Explore every episode of the podcast The Duffel Shuffle Podcast
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aconcagua: Roof of the Americas | 05 Nov 2025 | 01:17:32 | |
The Duffel Shuffle podcast is kicking off a 7-episode series, covering all things Seven Summits. Popularized and first completed by Dick Bass, the 7 Summits List comprises the tallest mountain on each of the 7 continents of the world. These include, in order of height, Everest (Asia), Aconcagua (S. America), Denali (N. America), Kilimanjaro (Africa), Mount Elbrus (Europe), and Australia/Oceania (Mount Kosciuszko/Puncak Jaya). Adrian and Sam start with Aconcagua, the tallest mountain outside of the Himalaya, and the tallest peak in South America. Aconcagua, which was first climbed in 1897, sees approximately 3,000-4,000 attempts annually, with a success rate of roughly 30-40%. Considering the altitude, challenging weather, and incredibly short climbing season, Aconcagua is no walk in the park! - Nearing 23,000' or 7,000m in elevation, Aconcagua is an excellent place for climbers to test themselves at an altitude that isn't found anywhere else, outside of the Himalaya. - While the technical challenge on Aconcagua is quite low, each season brings many accidents and near misses due to unprepared climbers and challenging weather and wind. - Equipment choices on Aconcagua can be the difference between success and failure, and many cold-weather items are really only needed on the summit. Follow our podcast on Instagram @duffelshufflepodcast where you can learn more about us and our guests. Visit our website at www.duffelshufflepodcast.com and join our mailing list. The Duffel Shuffle Podcast is supported by Alpenglow Expeditions, an internationally renowned mountain guide service based in Lake Tahoe, California. Visit www.alpenglowexpeditions.com or follow @alpenglowexpeditions on Instagram to learn more. | |||
| The Key to Successful First Descents with Christina Lustenberger and Guillaume Pierrel | 22 Oct 2025 | 01:46:07 | |
Together, Christina "Lusti" Lustenberger and Guillaume "Gee" Pierrel have teamed up for some of the most notable and impressive first descents in recent years. Lusti is an Association of Canadian Mountain Guides (ACMG) Ski Guide and professional skier. A career that started with alpine ski racing took Lusti all the way to the Olympics, but more than five knee surgeries later, a career pivot has taken her to ski some of the most impressive and challenging lines around the world. Gee, a french IFMGA Mountain Guide, got his start on skis through Nordic racing, but a love for the outdoors and the mountains brought him full circle. He too made a career pivot in his 20's, and what started out as ski instruction eventually led him to guide certification. Lusti and Gee join Sam and Adrian to talk about the partnership they've developed and the keys to their success in the mountains: - With their first big mountain experiences on New Zealand's Mt. Cook in October 2024, Lusti and Gee recount their first descent on the mountain. - Following their success in New Zealand, Lusti invited Gee to join her on a more-than-a-decades long project on Canada's Mt. Robson. - With the ultimate partnership developed, and technical skills that complement each other nicely, Lusti and Gee have the ultimate potential to push forward the sport of Ski Mountaineering. Lusti and Gee's latest film, Robson, debuts at the Banff Mountain Film Festival on November 1. To learn more about Lusti and Gee, and follow their adventures, find them on Instagram @christinalusti and @geepierrel. Follow our podcast on Instagram @duffelshufflepodcast where you can learn more about us and our guests. Visit our website at www.duffelshufflepodcast.com and join our mailing list. The Duffel Shuffle Podcast is supported by Alpenglow Expeditions, an internationally renowned mountain guide service based in Lake Tahoe, California. Visit www.alpenglowexpeditions.com or follow @alpenglowexpeditions on Instagram to learn more. | |||
| Is Xenon Gas the Future of Climbing Everest? | 18 Jun 2025 | 01:48:22 | |
Following a successful Everest expedition in which Adrian successfully reached the summit for the 10th time, Sam and Adrian catch up to cover some of the notable storylines from the season. | |||
| Topo Mena: Catching Up on Everest from Base Camp | 04 Jun 2025 | 01:09:15 | |
Adrian Ballinger and the Alpenglow Expedition team had success on Everest! First, Sam and Adrian had a chance to catch up briefly following Adrian's 10th summit of the tallest mountain in the world. In this episode of The Duffel Shuffle, the two touch base with Esteban "Topo" Mena, Alpenglow's co-expedition leader, from base camp on the North Side of Mount Everest before Alpenglow's summit push. Topo Mena is an IFMGA guide, Black Diamond Athlete and an inspiration to many. Topo’s accomplishments include many summits of 8,000m peaks, including multiple on Everest as well as K2, Gasherbrum I, Gasherbrum II, Cho Oyu, Makalu, and Manaslu, as well as more than 250 summits of Cotopaxi in his home country of Ecuador. Topo has participated in grade VI first ascents in the Himalayas and in the Tien Shan, unsupported ascents without supplementary oxygen of 8000m peaks (including Mount Everest in 2013 at age 23 during his first expedition to the mountain), and numerous ascents pursuing difficulty or speed in his beloved Andes, or in the Himalayas, Karakorum, Alps, Tien Shan, Pamirs and Antarctica. Following up on Episode 2 of the Duffel Shuffle, Sam and Adrian check back with Topo to hear about his recovery, and how he perceives his return to "100%". - Topo talks about his role as Co-Expedition Leader alongside Adrian with Alpenglow Expeditions' Everest Team. - Topo shares a bit about the importance of a strong team on Everest, and how being co-expedition leader alongside such a strong team of guides makes the role easy. - Topo talks about his personal climbing goals, and his continued focus on opening a new route on Mt Everest. You can learn more about Topo on Instagram, @estebantopomena, and through his sponsor https://blackdiamondequipment.com/blogs/athletes/esteban-topo-mena. Follow our podcast on Instagram @duffelshufflepodcast where you can learn more about us and our guests. Visit our website at www.duffelshufflepodcast.com and join our mailing list. The Duffel Shuffle Podcast is supported by Alpenglow Expeditions, an internationally renowned mountain guide service based in Lake Tahoe, California. Visit www.alpenglowexpeditions.com or follow @alpenglowexpeditions on Instagram to learn more. | |||
| Ask Adrian Anything: Live from Everest Base Camp | 21 May 2025 | 01:45:17 | |
Adrian Ballinger is joining us live from base camp on the North Side of Mount Everest. We've collected more than 30 questions from you, the audience, over the past months, and now it is time to rapid fire answer as many as we can. | |||
| Melissa Arnot Reid: More Than Just an Everest Guide | 07 May 2025 | 01:36:50 | |
Melissa Arnot Reid is not only a mountain guide, speaker and author, but she's also an athlete. Melissa is the first American woman to successfully summit and descend Mount Everest without supplemental oxygen, a peak she has climbed a total of 6 times throughout her career. | |||
| Beth Rodden: 30 Years of Climbing with 30 Years To Go | 23 Apr 2025 | 01:10:35 | |
Beth Rodden is an American Rock Climber who has been at the top of the sport for decades. After getting her start in competition climbing, Beth moved her focus the outdoors, and is known for both hard single pitch climbs and technical big wall climbing. Beth has also been an advocate for women in climbing and has been outspoken about her struggles with an eating disorder early in her career. | |||
| Garrett Madison: A Life of Expeditions, from Everest to K2 | 09 Apr 2025 | 01:18:54 | |
Garrett Madison is considered to be one of America's premier Everest guides. In addition to leading nearly 100 clients to the summit of Mt. Everest, Garrett has made a lasting impact on the world of expedition climbing in the Himalaya and Karakoram, with notable firsts including the first guided climbs of K2 and guided linkups of Everest and Lhotse. Prior to departing for the 2025 Everest season, Garrett joined Sam and Adrian on episode 26 of the Duffel Shuffle Podcast. Garrett shares his journey to becoming a guide, and the incredible opportunities he's had throughout his career. - Garrett's initial interest in becoming a guide started on Mt. Rainier, where he got his start in the profession through hundreds of ascents in his early years as a guide. - Garrett shares his experience with guide certification, and how his career has followed a path in which formal training/certification has not been necessary. - Garrett talks about what he's seen change in the industry, and how he's focused on mitigating the negative impacts around the increase in number of climbers each season. You can learn more about Garrett on Instagram, @garrettmadison1 and through his business, Madison Mountaineering, on Instagram @madisonmtng and online at www.madisonmountaineering.com. To learn more about his foundation, visit www.madisonmountaineering.com/foundation. | |||
| Alan Arnette: The Everest Chronicler | 26 Mar 2025 | 01:38:30 | |
Referred to by Outside Magazine as "one of the world's most respected chroniclers of Everest," Alan Arnette is not only a journalist, but also a climber. At age 38, Alan discovered a passion for climbing and completed over 37 expeditions, including Mt. Everest and K2. Living in Colorado, he has summited all 58 of the 14,000-foot mountains over 225 times. | |||
| A Behind the Scenes Look at Planning Everest Expeditions | 12 Mar 2025 | 01:13:17 | |
On Episode 24 of The Duffel Shuffle Podcast, Sam and Adrian dive into the nitty gritty details of what goes into planning an Everest Expedition, behind the scenes. Adrian has guided dozens of expeditions to the Himalaya, and while the industry and technology are forever changing, the process of planning a Himalayan expedition, particularly to Mt Everest, follows a fairly typical path. - Everest planning is truly a year-round activity, but Adrian tries to protect the month of July as his "no Everest" month. - Beginning in August, and lasting until the early part of January, Adrian is focused on building the best possible team. This often starts with clients, but by the permit deadline he has his clients, guides and sherpa team established. - Once the CTMA (Chinese Tibetan Mountaineering Association) permit deadline comes and goes, Adrian's focus turns to equipment and travel plans. With gear cache's in Tingri, Tibet and Kathmandu Nepal, as well as the US, and other supplies coming from Europe and South America, the duffel shuffle is always extensive. - Finally, with visa's secured, and equipment en route, Adrian and the team will begin their travels through China, into the TAR, and onto Basecamp. You can follow Adrian's Everest season and more on Instagram @adrianballinger, and the entire team through @alpenglowexpeditions. | |||
| Tyler Andrews: Bringing Speed to the Tallest Peaks Around the World | 26 Feb 2025 | 01:32:29 | |
