In this premiere episode of the Peak Podcast, host Ben Sanford sits down with Adam Darragh, an IFMGA certified mountain guide, outdoor educator, and Antarctic field trainer with decades of experience in high-risk, high-reward environments. In this deep and wide-ranging conversation, Adam shares stories of a terrifying near-death avalanche in Pakistan to a solo first ascent of Cholatse a 6,400m Himalayan peak, Adam shares raw and gripping stories of survival, mentorship, and the search for meaning through risk. This conversation blends epic adventure with deep reflection on the personal cost and lasting reward of a life spent chasing purpose in wild places.
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00:00 Avalanche near-death experience & Antarctic storm
05:00 Mentoring young climbers & early teaching stories
10:00 Surviving a 2000m cliff avalanche & 9/11 reflections
20:00 Decision-making, risk, and learning from close calls
30:00 Guiding in Antarctica & the role of science in exploration
40:00 Spiritual beauty of the mountains & climbing with purpose
50:00 Soloing Cholatse & the mindset of high-risk ascents
60:00 The IFMGA path – sacrifices, growth, and grit
75:00 Climate change, Indigenous wisdom & legacy in guiding
90:00 Final thoughts on meaning, gratitude, and moving forward