Episode 54: Erik Weihenmayer – Totally Blind Adventurer
Open Show Page Episode Link
Open Spotify Episode Link
Open Apple Podcast Episode Link
When do you feel most alive?
Some people are surprised to learn I’m not an adrenaline junkie. I don’t have to push my limit to the edge to feel energized and enriched to the fullest. I think that’s a dangerous mindset actually. It can lead to risky outcomes. I just love adventure, and the process of adventure, the same as I love anything in life that’s about creating shared experiences and collective joy. Taking on any expedition of any size is one way I’ve learned to form friendships, build confidence, and connect more deeply with nature; and that’s a real important part of the puzzle for me to living a good life. Adventure is something I use as a catalyst to change my thinking, grow as a person, and give back to others, and that feels amazing. I love experiencing that transformation no matter what the mission is or how outwardly challenging it seems, and I love celebrating it with every person who participates no matter their ability. That’s what makes makes me feel most alive. I discuss this outlook, this angle, which is actually grounded in vulnerability and maintaining an open heart, with fellow disabled athlete Chris Waddell on his podcast, Living It. Chris is a Hall of Fame Paralympic skier and wheelchair track athlete. He was paralyzed from the waist down in a tragic skiing accident in college and went on to win multiple gold, silver, and bronze medals at the 92, 94, 98, 00, and 02 Games. As history has it I even handed him the torch in 02 🔥 and later Chris came to speak at our No Barriers Summit in Park City. In 2009, he became the first paraplegic to summit Mount Kilimanjaro and he’s continued to build a beautiful life as speaker, author, disability nonprofit founder, Adventure Travel TV host, and more, appearing in NPR, People Magazine, Skiing Magazine, and other national media channels. Speaking with Chris, who asked me questions so profound it brought me to tears, reminded me of the power of Rope Teams and the power we all have inside us to live big, bold, meaningful lives. I hope you tune in and enjoy the conversation.
Featured image description: Erik, Timmy O’Neill and two Sherpas hold a tie-dye peace flag at a stop point climbing Ama Dablam in Nepal’s Himalayan Range. This photo represents the kind of adventure that Erik loves for the meaning it brings to his life and others.
