Most of us will never see Antarctica. Even fewer will try to cross it. And almost no one will spend longer alone on that frozen continent than today’s guest.
In this episode, Sam Penny sits down with Aaron Linsdau, engineer turned polar adventurer, who became the second American to ski solo from the Antarctic coast to the South Pole, setting the record for the longest duration solo South Pole expedition: 82 days.
Aaron shares how an ordinary guy from San Diego transformed himself into one of the world’s most resilient explorers. From pulling sleds loaded with 160kg of supplies across endless whiteouts, to losing half his calories when his butter went rancid, to hallucinating in the silence of Antarctica - this is a story of endurance, mindset, and what happens when you refuse to quit.
But this isn’t just about ice, storms, and survival. It’s about the power of incremental action, the mental game behind big goals, and why bravery isn’t recklessness - it’s putting one foot forward when your whole body is telling you to stop.
Whether you’re chasing your own version of the South Pole - starting a business, running a marathon, or simply daring to step outside your comfort zone. Aaron’s story will show you what’s possible when you decide that quitting isn’t an option.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Connect with Aaron Linsdau:
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Quote to Remember:
"As long as you keep chipping away at it, you always have a chance. Quitting simply isn’t an option." – Aaron Linsdau