"The number one rule in mountaineering is that summiting is optional, but making it down to try again is mandatory." Evan Lindenmayer

This week's guest is the one and only Evan Lindenmayer. Evan currently lives in Los Angeles, California and runs an outdoor adventure club that brings people to adventures that invigorate life into them. Evan's mantra is bigger and badder - keeping a thirst for any type of adventure in his life's forecast. Evan recently took a trip to Mount Rainier in Washington State in an attempt to summit the awe-inspiring volcano. Here is his story of his trip which included a massive icefall near the summit.

In this episode, Evan and I talk about:

How scouting taught Evan to enjoy the outdoors responsibly.LA SportsNet; the Outdoor Adventure Club that Evan currently runs.Evan's recent "Almost Summit" of Mount Rainier and what he gained from the experience.Believing you can versus believing you can't.The importance of getting outside no matter how big or small of a trip.

Check out Evan and his adventure club at their social media pages @LASportsNet and at lasportsnet.com. Evan's stories and stoke for the outdoors are FOR REAL! If you enjoy this episode, head over to iTunes and leave an honest review! If you'd like to support the podcast, check out the support page at tosummitup.com.

To Summit Up theme song by Jordan Wolf instagram.com/jwolfy3

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How often do you get bogged down by stress or caught up in the mundane? It happens to all of us far too often. In an effort to relieve stress and keep myself clear in the mind, I have been doing the #7DayLocalParkChallenge. I went to 7 different local parks for 7 straight days (almost...) and spent at least 15 minutes in that park. We have had some participation from people like John Alex Vespa from Bushwhack Podcast and Elissa Madonia. We have even had Charlie Blazer the Golden Doodle (@charlieblazerthedoodle) participate. I challenge YOU to step outside in a different place every day for 1 week. Let us know about your progress by taking a snapshot or a video and posting using #7DayLocalParksChallenge. This episode includes audio from my week of the challenge.

In this episode, you'll hear topics including:

Clean bedroom = clean mind (with previous guest Brandon Agostinelli tosummitup.com/e2 )Importance of getting out and using walks to breathe and decompressMy blunder of doing an entire podcast interview only to realize that the recorder wasn't actually recording audio (definitely the most embarrassing thing ever)Me taking a break from the Trail Talks to focus better on the Friday interviews and my desire to create videos!

My 7 Day Local Parks Challenge Locations:

Harris Whalen ParkFour Mile Creek PreserveWebster ParkA brief walk around my office building at lunchKillington Resort (not really local...but skiing)Killington ResortGenesee Valley Park

I dare you to try the challenge. I triple dog dare you.

To Summit Up Theme Song by Jordan Wolf instagram.com/jwolfy3

"If you want to do something, it is so corny, but the time is now. When else are you going to have the time to do it? You just don't know. So I think that if you make a plan and you want to do it, you just gotta get after it." - Elissa Madonia

This is Part 2 of the attempted 46 Mountain Month in the Adirondacks with Elissa Madonia (@lissymadz)! Elissa embarked on an Adirondack quest about a month and a half ago with John Alex Vespa (Episode 16 -> tosummitup.com/e16) to climb all of the Adirondack High Peaks in one trip to determine her hiking compatibility with John Alex for the Appalachian Trail. Did they complete all 46? Will they be conquering the Appalachian Trail? Check out this episode to hear Elissa's side of this Adirondack Story. She also brought her Golden Doodle doggo, Charlie (@charlieblazerthedoodle), to the interview and you get to hear his thoughts at times as well!

In this episode, we talk about:

How Elissa got into trail running (where she met John Alex Vespa)How the idea of climbing 46 mountains in 1 month hatchedThe point at which morale was lowest on the tripHer favorite part of the tripFuture mountain plans

This is such an exciting episode! Listen deeply and see if Elissa's take on the trip is similar or different from that of John Alex Vespa. If this episode resonates with you, go on social media and tag @lissymadz, @charlieblazerthedoodle and @_tosummitup. Head over to itunes and leave an honest review and you could be featured as the fan of the week on an upcoming Friday episode. If you'd like tosupport the podcast, reach out to [email protected] or check out the patreon link in the show notes to give a donation. Donations would mean the world and would allow me to continue to improve the overall To Summit Up Podcast listening experience (better equipment, editing, etc.).

