PODCAST · sports
The Firn Line
by Pod Peak
A podcast about the lives of mountain climbers.
Episodes
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Ridge of Madness I Part Two
Following his grueling 145-day solo ascent of Mount Hunter's South East Spur in 1978, Johnny Waterman's life took a troubling turn. As his personal struggles intensified, a new team emerged to attempt the formidable route. Peter Metcalf, Glenn Randall, and Pete Athens set their sights on doing…
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Ridge of Madness I Part One
In 1978, an iconoclastic climber named Johnny Waterman spent 145 days soloing (and traversing) Mount Hunter. It was one of the boldest and strangest mountaineering feats of all time. But what could have been a launch pad into acclaim and prominence, turned into a descent of infamy and madness....
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The Lost Tape: Roman Dial
While working on an upcoming 2-part series, I stumbled onto this interview with Alaskan author and adventurer, Roman Dial. We recorded this back in November 2017 and for some reason, I never got around to publishing it. Roman is a natural storyteller, so I’ve decided to leave this pretty raw with...
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90 Pound Rucksack with Christian Beckwith
A few months ago I had a conversation with climber, historian, writer and podcast producer, Christian Beckwith. He’s been working on this really incredible project called 90 Pound Rucksack, which details the remarkable history of the 10th Mountain Division and it’s influence on outdoor recreation...
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5 Traits of an Alpinist
A few weeks ago I interviewed North American alpinist, Clint Helander, for a deep-dive feature I'm working on for The Firn Line. At the end of the conversation, I wanted to have a little fun. So we did a quick-fire back and forth on what we think the top 5 traits of an alpinist are. It's a short...
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A Conversation with Will Stanhope
Will Stanhope is a Squamish-based rock climber, who is known for his free solos, big adventures, and witty sense of humor. All of those avenues are explored in this conversation. We talk about his inspirations as a kid, how he got into climbing, who inspired him as a young climber, his most...
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The Cassin Ridge
The Cassin Ridge is the ultimate classic line on Denali, rising almost 10,000 directly up the middle of the South Face. First climbed in 1961 by a large Italian expedition led by Riccardo Cassin, the route continues to be a testing ground for alpinists to this day. Recorded and produced by Evan...
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Trip Report: The Moose's Tooth
During a stretch of amazing weather and conditions in April, 2024, Suzanna Lourie and her partner, Olga Dobranowski, made an ascent of the ultra-classic Ham & Eggs route on The Moose's Tooth. The Moose's Tooth is a rock peak in the Central Alaska Range, 15 miles southeast of Denali. Despite its…
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Land of The Forbidden
When Fred Beckey and Ed Cooper climbed the Northwest Face on Forbidden Peak in 1959, they had to have known it was a classic route. It had all the features mountaineers look for in a North Cascades alpine climb: an arduous and long approach, tricky navigation over crevasse-laden glaciers, and…
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A conversation with Lowell Skoog
Today, we’ll get to know Seattle-based author, climber, skier, and historian, Lowell Skoog. Lowell is a fixture in the Northwest outdoor scene, and has been exploring mountains in the Pacific Northwest for 60 years. In this conversation, we’ll talk about Lowell’s early years of exploration in the...
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The Emperor Face
When Jamie Logan and Mugs Stump first ascended Mount Robson's Emperor Face in July 1978, it was hailed as one of North America's greatest alpine climbs. Since then, the face has continued luring some of the world's best climbers, maintaining it's reputation as one of North America's most enduring...
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Full Moon Fever
Begguya - Mount hunter - at 14,537 feet tall - a massif that is dominated in scale by its neighbors Sultana and Denali - but a mountain that dominates the minds and hearts of many a mountaineer. And this was the case for Alaskan alpinist Clint Helander in the spring of 2021 when on a hunch, he...
