MtnMeister - TopPodcast.com

View Top 200 Chart

Back to Rankings Page

MtnMeister — Outdoor
MtnMeister

A high altitude mountaineer travels through sub-zero temperatures, scales treacherous terrain, and carries hundreds of pounds of supplies. Many of us have very little in common with this person. We don’t need to worry about the lack of oxygen in the air or the extent of frostbite in our toes.

Yet, we are all human. There are certain ideas which apply to all of us, no matter if we are standing at 29,029 feet or sea level. Why is it important to step outside of our comfort zone? How do we weigh risk vs. reward? What psychological biases impact our behavior and decision making? On MtnMeister, we explore these ideas by talking with those who have found answers in the extremes.

Ben Schenck, the host of MtnMeister (pronounced Mountain Meister), asks thought-provoking and sometimes uncomfortable questions that you won’t hear in a typical interview. Notable guests include Alex Honnold, Sasha DiGiulian, Ueli Steck, Jeremy Jones, Lynn Hill, Conrad Anker, Aaron Gwin and other adventurers in climbing, skiing, hiking, biking, and everything else in the mountains.

Latest Episodes:

#194 More Effective New Year's Resolutions and 2017 Goals Dec 30, 2016

Show notes

In our annual New Year episode, we look back at what we accomplished in the previous year and set goals for the next one. Unfortunately, over the past two years my success rate hasn't been good - 33% to be exact. I’m not the only one with this problem. Goals are inherently hard and life can take us in different directions that move the finish line. Still, it’s obvious that we need help, so in today’s episode, we bring on a guest who knows a whole lot about goals and motivation.

Hengchen Dai, a researcher on goals, motivation, and self regulation. She holds a PhD from University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business and she’s an assistant professor of Organizational Behavior at Washington University in St Louis’s Olin Business School.

We discuss strategies to increase your chances of achieving your goals in 2017.

A temporal landmark or "Fresh Start" will help motivate goal pursuit.
Reengage goals with a range.
Give yourself skin in the game.
Reduce cognitive load when choosing between a "should" and a "want"
Utilize temptation bundling
Plan B is not an option

To purchase information about MtnMeister's upcoming Gear Giveaway episode, go to mtnmeister.com/giveaway.

#193 Gear Giveaway at ORWM17 Preview Dec 23, 2016

Show notes

For the fourth consecutive season, MtnMeister will be hosting its OR Giveaway episode. In this extra-popular episode, we record segments with companies about their latest and greatest gear, technologies, footwear, and apparel. All participating companies give away free prizes to our loyal listeners.

Here's how to win: After you listen to the episode, email ben@mtnmeister.com and say which specific prize you want. The first person who requests a prize, gets it! You can only win once and you can't trade for a different prize. Listening early is important, but the episode is released on mystery date, unless...

We are offering you the opportunity to purchase information about the episode’s release (the date, a time window, or the EXACT date and time). Last giveaway episode, there were over 30 prizes and 26 people purchased the “date and exact time” package. Those are damn good odds!

$4 for the date - https://gumroad.com/l/XFCZF

$8 for the date and 3-hour time window - https://gumroad.com/l/zpdGn

$12 for the date and exact time - https://gumroad.com/l/Ksxl

Note: these prices will double on January 1st, so ACT NOW!

#192 Advancing Nature as a Public Health Solution Dec 08, 2016

Show notes

If you’re a fan of this show, you probably understand that time outside makes you feel better. In fact, you’ve probably built it into your schedule - a little time outside every day keeps the doctor away, right? Buy why does this work? Are there bigger implications than your own personal use? On today’s episode, we bring you three distinguished guests who are working on advancing nature as a public health solution. Episode Guests: Stacy Bare, Director of Sierra Club Outdoors and veteran of the United States Army Dr. Nooshin Razani, pediatrician and researcher at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Craig Anderson, post-doc researcher and fellow at the UCSF VA hospital and the Greater Good Science Center. Want to get involved? Shoot me an email at ben@mtnmeister.com. Buy a MtnMeister T here - https://gumroad.com/l/QiebU

(R) #167 A behind-the-scenes look at outdoors athlete sponsorship Nov 30, 2016

Show notes

This episode was originally recorded in February of 2016.

The “Did someone get paid to say that?” question runs through my mind a lot. Often, I have trouble finding the answer. For example, when a guest on MtnMeister gives a gear recommendation, does he/she get paid by that company? If he/she does, can we trust that the recommendation is authentic? How do these sponsorships work? What do the brands get from the athletes and what do the athletes get from the brands? How does this impact us as outdoors consumers?

In this episode, we hear from a couple of professional athletes, a large outdoors brand, and a talent manager. If you have questions or comments, leave them in the discussion forum on our website mtnmeister.com or send me an email (ben at mtnmeister.com).

(R) #166 Racing across America with Adam Kimble Nov 23, 2016

Show notes

This episode was originally recorded in February of 2016.

