Strap Yer Boots

Strap yer boots and get ready to scale new heights as we dive into the world of mountaineering — where grit meets glory and the summit is just the beginning. In this episode, we explore the roots of mountaineering, from early Alpine ascents to the golden age of Himalayan exploration. Discover how this daring pursuit evolved from scientific curiosity to a global passion, and meet the trailblazers w...

What does it take to attempt the world’s longest triathlon — and finish it on the summit of Mount Everest? In this episode, we sit down with Mitch Hutchcraft , former Royal Marine Commando and the force behind Project Limitless , an unprecedented 12,000km journey of endurance, resilience, and purpose. From swimming the English Channel, cycling 10,000km across continents, and running through the pu...

In this episode, we venture into the wild with Aisling Kinsella – birdwatcher, zoology graduate, and adventure host of Gals Gone Wild . Aisling shares how her love for the outdoors took flight three years ago, where birdsong and bogland shaped her passion for nature. We chat about her academic journey through zoology, the joy (and challenge) of spotting elusive species, and how she’s using media t...

In this episode of Strap Yer Boots , we dive into the unbelievable true story of Maurice Wilson — World War I veteran, spiritual seeker, and the man who hatched one of the most bizarre plans in mountaineering history.  Inspired by faith, fasting, and a second-hand biplane, Wilson set out in the 1930s to conquer Mount Everest entirely alone , with almost no climbing experience. Drawing from Ed Caes...

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Sarah Armstrong — a 30-year-old adventurer, mountaineer, and all-around force of nature. Sarah is currently on a bold mission to climb the Seven Summits — the highest peaks on each continent — by 2027. From summiting Kilimanjaro in 2024 to conquering Aconcagua in 2025, and reaching Everest Base Camp in 2023, Sarah has already checked off some of the worl...

In this episode of Strap Yer Boots , we set our sights on the Seven Summits — the tallest mountain on each of the seven continents. From the iconic Everest in Asia to the icy isolation of Antarctica’s Mount Vinson, we break down what makes each of these peaks both a physical and mental battleground. Whether you're dreaming of Denali or just curious why Kosciuszko sparks so much debate, we’re...

In this episode, we lace up our boots and step into the bogs, hills, and high pastures of Ireland to trace the humble sheep’s extraordinary journey through five thousand years of Irish life. From the first hardy flocks brought by Neolithic farmers, to the monastic monks who spun fleece into holy robes, to the famine-weary shepherds of the 1800s — this is not just a story of wool and weather. It’s...

This week on Strap Yer Boots , we lace up for a windswept, soul-stirring hike up Mount Brandon in County Kerry — one of Ireland’s most sacred peaks. Along the way, we dive into the legend of Saint Brendan the Navigator , the original Atlantic explorer (take that, Columbus), and have a few laughs about their slightly confused discovery of the “12 Apostles of Ireland.” Fresh from a weekend at the vi...

In this episode, we dive into the enchanting world of Aengus Óg, the Irish god of love, youth, and poetic dreams. Born of the Dagda and the river goddess Boann, Aengus is a figure wrapped in mystery and myth—known for his eternal youth, his silver tongue, and a swan-maiden love that defied the bounds of the mortal world.  From shape-shifting lovers to dreamlike journeys through the Otherworld, we...

In this high-flying episode of Strap Yer Boots , we sit down with the remarkable Debbie Hally—winchman with Ireland’s elite Rescue 117 crew. From the streets to the skies, Debbie takes us through her extraordinary journey, beginning as an advanced paramedic and transitioning into one of the most demanding and adrenaline-fueled roles in emergency response. We dive into the grit, courage, and heart...

This week, we untangle a sun-scorched story of desperation, friendship, and a decision that stunned the nation. In the brutal heat of August 1999, David Coughlin and Raffi Kodikian set off on what was supposed to be a quick overnight hike through Rattlesnake Canyon in Carlsbad Caverns National Park. But when they lost the trail and their water ran out, things went from uncomfortable to deadly—fast...

In this week's myth-drenched episode, we're wading deep into Irish legend with the one and only Bóinn (Boann) —goddess, rebel, and literal river. Ever wonder what happens when a goddess ignores a divine “do not touch” sign? Spoiler: it involves a magical well, a catastrophic flood, and the birth of Ireland’s most legendary river, the Boyne. April's bringing the lore, Laura’s got som...