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Dangerous Liaisons
In the summer of 1995, John Climaco and Andrew Brash were young dirtbag alpinists looking for the adventure of a lifetime. The duo certainly got that and more when they flew to Pakistan for an attempt on Chogolisa (7,665 m / 25,148 ft). Turns out, the climb was only a small part of the journey....
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Around The Heart Of The Alaska Range
For mountaineers and adventurers, there’s a rich history of exploration in and around Alaska's Denali National Park. And although the park is mostly known for the hordes of people who attempt to climb Denali each season - few have ever thought about circumnavigating the Denali, Foraker (Sultana)...
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Larger Than Life: Daryl Miller
You know that saying - “they just don’t make em’ the way they used to”. I guess you could call it a quintessential American expression. In the climbing world, It conjures up icons like Lynn Hill, Jim Bridwell, Catherine Freer, and Royal Robbins - just to name a few. You know you have someone like...
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The Northwest Face of Kichatna Spire
Today we head into the Kichatna Spires - a compact subrange of monolithic granite towers located just south of Denali. In early June, North American climbers Graham Zimmerman, Dave Allfrey and Whit Magro, headed into the Kichatna’s - their sites set on a new line up the beautiful northwest face…
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A Meeting With Bridwell
Notes Produced by Evan Phillips Editing & Sound Design by Pod Peak Support The Firn Line Patreon PayPal Merch Sponsors Alaska Rock Gym The Hoarding Marmot
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Rumble In The Chugach
The western Chugach - the mountains surrounding Anchorage and the Mat-su valley to the east, are a veritable playground for hikers and climbers. Although the rock is predominantly poor in quality, the peaks are striking, sometimes rising 5,000 from the valley floor, with a variety of snow and ice...
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Book Report: Valley Of Giants
Call me old school, but nothing gets me more fired up than adding a new adventure, climbing or mountaineering book to the collection. So I was excited last month, when Valley Of Giants: Stories From Women at The Heart of Yosemite Climbing, arrived at my doorstep. This anthology, edited and…
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Trip Report: The East Face of Golgotha
This month’s trip report takes place in one of Alaska’s most remote and mythical mountain ranges: The Revelations. First explored in the late 60’s by David Roberts and friends, The Revelations hold a mystique, and reputation, that has continued to grow over the years. The range, which is nestled...
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A Conversation with Vasu Sojitra
On today’s episode of The Firn Line, we’ll get to know backcountry skier, advocate and adaptive athlete, Vasu Sojitra. When Vasu was just 9 months old, his right leg was amputated due to a blood infection called Septicemia. Although his life was forever changed, it didn’t stop him from pursuing…
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Trip Report: The Alaska Wilderness Classic
They say that Alaska is a place of extremes. This ranges from the stark changing of the seasons, to the scale of the wilderness landscapes, and of course, the size of the monolithic mountains. But it also applies to the races - and I’m not talking about Nascar. There’s the Iditarod - a grueling…
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Vertical Quest: Topher Donahue
It was the summer of 1996. At the time, I was 21 years old, living in a primitive cabin in the small fishing village of Ninilchik, Alaska. That summer, I’d landed a job working as a park ranger assistant for Alaska State Parks, and although I’d like to say I was doing something cool like building...
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Trip Report: Adventure(s) on Mount Wickersham
Adam Gellman, a young glacier guide, tells the story of his adventures on an obscure (but challenging) Alaskan peak called Mt. Wickersham. This Trip Report is made possible with the gracious support of The Firn Line Patreon backers. To learn more about how you can become a Patreon subscriber, go…
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A Conversation with Miranda Oakley
On today’s episode of The Firn Line, we’ll get to know rock climber, big-wall soloist and AMGA certified rock climbing guide, Miranda Oakley. Growing up in Maryland, Miranda learned from a young age the values of compassion, teaching, and working with others. Born to a Palestinian mother, and an...
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The Trip Report - An Open Invitation
Hey Firn Line fans, this is Evan, and I wanted to tell you about a new monthly series I’m launching called The Trip Report. Storytelling is an integral part of human nature - and climbing and adventure stories are no exception. There’s nothing better than sitting around a campfire on a crisp,...
