Clarkia's Dedication:

To my beloved partner who is drawn to challenges, high places, and solitude in the mountains. We found each other in the mountains, and Inshallah, we will continue to always find each other in the mountains of the physical world, and the mountains of life we climb together. Love you full send Brandon!

- Clarkia

Episode Description: On the Edge: Survival, Standards, and the State of Guiding (Pt. 3 w/ Brandon)

In Part 3 of our series with mountain guide Brandon, we leave behind blue skies and summit selfies to tackle the realities of survival and the high-stakes of professional guiding. Brandon shares stories of sudden storms, emergency descents, and the life-saving skills every mountaineer should have before stepping above treeline.

We also dive deep into the current state of the guiding industry—where the lines blur between certified professionals and self-proclaimed experts. What happens when training is inconsistent or nonexistent? What gear does a real guide never go without? And should the U.S. have a national guiding standard like other countries?

If you’ve ever wondered what separates a good day in the mountains from a deadly one—or what it really means to trust someone with your safety at 14,000 feet—this one’s for you.