To Summit Up theme song by Jordan Wolf (@jwolfy3 on Instagram)

This brief episode is all about the #7DayLocalParksChallenge that I started this past fall in an effort to give local parks the attention they deserve and to encourage myself (and you all too!) to get outside regularly! I am bringing the challenge back and will be taking part over the next week and documenting the challenge through social media posts (@_tosummitup of the To Summit Up Facebook Page). Next week's Trail Talk will also be a compilation of audio snippets from the week. I challenge YOU to check out this episode and then to take part in the challenge yourself! Take action!

The Challenge goes as follows: 

1. For 7 straight days get to a different local park EACH DAY and spend at least 15 minutes there. You can google local parks around you and you'll find that a ton of them show up!

2. Take a photo at each location and caption it with the park name and what you did there.

3. Post it and use the hashtag #7dayLocalParksChallenge and tag @_tosummitup on twitter and Instagram or post to the To Summit Up Facebook page!

4. Enjoy the perks and resetting yourself that getting outside to a different location each day gives you!!!

This Friday, part 2 of the attempted 46 mountain month with Elissa Madonia drops! On Episode 16, we had John Alex Vespa who gave his side of the attempt at climbing all 46 Adirondack High Peaks in 1 month. Now, we will hear from Elissa Madonia! Super exited to share this awesome story through two perspectives!

If you enjoyed…

If you enjoyed this episode, I ask that you consider leaving a review on iTunes. You will have the chance to be shouted out on a Friday episode as the fan of the week! Additionally, if you’d like to support the podcast and get access to exclusive content and posts, check out https://www.patreon.com/tosummitup. Your support, whether in the form of a review or donation, will allow me to continue to build To Summit Up and to create content that you can find inspiration from.

To Summit Up Theme Song by Jordan Wolf. https://www.instagram.com/jwolfy3/

"I challenge every single one of you, no matter what field you guys are in - no matter what career you guys have, every single person can use where they are as a platform to affect the people around you. Be it mental health, be it the outdoors, you know, promoting the outdoors, be it cancer. There are so many ways you can help others and I think that every single person has the opportunity to do that." - Cody Wiktorski

According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States. In 2017, 47,173 Americans died by suicide. There were an estimated 1,300,000 suicide attempts. How do we change this? By telling every single person's story. Every individual has a story that needs to be told.

Cody Wiktorski's Story:

On this episode, we have the one and only Cody Wiktorski. Cody comes from a large family with 5 brothers and a sister and has embraced the meaning of family. A year and a half ago, Cody lost his younger brother, Casey, to suicide. Looking for a place to get away and think clearly, Cody went to the mountains. He found the Adirondacks a place where he could reconnect with the values and direction with which he was intending to lead his life. In the process, he learned of the power that mountains have to be a gateway into positive mental and physical health. He also discovered them as an avenue for mental health awareness.

After the passing of Cody's younger brother, Casey, he and his brother Colby started an organization called Wik Brothers that is all about mental health awareness and suicide prevention. This episode is all about the connection between mountains and mental health and the immense power they have to connect us with what truly matters.

Cody and I talk about:

How mountain experiences and culture encourage community, mental clarity, and a place to open up and truly connect with others.

The passing of Cody's younger brother, Casey, and the start of and mission behind Wik Brothers .

Raising awareness for mental health through organizations and movements including 46 Climbs and Cont;nue.

The importance of telling every single person's story.

How YOU can set yourself up for positive mental health and make a difference in someone else's life.