In 2009, Adam Kimble ran his first 5k. In 2011 his first half, 2012 his first marathon, and 2014 his first ultra. Now, in 2016, he is attempting to become the fastest person to run across the USA. The time to beat is 46 days, 8 hours, 36 minutes, and to do it he will have to average 68 miles a day. On February 15th, he will leave Huntington Beach and head west to hopefully finish around March 30th in NYC. Follow Adam @thebeardedsole on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or his website.

To express interest in MtnMeister's Summit for Someone climb to benefit Big City Mountaineers, fill out this form - https://goo.gl/forms/k9xaPQB4jW3Ai31i1

Buy a MtnMeister t-shirt here - https://gumroad.com/l/QiebU

#191 Inside of a Storm Chase with George Kourounis Nov 16, 2016

Show notes

George Kourounis is a Canadian explorer and storm chaser. He’s been chasing storms for the past twenty years, from the powerful tornadoes of the midwest to giant hail, dust storms, hurricanes, and volcanoes in every corner of the globe. George is the host of a TV show called Angry Planet where he documents these incredible displays of Mother Nature. What’s so appealing about something so devastating? Listen to find out.

Pictures, videos, and more here - http://mtnmeister.com/meister/george-kourounis-storm-chaser

For 20% off Stio, use the code "meister" at checkout at http://www.stio.com/

For 5% off Bulls Bikes, use the code "bullseye5" at https://www.bullsbikesusa.com/

#190 The oldest person to paddle the Mississippi River with Dale Sanders Nov 09, 2016

Show notes

At 80 years old, Dale Sanders is the oldest person to paddle the entire Mississippi River. "The grey beard adventurer" paddled 2,345 miles from Lake Itasca to the Gulf of Mexico. Dale’s passion and enthusiasm are evident in our conversation, and I think you’ll find yourself smiling while you listen. Dale raised over $23,000 dollars to promote awareness and fight type 1 juvenile diabetes, a disease from which his 10 year-old grandniece, Anna, suffers.

For 20% off Stio, use the code "meister" at checkout at http://www.stio.com/

For 5% off Bulls Bikes, use the code "bullseye5" at https://www.bullsbikesusa.com/

If you are interested in joining MtnMeister for a Summit for Someone climb to benefit Big City Mountaineers, please fill out this form - https://goo.gl/forms/8Y0bgqw650RYA8qE2

#189 Trip Report: Summit for Someone on Mt. Hood, part 2 Nov 03, 2016

Show notes

In June, I had the opportunity to join a Summit for Someone climb on Mt. Hood to benefit Big City Mountaineers. In this episode (part 2 of 2), you'll hear about our summit bid, how we reflect on the experience, and how you can do your own Summit for Someone climb.

BCM takes underserved urban youth on wilderness expeditions to help them learn critical life skills like leadership and teamwork. Summit for Someone is the fundraising arm where climbers pick their dream peak and raise money for the organization in the process. Joining me on this climb were Rob and Jasper, a father-son duo from Positive Tracks. Positive Tracks is a nonprofit that promotes the combination of philanthropy and athletics (or "sweat for good").

For 20% off our sponsor Stio, use the code "meister" at checkout at www.stio.com/

For 5% off our sponsor Bulls Bikes USA, use the code bullseye5 at checkout at www.bullsbikesusa.com/

#188 Trip Report: Summit for Someone on Mt. Hood, part 1 Oct 27, 2016

Show notes

In June, I had the opportunity to join a Summit for Someone climb on Mt. Hood to benefit Big City Mountaineers. It didn't look like the month of June though - the weather was, quite simply, terrible. The rain, snow, and wind made everything less certain and a summit bid unlikely. In this episode, you'll hear about my introduction to mountaineering, battling the elements, and how social influence impacts our decision making.

BCM takes underserved urban youth on wilderness expeditions to help teach them critical life skills like leadership and teamwork. Summit for Someone is the fundraising arm where climbers pick their dream peak and raise money for the organization in the process. Joining me on this climb were Rob and Jasper, a father-son duo from Positive Tracks. Positive Tracks is a nonprofit that promotes the combination of philanthropy and athletics (or "sweat for good").

For 20% off our sponsor Stio, use the code "meister" at checkout at http://www.stio.com/

For 5% off our sponsor Bulls Bikes USA, use the code bullseye5 at checkout at https://www.bullsbikesusa.com/

#187 Decision making in the mountains and markets with Masha Gordon Oct 19, 2016

Show notes

In June, Masha Gordon broke the speed records for the Seven Summits Challenge - climbing the highest peak on each continent - and the Explorer's Grand Slam - the Seven Summits plus reaching the North and South Poles. Contrary to what you might think, Masha isn't a lifetime climber. After 16 years in the finance industry (Goldman Sachs and PIMCO) she has switched her focus to mountaineering. Masha is the founder of GRIT&ROCK, a mission to get more young women interested in mountaineering.

In the first half of this episode, we talk about the parallels of decision making in the mountains and in the markets. How do confirmation bias, randomness, and our emotions impact how we evaluate situations? In the second half, Masha talks about how mountaineering has very little female participation and what needs to happen to fix it.

This episode is supported by Stio. Get 20% off with the code "meister" at checkout at http://www.stio.com/

To purchase a MtnMeister T, go here - https://gumroad.com/l/QiebU

Related Podcasts