

235: David Roeske | The View from the Top Is Breathtaking
Aug 8, 2019
David Roeske, a plant-powered portfolio manager and accomplished mountaineer, shares his thrilling journey as the fourth person to summit Everest without supplemental oxygen. He reveals how climbers burn a staggering amount of calories daily and clarifies the roles of porters and sherpas. Roeske discusses the ethical dilemmas of high-altitude rescues and the psychological pressures faced on Everest. He reflects on balancing a finance career with extreme climbing and the moral complexities of decision-making in life-threatening situations.
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From Finance Guy to Mountaineer
- David Roeske, despite summiting Everest twice, wasn't always athletic.
- He made a commitment to fitness at 26, transforming his physique and leading him to mountaineering.
Appetite Suppression at Altitude
- At high altitudes, the body enters survival mode, prioritizing muscle and fat consumption over food digestion.
- This, coupled with high calorie expenditure, leads to significant weight loss.
Vegetarianism on Everest
- Roeske's vegetarianism presented dietary challenges during expeditions, limiting his food options.
- However, it possibly protected him from food poisoning due to questionable hygiene practices.