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The Climbing MajorityAuthor: Kyle Broxterman
Most of todays climbing media is focused on what happens at the edges of the sport involving the most experienced and talented climbers in the world. Your host Kyle Broxterman believes that most of these stories and experiences do not directly relate to the majority of climbers that now exist. As a part of this group, he is here to give this new Climbing Majority a voice. Language: en-us Genres: Education, Self-Improvement, Sports, Wilderness Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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114 | Justin Sackett: Chasing Altitude - Close Calls & Training for Everest Without O2
Episode 114
Monday, 23 February, 2026
Justin Sackett, an AMGA guide who googled "hardest hike" in college and ended up on a 20,000-foot peak in Ecuador with zero mountaineering experience. That failure lit a fire that led him from complete beginner to professional guide to running his own guide company at 28—all while training single-mindedly for Everest without supplemental oxygen. This episode explores his rapid progression to being an alpine guide, the mentor who gave him the technical foundation most climbers take years to develop, and the Liberty Ridge storm where 60mph winds and inadequate gear taught him lessons about weather forecasts and risk tolerance. We discuss the Rainier ice block incident that made several of his friends quit guiding, why he started his own company instead of working for established services, how he vets guides, and what training for Everest without oxygen actually looks like when you're also running a business. Justin opens up about the genetic lottery of altitude performance, why the West Ridge of Everest represents the ultimate objective in his mind, and how he's preparing mentally for both success and failure.Topics include: becoming a mountain guide, AMGA certifications, Liberty Ridge conditions, guide company management, hiring guides, Everest without oxygen training, altitude acclimatization, post-objective depression, risk tolerance at 8,000 meters, and balancing business ownership with personal climbing goals.Watch the full episode on Youtube#amgaguides #highaltitudeclimbing #mountaineering #alpinism---Thanks to our sponsors!LIVSN DesignsCheckout Their Ecotrek Trail Pants HEREUse Code "TCM15" At Checkout for an extra 15% OFF Your OrderHelp Support The Show & Unlock The Ad-Free PodcastResourcesBook Justin Sackett's Guide ServicesJustin's IG
