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The Sharp End Podcast The Sharp End Podcast is a safe, judgment free space to share near misses and accidents. Let's learn!
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We all need to shift our way of thinking about accidents and intentionally create a culture that allows people to share their stories, judgment, shame, and guilt-free. It’s easy to be an armchair expert, but it’s not that easy to listen and learn. By doing that, we can all grow into a much stronger outdoor community by learning from each other and supporting one another along the way.

I used to climb a lot but since my second knee surgery three years ago, I haven’t climbed because my body hasn’t been st...
10/09/2024

I used to climb a lot but since my second knee surgery three years ago, I haven’t climbed because my body hasn’t been strong enough. I’ve also been dealing with a lot of strange autoimmune stuff along with bad allergies lately.

At the end of May, I had my third knee surgery that really improved my mental health! The doctor went in to fix the torn meniscus and he saw that I had all this extra bone growing below my knee cap that wasn’t allowing my leg to fully extend! He scraped that out and after my surgery, I am able to stand up tall, flex my quad and move the way I had three years ago! I am so much happier!

Dealing with an ongoing injury has been super hard for my mental health. I’ve always thought of myself as an outdoors person but for the last three years, I’ve been unable to do “my normal.” I had to reshape who I am because I couldn’t climb anymore and that was super difficult to accept and move through. Now, I am happier, healthier and getting stronger every single day.

You can learn more about me and my show:
Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GkKUHetvUqU

Here are photos of a recent camping trip to the Wrangells - Jay, Quiches, and I had a great time! ☺️

At 20,310 feet, Alaska’s Denali is one of the famed Seven Summits. It presents a tremendous mountaineering challenge. It...
09/09/2024

At 20,310 feet, Alaska’s Denali is one of the famed Seven Summits. It presents a tremendous mountaineering challenge. It is cold, high, and physically demanding, but is also a stunning mountain located within a range of beautiful peaks. It’s one of those mountains that you look at and say, “I have to climb that.”

The American Alpine Institute has been running programs on Denali since 1980. They have an exceptional reputation for both summit success and mountain safety. Learn more about an expedition to the tallest mountain in North America at alpineinstitute.com.

Photo credit: AAI/Kevin McGarity

HELMET GIVEAWAY: Brandon feels so passionately about people wearing helmets, that he wants to purchase TWO helmets for t...
02/09/2024

HELMET GIVEAWAY:

Brandon feels so passionately about people wearing helmets, that he wants to purchase TWO helmets for two people that would be unable to purchase their own helmet due to financial reasons.

He was wearing a Black Diamond Capitan helmet when he had his unplanned encounter with gravity (and that’s what very likely saved his life) so that’s the helmet he wants to purchase to give away.

In order to be considered for this helmet sponsorship, head over to thesharpendpodcast.com and sign up on the homepage. Remember, this is exclusive to people who do not already have a helmet due to financial reasons. Giveaway will be on September 30th.

Good luck!

Episode 104 is out now! Listen wherever you get your podcast fix 👉 The first week of March of this year, Brandon took hi...
01/09/2024

Episode 104 is out now! Listen wherever you get your podcast fix 👉

The first week of March of this year, Brandon took his wife and a visiting climber from Hungry to the Atlantis climbing area in Queen Creek Canyon near Phoenix, AZ. They were warming up on some easy routes and were all thoroughly enjoying the day. On Brandon’s second lead of the day climbing an easy 5.8, things were going fine until they weren’t.

From what Brandon later heard from his belayer, wife, and a bystander who witnessed the event, he was approximately 7-8 ft above his last bolt (the second bolt in the climb) and at clipping level to the next one, when a flake of rock he was using as a toehold sheared off quite suddenly. The flake fell and hit his belayer's hand, who had the presence of mind not to lose the rope. Brandon fell, hit a ledge with his shoulder and then head and then hit the ground 20 feet below.

