The Happiness Quotient: Recent Episodes
Thom Pollard
Adventurer, filmmaker, public speaker and personal coach Thom Dharma Pollard delivers inspirational, intimate and unfiltered Stories That Inspire with guests and drawing from his own stories around the world. The Happiness Quotient: connected, engaged, passionate people who inspire us.
Mount Everest—legendary, dangerous, and shrouded in myths. But how much of what you've heard is actually true? Are climbers really lining up like rush hour traffic at 29,000 feet? Is the mountain littered with bodies and trash? Let's peel back the layers of Everest’s most shocking myths and separating fact from fiction.
You’re NOT going to want to miss the last one because it’s a doozie!
Videos referenced in this video:
Ryan Mitchell: https://youtu.be/w1mJsdeE81Q
Green Boots: https://youtu.be/T_LHay8ZuoA
David Sharp: https://youtu.be/qGKDFjXLAf4
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Under the glow of séance candles a psychic medium sits trancelike at a table, in front of her is a blank notebook. She begins to write the words of a spirit claiming to be George Mallory - the mountaineer who disappeared with his partner Sandy Irvine high upon the north face of Everest only months previously:
“I am Mallory” the words appear from her pen “I can remember still the struggle for breath….and the awful cold.”
Today we’re going to explore something truly otherworldly, the automatic writings of Geraldine Cummins, one of the great spiritual mediums of her time….who between November 1924 and January of 1925 wrote numerous scripts based on visits by George Mallory.
When you hear the episode you'll become a believer!
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Thom Dharma Pollard
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They say that gong to the summit is only halfway. And nowhere was that more true than on May 10, 1996 on Mount Everest. On that day Everest became the stage for one of the most harrowing disasters in mountaineering history. Eight climbers perished in a brutal storm, and as the world tried to make sense of the tragedy, a chilling truth emerged: success on Everest isn't just about reaching the summit—it's about surviving the descent. In Part 2 of our deep dive into the '96 Everest disaster, we uncover the unsettling facts that point to two ambitious guides, Rob Hall and Scott Fischer, whose decisions played a pivotal role in the events that unfolded. The stakes were high, the clock was ticking, and the mountain demanded its toll.
IF YOU HAVEN'T SEEN PART 1 YET, HERE IS THE LINK:
https://youtu.be/_tEe2p9eKgU
Individuals who lost their lives during storm of 1996
South/Nepal:
Yasuko Namba (client) - Japan
Rob Hall (owner Adventure Consultants) - New Zealand
Scott Fischer (owner Mountain madness) - USA
Andy Harris (guide) - New Zealand
Doug Hansen (client) - USA
North/Tibet
Dorje Morup (Indo-Tibetan Border Police) - India
Tsewang Paljor (Indo-Tibetan Border Police) - India
Tsewang Samanla (Indo-Tibetan Border Police) - India
Key figures we'll be talking about include:
Rob Hall
Scott Fischer
Jon Krakauer
Anatoli Boukreev
Sandy Pittman
Neal Beidleman
David Breashears
Ed Viesturs
Videos discussed in this video:
Anatoli Boukreev's Controversial Actions in the '96 Everest Disaster
https://youtu.be/NBkgpAGzG4A
The REAL Story of Sandy Pittman's 1996 Everest Tragedy & Fallout
https://youtu.be/HUDODhCqgbY
Decoding Scott Fischer's Role in the 1996 Everest Tragedy
https://youtu.be/B2vQX_ItkWE
Everest '96 Disaster | Boukreev v. Krakauer
https://youtube.com/live/eq1ILYiCWIk
TIME STAMPS
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DISCLAIMER:
Thank you for watching this video! We want to clarify that some of the footage used in this content is intended for educational purposes, providing commentary and analysis on the subject matter. We respect copyright holders and have made efforts to attribute the sources wherever possible. Our goal is to enhance the educational value of our content, fostering understanding and critical thinking.
If you have any concerns regarding the use of this footage, please contact us directly. We are committed to addressing any issues promptly. Thank you for your understanding.
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Everest Mystery
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Today we hiked two lovely mountains in the Sandwich Wilderness of the White Mountains in New Hampshire....each offered limited views at the summit.
MOST IMPORTANTLY, the hike revealed some insights on personal transformation and how one might bring that about.
Here is the video about our try at this same hike a few days previously:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/best-made-plans-109860264?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link
Thank you to all the channel members for your support and participation.
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Sincerely,
Thom Dharma
Everest Mystery
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Famed mountain climber and guide Rob Hall once said that if you’re stuck near the summit of Mount Everest you might as well be on the moon. Little did he know that his words would one day come true. This is PART 1 of a two part series on the 1996 Everest disaster that claimed eight lives on May 10 and 11 of that year. We'll look into some of the key decisions that may have had an impact on the outcome of the storm.
Key figures we'll be talking about include:
Rob Hall
Scott Fischer
Jon Krakauer
Anatoli Boukreev
Sandy Pittman
Neal Beidleman
David Breashears
Ed Viesturs
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Thom Dharma Pollard
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Scott Fischer's fateful act may have been the clouded ambition that led him to say they were building a yellow brick road to the top of Mount Everest, and days later he was consumed by the very mountain that had propelled him into the world spotlight as one of the strongest mountaineering guides in the world. (more below time stamps).
REFERENCE MATERIALS AND SPECIFIC TIMELINE BACKGROUND USED FOR THIS STORY:
Mountain Without Mercy: The Everest Story
Turning Point episode (season 4, episode 14)
Forrest Sawyer reports on survivors of a storm on Mount Everest
Air date: April 27, 1997
LINK to episode found on David Snow:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KefeYxv1xFI&list=PLL2LE34VDpu2LKVpAL_wtGnTWTNnC65Kr&index=3
DISCLAIMER: All materials in this video falls within the guidelines of fair dealing. No copyright infringement intended. All rights belong to their respective owners. If you are or represent, the copyright owner of the materials used in this video and have an issue with the use of said material, please send an email to Everest Mystery. Thank you
Introduction continued:
American Scott Fischer, a born mountaineer, was humbled by the grandeur and beauty of the mountains and inspired to guide people to share in that experience.
The untimely passing of Scott Fischer during the 1996 Mount Everest disaster that claimed seven others remains a topic of interest and speculation among mountaineers, researchers, and enthusiasts. While many aspects of the event have been extensively documented, there are still some unanswered questions.
In today’s video we’ll look at the loss of Scott Fischer and briefly examine some of the factors that might have led to the events that claimed his life….
*IN MEMORY OF DAVID BREASHEARS*
==========================
Additional reference material for video is listed below:
Jon Krakauer - Into Thin Air
Anatoli Boukreev - The Climb
and, the exceptional examination of the events of the '96 disaster by
Nick van der Leek - Scott Fischer's 5 Crucial Mistakes + Boukreev vs Krakauer at Camp IV on the South Col
Link: https://www.youtube.com/live/94TzW0NX9k8?si=oR6FDQg7Tjsi96_8
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Thom Dharma Pollard
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Years ago Mount Everest was considered a mountaineer’s mountain, where a climber need only worry most about avalanches, hidden crevasses and the potential to succumb to Altitude Mountain Sickness.
But now, something far more hazardous and life-threatening exists on the world’s highest peak. Mount Everest is quickly becoming an EXTREMELY dangerous mountain because of overcrowding.
In this video we'll learn just how Everest has become so dangerous in recent years, site some examples, then offer ways to make the mountain safer.
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All that glitters is not gold: How Did This Climber Get Away with So Much for So Long?*
In the world of mountaineering and climbing, where the peaks are high and the challenges even higher, there's an unspoken reverence for those who defy gravity and push the limits of human endurance.
But what happens when the heroes we idolize hide dark secrets?
This is the horrifying story of a well known and talented climber who many people thought they knew, thought they were friends with and looked up to. This is the story of Charles Barrett, sentenced in June 2024 to life in prison for unthinkable crimes against women.**
*If you or someone you know is in crisis, help is available. To reach the National Domestic Violence Hotline, call 1-800-799-7233 or text START to 88788. Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. For support outside the U.S., visit findahelpline.com.
**Domestic violence is a pattern of behaviors used to gain or maintain power and control. The Power and Control Wheel was created by the Domestic Abuse Intervention Project in Duluth, MN.
https://www.thehotline.org/identify-abuse/power-and-control/
Link to article by Annette McGivney in Outside Online:
https://www.outsideonline.com/outdoor-adventure/climbing/climber-charles-barrett-assault-trial/
Further resources and information for victims of sexual assault:
Safe Outside - an independent grassroots initiative designed to combat sexual harassment and sexual assault (SHSA):
https://americanalpineclub.org/safeoutside
Safe Outside toolkit:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1MRzORUWIj8eyCK4skIEextPEybw-gpgc
Trauma Bonding:
https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/trauma-bonding#additional-resources
Self Care Haven - people who seem nice but are actually narcissists:
https://self-care-haven.com/2024/07/24/people-who-seem-nice-but-are-actually-narcissistic-display-these-4-covert-behaviors/
Psychopath Free (Expanded Edition): Recovering from Emotionally Abusive Relationships With Narcissists, Sociopaths, and Other Toxic People authored by Jackson MacKenzie:
https://www.amazon.com/Psychopath-Free-Expanded-Emotionally-Relationships/dp/0425279995
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Everest Mystery
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The 2024 Everest climbing season may go down in history for its extraordinary mix of achievements, controversies, and tragedies. From record-breaking summits and political tensions, lives lost, ignored rules, near misses and disturbing allegations of sexual misconduct allegations on Nimsdai. The Everest guiding industry is at a critical juncture – a point of no return.
In this video we cover all the highs and lows, the good, the bad and the ugly, World Records (not), loss of lives and prospects for the future.
Ryan Mitchell video
https://youtu.be/w1mJsdeE81Q
Nims poll question
https://www.youtube.com/post/Ugkxe564Uftnrd_hK8lvbvSEkyxtYJ8if_Ve
Szilard Suhajda video
https://youtu.be/aLfKIuL9o0k
Alan Arnette's blogpost from June 5, 2024 -"Everest 2024: Season Summary – Everest at a Rubicon":
https://www.alanarnette.com/blog/2024/06/05/everest-2024-season-summary-everest-at-a-rubicon/
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May 10, 1996: near the summit of Mount Everest a storm of unimaginable ferocity strikes, claiming the lives of eight climbers and leaving others stranded in a fight for survival. This is the story of one of the most controversial and tragic days in mountaineering history.
Among the chaos and controversy, one name stands out: Anatoli Boukreev. His actions that day would spark a heated debate that rages on to this very day. Boukreev's name was brought into prominence in Jon Krakauer's book Into Thin Air, which sold over two million copies in the first couple of years after it was published. Krakauer was critical of Boukreev and his guiding style on the mountain, saying it was irresponsible behavior for a guide.
Was Anatoli Boukreev a hero, or was he a villain? Let's find out.
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LINKS TO VIDEOS REFERENCED IN THIS ANALYSIS
Decoding Scott Fischer's Role in the 1996 Everest Tragedy
https://youtu.be/B2vQX_ItkWE
The REAL Story of Sandy Pittman's 1996 Everest Tragedy & Fallout
https://youtu.be/HUDODhCqgbY
Guides Without Gas - How NOT to Guide Mount Everest w/Adrian Ballinger
https://youtu.be/zORHQDUE6cY
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Thom Dharma Pollard
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The cult-like mystique of Bus 142 and the story of Chris McCandless is a magnet for millions around the world. In the heart of the mysterious Alaskan wilderness, where nature's beauty and brutality coexist, there once stood a relic, an accidental shrine—a dilapidated bus that had become a symbol of adventure, solitude, and ultimately tragedy. Bus 142, the infamous 'Magic Bus.' where the intrepid seeker of wisdom and inner peace Christopher McCandless spent 113 days in 1992 before succumbing to starvation, has become a beacon for pilgrims seeking inner wisdom and greater meaning in life.
Ultimately, the Alaskan National Guard removed the bus in 2020 to stop the people from coming. But, still, they keep coming!
Since the story was immortalized by Jon Krakauer's Into Thin Air, there were no less than 15 rescues of people trying to find the bus and two unfortunate deaths.
In this video* we details the CULT-LIKE mystique of Bus 142 - the Magic Bus - and Chris McCandless' life and draw parallels to our own lives.
Please join our FREE or paid Patreon for exclusive content:
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*Content assistance by Kind Heart.
CONTENT ATTRIBUTIONS
Aurora Borealis opening footage by Apalapse:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJDzh2mVBms
Into the Wild | Exploring the Real Abandoned Bus by MILE30Adventures:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dSiOnGt-ems
Magic Bus in 1968 by Outdoor Life:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZcuImAzpbtw&t=71s
Into The Wild (Bus 142) // Stampede Trail Hike & Packraft! (Last Trip To Magic Bus) by YOGOMAN:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ZRDfrbADPk
Where is the Bus 142 (Magic Bus) now : Christopher "Alexander Supertramp" Mccandless by Johan Fullard:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51oRTlOlnnI
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Thom Dharma Pollard
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He’s 19 years old. His name is Ryan Mitchell. He had a dream that started a year and a half ago. He saved some money that he made from his 2 million subscriber YouTube channel. He went to Mount Everest. And, now he has a summit of Everest under his belt. He went from picking vegetables on a farm to a 2 million subscriber YouTube channel to Mount Everest.
Here is the exceptional story of Ryan Mitchell from Massachusetts and his dream to climb Everest.
To follow and subscribe to Ryan's awesome YouTube page, you can find him right here:
https://www.youtube.com/@UCzHJie29XpO_3IPH5Z5fJMA
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Thom Dharma Pollard
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Here is Part II of my exceptional conversation with Wade Davis about such things as:
• Grateful Dead & the internet
• Mao Tse-tung
• Martin Luther King, Jr.
• Biologically race is total fiction & racism the cruelest conceit
• Colombia's economic and cultural renaissance
• the potential dangers of social media and technology
• the importance of liberal education in fostering a flexible mind open to new ideas and data
• reflecting on life, death, and consciousness
• mixing in some shamanic wisdom.
PLEASE COMMENT AND LET US KNOW YOUR THOUGHTS
Without your support I wouldn't be able to continue producing content for this channel. THANK YOU!
