In this episode, Hazel talks to former pro-climber Mason Earle about his journey with ME/CFS. Mason was living a life full of adventure before almost everything was taken away from him by a debilitating illness that he still doesn't fully understand. Mason is extremely smart and insightful and his story and perspective is a stark reminder that we shouldn't take what we have for granted.

02.26 | Reminiscing on climbing

03:36 | How his illness has made him a better person

04:15 | What is ME/CFS where he is right now with his illness?

6:52 | Cranial traction improving his symptoms

12:00 - 16:00 | How it started and how the nightmare unravelled

16:21 How does Mason endure so much suffering, how does he keep fighting

18:52 | Was the fear that this was ‘forever’ always there?

How does he weigh the consequences of his actions having this health condition

21:00 | Does his climbing experience help him manage the consequences in his illness?

24:00 | Where he gets his feel-good chemicals from these days

25:50 | What is his view on gratitude?

31:27 | How does his illness affect his sense of identity

How does he deal with his health condition

36:14 | How much responsibility can he take over getting better?

42:50 | Is he still climbing?

44:41 | How does he maintain his personal relationships?

48:00 | Toxic positivity

49:30 | Mental health and its importance for everyone

54:03 | What has he learned in the past four years?