Episode 59: Everest, the death zone and 20 summits with Kenton Cool

To kick off the Adventure series, Emma is joined by Kenton Cool, world-renowned mountaineer, expedition leader, author and speaker.

Kenton has just summitted Everest for the twentieth time, becoming the first person to do so and surpassing his own record. He has also guided notable figures up the world’s highest mountain including Sir Ranulph Fiennes and Ben Fogle, and was the first person to climb Everest, Lhotse and Nuptse in one continuous push in 2013.

In this episode Kenton shares his mountaineering journey, his love for the mountain people, the awe of his very first Everest summit, and why he keeps going back today.

He talks about the role and extraordinary skill of the Sherpas, the brutal conditions of the death zone, and what he worries most about on Everest.

He also touches on how he manages (or doesn’t manage) the emotional toll of witnessing tragedy and the very real risks posed by the mountains.

Expect to hear:

• What it’s like summiting Everest for the 20th time

• The conditions in the death zone

• How much it costs for him to be your guide (start saving!)

• His thoughts on the Broad Peak tragedy

• The best advice he has ever received

This is an absolutely fascinating conversation with one of the world’s most experienced mountaineers and whose passion for the mountains is infectious.

Prepare to be inspired and start looking for your nearest mountain.

More about the visuals? Watch the episode on ⁠YouTube⁠ (or scroll down)

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Thanks to Tune Tank for the tunes.