Lydia Bradey - From Arthur's Pass to Everest

Lydia Brady is a mountaineer, guide, and author, best known as the first woman to climb Mount Everest without supplementary oxygen.In this episode, Lydia shares her remarkable journey from teenage tramping trips in the Lewis Pass to record-setting Himalayan ascents. She talks about the “James Bond day” that nearly ended in disaster, how she found confidence in the mountains, and what she’s learned guiding others at high altitude. We also discuss how climate change is reshaping Aoraki / Mount Cook, the evolving culture of New Zealand’s alpine huts, and why reconnecting with wild places is essential for our wellbeing and our planet. It’s a conversation about resilience, risk, and the deep rewards of living close to the edge.https://lydiabradey.com/