John Winsor has lived many lives: setting an FKT on Kilimanjaro before the term existed, surviving an avalanche in the Selkirks, building and selling companies, serving on Black Diamond's board, and now researching organizational innovation at Harvard. In this conversation with Steve House, he traces the thread connecting these experiences—what he calls "the explorer's mindset." Whether pioneering bike-sharing programs as an ad agency or asking "why not?" instead of "why?" in academic research, Winsor has spent his career venturing beyond the horizon and bringing discoveries back to his community. The conversation moves into profound territory when Steve asks about Winsor's wife Bridget, who struggled with late-onset bipolar disorder and took her own life after 32 years of marriage. Drawing on Stephen Colbert's perspective about experiencing the full spectrum of human emotion, Winsor reframes tragedy not as something to be walled off but as an honor to witness and integrate. This openness extends to his recent prostate cancer diagnosis—another experience he approaches with curiosity rather than fear, asking "what does this feel like?" rather than retreating from difficulty. The episode culminates in Winsor's surprising answer to how he wants to be remembered: he doesn't. Inspired by Hindu traditions, he longs to become "a ghost in the machine"—present, curious, connected, but freed from the burden of maintaining identity or legacy. It's a vision of equanimity that, as Steve notes, doesn't contradict the desire to bend the arc of history, but somehow completes it. Special Offer to Listeners: Receive free four week samples of our most popular training plans, visit uphillathlete.com/letsgo [http://uphillathlete.com/letsgo] Write to us at coach@uphillathlete.com

Steve House welcomes newly appointed Uphill Athlete Coach Gabe Joyes for a comprehensive look at the 2025 trail running season. Gabe brings deep expertise as both a competitive trail runner and race director, having organized Wyoming's Sinks Canyon Chill Races and Run the Red Desert for nearly a decade. The conversation covers the year's marquee events: Western States 100, where Abby Hall and Caleb Olson claimed victories; Hard Rock 100, marked by Katie Scheid's stunning course record; and UTMB, where Ruth Croft became the first woman to win the UTMB/CCC/OCC triple crown and Tom Evans finally claimed victory after two previous DNFs. They also discuss the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships, the rise of 200-mile distances, and the inspiring presence of athletes in their seventies and eighties still finishing hundred-milers. Special Offer to Listeners: Receive free four week samples of our most popular training plans, visit uphillathlete.com/letsgo [http://uphillathlete.com/letsgo] Write to us at coach@uphillathlete.com

Steve sits down with longtime climbing partner Scott Backes for a conversation that moves far beyond typical adventure storytelling. Scott traces his path from rebellious Minnesota teenager to respected amateur alpinist, describing his 1980 baptism in the Canadian Rockies—soloing the West Shoulder Direct on Andromeda, climbing new routes on Mount Temple, and surviving desperate bivouacs on Kitchener's North Face. Rather than move west like most ambitious climbers, he deliberately stayed in Minneapolis, unwilling to surrender his identity to climbing's tribal pressures. The conversation takes an unflinching turn when Scott discusses growing up with a narcissistic father whose contempt taught him to hate himself. He credits climbing's hero's journey—and discovering he could trust and love his partners—with his path toward self-acceptance. This leads to what he considers his greatest contribution: normalizing emotional vulnerability among male alpinists. He was the first man outside Steve's family to tell him "I love you," helping transform the culture of their tight-knit circle. Both reflect on the challenge of returning from transcendent mountain experiences to ordinary life, and on their 2000 ascent of the Slovak Direct on Denali. Steve recalls a pivotal granite pitch climbed in darkness where he felt, for the first time, genuinely connected to others in something "almost religious." When asked how he wants to be remembered, Scott's answer is direct: as the person who brought the word love to hard-ass alpinists, and as an imperfect person who tried to understand himself. Special Offer to Listeners: Receive free four week samples of our most popular training plans, visit uphillathlete.com/letsgo [http://uphillathlete.com/letsgo] Write to us at coach@uphillathlete.com

Steve House sits down with Kyle Lefkoff, a rare figure who has lived at the intersection of serious alpinism and venture capital for nearly four decades. From discovering his "mutant gene" for rock climbing as a kid in Atlanta to surviving K2's deadliest season in 1986, from co-founding Array Biopharma (acquired by Pfizer for $12 billion) to serving as founding chairman of AIARE, Kyle shares how the same principles—luck, timing, patience, and pattern recognition—govern success on both big walls and in boardrooms. The conversation explores his philosophy of "where matters," his belief that geography shapes who we can become, and why he chose Boulder as the terrain where he could develop both his athletic and entrepreneurial potential. Kyle reflects on "Slater's Law" (the climb isn't over until the ropes are on the ground), the parallels between powder days and market momentum, and his ultimate legacy: building bridges—between climbers and guides, entrepreneurs and investors, communities and their mountains. Special Offer to Listeners: Receive free four week samples of our most popular training plans, visit uphillathlete.com/letsgo [http://uphillathlete.com/letsgo] Write to us at coach@uphillathlete.com

From the UA Pod Archives! We thought it was fitting to share one of our most popular episodes again in time for the holidays - updated with a new intro from Steve House, be sure to listen in! "In a special holiday episode, Alyssa sits down with Uphill Athlete's new registered dietician, Alyssa Leib. The two tackle listener questions about fueling well through the holidays and the unique challenges athletes face. The questions range from how to handle comments about your eating habits to staying on track with training and nutrition during the holidays. RD Alyssa offers advice on adding, not subtracting with your nutrition choices as well as tips on approaching potentially stressful holiday meals. The two wrap with RD Alyssa's words of wisdom including, eating consistently throughout the day, and practicing compassion and flexibility during the holidays. Listen along for great advice to help you through the stress of the holidays. Special Offer to Listeners: Receive free four week samples of our most popular training plans, visit uphillathlete.com/letsgo [http://uphillathlete.com/letsgo] Write to us at coach@uphillathlete.com

In this episode of the Uphill Athlete Podcast, host Steve House and dietitian Alyssa Leib tackle the challenge of choosing safe, effective supplements in a largely unregulated industry. Alyssa explains that the supplement market operates as "the Wild West" with minimal FDA oversight, meaning products can contain banned substances, heavy metals like lead and cadmium, or nothing at all. She emphasizes the critical importance of third-party testing, recommending athletes look for NSF or Informed Sport certifications to ensure products are safe and accurately labeled. The discussion covers three essential questions before buying supplements: Does it actually work? Is it safe? Does it fit your budget? Alyssa provides specific recommendations including whey protein isolate over concentrate and creatine monohydrate as the gold standard form, while cautioning that popular supplements like collagen lack strong scientific support for joint health. She stresses that no supplement can replace adequate sleep, proper nutrition, and sufficient protein intake, and advises athletes taking medications to consult pharmacists about potential interactions before adding supplements to their regimen. Special Offer to Listeners: Receive free four week samples of our most popular training plans, visit uphillathlete.com/letsgo [http://uphillathlete.com/letsgo] Write to us at coach@uphillathlete.com

In this episode of Voice of the Mountains, host Steve House sits down with legendary climber and entrepreneur Randy Leavitt to explore how vision, hard work, and delayed gratification shaped a lifetime of adventure. From pioneering routes like Jumbo Love to building a real estate business that funded decades of climbing, Leavitt reveals how he approached both pursuits with the same discipline and curiosity. He reflects on lessons from the Great Depression, risk management in big wave surfing, and the art of creating routes that others would one day climb. Together, they discuss how craftsmanship, patience, and a willingness to be a beginner underpin both mountain and business success. It's a meditation on purpose, endurance, and building a legacy that outlasts the climb. Special Offer to Listeners: Receive free four week samples of our most popular training plans, visit uphillathlete.com/letsgo [http://uphillathlete.com/letsgo] Write to us at coach@uphillathlete.com

Host Steve House sits down with dietitian Alyssa Leib to tackle the big question: do endurance athletes really need supplements? Alyssa breaks down which options can actually make a difference, like protein powder and creatine, and which ones deserve more caution, including bicarbonate, greens powders, and caffeine. She explains why lab testing is essential before adding vitamins or minerals and shares tips on choosing safe, third-party tested products. Alyssa emphasizes "food first" as the priority, and then how supplements can help fill gaps when training, traveling, or on expeditions. The conversation wraps up with a look at future trends like ketones and a reminder to approach all supplement claims with a healthy dose of skepticism.

