the Sharp End Podcast

In this month’s episode, I talk with Kelsey as she shares her intense experience climbing the Grand Teton in August of 2026. We discuss the lessons learned about altitude illness, honesty in team settings, and the importance of preparation and self-awareness in high-altitude mountaineering.

Make sure to sign up for the Rocky Talkie giveaway at thesharpendpodcast.com from Oct 1-14.

Drawing will be on October 15th.

This podcast is produced by Ashley Saupe.

This episode is sponsored by Rocky Talkie, the American Alpine Institute and AutoSock.

→ 10% off physician designed emergency kits at OZIO with code SHARPEND10

→ 10% off all open enrollment Desert Mountain Medicine courses with code SHARPEND10

→ 60% off onX Backcountry Premium or Elite - SHARPEND60

→ 10% off Rocky Talkie radios at RockyTalkie.com/SharpEnd

→ 15% online Responder Alliance trainings, including the Responder HUB - SHARPEND

→ 15% off SWOOP. garments - SHARPEND

→ Use code SHARPEND to waive the activation fee on ZOLEO

→ Global Rescue Insurance: https://partner.globalrescue.com/thesharpendpodcast/index.html

→ 20% off American Alpine Club membership with code sharpend26

In this episode, James and George share a gripping rescue story from Thailand, highlighting the importance of teamwork, planning, and first aid skills in emergency situations. Discover how their climbing experience and quick thinking saved a BASE Jumper’s life in a challenging environment.

This podcast is produced by Ashley Saupe.

This episode is sponsored by Rocky Talkie, the American Alpine Institute and onX Backcountry.

→ 10% off physician designed emergency kits at OZIO with code SHARPEND10

→ 14% off all open enrollment Desert Mountain Medicine courses that start between now and November 1st with code SHARPEND14

→ 60% off onX Backcountry Premium or Elite - SHARPEND60

→ 10% off Rocky Talkie radios at RockyTalkie.com/SharpEnd

→ 15% online Responder Alliance trainings, including the Responder HUB - SHARPEND

→ 15% off SWOOP. garments - SHARPEND

→ 10% off any wilderness med course with Desert Mountain Medicine - SHARPEND

→ Use code SHARPEND to waive the activation fee on ZOLEO

→ Global Rescue Insurance: https://partner.globalrescue.com/thesharpendpodcast/index.html

→ 20% off American Alpine Club membership with code sharpend26

Ep 127 - Trapped by Wilderness Fires - Juliet and Amy

Tune into this episode to hear Juliet Evans and Amy Lu recount their harrowing experience in the North Cascades, navigating a wildfire threat during a backpacking trip. Learn about their decision-making, resourcefulness, and the importance of communication in outdoor safety.

This podcast is produced by Ashley Saupe.

This episode is sponsored by Rocky Talkie and onX Backcountry.

→ 70% off onX Backcountry Premium or Elite - SHARPEND70

→ 10% off Rocky Talkie radios at RockyTalkie.com/SharpEnd

→ 15% online Responder Alliance trainings, including the Responder HUB - SHARPEND

→ 15% off SWOOP. garments - SHARPEND

→ 10% off any wilderness med course with Desert Mountain Medicine - SHARPEND

→ Use code SHARPEND to waive the activation fee on ZOLEO

→ Global Rescue Insurance: https://partner.globalrescue.com/thesharpendpodcast/index.html

→ 20% off American Alpine Club membership with code sharpend26

In this episode of the Sharp End Podcast, Zach Watson shares a gripping story of a mountain accident in the Bugaboos, highlighting the importance of preparation, communication, and mental resilience in mountain rescue scenarios. Learn key lessons on safety gear, decision-making, and the value of strong partnerships in outdoor adventures.

Zach Watson is a technologist based in Squamish, British Columbia, with a passion for outdoor climbing and recreation. With several years of climbing experience, he has tackled various routes across the West Coast, including the Bugaboos, making him a knowledgeable voice on the subject.

This podcast is produced by Ashley Saupe and sponsored by Rocky Talkie and onX Backcountry.