Listen: https://soundcloud.com/the_sharp_end/ep-104-i-believe-in-helmets-brandon-cox/s-scnqCpiIQqU?si=d1762ac1168043eda71b34f94b5d9c1c&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

Photo cred: Brandon Cox

Testimonials like these mean everything 🙏 Thank you so much, Catherine! I very much appreciate your kind words, and I’m ...
01/09/2024

Testimonials like these mean everything 🙏 Thank you so much, Catherine! I very much appreciate your kind words, and I’m honored that the podcast could be a part of your healing journey.

“A friend referred me to your podcast after I opened up about a terrifying near miss. Your episode on stress injuries was monumental. Listening to the podcast has helped me heal, and learn to forgive myself. I love listening to you and your compassion and empathy is profound. Thank you for making such a tremendous difference.” - Catherine

WOW WOW WOW!!I found the BEST pants ever!! These women’s Ecotrek Trail pants are officially my go-to bottoms! I wore the...
26/08/2024

WOW WOW WOW!!
I found the BEST pants ever!! These women’s Ecotrek Trail pants are officially my go-to bottoms! I wore them “extreme blueberry picking” today and they were ALL I could EVER ask for in pants!

Wicking water, super quick drying, insanely comfortable, the perfect length, the perfect fit (especially around my big thighs and b***y and they still stayed tight around my waist!) and a super cute color.

My friend was wearing a pair of BD pants that I have as well and she was soaked most of the day. Meanwhile, I was dry!

Get yourself a pair of these pants!!

Shop LIVSN with code TSE10 and get 10% off for being a loyal listener.



Each month, my show is brought to you through the support of Rocky Talkie! If you have listened to my show, you know tha...
26/08/2024

Each month, my show is brought to you through the support of Rocky Talkie! If you have listened to my show, you know that I love my mountain radios. They’re FRS radios designed for climbing with incredible battery life. The Rocky Talkie team also launched a GMRS radio, the 5 Watt Radio, which is designed for water sports and activities where additional range is needed. It’s fully waterproof, has a larger battery, and is just as easy to use as the mountain radio.

My partner field tested this radio last summer on multiple Alaskan whitewater kayaking expeditions that were only accessible via his Super Cub. He loved them!

Curious about which radio is best for your combination of outdoor adventures? Head over to RockyTalkie.com to learn more! And don’t forget - listeners get 10% off mountain radios by visiting RockyTalkie.com/sharpend (link in IG bio too!)

Photo cred:

We have talked about helmets many times on this show and Sean’s accident truly highlights how one piece of safety gear c...
19/08/2024

We have talked about helmets many times on this show and Sean’s accident truly highlights how one piece of safety gear can drastically change certain outcomes. Sean’s medical team told him, “If you were not wearing a helmet, you would have been killed immediately as soon as the rock hit your head.” It is so important to be prepared and properly equipped.

✅ What is your go-to helmet brand when adventuring? I’d love to share recommendations with our community!



Photo Credit: Sean Oldfield

There is still time to sign up for Wilderness First Aid, hosted by show guest Ryan and Climb Monadnock Gym. Classes take...
15/08/2024

There is still time to sign up for Wilderness First Aid, hosted by show guest Ryan and Climb Monadnock Gym. Classes take place on October 5th, 9am - 5pm and October 6th, 8am - 5pm.

WFA is the perfect course for any outdoor enthusiast or trip leader who wants a basic level of first aid training for short trips. Even learning a few basic skills could make the difference between a good outcome and a bad outcome. Are you prepared?

Participants who successfully complete the course will receive a SOLO WFA certification, good for two years.

✅ Plus, if you use code SharpEnd25, you’ll receive $25 off the WFA course. This code is valid through the end of August so make sure to sign up soon if you are interested in participating!

