In this inspiring episode, adventurer Renata Chlumska recounts her time supporting Göran Kropp’s historic, self-powered ascent of Mount Everest in 1996 and how witnessing both tragedy (the disaster Jon Krakauer chronicles in Into Thin Air) and triumph (Göran’s successful Everest summit) shaped her lifelong dreams and philosophy. In 2006, Renata followed the perimeter of the 48 contiguous United States by bicycle and kayak. In 2014, she conquered the Seven Summits, the highest mountain peaks on each of the continents. Renata reflects on the values that guided her expeditions, including the power of preparation, resilience, and living without shortcuts. This conversation celebrates courage, love, and the drive to transform passion into purpose. As Renata says, adventure isn’t about avoiding risk; it’s about embracing life fully and discovering what you’re truly capable of.

Photo credit: Kaj Bune @kaj_bune_photography