S2:E3 Adrian Ballinger

We return in episode 3 with notable high altitude climber Adrian Ballinger, one of America's most accomplished mountaineers.

Besides being the only American to ski two 8000-meter peaks in one day, Adrian holds the first ski descent of Manaslu, the 8th tallest peak in the world. He has also summited Mt. Everest six times, the most recent without supplemental oxygen.

He is also the owner of Alpenglow Expeditions, arguably the premier guiding outfit in North America, and calls Squaw Valley, California home.

Our very first Afterglow conversation featured Adrian along with Mt. Everest climbing partner Corey Richards. If you haven't listened to this conversation it might help you contextually for many of the topics contained in Adrian's second sit down.

At the time of our first recording, Richards and Ballinger had just returned from a 2016 oxygen-less attempt on Mt. Everest. Both climbers spoke openly about the trials and tribulations of their journey to the roof of the world. On the 2016 expedition, Cory was successful and summited, while Adrian turned back agonizingly close to the summit. The two climbers came home to a mixed reception. While Cory was heralded as a successful climbing hero, Adrian had to navigate his failed attempt in a very public fashion.

Adrian is one of Brendan's closest friends, and the Afterglow host knew Ballinger would shed some amazing insights into how he took the failed Everest attempt in 2016 and used it to inspire his ultimate success in 2017.

Inspired by Adrian? Check out more here:

Instagram: @adrianballinger

Website: www.adrianballinger.com

Afterglow S1:E1: https://soundcloud.com/afterglowmountainstorytelling/adrianandcory

Check out the Cowboys Fiddle (@the_cowboys_fiddle) on Instagram to enjoy more of their music. This duo of 13-year-old Elia Schreiber and Declan Mac are responsible for the music of Season 2 of Afterglow.