Uphill Athlete Podcast

Alyssa Leib, a registered dietitian and nutrition expert, joins the conversation to unravel the complexities of the supplement industry. She reveals the unregulated nature of the market, emphasizing the necessity of third-party testing like NSF or Informed Sport certifications. Alyssa tackles crucial questions about supplements' efficacy, safety, and cost. She recommends whey protein isolate and creatine monohydrate while cautioning against collagen's uncertain benefits for joint health. Plus, she warns athletes about potential supplement-drug interactions.

Join legendary climber and entrepreneur Randy Leavitt as he shares his journey from developing iconic routes like Jumbo Love to building a real estate business that supports his climbing passion. He discusses the importance of vision, patience, and risk management, drawing parallels between crafting climbing routes and real estate projects. Leavitt emphasizes lifelong learning, reflecting on his near-death surfing experience and the grind of balancing business ambitions with his love for the mountains. His insights are a celebration of dedication, craftsmanship, and the legacy we leave behind.

Host Steve House sits down with dietitian Alyssa Leib to tackle the big question: do endurance athletes really need supplements? Alyssa breaks down which options can actually make a difference, like protein powder and creatine, and which ones deserve more caution, including bicarbonate, greens powders, and caffeine. She explains why lab testing is essential before adding vitamins or minerals and shares tips on choosing safe, third-party tested products. Alyssa emphasizes “food first” as the priority, and then how supplements can help fill gaps when training, traveling, or on expeditions. The conversation wraps up with a look at future trends like ketones and a reminder to approach all supplement claims with a healthy dose of skepticism.Special Offer to Listeners: Receive free four week samples of our most popular training plans, visit uphillathlete.com/letsgoWrite to us at coach@uphillathlete.com

In this episode, Alyssa sits down with Uphill Athlete Coach Ben Morley to discuss the ins and outs of skiing. Ben shares insights from his career coaching athletes from juniors to collegiate skiers and discusses ways to build durability, athleticism, and efficiency through ski training that translates into other mountain sports. The conversation explores the crossover between Nordic skiing, skimo, backcountry skiing, and trail running, highlighting the importance of technique, body position, and strength. Ben also breaks down preseason training, from aerobic base-building to ski-specific exercises like ski walking, bounding, and plyometrics. Above all, he reminds listeners that skiing is about joy, play, and the lifelong fitness it fosters.If you'd like to check out our special offer for podcast listeners visit: uphillathlete.com/letsgoYou can also write to us at coach@uphillathlete.com

In this episode, host Steve sits down with Greg Penner, chairman of Walmart and CEO of the Denver Broncos, to explore the intersections of adventure, leadership, and risk. Greg recounts his 2018 Everest expedition, where his team faced oxygen regulator failures at 28,000 feet and had to make life or death decisions on the mountain. Drawing parallels between mountaineering and business, he reflects on decision making under pressure, finding the right partners, and learning when to push forward or when it is best to step back. The conversation dives into legacy, privilege, and giving back, from Walmart’s investments in its workforce to the Broncos’ community programs. Greg shares how the love of the process has shaped his approach to leadership and adventure.If you'd like to check out our special offer for podcast listeners visit: uphillathlete.com/letsgoYou can also write to us at coach@uphillathlete.com

In this episode of the Uphill Athlete Podcast, host Alyssa Clark talks with climber Laura Pineau, fresh off becoming the first woman, alongside Kate Kelleghan, to complete the Yosemite Triple Crown in under 24 hours. Laura shares the story behind her nickname “Mademoiselle Fissure” and how a passion for crack climbing transformed her career. She reflects on her path from deep water soloing in France to big walls in Yosemite, highlighting the mentors who shaped her journey. The conversation dives into her training, mindset, and the importance of nutrition, hydration, and strategy for long endurance climbs. Listeners will be inspired by Laura’s humility, love of learning, and insights on tackling seemingly impossible challenges.You can follow Laura's adventures on instagram @laurapineau If you'd like to check out our special offer for podcast listeners visit: uphillathlete.com/letsgoYou can also write to us at coach@uphillathlete.com

Dr. Jeff Hammond, a double-boarded foot and ankle specialist, joins host Alyssa Clark to talk about athlete foot health and injury prevention. They cover the pros and cons of shoe drop, custom orthotics, and how different footwear can impact performance and injury risk. Jeff shares practical advice on managing Achilles tendonitis, stress fractures, blisters, and trench foot while emphasizing prevention through smart training, socks, and foot care. The conversation also explores mental and physical challenges athletes face during tapering and long races, plus strategies for nutrition and gear testing. Join us to learn about all things foot care and injury prevention.You can learn more about Dr. Hammond at https://hammondfootandankle.com/If you'd like to check out our special offer for podcast listeners visit: uphillathlete.com/letsgoYou can also write to us at coach@uphillathlete.com

Join Melissa Arnot-Reid, a trailblazing mountain guide and six-time Everest summiter, as she unpacks her inspiring journey marked by resilience and self-discovery. She candidly shares how her tumultuous childhood shaped her ability to confront fear and discomfort. Melissa discusses redefining bravery in a male-dominated field, the power of agency in decision-making, and the nuances of motherhood. Through her story, she emphasizes the importance of vulnerability, personal growth, and the complex relationship between risk and resilience.

In this discussion, Everest expert Alan Arnette and coach Martin Zhor delve into the fascinating trends of the 2025 climbing season. They explore the impact of drones on safety and waste, while addressing the challenges of illness in climbers. With new technologies like xenon gas on the rise, they analyze the ethics and risks of rapid ascent aids. The duo emphasizes long-term preparation over mere summits and discusses shifting demographics influencing Everest expeditions. Predictions for 2026 touch on potential regulations and emerging trends in high-altitude climbing.

In this episode of the Uphill Athlete Podcast, host Alyssa Clark interviews ultra runner, podcaster and coach, Joe Corcione about his journey from addiction to endurance sports. Joe shares how running became his path to sobriety and self-belief, emphasizing the importance of learning and growth over results. They dive into identity, self-worth, and how chasing performance for external validation can backfire. Joe discusses the value of embracing failure as a tool for progress and highlights how process-oriented goals foster longevity in sport and life. The conversation is a powerful reminder that becoming someone you’re proud of matters more than any finish line.Learn more about Joe @joecorcione or @everydayultra.If you'd like to check out our special offer for podcast listeners visit: uphillathlete.com/letsgoYou can also write to us at coach@uphillathlete.com