#030 - Erik Weihenmayer - Redefining Blindness By Conquering Mount Everest & The Grand Canyon

Erik Weihenmayer shares his journey of overcoming blindness through adventure. He discusses finding community in sports, and breakthrough experiences in climbing and kayaking. Erik offers insights on climbing Mount Everest, kayaking the entire Grand Canyon, and the necessary teamwork and mental preparation for completing each mission. He reflects on external recognition, the balance between achievement and identity, and the importance of vulnerability. Erik also explores the philosophy of adventure and his evolving sense of purpose, emphasizing the value of living in the moment over constantly pursuing the next goal.Timestamps:00:00 The Diagnosis and Initial Struggles04:12 Finding Community Through Wrestling05:14 The Breakthrough of Climbing08:40 The Journey to Everest22:45 Mental Training for Everest24:46 Summit Everest29:37 Navigating Recognition and Purpose36:15 Don't Be Defined by What You've Done38:54 Creating No Barriers40:00 The Journey to Kayaking the Grand Canyon47:37 The Open Heart Policy51:27 Being in Control & Submitting to Environment56:59 Lonnie Bedwell1:01:30 Always Needing to Prove Yourself1:09:51 Completing Grand Canyon Kayaking Adventure 1:11:13 Reflections on Life's JourneySend us Fan MailThank you so much for listening. I truly appreciate your time and support. Let me know what you thought of the episode and what you would like to see in the future. Any feedback would be awesome. Don't forget to subscribe for more exciting content on YouTube, and leave a review on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or whatever platform you are listening on. Connect with me below:Instagram: Tim DoyleYoutube: Soulture