Strap Yer Boots
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Strap Yer Boots episodes

  • 041: Walter Bonatti: Alone on the Edge

    At just 24 years old, Walter Bonatti was left stranded at 8,100 metres on K2 — a single night of survival that would become one of the greatest controversies in mountaineering history. Frozen, oxygen-starved, and betrayed by his own team, Bonatti endured the unendurable. But that was only the beginning of a career defined by integrity and impossible courage.

    In this episode of Strap Yer Boots, we journey through the life of the man they called “the conscience of alpinism.” From his bold first ascent of the Dru’s southwest pillar to his solo winter climb of the Matterhorn, Bonatti redefined what it meant to climb with purity and purpose.

    We’ll explore the triumphs, the isolation, and the lifelong scars left by K2 — not just physical, but moral. Through it all, Bonatti refused to compromise his principles, insisting that how you reach a summit matters more than reaching it at all.

    This is the story of a climber who walked away from fame to protect something greater — his truth.

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    Website strapyerboots.com
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    28 min
  • 040: Your Questions Answered - Our Kilimanjaro Q&A

    In Part Two of our Kilimanjaro recap we are answering your questions on everything from gear to our best and worst memories of the trip. We hear some more reflections from our fellow climbers & we share the all important boot recommendations for taking on the roof of Africa.

    If you're planning a hike of this iconic mountain we've got you covered so that you can pack snacks - not regrets.

    Strap Yer Boots!

    Instagram @strapyerboots
    Website strapyerboots.com
    Contact [email protected]

    43 min
  • 039: From the Mountain to the Mic: Our Kilimanjaro Debrief

    Fresh off the slopes of Africa’s highest peak, we’re back at sea level and ready to unpack it all. In this episode, we relive our Kilimanjaro adventure — from the toughest climbs and funniest moments to the quiet reflections that hit us above the clouds.

    We’re also bringing in stories and voice clips from others who made the journey with us, sharing their highs, lows, and everything in between. 

    Whether you’ve dreamt of climbing Kilimanjaro or just love a good adventure story, this one’s packed with laughter, lessons, and a few surprises from the summit.

    Instagram @strapyerboots
    Website strapyerboots.com
    Contact [email protected]

    56 min
  • 037: Ötzi the Iceman – Europe’s Oldest Cold Case

    Discovered in the Alps in 1991, Ötzi the Iceman is a 5,300-year-old mummy whose body has revealed astonishing details about Copper Age life—his clothes, tools, tattoos, even his last meal. But Ötzi also carries evidence of violent injuries, leaving scientists to ask: was he a victim of murder, survival gone wrong, or something else entirely? In this episode, we uncover the mysteries of Europe’s oldest cold case.


    Instagram @strapyerboots
    Website strapyerboots.com
    Contact [email protected]

    27 min
  • 036: Wings in the Reeks: The USAAF Tragedy of 1943

    In December 1943, a brand-new USAAF C-47 Skytrain on a ferry flight to England veered off course and struck the slopes of Cnoc na Péiste in the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks. All five crewmen were killed, their story buried in confusion over dates, wartime secrecy, and the remoteness of the Kerry mountains. 


    In this episode of Strap Yer Boots, we retrace the doomed flight, the recovery, and the enduring mystery of “the forgotten crash” in Ireland’s highest range. Along the way, we uncover how the Reeks have kept fragments of the tragedy alive—wreckage in the lake, memorials on the ridge, and the memory of five Americans lost far from home. 

    Instagram @strapyerboots
    Website strapyerboots.com
    Contact [email protected]

    24 min
  • 035: Military to Mountain Adventures: John O’Brien of Little Big Adventures

    In this episode of Strap Yer Boots, we sit down with John O’Brien— Irish military leader turned outdoor adventurer. With over 26 years of service, John’s career took him from managing complex investigations to leading multinational teams in challenging environments. 

    In 2019, he founded Little Big Adventures Ireland, where he now shares his passion for the outdoors as a qualified Mountain Leader. We chat about the lessons the mountains can teach us, how military precision translates to the wild, and why adventure is for everyone.


    Instagram @strapyerboots
    Website strapyerboots.com
    Contact [email protected]

    1 hr 9 min
  • 034: Juliane Koepcke: The Girl Who Fell from the Sky

    On Christmas Eve 1971, 17-year-old Juliane Koepcke boarded a flight over the Peruvian rainforest with her mother. What was supposed to be a routine journey turned into a nightmare when lightning struck the plane, causing it to disintegrate mid-air. Juliane fell over two miles—without a parachute—and miraculously survived.

    In this episode, we delve into one of the most extraordinary survival stories of all time. We explore Juliane’s experience falling from the sky, waking up alone in the jungle, and her harrowing 11-day journey through one of the most dangerous ecosystems on Earth. But this story is more than survival—it's about resilience, science, and the human will to live.

    Instagram @strapyerboots
    Website strapyerboots.com
    Contact [email protected]

    33 min
  • 033: Mount Kailash: The Sacred Mountain No One May Climb

    Rising high in the remote ranges of Tibet, Mount Kailash has inspired awe, devotion, and mystery for thousands of years. Unlike other famous peaks, it has never been climbed—nor should it be, according to the spiritual traditions that revere it. In this episode, we journey into the legends and beliefs that surround this extraordinary mountain. From its significance in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Bon, to the pilgrimage of the sacred kora around its base, Mount Kailash represents more than just a mountain—it is seen as the center of the world, a gateway between the human and the divine. We’ll explore the myths, the geography, and the enduring sense of wonder that makes Kailash one of the most sacred and enigmatic places on Earth.

    Instagram @strapyerboots
    Website strapyerboots.com
    Contact [email protected]

    29 min

About Strap Yer Boots

From the publisher's feed

“Strap Yer Boots” is your go-to podcast for raw, unfiltered conversations about the challenges and triumphs of everyday life. Hosted by passionate adventurers Laura Roche & April Brophy, this…