I recently attended an auction for my good friend, David Heyting (#DefeatGoliath), who's battled a brain tumor for the past 5 years. He's had to face many challenges beyond surviving...doctors, insurance, etc. His advice through all of it has been to 'be your own advocate'. You have your best interest in mind and must look at all options and question authority to ensure the path is accurate for your future. David's approach applies in all areas of life. I remember growing up in the small town of Rogue River, Oregon where I was the shortest guy in my class until I…
I've been thinking about courage lately. What is courage? What does it take to be courageous? Since I get a lot of media coverage and public speaking engagements for surviving blind and alone on Mount Everest, I've been called many things, good and bad...one being courageous. A few decades ago my job was to jump out of US Navy HH-60H helicopters in the middle of the ocean to save downed pilots. Perhaps it takes courage to risk your own life to save another, but none of my SAR (Search and Rescue) buddies would have called it that. It's just what we…
I recently posted a poll on Twitter asking who’s ever wondered what it would be like to stand on the summit of Everest. The mass majority had indeed wondered. And I think the numbers would be even higher if people weren’t probably reformatting the question in their mind to whether they would ever attempt it. I ask this question often in my talks to businesses and organizations since it’s an interesting one to ponder. Most people will raise their hands since it’s so intriguing to think about being up there. Even having been there alone on the summit in…
I get asked often if I saw the new Everest movie and my thoughts so I figured I'd write a review. In short I'll say that it was done really well from a filming and experience perspective, especially in comparison to previous 'cheesy' climbing movies. I definitely recommend seeing Everest in 3D IMAX to get the full perspective of traveling up the mountain without actually doing it. Director Baltasar Kormakur and Cinematographer Salvatore Totino did a great job in providing a view of the mountain that most will never experience. My hope is that the majority of people leave with a new appreciation…
