Episode 232 of The Adventure Podcast features legendary alpinist, Mick Fowler. Mick is 70 and still climbing in the Himalaya. He can't remember how many first ascents he has there, but spoiler alert, it's a lot. In this episode, Mick talks to Matt about balancing his seemingly ordinary tax career with an extraordinary alpine one. He explains his approach to alpine-style climbing, what makes a good multi-decade climbing partner, near misses, and the mindset needed to know when to push on vs when to turn back. Mick also talks candidly about being diagnosed with cancer and the colostomy bag he's lived with since. Together they also reflect on ageing and moderating objectives without losing satisfaction. Mick is one of the greats but is exceptionally humble, and this is an honest, no fluff conversation about the 'simple' life that got him the accolades.
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Photo credit - Paul Ramsden
Chapter Breakdown
00:00-09:58: Mick on life after retirement, balancing 39 years at the tax office with family and climbing, and why he never planned to stop.
09:58-20:33: The difference between fixed-rope commercial expeditions and his own minimalist, uncertainty-driven approach - and how his climbing evolved over the decades.
21:02-31:14: What makes a good Himalayan climbing partner, and the criteria behind choosing an unclimbed, remote, culturally interesting mountain.
32:27-39:55: A dangerous descent in China, followed by his cancer diagnosis, surgery, and life afterwards with a colostomy bag.
39:55-53:28: Staying fit through fell racing, moderating ambitions with age, and preparing for an upcoming expedition to Nepal.
54:57-1:02:51: Views on style and bolts in modern mountaineering, and writing his latest book during recovery from injury.
1:02:51-1:05:08: What scares Mick, what gives him hope, and a close.
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