizes the significance of self-belief and dreaming big.   Engagement Link   Round house boot fitters in Bozeman: https://roundhouse-sports.com/boot-fitting  Rebecca Dent nutritionist: https://www.rebeccadent.co.uk/  Altitude Center in London: https://altitudecentre.com/for-mountaineering/  Summit Scholarship Calendar: https://www.summitscholarship.org/store/p/2025-women-of-mountaineering-wall-calendar

In this episode of the Finding Elevation podcast, host Lisa Thompson interviews Brent George, a seasoned physical therapist with over 30 years of experience. They discuss Brent's journey into physical therapy, the importance of proper footwear for athletes, and how to differentiate between pain and soreness. Brent shares insights on injury prevention, the biomechanics of movement, and the significance of understanding the root causes of injuries. In this episode, Brent George discusses the nuances of pain and soreness, emphasizing that pain should be treated as a warning sign rather than a deterrent. He debunks the 'no pain, no gain' myth, advocating for a balanced approach to training that prioritizes recovery. The conversation also covers the debate between using heat or ice for injuries and addresses the challenges of muscle imbalances following surgery, highlighting the importance of proper rehabilitation. In this episode, Brent George discusses the importance of a holistic approach to athletic training and injury management. He emphasizes the need for a balanced strengthening program, particularly for the hamstrings and hips, and addresses common issues like tight hips and glute activation. Brent also shares strategies for preventing foot injuries and managing injuries for endurance athletes, highlighting the significance of sleep and nutrition in recovery. The conversation concludes with a reminder to listen to one's body and make informed choices about training and recovery. Engagement Link https://www.instagram.com/g4athlete/ https://g4athlete.com/  

In this episode of the Finding Elevation podcast, Lisa Thompson discusses the critical role of decision-making in climbing. She emphasizes the cognitive challenges faced at high altitudes, the importance of frameworks for effective decision-making, and the common traps climbers fall into, such as summit fever and commitment bias. Leadership and communication within teams are highlighted as essential for safety, along with the value of regular check-ins and debriefing after climbs to improve future decision-making skills. Ultimately, Lisa stresses that while perfection is not required, preparation is key to navigating the challenges of climbing.  

In this conversation, Lisa and Abbe Jacobson explore the intersection of coaching, personal growth, and the emotional challenges faced during physical endeavors like climbing. Abbe shares her journey as a cancer survivor and how it led her to coaching, emphasizing the importance of mindset and self-compassion in achieving goals. They discuss the significance of understanding thoughts and emotions, the role of curiosity in personal development, and the lessons learned from Abbe's recent climb of Kilimanjaro, where the experience proved more valuable than the summit itself. In this conversation, Abbe Jacobson shares her experiences and insights from climbing Kilimanjaro with her husband, discussing the lessons learned about preparation, partnership, and personal growth. She reflects on the importance of aligning life with values, the dynamics of their relationship during the climb, and how these experiences inform her coaching practice. The discussion emphasizes the significance of setting realistic goals, celebrating small victories, and maintaining a focus on health and safety. Engagement Link Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abbejacobsoncoaching/  LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/abbejacobson/ 

In this episode of the Finding Elevation podcast, Lisa Thompson delves into the essential preparations for climbing Everest and other high-altitude expeditions. She emphasizes the importance of tactical gear preparation, mental resilience, emotional support, and the logistics involved in such challenging endeavors. The conversation covers practical tips for gear maintenance, the psychological aspects of waiting at base camp, and strategies for mental and emotional fortitude during climbs. Lisa also discusses the significance of communication with loved ones and the need for a thoughtful reentry into everyday life after an expedition. Engagement Link How to Sharpen Crampons: https://youtu.be/WsbxEGSkUcA?si=D8BssDZqBg2mywzg After the Summit (Letdown Effect): https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/after-the-summit/id1726223273?i=1000662533544  

