## Episode 4: Thirty Below with Cassidy Randall
In 1970, six women set out to climb Denali together—and changed the history of mountaineering.
Known as the **Denali Damsels**, the team completed the first all-women’s ascent of Denali and the first all-women’s ascent of any of the world’s major high peaks. Yet for decades, their achievement remained largely absent from popular histories of exploration.
In this episode of the **Joy Trip Reading Project**, host **James Edward Mills** talks with author and journalist **Cassidy Randall** about her award-winning book, *Thirty Below: The Harrowing and Heroic Story of the First All-Women’s Ascent of Denali*.
Cassidy shares how she first discovered the story of the Denali Damsels and why she became determined to bring their accomplishments back into the historical record. Their conversation explores sexism in mountaineering, the struggle for autonomy, the power of women climbing together, and the ways dominant narratives determine whose accomplishments are remembered—and whose are forgotten.
The episode also examines a larger question at the heart of the Joy Trip Reading Project: **Who gets to be part of the story of exploration and adventure?**
For James, the conversation is especially personal. In 2013, he organized **Expedition Denali**, the first all-Black American team to attempt the summit of Denali. That shared connection to the mountain opens a wider conversation about representation, belonging, and the importance of seeing ourselves reflected in stories of outdoor achievement.
*Thirty Below: The Harrowing and Heroic Story of the First All-Women’s Ascent of Denali* tells the remarkable story of six women who challenged the conventions of climbing culture and proved that women could mountaineer at the highest level on their own terms.
The book was the winner of the **2025 Banff Mountain Book Award Grand Prize** and the **Literature Award for Non-Fiction**.
### About Cassidy Randall
Cassidy Randall is an author and freelance journalist whose work explores the intersections of adventure, gender, history, and the outdoors.
Learn more about her work at **CassidyRandall.com**.
James and Cassidy discuss:
* How Cassidy discovered the largely forgotten story of the Denali Damsels
* Why the 1970 expedition represented a watershed moment in mountaineering history
* The sexism and exclusion women encountered in climbing culture
* Why the women ultimately chose to climb without men
* How stories that challenge dominant narratives can disappear from history
* The importance of representation in exploration and outdoor adventure
* What the Denali Damsels can teach a new generation of climbers and adventurers
**Thirty Below: The Harrowing and Heroic Story of the First All-Women’s Ascent of Denali**
*Thirty Below* is a featured title of the **Joy Trip Reading Project**, where we build understanding of sustainability, environmental justice, and social equity through the power of books.
Hosted by **James Edward Mills**
Produced by **Bianca Martin**
Production assistance by **Hayleigh Dunk**
The Joy Trip Project is made possible with support from **YMCA of the Rockies**, because sometimes the right setting changes the whole story. Bring your curiosity, bring your people, and join us where trails, forests, and starry skies lead to deeper conversations.
Learn more at **YMCArockies.org**.
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