Listen Here.

YouTube

Apple Podcasts

Spotify Podcasts

Duffel Shuffle 10/22/25 Duffel Shuffle 10/22/25

Episode 40: The Key to Successful First Descents with Christina Lustenberger and Guillaume Pierrel

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 together, 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.

Duffel Shuffle 10/8/25 Duffel Shuffle 10/8/25

Episode 39: Should You Climb Everest in Autumn?

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!

Duffel Shuffle 9/24/25 Duffel Shuffle 9/24/25

Episode 38 with The Outdoor Alliance: Conservation Powered by Outdoor Recreation

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.

Duffel Shuffle 9/10/25 Duffel Shuffle 9/10/25

Episode 37 with Amie Engerbretson: An Indirect Path to Professional Skiing

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.

Duffel Shuffle 8/27/25 Duffel Shuffle 8/27/25

Episode 36 - K2: The Savage Mountain

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.

With decades of experience climbing and guiding clients throughout the Himalaya, Adrian has spent little time in the Karakoram, and has only climbed K2 once. Following the 2025 K2 climbing season, Sam and Adrian connect to break down K2, and discuss Adrian's take on the mountain as well as his experience.

- Adrian shares his description of the route, starting with the trek in. Not only does he talk about some of the main features of the mountain, but he also discusses the famed objective hazards, from GI bugs to the Bottleneck Serac.

- Adrian shares a bit about why he's avoided K2 for most of his career, and how a tragic accident in 2008 took the life of a good friend, deterring him from the mountain for many years.

- Despite being supported by Topo Mena, who too has dreams of climbing K2 without oxygen, Adrian shares the one route on the mountain that he would climb, if it were possible.

Adrian's film, Breathtaking: K2 - The World's Most Dangerou s Mountain, can be found on youtube.

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.

Duffel Shuffle 8/13/25 Duffel Shuffle 8/13/25

Episode 35: Emily Harrington, Girl Climber - Balancing Big Walls and Motherhood

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.

Duffel Shuffle 7/30/25 Duffel Shuffle 7/30/25

Episode 34 with Connor Herson - The Future of Hard Trad Climbing

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.

Connor dives into his background in climbing, having been raised in a climbing Family

Connor discusses balancing school and being a professional climber

Connor talks about the role of mentors and climbing partners in his life

Adrian, Connor, and Sam chat about Connors climbing achievements and his future plans

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

Duffel Shuffle 7/16/25 Duffel Shuffle 7/16/25

Episode 33 with Billi Bierling: Mt. Everest’s Record Keeper

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.

Billi is a renowned journalist, high-altitude climber, and has been the director of the Himalayan Database since 2016, taking over after its founder, Elizabeth Hawley. With ascents of major peaks including Mount Everest, Manaslu, Cho Oyu, and Lhotse — Bierling brings both credibility and firsthand experience to her work. Bierling has been instrumental in expanding the reach and accessibility of the database, ensuring it remains a vital resource for climbers, researchers, and historians alike.

- Billi and Adrian talk about the Himalayan Database and the History of Everest.

- Billi shares about her time spent in Kathmandu and her own passion for mountaineering

- Adrian and Billi chat about Everest, the ever-changing dynamics of modern high-altitude mountaineering, and climbing without oxygen.

You can learn more about the Himalayan Database at https://www.himalayandatabase.com/. And you can follow along with Billi at her website; https://billibierling.com/, or follow her on Instagram @billi_bierling.

Duffel Shuffle 7/2/25 Duffel Shuffle 7/2/25

Episode 32 with Mike Pond: The Life of a Mountain Guide, From the Tahoe Via to Mount Everest

In this episode of the Duffle Shuffle, we 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.

In this episode, we'll talk about balancing life as a father, husband, and mountain guide, the diversity of climbing guiding that can be done, and Mike's experience climbing on Everest.

You can follow Mike on Instagram at @mikepondclimbs. And you can check out his salve skin care product, Booboo butter, at the Alpenglow Office!

Duffel Shuffle 6/19/25 Duffel Shuffle 6/19/25

Episode 31: Is Xenon Gas the Future of Climbing Everest?

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.

While much of the 'action' occurs on the South side of the mountain, a route that Alpenglow does not climb, Adrian has such intimate knowledge of both sides that his perspective is unique. Additionally, between mountain guide gossip and the Sherpa grapevine, a lot if information gets passed without percolating to the mainstream media, some of which we get an inside scoop on in this episode.

Sam and Adrian talk about the following storylines from the 2025 Everest Season:
- Deaths and Rescues: While the 5 fatalities on the south side of the mountain (and zero on the North side) is a relatively low number as compared to recent seasons, rescues and near-misses reached record highs.
- Anja Blancha: One of only two successful no oxygen summits of Everest this season was achieved by the German climber, her 12th of 14 8,000ers without supplemental O2.
- FKT Attempts: Neither Karl Egloff nor Tyler Andrews were successful in reaching the summit of Everest, both of whom set out for Fastest Known Times.
- Xenon Climbers: Arguably the story of the season, Furtenbach Adventures' Flash Ascent of Everest using Xenon Gas was successful, but is Xenon really the future of climbing the tallest peaks around the world?

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.

Duffel Shuffle 6/4/25 Duffel Shuffle 6/4/25

Episode 30 with Topo Mena: Catching Up on Everest from Base Camp

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.

Duffel Shuffle 5/21/25 Duffel Shuffle 5/21/25

Episode 29: Ask Adrian Anything—Live from Everest Base Camp

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.

