The 29029 Podcast

When you hear the name Zebley around the lodge at 29029, you probably assume someone is talking about Thomas Zebley.  He's a legend on these mountains, earning that coveted red hat six times.  But starting in 2020, there was a new Zebley on the scene.  One that had a front-row seat for years, but was now ready to blaze her own path.  Meet Jen!  Wife of Thomas Zebley and mother of their two beautiful daughters.  After completing the 29029 Virtual Idaho event in 2020, she went on to climb not once, but twice in 2021, earning two of her own red hats in the process!  Jen tells the story of two mountains.  One that went perfectly as planned and one that took her to a place where she had to reevaluate everything she knew about success.   Read more stories about Jen and Thomas here.  

We met Keichun in Snowbasin, Utah at 29029, but her mission of inspiration and inclusion started long before that first ascent. Keichun understands the impact of sharing our stories.  She knows there is value and inclusion that comes from seeing someone who looks like us and struggles like us blazing a path that we can follow.  Just think....Sharing your story might be the way that someone realizes there is a space and a place for them to dream Everest-sized goals.   Read more about Keichun and her 29029 story here.  

Meet Colin O’Brady, 29029 co-founder, 10-time world record holder, the first man to cross Antarctica, solo, unsupported and completely human-powered, part of the first team to row across the infamous Drake Passage, top speaker and New York Times bestselling author……let’s just say, Colin knows how to dream big. Listen to Colin's powerful stories as he shows you how to set and accomplish Everest-sized goals.  Get ready to ask yourself, "What's Your Everest?"  Click for more about 29029. Read Colin's book The Impossible First.    

After he returned from summiting Mt. Kilimanjaro, Jared King was looking for more. He wanted to know what was next. In a moment of serendipity, he learned about 29029 and was immediately drawn to the experience.  In this episode of the 29029 podcast Jared discusses his experience of the Utah virtual event in 2020 and his goals for the 'family reunion' that will go down at Snowbasin, Utah in 2021.  For lessons on dealing with mental blocks and challenges, this is a must listen episode.  "I sat down on a bench and started hysterically crying. It just came out of me. I was so emotional, and it was such a low moment. It brought up so many questions and feelings that had been suppressed and that I needed to work through. Am I good enough? Can I do this? Do I have what it takes? Am I strong enough? Am I enough as a person? These are questions that many of us have in our heads, but we’re never given the opportunity to express or deal with. 29029 is a microcosm for how you think about life and how you think about everything else you do. Dealing with those emotions allowed me to make progress in life and will be a moment I won’t forget."

Want a dose of positivity, motivation and community?  Today's special edition of the 29029 Podcast delivers that in spades.  We brought together our co-founders, Jesse Itzler, Colin O'Brady and Marc Holdulich and our 2021 participants to talk about taking the special journey that is 29029.  Thanks to Colleen Rue for hosting and guiding the conversation.  To learn more about 29029 and to join the community, check out 29029everesting.com. 

If you've been to 29029, you know. Colleen Rue is the "Voice of the Mountain." Her ability to connect with our participants, and provide them with the inspiration and motivation they need to do more than they thought possible.  In this episode of the 29029 podcast, Colleen describes her athletic background, which helps her 'know where people are at,' throughout their 29029 experience.  She describes what it was like to translate her skills to the 2020 virtual 29029 events and how those moments of struggle will support us create the feeling of a 'family reunion' on our mountains in 2021.  Learn more and create your own 29029 story at 29029everesting.com

Dave Hollis and his wife Rachel Hollis, came to 29029 Utah, with little to no concept of what they were in for. What transpired in the 48 hours to follow proved to be the most transformative experience of Dave's life. It allowed him to reframe what he deemed possible, and he has used the skills and belief he developed on the mountain to face his latest challenge, divorce.  In today's episode you'll hear Dave articulately describe how his 29029 experience set him on a physical and mental journey of discovery in 2020, that he admits may not have been navigated as successfully, if not for his time at Snowbasin in the Summer of 2019.  Read Dave's story here To create your own 29029 story visit 29029everesting.com to sign up for a 2021 event today. 

Chuck Wade is an important part of the 29029 community and he has an impactful tale to tell.  In April 2018, Chuck was in a place that will be familiar for many. He seemingly had it all, a great job, supportive partner and great family life. Yet -- there was something missing.  A disconnection from himself. A battle with depression and anxiety led him to 29029 and a chance to do something for himself. To set a goal and do more than he ever thought possible.  The whole experience has translated into more confidence and a renewed sense of self. He's a better husband, father and businessman as a result of his 29029 journey.  Catch this inspiring and authentic tale from the mountain and read more about Chuck's story here.  If you're a fan of 29029, you'll want to check out the latest exclusive and limited edition 29029 apparel here.  Tickets for our 2021 events go on sale on January 27 - save the date! 

We've all experienced 2020.  We know that it's been a tough year. Yet, we have come together in many different instances, in many different moments as a community.  And we have much to look forward to in 2021.   This episode of the 29029 podcast, the 29029 team shares their top moments from this year.  Read more about the top moments here. 

In September 2012, Leigh Sojonky was in the best shape of her life.  She had just completed Ironman Canada as a celebration of spending the previous 20 years as a shadow of her former 250-pound self.  Then it happened. While waiting in traffic, the car behind rammed into her at full force. The accident resulted in all of her neck muscles tearing, a serious head injury and crippling back pain. She went from peak physical fitness to not making it past noon without having to lie down. She spent the next 6 years of her life, unable to move her body the way she wanted to. That was until she learned about 29029. There was something intriguing about the event, that set her on a path of redemption and revelations about what was possible.  One step at a time, she worked towards finding her inner-endurance athlete.  Her incredible journey is a tale of perseverance, and never ever giving up on what is possible.