This short set of songs represents some new and some older releases that hold a special place in my heart. There are so many more not played in this set that I could have gone on with. Instead, please turn the volume up on this mix and enjoy the sonic story I put together for my favorite Los Angeles radio station 88.9fm KXLU! 

Aired 07/29/2023 live on In a Dream with Mystic Pete on 88.9fm KXLU

Thank you, Mystic Pete for this opportunity!

In A Dream with Mystic Pete 88.9fm KXLU

In our 8th and final episode of season two … we sit down with Barry Blanchard, one of the most bold and accomplished alpine climbers the world has ever seen. 

Blanchard is best known for his dangerous, cutting-edge ascents on high alpine faces across the globe. Many of Barry’s first ascents were well before their time and have consequently become test pieces for generations following in his footsteps. Most notably, these include  the first ascent of Infinite Patience on the Emperor Face of Mt. Robson, the first ascent of the North Pillar of North Twin, a first ascent on the North Face of Les Droites, and a heroic attempt on the 15,000-foot Rupal Face on Nanga Parbat. 

He is perhaps most well known for outrageous alpine climbing feats with partners Mark Twight, Steve House, David Cheeseman and Scott Backes. The “brotherhood” as they are often referred to, actively challenged death on bold and cold alpine faces in what can only be considered a golden era of alpine climbing. 

We talk at length about his death-defying alpine climbing feats amidst a life wrought with hardship, personal struggle and ultimate redemption. 

Barry and I take a deep dive into how growing up fatherless in a mixed race family led to his rebellious alpine climbing mentality, how the closest bonds in his life have been realized through the power of partnerships, and how the great spirit has guided him on cold faces in order to abate the lethal risk of alpine climbing.  	

Barry refers to alpinism as “pushing the door of a radiant, dangerous cathedral” and his philosophical take on the sport can be summed up in one beautiful and simple quote from his book “The Calling:"

BARRY WRITES “WHAT BINDS US IS THE BOND OF BROTHERS, LINKED BY THE BELIEF THAT ACTION IS VIRTUE AND BY COMMITMENT TO CLIMBING MOUNTAINS VIA THEIR MOST COMPELLING LINES, IN SMALL PARTNERSHIPS, WITH ONLY THE THE TIME-HONORED ACCOUTREMENTS OF A ROPE, A RACK AND A PACK.” 

I hope you enjoy a deep and intimate conversation with one of the most fascinating, kind and intellectual people I have ever had the honor of recording with.

S2:E8 Barry Blanchard

Afterglow is a new podcast series that travels deep into the mind heart and soul of world renown adventure athletes.

Afterglow is a series of in-depth and intimate audio conversations with athletes who chase their dreams through big mountain skiing, mountaineering, ultra running, and rock climbing. 

Join us on December 1st, for Afterglow, a series of organic, long-form and intimate conversations that reveal the personalities, motivations and inspirations of iconic mountain athletes.   

Every conversation goes deep in the attempt to learn universal truths from the experiences of these athletes including who we are, why we are here, and how these answers offer a pathway for the sharing of experiences, emotion and vulnerabilities that can potentially spark change and bridge divides. 

Join us on December 1st for a different kind of mountain storytelling.  

Season one of Afterglow showcases weekly conversations with notable mountain adventure athletes Tommy Caldwell, Will Gadd, Doug Robinson, Chris Noble, Dave Nettle, and Brendan Leonard. Our kick-off episode is a tandem chat with high altitude mountaineers Adrian Ballinger and Cory Richards. 

Subscribe now ….. and tell a friend. Email us with questions at info@alpenglowsports.com.

“Afterglow, A Mountain Storytelling Podcast” is like if our generation’s top explorers were on The Moth. " The Dyrt.com. 

"Madigan is the dirtbag's Terry Gross." Geoff Quine

S2:E8 Barry Blanchard

Afterglow, A Mountain Storytelling Podcast

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