Strap Yer Boots

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Strap Yer Boots

April & Laura

30 episodes

6 days ago

In this episode of Strap Yer Boots, we head to the rugged hills of Ireland’s south-east to meet two members of the South Eastern Mountain Rescue Association (SEMRA) — Liz Browne and Pat Holland. From midnight callouts to life-saving rescues in wild weather, they share what it’s really like to be part of a volunteer team that drops everything to answer the call. We talk about the skills, teamwork, and dedication it takes to bring people home safely, and hear some unforgettable stories from the...

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Places & Travel

Society & Culture,

Health & Fitness

All content for Strap Yer Boots is the property of April & Laura and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.

In this episode of Strap Yer Boots, we head to the rugged hills of Ireland’s south-east to meet two members of the South Eastern Mountain Rescue Association (SEMRA) — Liz Browne and Pat Holland. From midnight callouts to life-saving rescues in wild weather, they share what it’s really like to be part of a volunteer team that drops everything to answer the call. We talk about the skills, teamwork, and dedication it takes to bring people home safely, and hear some unforgettable stories from the...

Show more...

Places & Travel

Society & Culture,

Health & Fitness

Episodes (20/30)

Strap Yer Boots

030: Answering the Call: The People Behind SEMRA

In this episode of Strap Yer Boots, we head to the rugged hills of Ireland’s south-east to meet two members of the South Eastern Mountain Rescue Association (SEMRA) — Liz Browne and Pat Holland. From midnight callouts to life-saving rescues in wild weather, they share what it’s really like to be part of a volunteer team that drops everything to answer the call. We talk about the skills, teamwork, and dedication it takes to bring people home safely, and hear some unforgettable stories from the...

5 days ago

1 hour 17 minutes

Strap Yer Boots

029:Eur-Up-Ian: One Man, 28 Mountains, One Powerful Message

In this episode, we’re joined by the incredibly inspiring Ian O’Brien—husband, father, adventurer, and advocate—who was diagnosed with Early Onset Parkinson’s Disease at just 38 years old. Rather than letting the diagnosis define him, Ian chose to take action—literally. In June 2023, he embarked on the Eur-Up-Ian Challenge: climbing the highest peak in all 27 EU countries and the UK in just 28 days. That’s right—28 mountains, 28 days, one massive journey of resilience, awareness, and purpose....

1 week ago

56 minutes

Strap Yer Boots

028: Trail Tails: Ireland's Dog Walks

Grab the lead, Strap Yer Boots, and pack a few treats—this week, we’re talking all things dog-friendly trails across Ireland! From breezy coastal strolls to forest adventures and mountain scrambles that’ll tire out even the most energetic pups, we’re sharing routes that both humans and hounds will love. We chat about trail etiquette, must-have gear (yes, even for dogs), and our own four-legged companions. So whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just looking for a new Sunday walk with your...

2 weeks ago

41 minutes

Strap Yer Boots

027: Upward Bound: The History and Heart of Mountaineering

Strap yer boots and get ready to scale new heights as we dive into the world of mountaineering — where grit meets glory and the summit is just the beginning. In this episode, we explore the roots of mountaineering, from early Alpine ascents to the golden age of Himalayan exploration. Discover how this daring pursuit evolved from scientific curiosity to a global passion, and meet the trailblazers who paved the icy paths we follow today. Whether you're a seasoned climber or just curious about t...

3 weeks ago

28 minutes

Strap Yer Boots

026: To the Top of the World: Mitch Hutchcraft and the Limitless Triathlon

What does it take to attempt the world’s longest triathlon — and finish it on the summit of Mount Everest? In this episode, we sit down with Mitch Hutchcraft, former Royal Marine Commando and the force behind Project Limitless, an unprecedented 12,000km journey of endurance, resilience, and purpose. From swimming the English Channel, cycling 10,000km across continents, and running through the punishing terrain of India and Nepal — all before even setting foot on the world’s tallest mountain —...

