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.

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