Reach out, take action and connect:

Wik Brothers:

Email: [email protected]

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wikbrothers/

Website: https://www.wikbrothers.com/

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention:

https://afsp.org/

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:

1-800-273-8255 available 24/7

46 Climbs:

Website: http://46climbs.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/46Climbs/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/46climbs/

To Summit Up:

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://tosummitup.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_tosummitup/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ToSummitUp/

If you enjoyed...

If you enjoyed this episode, I ask that you consider leaving a review on iTunes. You will have the chance to be shouted out on a Friday episode as the fan of the week! Additionally, if you’d like to support the podcast and get access to exclusive content and posts, check out https://www.patreon.com/tosummitup. Your support, whether in the form of a review or donation, will allow me to continue to build To Summit Up and to create content that you can find inspiration from.

To Summit Up Theme Song by Jordan Wolf. https://www.instagram.com/jwolfy3/

 

Cody Wiktorski

"The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing." - Walt Disney. To Summit Up's first birthday is coming up and it has come A LONG WAY since those early days. This entire progression has been an incredible learning process and I am super proud of what it is becoming. Let's continue to grow To Summit Up together and promote the positivity and benefits getting outside and to the mountains has. Reach out to me ([email protected]) and let's chat about ways that WE can create our best life story in the mountains.

In this Trail Talk Nuggets Episode, I talk about:

The early days of To Summit Up and the progression of getting started.

The original blog name that ended up leading to google search results with a soft porn movie as the top search result (I like To Summit Up and the related searches quite a bit better!).

This upcoming Friday's episode with Cody Wiktorski about mental health, suicide prevention, and the connection of mountains to mental stability. You don't want to miss this one.

If you enjoyed this episode, I ask that you please leave a review on iTunes. You will have the chance to be shouted out on a Friday episode as the fan of the week! Additionally, if you’d like to support the podcast and get access to exclusive content and posts, check out https://www.patreon.com/tosummitup.

To Summit Up Theme Song by Jordan Wolf. https://www.instagram.com/jwolfy3/

"So this whole thing started basically with Elissa Madonia.  Her and I met at the gym and running. She got me into trail running this summer. Then it was like 'hey, why don't we go and take a trip to the Adirondacks with the dogs just for a weekend - because why not?'. Then it turned into her asking me to do the Appalachian Trail. And then it turned into 'alright, we'll do a little test run up in the Adirondacks' - which turned into (instead of a weekend) a month of trying to hit all 46 high peaks." - John Alex Vespa

On the podcast this week is John Alex Vespa. He grew up in Rochester, NY for the first 18 years of his life and started training dogs in the area when he was 16 years old. He even went to dog training school. He then moved down to New Jersey when he was 18 and started his own business there. He had this business for just about 10 years and decided it was time for a change so he moved back to Rochester, NY. Little did he know the impact that the move would have on his desire to be outside. Nature called and John Alex answered.

In this episode we talk about:

Crazy idea to use the 46 Adirondack High Peaks as a trial run for the Appalachian Trail for John Alex and Elissa to see if they were compatible hiking partners.

The many setbacks and Adirondack Adversity that they faced throughout the entirety of the trip.

Well...did they complete all 46 mountains in a month?

The lowest of the low and the highest of the high from the trip.

What the Adirondacks have taught John Alex so far.

Check out the Bushwhack Podcast that John Alex just started! https://soundcloud.com/bushwhackpodcast

Your weekly reminder to educate yourself on Leave No Trace -> https://lnt.org/learn

If you enjoyed this episode, I ask that you please leave a review on iTunes. You will have the chance to be shouted out on a Friday episode as the fan of the week! Additionally, if you’d like to support the podcast and get access to exclusive content and posts, check out https://www.patreon.com/tosummitup.

To Summit Up Theme Song by Jordan Wolf. https://www.instagram.com/jwolfy3/

New Trail Talk Nuggets! What is the farthest that you would drive to ski knowing that you would be waking up and going to sleep in your own bed? How far would you go for the thrill of blasting through powder? Freshman year of college, my Dad, brother and I left our house in Rochester, NY at 2 AM and drove 7 hours to ski all day in Vermont at Sugarbush Mountain... and then we drove back home (I should say that my Dad drove the ENTIRE way). 14 hours of driving for one full day of skiing. It was worth every second.