In this episode, Alyssa sits down with Uphill Athlete Coach Ben Morley to discuss the ins and outs of skiing. Ben shares insights from his career coaching athletes from juniors to collegiate skiers and discusses ways to build durability, athleticism, and efficiency through ski training that translates into other mountain sports. The conversation explores the crossover between Nordic skiing, skimo, backcountry skiing, and trail running, highlighting the importance of technique, body position, and strength. Ben also breaks down preseason training, from aerobic base-building to ski-specific exercises like ski walking, bounding, and plyometrics. Above all, he reminds listeners that skiing is about joy, play, and the lifelong fitness it fosters. If you'd like to check out our special offer for podcast listeners visit: uphillathlete.com/letsgo [http://uphillathlete.com/letsgo] You can also write to us at coach@uphillathlete.com

In this episode, host Steve sits down with Greg Penner, chairman of Walmart and CEO of the Denver Broncos, to explore the intersections of adventure, leadership, and risk. Greg recounts his 2018 Everest expedition, where his team faced oxygen regulator failures at 28,000 feet and had to make life or death decisions on the mountain. Drawing parallels between mountaineering and business, he reflects on decision making under pressure, finding the right partners, and learning when to push forward or when it is best to step back. The conversation dives into legacy, privilege, and giving back, from Walmart's investments in its workforce to the Broncos' community programs. Greg shares how the love of the process has shaped his approach to leadership and adventure. If you'd like to check out our special offer for podcast listeners visit: uphillathlete.com/letsgo [http://uphillathlete.com/letsgo] You can also write to us at coach@uphillathlete.com

In this episode of the Uphill Athlete Podcast, host Alyssa Clark talks with climber Laura Pineau, fresh off becoming the first woman, alongside Kate Kelleghan, to complete the Yosemite Triple Crown in under 24 hours. Laura shares the story behind her nickname "Mademoiselle Fissure" and how a passion for crack climbing transformed her career. She reflects on her path from deep water soloing in France to big walls in Yosemite, highlighting the mentors who shaped her journey. The conversation dives into her training, mindset, and the importance of nutrition, hydration, and strategy for long endurance climbs. Listeners will be inspired by Laura's humility, love of learning, and insights on tackling seemingly impossible challenges. You can follow Laura's adventures on instagram @laurapineau  If you'd like to check out our special offer for podcast listeners visit: uphillathlete.com/letsgo [http://uphillathlete.com/letsgo] You can also write to us at coach@uphillathlete.com

Dr. Jeff Hammond, a double-boarded foot and ankle specialist, joins host Alyssa Clark to talk about athlete foot health and injury prevention. They cover the pros and cons of shoe drop, custom orthotics, and how different footwear can impact performance and injury risk. Jeff shares practical advice on managing Achilles tendonitis, stress fractures, blisters, and trench foot while emphasizing prevention through smart training, socks, and foot care. The conversation also explores mental and physical challenges athletes face during tapering and long races, plus strategies for nutrition and gear testing. Join us to learn about all things foot care and injury prevention. You can learn more about Dr. Hammond at https://hammondfootandankle.com/ If you'd like to check out our special offer for podcast listeners visit: uphillathlete.com/letsgo [http://uphillathlete.com/letsgo] You can also write to us at coach@uphillathlete.com

In this episode of Voice of the Mountains, renowned mountaineer and guide Melissa Arnot Reid shares her journey of resilience, leadership, and self-discovery. She reflects on how her turbulent childhood shaped her psychological development and relationship with fear. She speaks on how she has learned to transform discomfort into strength. Melissa opens up about navigating a male-dominated profession, the challenges of motherhood, and the evolving role of women in mountain leadership. Steve and Melissa explore the nuanced meaning of bravery, the role of agency in risk-taking, and the importance of resilience both in the mountains and in life. Her story is one of honesty, vulnerability, and redefining success on her own terms. If you'd like to learn more about Melissa, visit her website at: https://www.melissaarnot.com/ If you'd like to check out our special offer for podcast listeners visit: uphillathlete.com/letsgo [http://uphillathlete.com/letsgo] You can also write to us at coach@uphillathlete.com

Join us for a recap of the 2025 Everest season with host Steve House, coach Martin Zohr, and Everest expert Alan Arnette. They discuss key themes of the year, wind, drones, and new climbing aids like xenon gas, plus the challenges of frostbite, illness, and unpredictable weather. The conversation covers how drones improved safety and waste removal but also brought noise, and examines the ethics, risks, and potential of rapid-ascent technologies. Martin and Alan share coaching insights, stressing long-term preparation, realistic expectations, and defining success beyond summiting. They close with predictions for 2026, including possible new regulations, shifting climbing demographics, and emerging trends in high-altitude mountaineering. If you'd like to check out our special offer for podcast listeners visit: uphillathlete.com/letsgo [http://uphillathlete.com/letsgo] You can also write to us at coach@uphillathlete.com