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Thom Dharma Pollard
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The 100th Anniversary of the disappearance of George Mallory and Sandy Irvine on Mount Everest on 8 June 1924 with Wade Davis, author of Into the Silence: The Great War Mallory, and the Conquest of Everest. If you've ever put someone on a pedestal only to learn of the cracks in their veneer, this video will resonate. At the same time, Wade delves into the brilliance and authenticity of a generation lost in time.
"I think he was very insecure," says Wade Davis, who continued "he wanted to be a writer but wasn't good enough....and, he was a real snob." Of course, that doesn't do justice to the full story of George Mallory's incredible legacy as well as the legacy of the British Everest expeditions of the 1920's.
To mark the 100th anniversary of the disappearance of George Mallory and Sandy Irvine on Mount Everest on June 8, 1924 we welcome the world's authority on Mallory and the Great War, author of Into The Silence: The Great War, Mallory, and the Conquest of Everest Wade Davis. Wade is an anthropologist and Professor of Anthropology and the BC Leadership Chair in Cultures and Ecosystems at Risk at the University of British Columbia. Between 2000 and 2013 he served as Explorer-in-Residence at the National Geographic Society. Named by the NGS as one of the Explorers for the Millennium, he has been described as “a rare combination of scientist, scholar, poet and passionate defender of all of life’s diversity.”
The conversation with Wade evolves around Mount Everest, exploring its historical significance, symbolism, and personal experiences of the exceptional climbers. He examines the impact of World War I on Mount Everest expeditions and highlights the legacy of the British Empire. Wade discusses the symbolic value of Mount Everest, including Sir Edmund Hillary's refusal to claim credit for reaching the summit first, as well as the lives and achievements of George Mallory and Oliver Wheeler, who was the man who found the gate to the East Rongbuk Glacier, which was the key to climbing Everest.
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Thom Dharma Pollard
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Hey friends, thanks for stopping by. I want to take a few minutes to talk about the future of Everest Mystery, where we're going and what the future holds for all of us. Thanks for being a part of this wonderful community.
Here is a link to the free download of A COURSE IN HAPPINESS:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/free-course-in-105263742?utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link
Here is a link to The Happiness Quotient podcast on Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-happiness-quotient/id1457211236
Link to Mystery of Mallory & Irvine playlist on Everest Mystery:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwmpwZ6gVdGy03uHt2aYVqJrc7gXFfPBP
Please consider becoming a Patreon patron:
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Some might prefer a one time tip jar:
https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/thomdharma
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Jake Norton's video Conspiracies & Lies - Thoughts on May 1, 1999:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-cyY36WIg8&t=3s
TIME STAMPS:
00:00 - We reached 50,000 subscribers
1:00 - How we got here in the first place
2:18 - return from Everest in 2019 & Covid
5:02 - all in on Everest Mystery
6:38 - Future of this channel & how the good by far exceeds the bad in terms of comments
7:44 - Change of plans regarding Mallory & Irvine
9:42 - human evolution
11:21 - Jake Norton’s rebuttal to negativity
12:07 - All for anyone to climb Everest
12:38 - What’s next on Everest Mystery?
14:46 - The Happiness quotient
15:09 - A Course in Happiness
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This is PART TWO of a two part series on Everest's worst year.
People who want to climb Mount Everest are motivated, goal oriented people with mental and physical toughness. In recent years more and more of these people have come to the mountain in search of adventure.
2023 became, unfortunately, the mountain's most deadly season in history, claiming 18 lives.
Here's part one:
https://youtu.be/O7IeQ2R1VwU
Legendary Hungarian Climber Disappears:
https://youtu.be/aLfKIuL9o0k
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If you ever wanted to climb Mount Everest you will want to watch this video first.
I'm going to give you TEN good reasons why not to climb Mount Everest (actually 18). In PART I of this 2-part series we meet half of the 18 people who lost their lives in 2023, as well as about the families that are left devastated by their loss.
The toll of human life reached an historic high in 2023. Eighteen people lost their lives in what became Everest's deadliest season. In this video I'll share the stories of each person who lost their life on Everest, why it matters and how it changes the game forever on this once coveted mountain peak.
This is a two part video. Please subscribe and hit the bell so you're notified when a new video comes out by clicking here:
https://www.youtube.com/@everestmystery?sub_confirmation=1
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Interview with David Morton of The Juniper Fund:
https://youtu.be/Htd_l89ejJY
The Juniper Fund:
https://www.thejuniperfund.org/
The "Let's Clean Up Nepal" (LCUN) organization operates to spread awareness for a cleaner environment. They are a non - profit humanitarian aid and environmental NGO with the guiding message "Leave no trace”, They organize cleanup programs in the mountains for a cleaner environment.
https://www.letscleanupnepal.org/
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Mount Everest is like a ticking time b*mb or a kettle that's about to boil. With about 50 successful summits and the season half over, hundreds of climbers are waiting for weather to turn for the better in Base Camp. Climbers on summit day last week were hammered by hurricane force, bitter winds, driving them back down from near the Hillary Step.
And what’s worse, the first death of the 2024 season was a high altitude worker, Lakpa Tenji Sherpa, 53, passed away on Makalu, as did Frenchman Johnny Saliba, 60. Both died of non-accident related reasons at high altitude. Much is not known about the situation leading to their passing. Family of Sherpa believe there is negligence on the part of the expedition company.
On Everest, two Mongolian climbers went missing on 12 May. Usukhjargal Tsedendamba and Prevsuren Lkhagvajav last made radio contact with Base Camp as they left Camp 4 at 7:30 pm. They planned to reach the summit the following morning but never contacted Base Camp again.
In this episode Angela Benevides, a high altitude mountaineeing and climbing journalist from Explorers Web talks about the significant changes on the mountain. Has Everest Lost its Soul?
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Videos referenced in this presentation:
Legendary Hungarian Climber DISAPPEARS On Everest
https://youtu.be/aLfKIuL9o0k
Most CONTROVERSIAL Mountaineering Accident of 2023 - Race to Summit
https://youtu.be/phwNx6R3Xig
Mongolians missing: https://explorersweb.com/two-mongolian-climbers-missing-on-everest/
Johnny Sebile on Makalu:
https://explorersweb.com/another-makalu-fatality/
Lakpa Tenji Sherpa passed on Makalu: https://explorersweb.com/sherpa-dies-on-makalu/
========
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These days many people are often very cynical about Mount Everest. When they hear about it or think about it they think Mount Everest is a place with a pile of abandoned bodes, often with images of garbage and human waste and long lines of climbers on the summit ridge.
But, there was a time when it was believed Everest was impossible to climb, the early explorers of Mount Everest literally walking off the map to places that were vast unexplored places.
In this video, Mick Conefrey, author of the book FALLEN: GEORGE MALLORY AND THE TRAGIC 1924 EVEREST EXPEDITION reveals more layers to the complex man called Galahad of Everest, George Mallory. Did he make it to the summit? Was his choice of Andrew 'Sandy" Irvine as his climbing partner his most fatal decision? And, Noel Odell....where were Mallory and Irvine when spotted them on the summit ridge, heading strong for the top.
This video will explore Mick's insightful and brilliantly written new book FALLEN: GEORGE MALLORY AND THE TRAGIC 1924 EVEREST EXPEDITION.
What was Mallory's tragic flaw? Could he have declined his invite to Everest in 1924 in the first place? Could he have chosen to climb with Noel Odell on June 8th? Mick Conefrey elaborates in this awesome interview.
Please share your thoughts in the comments!
Mick Conefrey's book Fallen:
https://www.amazon.com/Fallen-George-Mallory-Everest-Expedition/dp/1639366350
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Thom Pollard dedicated two whole years of your life to a quest on Mount Everest. A quest to solve the mystery of the disappearance of George Mallory and Sandy Irvine in 1924. Imagine that you've poured your heart and soul into a pursuit. And, just as you're on the brink of unraveling the truth... someone drops a bombshell. They tell you that stepping foot on that mountain means you have a 50 - 50 chance of never coming back down alive.
WHAT WOULD YOU DO?
This is Thom Pollard's firsthand account of being told by Dr. Peter Hackett, the world's foremost authority on altitude physiology, that going back up the mountain could mean certain death.
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*The mountaineering world was turned on its head on May 1, 1999 when the remains of George Mallory was discovered by Conrad Anker at about 26,750 feet or 8153 meters on the vast north face of Everest. When the news got out, it set the mountaineering world on fire.
In this presentation about the discovery Thom Pollard gives an in-depth firsthand look at what took place on the day he visited the site with Andy Politz, on May 16, 1999. Included is an excerpt from a talk given in Sydney, Australia in November of 2019 to The Australian & New Zealand chapter of the Explorers Club.
*Audio is from Everest Mystery channel on YouTube. Here is the link to that video:
https://youtu.be/bJkA7UNgL1k
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Near the summit of Mount Everest in the death zone on the ridge of the north face there is a shallow cave, known infamously to all who climb there as the location where in 1996 an Indian man named Tsewang Paljor lay down to rest and never got up again. That man is referred to as green boots.
Almost exactly ten years later, on the morning of May 14, 2006 a small team of mountaineers climbing toward the summit were surprised to find another climber seated there, barely alive sitting next to green boots. It was one of the coldest nights of the season. The man in the cave was David Sharp, an English mountaineer who was on his third expedition to Everest.
During the time David Sharp* was sitting in the cave many people passed by, thinking there was nothing they could do to help. News of this reached the outside world and soon an international furor erupted over the death of David Sharp. Even Sir Edmund Hillary weighed in, outraged at the incident.
This is the story of David Sharp.
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"Do you think great expense and risk should be undertaken to remove bodies from Mount Everest?" The Indian government mounted an expensive and risky expedition to retrieve the remains of mountaineers who had perished on Mount Everest the year before. NY Times journalist John Branch tells us about his fascinating story that delves into the significant cultural and social significance of the Hindu families who grieved the loss of their loved ones.
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/qFQw1Y-2m4c
Deliverance From 27,000 Feet by John Branch:
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2017/12/18/sports/everest-deaths.html
Our sponsor, Musa Masala:
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Everest Mystery poll question:
https://www.youtube.com/post/UgkxiXLttvZznaGXehZ1IE_iJMCZZJkiTkZO
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Interview with mountaineer Willi Steindl, who witnessed over 70 people stepping over Muhammed Hassan as he lay dying in the Death Zone on K2.
The death of Mohammad Hassan on K2 has sent shockwaves through the mountaineering community. At 2:15Am on July 27 the Pakistani porter fell near the bottleneck at 8200 meters, found hanging upside down more than 5 meters below the path.
Hassan was a porter with no climbing experience, having risked his life to earn the higher wages paid to high altitude porters, in order to support a sick mother and a family… He was woefully outfitted, lacking a down suit, or proper climbing equipment.
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My guest today was the FIRST to reach the DEEPEST point of the ocean, known as Challenger Deep. In 1960 US Navy lieutenant Don Walsh and Swiss oceanographer and explorer Jacques Piccard piloted the bathyscaphe Trieste 35,797 ft BELOW THE SURFACE OF THE SEA, when it
became the first crewed vessel to reach the bottom the Mariana Trench, the deepest point in Earth's seabed.
My conversation with Don Walsh could not have predicted that such a disaster as the Titan submersible would have taken place. Eerily, Don and I discussed the logistics of preparing a vessel to dive to such depths, the safeguards, the rigorous testing.
Please stick around the the poll question near the end.
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Angela Benavides is a High-Altitude Mountaineering and Climbing journalist for Explorers Web - https://explorersweb.com/
PLEASE SUPPORT the families of Sherpa and mountain workers who have died while working in the mountains, check out this video: https://youtu.be/Htd_l89ejJY
The two Polish climbers mentioned in the video who flew in from Kathmandu to rescue Carlos Soria on Dhaulagiri are Bartek Ziemski and Oswald Pereira.
As of May 18 there are over 200 summits of Mount Everest with hundreds of others still moving forward to make their attempt to climb to the summit of Mount Everest.
There are eight deaths as of May 18th, including for Sherpa, an Indian woman attempting to become the first to climb Everest with a pace maker, a Moldovan climber named Victor Brinza fell ill at South Col and passed away.
The weather is holding. Families around the world anxiously await news from their loved ones to hear a report from the mountain
And if any of you watch my shorts, you’ve heard about new records Kami Rita Sherpa has summited Everst for the 27th time, he is 53 and the holder of the record for most summits of Everest
And Kenton Cool has summited Mount Everest for his 17th time, becoming the person with the most summits for a non Nepali.
And a 16 year old climber from China….The Chinese girl Sui Cho Yuan successfully reached atop Everest via the south slope at 5:42am on May 15
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WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A SHERPA OR MOUNTAIN WORKER DIES ON A MOUNTAIN CLIMBING EXPEDITION?
TODAY I HAVE DAVID MORTON HERE TO talk about The Juniper Fund, its beginnings, and the important work they’re doing in Nepal to help the families of Sherpa who have lost their lives guiding and working in the mountains.
For Sherpa throughout the Khumbu Region of Nepal, the dangers of guiding climbers to the world’s highest peaks like Mount Everest, with the ever-present possibility of accidents, avalanches and the extremes of weather and altitude became no more evident than last month when a serac fall took the lives of three Sherpa in the Khumbu Icefall of Everest. Ab0ut one-third of the more than 300 deaths on Everest over the past hundred years have been of Sherpa guides, according to the Himalayan Database, a mountaineering record-keeping body.
In 2014 after the tragic avalanche there that claimed the lives of 16 sherpa and high altitude porters, massive strikes in Base Camp and beyond forced the hand of the government to increase the life insurance on a death there to $15000….however, the strength of the Nepal rupee has significantly diminished and that amount is now worth far less since it is paid in rupees.
Many times these mostly men who die in the mountains are the sole or primary breadwinners for their families and those survivors have precious few resources to fall back on. In 2014 I visited several families while filming a documentary on Everest that took a drastic turn after the avalanche. It was a deeply moving experience for me and my friends who were taking part in the expedition.
A year before that two longtime friends and Himalayan guides, David Morton and Melissa Arnot Reid, started a non profit organization called The Juniper Fund, set up to help a couple families they knew who had their primary breadwinner lose his life during expeditions they were on.
For more information about The Juniper Fund visit their website:
https://www.thejuniperfund.org
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HERE'S MY FULL CONVERSATION with Alan Arnette on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/WIk67aEg0sI
There’s Been Loss of Life and Intense Drama on Annapurna and in the Mount Everest and 8000 meter peaks region of the Nepal Himalaya.
