the Sharp End Podcast

Truly enjoy this podcast and many thanks to Ashley for all the work and preparation that goes into each episode. Not surprisingly, I find some more useful than others but that’s purely a reflection of my personal interests. Also, while i appreciate hearing guests speak in their own words, sometimes this is a bit torturous when guests have long pauses or use lots of fluff words/sounds like “yeah” or “you know” or “umm”. Some additional editing or perhaps advance coaching of guests might be beneficial. Case in point-the Ken Wylie interview: very worthy topic but really difficult to listen to due to the many pauses, superfluous words and very esoteric manner of speaking.

Interrupts her guest, does not ask insightful or clarifying questions, and frankly says things that are thoughtless and off putting. E.g. Recent episode regarding helmets: she states that she had never thought about how weight affects climbing, which is laughable if you have any involvement in climbing. There are ongoing conversations about how weight affects the sport and many professionals have come forward to talk about struggles with eating disorders. How can a person who talks about climbing all the time have never thought about it? This indicates that she is not thinking about the sports she discusses. Then in the same episode describes to the guest how his wife could have had to clean his brain matter off of a rock if he wasn’t wearing a helmet?? What does that add to the show? How is that at all considerate of the guest who was being vulnerable and sharing what sounds like a traumatic and scary experience for him? Great concept but extremely poor execution.

This is a wonderful podcast. I’am NOT a hiker, just fascinated by these brave people. So entertaining and the host is fabulous.

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!" ❤️😷