In this episode of the Finding Elevation podcast, Jess Sargus shares her unconventional career journey from being an Ivy League trained attorney to an undefeated MMA fighter, and now a high-performance coach and speaker. She discusses the pivotal moments that led her to leave a traditional law career, the challenges of transitioning into fighting, and the importance of self-belief and family support in navigating these changes. Jess emphasizes the significance of personal growth, empowerment, and the ripple effect of coaching others in their journeys. In this conversation, Lisa and Jess Sargus explore the themes of achievement, mindset, and personal growth. They discuss the ripple effect of accomplishments on confidence, the importance of embracing challenges, and the distinction between fixed and growth mindsets. Jess shares insights on present moment focus, the zen of intense experiences, and the common post-achievement letdown. They emphasize the significance of defining purpose beyond achievements and the role of values in decision-making. The conversation also touches on the creation of habits for success, the redefinition of failure, and introduces the Phoenix Method for personal reinvention. Engagement Link LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicarichmansargus/  The Legal Athlete Podcast on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-legal-athlete/id1776383645  Website: https://thelegalathlete.com Your brain consumes 20% of your body's energy: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC124895/?utm_source=  Fixed versus growth mindset: https://online.hbs.edu/blog/post/growth-mindset-vs-fixed-mindset?utm_source=     

In this episode, Tracee Metcalfe shares her incredible journey of climbing all 14 of the world's highest peaks, reflecting on the challenges, logistics, and emotional significance of her climbs. She discusses the hardest climb, Annapurna, and the meaningful experience of summiting Shisha Pangma after a tragic avalanche. Tracee emphasizes the importance of teamwork with Sherpas, mental resilience, and the role of connectivity during her expeditions. She also opens up about her fear of heights and the techniques she used to manage it throughout her climbing career. In this conversation, Tracee Metcalfe shares her insights on climbing, focusing on the mental and physical preparation required for high-altitude expeditions. She discusses the importance of acknowledging fear, using mantras, and the role of meditation in managing anxiety. Tracee also reflects on her physical training regimen, the challenges of reintegrating into everyday life after expeditions, and the personal growth she has experienced through her climbing journey. She emphasizes the need to inspire others, particularly women, to pursue climbing and shares practical tips for first-time climbers. Takeaways Tracee became the first US woman to complete climbing all 14 peaks. Annapurna was one of her most challenging climbs due to various issues. The emotional significance of summiting Shisha Pangma was profound for Tracee. She emphasizes the importance of letting Sherpas make safety decisions. Climbing rejuvenates her and provides a sense of purpose. She learned to manage her fear of heights through therapy techniques. Tracee reflects on the ethics of climbing and Sherpa safety. She acknowledges the challenges of logistics and planning for climbs. The journey of climbing has strengthened her relationships with family. Fear is a natural part of climbing that must be acknowledged. Using mantras can help calm the mind during climbs. Meditation can be beneficial for mental preparation. Physical training should be tailored to individual needs and limitations. Reintegration after an expedition can be challenging and requires self-compassion. Setting new goals can help with the transition back to everyday life. It's important to inspire others through personal climbing stories. Climbing is a journey of personal growth and self-acceptance. Engagement Link Tracee's website: https://traceelmetcalfe.com EMDR therapy: https://www.emdria.org/about-emdr-therapy/ Overview of 8,000 meter peaks: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eight-thousander 5280: https://www.5280.com/tracee-metcalfe-pursues-the-worlds-highest-mountains/  Ascend Athletics: https://www.ascendathletics.org  