In this episode of the Uphill Athlete Podcast, host Alyssa Clark interviews ultra runner, podcaster and coach, Joe Corcione about his journey from addiction to endurance sports. Joe shares how running became his path to sobriety and self-belief, emphasizing the importance of learning and growth over results. They dive into identity, self-worth, and how chasing performance for external validation can backfire. Joe discusses the value of embracing failure as a tool for progress and highlights how process-oriented goals foster longevity in sport and life. The conversation is a powerful reminder that becoming someone you're proud of matters more than any finish line. Learn more about Joe @joecorcione or @everydayultra. If you'd like to check out our special offer for podcast listeners visit: uphillathlete.com/letsgo You can also write to us at coach@uphillathlete.com

In this episode, Steve House interviews Peter Metcalf, the legendary climber and founder of Black Diamond Equipment, about his journey from young climber to industry pioneer. Peter shares gripping stories from early ascents, including harrowing ascents, which tested the limits of endurance and leadership. He reflects on how climbing instilled values of trust, humility, and calculated risk that shaped his approach to business. Metcalf also recounts the resurrection of Chouinard Equipment into Black Diamond, a climber-led effort rooted in shared purpose and cultural authenticity. Ultimately, this is a story not just about climbing, but about transformation, resilience, and building something that lasts. If you'd like to check out our special offer for podcast listeners visit: uphillathlete.com/letsgo [http://uphillathlete.com/letsgo] You can also write to us at coach@uphillathlete.com

In this episode of the Uphill Athlete Podcast, host Steve House and guest, Coach Martin Zohr, explore the physical and mental challenges of climbing Aconcagua, the highest peak outside of Asia. They discuss the importance of structured training, including building a strong aerobic base, muscular endurance, and back-to-back long hikes with heavy packs. They touch on the effects of extreme altitude, logistical considerations like acclimatization and route choice, and the necessity of individualizing training plans. The conversation also highlights the value of subjective feedback in monitoring fatigue and readiness. Aconcagua is a tough yet rewarding climb that requires patience, preparation, and respect for the mountain's demands. If you'd like to check out our special offer for podcast listeners visit: uphillathlete.com/letsgo [http://uphillathlete.com/letsgo] You can also write to us at coach@uphillathlete.com

Ultra-running coach and legend Zach Bitter joins the Uphill Athlete Podcast to discuss the mental and physical strategies behind his record-breaking performances in 100-mile races. Host Alyssa Clark chats with Zach about his evolution in the sport, from his early trail running days to mastering fast courses like Desert Solstice. Zach dives deep into managing monotony, training with rate of perceived exertion (RPE), and how mountain races like San Diego 100 contributed to his speed-focused events. He also reflects on career longevity, transitioning from traditional sponsorship, and his growing interest in multi-day ultras. This episode is packed with insights for endurance athletes, whether you're training for a summit or chasing distance records. If you'd like to check out our special offer for podcast listeners visit: uphillathlete.com/letsgo You can also write to us at coach@uphillathlete.com

In the first episode of Voice of the Mountains Season 2, journalist, author and athlete Alex Hutchinson reflects on his journey from writing the acclaimed book Endure to navigating the uncertainty of future pursuits. He and host Steve House explore the tension between exploration and mastery, the "effort paradox" that makes hard pursuits meaningful, and how personal values shape decisions in sport and life. Alex shares how his own changes in direction, from physics to journalism and from external validation to intrinsic fulfillment. They discuss how athletic experiences can teach resilience which transers to all avenues of life, and help us push beyond perceived limits. The conversation offers rich insights into motivation, purpose, and the science behind our desire to do hard things. You can find more about Alex Hutchinson on his website, alexhutchinson.net [http://alexhutchinson.net/]. If you'd like to check out our special offer for podcast listeners visit: uphillathlete.com/letsgo [http://uphillathlete.com/letsgo] You can also write to us at coach@uphillathlete.com

In this episode of the Uphill Athlete Podcast, host Alyssa Clark chats with alpinist, climber, and trail runner, Vitaliy Musiyenko about the powerful lessons endurance athletes can learn from each other. Vitaliy shares his inspiring journey from an unhealthy teen to a top alpinist, emphasizing the value of mentorship, ego-checking, and relentless curiosity. He dives into the physical and mental demands of the Goliath Traverse and how it sparked his deep dive into endurance training. They also discuss the crossover between climbing and trail running, from pacing strategies to mountain safety, and how these skills are essential to success and longevity in the mountains. The episode wraps with a reflection on failure, growth, and the importance of keeping longevity and safety at the forefront of all mountain pursuits. If you'd like to check out our special offer for podcast listeners visit: uphillathlete.com/letsgo You can also write to us at coach@uphillathlete.com