→ 70% off onX Backcountry Premium or Elite - SHARPEND70

→ 10% off Rocky Talkie radios at RockyTalkie.com/SharpEnd

→ 15% online Responder Alliance trainings, including the Responder HUB - SHARPEND

→ 10% off Wallpoppe - SHARPEND

→ 15% off SWOOP. garments - SHARPEND

→ 10% off any wilderness med course with Desert Mountain Medicine - SHARPEND

→ Use code SHARPEND to waive the activation fee on ZOLEO

→ Global Rescue Insurance: https://partner.globalrescue.com/thesharpendpodcast/index.html

→ 20% off American Alpine Club membership with code sharpend26

Ep 125 - The Way Out: A True Story of Survival in the Heart of the Rockies - Devon O'Neil

In January 2017, three families set out on a backcountry ski trip to Uncle Bud's Cabin in the heart of the Rockies outside of Salida, Colorado. What was meant to be a fun getaway turned into a desperate search when two members of the party didn’t return from a quick ski run. In this episode, we'll dive into the remarkable story told in Devon O'Neil's book, "The Way Out," revealing not only the thrilling events but also the profound effects on the families and community involved. O'Neil, a seasoned journalist, captures the essence of resilience and courage that emerged in the face of tragedy. We explore what happened, the lessons learned, and why this story resonates deeply with outdoor enthusiasts and communities alike.

Check out this bonus article written by Devon O’Neil about his own personal avalanche experience – https://www.outsideonline.com/outdoor-adventure/exploration-survival/avalanche-trigger-mt-baldy/

This podcast is produced by Ashley Saupe and sponsored by Rocky Talkie and onX Backcountry.

→ 70% off onX Backcountry Premium or Elite - SHARPEND70

→ 10% off Rocky Talkie radios at RockyTalkie.com/SharpEnd

→ 15% online Responder Alliance trainings, including the Responder HUB - SHARPEND

→ 10% off Wallpoppe - SHARPEND

→ 15% off SWOOP. garments - SHARPEND

→ 10% off any wilderness med course with Desert Mountain Medicine - SHARPEND

→ Use code SHARPEND to waive the activation fee on ZOLEO

→ Global Rescue Insurance: https://partner.globalrescue.com/thesharpendpodcast/index.html

→ 20% off American Alpine Club membership with code sharpend26

Ep 124 - Climbing Liberty Ridge: Lessons Learned from a Challenging Ascent - Andy & Eric

Discover the insights from climbing Liberty Ridge on Mount Rainier, including key lessons, mistakes to avoid, and the importance of weather awareness for climbers.

In June of 2016, climbers Andy Schriner and Eric Miller embarked on a challenging ascent of Liberty Ridge on Mount Rainier. With a mix of excitement and trepidation, they navigated weather challenges, physical demands, and important decision-making that would ultimately shape their experience. Andy and Eric share the lessons learned from their journey, the challenges they faced, and what every climber should consider before tackling this impressive route.

This podcast is produced by Ashley Saupe and sponsored by Rocky Talkie and the American Alpine Institute.

→ 25% off Mountain Sense PRO Rescue Kits & Rescue Tarps - code SHARPEND25 (exp. 6/1)

→ 10% off Rocky Talkie radios at RockyTalkie.com/SharpEnd

→ 15% online Responder Alliance trainings, including the Responder HUB - code SHARPEND

→ 30% off onX Backcountry Premium or Elite, valid through 12/31/26 - code SHARPEND

→ 10% off Wallpoppe - code SHARPEND

→ 15% off SWOOP. garments - code SHARPEND

→ 10% off any wilderness med course with Desert Mountain Medicine - code SHARPEND

→ Use code SHARPEND to waive the activation fee on ZOLEO

→ Global Rescue Insurance: https://partner.globalrescue.com/thesharpendpodcast/index.html

→ 20% off American Alpine Club membership with code SHARPEND26

Ep 123 - Maximizing Wilderness Preparedness - Insights from a Mountain Guide - Mark Smiley

You already know that Ashley loves wilderness medicine so much, and she always wants her listeners to be as prepared as possible in the backcountry. That's what inspired this episode. Tune in to hear Ashley interview Mark Smiley, an IFMGA Mountain Guide, who shares his expertise on outdoor safety gear, rescue techniques, and backcountry preparedness. Ashley and Mark discuss practical tips, innovative gear, and lessons learned from guiding and safety experience in remote wilderness environments. Whether you're a guide, outdoor enthusiast, or wilderness professional, learn how to optimize your safety setup and decision-making in remote environments.

Get your MTN Sense Mountain Rescue Kit here!

This podcast is produced by Ashley Saupe and sponsored by Rocky Talkie.

**This episode is not sponsored by MTNSense. Ashley simply did her research and found that this is hands down the best custom built backcountry rescue kit out there (in her opinion) and also very much respects Mark Smiley’s values and professional background.