A veteran climber is dead, another miraculously rescued, and multiple others are lucky to be alive after a tragic few days in the Himalayas.
As the deadliest of the 8000 meter peaks Annapurna has of late become an object of desire for a wider and larger group of the new era of mountaineers, ticking off peaks on their checklist.
In recent years, guides have supplied high levels of support and supplemental oxygen to make the peak more accessible to less experienced climbers. Of the 395 total summits, 129 (33 percent) have occurred in the past three years.
HERE'S AN INTERVIEW with one of the world’s most respected chroniclers of Mount Everest, Alan Arnette WHO is reporting on this spring’s Everest and Himalayan climbing season for OUTSIDE ONLINE
We’ll talk about the miraculous rescue effort on Annapurna where Indian climber Anurag Maloo was found alive after spending three days inside a crevasse on Annapurna. Angela Benavides of Explorers Web has reported that Maloo was 50 meters in the crevasse, found barely alive by a rescue team led by Adam Bielecki - mind boggling….defying all odds…hope to bring more on that soon.
As well as the loss that sent shockwaves through the himalayan climbing community, the ever popular and 10-time Everest summiter, Noel Hanna of Ireland, 56, died in his tent at Camp 4 after summiting without supplemental oxygen.
We also discuss the summit of Manaslu by Felix Berg, as well as the sherpas expanding role in the world of 8000 meter peak guiding. And Alan has written a book.
YOU CAN FIND ALAN’S BLOG at alanarnette.com
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Doug Peacock's award winning book is: WAS IT WORTH IT? A WILDERNESS WARRIOR'S LONG TRAIL HOME
Doug Peacock is an American naturalist, author, and filmmaker who is best known for his work in conservation and activism on behalf of grizzly bears in the American West.
Here is my VIDEO version of the interview with Doug:
https://youtu.be/eYltXSGI0LM
MORE about Doug Peacock here:
https://dougpeacock.net/
You need a copy of this book! Find it here:
https://www.googleadservices.com/pagead/aclk?sa=L&ai=DChcSEwib0r3V1_T9AhW55uMHHbI6BeoYABAAGgJ5bQ&ae=2&ohost=www.google.com&cid=CAESbeD2gisjHru--HzCA31EZbLWoOjL2LZNCxv7-JvbcbdvpqS-3BR21xD02Vv6iOCbNlPelaHdP_9dBSpiconV54SaT4JUr-pB1ppmpYRmIOPVsGSOgOOFWTp8rHa03NWVwSegv5bHzOr_XObSlck&sig=AOD64_3wNJ38YXKpxymm7aJok3Bgvg9OVA&q&adurl&ved=2ahUKEwi897TV1_T9AhUkjIkEHTejBXsQ0Qx6BAgGEAE⋼=8&dct=1
For the audio only version of this episode please use this link:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/268133/12507653
Doug is the founder and chairman of the board of Save the Yellowstone Grizzly. During his service as a Green Beret medic in the Vietnam War. After the war, Doug suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and found solace in the wilderness, much like he did when he was a boy growing up in northern Michigan, exploring swamps and forests and remote places - After the war he devoted himself to observing and documenting grizzly bears in their natural habitat.
Doug was a long time friend of the late Edward Abbey, who wrote THE MONKEY WRENCH GANG, where Peacock’s essence and spirit and passion was immortalized in the character known as George Washington Hayduke.
Sir Doug, is the author of several books, including "Grizzly Years: In Search of the American Wilderness”..... He has also worked as a consultant on several documentaries, including "Grizzly Country" and "In the Path of the Grizzly." Doug says bringing a gun into grizzly country will get you more into trouble than out of it…just look at the cover of his book, need I say more on that. Suffice it to say, grizzly bears saved his life…he has devoted his life to protecting theirs.
Doug is a dog lover, a cat lover, father of two children - his amazing wife and life partner Andrea founded Elk River Books with cousin and friend Marc Beaudin….in Livingston, Montana - where, bye the way, my brother had previously lived, making complete the connection of how Jeff and Doug were pals. …you know, if Jeff had never left Livingston I’d be willing to bet a nickel he’d still be alive….
Doug continues to work desperately towards protecting grizzly bears and their habitat through his writing, speaking engagements, and activism….and…talking to guys like me who read his book….and just had to tell everyone about it
Here’s my inspiring conversation with Doug Peacock about his book WAS IT WORTH IT: A WILDERNESS WARRIOR’S LONG TRAIL HOME published by Patagonia.yes that Patagonia
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Stephen Venables became the first British mountaineer to climb Mount Everest without the use of supplementary oxygen in 1988, establishing a new route on the Kangshung Face with Ed Webster, Robert Anderson and Paul Teare.
THIS EPISODE IS ON YOUTUBE IN VIDEO FORM AT:
https://youtu.be/9bocQEfDriI
Everest and Beyond - TEDxOxford: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fiz3en5JLcY
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Rebecca Wood was the chef, trusted keeper, and diviner at Zac Brown’s renowned Southern Ground Nashville studio for nearly a decade. While she was intimately familiar with the ghosts and secrets of the converted church that housed the studio, her passion was cooking for the musicians recording there, curating choice down-home meals and menus from family recipes. The heart of The Studio Mama Cookbook is a collection of these menus, each created for an artist who worked
at the studio. It’s a combo plate of music, food, people, and stories.
More about Rebecca and how to get her awesome Studio Mama cookbook:
https://www.heartsinthemix.com/
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Just what is Manaslu and why are so many people flocking to it? Thom dives in with thoughts on the death of professional skier Hilaree Nelson on her attempted ski descent, as well as the commercialization of the mountain and just how the game has been changed since drone footage captured 'the real' summit in 2021.
LINK TO YOUTUBE VERSION:
https://youtu.be/EIPCyKi5zEo
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Jay Blakesberg, one of THE US’s most accomplished live music and pop culture photographer’s has released another self published book called RETRO BLAKESBERG: Volume One: The Film Archives (SEE THE LINK IN THE SHOW NOTES)....the book features highlights spanning the years from the 70’s into the early 2000’s when film was king, before the digital age, when a photographer WAS A PHOTOGRAPHER - from the first photograph he ever sold for $15 thru tours with Phish, Led Zeppelin, Rolling Stones
Tons of Grateful Dead - enough so that he’s made a couple books
Green Day, The Flaming Lips, Snoop Dog, Primus
If you want to purchase a copy of Jay’s amazing book or to have a look at his other published books and photo gallery, find him on Instagram at @JayBlakesberg and @RetroBlakesberg, or on his website at https://www.rockoutbooks.com/
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Thom Pollard sat down with Everest Chronicler Alan Arnette to talk about all things Everest. In this first of a several part episode with Alan, we talk about all the current state of affairs on Everest, and what the future looks like for Everest. Is climate change changing the game on 8,000 meter peaks?
Visit Thom's YouTube channel for this conversation with Alan Arnette as well as a bunch of other Everest-related material:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEk3e_XGyNnqwK2ZlxH7fEA
Alan Arnette's website: https://www.alanarnette.com/
Alan's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/AlanArnetteClimbs
origins explained
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Taken from Wade Davis' 20 March 2004 talk at the 100th Annual Banquet of The Explorers Club at the Waldorf-Astoria in New York CIty.
Wade Davis' website:
https://daviswade.com/
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You might be here looking for something about Mount Everest. You might hate this episode. But, you might like it.
For the YouTube version of this episode:
https://youtu.be/dIfmhdKNcTQ
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Matt Irving is a professional director of photography. In May 2022 he filmed the historic tenth ascent of Everest by a woman, Lhakpa Sherpa. His views and insight of seeing Everest from an observant eye is refreshing.
Matt Irving's Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/irving_matt...
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News from Ukraine - Watch. Know. Decide. Breaking news from Ukraine. News observation. Important information.
Twitter: @u24_news
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@u24_news
Web: https://u24.ua/
For more about Thom Dharma Pollard, about personal coaching or his inspirational presentations, virtual or in person, look for him at eyesopenproductions.com
To join his mailing list for A Course In Happiness, email him at thom.dharma.pollard@gmail.com
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Sanctity Of Space - A film about the alchemy of landscape and people amidst the mountains of Alaska
A conversation with co-directors Renan Ozturk and Freddie Wilkinson about the decade long journey of creating the film, from concept to completion
US Theaters starting May 6th - Showtimes and Updates:
https://greenwichentertainment.com/film/the-sanctity-of-space/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sanctityofspace/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sanctityofspace
For podcast episode of this conversation on The Happiness Quotient:
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Jochen Hemmleb follows up on recent video with Mark Synnott about reports that the body of Sandy Irvine had been discovered, possibly removed (video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=glMT08zmAP0 ). Jochen has written extensively on this topic and is as knowledgeable as any person in the world about the Mystery of Mallory & Irvine. He has personally interviewed many key players from the Chinese expeditions that report having seen the bodies.
Jochen Hemmleb's website:
https://www.jochenhemmleb.com/english/mundi/index.php
Mark Synnott's Salon article about the camera and Sandy Irvine:
https://www.salon.com/2022/04/08/the-third-pole-mount-everest-mark-synnott-mystery-china/
The Happiness Quotient podcast: https://thehappinessquotient.buzzsprout.com/
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The ultimate Earth Day observation: f**ollowing is a conversation with a modern day Charles Darwin, biologist, herpetologist, Adjunct Professor of Biological Science at Florida State University Dr. Bruce Means. We discuss a March 2021 expedition in which Means and writer/climber Mark Synnott traveled to a virtual Shangri-la in the deep, mysterious and ever dangerous jungles of Guyana to study an unclimbed tapui, where new species were discovered.
American climber Alex Honnold is featured in the National Geographic film and article, both released in April 2022.**
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Following is a conversation with professional climber, author and historian Mark Synnott, whose book THE THIRD POLE: MYSTERY OBSESSION AND DEATH ON MOUNT EVEREST has just been released in paperback edition.
The greatest mystery in all of mountaineering and possibly the most debated and discussed in current times just got thicker.
The Mount Everest mystery deepens: Was there an international cover-up of a dead climber's ascent?
https://www.salon.com/2022/04/08/the-third-pole-mount-everest-mark-synnott-mystery-china/ Mark Synnott's website and portal to purchase The Third Pole: Mystery, Obsession, and Death on Mount Everest:
https://www.marksynnott.com/
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Lessons come in all sorts of packages. And, a beautiful, poignant poem from a recently found journal of my late brother's.
For the YouTube version of this episode:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AABp82bfR7g
For more about Thom Dharma Pollard, about personal coaching or his inspirational presentations, virtual or in person, look for him at eyesopenproductions.com
To join his mailing list for A Course In Happiness, email him at thom.dharma.pollard@gmail.com
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Recorded on 26 March 2022
Iryna Kabluchko is a journalist from Ukraine.
Full Episode on YouTube The Happiness Quotient at:
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Subscribe, leave a review and a rating.
Igor Nalyvaiko is a journalist from Ukraine, and currently in hiding he is helping to battle disinformation with contacts around the globe.
To help the effort please visit Come Back Alive and donate:
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A muse on the 91st anniversary of my father's birth, 18 March. And reflections on how the Mystery of Mallory and Irvine's fate has taken a personal tone.
Thanks to Oliver and Chris Wood, Jano Ricks and The Wood Brothers management, as well as their publicist Kevin Calabro for granting us the rights to use HAPPINESS JONES for our theme music. We are deeply honored.
Find The Wood Brothers at:
https://www.thewoodbros.com/
The Wood Brothers on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTvWKQovDZlLceuct1EEMMQ
Happiness Jones video can be seen here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKIoiVWwF5A
For more about Thom Dharma Pollard, about personal coaching or his inspirational presentations, virtual or in person, look for him at eyesopenproductions.com
To join his mailing list for A Course In Happiness, email him at thom.dharma.pollard@gmail.com
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/thehappinessquotient)
Can you imagine achieving at the age of 16 what other dream their entire lives of doing and even then never take the first step toward embarking on the journey of their dreams?
Our remarkable guest today knew from a very early age that she wanted to sail around the world, alone...in her own boat. It appeared as if everyone in her sphere were conspiring against her, to dash her dreams….well, I should say that her parents were very supportive, and encouraged her to put her thoughts into action.
In fact, she was born in New Zealand, during a seven month sailing trip by her parents, spent the first five years of her life on at sea...was given her first boat at age six, a small dingy made for children… She named her boat Guppy, all her boats have been named Guppy
Her name is Laura Dekker. She’ll be 26 on September 20th….she has a Dutch, German and New Zealand citizenship...truly a citizen of the world.
At age 14, with a solo trip to England …..and back - departing from her home in the Netherlands
under her belt and months, even years of experience alone aboard a ship….she announced her intentions to circumnavigate the globe, solo.
Now, you know when you were a kid and you had this amazing idea and someone told you how dumb it was and somehow you agreed and gave up that dream, and suddenly the years go by and you wonder why the hell you ever listened to the doubeters in the first place?
Well, Laura had many doubters, in fact the government f the Netherlands got involved, the Child Welfare Office objected, a family court judgment was obtained that placed Dekker in shared parental custody with the Council for Child Care who intended to stop her departure.
Dutch naval law said a person under 16 wasn’t allowed to captain a boat over seven meters long….
the Dutch court ended supervision of Dekker, and decided it was "up to the girl's parents to decide whether she can make the trip."[34] Dekker reported that she would depart "within two weeks".[35]
Laura later commented about the authorities in an interview, saying "They thought it was dangerous. Well, everywhere is dangerous. They don't sail and they don't know what boats are, and they are scared of them." 14 years old!
Well, she made, at the age of 16 became the youngest person ever to solo circumnavigate the globe….it took her two years, threw her into the international spotlight, she was awarded prestigious sailing awards, and everyone it would seem wanted a piece of her.
When I caught up with her this summer and Laura Dekker agreed to this interview I wanted to ask her about her true calling….her now...and not trap her into telling the story of sailing around the world alone yet another time….there are dozens and dozens of videos and interviews on YouTube and beyond….and she has a book...Fast forward 10 years from her remarkable accomplishment and now Laura has devoted her life to inspiring children and youth with her LAURA DEKKER WORLD SAILING FOUNDATION.
Aboard her new ship, also called the GuppYa 21 meter, 53 ton Scorpio 72 (stay tuned in this interview for the fate of the Guppy that she sailed around the world),
The foundation provides programs for young people to develop life skills like team work, self confidence, responsibility, creativity, and leadership. The challenge of expeditions in foreign lands and long distance sailing aboard the foundation’s training vessel provide a uniquely powerful and extremely effective environment f
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Do you think you have what it takes to climb Mount Everest? Did you ever think about what it might be like, and if you did it, would you kill a bunch of brain cells and come home…..different? Or, maybe not at all….?