1 month ago

1 hour

Strap Yer Boots

025: Wild, Wings & Wonder with Aisling Kinsella

In this episode, we venture into the wild with Aisling Kinsella – birdwatcher, zoology graduate, and adventure host of Gals Gone Wild. Aisling shares how her love for the outdoors took flight three years ago, where birdsong and bogland shaped her passion for nature. We chat about her academic journey through zoology, the joy (and challenge) of spotting elusive species, and how she’s using media to connect more women to the wild. With curiosity, humor, and a deep reverence for the natural worl...

1 month ago

46 minutes

Strap Yer Boots

024: Maurice Wilson: One Man, One Mountain, One Wild Plan

In this episode of Strap Yer Boots, we dive into the unbelievable true story of Maurice Wilson — World War I veteran, spiritual seeker, and the man who hatched one of the most bizarre plans in mountaineering history. Inspired by faith, fasting, and a second-hand biplane, Wilson set out in the 1930s to conquer Mount Everest entirely alone, with almost no climbing experience. Drawing from Ed Caesar’s riveting book The Moth and the Mountain, we trace Wilson’s journey from the skies of Engl...

1 month ago

33 minutes

Strap Yer Boots

023: 7 Summits, One Girl: Sarah Armstrong’s Epic Ascent

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Sarah Armstrong — a 30-year-old adventurer, mountaineer, and all-around force of nature. Sarah is currently on a bold mission to climb the Seven Summits — the highest peaks on each continent — by 2027. From summiting Kilimanjaro in 2024 to conquering Aconcagua in 2025, and reaching Everest Base Camp in 2023, Sarah has already checked off some of the world's most iconic and demanding climbs. Her mountain resume also includes Mount Kenya, Mount Toubka...

1 month ago

49 minutes

Strap Yer Boots

022: The Seven Summits: Climbing the Roof of Every Continent

In this episode of Strap Yer Boots, we set our sights on the Seven Summits — the tallest mountain on each of the seven continents. From the iconic Everest in Asia to the icy isolation of Antarctica’s Mount Vinson, we break down what makes each of these peaks both a physical and mental battleground. Whether you're dreaming of Denali or just curious why Kosciuszko sparks so much debate, we’re exploring the history, challenges, and allure of these legendary climbs. Join us as we talk altitude, a...

2 months ago

32 minutes

Strap Yer Boots

021: Wool & Wonder: The History of Sheep in Ireland

In this episode, we lace up our boots and step into the bogs, hills, and high pastures of Ireland to trace the humble sheep’s extraordinary journey through five thousand years of Irish life. From the first hardy flocks brought by Neolithic farmers, to the monastic monks who spun fleece into holy robes, to the famine-weary shepherds of the 1800s — this is not just a story of wool and weather. It’s a tale of survival, silence, and soft-footed resilience. Strap Yer Boots invites you to walk alon...

2 months ago

26 minutes

Strap Yer Boots

020: Where Land Meets Sky: A Journey up Mount Brandon

This week on Strap Yer Boots, we lace up for a windswept, soul-stirring hike up Mount Brandon in County Kerry — one of Ireland’s most sacred peaks. Along the way, we dive into the legend of Saint Brendan the Navigator, the original Atlantic explorer (take that, Columbus), and have a few laughs about their slightly confused discovery of the “12 Apostles of Ireland.” Fresh from a weekend at the vibrant and wild OutWest Festival in Dingle, we share tips on what to do in Dingle, from holding baby...

2 months ago

34 minutes

Strap Yer Boots

019: Aengus Óg: The Young God of Love and Dreams

In this episode, we dive into the enchanting world of Aengus Óg, the Irish god of love, youth, and poetic dreams. Born of the Dagda and the river goddess Boann, Aengus is a figure wrapped in mystery and myth—known for his eternal youth, his silver tongue, and a swan-maiden love that defied the bounds of the mortal world. From shape-shifting lovers to dreamlike journeys through the Otherworld, we explore the tales that made Aengus a symbol of passion, inspiration, and the power of dreams...

2 months ago

29 minutes

Strap Yer Boots

018: Waves, Wind, and Winching: Inside Rescue with Debbie Hally

In this high-flying episode of Strap Yer Boots, we sit down with the remarkable Debbie Hally—winchman with Ireland’s elite Rescue 117 crew. From the streets to the skies, Debbie takes us through her extraordinary journey, beginning as an advanced paramedic and transitioning into one of the most demanding and adrenaline-fueled roles in emergency response. We dive into the grit, courage, and heart it takes to dangle from a helicopter in brutal Irish weather, reaching people in their most vulner...