Tyler Andrews is a world class endurance runner whose start on the road has paved the way for success in the mountains. He competed in two Olympic Trials, three World Championships, and found his true passion in the mountains, where he has set countless world records in the Himalaya, Andes, USA, and Africa. Not just an athlete, Tyler has also been working with athletes of all levels as a coach for more than a decade. Tyler joins Sam and Adrian on Episode 23 of the Duffel Shuffle Podcast! The three talk about Tylers blast onto the scene of big mountains. - Tyler talks about his background as a professional runner, and how the cancellation of races during COVID launched him into the scene of Fastest Known Times (FKT's). - He shares some of his experiences and strategies in the Himalaya, from FKT's on peaks like Manaslu and Ama Dablam, to treks in the Khumbu. - With training as a paramount focus, Tyler talks about his own goals and strategies, as well as his business, Chaski, which offers training support to athletes of all levels. You can follow Tyler on Instagram, @tylercandrews, and learn more about his big mountain adventures. More on Tyler's training collective, Chaski, can be found online here. Additionally, Tyler's training can be followed on his Substack and you can hear about it and more on his YouTube. | |||
| Monica Piris: Mount Everest's Best Known Doctor | 12 Feb 2025 | 01:32:35 | |
Monica Piris is an expedition doctor who has been working in the Himalaya since before Adrian started climbing there, by one expedition! Together, Monica and Adrian have completed dozens of expeditions, and Monica has established herself as one of the best known high altitude doctor's on the planet. She has been a critical part of countless Everest expeditions, and has worked with hundreds of climbers to reach their goals of climbing the highest peaks in the world. Monica joins Sam and Adrian on Episode 22 of the Duffel Shuffle Podcast! The three talk about Monica's career as an expedition doctor. - Monica shares how she got her start on an early expedition in the Himalaya with Russell Brice. - She sheds light on the realities of being an expedition doctor, including the day to day medical value which is primarily basic care. Generally speaking, most of the expedition doctors role is addressing minor altitude, gastrointestinal and upper respiratory illnesses. - In collaboration with the expedition leader, Monica talks about the decisions she helps make, from both a medical and logistical perspective. Part of her value is having a clear perspective as she's not on the mountain at higher altitudes. You can follow Monica on Instagram, @monica_piris, and learn more about her work through Alpenglow Expeditions' blogs and webpages. Follow our podcast on Instagram @duffelshufflepodcast where you can learn more about us and our guests. Visit our website at www.duffelshufflepodcast.com and join our mailing list. The Duffel Shuffle Podcast is supported by Alpenglow Expeditions, an internationally renowned mountain guide service based in Lake Tahoe, California. Visit www.alpenglowexpeditions.com or follow @alpenglowexpeditions on Instagram to learn more. | |||
| Should You Climb Everest in Autumn? | 08 Oct 2025 | 01:00:38 | |
Sam and Adrian connect for Episode 39 of the Duffel Shuffle Podcast to discuss the fall season in the Himalaya and, in particular, two athletes with specific objectives on Everest. With a break in guests for the show, Sam and Adrian used this week's episode to catch up on a few items. - Adrian is tuning in while attending the Black Diamond Athlete Summit, so we took the opportunity to learn more. Athlete Summit’s are a popular event among brands, but there’s not much info about them for the average consumer, so we use this opportunity to deep dive and learn more. - With the Autumn season on Everest wrapping up, Sam and Adrian discuss the two special projects that took place this season; Tyler Andrews was unfortunately unsuccessful in two attempts to set the FKT on Everest while Andrzej Bargeil successfully submitted and skied off Everest, without supplemental oxygen, in his third attempt. - Despite a tricky season with short weather window's other fall 8,000ers in the Himalaya, many commercial operators had success on Manaslu, with fewer successful on Cho Oyu due to fewer climbers for political reasons. Upcoming, we’ll be launching a 7 episode series to deep-dive into all aspects of each of the seven summits. We’ll be following the format of Episode 36 “K2: The Savage Mountain” and unpacking all the important information about the tallest peaks on every continent. Stay tuned! Follow our podcast on Instagram @duffelshufflepodcast where you can learn more about us and our guests. Visit our website at www.duffelshufflepodcast.com and join our mailing list. The Duffel Shuffle Podcast is supported by Alpenglow Expeditions, an internationally renowned mountain guide service based in Lake Tahoe, California. Visit www.alpenglowexpeditions.com or follow @alpenglowexpeditions on Instagram to learn more. | |||
| Nick Russell: A Splitboarders Soul with an Alpinists Drive | 29 Jan 2025 | 01:48:51 | |
Nick Russell has been exploring the world by snowboard for more than a decade now. What started as a career competing, has transitioned to being strictly human powered exploration to some of the worlds highest peaks. Nick's drive comes from being truly passionate about riding his snowboard, and loves travel and exploration just as much as a day in Truckee riding with friends. | |||
| Michelle Parker: Not Your Average Professional Skier | 15 Jan 2025 | 01:31:12 | |