Fact is, today’s guest feels that a person of moderate physical capacity could take on The Big E given the right conditions, with the use of bottled oxygen....
He also says to climb Everest it really helps to have been born with what he calls The Stupid Gene...the quality of being able to suffer for long periods of time, even willingly, in order to achieve a goal.
Today’s guest on The Happiness Quotient is Dr. Peter Hackett….he LITERALLY wrote the book on altitude sickness….it’s called Mountain Sickness: Prevention, Recognition and Treatment (American Alpine Club Climber's Guide).
Peter is no ordinary doctor...he’s a mountaineer. He climbed Everest in 1981 as a member and doctor on the American Medical Expedition...when he summited he was the 111th person ever to summit….it was well before the first guided expedition changed the game on the Mother Goddess of Mountains. It was also before more than one team was allowed on the same route….
I first met Peter in 2000, we were working on a documentary for PBS Nova called Deadly Ascent, a film endeavoring to solve the mystery of high-altitude deaths on one of the most dangerous mountains on Earth: Denali. I was the high altitude cinematographer and Peter was the doctor, the main character. We were there to chronicle the season, ready to capture on film daring mountain rescues and emergency medical evacuations….
In 2007 Peter found the Institute for Altitude Medicine in conjunction with the Telluride Medical Center and the University of Colorado to provide clinical care and consultation, conduct research and develop educational programs to optimize health as well treat medical issues affecting people who either live at, or travel to, high altitudes.
Fast forward to 2019….I was on Mount Everest, filming Lost on Everest for National Geographic and Disney….while at 21,000 feet, the evening before leaving for our tam’s final summit bid….I began to show some signs of an altitude induced TIA….a trans ischemic attack, or a minor stroke. The symptoms were minor, numbing of the face.... More than 7,000 miles away Dr. Peter Hackett was summoned via Mark Synnott’s text messages.
Peter was at a medical conference at the time...and he consulted with other physicians about my condition...many texts went back and forth. Basically he said this: 50-percent chance it’s really nothing, a migraine thing that will disappear and have no impact on me at altitude. The flip side is that if it IS a TIA and it re-appears on my summit bid….I die. He and the doctors suggested I remove myself from the summit team.
That afternoon I was in Base Camp. Maybe I don’t have as much of that Stupid Gene as I used to….
So, do you have what it takes to climb Everest? What happens up there when someone climbs into the DEath Zone?
A few facts:
Let’s take the 2019 season, the season I was there on the Chinese side, as an example
There were 11 deaths….eight of those deaths are basically unexplained, the cause of death listed as either altitude sickness (3 of the climbers) or exhaustion during descent,...listed for six of them….and of those 11 deaths, six of those were climbers in their 50’s or 60’s, where the possibility of dying at altitude increases. What is going on at altitude and how is the body responding to the extremes of the death zone?
Here’s my conversation with Peter Hackett, Doctor of the Death Zone… We spoke in May of 2021, at the end
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/thehappinessquotient)
It never ceases to amaze me in the way people are brought into your life - today’s guest I discovered when I began researching the garbage and human waste problem on Mount Everest and the KHUMBU region of Nepal -
In Episode #90 and in a recent streaming event about the garbage and human waste problem on Everest I discussed how Everest has been referred to as the HIGHEST GARBAGE DUMP ON THE PLANET.
Among the many guests on the program I spoke with entrepreneur and businesswoman Diana Yousef of CHANGE WATER Labs, a new company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts working to help the human waste problems affecting much of the world’s population. Consider this: HALF OF THE WORLD’S POPULATION has no running water or flush toilets. Change Water Labs has developed an incredible toilet called the I-Throne, which removes the water content from human waste…change:WATER Labs a low-cost, compact, waterless toilet for non-sewered households and communities.
CHANGE WATER Labs’ Mission To Develop & Deploy Safer, Smarter, More Dignified Sanitation. Globally, 3 billion people lack safe toilet access, and 1Bn defecate openly. Chronic under-investment into sanitation infrastructure means people in many poor and vulnerable communities live with their sewage. With no toilets or pipes, there is no way to flush.
I spoke with founder and CEO **Diana Yousef about their work, and posited if it might be a viable option on Mount Everest….
If you’d like to learn more about Diana Yousef and the I-Throne, visit**
https://www.change-water.com/
Please share this episode with anyone THAT MIGHT FIND THESE WORDS INSPIRING or helpful or educational.
I RELY ON THE KINDNESS OF MY LISTENERS ----YOU ------
TO SHARE and to Subscribe to The Happiness Quotient on Apple Podcasts
Please CLICK SOME STARS AND LEAVE A REVIEW.
=====================
I'd like to thank Oliver and Chris Wood, Jano Ricks and The Wood Brothers management, as well as their publicist Kevin Calabro for granting us the rights to use HAPPINESS JONES for our theme music. We are deeply honored.
Find The Wood Brothers at:
https://www.thewoodbros.com/
The Wood Brothers on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTvWKQovDZlLceuct1EEMMQ
Happiness Jones video can be seen here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKIoiVWwF5A
For more about Thom Dharma Pollard, about personal coaching or his inspirational presentations, virtual or in person, look for him at eyesopenproductions.com
To join his mailing list for A Course In Happiness, email him at thom.dharma.pollard@gmail.com
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/thehappinessquotient)
I recently hosted a live streaming event for the Musa Masala organization, who in their multiple capacities of forwarding safe and ethical mountain travel are raising money for the Wongchu Memorial Hospital….a good cause indeed.
Our event talked about the garbage and human waste problem on Everest and the KHUMBU region - if you look for episode #87 of this podcast you’ll remember my interview with Peter Hillary about the current situation on Everest….he gives us a good picture of the Khumbu region but not so much of a good picture on the mountain, Everest, itself.
Many of you have I’m sure heard has been referred to as the HIGHEST GARBAGE DUMP ON THE PLANET. It’s shocking image for someone who has not visited there to conjure up the idea of Everest, the unknown frontier, the far reaches of our planet, being tarnished by overuse and carelessness at the hands of those who come there seeking adventure and, let’s face, ego gratification.
In this episode I’m going to share some short segments of interviews taken from the show itself…...which will link in the show notes if you would like to watch it on YouTube
IMPORTANT LINKS
Donate to Musa Masala:
https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/musam...
Shop with Us to support our ongoing work:
https://musamasala.com/the-musa-store/
Visit the GoFundMe Page in honor of our friend, Gary McLean. All funds raised will go to the Wongchhu Sherpa Memorial Hospital and the Musa Masala Nursing Scholorship Program, projects Gary was actively involved in. Contribute here:
https://gofund.me/3017e2cd **GUESTS:
Peter Hillary:
http://peterhillary.com
David Liaño Gonzalez - 7-time submitter of Mount Everest
http://www.davidliano.com**
Yangji Doma Sherpa - of the Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee
https://www.spcc.org.np
Damian Benegas - Benga's Brothers Expedtions
https://benegasbrothers.com
Dan Mazur - Summit Climb owner and board of the Everest Biogas Project
https://www.mteverestbiogasproject.org
Diana Yousef - founder and CEO of change:Water Labs
http://www.change-water.com
==========
I'd like to thank Oliver and Chris Wood, Jano Ricks and The Wood Brothers management, as well as their publicist Kevin Calabro for granting us the rights to use HAPPINESS JONES for our theme music. We are deeply honored.
Find The Wood Brothers at:
https://www.thewoodbros.com/
The Wood Brothers on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTvWKQovDZlLceuct1EEMMQ
Happiness Jones video can be seen here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKIoiVWwF5A
For more
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/thehappinessquotient)
Today we welcome back our inspiring and intrepid Pacific Crest Trail Thru Hiker and filmmaker, CHRIS CARTER, who I caught up with on a LIVE Instagram session on July 9, 2021….where he was camping in Jackson, Montana….(population of about 111)….
The first time I spoke with Chris was in Episode 67 to talk about his beautiful and moving documentary about his Pacific Crest Trail through hike called TO MEASURE A MILE…
At that time Chris was in the nascent stages of planning a double thru hike of the Continental Divide Trail and the Appalachian Trail, a journey of six months, give or take….and that is what he is doing now.
He is on the second half of the Continental Divide trail and today when I spoke with him he was getting ready to pack up and head back out for another 30+ mile day give or take….INSANE!
TODAYS EPISODE IS a slightly edited version of an INSTAGRAM LIVE CONVERSATION CHRIS AND I HAD,
You can find on my Instagram page here:
https://www.instagram.com/thom.dharma.pollard/
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Chris' magnificent film To Measure A Mile can be found here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EX4gjMlGSHE&t=52s
Chris Carter on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/chriscarter146/
I'd like to thank Oliver and Chris Wood, Jano Ricks and The Wood Brothers management, as well as their publicist Kevin Calabro for granting us the rights to use HAPPINESS JONES for our theme music. We are deeply honored.
Find The Wood Brothers at:
https://www.thewoodbros.com/
The Wood Brothers on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTvWKQovDZlLceuct1EEMMQ
Happiness Jones video can be seen here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKIoiVWwF5A
For more about Thom Dharma Pollard, about personal coaching or his inspirational presentations, virtual or in person, look for him at eyesopenproductions.com
To join his mailing list for A Course In Happiness, email him at thom.dharma.pollard@gmail.com
READING LIST:
Wild, From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail
by Cheryl Strayed
https://www.cherylstrayed.com/wild_108676.htm
Wanderlust: A History of Walking
by Rebecca Solnit
https://www.amazon.com/Wanderlust-History-Walking-Rebecca-Solnit/dp/0140286012
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/thehappinessquotient)
Episode #88 on The Happiness Quotient: America’s only full-time professor of art crime. Erin Thompson studies a variety of relations between art and crime, including the looting of antiquities, museum theft, art made by detainees at Guantanamo Bay, and the legalities and ethics of digital reproductions of cultural heritage.
Erin Thompson has discussed these topics for the New York Times, CNN, NPR, and the Freakonomics podcast, among many others...and coming up next on The Happiness Quotient
SHE IS AN author, speaker, art crime professor at the john jay college at the City University of New York….
If you enjoy this episode or any episode of The Happiness Quotient, please subscribe wherever you may be listening, leave a rating and a review, which are so important to a podcast’s success. And, if you know someone who is interested in art, or art crime, be sure to personally share this episode with them….
ERIN THOMPSON can be found at
https://www.artcrimeprof.com/
Her twitter handle is @artcrimeprof
Erin's art show from the prisoners of Guantanamo can be found at https://www.artfromguantanamo.com/
Her upcoming book is Smashing Statues: The Rise and Fall of America's Public Monuments that will be by WW Norton
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For more information about Thom Dharma Pollard:
http://eyesopenproductions.com/
For a free downloadable copy of A Course In Happiness:
www.patreon.com/thehappinessquotient
Our theme song, Happiness Jones, appears courtesy of The Wood Brothers.
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/thehappinessquotient)
Today, a special guest, Peter Hillary, son of the first man to ever climb Mount Everest, Sir Edmund Hillary,…..Peter himself has climbed Everest twice. In addition to being an accomplished mountaineer Peter is a speaker, and he raises funds for Himalayan Foundations around the world.... Together with his sister Sarah Hillary, they manage the intellectual property of the Ed Hillary estate. I can almost guarantee you know someone named after his dad...
**During a recent conversation, Peter and I talked about the environment of Everest, the current state of Nepal and the Khumbu region, the garbage and growing human waste problem….how COVID has devastated Nepal, and what is being done about it.
For more info on Peter, how to give to the Himalayan foundations, or to inquire about a speaking engagement by Peter, visit**
https://www.peterhillary.com/
And, on June 30th there will be a Facebook live event hosted by Musa Masala, to benefit the Wongchu Memorial Hospital….
Links to the event are in the show notes or you can visit
https://musamasala.com/
=========
For more information about Thom Dharma Pollard:
http://eyesopenproductions.com/
For a free downloadable copy of A Course In Happiness:
www.patreon.com/thehappinessquotient
Our theme song, Happiness Jones, appears courtesy of The Wood Brothers.
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/thehappinessquotient)
Greetings to you all - this is a special edition of the HQ. In April I had the honor of doing an Instagram Live event with my old friend Renan Ozturk to talk about Everest, creativity, filmmaking and, yup, nutrition in the mountains. I mean, we’re talking to a guy who used to sustain on candy bars and Ramen and coffee at altitude.
The event was hosted by one of our 2019 Sandy Irvine Search Expedition sponsors, Good To-Go foods, the ultimate in dehydrated backpacking food.
THANK YOU TO THE WOOD BROTHERS FOR THE USE OF THEIR SONG HAPPINESS JONES FOR OUR THEME SONG HERE ON THE HQ
If you like this episode or any of th e HQ please click subscribe on Apple Podcasts and give me a rating and a review….
For more on Renan check out, his artwork is out of this world, as is his photography and filmmaking, modern day Renaissance man
https://www.renanozturk.com/
More on Good To-Go https://goodto-go.com
Real Food. Real Adventure. The most delicious meals, using clean ingredients, to be enjoyed wherever your adventures take you. Just Add Water - Vegan Options - Gluten Free - Handmade Made in Maine
=========
For more information about Thom Dharma Pollard:
http://eyesopenproductions.com/
For a free downloadable copy of A Course In Happiness:
www.patreon.com/thehappinessquotient
Our theme song, Happiness Jones, appears courtesy of The Wood Brothers.
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/thehappinessquotient)
TODAY I HAVE A GUEST OF UNIMAGINABLE INSIGHT AND TALENT WITH US, THE PULITZER PRIZE WINNING JOURNALIST REPORTER, JOHN BRANCH OF THE NEW YORK TIMES TO TALK ABOUT HIS NEW BOOK
Sidecountry: Tales of Death and Life from the Back Roads of Sports
In 2017 I received a request from today’s guest, whom I’d never met before, but as you’ll find out in the interview, I was well familiar with his work,
John Branch, a NY Times sports reporter - not your traditional sports, but rock climbing, skiing, mountaineering….or alligator hunting and wingsuit flying...that kind of sports.
As it turns out, sometimes his stories begin, for him, when someone is killed in pursuit of some lofty goal, whether climbing Everest, or skiing deep into the backcountry, or sidecountry, as it’s referred to….