To learn more, visit https://www.climb-monadnock.com/wilderness or click the link in my bio! 🎉

Were you a guest on my show? 👉 I would love to hear what you have been up to since our interview. If you are willing to ...
12/08/2024

Were you a guest on my show? 👉 I would love to hear what you have been up to since our interview. If you are willing to share with the Sharp End community, please email [email protected] with any adventures, life events, or general follow-up. I look forward to catching up with you soon!

 has been running high altitude glacier mountaineering programs on iconic Ecuadorian peaks like Cayambe, Cotopaxi, Chimb...
08/08/2024

has been running high altitude glacier mountaineering programs on iconic Ecuadorian peaks like Cayambe, Cotopaxi, Chimborazo, and Antisana since the late 1980s. These volcanoes ranging in altitude from 19,000 to 21,000 feet provide an excellent venue for beginning and intermediate climbers alike. To find out more about entry level high altitude climbing in the beautiful country of Ecuador, visit the link in my bio or alpineinstitute.com.

Photos: Cotopaxi, Antisana, and Cayambe
Photo credit: AAI

Episode 103: Rock Strike on Mt. ShastaSean Oldfield was climbing Mount Shasta this year in May when he was violently str...
01/08/2024

Episode 103: Rock Strike on Mt. Shasta

Sean Oldfield was climbing Mount Shasta this year in May when he was violently struck in the back of the head by a falling rock on his descent. Despite wearing a helmet (which saved his life), Sean ended up getting flown off the mountain in a helicopter to the hospital, where he received multiple staples in his head, a fractured skull, and a concussion. Tune in to hear the details and what he learned.
This podcast is produced by Ashley Saupe. This podcast is sponsored by Rocky Talkie, the American Alpine Institute and LIVSN.

All discounts can also be found by clicking the link in IG bio!

→ Use code “SharpEnd25” to save $25 on the fall WFA course October 5-6 2024 at the Monadnock Climbing Gym. Register at https://www.climb-monadnock.com/
→ 10% off LIVSN clothes with code TSE10 (limited to 30 uses)
→ 10% off Rocky Talkie radios at RockyTalkie.com/SharpEnd
→ 15% off Swoop garments with code SHARPEND
→ 20% off First Aid contents at MyMedic.com with code SHARPEND20

Instagram: the_sharp_end_podcast
YouTube:
Become a Patreon: patreon.com/thesharpendpodcast
Visit my website: www.thesharpendpodcast.com

One of the takeaways from Episode 102 was: If you plan to adventure in hot terrains, make sure to acclimate yourself and...
25/07/2024

One of the takeaways from Episode 102 was: If you plan to adventure in hot terrains, make sure to acclimate yourself and train in the heat first. Kirk and Fred were making sure to hydrate and take rest breaks but it ultimately wasn’t enough to prevent heat stroke. What are some techniques you use to acclimate to different temperatures? Do you have an tips or tricks to share with our community?
photo credit: Kirk

Giveaway alert! A Win For You + A Win For Your Community 🎉 To celebrate  2024 Search & Rescue Awards, they’re hosting a ...
22/07/2024

Giveaway alert! A Win For You + A Win For Your Community 🎉 To celebrate 2024 Search & Rescue Awards, they’re hosting a backcountry safety giveaway and will be awarding two additional grants to volunteer SAR teams.

Enter to win $5,000 in funding for your local volunteer SAR team PLUS a safety prize pack valued at over $2,000 for yourself! Two winners will each receive:

💰 $5,000 donated to your local volunteer SAR team from Rocky Talkie

🎙️ Set of radios & handmics, winners’ choice of Mountain Radios or 5 Watt Radios from - $490 value

🧗🏼 1-year Leader Membership from the - $250 value

⛑️ Wilderness First Responder Course (WFR) from - $825 value

🗺️ Elite Membership from - $100 value

🩹 First Aid Pack from - $440 value

Head to rockytalkie.com/sar-award (link in my IG bio as well) to enter! The giveaway will run from July 16th - August 2nd at 11:59pm MST. Open to US and Canada only. Must be 18+ to enter. Winners will be announced on August 8th, 2024. Good luck! 🎉

One of the best free ways to support my podcast is to rate, review, and subscribe on your preferred listening platform. ...
22/07/2024

One of the best free ways to support my podcast is to rate, review, and subscribe on your preferred listening platform. 👉 It really does make a difference! New ratings and reviews help my show be discovered by new listeners and rank higher within platforms. And if you’ve already submitted a rating, ask a friend! Every single one helps. Thank you all! 🎉

 and  just launched their 5th Annual Search and Rescue Award! 🎉 This year, Rocky Talkie awarded 6 volunteer underfunded ...
16/07/2024

and just launched their 5th Annual Search and Rescue Award! 🎉 This year, Rocky Talkie awarded 6 volunteer underfunded SAR teams a total of $75,000 from their pledge to donate $2 from every radio purchased to underfunded teams across the country.