In this episode of the Finding Elevation podcast, host Lisa Thompson discusses the difference between resolutions and intentions, emphasizing the importance of identity in achieving lasting change. She shares practical strategies for setting intentions and highlights the significance of showing up consistently to work towards personal goals. The conversation encourages listeners to embrace the process of becoming who they want to be, rather than focusing solely on outcomes. Takeaways Start with identity: Instead of focusing on what you want to achieve, ask yourself, "Who do I want to become?"Write it down, and let that be your guiding intention. Stick it to your computer monitor, to your treadmill. Create rituals around showing up: Lay out your gear the night before. Schedule your training like an important meeting, put it on your calendar. These small rituals help anchor your intention. I also like linking a new habit with an existing one. Embrace imperfect action: You don't have to be perfect. Missing one workout doesn't mean you've failed. Remember, the goal isn't perfection—it's consistency and it's making consistent improvements over time. Celebrate the process: Reflect on how showing up makes you feel, even if you're tired or the workout didn't go as planned. Every step you take reinforces your identity and builds momentum. Revisit your intention regularly: Remind yourself of the future you're committed to creating. Write it on a sticky note, put it on your mirror, or say it out loud each morning.

In this conversation, Dave Taylor shares his journey of summiting Aconcagua, the highest mountain in South America, focusing on the lessons learned from his first attempt and the extensive preparation for his successful second attempt. The discussion covers the importance of team dynamics, personal reflection, training strategies, acclimatization, and the role of breath work in enhancing performance at high altitudes. Dave emphasizes the significance of self-assessment and adapting one's approach to achieve goals in mountaineering. In this conversation, Dave Taylor reflects on his recent climbing experience on Aconcagua, discussing the mental and physical preparation required for such an endeavor. He shares insights on overcoming self-doubt, the emotional journey to the summit, and the importance of focusing on the process rather than the outcome. The discussion also highlights the parallels between mountaineering and leadership, emphasizing the significance of training and mental resilience. Dave concludes with key takeaways for aspiring climbers, stressing the need for thorough preparation and a positive mindset. Takeaways There are no failures, only lessons learned. Team dynamics play a crucial role in climbing success. Self-reflection is key to improvement. Preparation involves both physical and mental aspects. Acclimatization is essential for high-altitude climbing. Using guides can enhance the climbing experience. Breath work can significantly improve performance. Trusting the training process is vital. Personal accountability is important in team settings. Every climber has their own approach to summiting. Stay in your bubble and avoid negative comparisons. Preparation is key; train thoroughly for your goals. Mental strength is as important as physical fitness. The emotional journey to the summit can be complex. Summiting is just halfway; the descent is equally challenging. Stay focused on what you can control, especially in uncertain situations. Lessons from climbing can translate to leadership and teamwork. Process over outcome is crucial in achieving goals. Limit outside distractions to stay present in the moment. Understand the unique challenges of each mountain you climb. Engagement Link LinkedIn: LDR Leadership, www.ldrleadership.com   IG:  https://www.instagram.com/livefast_playhard/  Dave's LinkedIn post about his Aconcagua summit: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/davidtaylor72_outdoors-climbing-process-activity-7280630851652968448-5Zwa?utm_source=combined_share_message&utm_medium=member_desktop_web 

In this episode of the Finding Elevation podcast, Lisa Thompson and Tom Cuddy delve into the physiological adaptations that occur when ascending to high altitudes. They discuss the immediate and chronic changes in the body, including alterations in breathing, blood composition, and the role of CO2. The conversation also highlights genetic factors influencing altitude adaptation, insights from Sherpa and Tibetan populations, and practical tips for acclimatization. Additionally, they explore the importance of training for CO2 tolerance and assessing fitness levels for successful high-altitude experiences. In this conversation, Tom and Lisa discuss the intricacies of preparing for high-altitude climbs, focusing on physiological responses, training strategies, and recovery methods. They explore the benefits of hypoxic training, the importance of acclimatization, and the role of nitric oxide in enhancing performance. The discussion emphasizes the need for a balanced approach to training and recovery, particularly when preparing for challenging climbs like Everest or Aconcagua. Takeaways Altitude affects every system in the body. Breathing rate and volume increase at high altitude. CO2 management is crucial for performance. Acute mountain sickness can result from low CO2 levels. EPO plays a significant role in red blood cell production. Genetics influence individual responses to altitude. Tibetan and Andean populations have adapted differently to high altitude. Training for CO2 tolerance can enhance performance. Ventilation capacity is critical for high altitude success. Assessing fitness levels can predict altitude adaptation.  Understanding your body's response to altitude is crucial. Hypoxic tents can aid in acclimatization but require commitment. Training load must be balanced with recovery to optimize performance. Nitric oxide plays a significant role in enhancing blood flow and performance. Acclimatization requires consistent exposure to higher elevations. The timeline for acclimatization is critical for successful climbs. Recovery strategies, including oxygen use, are essential after high-altitude climbs. Individual responses to altitude can vary significantly among climbers. Maintaining fitness is foundational for high-altitude success. Respecting the mountain's conditions is vital for safety and success. Engagement Link Tom's Coaching Practice: http://calibratedcoaching.com/ Two routes to functional adaptation: Tibetan and Andean high-altitude natives: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FRp9PNXrzB9j4CsOZGa5so3aLaUf_Zlv/view?usp=sharing Nitric oxide in adaptation to altitude: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1a1KusUQuYFejr6BHDJ6W3nx-UVHDqK8g/view?usp=sharing       

