A podcast once dormant wakes once more with stereotypical promises of consistency!

   Mountain Mosaic returns with a mysterious dive into the depths of biographical storytelling. Episode 6 features a candid, shrouded look into the life of a Polish man under the pseudonym Hyacinth. Hyacinth and I crossed paths during evening games of chess.  Our friendship sprouted out of pawns and rooks and only the occasional dip into personal matters. His eyes are so storied; hazel glazed by decades. One evening, as my king was on a futile run toward endgame, I asked him if he would be open to a recorded interview. He agreed, and this episode flowered. 

   We weave through the twists and turns of his turbulent life. He witnessed Indonesia's violent dissociation from communism at a young age, thoroughly explored the world of hallucinogens as a young adult, and eventually lived "blissfully unaware of society in the backwoods of British Columbia with his wife."

   I am grateful to speak with friends that can be so honest and brave when dealing with difficult subject matter. As all honest stories do, this one features ups and downs; tragedy and joy; open frayed ends and peaceful full circles.

   Mountain Mosaic has caught a nice draft and rolls on in the springtime sunshine, rocking and rolling to the sweet, sweet sounds of unpolished recording: Typing, popping tabs, unbalanced laughter audio, and the honest sharing of thoughts in the hope of inspiring others- or at least provoking thought.

   Episode 5 features Sam Tucker, in his words, "putting his cards on the table." Sam boldly speaks candidly about the challenges he's faced and his facing, specifically regarding self belief- or the lack thereof. We crack a couple of Meadjitos and dive into the grit beyond the surface level. It is brilliant to hear someone speak honestly about process and come to the understanding that their sun is still low in the sky not through ignorance, but through experience and acceptance.

   We all have internal challenges. We can choose to cower and be consumed by them, or we can go to battle and embrace the fight. War is hell, and Sam Tucker is a goddamn soldier!!!!!

   Break out of your cage, and get this!!!!!!!

   Episode Notes:

As always, I do not own or claim to own some of the content in the intro. This one features the classic "Zombie Kid" (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CMNry4PE93Y), as well as a sound bit from the viral "Damn Ass Rock" video which has been removed from youtube. I do not own that content. One also cannot forget the sweet and wise Borat (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LBduNcf1eQc) These are for entertainment purposes only. They are hilarious and deserve to be shared!

I mention "A Better You" from the TED Radio Hour Podcast, which can be found here. https://www.npr.org/programs/ted-radio-hour/529942522/a-better-you

We also mention Ethan Pringle for the third time in this podcast. Ethan Pringle is a personal source of inspiration. I admire his acceptance, understanding, and courage of the entire process instead of choosing to ignore the grit in his media.

Jumbo Love https://www.redbull.com/int-en/tv/video/AP-1MQAPF4JD1W11/jumbo-love

La Reina Mora https://vimeo.com/158700293

You can find Sam on instagram here https://www.instagram.com/s_a_m_t_u_c_k_e_r/?hl=en

   This is the second of a two part series about mentorship. This episode features one of the Cher's of the Bow Valley (<3), Knut Rokne.

   Knut is the first person I've recorded a conversation with that wasn't my close friend beforehand. The waters were totally uncharted, and the resulting conversation is one that I am excited to share. With an honesty that shines through in both his unrelenting goofiness as well as his humble wisdom, Knut talks about his experience and realizations regarding mentorship. 

   It was so much fun to spend time with Knut. I got my ass handed to me by his home climbing wall, and nursed the ass kicking with good whiskey and better conversation.

   As a young person in the climbing community. I have realized- largely due to conversations like the two in this series, that we all benefit blindly from the rampant and various forms of mentorship within the community, or at least I do. Learning opportunities can come from anyone and anywhere; it is imperative that we remain open to this.

Perhaps humble psyche is a facet of longevity in climbing. Knut Rokne walks the walk. 

Thanks to Knut and Colleen for their gracious hospitality, and for some damn good whiskey!!!!!!! 

Episode notes:

I didn't think about leaving my phone beside my glass of whiskey. Thus, you know quite loudly when I have a drink. 

Thanks to Luke Dean for the intro hilarity. 

Knut mentions the behemoth climb "Some Kind of Monster". More info can be found here.  

http://publications.americanalpineclub.org/articles/12200610000/Some-Kind-of-Monster

This is the first of a two part series about Mentorship. This episode features the sweet prince of the Bow Valley, Tyson Martino.

   Tyson and I talk about the road he is on, and those have picked him up when he's fallen, and inspire him to continue. As stated in the intro, I left these interviews largely unedited, as I found that the impact of mentorship was highlighted throughout the conversation as a whole. When compared to part two, it is evident that both Tyson and I are young and stoked, though our relationship with mentorship is one of partly blind benefit; we simply have not had the wealth of experience to understand the importance of mentorship in the community we love so much. 

I love my friends, and am so grateful for all that I've learned from them. Tyson has taught me so much. I am grateful for the adventures we've shared, and am excited for mas adventuras. 

Episodes notes:

I do not own the Cookie Monster content in the intro. But I do fuckin love it.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I5e6ftNpGsU

Hello queens!

Luke dreams big, and acts bigger.

Episode Notes:

Luke mentions a quote from this video of Ethan Pringle climbing "The Nest" www.youtube.com/watch?v=ELiQBQt2Kdc

We also mention an idea talked about in this video, specifically about the importance of having a strong mind: www.youtube.com/watch?v=O9sOy304RsA&t=304s

The Puntcast left the harbour with a sail full of wind thanks to "BC Refugee" Kyle Smith, and his dog Chilko. This episode features tons of laughter, (headphone users beware) mounds of bullshit thanks to yours truly, and horrendous language. Our topics are vast. The first minute is a tidbit about Chilko trying to spread love and being greeted with a frightened tourist, and ultimately, the boys in blue.

A man, a dog, a sea of granite, a camera, and a beautiful landscape that despite being out of reach from the masses finds its grand natural beauty threatened by humanity. Kyle Smith is a great person, and I thank him for not letting me die in the North North Gully, and hopping on this rag tag podcast.

The cover photo for this episode is a beautiful shot by Kyle himself.

You can learn more about, and support Pacific Wild here:

At one point, Kyle shows a collection of photos by Ian McAllister, you can learn more about Ian here:

Grit