Meghan Buchanan - mountaineer, adventure athlete, and advocate for neurodivergence, & aerospace engineer. Meghan has successfully summited the Seven Summits—the highest peaks on each continent—including Mount Everest and Antarctica’s Mount Vinson. She is also close to completing the Explorers Grand Slam, which entails reaching both the North and South Poles in addition to the Seven Summits. As an advocate for neurodivergence, Meghan openly shares her experiences with dyslexia, inspiring others to embrace their unique challenges. She developed the GGRIT philosophy—Gratitude, Growth, Resilience, Integrity, and Tenacity—which she embodies in her pursuits and promotes through motivational speaking engagements.  In 2024, Meghan expanded her reach by joining the cast of Netflix’s “Outlast” Season 2, a survival competition set in the Alaskan Arctic that tests contestants’ physical endurance, mental fortitude, and teamwork skills. Her participation showcased her resilience and adventurous spirit to a broader audience.

Meghan at a young age was diagnosed with dyslexia, and faced significant academic challenges. Her mother instilled in her a philosophy of perseverance, emphasizing that with hard work, she could achieve anything. This mindset propelled Meghan to earn an undergraduate degree in aerospace engineering from the University of Colorado Boulder and a master’s degree in engineering management, leading to a successful career with prominent companies such as Lockheed Martin and Raytheon. Beyond her engineering achievements, Meghan is a dedicated adventure athlete. Her passion for the outdoors began in childhood, hiking with her father. In 2011, she suffered a severe snowboarding accident in Vail’s Sunup Bowl, breaking her left femur and enduring a challenging 19-month recovery. Defying medical expectations, she not only regained her mobility but also pursued mountaineering with renewed determination. Through her multifaceted career and personal endeavors, Meghan Buchanan continues to inspire and empower individuals worldwide, demonstrating that with determination and GGRIT, any obstacle can be overcome. Tune in as Meghan Buchanan joins Bobby Marshall in studio to discuss mountaineering, impacts to the environment, public lands, Mt. Everest, neurodivergence, would travels, culture, mountain life, and so much more. Please subscribe or like us on social media platforms for updates on shows, events, and episode drops.

www.TheMountainSidePodcast.com

Affiliates Links

Sponsor Links

www.BulletProof.com

Mountain Side listeners Use Discounts code: MOUNTAINSIDE to receive  20% off all Bulletproof products!

www.Knicpouches.com

Mountain Side listeners Use Discounts code: MOUNTAINSIDE15 to receive  15% off all  K-Nic products!

www.ONNIT.com

Mountain Side listeners use Discount code TMS to receive 10% off ONNIT products!