⛑️ Featured Rescue of the Year: Black Canyon of the Gunnison SAR

🎥 Head to rockytalkie.com/sar-award (link in IG bio) to watch the full rescue film about the Featured Rescue by renowned filmmaker

🏆 Rocky Talkie’s 2024 Search and Rescue Giveaway is live! Enter to win $5,000 in funding for your local SAR team + a safety prize pack for yourself! Check out the details at rockytalkie.com/sar-award (link in IG bio as well!)

I LOVE the Mini Series and your lessons shared are so valuable for listeners. If you have a story to share, email me at ...
13/07/2024

I LOVE the Mini Series and your lessons shared are so valuable for listeners. If you have a story to share, email me at [email protected] or DM on social. Recordings should be at least 3 minutes in length and any photos you’d like to share would be great as well. Thank you all! 🎉

✅ Watertight Welded Seams✅ Interior Pocket✅ Folds for Storage✅ Waterproof Fabric✅ Designed to haul bulky, wet gear ✅ Mad...
10/07/2024

✅ Watertight Welded Seams
✅ Interior Pocket
✅ Folds for Storage
✅ Waterproof Fabric
✅ Designed to haul bulky, wet gear
✅ Made in WA by eqpd gear

The Sharp End GearBucket combines the usefulness of a tote bag with the functionality of a plastic storage bin. Plus the bag’s design is a map print of my favorite part of the Chugach Range in Alaska, The Front Range.

Each bag is $75 and 20% is donated back to support my show! Shop now at: https://eqpdgear.com/collections/support-sharp-end-podcast

Thank YOU for your support! ☺️

As we heard in Episode 102, heat stroke can have serious consequences and knowing the signs could save someone’s life. L...
05/07/2024

As we heard in Episode 102, heat stroke can have serious consequences and knowing the signs could save someone’s life. Last year, I partnered with to discuss signs of Heat Exhaustion vs Heat Stroke and I highly recommend checking it out again! The video covers how heat illnesses occur, how to treat both conditions, and prevent heat illness in the backcountry. It’s important to note that heat stroke cannot be treated in the field and requires emergency evacuation.

Watch the full video by clicking the link in my IG bio or https://youtu.be/oNsJ0IQjaNg?si=cow-KP9lJ-EIto09

I received this awesome message today! •How do you support the show? Why do you support the show? What do you like about...
03/07/2024

I received this awesome message today!

How do you support the show? Why do you support the show? What do you like about the podcast? What have you learned from it?

Leave your comments and feedback below!

Episode 102: Heat Stroke On The R2R2RKirk and Fred have been friends for a long time. They have done adventure races tog...
01/07/2024

Episode 102: Heat Stroke On The R2R2R

Kirk and Fred have been friends for a long time. They have done adventure races together in the past and know where their limits lie. During this adventure, Fred nearly lost his life to heat stroke when they were doing the R2R2R in the Grand Canyon. Kirk and Fred talk openly about what led up to the incident and how they managed it during and after. Tune in to hear more.

This podcast is produced by Ashley Saupe. This podcast is sponsored by Rocky Talkie.

