86: Alex Staniforth @KMF 2025

Get in touch!After an incredible Kendal Mountain Festival 2025 Cathy and Wayne chat through the incredible range of guests on another fantastic Kendal podcast season.Kendal Mountain Festival delivered yet again on a packed programme spread over four days - with more than 200 live ticketed sessions including 300+ speakers on stage, 150+ films, 10+ parties, and 60+ activities attracting more than 25,000 visitors.The festival kicks off a year of tours around the UK so you too can get involved in the incredible stories of people venturing into our stunning planet. You can link to the Kendal Mountain Player anytime to watch a wealth of collated films and talks from winners across the years.Kendal Mountain FestivalFull KMF podcast season 2025Full KMF podcast season 2024

Get in touch!Recorded as part of our Kendal Mountain Festival season of "Hope", Wayne and Cathy chat with "Adversity Adventurer" Alex Staniforth.Record-breaking adventurer, inspirational speaker, author and coach, Alex has already overcome more than many will in a lifetime. Before the age of 19, he survived the two most significant disasters in Mount Everest history in two consecutive years, whilst his biggest mountains have been even closer to home: epilepsy, bullying, mental ill health and a lifelong stammer. Founder of one of Kendal Charity partners: Mind Over Mountains, Alex chats about his most recent challenge  the first and fastest person to climb all 446 mountains in England & Wales by human power in just 45 days. Listen to the kit he used, the logistics he overcame and how the charity works to restore mental well-being through nature.Listen ,learn and if you are able, please consider donating to: Mind Over MountainsThe Climbers Shop and Joe Brown Shops | Outdoor Clothing & Equipment UKThe Joe Brown Outdoor AcademyJoe Brown Outdoor AcademyMore about Alex StaniforthKendal Mountain FestivalIf you found this interesting then don't forget to download the full KMF 2025 season:KMF Full season

Get in touch!Recorded as part of our Kendal Mountain Festival season of "Hope", Cathy and Wayne chat with endurance runner and adventure athlete Sally Orange MBE.Listen to learn why Sally holds the Guinness World Record for the first (and possibly only) person to run a marathon on every continent dressed as a piece of fruit, how she had to re-think her clothing while running the Everest Marathon with a cancer diagnosis and why running to her chemotherapy appointments was so important.Listen ,learn and if you are able, please consider donating to our chosen charity: Community Action NepalThe Climbers Shop and Joe Brown Shops | Outdoor Clothing & Equipment UKThe Joe Brown Outdoor AcademyJoe Brown Outdoor AcademyMore about Sally OrangeEveryones EverestKendal Mountain FestivalIf you found this interesting then don't forget to download our earlier episodes:Episode 71: Everest 50 - Mick FowlerEpisode 31: Adaptive Outdoor Kit with Paul Pritchard

Get in touch!Recorded as part of our Kendal Mountain Festival season of "Hope", Cathy and Wayne chat with Professor Rachel Carr and Sonam Rinzin about their vital fieldwork helping protect people in the Bhutan Himalaya.Rachel and Sonam specialize in the threat of Glacial Lake Collapse, an increasing issue due to climate change and spend weeks in remote, glacial regions on fieldwork. Listen to their descriptions of how they use their kit in the unique environments they work in and the broader positive impact of the work they do.Listen ,learn and if you are able, please consider donating to our chosen charity: Community Action NepalThe Climbers Shop and Joe Brown Shops | Outdoor Clothing & Equipment UKThe Joe Brown Outdoor AcademyJoe Brown Outdoor AcademyMount Everest FoundationKendal Mountain FestivalIf you found this interesting then don't forget to download our earlier episodes:Episode 60: Deuter Athlete Tamara Lunger @KMF 2024Episode 46: Kit Lists - New Routes in GreenlandEpisode 41: How To Keep Warm With Dr DownEpisode 26: Kit List - ExpeditionsEpisode 22: Eye Protection

Get in touch!Recorded live at Kendal Mountain Festival 2025, Cathy and Wayne catch up with global mountaineer and adventurer Nigel Vardy aka "Mr Frostbite" to chat about life after his fateful ascent of Mt McKinley/Denali in 1999.While surviving -60 degree temperatures, Nigel lost his nose, toes and fingers aged just 30. His film "Frostbitten" tells the story of what was the highest and most daring helicopter rescue ever accomplished, his recovery and subsequent return to the mountain and his incredible team of rescuers 25 years later.Warning: Dark humour from the outset!Listen ,learn and if you are able, please consider donating to our chosen charity: Community Action NepalThe Climbers Shop and Joe Brown Shops | Outdoor Clothing & Equipment UKThe Joe Brown Outdoor AcademyJoe Brown Outdoor AcademyNigel VardyKendal Mountain FestivalIf you found this interesting then don't forget to download our earlier episodes:Episode 76: Ed Jackson & Alice Sainsbury@KMF 2025Episode 55: Berghaus Adapts @KMF 2024Episode 41: How To Keep Warm with Dr DownEpisode 31: Adaptive Outdoor Equipment with Paul Pritchard

