A podcast about navigating the highest altitudes from a guide’s perspective.

LISTEN TO THE LATEST EPISODES:

Episodes
Episode 03: Caroline Gleich - From Skis To The US Senate
Episode 03: Caroline Gleich - From Skis To The US Senate

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.

Episode 02: Esteban ‘Topo’ Mena: From Climbing 8,000m Peaks to Relearning to Walk
Episode 02: Esteban ‘Topo’ Mena: From Climbing 8,000m Peaks to Relearning to Walk

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.

Episode 01: Emily Harrington - America’s Best Mountain Athlete?
Episode 01: Emily Harrington - America’s Best Mountain Athlete?

The Duffel Shuffle Podcast welcomes their first guest, Emily Harrington. Emily is known for her technical rock climbing prowess, but her accomplishments span much farther. From summiting and skiing 8,000m peaks to new routes, big walls, and more, Emily is truly one of the leading all-around mountain athletes in the industry.

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The Duffel Shuffle Podcast is your ultimate expedition partner for all pursuits of mountaineering, rock climbing, and skiing, offering a thrilling blend of adventure, expertise, and inspiration. Hosted by IFMGA Guide Adrian Ballinger and AMGA Guide Sam Kieckhefer, each episode delves into the world of mountain sports from seasoned mountain guides’ perspectives.

MEET YOUR HOSTS:

ADRIAN BALLINGER

Adrian Ballinger is a big mountain climber and skier, certified mountain guide, and professional speaker. Ballinger is the founder of Alpenglow Expeditions and has been professionally guiding groups on the world’s tallest mountains for 25 years.

  • Summits of Everest and K2 without supplemental oxygen

  • First ski descent of Makalu (5th tallest peak in world) from summit

  • First ski descent of Manaslu (8th tallest peak in world) from summit

  • Four complete 8000-meter peak ski descents

  • Eighteen summits of 8000-meter peaks (including 8 summits of Mt. Everest)

  • Founded and leads Alpenglow Expeditions, which now takes 6000+ people a year skiing, climbing and mountaineering, in Tahoe and around the world

  • IFMGA Mountain Guide since 2008

  • Proud dad of Aaro Storm & husband to Emily Harrington

SAM KIECKHEFER

Born and raised in Northern California, Sam began exploring the Sierra and developed a love for the mountains at a young age. A lifelong skier, he started backcountry skiing in 2010 and found his way up Mt. Shasta on only his second ski tour ever. After years of gaining experience ski touring in the mountain west, he started guiding in 2019. Sam has guided ski trips in both hemispheres, but you’re sure to find him in the winter around Tahoe as he continues to work towards his AMGA Ski Guide certification. Sam also teaches both recreational and professional avalanche courses with the American Avalanche Institute in the Tetons.

Sam is an AMGA Assistant Ski Guide and Apprentice Alpine Guide, and an AIARE Course Instructor. He lives on the West Shore of Lake Tahoe with his wife Susie.

The Duffel Shuffle Podcast is brought to you by Alpenglow Expeditions.