→ Use code “SharpEnd25” to save $25 on the fall WFA course October 5-6 2024 at the Monadnock Climbing Gym. Register at https://www.climb-monadnock.com/
→ 10% off Rocky Talkie radios at RockyTalkie.com/SharpEnd
→ 15% off Swoop garments with code SHARPEND
→ 20% off First Aid contents at MyMedic.com with code

Instagram: the_sharp_end_podcast
YouTube:
Become a Patreon: patreon.com/thesharpendpodcast
Visit my website: www.thesharpendpodcast.com
Photo credit: Kirk

Throwback to my photoshoot and feature with  and their   campaign! I absolutely love their bras and haven’t worn a diffe...
29/06/2024

Throwback to my photoshoot and feature with and their campaign! I absolutely love their bras and haven’t worn a different brand since discovering their store in Anchorage. SWOOP’s Flow Pants are AMAZING! Listeners of my show also receive 10% off their order using code SHARPEND at checkout. 🎉

Julia discusses in Episode 101 how lucky she was after being bitten by a snake. Her group was on a short approach, a hos...
24/06/2024

Julia discusses in Episode 101 how lucky she was after being bitten by a snake. Her group was on a short approach, a hospital was located nearby, and they had cell service. During her recovery, Julia considered what could have happened had she been in the backcountry or without help nearby. She bought a Garmin InReach immediately after her experience and now doesn’t leave without it. Julia says, “I feel like I thought accidents were something that happened because of a reason. But this almost felt like it [the snakebite accident] was because of no reason. And you can’t self-rescue out of every situation.”

Do you have a favorite satellite communication device that you take with you? Share in the comments below!

Photo cred: Ben Ross

Ryan, my guest on Episode 83 and a recent bonus episode, owns Climb Monadnock Gym and their team is hosting a Wilderness...
20/06/2024

Ryan, my guest on Episode 83 and a recent bonus episode, owns Climb Monadnock Gym and their team is hosting a Wilderness First Aid class this fall on October 5th and 6th! WFA is the perfect course for any outdoor enthusiast or trip leader who wants a basic level of first aid training for short trips. Even learning a few basic skills could make the difference between a good outcome and a bad outcome. Are you prepared?

Participants who successfully complete the course will receive a SOLO WFA certification, good for two years. Plus, if you use code SharpEnd25, you’ll receive $25 off the WFA course.

To learn more, visit https://www.climb-monadnock.com/wilderness.

Bonus Episode: All About Snake Bites, a follow up to Episode 101Are you interested in going a little deeper about snake ...
15/06/2024

Bonus Episode: All About Snake Bites, a follow up to Episode 101

Are you interested in going a little deeper about snake bites after listening to the most recent episode (Episode 101) where my guest was bit by a rattlesnake? Tune into this BONUS episode where I dive a little deeper about snakes with two brothers (Nick and Andrew) both in the medical industry. Nick currently works as an orthopedic surgeon and hand surgeon at the Veterans Affairs Hospital, the University of Washington, and Harborview in Seattle. His brother, Andrew, works as an emergency medicine physician in Virginia.

Disclaimer: None of us are “experts” on snakes, but this episode is still packed with lots of great information on what to do if you’re bit, how to treat, and tips on how to prevent snake bites.

Hot Tip: If you haven’t listened to episode 101, listen to that episode first! Out now on Spotify, SoundCloud, Apple Podcast, and all listening platforms.

This episode is available exclusively on Patreon.

→ 10% off Rocky Talkie radios at RockyTalkie.com/SharpEnd (link in bio)
→ Up to 30% off Hydration & Energy Bundle. Includes each of each best-selling flavors of
Hydration & Energy at protekt.com/sharpend (link in bio)
→ 10% off Swoop garments with code SHARPEND
→ 20% off First Aid contents at MyMedic.com with code SHARPEND20
→ 10% off any wilderness medicine course with Desert Mountain Medicine using code SHARPEND

Instagram: the_sharp_end_podcast
YouTube:
Become a Patreon: patreon.com/thesharpendpodcast (link in bio)
Visit my website: thesharpendpodcast.com

New Merch Alert! I recently partnered with eqpd gear to develop a limited edition of The Sharp End GearBucket! The GearB...
09/06/2024

New Merch Alert! I recently partnered with eqpd gear to develop a limited edition of The Sharp End GearBucket!

The GearBucket is designed to haul your bulky, wet, and muddy gear. RF welded and watertight, this bucket-style bag has a springy, hooped top rim for easy loading. It features an interior pocket, a wide adjustable shoulder strap, and a top G-hook closure for extra security that doubles as a short grab handle.

