the Sharp End Podcast

In this month’s episode, I talk with Kelsey as she shares her intense experience climbing the Grand Teton in August of 2026. We discuss the lessons learned about altitude illness, honesty in team settings, and the importance of preparation and self-awareness in high-altitude mountaineering. Make sure to sign up for the Rocky Talkie giveaway at thesharpendpodcast.com from Oct 1-14. Drawing will be on October 15th. This podcast is produced by Ashley Saupe. This episode is sponsored by Rocky Talkie, the American Alpine Institute and AutoSock. → 10% off physician designed emergency kits at OZIO with code SHARPEND10 → 10% off all open enrollment Desert Mountain Medicine courses with code SHARPEND10 → 60% off onX Backcountry Premium or Elite - SHARPEND60 → 10% off Rocky Talkie radios at RockyTalkie.com/SharpEnd → 15% online Responder Alliance trainings, including the Responder HUB - SHARPEND → 15% off SWOOP. garments - SHARPEND → Use code SHARPEND to waive the activation fee on ZOLEO → Global Rescue Insurance: https://partner.globalrescue.com/thesharpendpodcast/index.html → 20% off American Alpine Club membership with code sharpend26

In this episode, James and George share a gripping rescue story from Thailand, highlighting the importance of teamwork, planning, and first aid skills in emergency situations. Discover how their climbing experience and quick thinking saved a BASE Jumper’s life in a challenging environment. This podcast is produced by Ashley Saupe. This episode is sponsored by Rocky Talkie, the American Alpine Institute and onX Backcountry. → 10% off physician designed emergency kits at OZIO with code SHARPEND10 → 14% off all open enrollment Desert Mountain Medicine courses that start between now and November 1st with code SHARPEND14 → 60% off onX Backcountry Premium or Elite - SHARPEND60 → 10% off Rocky Talkie radios at RockyTalkie.com/SharpEnd → 15% online Responder Alliance trainings, including the Responder HUB - SHARPEND → 15% off SWOOP. garments - SHARPEND → 10% off any wilderness med course with Desert Mountain Medicine - SHARPEND → Use code SHARPEND to waive the activation fee on ZOLEO → Global Rescue Insurance: https://partner.globalrescue.com/thesharpendpodcast/index.html → 20% off American Alpine Club membership with code sharpend26

Ep 127 - Trapped by Wilderness Fires - Juliet and Amy Tune into this episode to hear Juliet Evans and Amy Lu recount their harrowing experience in the North Cascades, navigating a wildfire threat during a backpacking trip. Learn about their decision-making, resourcefulness, and the importance of communication in outdoor safety. This podcast is produced by Ashley Saupe. This episode is sponsored by Rocky Talkie and onX Backcountry. → 70% off onX Backcountry Premium or Elite - SHARPEND70 → 10% off Rocky Talkie radios at RockyTalkie.com/SharpEnd → 15% online Responder Alliance trainings, including the Responder HUB - SHARPEND → 15% off SWOOP. garments - SHARPEND → 10% off any wilderness med course with Desert Mountain Medicine - SHARPEND → Use code SHARPEND to waive the activation fee on ZOLEO → Global Rescue Insurance: https://partner.globalrescue.com/thesharpendpodcast/index.html → 20% off American Alpine Club membership with code sharpend26

Zach Watson, a Squamish technologist and passionate climber, recounts a serious mountain rescue in the Bugaboos. He describes the climb, a rockfall injury, the improvised first aid and SOS call, and the coordinated helicopter and medic evacuation. Conversations cover weather, route choices, rescue logistics, surgeries, and the long emotional and physical recovery that followed.

Ep 125 - The Way Out: A True Story of Survival in the Heart of the Rockies - Devon O'Neil In January 2017, three families set out on a backcountry ski trip to Uncle Bud's Cabin in the heart of the Rockies outside of Salida, Colorado. What was meant to be a fun getaway turned into a desperate search when two members of the party didn’t return from a quick ski run. In this episode, we'll dive into the remarkable story told in Devon O'Neil's book, "The Way Out," revealing not only the thrilling events but also the profound effects on the families and community involved. O'Neil, a seasoned journalist, captures the essence of resilience and courage that emerged in the face of tragedy. We explore what happened, the lessons learned, and why this story resonates deeply with outdoor enthusiasts and communities alike. Check out this bonus article written by Devon O’Neil about his own personal avalanche experience – https://www.outsideonline.com/outdoor-adventure/exploration-survival/avalanche-trigger-mt-baldy/ This podcast is produced by Ashley Saupe and sponsored by Rocky Talkie and onX Backcountry. → 70% off onX Backcountry Premium or Elite - SHARPEND70 → 10% off Rocky Talkie radios at RockyTalkie.com/SharpEnd → 15% online Responder Alliance trainings, including the Responder HUB - SHARPEND → 10% off Wallpoppe - SHARPEND → 15% off SWOOP. garments - SHARPEND → 10% off any wilderness med course with Desert Mountain Medicine - SHARPEND → Use code SHARPEND to waive the activation fee on ZOLEO → Global Rescue Insurance: https://partner.globalrescue.com/thesharpendpodcast/index.html → 20% off American Alpine Club membership with code sharpend26

