Forked-Up by Calum Richardson

In this engaging conversation, Tejan Gurung, a former Army Commando and mountaineer, shares his journey from a military background to becoming a prominent figure in the mountaineering community. He discusses his early life, the challenges he faced in the military, and how those experiences shaped his character and leadership skills. Tejan recounts his first encounter with mountaineering, the emotional journey of climbing the 14 highest peaks in the world, and the tragedy he faced during an expedition. He emphasizes the importance of community, environmental responsibility, and his aspirations to help others achieve their climbing goals.Born in Hong Kong, raised in Nepal, TJ moved to the UK at 10 and being inspired by his father and the Brigade of Gurkhas, he joined the Royal Engineers at 19. Later serving with the 24 Commando Regiment within the 3 Commando Brigade. With his love for his childhood home of Nepal and a desire to shine a light on the incredible culture and people of the Big Mountains, TJ returned to his homeland to climb his first 8,000m peak in 2022. He summitted Everest on May 27th followed swiftly by Lhotse on May 28th, 2022 with Nimsdai Purja.He left the military in 2023 to pursue his love of climbing and took on the challenge to climb all 14 highest peaks in the world. He was part of the record-breaking fastest team to climb all of the Big 5 mountains in Pakistan in 26 days in 2023. His military training gave him reliance, skill and determination and earned him his nickname on the 8,000ers of the Mountain Yeti. He completed his 14 Peaks mission in 2 years, 4 months and 13 days and became the youngest British male to do so.Tj now guides for Elite Exped: eliteexped.com Chapters00:00 Introduction to Tejan Gurung01:00 Early Life and Military Journey03:47 Life in the Army and Lessons Learned08:56 Transitioning from Military to Mountaineering11:48 Discovering a Passion for Climbing15:48 First Experiences in High Altitude19:40 Leading Expeditions and Team Dynamics24:35 The 14 Peaks Challenge and Future Aspirations28:45 The Journey to 14 Peaks30:07 Facing Adversity: The Avalanche Incident35:19 Emotional Aftermath and Reflection36:44 Returning to the Mountain: A New Purpose38:40 The Legacy of Anna: Climbing in Her Memory41:53 The Challenge of Climbing Without Oxygen45:45 Future Aspirations: The Seven Summits47:34 Innovations in Climbing: The Fast Ascent of Everest52:09 Influences and Mentorship in Climbing58:06 Environmental Responsibility in Mountaineering

Andrei Lussmann is a great friend and a man with a wealth of knowledge for all things in Hospitality and Sustainabilty, sharing his journey and its some journey. Owning Lussmanns Sustainabilty Kitchens fantastic Restaurants.

This episode is with Calum and Celebrity Chef Phil Vickery having an informal chat about Phil's journey into the chef world where he gained AA Chef of the Year ,1 Michelin Star and a host of other awards, leading to his TV debut on Ready Steady Cook and nearly 25 Years as Chef for ITV This Morning

Chef Steven Edwards talks about his journey from experimenting as a young boy with food at home all the way to winning Masterchef Professionals 2013. Leading to opening his first Restaurant Etch not all with plan sailing to where he is today.

An intimate interview with Alister Walker the 4th generation of the World Famous Walkers Shortbread. Find out who and what inspired Alister and his family taking a small bakery to £140m Business.

A chat with Calum and Chef Tom Kitchin. From school boy to youngest Michelin Chef in Scotland. A true successful example of running an inspiring Family Buisness, Talking about Toms role models and mentors.

A chat into the journey of Jimmy Buchan from being a fisherman to the supplier of seafood that he is today. Inspired by family traditions, Jimmy changed the way public see fishing industry by broadcasting it to everyones living room.

Journey of Calum Richardson - Chef/Owner of multi-award winning The Bay Fish and Chips and The Bay on The Road.