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Ever wondered how a childhood spent on the cliffs of North Wales shapes a world-class rock climber? Tune in as we host the incredible Hazel Findlay, who takes us through her adventurous upbringing with her mountaineer father. Hazel shares heartwarming and inspiring stories, including the unforgettable moment of naming and climbing a new route on her 11th birthday. With genuine warmth, she contrasts her unique, resilient childhood with today's experiences, offering a refreshing perspective on outdoor adventures.

Hazel doesn't just share her past; she enlightens us on the diverse world of rock climbing. From the adrenaline-pumping bouldering to the strategic challenges of sport and traditional climbing, Hazel breaks down each type's technicalities and ethics. Whether you're a seasoned climber or a curious newbie, Hazel's tales and tips—especially those about the UK’s unique grading system—will captivate and educate you. Her passion is palpable, making this segment both informative and engaging.

We then scale the heights of Yosemite’s iconic El Capitan. Hazel dissects the monumental achievements of climbers like Alex Honnold and Lynn Hill, clarifying the differences between free climbing and aid climbing. The episode wraps up with essential gear tips and a look at the growing popularity of e-bikes, making outdoor adventures more accessible to all. Don’t miss out on Hazel’s insights and the exciting guest lined up for our next episode—be sure to follow Hazel on Instagram for a daily dose of inspiration!

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At last, we’re back with the much-awaited third season of "Another Man's Shoes"! This episode marks our triumphant return after a hiatus and we couldn't be more excited. Join me and my new co-host, Martin Cartwright, as we recount our journeys from military service to civilian life, offering invaluable advice and support to our listeners navigating similar paths. We hint at some riveting upcoming guests from both military and civilian backgrounds, including elite forces members, guaranteeing a season brimming with compelling stories and essential takeaways.

Our conversation kicks off with a deep dive into Martin’s military career, starting from early days at basic training in Pirbright back in 2003. We navigate through the trials of becoming a paratrooper and the missions in Kosovo and Afghanistan. We also break down the differences between the Royal Artillery and Royal Horse Artillery, providing clarity on their distinct roles and equipment. The episode vividly portrays the dedication and resilience demanded in military life, making it a must-listen for anyone curious about the intricacies of service.

In this intense and heartfelt episode, we also recount the grueling experiences of airborne forces training, from pre-parachute selection to the challenges of P Company. We share personal anecdotes, including the physically demanding 10-miler, and emphasize the evolution of training methods to ensure soldier safety. Our stories from Afghanistan offer a glimpse into the camaraderie and evolution of equipment that has shaped modern military operations. We conclude by expressing our deep gratitude to our listeners for their continued support, promising more powerful narratives and insights as we embark on this new season together.

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What drives someone to leap out of planes and conquer the world's highest peaks? In this thrilling episode, we sit down with the extraordinary Holly Budge, an adventurer and conservationist whose life story reads like an epic novel. From being expelled from school at just four years old to representing Great Britain in triathlon events and then finding her passion for professional skydiving in New Zealand, Holly's journey is a testament to the unyielding human spirit. On World Female Ranger Day, she opens up about the resilience, teamwork, and passion that have fueled her incredible adventures and conservation efforts.

Join us as Holly recounts some of her most exhilarating skydiving experiences, including the wildly unique Funny Farm festival in Australia. We share practical tips for aspiring skydivers, from training in Spain to overcoming initial fears, and delve into her transition into filming skydives, showing how passion can take you to new heights. Holly also takes us high into the Himalayas, detailing the thrill and peril of skydiving and mountaineering in some of the world's most challenging terrains, with gripping tales of media attention and the daunting Skydive Everest event.

But the excitement doesn't stop at extreme sports. Holly also discusses her innovative "mirror step" technique for summiting 8,000-meter peaks and the transition from self-funded expeditions to securing sponsorship for Everest. We then pivot to her impactful conservation work, focusing on the alarming rates of elephant poaching in Africa and the efforts of "How Many Elephants" in supporting female rangers on the front lines. Discover the significance of World Female Ranger Day and Holly's passion for journaling through her adventures, offering a raw, inspiring glimpse into a life dedicated to both adventure and making a difference.

Please visit the Podcasts app and leave a review or rating, this really helps get out show noticed. Thank you.