In this episode of the Finding Elevation podcast, join me and Jacque as we discuss various aspects of mountaineering, including personal journeys, getting started in the sport, exploring lesser-known peaks, affordability, sun protection, the impact of cold therapy on strength training, and the importance of mindset in climbing. We share valuable tips and insights for both beginners and experienced climbers, emphasizing the significance of preparation, practice, and mental resilience in outdoor adventures. Takeaways Everyone's journey in mountaineering is unique. Starting with simple hikes can build confidence. Joining local mountain clubs can enhance learning. Courses and guides provide valuable skills and knowledge. Practice skills regularly to ensure readiness. Seek affordable local options for climbing trips. Sunscreen and lip protection are crucial in high altitudes. Cold therapy can hinder muscle growth if not timed correctly. Mental preparation is as important as physical training. Visualization and positive self-talk can enhance performance. Engagement Link Cold therapy research: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9518606/  Outer U: https://outeru.com/ – face glove  Dermatone https://www.dermatone.com/  Guide Companies:  Khangri Experience : https://www.khangriexperience.com/about  Madison Mountaineering: https://madisonmountaineering.com/  Mountain Madness: https://mountainmadness.com/ Climbing the Seven Summits: https://climbingthesevensummits.com/ Summit Climb: https://www.summitclimb.com/ (I did my mountaineering course with Dan Mazur) Colorado Mountain Club: https://www.cmc.org/ Wasatch Mountain Guides: https://wasatchmountainguides.com/  Utah Mountain Adventures: https://www.utahmountainadventures.com/  San Juan Colorado Mountain Guides: https://mtnguide.net/  Nepal: https://www.thirdrockadventures.com/ (Gadul Tamang was my guide and he was AMAZING) https://www.himalayanglacier.com/  Kilimanjaro: https://eco-africaclimbing.com/ (they have an all women's climb)    Avalanche training:  FREE Avalanche intro course: https://www.kbyg.org/  Utah Avalanche Center (Avy education): https://utahavalanchecenter.org/  Colorado Avalanche Info Center (avy education): https://avalanche.state.co.us/    Facebook hiking/mountaineering groups: Wasatch Peak Baggers: https://www.facebook.com/groups/639286149434063  Wasatch Mountain Club: https://www.facebook.com/groups/92268557972  Utah Women on the Ascent: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2671281463103052  Utah Backcountry Ski Touring: https://www.facebook.com/groups/999509393504378  Colorado 14ers: https://www.facebook.com/groups/82338447841 CO 14er Ladies: https://www.facebook.com/groups/618505908320639  CO 14er Sloth Ladies (slower hikers group): https://www.facebook.com/groups/185321063068648   PNW Mountaineers: https://www.facebook.com/groups/507746076069464  Women of Mountaineering: https://www.facebook.com/groups/282106230188273/  Jacque's youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@highelevationadventure  Jacque's insta: https://www.instagram.com/jacque.tietjen/