EPISODE 7 - CONRAD ANKER
Guest: CONRAD ANKER
In episode 7 we hear from world famous climber Conrad Anker. Conrad is well known for his exceptional list of climbing achievements. He has summited Everest 3 times, the most recent of which was without assisted oxygen. The sensational film Meru shows Conrad, Jimmy Chin, and Renan Ozturk successfully summit the Shark's Fin on Mount Meru, A climb that had defeated more elite climbers than any other peak in the Himalayas over the last 30 years. Conrad is the lead climber at team North Face. He's also been featured in National Geographic and many of the worlds top climbing magazines for being able to pull off seemingly impossible climbs.
However, Conrad is much more than just an exceptional climber. He serves on the boards of the Montana State University Leadership Institute, Protect Our Winters, Bozeman Ice Tower Foundation, Gallatin County Fair Board and the Alex Lowe Charitable Foundation, a Montana based non-profit that funds the Khumbu Climbing Center in Phortse, Nepal (www.alexlowe.org). And is also a keen advocate for action against man-made climate change.
We delve into all these aspects of Conrad's life and get a peak into the mind of one of the worlds greatest climbers.
To top it all off, Conrad is also a really nice guy, promoting love and happiness in the world. It was an absolute please to chat with him.
Now take a listen, get inspired, and chose to be the hero in your own story!
Show Notes
Intro
Rapid response questions
Space X
http://www.spacex.com/
Outlook on technology
The challenges of an increasing population
The earth’s carrying capacity http://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/green-science/earth-carrying-capacity.htm
How the potato changed the world
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/how-the-potato-changed-the-world-108470605/
The short termism of human nature
http://inspiredeconomist.com/2014/02/09/short-termism-human-brain-tune-long-term-con
sequences-actions/
Generational fairness
http://generationalfairness.com/
Global Climate Change - great resource
https://climate.nasa.gov/
“If information is the answer, we will all be billionaires walking around with 6 pack abs” -
Derek Severs
Conrad’s childhood and journey into climbing
The magic of the outdoors
The benefit of self induced hardship
On balance, has technology improved our lives?
When did you decide to make climbing your career?
What sets apart a good climber from an exceptional climber?
“The best climber is the one having the most fun” - Alex Lowe
Why are you able to do complete difficult climbs?
What does your training look like now given your still climbing in your 50’s?
19 year old Margo Hayes becomes first women to climb 2 9a+’s - for non climbers, basically an impossible climb for mere mortals
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1GEVoQXpc4A
Conrad’s next expedition
Why did you want to climb Meru and why is it such a difficult climb?
http://www.merufilm.com/
Conrad’s mentor Mugs Stump
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mugs_Stump
What was the hardest part about the Meru climb?
What does it feel like to be compelled to complete a climb?
When did you realise you were particularly good at climbing?
Which expedition are you most proud of?
The Tibetan Antelope
http://wwf.panda.org/what_we_do/endangered_species/tibetan_antelope/
Closest calls
How did your relationship to risk change after losing Alex Lowe (and others)?
Did you consider giving up climbing after losing friends?
Norman Dyhrenfurth
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/27/world/europe/norman-dyhrenfurth-dead-american-l
ed-mount-everest-climb.html
The camaraderie that comes along with putting your life in someone else’s life
Other hobbies and pastimes
Conrad goes vegetarian
Conrad’s heart attack last year in Nepal
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/adventure/destinations/asia/nepal/conrad-anker-surv
ives-heart-attack-climbing-nepal/
Conrad’s upcoming projects
The Michel Thomas method
http://www.michelthomas.com/learn-spanish.php
Conrad’s heroes
The Righteous Mind by John Haidt
http://righteousmind.com/
Are heroes born or made?
About the Author
George Beesley
Adventurer & Founder of Call To Adventure
George just bloody loves a bit of adventure! Imagine someone who not only hikes up mountains for breakfast but also bikes across continents. Got a case of wanderlust? This guy's been to over 50 countries and comes back with stories that'll make your grandma want to go bungee jumping.