In this episode, Hazel talks to former pro-climber Mason Earle about his journey with ME/CFS. Mason was living a life full of adventure before almost everything was taken away from him by a debilitating illness that he still doesn't fully understand. Mason is extremely smart and insightful and his story and perspective is a stark reminder that we shouldn't take what we have for granted.
02.26 | Reminiscing on climbing
03:36 | How his illness has made him a better person
04:15 | What is ME/CFS where he is right now with his illness?
6:52 | Cranial traction improving his symptoms
12:00 - 16:00 | How it started and how the nightmare unravelled
16:21 How does Mason endure so much suffering, how does he keep fighting
18:52 | Was the fear that this was ‘forever’ always there?
How does he weigh the consequences of his actions having this health condition
21:00 | Does his climbing experience help him manage the consequences in his illness?
24:00 | Where he gets his feel-good chemicals from these days
25:50 | What is his view on gratitude?
31:27 | How does his illness affect his sense of identity
How does he deal with his health condition
36:14 | How much responsibility can he take over getting better?
42:50 | Is he still climbing?
44:41 | How does he maintain his personal relationships?
48:00 | Toxic positivity
49:30 | Mental health and its importance for everyone
54:03 | What has he learned in the past four years?
