A podcast that navigates the complex terrain of mountains and life
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Latest Episodes
EP 34
Everything SPI 03
Current SPI Eval System with Andrew Megas-Russell
00:52:54
The main topic of the episode was the new evaluation system. We talked about the background of transitioning from the old system to the new system and what the AMGA is trying to accomplish with the new system. We looked at the new scoring system and what factors would impact the score. We discussed how the new system has been received by the providers and candidates, etc. We also talked about other general topics such as high standard versus minimum standard, continuing future improvements on the SPI program, interesting stats, and exciting upcoming changes.
EP 33 Jessica Olson
Woman of All Trades
01:18:33
Born and raised in Southern California, Jessica Olson (Jo) grew up traveling with her family and growing an appreciation for the outdoors. She was introduced to climbing through some college friends, and has been growing in the industry for over a decade.
In 2016, Jo took an SPI Course and became a Single Pitch Instructor, where she went to work a summer in Alaska before moving to the PNW to grow more as a Rock Guide.
She is now based in Bishop, CA, is an Apprentice Rock and Alpine Guide, and runs the Ladies Weekend Out programs, facilitated through Golden State Guiding. These programs focus on gathering like minded women to learn foundational skills in setting oneself up for the adventures ahead.
EP 32 Mercedes Pollmeier
Modus Athletica
01:25:31
Mercedes is a seasoned climbing coach and founder of Modus Athletica. She has a Master’s Degree in Human Movement and Sports Conditioning and holds certifications in NSCA strength and conditioning, Precision Nutrition, and GMB training. She is also a former semi-pro tennis player and competition climber.
Her approach to coaching is grounded in experience and fueled by a commitment to fostering a vibrant community culture within Modus Athletica. She believes that climbing is more than just a physical challenge; it’s an enriching journey that reveals our true potential, thus she offers a holistic approach to climbing training that prioritizes longevity, health, and personal growth.
EP 31
Sof Petros
Question the Establishments
01:29:18
Sof is an AMGA SPI and a PSIA AASI Certified Alpine Ski instructor. She does rock guiding with Climbers of Color in Washington, Out in the Wild in Oregon, and Flash Foxy in California and teaches skiing in Stevens Pass Washington. She does admirable work in affinity space providing safe and supportive learning environments. To quote her words, she is “amped to join and lead affinity programming that not only brings communities together, but also challenges and questions systems and values of supremacy, domination, and oppression that manifest in climbing spaces, even ‘diverse ones.'”
EP 30
Emma Contaoe
Follow Your Curiosity
01:16:17
Emma is an avid climber and certified rock climbing instructor in Quebec. She is the founder of Climbing Escapes, where she gives outdoor climbing courses to all types of climbers, as well as offers climbing and yoga retreats. After eight years of teaching, she finds joy and fulfillment through her business by combining her love of climbing instruction and creating a wholesome community.
EP 29
Everything SPI 02
Site Selection & Group Management
01:15:59
Spencer Huffman and Szu-ting Yi both are AMGA certified Rock Guides and SPI Providers. They co-taught an SPI course back in October 2023 and found that their teaching style was quite compatible and complimentary. Therefore, they decided to do this podcast series, Everything SPI, to create supplemental material related to the SPI programs. Hopefully it will help their past and future students and potentially anyone who is thinking to enter the field of climbing instruction.
EP 28
Margaret Wheeler
Do Hard Things
01:48:09
In the guiding world, Margaret needs little introduction. She is the second U.S. woman to earn the IFMGA mountain guide title. She is an instructor of guide training for the AMGA and serves on its board of directors and as president of the organization.
She is involved in avalanche education through her work as an AIARE (American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education) instructor and trainer.
Right now Margaret and her husband Matt Farmer split their time between the Wood River Valley Idaho and Europe.
EP 27
Julie Ann Holder
Grounding Truth
01:18:50
Julie Ann ‘Julz’ is a Backcountry Mentor, Ski Guide, and Avalanche Educator living in Bellingham, Washington.
Two winters ago, she launched Grounding Truth Holistic Guiding: a process-oriented, women-focused, grassroots ski guiding business. As a guide, Julz embodies an attitude of curiosity, wonder, and reverence in wild places.
She is dedicated to creating inclusive spaces within outdoor adventures that evoke feelings of radical acceptance and help cultivate more deeply felt experiences.
EP 26
Irene Yee
All You Need Is To Start
01:07:23
Irene is a professional west coast based rock climbing and adventure photographer. She started rock climbing out of pure joy, picked up a camera soon after, and continues that journey on her instagram @ladylockoff.
Her focus is to uplift women, BIPOC, and the LGBTQIA2S+ communities; choosing to highlight those pushing their own personal limits and finding inspiration in those with passion over muscle.
She is internationally published, a @natgeoadventure contributor, and works with today’s largest outdoor brands and non-profits.
EP 25
Allie Ace
Never Stop Learning
01:13:14
Originally from the east coast, Allie learned to ski in the Poconos at the age of 3. In 2010, she moved to Tahoe to pursue bigger mountains and a full time career in the ski industry. She has traveled all over the country and the world to teach skiing and coach ski racing.
Allie is a USSS Level 400 Alpine Coach, Coach Developer and Alpine Official, has her PSIA Alpine Level 3, Children’s Specialist 2, Freestyle Specialist 1, Resort & Divisional Trainer, and Snowboard Level 1. With her eye on steeper and deeper lines, Allie started backcountry guiding in 2020. She is an AIARE Course Instructor, has her Pro 1, and is an AMGA Apprentice Ski & Alpine Guide.
Allie currently lives in Truckee, CA, works for Alpenglow Expeditions, NASTC and is the lead alpine trainer at Sugar Bowl Resort. She is working towards her avy Pro 2 and the PSIA National Team this season. When not skiing, Allie enjoys whitewater rafting, kayaking, rock climbing and yoga.
EP 24
Managing Guides with Mary Brown
01:19:53
Mary Brown has worked as a guide manager at Alpine Ascents for almost 10 years. A guide manager is often the interface between guide services and their guides, and serves as a bridge between clients and guides. However what exactly does a guide manager do?
In today’s episode we dive deep into Mary’s role in Alpine Ascents to learn about her job description and duties. She pointed to climate change and a more diverse clientele as two areas that have impacted the way guide services operate. She described how guide services, for example, Alpine Ascents, had responded to the changes, including piloting the awesome DEI initiative, BIPOC Guide Development Program.
EP 23 Sarah Janin
01:09:26
Sarah is a Certified Rock Guide, Aspirant Splitboard Guide, Assistant Alpine Guide, Avalanche Instructor, and WFR Instructor who resides in Boulder Colorado. She is on the Weston Backcountry Guide Team and identifies as a type 1 diabetic.
Sarah has a huge goal to become the first female AMGA certified splitboard guide and the first type 1 diabetic IFMGA mountain guide.
Sarah has been a guide for a decade, starting at a small company in Vail, Colorado in which she was the only female guide and is now working as the only female full-time guide for Colorado Mountain School. Sarah has been working hard to organize more women’s programs. One of her goals is to continue to empower and create a more open environment for all who identify as female.