Michelle Parker has been a professional skier since she was 15 years old. Now, more than 2 decades later, Michelle is so much more than your every day professional skier (or athlete for that matter). From mentoring younger athletes to excelling at other off-season sports, Michelle's impact on the sport and the people around her is admirable. | |||
| The Business of a Professional Mountain Athlete | 01 Jan 2025 | 01:24:27 | |
Adrian Ballinger has been a professional mountain athlete for somewhere between 1 decade and 3 decades. While he certainly knows a thing or two about climbing mountains, he's also built a brand around himself, and has represented brands through working not only as a guide but also an athlete. | |||
| Tommy Caldwell: Yosemite Comfort or Expedition Sufferfest? | 18 Dec 2024 | 01:26:13 | |
Yosemite Valley legend Tommy Caldwell joins Sam and Adrian on Episode 18 of the Duffel Shuffle Podcast. Tommy talks about this season in Yosemite Valley, and why moving his family to South Lake Tahoe has changed how he's able to climb in the valley. He also talks about his recent film, The Devil's Climb, which covers his recent trip to climb the Devils Thumb in Alaska with Alex Honnold. Tommy admits that his true passion in climbing is the sufferfest expeditions, but really he just loves climbing regardless of what it entails. | |||
| The Duffel Shuffle Podcast is Growing! | 04 Dec 2024 | 00:42:58 | |
Sam and Adrian catch up on their plans for winter, and what schedules look like as they head into winter. After the break, the two reflect on the podcast to-date, and share some exciting updates for future episodes. Moving forward, episodes will launch Wednesday's and be available in the early morning hours. Starting with episode 18, an editor will give The Duffel Shuffle a fresh sound, and future guests like Tommy Caldwell, Michelle Parker and Nick Russel will be joining in. | |||
| How to move faster on big mountain expeditions! | 19 Nov 2024 | 00:57:37 | |
Sam and Adrian follow up on their conversation started in Episode 15. After discussion high altitude climbing and acclimatization, the two dive into a conversation about pre-acclimatization using hypoxic tents, and the program that Alpenglow Expeditions has established in Rapid Ascent. The program utilizes pre-acclimatization alongside advanced trip logistics to reduce the total expedition time by 25-50%. | |||
| Are you ready to climb to a higher altitude? | 05 Nov 2024 | 01:19:13 | |
After discussing the three Piolets d'Or winners, and 60 finalists, Sam and Adrian jump into the complicated topic of high altitude climbing. The two share stories of their early experiences with altitude and talk about the basics of acclimatization and what a typical schedule might look at. Finally, they dive into the "aids" that are used for altitude climbing, from Diamox and Dexamethasone to Oxygen. A future episode will discuss the topic of Pre-Acclimatization using hypoxic tents, and what the Rapid Ascent system that Adrian has pioneered looks like. | |||
| So you want to be a mountain guide? | 29 Oct 2024 | 01:11:57 | |
Adrian and Sam chat about what it means to be a mountain guide. From introducing the American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA) and International Federation of Mountain Guide Associations (IFMGA) to discussing the decades of guides who came before the AMGA path was the standard, this episode is a great starting point for those curious about the training and business side of the guiding industry. | |||
| David Morton: A Life Beyond Everest | 08 Oct 2024 | 01:22:07 | |
In Episode 13, Adrian and Sam sit down with David Morton. Dave is a freelance climbing and expedition guide, photographer/videographer, filmmaker, speaker-presenter, and founder of The Juniper Fund. In this episode, Dave talks about his life as a mountain guide on the worlds tallest peaks, including 10 Mt Everest Expeditions. He also shares information on his foundation, The Juniper Fund, which supports and empowers families and communities impacted by the loss of Himalayan high-altitude workers. Join us for our conversation with Dave. | |||
| Cody Townsend: 50 More Ski Lines? | 24 Sep 2024 | 01:21:19 | |
Sam and Adrian sit down with Cody Townsend. The three discuss Cody's transition to the world of ski mountaineering, and his 50 Project which has taken the world of backcountry skiing by storm. With only 4 lines remaining, Cody discusses his progress and his attempts this past spring on University Peak and Mount St. Elias. Cody also shares his newest project, The 50 Plus, which will debut in October. | |||
| Outdoor Alliance: Conservation Powered by Outdoor Recreation | 24 Sep 2025 | 01:29:49 | |
Outdoor Alliance is the only organization in the U.S. that unites the voices of outdoor enthusiasts to conserve public lands. They help ensure those lands are managed in a way that embraces the human-powered experience. Sam and Adrian host Adam Cramer, CEO of Outdoor Alliance, and Nicole Brown, Communications & Public Engagement Manager. Adam and Nicole's passion for the outdoors is clear, and their joy in representing and connecting human powered users is contagious. - With the first public comment period on rescinding the Roadless Rule recently closing, Adam shares the importance of sharing your voice with your representatives. - Nicole dives into some of the Outdoor Alliance's recent big wins, most notably the 10 year process of advocating for and working with policy makers to develop and pass the EXPLORE Act. - With ongoing threats to our public lands, Adam and Nicole emphasize the importance of these protected areas, and what can be done to continue