From Viral Rock Climber to Neonatal Flight Nurse | Rachael Lee Sortor | NICU & Adventure Athlete

Rachael Lee Sortor has built a life where grit meets grace. A neonatal ICU flight nurse and lifelong rock climber, she’s faced high-stakes challenges both on the job and on the side of a cliff. When a video of her 8-month-old daughter Ellie climbing at their local rock gym went viral, everything changed, Ellen Show appearance included. In this conversation, we get into her journey from competitive climbing to the NICU, what it takes to trust your intuition, and how adventure shapes resilience. She opens up about balancing family life with a demanding career, chasing mastery without losing humility, and raising a daughter who’s fearless in the best way possible. Chapters: 00:00 Becoming a neonatal ICU flight nurse 01:15 Growing up as a competitive rock climber 03:10 Ellie’s first climb at eight months old 05:05 The viral video that changed everything 07:20 Life after an Ellen Show appearance 09:45 Building a home climbing wall 12:00 Balancing motherhood and high-pressure work 14:30 Lessons from travel nursing and living in an Airstream 17:00 Minimalism, movement, and choosing adventure 19:15 Trusting your intuition on and off the wall 21:40 Staying humble while chasing mastery 24:10 Outdoor adventures that keep her grounded 26:45 Raising a fearless daughter 29:15 How climbing teaches resilience 31:00 Advice for starting your own climbing journey The Powerful Ladies podcast, hosted by business coach and strategist Kara Duffy features candid conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives, athletes, chefs, writers, scientists, and more. Every Wednesday, new episodes explore what it means to lead with purpose, create with intention, and define success on your own terms. Whether you're growing a business, changing careers, or asking bigger questions, these stories remind you: you're not alone, and you're more powerful than you think. Explore more at thepowerfulladies.com and karaduffy.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices