This week, Kenton sits down to talk to Jay Whiting at Everest Base Camp. Jay is not a professional climber or a professional athlete - he is a full-time solicitor in London - yet when this episode was recorded, he was preparing to take on an enormous Himalayan challenge.
Jay talks to Kenton about his dreams of achieving the Everest Triple Crown this year - climbing Everest, Lhotse and Nuptse in one season. Only two people have ever done this to date - our host Kenton, and another professional mountaineer, Garrett Madison. Jay lives in Essex, which is not well-known for its mountainous terrain, and has spent hours and hours on a stair-master in training.
Listen now to find out how Jay got on and if you find his story inspiring, please consider donating to his chosen charity, LandAid.
Donation link: www.gofund.m/2db7fee9
What Jay's Reading: Wisdom of Insecurity by Adam Watts
What Jay's Listening To: David Goggins playlist, and Oasis
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50:10
Karl Egloff: The Speedy Mountaineer
In this special episode, Kenton interviews Karl Egloff at Everest Base Camp as they both prepare for their Everest expeditions.
Karl is an extreme mountaineer, mountain guide, runner and speed climber with a host of impressive Fastest Known Times (FKTs) to his name. Later this month, he is aiming to become the fastest person to move from Basecamp to the Summit and back to Basecamp with no oxygen. Not something for the faint-hearted!
There is no doubt that Karl has the experience to do this - he talks Kenton through a potted history with great energy and enthusiasm, which includes him mentioning in passing that he summited Kilimanjaro six times in one week! Tune in now to be entertained and inspired...
Karl's book choice: Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer
Karl's music choice: "Soft" Latino music
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36:51
Hem Rana: From Park Run to Ultra
If you like running, this week's episode is for you! Kenton sits down to talk to Hem Rana, a remarkable man who 'got the running bug' after going along to a park run six years ago and has since completed multiple ultras.
Hem talks to Kenton about his childhood in Nepal and his application to join the Gurkhas. He remains a serving Gurkha today and has lived in the UK for 27 years working for a variety of Gurkha regiments attached to the British Army.
Hem used to run only because he had to, for fitness tests and PT sessions, but in 2019 he tried his local park run (5km) and loved it. Out of curiosity, he gradually built up his distances, moved from road to trail, and developed his confidence. He tells Kenton that he has completed several 100 milers, the Winter Spine race (twice!), UTMB and the Bob Graham Round, to name a few.
Hem truly believes that everyone is capable of doing what he has done. If you're looking for a bit of inspiration today, look no further!
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1:12:52
Mark Evans MBE: Seeking Solitude
Mark Evans has been leading expeditions for over 40 years and he speaks to Kenton from Oman, where he has lived for 25 years. He has very recently completed a 30 day expedition through the Empty Quarter, travelling by foot and by camel, following in the footsteps of Bertram Thomas who first made this journey in 1931.
Mark shares numerous stories with Kenton, almost as if they are sitting around the fire in the middle of the desert. They cover clothing, food, hospitality, traditions, geographical boundaries and locust swarms! Mark also talks about his work with young people in the outdoor environment - the why behind his MBE.
Tune in to be transported to the deserts of Arabia!
Mark’s website: www.exploringwithpurpose.uk
Most recent expedition: www.jewelofarabiaexpedition.com
Expedition podcasts: www.podfollow.com/the-jewel-of-arabia-expedition
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1:12:58
Belinda Kirk: Intentionally Wandering
Belinda Kirk is a researcher, campaigner, and author who is a huge advocate for adventure. When you tune into this episode, you will quickly realise that Belinda is a force of nature who is deeply passionate about what she does.
Belinda founded Explorers Connect, encouraging people to engage in life-changing outdoor challenges and she has written a book, Adventure Revolution which delves into why adventure is essential to our wellbeing.
Belinda talks to Kenton about her experience of adventure and what it has taught her including life-defining moments, turning fear into excitement, social prescribing, connecting with nature, and expanding comfort zones.
You will be planning your own adventure before the episode is over!
Recommended read: Atomic Habits and My Side of the Mountain
Recommended listen: Coldplay Live
Conversations had the right way. Welcome to 'Cool Conversations' hosted by Kenton Cool.
Kenton is one of the world’s leading high-altitude climbers, and a highly engaging and inspiring motivational speaker. He was the first person in history to complete the ‘Everest Triple Crown’, reaching the summit of Mount Everest, Nuptse and Lhotse in one continuous push from base camp and has stood on the roof of the world, Mount Everest, 18 times. In short, he's got lots of stories to tell, and it's on Cool Conversations where he shares them.
With regular guests from the world of sport and adventure featuring on the show, Kenton and his guests share their epic adventures, life lessons, experience and expertise to inspire you.
Ireland