fighting for them. Outdoor Alliance is a nonprofit coalition of national advocacy organizations that includes American Whitewater, American Canoe Association, Access Fund, International Mountain Bicycling Association, Winter Wildlands Alliance, the Mountaineers, the American Alpine Club, the Colorado Mountain Club, and the Surfrider Foundation. Visit www.outdooralliance.org for more information, or follow Outdoor Alliance on Instagram, Facebook, X or LinkedIn. Follow our podcast on Instagram @duffelshufflepodcast where you can learn more about us and our guests. Visit our website at www.duffelshufflepodcast.com and join our mailing list. The Duffel Shuffle Podcast is supported by Alpenglow Expeditions, an internationally renowned mountain guide service based in Lake Tahoe, California. Visit www.alpenglowexpeditions.com or follow @alpenglowexpeditions on Instagram to learn more. | |||
| Adventure Addicts: The Importance of Authenticity | 10 Sep 2024 | 01:23:09 | |
Sam and Adrian sit down with Zoe and Kelby of The Adventure Addicts. These two have built a career as influencers, and they share a bit about their path, their jobs and their passions. The episode dives into the significant role influencers play in the outdoor industry, and the importance of remaining authentic. Their channel, @the_adventureaddicts on Instagram, has amassed nearly 500,000 followers, including a loyal 10 who just joined Zoe and Kelby on an Alpenglow Expeditions trip to Ecuador. | |||
| Alex Honnold: Professional Climber | 27 Aug 2024 | 01:09:43 | |
Alex Honnold makes a special appearance on The Duffel Shuffle Podcast. Sam and Adrian chat with Alex about his motivations in climbing, why he's decided high altitude climbing isn't for him, and what his future goals are, now that he's a father to two. | |||
| Emily Harrington: The Olympic Dream | 13 Aug 2024 | 00:56:45 | |
Emily Harrington joins Sam and Adrian to talk all things Olympics. Emily, who herself participated in an exhibition event in 2006 at the Winter Olympics, has followed the growth and expansion of competition climbing for more than 2 decades. From the early days of the World Cup circuit in which Emily competed to the addition of climbing in the Olympics in which Emily has followed as a fan, competition climbing is exploding in popularity. Emily's perspectives as at athlete provide invaluable insight into the sport. | |||
| Cory Richards: Adventure, Mental Health and Life in The Color of Everything | 30 Jul 2024 | 01:41:10 | |
Cory Richards joins Sam and Adrian on this episode of The Duffel Shuffle. After publishing his memoir, The Color of Everything, Cory talks about his fond memories of exploring the worlds tallest mountains, his ongoing struggles with BiPolar 2 and mental health, and what he’s up to today to feed his soul. To check out Cory’s new book, visit a local bookstore, or order it online here. | |||
| Will Cockrell: Everest Inc. | 10 Jul 2024 | 01:31:51 | |
Sam and Adrian are joined by author Will Cockrell to discuss his new book titled "Everest Inc." Will, who has covered the Mt Everest climbing season as a journalist for nearly 2 decades, chronicles the development of an industry that, each spring, becomes a focal point of the outdoor media. | |||
| Jim Morrison: A Passion for Adventure | 24 Jun 2024 | 01:19:35 | |
Professional ski mountaineer Jim Morrison joins Sam and Adrian for Episode 6. The three talk about Jim's recent exploits in the Karakoram: a successful descent of the Great Trango Tower after he was unsuccessful the year prior. Jim talks about enduring some of life's lowest lows and highest highs, and consistently coming back to the joy he experiences from any adventure, near or far. | |||
| Adrian Ballinger: Home From Everest | 06 Jun 2024 | 01:12:01 | |
After full team success on Mt. Everest for the Alpenglow Expeditions crew, Adrian and Sam connect in person to recap the season. After a bit of background on happenings of the South Side, the two dive into the Alpenglow team's experience on the North Side, including the great fortune they had with regard to crowds as well as challenges created by their timeline and weather. | |||
| Adrian Ballinger: Live from Everest Base Camp | 15 May 2024 | 00:58:16 | |
Episode 4 comes to you straight from Everest Base Camp! Sam and Adrian catch up and discuss what has been 4-years in the making: Alpenglow Expeditions' return to the north side of Mt. Everest since the closure as a result of the COVID-19 Pandemic. After hearing about changes on the mountain, and the current state of the Everest season, the two dive into Adrian's history on the mountain, his thoughts about the state of guiding it, and how he has made the tallest mountain in the world such a big part of his career. | |||
| Caroline Gleich: From Skis to the US Senate | 30 Apr 2024 | 01:28:17 | |
In Episode 3 of The Duffel Shuffle, Adrian and Sam sit down with ski mountaineer Caroline Gleich. The start off talking about one of Caroline's most notable accomplishments, becoming the fourth person and first woman to ski all lines in Andrew McLean's book, The Chuting Gallery. Following this accomplishment, Caroline set her sights on the greater ranges. With Everest as a goal, Caroline gained experience at altitude in places like Ecuador and Peru, before ultimately finding success on the tallest mountain in the world. Finally, Caroline talks about her current climb, running for a Senate seat in Utah. Follow her campaign and support at www.carolineforutah.com. | |||
| Topo Mena: From Climbing 8,000m Peaks to Relearning to Walk | 16 Apr 2024 | 01:41:10 | |