→ 25% off Mountain Sense PRO Rescue Kits & Rescue Tarps - code SHARPEND25 (exp. 6/1)

→ 10% off Rocky Talkie radios at RockyTalkie.com/SharpEnd

→ 30% off onX Backcountry Premium or Elite, valid through 12/31/26 - code SHARPEND

→ 10% off Wallpoppe - code SHARPEND

→ 15% off SWOOP. garments - code SHARPEND

→ 10% off any wilderness med course with Desert Mountain Medicine - code SHARPEND

→ Use code SHARPEND to waive the activation fee on ZOLEO

→ Global Rescue Insurance: https://partner.globalrescue.com/thesharpendpodcast/index.html

→ 20% off First Aid contents at MyMedic.com with code SHARPEND20

→ 20% off American Alpine Club membership with code sharpend20

In this episode of The Sharp End Podcast, Garrett Vinoski shares his harrowing experience of a near miss during a backcountry skiing trip in Moonlight Basin on December 5th in 2023. He discusses the factors leading up to the incident, including decision-making processes, avalanche conditions, and the importance of communication and risk management in the backcountry. Garrett reflects on the emotional aftermath of the avalanche, the lessons learned, and the changes he and his wife have made to their approach to backcountry skiing to enhance safety and awareness.

This podcast is produced by Ashley Saupe. This podcast is sponsored by Rocky Talkie and American Alpine Institute.

→ 10% off Rocky Talkie radios at RockyTalkie.com/SharpEnd

→ 30% off onX Backcountry Premium or Elite, valid through December 31, 2026 using code SHARPEND

→ 10% off Wallpoppe orders with code SHARPEND

→ 15% off SWOOP. garments with code SHARPEND

→ 10% off any wilderness med course with Desert Mountain Medicine using code SHARPEND

→ Use code SHARPEND to waive the activation fee on ZOLEO

→ Global Rescue Insurance: https://partner.globalrescue.com/thesharpendpodcast/index.html

→ 20% off First Aid contents at MyMedic.com with code SHARPEND20

→ 20% off American Alpine Club membership with code sharpend20

In this episode of The Sharp End Podcast, Ashley interviews the Executive director of Trek for Trevor, a charity formed in memory of his son Trevor, who tragically died while attempting to hike the Pacific Crest Trail. Doug shares Trevor's story, the importance of outdoor safety, and the mission of Trek for Trevor to educate hikers about safety gear and decision-making in the wilderness. The conversation also delves into the profound grief of losing a child and how Doug has found purpose in honoring his only son’s legacy through advocacy and education.

This podcast is produced by Ashley Saupe. This podcast is sponsored by Rocky Talkie, American Alpine Institute and onX Backcountry.

Learn more and consider supporting the Trek For Trevor Foundation: https://www.trekfortrevor.org/

→ 10% off Rocky Talkie radios at RockyTalkie.com/SharpEnd

→ 30% off onX Backcountry Premium or Elite, valid through December 31, 2026 using code SHARPEND

→ 10% off Wallpoppe orders with code SHARPEND

→ 15% off SWOOP. garments with code SHARPEND

→ 10% off any wilderness med course with Desert Mountain Medicine using code SHARPEND

→ Use code SHARPEND to waive the activation fee on ZOLEO

→ Global Rescue Insurance: https://partner.globalrescue.com/thesharpendpodcast/index.html

→ 20% off First Aid contents at MyMedic.com with code SHARPEND20

→ 20% off American Alpine Club membership with code sharpend20

In this episode of The Sharp End Podcast, host Ashley speaks with Rob and Mark about their harrowing experience during an avalanche incident while skiing in the Selkirks of Canada. They discuss the events leading up to the avalanche, the survival tactics employed, and the emotional and mental challenges faced during and after the incident. The conversation emphasizes the importance of safety, decision-making, and the lessons learned from their experience, highlighting how even experienced skiers can find themselves in dangerous situations.

This podcast is produced by Ashley Saupe. This podcast is sponsored by Wallpoppe.

Sign-Up for the Wallpoppe giveaway at thesharpendpodcast.com between 1/15 and 1/31. The WINNER will receive a 20x30” dyed picture from their own camera roll + a frame + free shipping. One entry per person.

→ 10% off Wallpoppe orders with code SHARPEND

→ 10% off Rocky Talkie radios at RockyTalkie.com/SharpEnd

→ 30% off onX Backcountry Premium or Elite, valid through December 31, 2026 using code SHARPEND

→ 15% off SWOOP. garments with code SHARPEND

→ 10% off any wilderness med course with Desert Mountain Medicine using code SHARPEND

→ Use code SHARPEND to waive the activation fee on ZOLEO

→ Global Rescue Insurance: https://partner.globalrescue.com/thesharpendpodcast/index.html

→ 20% off First Aid contents at MyMedic.com with code SHARPEND20

→ 20% off American Alpine Club membership with code sharpend20