How will we choose to spend this one wild and precious life? Rick Ridgeway has devoted his seven decades to adventuring Earth's widest seas and tallest peaks -- and working to protect the wildness that remains.
Rick's earliest adventures were oceanic – sailing and surfing – but he’s recognized amongst the world’s foremost mountineers.
In 1976 he joined the American Bicentennial Everest Expedition, and in 1978 he and three others made the first American ascent of K2 – the second highest peak on Earth—they were the first team to do it without oxygen; Rick made the first documented traverse of Borneo; the first crossing on foot of a corner of Tibet so remote no outsider had ever seen it – these amongst many other adventures far off the beaten path.
For 15 years, Rick was the Vice president of Environmental Affairs and then VP of Public Engagement at Patagonia. He is an accomplished filmmaker and the author of seven books, most recently the memoir Life Lived Wild.
Listen with us as Rick talks us through surviving an avalanche, the most important baseline to understand when it comes to tracking climate change, what he hopes to impart to his grandchildren, cultivating a forty year marriage, embracing the pain of loss directly, and recognising the summit as a false goal.
The arc of Rick's life’s work -- from stretching the possibilities of human physical capacity toward using adventure sports and expeditions for Earth care and repair -- is a constant inspiration for creatively harnessing our particular passions for greater good.
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Listen with Lauren L. Hill & Dave Rastovich
Sound Engineer: Ben Alexander
Soundtrack: Shannon Sol Carroll
Additional music: Ben Alexander
Join the conversation: @Waterpeoplepodcast
Waterpeoplepodcast.com
Photo Credit: Gordon Wiltsie
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Listen with Lauren L. Hill & Dave Rastovich
Sound + Video Engineer: Ben J Alexander
Theme song: Shannon Sol Carroll
Additional music by Kai Mcgilvray + Ben J Alexander
Join the conversation: @Waterpeoplepodcast
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