Type2Fun Podcast

"It doesn't have to be fun to be fun!"

You’ve heard it said, “It doesn’t have to be fun to be fun”– with that in mind join us for An insider’s glimpse into all things trekking and world adventure. From packing for your Kilimanjaro trek to what it felt like for a cancer patient to reach Everest Base Camp, or the top of Cotopaxi, you will be inspired, informed and ignited to get out there and start adventuring.

Season Three:

The many adventures of Jay Irwin

Join us as we listen to one Type2Fun story after another from the man, the myth, the legend…. Jay Irwin. In Jay’s own words, “I have a strong belief that adventure is the key ingredient in transforming lives.” We couldn’t agree more!

Meryl Lassen – Tales from the Trail

In this inspiring episode of Type2Fun, we sit down with the remarkable Meryl Lassen, a true adventurer and mountaineering trekker whose journey through the great outdoors has not only pushed the boundaries of human exploration but has also redefined what it means to overcome challenges. Meryl’s story is a testament to the indomitable spirit of the human adventurer.

Exploring Everest – Stories from the Trail

This episode we sat down with Nima, Embark’s Site Director in Nepal to discuss the lure of Everest and some amazing stories from the trail.

Learn all about sherpa life and Nima’s exciting ancestry
Envision what a typical day is like trekking to Everest Base Camp
What’s a tea house?
What are the differences between a trek in the Annapurna region vs the Everest Region
What surprises people about Nepal
and so much more!

Slow Hikers

Introducing Embark’s Slow Hiker Community⁠, officially called the Pole-Pole club. Pole-Pole is Swahili means “slow slow,” and that’s what these trips will be designed for – Slow Hikers.

We have been running hiking adventures around the world for decades and know, first hand, the power and perseverance inside those who might not be the fastest in the group. Being slow doesn’t stop us from being amazing hikers, climbers, and adventurers! You know you will make it to your destination, it just might take a bit longer. And, let’s face it, it can be deflating to feel like you are constantly slowing others down. You know you’re strong… you’re just… slow. And what’s so wrong with that?

Trekking with Kids Pt 2

In this final episode on trekking with children, we sit down with Carrie again to go a bit deeper into what trekking with your kids can mean for your family, for their development. We discuss what it is like for them to meet new people, time change, a new currency, and more. There is so much more gained by kids when they travel.

Trekking with Kids Pt 1

We sit down with three wonderful parents: Kelly Ramey, Carrie O’Callaghan, & Anil Gunturu, who have all gone on trekking adventures with their children. In this episode we discuss pre-trip planning, training, setting expectations, safety, packing, and more!

The Heart of Ecuador

This latest episode of the Type2Fun podcast about Ecuador takes us from the Andes to the Amazon to Cotopaxi. With such diverse offerings (including the famous Galapagos Islands) there is so much to explore with no one day being the same as the one before it.

At 19,347 feet- how do Embark climbers manage to summit this behemoth in just one day? You’ll find out in this podcast! From volcanoes, to snow, to stories from the Amazon and Galapagos, we spend the next hour exploring all Ecuador has to offer from the passionate insight of Embark’s site director in Ecuador. You will fall in love with this beautiful part of the world and might get a notion that you would be silly to leave this destination off your bucket list!

High Altitude Sickness 101

Stephen Boyer, M.D. grew up on a sheep ranch in Wyoming, graduated from Yale with a paleobiology major. Then received his MS in Quaternary Geology from University of Colorado and his MD from University of Colorado. Completed his Emergency Medicine Residency at OHSU, is Board Certified in Emergency Medicine and has his emeritus physician license.

So needless to say, he is extremely qualified to dive into the understanding of High Altitude Sickness. In this episode we will cover, can you train for altitude, should you take diamox, what are side effects, stories from the trail, and much much more!

Tips for Wilderness Navigation

Listen to John Godino, the “unofficial guru of wilderness navigation in the Pacific Northwest” – how did he get that nickname? John has been a Portland resident for 25 years, a long-time Mazamas climbing and hiking club member, and their climb leader and principal navigation instructor. In this episode, John goes over the dos and don’ts of wilderness navigation and the essential tools needed for a successful adventure.