Mtnmeister

    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" an

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 da

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

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).

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  

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/

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

  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/

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 t

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

Augmented reality is impacting the way we participate in the outdoors. Consider Pokemon GO, which gained worldwide appeal in a matter of days and encouraged millions of people to go outside. Yet, is this the best way to promote outdoor participation? While there have been significant innovations in headsets, Google Glass, and the smartphone, the technology is only in it's infancy.    How will Pokemon GO and other forms of augmented reality change our outdoor experiences? Kelly Davis is optimistic. In this episode, we talk about the opportunities, business implications, and what’s worrisome about this rapidly evolving movement.   Kelly Davis is the director of research at Snowsports Industries America, or SIA. SIA is the non-profit, North American member-owned trade association representing suppliers of consumer snow sports with constituents in the retailer, rep and resort communities.      

Ueli Steck is well known for his speed ascents where he climbs routes in a few hours that take most climbers a few days. In his 82 Summits Challenge, the "Swiss Machine" climbed all 82 4,000 meter peaks in the Alps in two months. If that wasn't enough, he connected all of the peaks in a self-powered manner: hiking, biking, and running. I caught up with Ueli at MetroROCK, a climbing gym right outside of Boston while he was on a 2.5 week speaking tour presented by Alpina Watches and American Alpine Club In the first 10 minutes of this episode you’ll hear my chat with Ueli at the gym. What makes him so good? What can we learn from the "Swiss Machine's" training plan that we can apply to our own version of an 82 Summits Challenge? After that, you’ll hear Ueli’s presentation at the Somerville Theatre in Boston.   MtnMeister's sponsor, Stio, was founded to inspire connection with outdoors through beautiful, functional products infused with mountain soul. For 20% off, use the code "meister" at checkout at http://www

It's our semi-annual GEAR GIVEAWAY episode! Twice a year, we attend the Outdoor Retailer trade show in Salt Lake City to cover new products, technologies, and companies in the outdoors industry. Unfortunately I wasn’t able to make it to the show this year, but we sent Roommate Max to fill in. If this is your first time listening to our gear giveaway episode, here’s how it works. In exchange for being featured on today’s episode, each company has agreed to give away free gear to our listeners. These are all real products that are either currently on the market or will be - they aren’t promotional. To win the free gear, all you have to do is email me at ben@mtnmeister.com. The first person who requests it, gets it. You can only win one prize, and after you win it, you cannot exchange it. Winners must be in the USA. 22 companies, $5,000+ in prizes, 30+ winners! For 20% from our sponsor Big Agnes, use the code "meister" at checkout at bigagnes.com To purchase a MtnMeister t-shirt - https://gumroad.com/l/QiebU

Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2016 will be in Salt Lake City from August 3-6. MtnMeister is there to create our semi-annual gear giveaway episode, where we give thousands of dollars of free gear to our listeners. Here's how the episode works: In exchange for telling you, the outdoors consumer, about their latest and greatest product or technology, companies agree to give away prizes. To win the gear, all you have to do is email ben@mtnmeister.com and say which specific piece of gear you want. You can only win one prize, and it cannot be replaced with a different prize after you win it. Those who listen early have a significant advantage. 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).  Purchase the information here: http://mtnmeister.com/gear-giveaway-at-summer-or-outdoor-retailer-2016/ For 20% off from our sponsor, Big Agnes, use the code "meister" at checkout at bigagnes.com.

On March 24th, legally blind ultrarunner Jason Romero set off on an audacious project: running across America. We originally spoke with Jason before he started the project (Vision Run USA) in episode #171, and in this episode, we follow up with him to hear how it went. In total, Jason traveled 3,063 miles or 51.5 miles a day for 60 days. For 20% off from our sponsor, Big Agnes, use the code "meister" at checkout at https://www.bigagnes.com/ To purchase a MtnMeister t-shirt, go here - https://gumroad.com/l/QiebU Join the American Alpine Club and use the code "meister" for a special AAC gift - https://americanalpineclub.org/  

Tom Gathman aka Jabba is @TheRealHikingViking. At the time of this recording, he was attempting a southbound winter thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail. In 2013 he thru-hiked the AT with fellow combat veterans in the Warrior Hike and in 2014 the 3,100 mile Continental Divide trail. In this interview, we talk with Tom about his progress thus far, faulty headlines, and whether his beard has contributed to his success as The Real Hiking Viking.

In a little more than a month, America’s National Parks System will celebrate its 100th birthday. Outdoors enthusiasts have a lot to celebrate on the centennial: 376 protected areas covering over 83 million acres. But there's still room for improvement. When you look at the people who recreate in America’s national parks, the demographics don't match the diversity that is so prominent in the United States.   José González is out to change that. He leads an organization called Latino Outdoors, whose mission is to "connect familias and youth with nature, engage and inspire Latino leadership, empower communities to explore and share their stories in defining the Latino Outdoors identity."   More on Latino Outdoors - http://latinooutdoors.org/   20% off at bigagnes.com with the promo-code "meister" at checkout.   Purchase a MtnMeister t-shirt here - https://gumroad.com/l/QiebU

Mary Brent Galyean is an expedition chef. She cooks some of the tastiest dishes you'll ever eat in places that very few people have ever been. Chef MB does it all without electricity and running water, and I had the wonderful opportunity to taste this five star cuisine on the Gauley River in West Virginia. Courses included but were not limited to lamb sliders, salmon and acorn squash poached in spiced honey, and the crowd favorite sweet potato and red apple au gratin. To purchase a MtnMeister t-shirt, go here - https://gumroad.com/l/QiebU To receive 20% off our sponsor, Big Agnes, use the code "meister" at checkout here - https://www.bigagnes.com/   

JT Holmes is an extreme athlete who has undertaken many different pursuits, some of which include skiing, BASE jumping, and speedriding (a hybrid of paragliding and skiing).  In today's discussion, we’ll cover topics like risk, skill vs. luck, and how we tend to judge others for decisions that may not have any impact on us. For pictures, videos, and other resources, go to JT's Meister Profile page here - http://mtnmeister.com/meister/JT-Holmes To purchase a MtnMeister t-shirt, go here - https://gumroad.com/l/QiebU For 20% off Big Agnes, go to bigagnes.com and use the code "meister" at checkout.

The first few minutes of this episode includes an update on my BHAG (big, hairy, audacious goal) in 2016 which was to qualify for the 2017 Boston Marathon.  For 20% off from our sponsor, Big Agnes, use the code "meister" at bigagnes.com To buy a MtnMeister t-shirt, go here - https://gumroad.com/l/QiebU What is the furthest you have gone under the water with a single breath? 15 feet? 20 feet? 30 feet? For our guest today, Herbert Nitsch, the answer is 830 feet. Herbert Nitsch is the current free diving world record holder and “the deepest man on earth". He holds 33 world records in all free diving disciplines - an unrivaled feat to date - which range from using weights and flotation to assist to no assistance at all.