Human Alchemy

Ross Neal

Human Alchemy is a podcast focused on people who have trained themselves to go from ordinary to exceptional. Alchemy is the mystical practice of turning lead into gold and we speak to people who have managed the human equivalent. While there is a focus on performance, the podcast focuses on the moment or phase of change where someone starts to become something else and dives into how it was achieved.  Every now and then there will be an episode focused purely on one topic which will be called a 'Ross Examination' (For those early listeners you'll be familiar with the name) where I'll try to focus in on the key performance drivers of said topic. Enjoy!

  1. Oct 22

    EP16: James Ketchell - Everest, The Atlantic & Adventure

    James Ketchell has done a lot.  Here's his list of achievements: 2008 – Serious motorcycle accident, sustaining major leg and ankle injuries. 2010 – Rowed solo across the Atlantic Ocean in 110 days. 2010 – Sailed across the Atlantic from Antigua to the Azores. 2010 – Climbed Island Peak in Nepal and trekked to Everest Base Camp. 2011 – Successfully summited Mount Everest. 2012 – Cycled approximately 3,000 miles across America, from San Diego to Miami. 2012 – Attempted to climb Ama Dablam in Nepal but abandoned the climb due to illness. 2013 – Cycled 18,000 miles around the world, solo and unsupported, through 20 countries. 2013 – Became the first person to complete the Ultimate Triathlon: rowing the Atlantic, climbing Everest and cycling around the world. 2015 – Kayaked the length of the River Thames. 2015 – Attempted to row across the Indian Ocean from Australia to Mauritius but was rescued at sea. 2016 – Cycled approximately 3,000 miles around the coast of Great Britain. 2016 – Attempted to cross the Atlantic in a pedal-powered boat but was rescued after his expedition partner became ill. 2016 – Attempted to row solo around Great Britain but abandoned the expedition due to illness. 2019 – Became the first person to complete an officially ratified circumnavigation of the world in a gyrocopter, flying approximately 24,000 nautical miles. 2022 – Skied approximately 400 miles across Greenland's ice cap. 2024 – Attempted to sail around the world but was forced to abandon the voyage due to gearbox failure. 2025–2026 – Sailed approximately 30,000 nautical miles around the world, completing the voyage in June 2026. 2026 – Became the first person to circumnavigate the world separately by land (bicycle), air (gyrocopter) and sea (sailing boat). Date unconfirmed – Undertook an expedition in the Amazon rainforest. If you've read all of that you'll likely be impressed but James doesn't believe what he has done is particularly 'difficult', a lot of his success, in his own words comes down to 'wanting to be there' and that's it.  James has a lovely view of life and it was a real pleasure to speak with him. Enjoy the episode!

    EP16: James Ketchell - Everest, The Atlantic & Adventure

About

Human Alchemy is a podcast focused on people who have trained themselves to go from ordinary to exceptional. Alchemy is the mystical practice of turning lead into gold and we speak to people who have managed the human equivalent. While there is a focus on performance, the podcast focuses on the moment or phase of change where someone starts to become something else and dives into how it was achieved.  Every now and then there will be an episode focused purely on one topic which will be called a 'Ross Examination' (For those early listeners you'll be familiar with the name) where I'll try to focus in on the key performance drivers of said topic. Enjoy!

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