2 months ago

43 minutes

Strap Yer Boots

017: The Carlsbad Dilemma: Kindness or Kill

This week, we untangle a sun-scorched story of desperation, friendship, and a decision that stunned the nation. In the brutal heat of August 1999, David Coughlin and Raffi Kodikian set off on what was supposed to be a quick overnight hike through Rattlesnake Canyon in Carlsbad Caverns National Park. But when they lost the trail and their water ran out, things went from uncomfortable to deadly—fast. Stranded in the desert with no help in sight, their survival story took a shocking turn. We’re ...

3 months ago

39 minutes

Strap Yer Boots

016: Flow Like a Goddess: The Myth of Bóinn

In this week's myth-drenched episode, we're wading deep into Irish legend with the one and only Bóinn (Boann) —goddess, rebel, and literal river. Ever wonder what happens when a goddess ignores a divine “do not touch” sign? Spoiler: it involves a magical well, a catastrophic flood, and the birth of Ireland’s most legendary river, the Boyne. April's bringing the lore, Laura’s got some serious thoughts about sacred boundaries, and together we're diving into everything from Bóinn's defiance to t...

3 months ago

20 minutes

Strap Yer Boots

015: On the Edge: Touching the Void

Laura and April here with boots strapped and eyes wide for this one. In today’s episode, we’re diving into one of the most jaw-dropping survival stories ever told: Touching the Void. This isn’t just a tale of mountaineering gone wrong — it’s a brutal, almost unbelievable fight for life on a frozen cliffside in the Peruvian Andes. We’ll walk you through Joe Simpson and Simon Yates’ 1985 climb of Siula Grande — the triumphs, the impossible choices, and that infamous moment involving a rope and ...

3 months ago

32 minutes

Strap Yer Boots

014: Resilience in the Elements: Fitness, Fire & Ice with Cillian Bonnar

This week, we’re strapping our boots a little tighter for a deep and invigorating chat with Irish fitness coach and outdoor enthusiast, Cillian Bonnar. From the crisp edges of cold therapy to the steamy solace of the sauna, Cillian shares how embracing the elements has shaped his approach to health, strength, and resilience. We talk about his journey from gym floors to forest floors, building Full Rotation Fitness, and why he believes the outdoors is the ultimate training ground for both body...

3 months ago

30 minutes

Strap Yer Boots

013: The Last March: O’Sullivan Beare

Grab your boots and your best raincoat, because this week we’re trekking into the wild soul of southwest Ireland — the rugged, windswept Beara Peninsula. In this episode, The Last March, we follow the haunting trail of Dónal Cam O’Sullivan Beare, the chieftain who led one of the most heroic and heartbreaking retreats in Irish history. After the fall of Gaelic resistance at the Battle of Kinsale in 1602, O’Sullivan and around 1,000 of his people set out on a desperate 500-kilometer winter marc...

4 months ago

28 minutes

Strap Yer Boots

012: Gear, Trails, and Tales: Your Hiking Questions

April and Laura here, back with another episode of Strap Yer Boots! This week, we’re diving into YOUR hiking questions in "Gear, Trails, and Tales." From the best budget-friendly gear to our favorite trail snacks (spoiler: Laura swears by sour tongues), we’re covering it all. We answer the burning questions you sent into us. We’ve got answers—plus a few wild hiking stories along the way. So Strap Yer Boots, grab a snack, and let’s hit the trail together! Don’t forget to follow us and send in ...

4 months ago

39 minutes

Strap Yer Boots

011: Gráinne Mhaol: Ireland’s Fearless Pirate Queen

Ahoy, history lovers! This week, we set sail into the legendary life of Gráinne O’Malley—pirate, chieftain, and all-around badass. From commanding fleets along the west coast of Ireland to defying English rule (and even having a showdown with Queen Elizabeth I), Gráinne’s story is one of rebellion, resilience, and pure adventure. Join us as we uncover the myths, the battles, and the legacy of Ireland’s most infamous sea queen. Was she a ruthless pirate or a shrewd political leader? And how di...

4 months ago

33 minutes