Plan To Endure

Just a quick solo update on the podcast and what the next little while may look like. Thanks again to everyone who's been listening and supporting the show. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why do so many runners chase harder training while overlooking the basics that actually move the needle? In this episode, I sit down with Alison McPherson, running coach and founder of a new endurance fuel designed to reduce single use plastic in sport. We explore what it really takes to improve performance, build consistency, and stay healthy in a world obsessed with shortcuts. Alison shares the...

Every climbing route you’ve ever enjoyed didn’t just appear. Someone built it. In this episode, I sit down with Matthew Laird to explore the often overlooked world of route development and the work that goes into creating the climbs so many people take for granted. We break down the full process of route development, from finding lines and assessing rock quality to managing risk, safety, and envir...

What happens when you stop rushing and actually pay attention? What if the constant need to stay busy is actually what’s holding you back? In this episode, I sit down with Scott Horsley, an ACMG hiking guide, forest therapy practitioner, and meditation instructor, to explore what happens when you step out of the noise and slow things down. We unpack the practice of forest bathing and what a guided...

What can the wilderness teach us about curiosity, leadership, and managing fear? In this episode, I talk with Isobel Phoebus, wildlife ecologist, expedition science instructor, and president of Girls on Ice Canada. We explore her journey into ecology, her experiences on expeditions like Mount Logan, and the lessons learned from working with young scientists in extreme environments. Isobel shares i...

What stories have been left out of climbing history? In this episode, I sit down with Joanna Croston, director of the Banff Mountain Film and Book Festival and author of a new book exploring the lives of pioneering women climbers. We dive into the process of researching and writing these stories, uncovering the overlooked achievements of early female climbers, and the challenges of documenting a h...

What happens when you lean into the things that make you different? In this episode, I sit down with Bren Piper, a Canmore local who has represented Canada in international dry tooling competitions. We explore the unusual world of dry tooling, a niche discipline of climbing that uses ice tools on steep rock and artificial structures, and what it takes to compete on the world stage. But this conver...

What happens when the life you’ve built changes in an instant? In this episode, I sit down with Mark Herbison, an ACMG mountain guide whose life shifted dramatically after a paragliding incident led to the amputation of his lower left leg. Mark shares the story of the day everything changed, and the long road that followed. We talk about recovery, pain management, body image, and the emotional pro...

What does it take to tell the story of someone who helped shape an entire generation of climbers? In this episode, I sit down with filmmaker and producer Andy Arts to talk about the making of Spindrift: A Barry Blanchard Story, a film about legendary Canadian alpinist Barry Blanchard. But this conversation goes far beyond filmmaking. Andy shares what it was like to document the life of someone man...

In this episode, I sit down with climber and geoscientist Sara Lilley to explore performance, curiosity, and what it means to push yourself in demanding environments. From competition climbing and high stakes decision making to studying landscapes and the origins of water, Sara shares how she navigates pressure without letting it define her. We talk about tracking performance without becoming cons...

In this episode, I sit down with Tony Esteves for a deep conversation about human connection, confidence, and the barriers that quietly separate us from one another. We explore the power of silence, reflection, and intentional conversations in a world that rarely slows down. Adam shares insights on building confidence through dialogue, overcoming fear in social settings, and why meaningful relatio...

In this episode, I sit down with Adam Luciuk to talk about entrepreneurship, leadership, and what it really takes to build communities through events and business. We unpack his journey into entrepreneurship, the risks and rewards that come with backing yourself, and the lessons learned along the way. Adam shares insights on leadership, decision making, the influence of place on business, and how...

In this episode, I sit down with Doug Hollinger for a thoughtful conversation about identity, risk, and what life looks like after stepping away from a long career. We talk about his role in the evolution of the Banff Film Festival, transitioning into retirement, and how adventure sports like climbing and paragliding have shaped his relationship with fear, trust, and presence. Doug reflects on com...

In this episode, I sit down with Emma Cook-Clarke, a former firefighter turned full-time professional athlete sponsored by Arc’teryx. This is an honest conversation about identity, pressure, and learning to trust yourself beyond performance metrics. We talk about her path from firefighting into professional sport, how nerves and self-doubt show up at the highest level, and the mental work required...

In this episode, I sit down with local guide Matt Hollamby for a deep and reflective conversation about failure, hardship, and the search for meaning. We talk about how running, travel, and time spent in nature shaped his identity, including experiences in Afghanistan, ultra running, charity challenges, and moments of complete exhaustion. Matt shares honest reflections on life’s fragility, learnin...

In this episode, I sit down with Cody Shimizu, a local adventure photographer and filmmaker, to unpack what it really takes to turn passion into a sustainable creative career. We talk about his early days in Edmonton, discovering climbing and mountain biking, and the move to Canmore that changed everything. Cody shares how understanding the sport shaped his photography, the challenges of freelanci...

This conversation with Barry Blanchard goes far beyond climbing. We talk about his Métis identity, spirituality, and the deep pull the mountains have had on his life from an early age. Barry reflects on epic ascents, profound loss, love, injury, and the moments that forced him to redefine who he was when climbing was taken away. We explore fulfilment, fear, writing and journaling, and what it mean...

In this episode, Ana returns to reflect on a standout year racing at both the Ironman and Ironman 70.3 World Championships. Rather than the build up, we dive into the race days themselves, the challenges she faced, the emotions that surfaced, and what those experiences taught her long after crossing the finish line. Ana shares honest reflections on performance, shifting expectations, and learning...

In this episode with Laurence we dive into the drive, creativity, and resilience behind building one of the UKs most exciting running communities. We talk about the origins of Rally Life, Up and Running Events, and Formula Run, and how confidence, community engagement, and smart marketing have shaped their growth. Laurence shares lessons from event logistics, the challenges of innovation, and the...

In this episode, I sit down with Andy, the current organizer of Night of Lies, and Wade, the original founder, to explore how the event grew from a small, informal storytelling night amongst friends into a cherished part of the Bow Valley community. We talk about the charm that makes Night of Lies so enduring, the balance of humor and honesty on stage, and the effort to keep the event authentic as...

In this episode with Sam, we explore the many layers of fear, identity, and personal growth—from early family influences and teenage anxiety to understanding how medication, language, and self-perception shape the way we move through the world. We talk about balancing analysis and intuition, navigating anxiety while travelling, and the lessons that come from experiencing new cultures in Nepal, Tan...

In this episode, I sit down with my sister Sophie to talk about her journey through the world of theatre, costume design, and film. We explore her path from early theatre groups in Scotland to working at the Edinburgh Fringe, moving to London, and eventually joining major productions like Strictly Come Dancing, The Crown, and Harry Potter. Sophie shares honest insights into the realities of theatr...

In this episode, Amanda and I dive into an honest conversation about major life choices, the fear and excitement behind moving abroad, and how our surroundings shape our mental and emotional wellbeing. We talk about the pressure of adulthood, the search for purpose, and what it means to pursue a life that feels meaningful rather than just comfortable. Amanda reflects briefly on her earlier career...

In this episode with Sam, we explore the space between structure and freedom, work and rest, and the quiet fulfillment found in doing what you love. From his time in the cadets and journey into self-employment to cold water surfing and canoeing across Scotland, Sam shares how simplicity, challenge, and curiosity guide his approach to life. We also reflect on the Fisherman’s Parable — a story that...

In this episode, I sit down with Jack, a former snowboard instructor and now professional photographer. We talk about his journey from working in construction to photography, and how living abroad shaped his perspective on work, creativity, and identity. Jack shares stories from his time snowboarding, teaching, and discovering his passion for photography, as well as the risks and rewards of pursui...