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Trip Report: Oberon (Valdez, AK)
When people think of ice climbing in North America, the first places that might come to mind are Ouray, Colorado, Hyalite Canyon outside Bozeman, Montana - or the vast alpine region of the Canadian Rockies, just to name a few. But perhaps the ultimate mecca for pure frozen waterfall climbing, is…
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Life Lived Wild: Rick Ridgeway
On today’s episode of The Firn Line, we’ll get to know legendary mountaineer, outdoor adventurer, author and conservationist, Rick Ridgeway. I first learned about Rick back in the early 90’s, when I read his mountaineering classic, The Last Step, which details the 1978 first American ascent of…
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Deep Knowledge: Jon Walsh
The mountain ranges of North America are beautiful and diverse. From the prominent glacier cones that dominate the skylines of the Pacific Northwest, to the rugged granite plutons of Yosemite Valley, to the sawtooth razor points of the Tetons, the mountains of North America are a veritable...
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Emma Walker's Dead Reckoning
It’s easier to stay alive if you know what’s out there. Whether it’s understanding local climate patterns, snow conditions, or predators that inhabit certain areas. Having even a basic understanding of what lies ahead, can be the difference between having a great day out, and not coming home at...
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A Conversation With Kelly Cordes
On today’s episode of The Firn LIne, we’ll get to know climber, alpinist and author, Kelly Cordes. I first heard of Kelly back in the mid-90’s when I started seeing his name speckled across the pages of publications like Climbing and Rock and Ice. Over the years, I watched from afar as he made...
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Chris Kalman's 'Dammed If You Don't'
In this episode of The Firn Line, I check in with author and climber, Chris Kalman. I first met Chris after reading his excellent book, As Above So Below and since then we’ve stayed in touch, connected through climbing and creativity. So I was excited when Chris announced a Kickstarter to help...
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Tales From The Firn Line - Volume One
The Snow Coffin Evan tells the story of a 1996 winter attempt, harrowing bivouac, and narrow escape from a remote Alaskan mountain. The Ghost Of Aconcagua Mountain endurance athlete Sunny Stroeer tells her tale of completing the first female solo speed-circumnavigation and ascent of Aconcagua…
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See You Soon
A young Alaskan alpinist, August Franzen, shares his story of climbing through life-changing love, and heart-wrenching grief. Links: The Devil's Thumb (AAJ) Mt. Burkett (Alpinist ) The Firn Line (Website) Patreon Sponsors: Alaska Rock Gym The Hoarding Marmot Declination Roasting
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The All-Arounder: Eddie Taylor
On today’s episode of The Firn Line, we’ll get to know climber, skier, high-school teacher and coach, Eddie Taylor. Eddie grew up in different parts of the country. As a youth, he spent time in New Mexico, where he first learned how to ski. It was these formative experiences, alongside trips to...
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Challenge Of The Western Chugach
Today’s episode is a story about adventure. It’s a story about getting scared. It’s a story of friendship and love. It’s a story about self-discovery and learning from your mistakes. But the learning in this story doesn’t take place in a formal classroom, or an online forum. Rather, It takes…
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Fragments Of My Brother
I first met Tom Sardy in the summer of 1998. My recollection is that I was camped under the granite towers of Archangel Valley in Hatcher Pass, when my friend Zach arrived, with Tom in tow, for a day of rock climbing. Zach and I had met just a few months prior, when we’d spent three weeks guiding...
