193: Survival and Reckoning in the Hidden Mountains and Life

<p>In this episode, we are joined by Michael Wejchert, author of "Hidden Mountains: Survival and Reckoning After a Climb Gone Wrong." Michael's writing about adventure has been featured in various publications, including the New York Times, Adventure Journal, Climbing, Ascent, Alpinist, and more. He shares the fascinating story behind "Hidden Mountains," which recounts a harrowing climbing expedition in a remote Alaskan mountain range that took a dangerous turn, leading to a difficult rescue attempt and the high cost of survival. Our conversation includes a deep dive into several topics, including the impact of high-risk adventure on mental health, the challenges of writing about traumatic experiences, and the writing mentorship Michael received from the late Dave Roberts, a famous author and climber. We also explore the early days of Outward Bound in the United States and Michael's time with New Hampshire's Mountain Rescue Service. Don't miss this gripping and enlightening discussion with Michael Wejchert.</p> <p>Season 16 is focused on how high-risk adventure impacts mental health and is underwritten by <a href= "https://wmai.org/">wmai.org</a></p> <p>Michael's bio from <a href= "https://www.cathedralmountainguides.com/about-us/michael-wejchert/"> his website</a>: </p> <div id="after_full_slider_1" class= "main_color av_default_container_wrap container_wrap fullsize"> <div class="container av-section-cont-open"> <div class="template-page content av-content-full alpha units"> <div class="post-entry post-entry-type-page post-entry-3758"> <div class="entry-content-wrapper clearfix"> <div class= "flex_column av-7m1va8-be072630a6b488018614ca384643325c av_two_third avia-builder-el-3 el_after_av_one_third avia-builder-el-last flex_column_div av-zero-column-padding"> <section class= "av_textblock_section av-659ksg-23f44691a500a1556cdfbb71a5503be7"> <div class="avia_textblock"> <p>Michael Wejchert has lived in New Hampshire for ten years. He will never leave. He’s guided off and on since 2012, in between trips to Newfou