the Sharp End Podcast

This podcast has long been a favorite of mine. I became disabled by lupus several years ago which, sadly, prevents me from adventuring outdoors. A truly devastating loss – and I live in the PNW! Since then I've mostly explored the wilderness vicariously. As a result, I truly appreciate Ashley and everyone who's shared their stories – and am sorry for the difficulties the guests have endured. Given The Sharp End's value of safety and learning from others, I was disheartened then to hear that the host did not demonstrate basic protective care for herself and others with respect to a virus that has killed and disabled millions around the globe. Most recently, Olympic athletes who had trained their entire lives had to forgo competing due to Long Covid. I would hate for Ashley or any listeners to have a similar experience. As with climbing accidents, disability from Covid can happen in practically an instant. Going to a workplace (or anywhere!) while feeling ill, unmasked, and potentially spreading Covid to others is unconscionable and unnecessary. I hope Ashley heals quickly and completely and that no one else contracted it. Ashley has undoubtedly already saved countless lives. I don't want anyone else – for any reason – to lose physical or cognitive abilities and be unable to pursue their passion for the outdoors, let alone work, socialize, etc. I hope in the future Ashley will encourage N95 masking — just as she encourages consistent use of helmets, communication devices, and other best practices to mitigate risks — in order to save lives and prevent disability and the physical, social, emotional, and financial costs that come with it. Thanks for letting me share this. I love the show, appreciate the care it takes to produce, and am awed by the incredible impact it's had. Thank you! "Play hard and be smart!" ❤️😷

Thanks for fixing those audio issues, it sounds great now! That was my only gripe with the podcast before now. The stories and lessons learned are so valuable. Rather than an interview, the guests are allowed to tell their stories themselves, with some questions and prompting from Ashley. Very casual and intimate.

The host ruins the podcast. In addition to breathing into the microphone etc, she’s monotone and drains the energy from each episode. She also needs practice asking insightful questions, bantering with her guests, and building up the story. It’s a shame because this would otherwise be a fantastic podcast.

Similar to what many other reviews seem to say, this is a GREAT podcast as far as content, but the consistent issues with audio make it difficult / less enjoyable to listen to. Sound between the subject and host is often radically different meaning if you’ve cranked the volume to hear one person then you blast your eardrums out when the other cuts in. The inconsistency is maddening, especially when listening on earbuds. I love the stories and applaud folks willing to tell their stories for the benefit of others, and the host does a great job asking questions when necessary and making information accessible in case you’re listening and don’t know a term or something like that. I hope the audio issues can get improved to really help this pod take the next step!