Jon Krakauer: The Mountain's Shadow
5/15/202657 min
Jon Krakauer’s Into Thin Air chronicled the 1996 Everest disaster and launched a generation of interest in climbing and the natural world, but for Jon the tragedy that unfolded around him left him struggling with PTSD and searching for peace. Now 30 years later, Jon reflects on his career, the expedition that changed his life and why writing has always been harder than climbing. Read Into Thin Air with new material by Jon Krakauer. Watch Climbing Gold on YouTube Thanks to our sponsors The North Face Check out Summit Series at thenorthface.com Maui Nui Get exclusive access to the new spicy venison stick at mauinui.com/climbinggold David Buy 4 cartons and get the 5th one for free at davidprotein.com/climbinggold Turtlebox Take your music anywhere turtleboxaudio.com LMNT Get your free LMNT Sample Pack with any purchase at www.drinklmnt.com/climbinggold. Try the new LMNT Lemonade Ice Tea. Kodiak Cakes Find Kodiak products at your local grocery store, they're the ones with the bear on the box or learn more at Kodiakcakes.com Want Climbing Gold ad free? Check out Unroped
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Transcript preview
First 90 secondsFitz Cahall· Host0:00
I'm curious, Alex, whether you like the prep that happens before a big day out, like getting ready, like thinking about the gear, dialing it all in, like those sort of negotiations that happen.
Alex Honnold· Host0:11
Yeah, kind of. I mean, it's always exciting when you're like, "Oh, I'm putting the gear on the harness, I'm getting everything in the bag just right." Yeah, just knowing that something consequential is happening the next day and you are getting ready for it.
Fitz Cahall· Host0:21
There are, like, totally some missions where what you're wearing can make the difference between success and failure.
Alex Honnold· Host0:27
Definitely in the mountains that is true, [laughs] and in cold climates, and yeah, I mean, that is definitely true in a lot of places. Climbing big mountains are places where if you get wet and you get cold, it's kinda game over.
Fitz Cahall· Host0:36
You're going down.
Alex Honnold· Host0:37
Yeah, [laughs] exactly. You're going down. And so having the right layering, having the right... It's what, what one of my friends calls your, uh, action suit. That's when you always go to the same kit, 'cause you know it will hold up in the mountains, basically. Summit Series is the pinnacle North Face product. It's what you want for big days, it's what you want for missions that have consequence. Discover gear designed to take you to new heights at thenorthface.com.
Jon Krakauer· Guest0:59
[gentle music] Seriously, climbing Everest, going on that expedition was the worst decision I've ever made. It's the one big regret in my life. I, I wish I had never gone.
Fitz Cahall· Host1:13
All right, Alex, I'm gonna start with a statement. Jon Krakauer's Into Thin Air had the greatest impact on our sport of any piece of media.