When John first contacted me he was heading to India to spend time with the families of four Indian climbers who were part of an Everest expedition in 2016 -- three men died and a woman survived. Of the three who died, one body was recovered in 2016. The other two bodies were still on Everest, and John was doing a feature on the effort to try to find and recover those bodies, an effort that involved the Indian municipalities, a large sum of money had been raised. John had learned that I’d directly encountered these climbers on my summit day….and he wanted to ask about what I saw, or remembered, from those encounters…..
John’s story was called DELIVERANCE FROM 27,000 FEET...an incredible feature which you can find online.
JOHN’S NEW BOOK INCLUDES THIS INCREDIBLE AND POIGNANT, OFTEN PAINFUL BUT SYMPATHETIC STORY…
SIDECOUNTRY: Tales of Death and Life from the Back Roads of Sports
Sidecountry gathers the best of Branch’s work, featuring 20 of his favorites from the more than 2,000 pieces he has published in the paper.
Sidecountry features such classic Branch pieces, including “Snow Fall,” about downhill skiers caught in an avalanche in Washington state, and “Dawn Wall,” about rock climbers trying to scale Yosemite’s famed El Capitan. In other articles, Branch introduces people whose dedication and decency transcend their sporting lives, including a revered football coach rebuilding his tornado-devastated town in Iowa and a girls’ basketball team in Tennessee that plays on despite never winning a game. The book culminates with his moving personal pieces, including “Children of the Cube,” about the surprising drama of Rubik’s Cube competitions as seen through the eyes of Branch’s own sports-hating son, and “The Girl in the No. 8 Jersey,” about a mother killed in the 2017 Las Vegas shooting whose daughter happens to play on Branch’s daughter’s soccer team.
John Branch has been hailed for writing “American portraiture at its best” (Susan Orlean) and for covering sports “the way Lyle Lovett writes country music―a fresh turn on a time-honored pleasure” (Nicholas Dawidoff). Sidecountry is the work of a master reporter at the top of his game.
Here is my JUNE 9TH, 2021 INTERVIEW WITH PULITZER PRIZE WINNING JOURNALIST, UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO BOULDER BUFFALO FOR LIFE, TALKING ABOUT HIS THIRD BOOK
To buy Sidecountry:
https://wwnorton.com/books/9781324006695
For John's work in the New York Times:
https://www.nytimes.com/by/john-branch
=========
For more information about Thom Dharma Pollard:
http://eyesopenproductions.com/
For a free downloadable copy of A Course In Happiness:
www.patreon.com/thehappinessquotient
Our theme song, Happiness Jones, appears courtesy of The Wood Brothers.
For more information a
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/thehappinessquotient)
This episode has a transcript for hearing impaired.
COVID19 wasn’t all bad. A ton of musicians and recording artists invested themselves in projects that they wouldn’t normally have been able to do if they were on tour. On Tour is where the Wood Bros find themselves for much of the year, at least pre-covid.
Back in September of 2020 I talked with Oliver where he was at his home in Nashville, The Wood Brothers tour had been effectively shut down and, I learned later, that in addition to trying out some new songs and jamming with friends, he was making standard breakfast and "dad spaggetti" for the wife and kids.
The things you remember to ask someone after the call is done...
In this episode I play selections from the album and intersperse them throughout the conversation.
Here’s my June 8, 2021 conversation with Oliver Wood from Charleston S C where he is on a tour stop with the Wood Bros….to talk about his newly released album ALWAYS SMILIN’
Songs from Always Smilin' in this episode:
Climbing High Mountains (Trying To Get Home)
Face of Reason
Get The Blues
Kindness
Molasses
Fine Line
For more information on The Wood Brothers visit:
https://www.thewoodbros.com/
For tour dates and album info, plus a kick ass bio on Oliver, visit:
https://www.oliverwoodmusic.com/
=========
For more information about Thom Dharma Pollard:
http://eyesopenproductions.com/
For a free downloadable copy of A Course In Happiness:
www.patreon.com/thehappinessquotient
Our theme song, Happiness Jones, appears courtesy of The Wood Brothers.
For more information about The Wood Brothers:
https://www.thewoodbros.com/
The Wood Brothers on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTvWKQovDZlLceuct1EEMMQ
Happiness Jones video can be seen here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKIoiVWwF5A
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/thehappinessquotient)
Episode #83 is an amazing story of Mount Everest with six time summiter and the climber leader of our 2019 expedition to search for the body of Sandy Irvine, New Zealand's Jamie McGuinness.
The original intent of my interview with Jamie was to talk about the expedition of ours in 2019, which has since become a National Geographic film called Lost on Everest and is the subject of a book by NY times bestselling author Mark Synnott called THE THIRD POLE, MYSTERY OBSESSION AND DEATH ON MOUNT EVEREST….which we did talk about.
However, in starting our interview I asked Jamie about what it was like working as a sherpa on expeditions back in the day. The Sherpa are incredibly strong, almost super human, adapted over centuries of living at high altitude to be stronger and faster at altitude...and Jamie joined their ranks….THAT IS SAYING SOMETHING.
In explaining this, Jamie began telling me about the story of David Sharp, the English mountaineer who died near the summit of Mount Everest in 2006. His death caused controversy and debate because he was passed by a number of other climbers heading to and returning from the summit as he was dying, although a number of others tried to help him. Jamie knew David very well, and tells a full breakdown of one of the most tragic stories in recent history on Everest.
In that story he also shares about the story of Lincoln Hall, an Australian climber, who during that same year that David Sharp lost his life, he was reported to have died….then, miraculously, survived. Jamie was on the front line of that story.
He shares about it all here, on The Happiness Quotient.
Here’s my May 2nd, 2021 conversation with one of the strongest climbers from New Zealand since Sir Edmund Hillary….
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For more information about Thom Dharma Pollard:
http://eyesopenproductions.com/
For a free downloadable copy of A Course In Happiness:
www.patreon.com/thehappinessquotient
Our theme song, Happiness Jones, appears courtesy of The Wood Brothers.
For more information about The Wood Brothers:
https://www.thewoodbros.com/
The Wood Brothers on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTvWKQovDZlLceuct1EEMMQ
Happiness Jones video can be seen here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKIoiVWwF5A
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/thehappinessquotient)
The didgeridoo, the long wooden musical instrument dating back 10,000 years or more, are commonly and rightfully associated with the aboriginal culture.
Today I’m going to introduce you to an ambassador of the Aboriginal culture, a fascinating man with a deep and learned understanding of his culture and also of the didgeridoo and the art and dance that goes with it.
I first met didgeridoo musician George Dow at Sydney Bay, Australia, at the Circular Quay. My Friend Rod McCurdy and I were about to board a ferry to see some features of the Sydney area, when from about 100 yards away I spotted my George seated with his back against a fence, the Sydney Opera House across a span of water behind him, in his traditional aboriginal garb, sparsely dressed with clay powder turning his skin almost white. In front of him sat a 4 foot long didgeridoo.
To donate to George and his music and art his PayPal account is
bee.sailor84@gmail.com
The link to the popular video of George can be found here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTdD84wFwZ4&t=8s
=========
For more information about Thom Dharma Pollard:
http://eyesopenproductions.com/
For a free downloadable copy of A Course In Happiness:
www.patreon.com/thehappinessquotient
Our theme song, Happiness Jones, appears courtesy of The Wood Brothers.
For more information about The Wood Brothers:
https://www.thewoodbros.com/
The Wood Brothers on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTvWKQovDZlLceuct1EEMMQ
Happiness Jones video can be seen here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKIoiVWwF5A
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/thehappinessquotient)
Thirty years after he successfully summited Mount Everest from the north side, Port Townsend, WA resident Andy Politz is leaving Base Camp AT THE TIME OF THIS POSTING for his second ascent. Age 61, Politz' first expedition to Everest was on the West Ridge in 1985. During that season was the very first guided expedition in the history of Everest. Today, Andy reports seeing 1,000 or more tents. And, whereas perhaps one fixed wing aircraft flew by for a sightseeing tour, today alone Andy witnessed 30 helicopters in and out of Base Camp before mid-afternoon.
This is a news-worthy and fascinating interview with my old friend, who discusses COVID, the icefall, changes on the mountain and his own new perspectives on climbing the mountain.
=========
For more information about Thom Dharma Pollard:
http://eyesopenproductions.com/
For a free downloadable copy of A Course In Happiness:
www.patreon.com/thehappinessquotient
Our theme song, Happiness Jones, appears courtesy of The Wood Brothers.
For more information about The Wood Brothers:
https://www.thewoodbros.com/
The Wood Brothers on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTvWKQovDZlLceuct1EEMMQ
Happiness Jones video can be seen here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKIoiVWwF5A
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/thehappinessquotient)
"The only disability is a bad mindset," says former NFL linebacker David Vobora, who went from the TOP OF HIS GAME, to the agony of defeat and addiction, and in so doing, discovered his true calling. David was picked LAST in the NFL draft of 2008...which earns the dubious moniker of MR IRRELEVANT.
This is anything but a football story, and how wrong the Mr. Irrelevant tag was...for a person who has gone on to help countless broken veterans who’ve returned from the war, emotionally broken, with one, two, three, even four less limbs. As you’ll see, David’s ‘Why’ is closing the gap between who a person think they are and who they are called to be….and that takes place through hard, work, challenge and sweat at the Adaptive Training Foundation n Carrolton Texas.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE ATF:
https://www.adaptivetrainingfoundation.org/
NFL 360 feature story on David Vobora:
David Vobora: Career Ending Injury Shaped my Passion for Helping Othershttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MJL3wo4MGfU
=========
For more information about Thom Dharma Pollard:
http://eyesopenproductions.com/
For a free downloadable copy of A Course In Happiness:
www.patreon.com/thehappinessquotient
Our theme song, Happiness Jones, appears courtesy of The Wood Brothers.
For more information about The Wood Brothers:
https://www.thewoodbros.com/
The Wood Brothers on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTvWKQovDZlLceuct1EEMMQ
Happiness Jones video can be seen here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKIoiVWwF5A
Tracks in the middle of the episode were found on the Free Music Archive and performed by:
Metyu,VKTRD & Ondro M. off the album VR(Y)T Improvisations Vol.II
For more about Thom Dharma Pollard, about personal coaching or his inspirational presentations, virtual or in person, find him at:
www.eyesopenproductions.com
To join his mailing list for The Happiness Quotient, email him at thom.dharma.pollard@gmail.com
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/thehappinessquotient)
ELISABETH SHARP MCKETTA is a storyteller and the author of eight books: INCLUDING Fear of the Deep (2016) and Fear of the Beast (2019), both collaborations with artist Troy Passey; the biography Energy: The Life of John J. McKetta, Jr. (2017), a true story of a coal miner–and my grandfather!–who set out to change how America uses energy; and a children’s book titled We Live in Boise (2019). SHE DID A TEDX TALK CALLED “Edit your life like a poem.”
projects in the works include the anthology What Doesn’t Kill Her: Women’s Resilience Stories; a manifesto/handbook called Edit Your Life;
SHE HAS Literature degrees from Harvard, Georgetown, and the University of Texas at Austin. I wrote a Ph.D. dissertation on the intersections between memoir and myth, a concept that now informs my teaching and writing (and my entire way of looking at the world.)
Maybe with all this and life with her husband and two children living in Yorkshire Englad during COVID she will ghost write the memoir I have been lying to the world about,,,,,.well, not really.
Elisabeth’s most recent work, the just released She Never Told Me About the Ocean is described by author Karen Russell as “a tidal and intimate book, brimming over with wonders and terrors and the watery echoes that bind generations of women. What a pleasure this book is from start to finish. McKetta maps the dark portals through which her women continuously reinvent themselves, newborn at every age."
Here is my conversation with the brilliant, and ebullient, super intuitive and creative ELISABETH SHARP MCKETTA from her temporary home where she works virtually, on the coast of England.
MORE ON ELISABETH SHARP McKETTA: https://elisabethsharpmcketta.com/
=========
For more information about Thom Dharma Pollard:
http://eyesopenproductions.com/
For a free downloadable copy of A Course In Happiness:
www.patreon.com/thehappinessquotient
Our theme song, Happiness Jones, appears courtesy of The Wood Brothers.
For more information about The Wood Brothers:
https://www.thewoodbros.com/
The Wood Brothers on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTvWKQovDZlLceuct1EEMMQ
Happiness Jones video can be seen here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKIoiVWwF5A
For more about Thom Dharma Pollard, about personal coaching or his inspirational presentations, virtual or in person, find him at:
www.eyesopenproductions.com
To join his mailing list for The Happiness Quotient, email him at thom.dharma.pollard@gmail.com
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/thehappinessquotient)
The man with more boots-on-the-ground experience searching in the Death Zone for clues to the Mystery of Mallory & Irvine, Jake Norton, is our guest today.
Jake was 25 when we first met on Mount Everest in 1999. He first climbed Mount Rainier with his dad at age 12. By age 18 he was guiding for Rainier Mountaineering and soon was leading international climbs around the world.
Although we were living in two different worlds in 1999, I with a son and a house, he as a guide with a camera. We were natural friends, seeing eye to eye on topics of the day, spirituality, politics, having been brought together by a reverence for all things Everest.
To date, Jake has been on Eight Everest expeditions, summiting three times….with the rare distinction of having made the top from the north and south.
This interview is a rare look into the greatest mystery in all of adventure, Did Mallory & Irvine make it to the summit of Everest in 1924? Jake himself has been on five search expeditions (four of them officially) for Mallory and Irvine, and personally has experience than any human being alive or otherwise in the search for clues to the mystery of their disappearance.
In 1999 Jake found the first clue during our historic expedition, in which I was the high altitude cameraman: an oxygen bottle from the 1975 Chinese expedition, during which Wang Hung-bao found Mallory's remains. ON THAT SAME DAY, After an hour and 45 minutes, Conrad Anker hopped on the radio, calling a mandatory team meeting. In a 2012 interview with Outside Online, Jake said about the discovery, Conrad “was about 50 meters away from me, frantically waving his ice ax above his head. I walked over and happened by proximity to get there first, and there was Conrad, standing silently above the remains of a fallen hero: exactly as he appears in my photo from the cover of Outside. It was the most humbling experience of my climbing career, and one that will stay with me forever.”