In Episode 2 of the Duffel Shuffle Podcast, Adrian sit's down with Ecuadorian Mountain Guide, and Black Diamond athlete, Topo Mena. Topo talks about his start in climbing, his mentor Iván Vallejo, and a recent accident paragliding. After Topo's accident, he's been forced to adjust his perspective on life, and the love he has for the mountains. | |||
| Amie Engerbretson: An Indirect Path to Professional Skiing | 10 Sep 2025 | 01:40:15 | |
Sam and Adrian are joined on Episode 37 by Amie Engerbretson, a Tahoe local who shares her non-traditional path to becoming a professional skier. One could say being a skier is in Amie's blood, or you could argue that the career found her, but nonetheless, Amie has been a staple in magazine's and movies for more than a decade. Amie was born and raised in Tahoe, and as the daughter of a professional skier, she was surrounded by the industry from the very start. As Amie grew up, she pursued dance and ballet, and went off to college to study film. But the mountains called her back and before she knew it she was on magazine covers and in ski films. - Amie talks about a film she directed, and starred in, a couple years back. The Hypocrite highlights the intersection between her work as a professional skier and her advocacy work with Protect Our Winters. - With more than a dozen trips to ski in South America in the late summer, Amie shares some of her experiences, and the realities of skiing in the Southern Hemisphere. - Amie shares all that she pursue's to make the professional skiing life work, from training insights to her work in activism and her recent foray into film production. You can learn more about Amie on her website www.amieski.com, and follow her on Instagram @amieski. Follow our podcast on Instagram @duffelshufflepodcast where you can learn more about us and our guests. Visit our website at www.duffelshufflepodcast.com and join our mailing list. The Duffel Shuffle Podcast is supported by Alpenglow Expeditions, an internationally renowned mountain guide service based in Lake Tahoe, California. Visit www.alpenglowexpeditions.com or follow @alpenglowexpeditions on Instagram to learn more. | |||
| Emily Harrington: America's Best All-Around Mountain Athlete? | 02 Apr 2024 | 01:09:54 | |
Sam and Adrian kick off Episode 1 with some current news, discussing a recent tragedy in the Alps and how light and fast ski touring may have played a roll, as well as beginning to cover the upcoming Everest season, which is headlined by the re-opening of the North Side of the Mountain. | |||
| Duffel Shuffle Podcast is Coming Soon | 22 Mar 2024 | 00:07:39 | |
Welcome to the Duffel Shuffle Podcast! | |||
| K2: The Savage Mountain | 27 Aug 2025 | 01:13:22 | |
George Bell, a climber on the 1953 American Expedition to K2 said "It's a savage mountain that tries to kill you." Nearly than 75 years later, the reputation is intact. Adrian successfully climbed K2, without supplemental oxygen, in 2019, doubling down on his no o2 ascent of Everest in 2017. | |||
| Emily Harrington, Girl Climber: Balancing Big Walls and Motherhood | 13 Aug 2025 | 01:28:19 | |
In the latest episode of the Duffle Shuffle, Adrian and Sam dive into the details of Emily Harrington’s soon-to-be-released feature-length film “Girl Climber”. Emily Harrington is a pro climber, a proud mother, and also happens to be Adrian’s wife. Emily is one of the best mountain athletes on the planet, having free climbed El Cap in a day, summited Mount Everest, skied an 8,000m peak, and climbed 5.14b. Emily’s new film “Girl Climber” tells the incredible story of her climbing El Capitan's “Golden Gate” route in a day, and it's screening in a one-day-only IMAX release on Sunday, August 24th. - The conversation kicks off with discussing Emily’s climbing achievements and what it’s like setting new goals after a successful climb. - Emily, Adrian, and Sam discuss Emily’s film “Girl Climber” and the challenges of free climbing “Golden Gate”. - Emily chats about how she overcomes setbacks and learns from mistakes while working towards a goal - Emily goes over the balance of climbing ambitions and motherhood. You can learn more about Emily on Instagram @emilyharrington, and through her website https://emilyharrington.com/. You can buy tickets to the IMAX release of "Girl Climber" on Sunday, August 24th at imax.com/girlclimber. Follow our podcast on Instagram @duffelshufflepodcast where you can learn more about us and our guests. Visit our website at www.duffelshufflepodcast.com and join our mailing list. The Duffel Shuffle Podcast is supported by Alpenglow Expeditions, an internationally renowned mountain guide service based in Lake Tahoe, California. Visit www.alpenglowexpeditions.com or follow @alpenglowexpeditions on Instagram to learn more Other links: Tyler Andrew’s Episode https://youtu.be/mPGvcydHLAc?si=qsNFn5bXsDIgtRk | |||
| Connor Herson - The Future of Hard Trad Climbing | 29 Jul 2025 | 01:28:29 | |
On this episode of the Duffel Shuffle, Adrian and Sam talk with Connor Herson, a fellow Black Diamond Athlete and professional rock climber. Connor Herson is a standout American rock climber known for his bold ascents and technical mastery, particularly in crack and trad climbing. Born in 2003 and raised in a climbing family in California, he became the youngest person to free climb The Nose on El Capitan at age 15. Since then, he’s climbed over 50 routes graded 5.14, including Meltdown, Magic Line, Cobra Crack, and Stranger Than Fiction. With achievements across big wall, sport, and trad disciplines, he’s widely considered one of the most well-rounded and efficient climbers of his generation.
