Strap Yer Boots

At the end of a quiet valley in central Norway, a river disappears into the earth.Beneath the surface lies Plura — a vast, icy cave system of breathtaking beauty and deadly depth. In 2014, two experienced cave divers lost their lives more than 100 metres below the surface. Authorities deemed the conditions too dangerous for recovery. The cave was sealed. The story, they said, was over.But for four friends, it wasn’t.Over seven weeks, against official advice and in near-freezing darkness, they planned and executed one of the most dangerous recovery dives ever attempted. This episode tells the story of the Plura cave — the risks of cave diving, the fine line between courage and obsession, and the powerful human need to bring loved ones home.This is a story about friendship, grief, and the places we go when we refuse to leave someone behind.Instagram @strapyerbootsWebsite strapyerboots.comContact [email protected]

This week on Strap Yer Boots, we sit down with University of Limerick lecturer and adventurer Andy Nolan — a man who insists he’s “not a mountaineer,” yet somehow finds himself standing on the edge of completing the Seven Summits Challenge. With six peaks already behind him, Andy is now gearing up for the big one: Mount Everest, spring 2026.Andy takes us on a climb-by-climb journey through the Seven Summits so far, sharing the stories, scares, and unexpected moments that shaped each ascent. From the isolation of Antarctica to the grind of Denali, Andy opens up about the physical and mental demands behind every peak.A devastating setback — a broken leg and ankle after Denali — taught him his most powerful lesson: resilience. Andy reflects on rebuilding his body, rethinking his mindset, and rediscovering his drive to finish what he started.But what makes Andy’s story truly extraordinary is his purpose. Every peak he has climbed has been in aid of charity, raising over €100,000 so far. For his Everest finale, he’s partnering with the Children’s Grief Centre, using his climb to bring support and visibility to those who need it most.We explore the heart behind the mission, the reality behind the climbs, and the humble mindset of a man who says he’s “just ordinary” — while proving, once again, that ordinary people can do extraordinary things.Instagram @strapyerbootsWebsite strapyerboots.comContact [email protected]

Bundle up and brace yourself—we’re heading out for winter hikes in Ireland, where the landscapes are stunning and the weather is… character-building. We swap stories about slippery trails, essential gear we inevitably forget, and the joy of pretending we’re “totally fine” in sideways hail.And of course, we can’t talk Irish winter without mentioning the Cailleach—the legendary winter hag who sculpts mountains, stirs up storms, and seems personally invested in ruining our perfectly planned hikes. We explore her myths, her mischief, and why she’s the perfect scapegoat for every sudden downpour.A breezy mix of trail tips, folklore fun, and laughs—ideal for anyone who loves Ireland, hiking, or blaming mythical beings for bad weather.Instagram @strapyerbootsWebsite strapyerboots.comContact [email protected]

On a remote peninsula in northern Greece lies one of the most mysterious places in Europe — Mount Athos, a self-governed monastic state where time, tradition, and devotion rule above all else. But there’s one thing that sets this mountain apart from every other pilgrimage site on Earth: for over a thousand years, women have been completely forbidden from entering.In this episode, we dive into the history, the legends, and the living traditions of the Holy Mountain. From its Byzantine roots to its 20 monasteries carved into rugged cliffs, we explore why Athos has remained sealed off from half the world’s population — and what life is really like for the monks who call it home.You’ll hear: – How Mount Athos became a monastic republic – Why women — and even most female animals — are banned – What daily life looks like inside this isolated spiritual world – The controversy and curiosity that surround the mountain todayWhether you’re drawn by the history, the mystery, or just the sheer strangeness of a place frozen in time, this episode takes you as close as you can get — without crossing the border yourself.Instagram @strapyerbootsWebsite strapyerboots.comContact [email protected]

In 2020 Jacob Velarde set out on an adventurous hike to Indian Maiden Falls—an isolated canyon trail known for its narrow ledges and sweeping views. But a single slip turned his journey into a battle for survival. In this gripping episode, we follow Jacob’s trek, his unexpected fall into the canyon, and the determination that kept him fighting through the harsh terrain. A story of wilderness, courage, and the moment everything changed. Instagram @strapyerbootsWebsite strapyerboots.comContact [email protected]