Uphill Athlete Podcast

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/letsgoYou can also write to us at [email protected]

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/letsgoYou can also write to us at [email protected]

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/letsgoYou can also write to us at [email protected]

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/letsgoYou can also write to us at [email protected]

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/letsgoYou can also write to us at [email protected]

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/letsgoYou can also write to us at [email protected]

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/letsgoYou can also write to us at [email protected]

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/letsgoYou can also write to us at [email protected]

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/letsgoYou can also write to us at [email protected]

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/letsgoYou can also write to us at [email protected]