For more on Jake Norton, visit his website at:
https://jakenorton.com/
=========
For more information about Thom Dharma Pollard:
http://eyesopenproductions.com/
For a free downloadable copy of A Course In Happiness:
www.patreon.com/thehappinessquotient
Our theme song, Happiness Jones, appears courtesy of The Wood Brothers.
For more information about The Wood Brothers:
https://www.thewoodbros.com/
The Wood Brothers on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTvWKQovDZlLceuct1EEMMQ
Happiness Jones video can be seen here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKIoiVWwF5A
For more about Thom Dharma Pollard, about personal coaching or his inspirational presentations, virtual or in person, find him at:
www.eyesopenproductions.com
To join his mailing list for The Happiness Quotient, email him at thom.dharma.pollard@gmail.com
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/thehappinessquotient)
This is an episode about grit, about life and death, about the extremes of human endeavor, how far a human being can possibly go when they put 100% of themselves into something….it’s about heart, friendship….
This episode is set within the backdrop of the greatest mountain on the planet….Mount Everest, Chomolungma, goddess mother of the world…..
Today’s episode welcomes back my ever talented friend and expedition partner Mark Synnott in anticipation of the release of his highly regarded book about our 2019 Everest expedition to find the body of long lost mountaineer Sandy Irvine. Some of you may recall my first interview with Mark for Episode #42 about The Day Everest Broke and the genesis of our expedition, which has since been chronicled in a 1-hour film by National Geographic and Disney called LOST ON EVEREST, produced by our expedition partner and uber talented filmmaker and climber Renan Ozturk.
MARK’S BOOK IS CALLED THE THIRD POLE: MYSTERY OBSESSION AND DEATH ON MOUNT EVEREST.
For more information about Mark and how to find his book visit:
https://www.marksynnott.com/
Kirkus Reviews on Mark's new book:
https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/mark-synnott/the-third-pole/
=========
For more information about Thom Dharma Pollard:
http://eyesopenproductions.com/
For a free downloadable copy of A Course In Happiness:
www.patreon.com/thehappinessquotient
Our theme song, Happiness Jones, appears courtesy of The Wood Brothers.
For more information about The Wood Brothers:
https://www.thewoodbros.com/
The Wood Brothers on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTvWKQovDZlLceuct1EEMMQ
Happiness Jones video can be seen here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKIoiVWwF5A
For more about Thom Dharma Pollard, about personal coaching or his inspirational presentations, virtual or in person, find him at:
www.eyesopenproductions.com
To join his mailing list for The Happiness Quotient, email him at thom.dharma.pollard@gmail.com
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/thehappinessquotient)
LITERALLY: THIS IS THE TALK THAT INSPIRED THE 2019 SANDY IRVINE SEARCH EXPEDITION, which led to the film LOST ON EVEREST by National Geographic and Mark Synnott's book THE THIRD POLE: MYSTERY, OBSESSION, AND DEATH ON MOUNT EVEREST.
This presentation is one of only two sold out events EVER at the Leura Hill Eastman Performing Arts Center at Fryeburg Academy in Fryeburg, Maine.
The presentation was captured on camera by a student at the back of the auditorium, using a microphone mounted to the top of the camera. It's presented here for informational and educational purposes.
"Pollard’s dynamic presentations are geared to inspire a deeper understanding of self and elicit the motivations which drive us to tackle seemingly insurmountable goals. Motivation, performance, teamwork, goal setting and overcoming obstacles are all interwoven metaphorically into his talk." This event was in support of sports medicine programs and services at Memorial Hospital, North Conway, NH.
PLEASE LEARN MORE ABOUT THOM DHARMA POLLARD HERE:
http://eyesopenproductions.com/
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/thehappinessquotient)
This recap episode recounts the inspiration for this podcast coming into existence. While training for Mount Everest in April of 2019, my daily routine would include a strong hike up into Tuckerman or Huntington Ravine on Mount Washington in New Hampshire, USA. Many times I felt the presence of something, someone. Looking back, I believe that the essence of Sandy Irvine, who disappeared on Mount Everest on June 8 in 1924, was asking for assistance. As our expedition set out to locate Sandy, last seen at over 28,000 feet 'headed for the top', I have always believed that his soul had not yet been freed from the mountain.
I introduce my mentor, Bradford Washburn, who inspired me so deeply in all of my endeavors, and share an interview that I conducted with him in 2001, he at the sprightly age of 91.
This is my introduction to The Happiness Quotient (identical to Episode #3), re-vamped here as an introduction or as a refresher course to the ultimate inspiration for following one's dreams & passions.
=========
For more information about Thom Dharma Pollard:
http://eyesopenproductions.com/
For a free downloadable copy of A Course In Happiness:
www.patreon.com/thehappinessquotient
Our theme song, Happiness Jones, appears courtesy of The Wood Brothers.
For more information about The Wood Brothers:
https://www.thewoodbros.com/
The Wood Brothers on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTvWKQovDZlLceuct1EEMMQ
Happiness Jones video can be seen here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKIoiVWwF5A
For more about Thom Dharma Pollard, about personal coaching or his inspirational presentations, virtual or in person, find him at:
www.eyesopenproductions.com
To join his mailing list for The Happiness Quotient, email him at thom.dharma.pollard@gmail.com
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/thehappinessquotient)
Music Soothes the Soul.
MUSIC FOR THE SOUL - this is a good one. DAMN good. Highlighting the very best clips from my music interviews on The Happiness Quotient, consider this a Get Stoked for the Weekend or Week or Day or Life starter kit. Each short clip is accompanied by a cut from each of the musician's respective studio albums.
Featuring these fine musicians and their tune following:
Daniel Donato - Fire On The Mountain
Oliver Wood - The Battle Is Over: But War Goes On
Mickey Raphael - Hand To Mouth
The Reverend Freakchild - Keep On Praying
Seth Walker - We Got This
DANIEL DONATO, the Cosmic Cowboy - his new album is called A Young Man's Country, and you can find it here on Daniel's website at
http://danieldonato.com/
Daniel's podcast is Daniel Donato's Lost Highway:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daniel-donatos-lost-highway/id1452703574
OLIVER WOOD of The Wood Brothers
For more about the coolest cat and greatest living American songwriter, Oliver Wood:
https://www.oliverwoodmusic.com/
MICKEY RAPHAEL
Mickey's website is www.mickeyraphael.com
The tune Hand to Mouth, the music is courtesy of Mickey Raphael
THE REVEREND FREAKCHILD
Keep on Praying! His New Album
Supramundane Blues
Now available here:
https://www.www-reverendfreakchild.org/
SETH WALKER:
This man is full of wisdom, and creates very beautiful music.
For more on Seth and to find his book and music, visit:
https://sethwalker.com/
=========
For more information about Thom Pollard:
http://eyesopenproductions.com/
For a free downloadable copy of A Course In Happiness:
www.patreon.com/thehappinessquotient
Our theme song, Happiness Jones, appears courtesy of The Wood Brothers.
For more information about The Wood Brothers:
https://www.thewoodbros.com/
The Wood Brothers on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTvWKQovDZlLceuct1EEMMQ
Happiness Jones video can be seen here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKIoiVWwF5A
For more about Thom Dharma Pollard, about personal coaching or his inspirational presentations, virtual or in person, find him at:
www.eyesopenproductions.com
To join his mailing list for The Happiness Quotient, email him at thom.dharma.pollard@gmail.com
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/thehappinessquotient)
Seth Walker literally dropped out of college to eek every ounce out of his guitar. He grew up in a small commune. Learned to play the cello, guided by his musician parents. When he first heard the sounds of T Bone Walker (no relation), he was hooked on the Blues.
Seth has been a touring musician for decades. That is, until Covid shut things down. He said it was as if he was on a spinning, flaming hamster wheel. Covid helped him. Because of it, he found time to write his memoir. If you could call it that. It’s a memoir, with poems and artwork.
“The Soul of Seth Walker” features my February 2021 interview with the one and only Seth Walker to talk about his book Your Van Is On Fire.
Enjoy, this man is full of wisdom, and very beautiful music.
For more on Seth and to find his book and music, visit:
www.sethwalker.com
Seth Walker music featured in this episode:
Home Again
Dreamer
Gotta Get Back
The Sound of Your Voice
All I Need To Know
Inside
Fire In The Belly
Call My Name
For more information about Thom Pollard:
www.eyesopenproductions.com
For a free downloadable copy of A Course In Happiness:
www.patreon.com/thehappinessquotient
Our theme song, Happiness Jones, appears courtesy of The Wood Brothers.
For more information about The Wood Brothers:
https://www.thewoodbros.com/
The Wood Brothers on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTvWKQovDZlLceuct1EEMMQ
Happiness Jones video can be seen here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKIoiVWwF5A
For more about Thom Dharma Pollard, about personal coaching or his inspirational presentations, virtual or in person, find him at:
www.eyesopenproductions.com
To join his mailing list for The Happiness Quotient, email him at thom.dharma.pollard@gmail.com
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/thehappinessquotient)
The Happiness Quotient #71
The Legend of CLARENCE GATEMOUTH BROWN
This episode of the The Happiness Quotient can be found in audio only format at:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/268133/8029682
And on YouTube at this address:
https://youtu.be/BDXmcezMIwQ
Clarence Gatemouth Brown did not want to be known as a bluesman. He called his brand of music "American and World Music, Texas Drive and Swing"
In a previous lifetime I was a television reporter for an NBC affiliate in western Massachusetts, WWLP, Channel 22. I was hired as a features reporter, wherein I’d produce, shoot, edit and report in a series that I called IN TOUCH WITH WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS.
Today, I’m bringing you an inspiring, honest never-before-heard interview conducted by myself in 1988 with the amazing, Grammy winning, Blues Hall of Fame legend of the blues (for lack of a better word) CLARENCE GATEMOUTH BROWN. I first met Gatemouth to interview him at his hotel, the Red Roof Inn in South Deerfield, Massachusetts, the morning before a show at the now defunct Sheehan’s Cafe in Northampton, Massachusetts. I’m going to play for you everything from that interview and impressive performance that evening, which took place during a time that many would say was the peak of his storied career.
Gatemouth, who lived on Lake Pontchartrain in Louisiana, was diagnosed in 2004 with lung cancer. When the notorious Hurricane Katrina moved into the region in August 2005, he hurried away to stay with his brother in neighboring Texas. His home was ruined during the hurricane, and his guitars and instruments washed away. Gatemouth passed shortly after.
Please enjoy this 1988 interview with the incredible Gatemouth Brown, including music from his performance that night. In the interview, Gate schooled me on what The Blues really is, and how he is most assuredly NOT a bluesman. He plays a special kind of music, and it’s not the blues.
For more information about Clarence Gatemouth Brown on Alligator Records:
https://www.alligator.com/artists/Clarence-Gatemouth-Brown/
Gate’s iconic 1966 Gibson Firebird guitar:
http://legacy.gibson.com/news-lifestyle/features/en-us/legendary-guitars-clarence-708.aspx
Gate’s NY Times obituary:
https://www.nytimes.com/2005/09/12/arts/music/guitarist-clarence-gatemouth-brown-dies-at-81.html
Grateful Dan Tie Dye's Etsy page for Jerry Garcia glow-in-the-dark T:
https://www.etsy.com/shop/GratefulDanTieDye
Tom Reney, producer/host of Jazz a la Mode on New England Public Media:
https://www.nepm.org/people/tom-reney#stream/0
For more information about Thom Pollard:
www.eyesopenproductions.com
For a free downloadable copy of A Course In Happiness:
www.patreon.com/thehappinessquotient
Our theme song, Happiness Jones, appears courtesy of The Wood Brothers.
For more information about The Wood Brothers:
https://www.thewoodbros.com/
The Wood Brothers on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTvWKQovDZlLceuct1EEMMQ
Happiness Jones video can be seen here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKIoiVWwF5A
For more about Thom Dharma Pollard, about personal coaching or his inspirational presentations, virtual or in person, find him at:
www.eyesopenproductions.com
To join his mailing list for The Happiness Quotient, email him at thom.dharma.pollard@gmail.com
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/thehappinessquotient)
What was the fate of famed British mountaineers George Mallory and Sandy Irvine? And were they the first to climb Mount Everest? Today's guest is noted historian and author Tom Holzel to talk about his fifty plus year fascination with solving the mystery of Mallory & Irvine.
Mallory and Irvine’s disappearance on Everest on June 8th 1924 has captivated and intrigued generations of mountaineers and would-be sleuths. Did they make it? What happened to them?
Tom Holzel has studied this more than anyone alive. This interview will inspire you, intrigue and, it just might turn you into a modern day detective…. What happened on that fateful day, high upon the slopes of the world’s highest peak.
For a free, downloadable copy of The Happiness Quotient's A Course In Happiness, please visit www.patreon.com/thehappinessquotient, or find it at eyesopenproductions.com/happiness
Three important interviews/videos with Tom Holzel:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLliwwVA2bFR4yw9K9XQV-eu42AUCIzsUK
I'd like to thank Oliver and Chris Wood, Jano Ricks and The Wood Brothers management, as well as their publicist Kevin Calabro for granting us the rights to use HAPPINESS JONES for our theme music. We are deeply honored.
Find The Wood Brothers at:
https://www.thewoodbros.com/
The Wood Brothers on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTvWKQovDZlLceuct1EEMMQ
Happiness Jones video can be seen here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKIoiVWwF5A
For more about Thom Dharma Pollard, about personal coaching or his inspirational presentations, virtual or in person, look for him at eyesopenproductions.com
To join his mailing list for A Course In Happiness, email him at thom.dharma.pollard@gmail.com
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/thehappinessquotient)
Inspired by two back-to-back dreams in which I walked and learned from masters of ancient wisdom, I reflect about the teachings of Friedrich Nietzsche. Given the impeachment proceedings taking place in the United States, these dreams and Nietzsche's principles for becoming an exceptional individual are timely and prescient for our future.
It's all about individual accountability and becoming greater than oneself. Revolution starts from within. BELOW, PLEASE SEE NIETZSCHE'S PRINCIPLES.
I'd like to thank Oliver and Chris Wood, Jano Ricks and The Wood Brothers management, as well as their publicist Kevin Calabro for granting us the rights to use HAPPINESS JONES for our theme music. We are deeply honored.