Laura and April here with boots strapped and eyes wide for this one. In today’s episode, we’re diving into one of the most jaw-dropping survival stories ever told: Touching the Void . This isn’t just a tale of mountaineering gone wrong — it’s a brutal, almost unbelievable fight for life on a frozen cliffside in the Peruvian Andes. We’ll walk you through Joe Simpson and Simon Yates’ 1985 climb of S...

This week, we’re strapping our boots a little tighter for a deep and invigorating chat with Irish fitness coach and outdoor enthusiast, Cillian Bonnar . From the crisp edges of cold therapy to the steamy solace of the sauna, Cillian shares how embracing the elements has shaped his approach to health, strength, and resilience. We talk about his journey from gym floors to forest floors, building Ful...

Grab your boots and your best raincoat, because this week we’re trekking into the wild soul of southwest Ireland — the rugged, windswept Beara Peninsula. In this episode, The Last March , we follow the haunting trail of Dónal Cam O’Sullivan Beare , the chieftain who led one of the most heroic and heartbreaking retreats in Irish history . After the fall of Gaelic resistance at the Battle of Kinsale...

April and Laura here, back with another episode of Strap Yer Boots ! This week, we’re diving into YOUR hiking questions in "Gear, Trails, and Tales." From the best budget-friendly gear to our favorite trail snacks (spoiler: Laura swears by sour tongues), we’re covering it all. We answer the burning questions you sent into us. We’ve got answers—plus a few wild hiking stories along the way...

Ahoy, history lovers! This week, we set sail into the legendary life of Gráinne O’Malley—pirate, chieftain, and all-around badass. From commanding fleets along the west coast of Ireland to defying English rule (and even having a showdown with Queen Elizabeth I), Gráinne’s story is one of rebellion, resilience, and pure adventure. Join us as we uncover the myths, the battles, and the legacy of Irel...

In this episode of Strap Yer Boots , we sit down with the legendary James McManus—founder of Earth’s Edge, expedition leader, and all-around thrill-seeker. James attempted to summit Everest without supplementary oxygen, but as we quickly learned, the mountain had other plans. We dive deep into his summit experiences, the mental game of turning back, and what it really takes to lead people through...

Deep in the wilds of Donegal, where the Derryveagh Mountains meet the Atlantic’s edge, two enigmatic groups sought refuge—each with their own radical vision of the world. In this episode of Strap Yer Boots , we unravel the eerie legacies of The Screamers , a primal therapy cult that believed emotional freedom could only be achieved through relentless, gut-wrenching screams, and The Silver Sisterho...

Gather round, folklore fiends—this one is a wild ride. This week on Strap Yer Boots , we’re diving into the eerie legend of Petticoat Loose , one of Ireland’s most infamous restless spirits. Was she a wronged woman or a wicked one? A supernatural menace or just a misunderstood soul cursed to wander the Knockmealdown Mountains for eternity? Join us, Laura & April, as we trace the roots of this...

In this episode of Strap Yer Boots , we sit down with the legendary Professor Michael Maunsell, PhD—an adventurer, academic, and advocate for mountain communities worldwide. With over 40 years of experience in mountain environments as a climber, researcher, and educator, Mike’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. Before stepping into academia at 34, Mike spent over two decades as a climbing ins...

Grab your raincoat, strap yer boots, and hold onto your hats—April & Laura here and we are about to take you through the wildest weather Ireland has ever seen. In this stormy episode of Strap Yer Boots , we’re diving into three of the most notorious tempests in Irish history, from gale-force winds to torrential downpours that had even the hardiest of locals saying, “That’s enough of that!” 🌬️🌧...

In this episode of Strap Yer Boots , we’re diving into one of Ireland’s most iconic and sacred mountains— Croagh Patrick . We chat about what makes this peak so different from any other mountain, not just in Ireland but around the world. It’s more than just a climb; it’s a pilgrimage , steeped in history, spirituality, and myth. We unpack the fascinating legends tied to St. Patrick , including how...

In this episode of Strap Yer Boots , we had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Irish mountaineer Adam Sweeney from Waterford, and let us tell you—his story is nothing short of epic.  Adam takes us through his jaw-dropping experiences, including how he became the only member of his team to summit both Ama Dablam in Nepal and summit Aconcagua in Argentina . His stories are packed with grit,...

It’s April and Laura here, and we’re so excited to share this week’s episode of Strap Yer Boots with you. We’re heading deep into the Wicklow Mountains to explore one of Ireland’s most stunning and historic trails—St. Kevin’s Way. We’ll take you on a journey through the mystical ruins of Glendalough, where St. Kevin once lived as a hermit (wait till you hear about that legend), and then follow the...