With watertight seams and a strong, structured rim, The GearBucket combines the usefulness of a tote bag with the functionality of a plastic storage bin. The bag’s design is a map print of my favorite part of the Chugach Range in Alaska, The Front Range.

✨ All eqpd bags are Made in WA and Built to Last. Each bag is $75 and 20% is donated back to support my show!

👉 Bags are limited - shop now and get yours today! https://eqpdgear.com/collections/support-sharp-end-podcast/products/gearbucket-sharp-end-pod

Have you checked out my YouTube Channel yet?! It features video recordings of my episodes plus bonus content including i...
05/06/2024

Have you checked out my YouTube Channel yet?! It features video recordings of my episodes plus bonus content including interviews with BroadBeta, Women In Rescue, and more! Click to subscribe and never miss a new video release: https://www.youtube.com//featured

Thank you for helping my show continue to grow!

It’s G I V E A W A Y time! 🎉 This month, I am partnering with Douglas Ray, founder of RopeLite LLC. to give listeners a ...
02/06/2024

It’s G I V E A W A Y time! 🎉 This month, I am partnering with Douglas Ray, founder of RopeLite LLC. to give listeners a chance to win a $185 RopeLite Kit. This kit includes:

🪢 Two 6-foot Red Ultralight Anchor Slings
🪢 Two 20-inch Ultralight Hitch Cords
🪢 One Skimo Tether

To Enter:
1. Like this post ✅
2. Follow The Sharp End and RopeLite ✅
3. Tag a friend who needs new gear this summer! ✅

The giveaway runs from today through June 14th, and a winner will be drawn on June 15th. Good Luck!

👉 If you haven’t already checked out my bonus episode featuring Douglas and RopeLite, click here to watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NrJK5U-VCa0&t=3s&ab_channel=TheSharpEndPodcast

Episode 101: Bit By A Rattlesnake This is a crazy incident where my guest was bit by a rattlesnake in June of 2022 and e...
01/06/2024

Episode 101: Bit By A Rattlesnake

This is a crazy incident where my guest was bit by a rattlesnake in June of 2022 and ended up in the hospital for 12 straight days. She was climbing at Consumnes River Gorge in Lake Tahoe and it was going to be her first time trad climbing. The crew was getting all set up near the first climb, she decided to use the “facili-trees” (if you will) before putting on her harness. She walked away from the group and found a private area, was about to go when she felt something bit her! Tune into this crazy story of a rattlesnake bite and her long road to recovery.

This podcast is produced by Ashley Saupe. This podcast is sponsored by Rocky Talkie and Arc'teryx and supported by the American Alpine Institute.

Sign up on Instagram to win some climbing gear from Ropelite valued at $185!
The kit includes:
✅ Two 6-foot Red Ultralight Anchor Slings
✅ Two 20-inch Ultralight Hitch Cords
✅ One Skimo Tether. That is a $185 dollar value.

Drawing is on June 15th.

Don’t forget to sign up for the Arc’teryx Climbing Academy: https://squamish.arcteryxacademy.com/

→ Use code “SharpEnd25” to save $25 on the fall WFA course October 5-6 2024 at the Monadnock Climbing Gym. Register at https://www.climb-monadnock.com/
→ 10% off Rocky Talkie radios at RockyTalkie.com/SharpEnd
→ Up to 30% off Hydration & Energy Bundle. Includes each of each best-selling flavors of
Hydration & Energy at protekt.com/sharpend
→ 10% off Swoop garments with code SHARPEND
→ 20% off First Aid contents at MyMedic.com with code SHARPEND20
→ 10% off any wilderness medicine course with Desert Mountain Medicine using code SHARPEND

Instagram: the_sharp_end_podcast
YouTube:
Become a Patreon: patreon.com/thesharpendpodcast
Visit my website: www.thesharpendpodcast.com

Photo creds:
Leg from above in hospital: Jeannie Fiorino
Climbers across the river:
Hiking in:
Selfies/other feet photos:

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