Find The Wood Brothers at:
https://www.thewoodbros.com/
The Wood Brothers on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTvWKQovDZlLceuct1EEMMQ
Happiness Jones video can be seen here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKIoiVWwF5A
For more about Thom Dharma Pollard, about personal coaching or his inspirational presentations, virtual or in person, look for him at eyesopenproductions.com
To join his mailing list for A Course In Happiness, email THOM at thom.dharma.pollard@gmail.com
==============================================
PRINCIPLES of Friedrich Nietzsche
1 BE AN ESSENTIALIST, be brief, concentrate on what is important, to not compromise self to other’s ideals, focus on what is important in our lives,
2 BE AUTHENTIC - take away all idols in life, do not follow herd mentality by denying your true self, people are unwilling to be authentic because it takes great effort….
3 LOOK FOR WISDOM NOT KNOWLEDGE - By observing and experiencing things for oneself, one can grow in wisdom, create your own concepts and do not follow
4 PUT YOUR WILL INTO THINGS, do not accept piece of mind, untrue stories of paradise, following blindly the words or sermons of a priest or politician
5 LOVE YOUR DESTINY AMOR FATI, accept one’s destiny with open arms
6 NEVER FEAR FAILURE, how can you arise anew if you do not first become ashes?
7 ALWAYS SPEAK YOUR TRUTH truths that are silenced become poisonous
8 STAY CONNECTED TO NATURE, nature nourishes
9 BE PRAGMATIC, you can only learn through experience, you cannot truly learn something by, say, reading a book unless you have experience of these things
10 BE DYNAMITE “I am not a man, I am dynamite”
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/thehappinessquotient)
This powerful episode revisits an inspiring interview of hope with Holocaust survivor Irene Butter. For the thousands living today who survived that period in history, when the Nazi’s reigned terror around the world and attempted to rid the world of those who they deemed were a threat to their so-called superior race, the memory is a daily experience. Irene, like many, has chosen to honor those who lost their lives by telling us her story.
Today we share a condensed interview with Irene first conducted in October of 2019. That interview, given the events of January 6, 2021 in the United States Capitol Building, are ever so poignant.
Today, marking the Holocaust Remembrance Day, January 27, 2021 for CNN, Irene wrote:
"Now, 75 years later, I see something I never imagined: echoes of the Nazis and their regime. What happened in Washington, DC, on January 6, 2021, was an attempted coup of our government and an unraveling of the democracy that protects all of our rights. I saw a T-shirt with the words "Camp Auschwitz," as well as other anti-Semitic symbols and slogans used by the rioters.
Decades earlier, I heard an interview on the radio with Auschwitz survivor and Nobel Prize winner Elie Wiesel, who said, "If you were in the camps, if you smelled the air and heard the silence of the dead, then it's your duty to be a witness and tell the stories." It took me 40 years to start talking, and I am not finished yet."
Here's the full article by Irene:
https://www.cnn.com/2021/01/26/opinions/holocaust-fascism-un-capitol-riots-butter/index.html
In this gripping and moving interview we discuss Irene's experiences of surviving the Holocaust and also talk about her book, written by Irene herself with the help of two old friends, John Bidwell and Kris Holloway, who helped bring Irene’s story of hope and inspiration to life.
For more information about Irene please visit www.IreneButter.com and also please visit her publisher's website www.canofworms.net
The music inside the episode was found on the free music archive, and is by Tagirijus. You can find his music at tagirijus.de I discovered the music at the free music archive.
I'd like to thank Oliver and Chris Wood, Jano Ricks and The Wood Brothers management, as well as their publicist Kevin Calabro for granting us the rights to use HAPPINESS JONES for our theme music. We are deeply honored.
Find The Wood Brothers at:
https://www.thewoodbros.com/
The Wood Brothers on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTvWKQovDZlLceuct1EEMMQ
Happiness Jones video can be seen here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKIoiVWwF5A
For more about Thom Dharma Pollard, about personal coaching or his inspirational presentations, virtual or in person, look for him at eyesopenproductions.com
To join his mailing list for A Course In Happiness, email him at thom.dharma.pollard@gmail.com
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/thehappinessquotient)
Chris Carter grew up the son of missionaries in Kenya, Africa. He moved to the United States to study, climb, learn. In 2018 Chris took the physical and spiritual challenge of hiking the 2,650 mile Pacific Crest Trail in the western USA. The film he created grabbed me from the first sounds of a camp stove lighting up.
I welcome Chris to The Happiness Quotient to discuss the journey, about the friendships formed, and about the process of creating this incredibly moving and powerful film called To Measure a Mile. I love the film and you will love it, as well.
Excerpts from the film will weave together with the interview done with Chris from his home in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
To Measure A Mile can be found here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EX4gjMlGSHE&t=52s
Chris Carter on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/chriscarter146/
I'd like to thank Oliver and Chris Wood, Jano Ricks and The Wood Brothers management, as well as their publicist Kevin Calabro for granting us the rights to use HAPPINESS JONES for our theme music. We are deeply honored.
Find The Wood Brothers at:
https://www.thewoodbros.com/
The Wood Brothers on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTvWKQovDZlLceuct1EEMMQ
Happiness Jones video can be seen here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKIoiVWwF5A
For more about Thom Dharma Pollard, about personal coaching or his inspirational presentations, virtual or in person, look for him at eyesopenproductions.com
To join his mailing list for A Course In Happiness, email him at thom.dharma.pollard@gmail.com
READING LIST:
Wild, From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail
by Cheryl Strayed
https://www.cherylstrayed.com/wild_108676.htm
Wanderlust: A History of Walking
by Rebecca Solnit
https://www.amazon.com/Wanderlust-History-Walking-Rebecca-Solnit/dp/0140286012
Shores Beyond Shores: From Holocaust to Hope, My True Story
by Irene Butter
http://irene-butter.squarespace.com/book
Reading Claudius: A Memoir in Two Parts
by Caroline Heller
https://www.jewishbookcouncil.org/book/reading-claudius-a-memoir-in-two-parts
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/thehappinessquotient)
"All of my wisdom came from all the toughest days
I never learned a thing being happy"
These words from The Wood Brothers' song Happiness Jones sum up our podcast. The band has given us the green light to use the song as our new theme music! We are beyond honored here at The Happiness Quotient. Hear the story of how it came to pass.
We're also going to introduce you to 6-time Everest climber Michael Hamill of Climbing the Seven Summits, one of the top Everest and moutaineering guiding and outfitting companies in the world. From Hanover, New Hampshire, Mike lives in Sydney, Australia with his wife and daughter. They're expecting a boy in February 2021.
Mike's packing now for Everest, where his team has already established Base Camp on the Khumbu Glacier in Nepal. His twenty+ years of guiding on 8,000 meter peaks, including 13 expeditions to Mount Everest, make him the perfect interview to hear how Nepal is doing after having shut down the 2014, 2015 and 2019 Everest seasons, how it's impacted the people who rely on the mountain to make a living.
For more information about Mike, find him here:
https://climbingthesevensummits.com/
Climbing the Seven Summits YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJjauFo5rnhh6_KN9kglJ4w
Mike's book, Climbing the Seven Summits:
https://climbingthesevensummits.com/book/
I'd like to thank Oliver and Chris Wood, Jano Ricks and The Wood Brothers management, as well as their publicist Kevin Calabro for granting us the rights to use HAPPINESS JONES for our theme music. We are deeply honored.
Find The Wood Brothers at:
https://www.thewoodbros.com/
The Wood Brothers on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTvWKQovDZlLceuct1EEMMQ
Happiness Jones video can be seen here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKIoiVWwF5A
For more about Thom Dharma Pollard, about personal coaching or his inspirational presentations, virtual or in person, look for him at eyesopenproductions.com
To join his mailing list for A Course In Happiness, email him at thom.dharma.pollard@gmail.com
A Course In Happiness and a downloadable pdf of the most recent A Course In Happiness can be found at
- https://www.patreon.com/thehappinessquotient
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/thehappinessquotient)
Recorded just as the polls closed during the runoff elections in Georgia, USA, we bring back Dr. Nathan Schwartz-Salant for his insightful take on how an individual must stand one's ground during times of chaos and uncertainty.
The late Dr. Nathan Schwartz-Salant, a prominent Jungian analyst, in this interview from February 8, 2020, on the eve of the New Hampshire primaries, offers a way for us to 'stand our ground' during these uncertain times, how to embrace the darkness of the collective psyche. His insight and analysis is perfect for
Dr. Schwartz-Salant is a member of the International Association for Analytical Psychology {IAAP} and has been practicing as a Jungian analyst for almost fifty years.
His first book, Narcissism and Character Transformation: The Psychology of Narcissistic Character Disorders, published by Inner City Books in 1982, is a classic in the Jungian field. Recently, he contributed the chapter "Healthy Presidential Narcissism: Is That Possible?" for the popular book, A Clear and Present Danger: Narcissism in the Era of Donald Trump, that came out during the 2016 presidential campaign.
Thank you to Dr. Schwartz-Salant for your incredible insight and advice to those finding themselves at dis-ease during these maddening times.
Music for Episode 30 is by Mild Wild and was found on the free music archive. They can be found at https://soundcloud.com/mildwildmusic
For more about me please visit eyesopenproductions.com and ask to join my mailing list.
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/thehappinessquotient)
Our thoughts are very powerful. The thoughts that make up a great part of our conscious life create the person that we project onto the world, create the reality of our own lives.
Imagine a person being a tiny little radio station, broadcasting out to the world the thoughts, fears worries emptiness and depression that fill the mind. To commune with your soul, all it requires is for you to be like Source, or Soul, that being an all loving being,
So when you choose to come from a place of love your energies reflect that, and your little miniature radio station broadcasts that into the world. When we do that we find ourselves in synchronicity with the energies of one’s soul, or godlike energies….
How do we do that?
By adopting a vision of something worthy….by endeavoring to aspire to something greater, more noble.
A Course In Happiness and a downloadable pdf of today's A Course In Happiness can be found at
- https://www.patreon.com/thehappinessquotient
Suggested Readings:
- Emotional Intelligence - Daniel Goleman
- Autobiography of a Yogi - Paramahansa Yogananda
- The Teachings of Don Juan: A Yaqui Way of Knowledge - Carlos Castaneda
- Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance - Robert Pirsig
- Cloud Hidden, Whereabouts Unknown: A Mountain Journal: Alan Watts
A COURSE IN HAPPINESS PDF DOWNLOAD CAN BE FOUND HERE:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/course-in-issue-45574377?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copy_to_clipboard&utm_campaign=postshare
Music from today's episode was found on the free music archive, featuring the brilliant music of Marianne Dissard. Please find out more about her incredible music at:
www.mariannedissard.com
For more about Thom Dharma Pollard, about personal coaching or his inspirational presentations, virtual or in person, look for him at eyesopenproductions.com
To join his mailing list for A Course In Happiness, email him at thom.dharma.pollard@gmail.com
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/thehappinessquotient)
A quotient is an answer to a mathematical division problem. When we gather experience and look at the opportunities within our most challenging days, by deduction we begin to grow in wisdom. Hey, at the very least, we might learn what not to do. When we become wise and stop desiring the acquisition of wealth, or love or spiritual enlightenment, we will begin to become naturally happy. The Happiness Quotient endeavors to apply knowledge to the experiences in our lives, exploring how Happiness can be a part of our every day, even during the most challenging times.
In today's inaugural episode of our new incarnation we explore the healing power of music with bluesman and Master of Divinity in Buddhist Philosophy the Reverend Freakchild. We also share a killer rendition of Happiness Jones by The Wood Brothers.
Music throughout the episode is brought you by Reverend Freakchild off his latest album The Bodhisattva Blues. Final cut is Happiness Jones by The Wood Brothers.
HAPPY STUFF - RESOURCES AND RESEARCH If you'd like to support this podcast or download a PDF from A Course In Happiness plese visit:
https://www.patreon.com/happinessquotient
For more information about Thom Dharma Pollard and The Happiness Quotient please visit eyesopenproductions.com
To join our mailing list message me at thom.dharma.pollard@gmail.com
Our guest for Episode #63, Reverend Freakchild, can be found at:
https://www.www-reverendfreakchild.org/
Link to Happiness Jones by The Wood Brothers, as heard in Episode #63 can be found here, by Jam In The Van, Live in Nashville, TN 2019:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SWFT2Ya332I
Chogyam Trungpa’s book, Cutting Through Spiritual Materialism:
https://www.amazon.com/Cutting-Through-Spiritual-Materialism-Chogyam/dp/1570629579
Naropa University webpage:
www.naropa.edu
Thank you for your kindness.
See you next time at The Happiness Quotient.
Peace and Love,
Thom Dharma Pollard
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/thehappinessquotient)
Folks, the winter solstice approaches. Thom gets prepared to announce some HUGE news about the future and where things are going. Groove to some music by Daniel Donato and let Thom tell you what it's all about.
Music by Daniel Donato, the real Cosmic Cowboy "Always Been A Lover"
Find him at: www.danieldonato.com
Find his music on Spotify by typing in 'Cosmic Country" and listen to his podcast on Apple Podcasts at:
https://podcasts.apple.com/ua/podcast/daniel-donatos-lost-highway/id1452703574
My friend Will White, who suggested I start podcasting (mentioned in this episode) has a podcast himself, called Stories From The Field: Demystifying Wilderness Therapy
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/stories-from-the-field-demystifying-wilderness-therapy/id1440862416
For more information about Thom, visit:
www.eyesopenproductions.com
Peace and Love,
Thom Dharma Pollard
For exclusive content visit Patreon at:
https://www.patreon.com/thehappinessquotient
Subscribe to The Happiness Quotient on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/thehappinessquotient
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What do you get when you mix a Jam Band with a Country Band? You get Cosmic Country, a la Daniel Donato, a rising Nashville musician who got his start on Lower Broadway in Nashville at the age of 14 when he first stepped on stage. His story is inspiring, amazing, insightful and filled with positivity and wonder.
Daniel's new album is called A Young Man's Country, and you can find it here on Daniel's website at www.danieldonato.com
Daniel's podcast is Daniel Donato's Lost Highway:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daniel-donatos-lost-highway/id1452703574
Please visit me at eyesopenproductions.com or visit me on Apple Podcasts and Subscribe:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/baker-street-with-thom-pollard/id1457211236
Thank you for visiting!
Peace and Love,
Thom Dharma Pollard
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After eight wonderful years locked in the embrace of a warm cabin in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, it was time I had to move. The news came as such a shock that it hadn't occurred to me to shop for a home to purchase. Time was short. I had two months to find a place to move the entire kit and kaboodle, in an absolutely over-saturated rental market, tapped by AirBnB and second home buyers, finding a place to live is nigh impossible around here. But, the Universe provides!
