Type2Fun Podcast

At Embark, we share conversations with guides, experts, and adventurers who live and breathe the mountains.
These are the stories, lessons, and behind-the-scenes insights that shape every expedition we lead.

If you’re not sure where to start, here are our 10 most-loved episodes — the ones our community keeps coming back to.

01: High Altitude Sickness 101

Before you tackle those high peaks, get the science-backed basics of altitude sickness — how your body reacts to thin air, when to take meds like Diamox, and real stories from seasoned expedition medics.

02: How to Train for a Trek

If you want to show up strong on expedition day, your training matters. In this episode, veteran leader Michael Phipps breaks down exactly how to prepare — including a 4-month training framework, the biggest mistakes trekkers make, and the five key areas of fitness you should focus on before stepping onto the mountain.

03: Live Episode: Stories from Peru

Join us as we record live in Cusco Peru interviewing one of the guides for the phenomenal Peru trips. Claudio walks us through what to expect from your trip to Peru, tips on what to pack, and tales from the trail (with maybe some Type Two Fun thrown in there).

04: Mr. Everest Base Camp Memory Lane

What is Everest Base Camp really like? In this episode, Senior Guide Erik Jones takes you step-by-step from Kathmandu to Lukla, through the heart of the Khumbu, all the way to Base Camp — sharing insider pro tips, hard-earned lessons from 10+ expeditions, and a few unforgettable Type 2 fun moments along the way.

05: Exploring Everest – Stories from the Trail

Why do so many trekkers return to Nepal again and again? In this episode, Embark’s Nepal Site Director, Nima, shares what life is really like in the Everest region — from Sherpa culture and tea houses to the daily rhythm of trekking to Base Camp and the differences between Annapurna and Everest.

06: How to Pack for a Trek

Join us on this episode of Type2Fun as we speak to lead guide Jim Ronning and discuss the do’s and don’ts of packing for your upcoming trekking adventures.

07: The Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project

We sit down with leaders from the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project (KPAP) to discuss porter welfare, ethical expedition standards, and how climbers can ensure their trek supports the hardworking teams behind every summit.

08: Exploring the Dynamics of Hiking in a Group

In this episode, brothers John and Chris Berlow share lessons from decades of service, martial arts, and adventure travel as they unpack how to navigate group dynamics, embrace discomfort, and bring positive energy to the trek.

09: Want to go on a Safari?

Thinking about adding a safari to your expedition? In this episode, Robin Felix walks us through what to expect on safari — from choosing the right region and wildlife experience to what to wear, how to prepare, and how to design an adventure that fits your style.

10: Tips for Wilderness Navigation

Listen to John Godino, the “unofficial guru of wilderness navigation in the Pacific Northwest” as he goes over the dos and don’ts of wilderness navigation and the essential tools needed for a successful adventure.

Season Four: Introducing our New Trail Stories Series!

One of the rewarding parts of being on the trail is sharing stories and this setting often lends itself to some very authentic story telling. Some of the BEST stories we’ve heard have been while trekking and we love to share! So, if you’re missing being out there hiking, come have a listen and live vicariously through our truly entertaining trail stories series.

Episode 1: Carrie and Donovan’s Almost Engagement

Everyone else on the trail was shy, so we got things going with a story from a long time ago- in the birthplace of Embark: a story from when we lived in Tanzania: a trip to central Tanzania gone awry.

Episode 2: Laura’s Lucky Dog Story

Turns out Laura’s dog, Lucky, has a fortuitous name; he plays a key role in this modern day Lassie story, which takes place in the Grand Canyon.

Episode 3: Mirador Story from Ciara and Marcelino

We join Ciara and Marcelino while hiking two volcanoes back to back in Guatemala. These two make trekking the famed Mirador in Northern Guatemala seem like a walk in the park; but for those in the know, this 5-day grind through the jungle can be a harrowing experience to say the least.

Episode 4: Suzie’s PCT Story

Suzie is an avid runner, so while trekking some volcanoes in Guatemala I asked her if she hikes as much as she runs. Her response was quite telling of her humble personality. “I like to make sure I get in at least one backpack a summer.” Ha — turns out the big one she did was a LONG backpack — all 2,000 miles of it! Here’s her account of hiking the Pacific Crest trail during the harsh wildfires of 2022.

Episode 5: Stranded in Nepal

The ultimate test in expecting the unexpected. We connect on a hike with Donovan Pacholl, the founder of Embark for a wild story of missed helicopters… and expectations in the Everest region of the Himalayas.

Episode 6: Milo’s Shocking Wag Bag Lesson

Camilo Gomez, Embark’s lead guide in Colorado, is an experienced outdoorsman and mountaineer — having traveled and climbed all over the world; but experience is built from lessons learned and this one’s a doozy!