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A Conversation With Craig Muderlak
On today’s episode of The Firn Line, we’ll get to know northwest based artist and mountain guide - Craig Muderlak. I first got to know Craig through his amazing illustrations in Chris Kalman’s excellent book, As Above, So Below. His work is emotional and moody - but also uplifting and joyful at…
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Persistence: Steve Swenson
On today’s episode of The Firn Line, we’ll get to know legendary North American alpinist, Steve Swenson. Over the course of a climbing career that has spanned a remarkable 50 years, Steve has left a lasting imprint on the world stage of alpinism, from his roots in the Pacific Northwest, all the…
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Doing The Work: Margo Talbot
On today’s episode of The Firn Line, we’ll get to know world-renowned climber and author, Margo Talbot. Growing up on the east coast of Canada in New Brunswick, Margo was raised in what she describes as a chaotic family environment. It was this environment, often devoid of love and compassion…
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Trip Report: Infinite Jester
Last week I sat down for a remote chat with Valdez, Alaska-based ice climber, Ryan Sims. Ryan is an Engineer with the Valdez Fire Department, but when he’s not putting out fires, both literally and figuratively, he’s part of a new generation of crushers in the ice mecca of Valdez and Thompson…
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In It Together
A check in with The Firn Line community during the Covid-19 pandemic. These conversations and clips were gathered between March 22-28, 2020. Stay safe and be well - Evan Music by Evan Phillips Support the show at Patreon Sponsors: Alaska Rock Gym The Hoarding Marmot Declination Roasting
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Fast Times at Yocum Ridge
The Cascades of North America are a beautiful and diverse range of mountains. These peaks, which range from sharp, granitic towers, to glaciated and crumbly volcanoes, extend all the way from southern British Columbia through Washington and Oregon - all the way to Northern California. And if you...
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The Lifer: Paul Gagner
On today’s episode of the firn line, we’ll get to know legendary rock climber and big wall ace, Paul Gagner. Growing up in southern California in the late 60’s and early 70’s - Paul had a keen sense for adventure. This was fueled by summertime camping trips with his family, and a string of visits...
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Rockies Wisdom: Barry Blanchard (Part 2)
On today’s episode of The Firn Line, we’ll dive into the final segment of a two-part series with Canadian Rockies legend, Barry Blanchard. In the first episode, we heard Barry tell stories of his early years in the Canadian Rockies, as well as some of the formative partnerships he developed…
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Rockies Wisdom: Barry Blanchard (Part 1)
On today’s episode of The Firn Line, we’ll delve into the first of a two-part series with Canadian Rockies legend, Barry Blanchard. Barry’s name is synonymous with some of the most iconic lines in the Canadian Rockies - and his first ascents on these mythical walls are many: from the Andromeda...
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Red River Roots: Jason Tyler Burton
On today’s episode of The Firn Line, we’ll get to know songwriter, and mountain traveller, Jason Tyler Burton. Growing up in a working class family on the outskirts of Lexington, KY - Burton was raised hearing the stories of his grandfather, who like many Kentuckians of times past, worked hard to...
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Alpine Progression: Mallorie Estenson
On today’s episode of The Firn line, we’ll get to know Pacific Northwest-based alpinist Mallorie Estenson. Growing up in the shadows of the North Cascades, Mallorie participated in athletics as a kid, with an inclination toward the more adventurous side of life. Eventually, this led to an…
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Uphill Athlete: Steve House
I first heard about Steve House in 1995 - when I was living at my family's cabin on Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula. I was 20 years old, working as a park rangers assistant. Besides work, there wasn’t much to do that summer, but chop wood, go for mind-numbing afternoon runs, and fish murky waters for...
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Uphill Athlete: Scott Johnston
Training for the mountains has come a long way - even from when I started out in the early 90’s. Back then, the mantra was that actual climbing was the best training for climbing. While this is still true in a lot of ways - thinking has progressed - and a lot of that has to do with the emergence…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
A podcast about the lives of mountain climbers.
HOSTED BY
Pod Peak
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How many episodes does The Firn Line have?
The Firn Line currently has 98 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Firn Line about?
A podcast about the lives of mountain climbers.
How often does The Firn Line release new episodes?
The Firn Line has 98 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
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Who hosts The Firn Line?
The Firn Line is created and hosted by Pod Peak.
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