Essay: Season One Recap
By Steve House
With Voice of the Mountains, we set out together on an unscripted journey—a creative act of exploration not bound to a well-marked path. This was not a solitary venture, but a shared exploration rooted in the pursuit of self-knowledge that underpin everything we do at Uphill Athlete. Through the books, website, and podcast, we’ve built a knowledge base that has helped countless people move, think, and grow. This foundation became the starting point for this series—a way to extend the conversation beyond the physical into the mental, emotional, and philosophical realms of mountain pursuits.
At the heart of this shared exploration is the concept of becoming an Uphill Athlete. This isn’t about competition or striving to be the best. Becoming an Uphill Athlete is about embracing a practice of agency—over the body, the mind, and ultimately, the self. It is about movement and reflection, learning and unlearning. Physical training can provide the structure, the discipline, and the resilience needed to embark on this journey. But it is what lies beyond the training—what happens on the trail, the mountain, or in the quiet moments of reflection—that reveals the deeper truths of who we are.
This season of Voice of the Mountains has been a collaborative pursuit of that philosophy. Together, we have explored what it means to approach the mountains—and life itself—with humility, curiosity, and determination. It has been an invitation to reflect on what the mountains teach us about ourselves, our relationships, and the world around us.
What We Search For
At its core, mountain sports compel us to confront the truths of who we are. In the episode with Will Gadd, we examined the role of competition, innovation, and motivation. For Will, competition drives excellence, but it is the shared humanity of the mountain community that leaves a lasting mark. “We do it for each other,” he said—a simple statement that reflects the profound connection among those who share in the trials and triumphs of the mountains.
My own viewpoint is that mountains are not a stage for binary outcomes or performances; they are a canvas for creation and self-expression. They evoke awe, an emotion that transcends competition and identity and reminds us of our smallness and interconnectedness. As Will’s story shows, the mountains invite us to return, not to win, but to feel—to explore the spark that draws us back again and again.
Shifting the Impossible
Lydia Bradey’s story is one of resilience and transformation. Facing avalanches and near-death experiences in the Garhwal Himalaya, Lydia discovered something foundational: “This is hard, but I’m hard.” The mountains taught her that agency lies in our decisions and courage emerges not before hardship but because of it. Her journey from those life-threatening moments to pioneering alpine-style ascents reminds us that the best journeys leave us fundamentally changed.
Through Lydia, we also explored the difference between doing what others say you shouldn’t and doing what they believe you can’t. Pioneers like Lydia don’t just shift their own understanding of what is possible—they change the narrative for everyone. They lift the veil of ignorance, showing that the boundaries of the possible are not fixed but fluid, waiting for someone bold enough to redraw them.
Shedding Useless Beliefs
For many, the mountains are a place to rewrite the stories we tell ourselves. My own experience on the Rupal Face of Nanga Parbat forced me to confront a narrative of failure that had consumed me. Turning back was a blow to my ego, but it was also an invitation to let go of a useless belief: that my worth was tied to summits reached. It took a decade to fully shed that belief, but the mountains eventually helped me see that value is not earned through conquest—it is inherent in who we are. Relief, I found, comes not from triumph but from renewal.
This is one of the central lessons of becoming an Uphill Athlete: the realization that self-worth isn’t something achieved or awarded. It’s something lived, step by step, through the simple act of showing up, embracing discomfort, and doing the work. Physical training, with its inherent cycles of challenge and adaptation, mirrors this process and provides a foundation for the deeper explorations of mind and spirit.
Listening to the Mountains
Rick Ridgeway, a climber, storyteller, and environmentalist, brought us back to the importance of purpose. For Rick, the mountains are not places to conquer but places to learn. A simple yet profound truth has guided his life and career: Values drive purpose, and purpose drives you. Rick’s experiences, from the Amazon to Antarctica, remind us that the mountains reflect who we are and offer lessons in humility, resilience, and interconnectedness.
“Everything is connected. Everything changes. Pay attention.” Rick’s seven-word poem captures the essence of what the mountains teach. They demand that we stay present, adapt, and align our actions with our values. In doing so, they reveal the deeper purpose behind our pursuits—not personal glory but making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
The Humanity of the Mountains
The season also highlighted the vulnerabilities of those who seem larger than life. Sasha DiGiulian’s story illuminated the challenges of being judged not for her climbing achievements but for her appearance and gender. Her drive, humanity, and courage in facing criticism, alongside her drive and humanity, challenge us to park our egos and see others—and ourselves—more compassionately. Sasha’s journey reminds us that the mountains reveal our insecurities as much as our strengths, and they call us to embrace both with grace.
Similarly, Jimmy Chin shared how his passion for climbing and storytelling is rooted in authenticity. The camera, like the ice ax, is a tool for uncovering and sharing truth. For Jimmy, the act of creation—whether climbing a mountain or making an Oscar-winning film—is not about performance but about finding and expressing his most authentic self. His work challenges us to do the same, using whatever tools we have to live purposefully.
Becoming an Uphill Athlete
Each guest this season offered a unique perspective on the mountains, but a common thread ran through every story: the mountains change us. They strip away ego and pretense, leaving only what is real. Whether it is the humility of turning back, the courage to pioneer new paths, or the humanity of helping each other, the mountains teach us to embrace awe and find renewal in their quiet power.
To become an Uphill Athlete is to accept this transformation. It is to lean into discomfort and challenge, reflect deeply on what drives us, and take ownership of our journeys. The physical training we provide at Uphill Athlete is the entry point for this deeper journey, equipping us with the physical and mental tools to explore the edges of our potential.
Looking Ahead
As we close this season, I am struck by the richness of the stories we’ve shared and the lessons we’ve learned. The mountains, in all their beauty and brutality, have brought us closer to understanding their philosophy and our own. They have reminded us that resilience, agency, and connection are not just traits—they are practices honed with each step, each climb, and each fall.
With Voice of the Mountains, we set out on an unscripted journey—a shared exploration that extended beyond the physical training Uphill Athlete is known for. Together, we ventured into the mental, emotional, and philosophical realms of the mountains, learning not just about our guests’ experiences, but about ourselves.
Through stories of awe, humility, and transformation, this season has underscored a simple truth: the mountains change us. They strip away ego and pretense, offering renewal in their quiet power.
To become an Uphill Athlete is to embrace this change—to lean into discomfort, to move, reflect, and grow, step by step. This isn’t about conquering peaks or chasing glory. It’s about the practice of agency over body, mind, and self.
As this season draws to a close, I am grateful for the stories shared and the truths uncovered. The mountains have spoken. Now, it’s up to us to listen.
Thank you for joining me on Voice of the Mountains. Until next time, keep climbing, keep reflecting, and keep exploring.
And one last thing: Do you want to listen to a second season?
LISTEN TO THE EPISODE:
Exploring the poetic soul of the mountains.
Voice of the Mountains explores the mental and emotional adventures found in discovering who we are and what we’re capable of. Here we engage in self-reflection and humility, and embrace the beauty and struggle of the alpine experience equally.