Ep 124 - Climbing Liberty Ridge: Lessons Learned from a Challenging Ascent - Andy & Eric Discover the insights from climbing Liberty Ridge on Mount Rainier, including key lessons, mistakes to avoid, and the importance of weather awareness for climbers. In June of 2016, climbers Andy Schriner and Eric Miller embarked on a challenging ascent of Liberty Ridge on Mount Rainier. With a mix of excitement and trepidation, they navigated weather challenges, physical demands, and important decision-making that would ultimately shape their experience. Andy and Eric share the lessons learned from their journey, the challenges they faced, and what every climber should consider before tackling this impressive route. This podcast is produced by Ashley Saupe and sponsored by Rocky Talkie and the American Alpine Institute. → 25% off Mountain Sense PRO Rescue Kits & Rescue Tarps - code SHARPEND25 (exp. 6/1) → 10% off Rocky Talkie radios at RockyTalkie.com/SharpEnd → 15% online Responder Alliance trainings, including the Responder HUB - code SHARPEND → 30% off onX Backcountry Premium or Elite, valid through 12/31/26 - code SHARPEND → 10% off Wallpoppe - code SHARPEND → 15% off SWOOP. garments - code SHARPEND → 10% off any wilderness med course with Desert Mountain Medicine - code SHARPEND → Use code SHARPEND to waive the activation fee on ZOLEO → Global Rescue Insurance: https://partner.globalrescue.com/thesharpendpodcast/index.html → 20% off American Alpine Club membership with code SHARPEND26

Mark Smiley, IFMGA mountain guide and founder of Mountain Sense, shares hard-earned wilderness safety know-how. He showcases clever rescue gear like Tyvek tarps and Dyneema slings. Short stories and practical kit tweaks illustrate field repairs, bleeding control, and lightweight medical storage. Learn how to size gear to conditions and become the reliable partner everyone wants on the trail.

In this episode of The Sharp End Podcast, Garrett Vinoski shares his harrowing experience of a near miss during a backcountry skiing trip in Moonlight Basin on December 5th in 2023. He discusses the factors leading up to the incident, including decision-making processes, avalanche conditions, and the importance of communication and risk management in the backcountry. Garrett reflects on the emotional aftermath of the avalanche, the lessons learned, and the changes he and his wife have made to their approach to backcountry skiing to enhance safety and awareness. This podcast is produced by Ashley Saupe. This podcast is sponsored by Rocky Talkie and American Alpine Institute. → 10% off Rocky Talkie radios at RockyTalkie.com/SharpEnd → 30% off onX Backcountry Premium or Elite, valid through December 31, 2026 using code SHARPEND → 10% off Wallpoppe orders with code SHARPEND → 15% off SWOOP. garments with code SHARPEND → 10% off any wilderness med course with Desert Mountain Medicine using code SHARPEND → Use code SHARPEND to waive the activation fee on ZOLEO → Global Rescue Insurance: https://partner.globalrescue.com/thesharpendpodcast/index.html → 20% off First Aid contents at MyMedic.com with code SHARPEND20 → 20% off American Alpine Club membership with code sharpend20

Doug Laher, executive director of Trek for Trevor and CEO at the Arizona Medical Association, shares his son Trevor's story and the foundation's mission. He discusses weight-versus-safety tradeoffs, decision-making in rapidly changing mountain conditions, the Trevor Spikes traction program, and grief turned into advocacy for hiker education and gear access.

In this episode of The Sharp End Podcast, host Ashley speaks with Rob and Mark about their harrowing experience during an avalanche incident while skiing in the Selkirks of Canada. They discuss the events leading up to the avalanche, the survival tactics employed, and the emotional and mental challenges faced during and after the incident. The conversation emphasizes the importance of safety, decision-making, and the lessons learned from their experience, highlighting how even experienced skiers can find themselves in dangerous situations. This podcast is produced by Ashley Saupe. This podcast is sponsored by Wallpoppe. Sign-Up for the Wallpoppe giveaway at thesharpendpodcast.com between 1/15 and 1/31. The WINNER will receive a 20x30” dyed picture from their own camera roll + a frame + free shipping. One entry per person. → 10% off Wallpoppe orders with code SHARPEND → 10% off Rocky Talkie radios at RockyTalkie.com/SharpEnd → 30% off onX Backcountry Premium or Elite, valid through December 31, 2026 using code SHARPEND → 15% off SWOOP. garments with code SHARPEND → 10% off any wilderness med course with Desert Mountain Medicine using code SHARPEND → Use code SHARPEND to waive the activation fee on ZOLEO → Global Rescue Insurance: https://partner.globalrescue.com/thesharpendpodcast/index.html → 20% off First Aid contents at MyMedic.com with code SHARPEND20 → 20% off American Alpine Club membership with code sharpend20