With questions all across the board, we cover the following topics:
- Everest costs, financial requirements and alternatives
- Training and physical preparation for Everest and other climbing goals
- How to progress as a climber, and comparing different training grounds
- Mentorship and how to develop your personal climbing mindset
- Routes, risk and other strategies
- Acclimatization and other health factors
- Equipment, food and staying comfortable
- Sustainability and ethics

A huge thank you to those who submitted questions. We're stoked to interact with our audience, and ensure the content we're putting out is of interest to you! If you have further questions, DM us on Instagram, comment on our posts, or leave us a message on our YouTube episodes; we love hearing from you!

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.

Duffel Shuffle 5/7/25 Duffel Shuffle 5/7/25

Episode 28 with Melissa Arnot Reid: More Than Just an Everest Guide

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.

Melissa's new book, Enough: Climbing Toward a True Self on Mount Everest, released on April 1, and we had a chance to connect with her following the launch to learn more.

- The three kick off their conversation with a bit of talk about running and Melissa's current running endeavors.

- Melissa shares a bit about her book, the process of writing, the importance in her own healing journey, and the origins of the title Enough.

- Melissa dives into her mountain experiences as a child, how she found her way into guiding through RMI, and some of the challenges of being a women in a predominantly male industry.

- Melissa catches us up on life today, and raising two kids by two working mountain guide parents.

You can learn more about Melissa on Instagram, @melissaarnot, and through her website www.melissaarnot.com/. Melissa's new book, Enough: Climbing Toward a True Self on Mount Everest, can be found wherever you buy your books, including on Amazon.

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.

Duffel Shuffle 4/23/25 Duffel Shuffle 4/23/25

Episode 27 with Beth Rodden: 30 Years of Climbing with 30 Years To Go

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.

Beth released her memoir, A Light Through the Cracks: A Climber's Story, in May of 2024, and we finally had a chance to catch up with her after a recent bouldering trip in France.

- Beth shares a bit about her recent trip to Fontainebleau, and how climbing trips are truly a family affair, with both her husband and son pursuing climbing at a high level.

- Beth talks about her book, the process of writing it, and the importance in her healing journey that the book had.

- Beth gives a brief overview of her wild experience in Kyrgyzstan, where she and her climbing partners were held captive while on a climbing trip in her early 20's.

- In the end, Beth talks about her true joy for climbing, and while pushing grades and climbing hard are fun, she still finds joy in the easiest climbs and most simple days out.

You can learn more about Beth on Instagram, @bethrodden, and through her website www.bethrodden.com. Signed copies of Beth's book can be purchased through her website. Her book, A Light through the Cracks: A Climber's Story, can also be purchased on Amazon or at your local bookstore.

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.

Duffel Shuffle 4/9/25 Duffel Shuffle 4/9/25

Episode 26 with Garrett Madison: A Life of Expeditions, From Everest to K2

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.

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.

Duffel Shuffle 3/27/25 Duffel Shuffle 3/27/25

Episode 25 with Alan Arnette: The Everest Chronicler

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.

In anticipation of the 2025 Mt Everest climbing season, Alan joins Sam and Adrian on episode 25 of the Duffel Shuffle Podcast! Alan talks about his life, entering the world of climbing and mountaineering as an adult.

- Alan shares his path to climbing, and how he shifted his life at age 38 and became quickly embedded into the world of mountaineering.

- Alan talks about some of his experiences on expeditions, including Mt Everest and K2 expeditions that were transformative in his life as a climber.

- Alan highlights the importance of having a purpose in climbing, and shares his connection to Alzheimer's advocacy after watching his mom, Ida, decline. Today, he advocates for Alzheimer's patients and caregivers through his mountain climbing.

You can learn more about Alan through his blog, https://www.alanarnette.com/ and his Instagram, @arnette.alan. Alan's coaching services can be followed at https://summitcoach.org/.

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.

Duffel Shuffle 3/12/25 Duffel Shuffle 3/12/25

Episode 24: A Behind the Scenes Look at Planning Everest Expeditions

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 typically 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.

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.

Duffel Shuffle 2/26/25 Duffel Shuffle 2/26/25

Episode 23 with Tyler Andrews: Bringing Speed to the Tallest Peaks Around the World

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.

Duffel Shuffle 2/12/25 Duffel Shuffle 2/12/25

Episode 22 with Dr. Monica Piris: Mount Everest’s Best Known Doctor

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.

Duffel Shuffle 1/29/25 Duffel Shuffle 1/29/25

Episode 21 with Nick Russell: A Splitboarder’s Soul with an Alpinist’s Drive

Nick Russell has been exploring the world by snowboard for more than a decade now. What started as a career competing has transitioned to 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.

Sam and Adrian sit down with Nick to talk about his path to riding professionally:
- The three talk about Nick's career trajectory, from growing up in a skiing family, through competing on his snowboard, and eventually following the footsteps of those before him into the world of human powered exploration.
- Mentors that have played a big role in many professional's lives, including the mentorship of Jeremy Jones, Jim Zellers, Hilaree Nelson, Jim Morrison and others that have shaped Nick's path.
- Nick's recent expedition to Papsura, where he completed the first snowboard descent of the iconic peak as a tribute line to the Hilaree Nelson.

You can learn more about Nick and his career on his Instagram, @nick_russelll and check out his new film 'Papsura: Peak of Evil' on Youtube here.

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.

Listen Here.

Get the latest news from the Duffel Shuffle, straight to your inbox.