You can learn more about Connor on Instagram, @connor.herson and through his profile on the Black Diamond website https://blackdiamondequipment.com/blogs/athletes/connor-herson Follow our podcast on Instagram @duffelshufflepodcast where you can learn more about us and our guests. Visit our website at www.duffelshufflepodcast.com and join our mailing list. The Duffel Shuffle Podcast is supported by Alpenglow Expeditions, an internationally renowned mountain guide service based in Lake Tahoe, California. Visit www.alpenglowexpeditions.com or follow @alpenglowexpeditions on Instagram to learn more. | |||
| Billi Bierling: Mt. Everest's Record Keeper | 16 Jul 2025 | 01:47:08 | |
In such a storied climbing region like the Himalaya, recording the history of the people who have climbed there and the summits they reached is vital. In this Episode of the Duffel Shuffle Podcast, Adrian sits down with Billi Bierling, the current director of the Himalayan Database, the go-to historical database of climbing in the Himalaya, to discuss Everest, modern high altitude climbing, and the life of the Himalayan Database. | |||
| The Life of a Mountain Guide - From the Tahoe Via to Mount Everest with Alpenglow Guide Mike Pond | 02 Jul 2025 | 01:44:11 | |
After returning from Everest, Sam and Adrian chat with Alpenglow Guide Mike Pond. In this episode of the Duffel Shuffle, they dive into the life of a mountain guide who guides everything from the Tahoe Via Ferrata in Olympic Valley, CA, to the summit of Mount Everest. Mike Pond is a career mountain guide who has spent his life climbing and guiding on mountains all over the world. At Alpenglow, he guides across the entirety of its programming, from rock climbing and the via ferrata, to high-altitude mountains in the Himalaya and beyond.
You can follow Mike on Instagram at @mikepondclimbs. And you can check out his salve skin care product, Booboo butter, at the Alpenglow Office! Follow our podcast on Instagram @duffelshufflepodcast where you can learn more about us and our guests. Visit our website at www.duffelshufflepodcast.com and join our mailing list. The Duffel Shuffle Podcast is supported by Alpenglow Expeditions, an internationally renowned mountain guide service based in Lake Tahoe, California. Visit www.alpenglowexpeditions.com or follow @alpenglowexpeditions on Instagram to learn more. | |||
| Denali: The High One | 19 Nov 2025 | 01:17:32 | |
Our second episode in the Seven Summits Series centers on Denali. An Athabaskan word meaning "the high one," Denali is the tallest peak in North America, sitting at 20,310'. Measured from its base to its summit, Denali has a larger vertical rise than Everest, making it the tallest land-based mountain on Earth by that measurement. Sam and Adrian dive into some of the unique characteristics of Denali. Despite being only climbed once between the two of them (Adrian in the early 2000s), countless colleagues have shared insight after insight on Denali. - Adrian shares a bit about his early 2000s trip to Denali, with original intentions to climb the West Rib. - Most climbers ascend the West Buttress route, but the mountain holds countless other amazing routes, many of which are more technical, as well as world-class ski and snowboard descents. - With restrictive guiding limitations set by the National Park, Denali climbs have followed a traditional style, but much opportunity exists for different styles, like fast and light missions using pre-acclimatization. Follow our podcast on Instagram @duffelshufflepodcast where you can learn more about us and our guests. Visit our website at www.duffelshufflepodcast.com and join our mailing list. The Duffel Shuffle Podcast is supported by Alpenglow Expeditions, an internationally renowned mountain guide service based in Lake Tahoe, California. Visit www.alpenglowexpeditions.com or follow @alpenglowexpeditions on Instagram to learn more. | |||
| Kilimanjaro: The Roof of Africa | 17 Dec 2025 | 01:10:12 | |
Our next episode in the Seven Summits series takes us to Africa, and we're talking about Mount Kilimanjaro. What is arguably the most culturally enriching experience of all of the Seven Summits, Kili is the most accessible of the tallest peaks on each continent. | |||
| Mount Elbrus: Vodka and Altitude | 03 Dec 2025 | 01:14:11 | |