Get in touch!Ever wondered how one of the hardest climbers in the UK chooses his rock boots?Recorded live at Kendal Mountain Festival, Cathy & Wayne catch up with Scarpa Athlete, professional climber, coach, You Tuber and Speaker Robbie Phillips delving into key rock boot fitting tips for all types of climbing. Through his career, Robbie has moved from comp climbing for Team GB through all disciplines including bouldering, sport climbing, trad climbing, winter climbing, and big walling. His lust for adventure and travel has taken him across the globe where he has climbed pretty much every type of rock type in every style.If you want rock boot advice from the modern master then this episode is for you!Listen ,learn and if you are able, please consider donating to our chosen charity: Community Action NepalThe Climbers Shop and Joe Brown Shops | Outdoor Clothing & Equipment UKThe Joe Brown Outdoor AcademyJoe Brown Outdoor AcademyMore about Robbie PhillipsKendal Mountain FestivalIf you found this interesting then don't forget to download our earlier episodes:Episode 66: Kit Lists for Alpine Climbing with BMG Tom RipleyEpisode 44: Helmets with Neil Gresham and Emma PowellEpisode 37: Ropes with EdelridEpisode 28: Mountain Boots with ScarpaEpisode 20: Carabiners with Chris Rowlands, DMMEpisode 9: Rock boots - Trust The RubberEpisode 7: Choosing a Trad Climbing Rack with BMG Libby Peter

Get in touch!Recorded live at Kendal Mountain Festival, Cathy and Wayne chat with Scottish Climber, Mountaineer and Dry Tooler Caitlin Connor.Sponsored by Rab, Caitlin describes the gear and training she uses in this niche sport to compete on the World stage. Starting out as an indoor competition climber Caitlin transitioned into the outdoor arena enjoying both summer trad climbing and winter mountaineering. Now, she's a member of the GB climbing team and has her eye firmly set on the 2030 Winter Olympics. If you want to learn what's involved in getting there - listen in and brace yourself!Listen ,learn and if you are able, please consider donating to our chosen charity: Community Action NepalThe Climbers Shop and Joe Brown Shops | Outdoor Clothing & Equipment UKThe Joe Brown Outdoor AcademyJoe Brown Outdoor AcademyMore about Caitlin ConnorKendal Mountain FestivalIf you found this interesting then don't forget to download our earlier episodes:Episode 50: Balance with Rab @ KMF 2024Episode 44: Helmets with Neil Gresham and Emma PowellEpisode 28: Mountain Boots with ScarpaEpisode 15: Ice Axes with BMG Adrian Nelhams

Get in touch!Recorded as part of our Kendal Mountain Festival season of "Hope", Cathy and Wayne chat with Climber Jesse Dufton who offers a fascinating insight into rock climbing without sight.The first blind person to climb the Old Man of Hoy, Montane sponsored athlete Jesse describes how his wife describes the rock in front of him which he then interprets with his fingers to place gear and build belays. Listen to how their unique relationship has lead to new routes and climbing all over the world.Listen ,learn and if you are able, please consider donating to our chosen charity: Community Action NepalThe Climbers Shop and Joe Brown Shops | Outdoor Clothing & Equipment UKThe Joe Brown Outdoor AcademyJoe Brown Outdoor AcademyMore about Jesse DuftonKendal Mountain FestivalIf you found this interesting then don't forget to download our earlier episodes:Episode 44: Helmets with Neil Gresham and Emma PowellEpisode 37: Ropes with Alex Smurthwaite, EdelridEpisode 31: Adaptive Outdoor Kit with Paul PritchardEpisode 20: Carabiners with Chris Rowlands, DMMEpisode 9: Rock boots - Trust The RubberEpisode 7: Trad Climbing Gear with BMG Libby Peter

Get in touch!Going through a rough time? Find a mate and take yourselves off to climb a 4000m peak in Tajikistan! That's exactly what Hannah Mitchell and Sam Jagger did earlier this year and they tell Cathy & Wayne all about it in this laughter packed episode.Recorded live at Kendal Mountain Festival as part of this years theme of "Hope", Hannah and Sam chat about their un-supported trek into the remote Fann mountains before tackling their mountain and share how their rucksacks went with them every step of the way through joy, tears and friendship.Listen ,learn and if you are able, please consider donating to our chosen charity: Community Action NepalThe Climbers Shop and Joe Brown Shops | Outdoor Clothing & Equipment UKThe Joe Brown Outdoor AcademyJoe Brown Outdoor AcademyKendal Mountain FestivalIf you found this interesting then don't forget to download our earlier episodes:Episode 71: Remote expeditions with Mick FowlerEpisode 60: Deuter Athlete Tamara LungerEpisode 26: Kit Lists for Expeditions with Andy CaveEpisode 10: Rucksacks - What's in Your Pack?

Get in touch!Recorded live at Kendal Mountain Festival 2025, Cathy and Wayne chat with Climber and Mountaineer Dave Evans about gearing up for Scottish winter mountaineering adventures.Head of Climbing and Mountaineering at Plas Y Brenin, the National Outdoor Centre; Dave knows a thing or two about how to prepare for vertical fun in some of the worlds foulest weather and talks through how the National Centre's long term relationship with one of the countries most established outdoor manufacturer's; Mountain Equipment, creates clothing and equipment offering consistent protection in all conditions. If you are hoping to gear up your adventures and head out in the Scottish Winter hills this is for you!Listen ,learn and if you are able, please consider donating to our chosen charity: Community Action NepalThe Climbers Shop and Joe Brown Shops | Outdoor Clothing & Equipment UKThe Joe Brown Outdoor AcademyJoe Brown Outdoor AcademyPlas Y Brenin - Book A CourseKendal Mountain FestivalIf you found this interesting then don't forget to download our earlier episodes:Episode 52: Gloves with Mountain Equipment @KMF 2024Episode 50: Everest Fast & Light with Tom LivingstoneEpisode 48: New Waterproof Fabrics - What You Need To Know Part 2Episode 41: How To Keep Warm with Dr Down Matt Fuller