I get a lot of my drive and ambition from my Dad, who showed his dedication to go big or go home. He wanted to ski in Vermont and use our free passes from the Warren Miller Ski Movie Tour, so he got us up at 2 and we drove to Vermont. Kind of crazy, right? I don't think it is as crazy as it seems. Especially when we got to ski in Vermont for the day.

In this episode, I talk about:

A day trip to Sugarbush, Vermont from Rochester, NY (2 AM to 11 PM).

Upcoming podcast guests (Friday segments) including John Alex Vespa (Attempted to do all 46 Adirondack High Peaks at once), Cody Wiktorski (mental health and the power of mountains to heal and bring us together), Elissa Madonia (Also attempted to do all 46 Adirondack High Peaks at once with John Alex).

If you enjoyed this episode, I ask that you please leave a review on iTunes. You will have the chance to be shouted out on a Friday episode as the fan of the week! Additionally, if you’d like to support the podcast and get access to exclusive content and posts, check out https://www.patreon.com/tosummitup/ .

"If you want to go into nature, you need to respect nature. It comes down to that basic principle. You can't go in there with a machete and just start chopping it up, you know? It comes down to Leave No Trace. It comes down to just the basic 'don't ruin it'. It's not going to be there if we ruin it." - Dan Allen

Fantastic interview with a fantastic friend and adventure buddy. On the podcast this week is Dan Allen. Dan grew up adventuring in the Adirondack mountains and has a deep appreciation and understanding of the region and it's history. He also took part in a National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) in New Zealand. Dan is well traveled, curious, and eager to continue to learn and respect nature.

In this episode we chat about:

Aspects of the history of the Adirondacks that fascinate Dan including logging camps, the Irondequoit Inn (built in the 1800s), dams, and the people of Adirondack past who shaped the region and are now recognized throughout it.

National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) and Dan's multi-month trip to New Zealand including lost luggage, the native Maori culture, hiking to a scene from Lord of the Rings, bonding with new people, and preparing for reentry into the "real world" at the end of the trip.

Dan's perspective on and definition of failure in the mountains.

Ski touring - what is it and why Dan is getting into it.

Educate yourself about Leave No Trace: https://lnt.org/learn

Check out NOLS Programs: https://www.nols.edu/en/

If you enjoyed this episode, I ask that you please leave a review on iTunes. You will have the chance to be shouted out on a Friday episode as the fan of the week! Additionally, if you’d like to support the podcast and get access to exclusive content and posts, check out https://www.patreon.com/tosummitup.

Happy Tuesday! This podcast episode is another Trail Talk Nuggets segment and the 13th overall To Summit Up Podcast. I recorded this episode on a short walk in Webster, NY after a day in the office. The trail talk nugget segments are turning out to be pretty decompressing and therapeutic. The premise behind them is to help me ensure that I practice what I preach. Not all time spent in the outdoors has to be on huge elaborate trips. Spending a little time each day to get out and walk (even if it is only for 10 minutes) can go a long way mentally and physically.

In this episode I talk about:

Thanksgiving and the traditions that I am looking forward to including the 8th annual Turkey Bowl Football Game.

My life outside of mountains including my current day job and my band.

Podcast guests coming up (interviews come out on Fridays) with topics of Adirondacks, New Zealand, and the connection between mental health and mountains.

If you enjoyed this episode, I ask that you please leave a review on iTunes. You will have the chance to be shouted out on a Friday episode as the fan of the week! Additionally, if you'd like to support the podcast and get access to exclusive content and posts, check out https://www.patreon.com/tosummitup.

Be sure to check out Friday's episode with my good friend Dan Allen who talks about his ties to the Adirondacks and his post-graduation National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) trip to New Zealand. You aren't going to want to miss this one!