Episode 3 of the Seven Summits Series takes us to the tallest point in Europe, Mount Elbrus. With first ascents on each of the two summits, both occurring in the 1800s, Elbrus' history is both lengthy and, at times, entertaining. Adrian and Sam dive into the details of a Mount Elbrus expedition, which includes so much more than just climbing. While Elbrus is well positioned for a strike mission type attempt due to its relatively low altitude (as far as high altitude goes) and significant on-mountain infrastructure, climbing Elbrus should most certainly include time exploring Russia. - Visiting both St. Petersburg and Moscow during your trip adds time, but they are crucial parts of the experience, and one city can be visited before and the other after you climb. - Elbrus is unique in the Seven Summits world in that it has significant infrastructure, including lift systems that are part of a ski area and snow cats that can take climbers as far as ~90% of the way to the top. Find the style of climb that suits you and gets you excited! - Like most of the Seven Summits, Elbrus can experience challenging weather, and while the route is often considered "straightforward" because Snowcats create a road, hazards such as crevasses should not be underestimated. Follow our podcast on Instagram @duffelshufflepodcast where you can learn more about us and our guests. Visit our website at www.duffelshufflepodcast.com and join our mailing list. The Duffel Shuffle Podcast is supported by Alpenglow Expeditions, an internationally renowned mountain guide service based in Lake Tahoe, California. Visit www.alpenglowexpeditions.com or follow @alpenglowexpeditions on Instagram to learn more. | |||
| Vinson: The Last Great Challenge | 31 Dec 2025 | 01:10:13 | |
On Episode 45 of the Duffel Shuffle Podcast, Sam and Adrian head to the bottom of the world to discuss the Vinson Massif. This is the fifth episode in the series covering each of the Seven Summits, and while Vinson lacks some of the culture of previous mountains discussed, it makes up for that in the uniqueness of the adventure. | |||
| Mt Everest: The Tallest Mountain on the Planet | 28 Jan 2026 | 01:30:36 | |
Sam and Adrian wrap up the Seven Summits Series with none other than Mt. Everest. At 29,032' above sea level, Mt Everest is much taller than any of the other seven summits, and its history, notoriety and reputation speaks for itself. | |||
| Carstensz Pyramid: The Rock Climbers' Peak | 14 Jan 2026 | 01:00:53 | |
The sixth in our series on the Seven Summits, Carstensz Pyramid, is the tallest peak within Oceania. While some Seven Summits lists include Mount Kosciuszko in Australia, most modern lists acknowledge Carstensz Pyramid due to its higher altitude and increased technical challenge. Locally known as Puncak Jaya, the peak sits at 4,884m or 16,024 feet above sea level, on the island of New Guinea. | |||
| Duffel Shuffle 2025 Wrap and 2026 Preview | 11 Feb 2026 | 01:19:21 | |
Still technically only a "few" weeks late, Sam and Adrian look back on 2025 and forward to 2026. This episode was delayed due to the Seven Summits series, but as we move into the new year, there's lots to talk about, from personal experiences in 2025 and goals for 2026 to the industry as a whole. | |||
| How David Goettler's Introduction to Alpine Climbing Defined His Style for Decades at the Top | 25 Feb 2026 | 01:41:23 | |
David Goettler has been a professional alpinist for nearly 3 decades, and part of The North Face athlete team his entire career. With a focus on classical alpine style climbing on the highest peaks of the world, David has set out on a quest to climb in the way that suits him. For David, climbing the tallest peaks of the world is a dream, and the challenge is in their height. Climbing without supplemental oxygen and Sherpa support above basecamp is the only way for him to truly test his abilities. - David has successfully summited seven 8,000m peaks without supplemental oxygen, many of which required multiple attempts. On his fifth attempt of Nanga Parbat in Pakistan in 2025, David summited via the Schell Route and descended by Paraglider from 7,700m on the mountain. - David has gone on expeditions with countless partners, and the list includes some of the most notable alpinists in the last 3 decades. For David, finding the right partners for his objectives is almost as calculated as the climb itself. - While David believes that all professional alpinists should be climbing without supplemental oxygen and sherpa support, he recognizes that for non-professionals, just being in the mountains is what's important, and style should be chosen based on what each individual is seeking. To learn more about David Goettler, follow him on Instagram @david_goettler. Follow our podcast on Instagram @duffelshufflepodcast where you can learn more about us and our guests. Visit our website at www.duffelshufflepodcast.com and join our mailing list. The Duffel Shuffle Podcast is supported by Alpenglow Expeditions, an internationally renowned mountain guide service based in Lake Tahoe, California. Visit www.alpenglowexpeditions.com or follow @alpenglowexpeditions on Instagram to learn more. | |||