I share my experiences with the move, have a final fire pit at the cabin, and immerse myself in the icy cold Saco River to cleanse myself of all past negativity to usher in a new phase of my life. Brrrr!
The shorter video version of this episode is on YouTube at this link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tMaGV1J5n2U&t=630s
Music is by 'me': songs include Can't Find My Way Home, That's What Angels Can Do and my own composition from the 2003 Viracocha II Reedship Expedition.
JOIN MY MAILING LIST! Email me at thom.dharma.pollard@gmail.com
Find me at eyesopenproductions.com
FIND ME ON APPLE PODCASTS AND SUBSCRIBE. LEAVE A REVIEW!
Peace and Love,
Thom Dharma Pollard
For exclusive content visit Patreon at:
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This is the Truth about Everest.
Hours after the passing of my mother in 2016 I was visited by a magnificent presence that assured me of my safety on Everest. Three months later, high up inside the Khumbu Icefall, that same presence assisted me during a serac avalanche in which four of us might have been killed.
PLEASE SHARE AND PLEASE SUBSCRIBE on Apple Podcasts. If you would like to be added to my mailing list or to be notified with details of the upcoming Everest event please email me at thom.dharma.pollard@gmail.com
MUSIC for this episode is by the AMAZING Garcia Birthday Band.
Please visit their website:
http://gbblive.com
Eyes Of The World by GBB:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dhTSJVDUp58
I Know You Rider by GBB:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qglrhSFOTBc
Have a great day. Come from a place of Love.
For exclusive content visit Patreon at:
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As Chair and CEO of Warner Bros., Ann Misiaszek Sarnoff became the first female to serve as a Studio head in the entertainment industry. Ann is truly a trail blazer, an inspiration to young and old to prove that hard work, determination and persistence far outshine the traits championed in the age of immediacy.
Ann was named head of WarnerMedia’s Studios and Networks Group in August 2020. In this role, she is responsible for all of WarnerMedia’s content-focused teams, uniting the Warner Bros. Pictures Group, HBO and HBOMax, the Warner Bros. Television Group, DC, kids/young adults/classics (Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, Boomerang, TCM, Cartoon Network Studios, WB Animation), TBS, TNT, TruTV, Wizarding World, consumer products and gaming, to work together across titles, brands and franchises. An unmatched collection of world-class brands and content creators.
Sarnoff brings more than 30 years of business and media experience to this post, as she guides the Studios and Networks Group in support of WarnerMedia’s mission to engage and delight the global audience with innovative, engaging entertainment content.
I grew up in the same town as Ann and we graduated from high school together. We talk about our time growing up in a small town in western Massachusetts, her influences and her path to becoming one of the most successful women in the United States or world today.
Music for today's episode comes to you from the free music archive, featuring the music of Jan Morgenstern. He can be found at http://www.wavemage.com/ **For more about me, find me at eyesopenproductions.com
Peace and Love,
Thom Dharma Pollard**
For exclusive content visit Patreon at:
https://www.patreon.com/thehappinessquotient
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https://www.youtube.com/thehappinessquotient
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Michael Palmisano has created a brand for himself as one of YouTube and the internet's premier guitar teachers. Known for his "Guitar Teacher REACTS" videos, he has - as of this date - over 171,000 subscribers to his YouTube channel "Michael Palmisano.
Micheal can't remember a time in his life that he wasn't playing or holding a guitar. He decided to go 'all in' on a career with the guitar after getting his business degree. Times weren't always easy. He married well, as he says, his wife saw the person he was going to be before he became it. Her mantra is ‘we can do anything’...let them try to stop us.
Michael's music and his message are inspiring and intoxicating. You will love not only his teaching style but his positive message about life.
We recorded our interview on video. Stay Tuned for a video version, TBD.
You can find Michael on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5rPp4vKg6AN8qnRCZ_RkPA
His website is here: www.guitargate.com
Michael on social media:
Twitter: twitter.com/guitargate
Instagram: www.instagram.com/guitargate/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Guitargate
Please look for me at eyesopenproductions.com
Or write me at thom.dharma.pollard@gmail.com to be added to my mailing list.
For exclusive content visit Patreon at:
https://www.patreon.com/thehappinessquotient
Subscribe to The Happiness Quotient on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/thehappinessquotient
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A few years ago I had a hernia operation. The first thing I said to the nurse after I awoke from surgery was "The subconscious is a place created for people who need to hide their fears." Honest, that's what I said.
This brief episode investigates how fear and negative thinking can ruin us, starting with the idea of NOT feeling sorry for oneself. The power is in how we think, plain and simple.
For more information about me or how to join my mailing list, find me at
eyesopenproductions.com or email me at thom.dharmapollard@gmail.com
Music was found on the free music archive and by the Vivisectors. They can be found at www.thevivisectors.com
Peace and Love,
Thom Dharma Pollard
For exclusive content visit Patreon at:
https://www.patreon.com/thehappinessquotient
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https://www.youtube.com/thehappinessquotient
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You could say that in every dark cloud there is a silver lining…. COVID, as you know, has wreaked havoc on human life and the economy, around the world and in the US.
In this episode we welcome back a guest who visited us in April for our HEROES OF THE QUARANTINE CULTURE episode. David Brancaccio, is HOST AND SENIOR EDITOR OF MARKETPLACE MORNING REPORT ON PUBLIC RADIO.
Anyone who has a page dedicated to him in Wikipedia is SOMEBODY! Here’s here to talk all things economy with us today, wrapped inside a tasty combination of stories about model rockets and S’MORES. Yes, the perfect s’more is on tap for today....
David is a journalist, tv and radio host, reporter and storyteller….his website is www.brancaccio.com
David, as many of you know, keeps the pulse on business innovation and the economy, politics, human rights, national security, the environment, health care, and science policy. In 2007, David won a national Emmy for coverage of a public health story in Kenya. In 2009, he won a Walter Cronkite Award for excellence in television political coverage.
Today David is going to explain what the economy looks like leading into the election on November 3rd. He uses four letters of the alphabet to explain it: V, W, U and K....go figure.
Music for today's episode was found on the free music archive. The Vivisectors can be found at www.thevivisectors.com
For more information on me and how to contact me, visit www.eyesopenproductions.com
For exclusive content visit Patreon at:
https://www.patreon.com/thehappinessquotient
Subscribe to The Happiness Quotient on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/thehappinessquotient
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It's not lost on me that on this day in 2001 nearly 3,000 lives were lost and a nation was shocked when four coordinated terrorist attacks were waged. The gravity of the situation pales in comparison to the bump in the road I'm currently going through. I, we, have been asked to leave a home that I have lived in - rented - for over eight years. The abrupt and shocking news was delivered to me via the most impersonal of methods: certified mail.
The sudden interruption of 'normal' has given me pause for great introspection, as has the words of the occasional troll or hater who feels the need to chime in on some of my Facebook posts. They're the ones who get me thinking.
In this short episode I reflect on how gratitude, to me, is the only answer.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your kindness,
Thom Dharma Pollard
September 11, 2020
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HOW NOTES HERE
Oliver Wood has a touch of survivor's guilt. Many of his peers and even some mentors in the music business didn't stick with it. Finally, after years of sleeping on couches and sharing hotel rooms with bands he got a decent paycheck in his mid-40's. He and his brother Chris, the younger Wood Brother, call is "the slow rise to the middle.'
Oliver's take on life during COVID and the music business, life in general will keep you captivated in this exploratory interview that encompasses two new singles that he released independently of The Wood Brothers. Soul of This Town and The Battle Is Over (But The War Goes On), as well as more Wood Brothers music will fill your ears and heart with good sounds and inspiration.
www.thewoodbros.com
Songs appearing in this episode, in order of appearance:
That's What Angels Can Do (played by Thom Dharma Pollard)
Shoofly Pie
Postcards From Hell
Honey Jar
One More Day
Soul of This Town
The Battle is Over, But the War Goes On
Who The Devil
Closing Song: The Wood Brothers performing "Who The Devil" at Music City Roots live from the Loveless Cafe on 10.23.2013 found at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bz2ND_j9nH4
Publicist: Calabro Music Media
https://calabromusicmedia.com/
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Canoeing the heights: rock climbers in the Mount Washington Valley of New Hampshire in the USA performed a high profile, high wire, eye catching demonstration in New Hampshire's White Mountains at Cathedral Ledge on September 5, 2020. Sightseers and curious tourists hiked up the Cathedral Ledge road to see the Rainbow flag representing the LGBQT movement and a huge Black Lives Matter flag flying from the canoe, replete with two paddlers secured safely inside.
The display could be spotted from a mile away and was the collaboration of a couple dozen area and regional rock climbers who endeavored to show the visitors to the valley that all are welcome here, regardless of color, gender identity or sexual orientation.
.
I live just up the road from this mecca of the rock and ice climbing community. Cathedral Ledge drew me here decades ago to be a forever resident. When I heard about the demonstration I hurriedly packed up my recording gear to capture interviews and raw sounds of the scene. This episode of Baker Street with Thom Pollard brings to you a special Labor Day weekend demonstration of socially conscious individuals who quite literally put it all on the line to make a statement.
Interviews with local climbers included Freddie Wilkinson, Josh Laskin, Mickey Hardt, Alexandra Roberts, Sam Conley, Lindsey Leone and some out of town people who came to see what the buzz was all about.
Have a listen.
Music for the episode is brought to you by Lobo Loco, found on the free music archive. You can find his music at musikbrause.de
Please visit my website at eyesopenproductions.com
For exclusive content visit Patreon at:
https://www.patreon.com/thehappinessquotient
Subscribe to The Happiness Quotient on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/thehappinessquotient
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Herein is a revelation straight from Havana Cuba, where I witnessed a mirage of my father, who had passed more than a decade before. My father was a poet, an English literature major at Brown University. He instilled in me an almost surreal sense of the romantic, which, and this is for a future episode, I believe is what made him an alcoholic, and, tragically, partially inspired the death by suicide of my brother, only three months after his own passing.
These are lessons learned in pursuit of Everest, where in 1999 I came face to face with George Leigh Mallory, who disappeared 75 years previously, last seen with his partner Sandy Irvine at over 28,000 feet in 1924.
The series of events that unfolded after that discovery jarred me awake me from a dreamy sleep of ignorance. I’d been living a life steeped in idealism. After the discovery of Mallory, which made world news, I found myself the object of ire by a few....a few who became the object of my ire for years….until, seated at the Ambos Mundos bar in Havana Cube I came to realize they were my greatest teachers.
In that moment, I knew I was ready to begin writing my story….
Music for today's episode is by Stewart Miller, Natalia Kamia and other invisible entities.
They can be found at https://eg0cide.com/ **Please visit me at http://eyesopenproductions.com/
PEACE AND LOVE,
Thom Dharma Pollard**
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Barry Katz does not disappoint with his unique and inspiring blend of life philosophy, Hollywood chutzpah, life coach and all 'round good guy. For a man that towers over me at, what, 6-foot-four, he is soft spoken and mild mannered. Give him a chance, though, ad he'll spellbind you with his insight, wit and wisdom.
In Part 2 of my interview with Barry, we veer off into new territory. In fact, while bestowing his life's stories of love, loss and incredible commercial success with comedians that he has represented, he takes the time to school me a bit on my own life's achievements.
You'll be inspired and entertained by this wonderful interview with my old friend, Barry Katz.
For more information on Barry, you can find him at www.barrykatz.com. Barry is also on Instagram and Twitter @barrykatz
Music for this episode is brought to you by THEE Reverend Freakchild from his incredible album The Bodhisattva Blues. For more information on the Reverend and how to buy his album, visit https://www.www-reverendfreakchild.org/the-bodhisattva-blues
Thanks for being a part of my journey at Baker Street with Thom Pollard. Please visit my website at www.eyesopenproductions.com
Peace and Love,
Thom Dharma Pollard
For exclusive content visit Patreon at:
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This is a story about a father's enduring legacy, about a man who left this world young. While any dad who leaves before his time is worthy of consideration, this dad was world famous. He was the legendary blues harp (harmonica) player, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, vocalist and band leader the late Paul Butterfield.
Today we go for a ride through Paul's old home of Woodstock, New York with his son, Gabriel Butterfield. Gabe was just 22 when his father passed. His father's fame was worldwide. The Dalai Lama invited the family to attend a private prayer and chanting to help Paul get to the next realm. In the yeasr since, Gabriel has weeded through the many stories of people portending to have known Paul. yet, what endures for Gabriel is the love that Paul and Gabriel's mother Virginia passed down to him.
This is a fun yet moving interview with a man whose love for his father is boundless.
Music is provided by a band formed by Gabriel and Jimmy Vivino, Paul Butterfield Revisited. Here are two performances by the band, recorded by Thom Pollard in November of 2012 at the Bearsville Theatre:
Born In Chicago:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1JNs2tlYVlo
Get Out of My Life Woman:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KTsMBXxQT7I
For more information on Thom Pollard please visit
www.eyesopenproductions.com
PAUL BUTTERFIELD'S PAGE ON THE ROCK & ROLL HALL OF FAME SITE:
https://www.rockhall.com/inductees/paul-butterfield-blues-band
Paul Butterfield on stage to induct Bo Diddley into the R&R Hall of Fame:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7UKL7g7BrR0
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On April 18, 2014 the silence of Everest was forever rocked by a devastating serac avalanche that took the lives of 16 souls. In an instant, all that was ever believed about Everest changed.
The gigantic block of ice was believed to be the size of a six story apartment building. As it tumbled down over the steep wall of the west shoulder of Everest, it smashed into thousands of pieces, many the size of small cars, and exploded into the Khumbu Icefall.
Climbing through the Khumbu Icefall that morning were over 100 individuals, most of them Sherpa porters and cooks, who worked for the many guiding outfits that catered to clients such as myself with the dream of climbing Mount Everest.
I was sleeping in my tent at Base Camp that morning, about a mile from, but in direct view of where the tragedy took place. My guest, Jim Geiger, was in the tent directly next to mine. I was filming Jim on his quest to climb Mount Everest.
I was filming a documentary about Jim on that fateful day. Jim, 68, was endeavoring to be the oldest American to climb Everest. Our expedition would end and the dream of climbing Everest gone for Jim.
A POWERFUL film about Jim's quest is being released throughout North America for download and rental today. The film was produced by the award winning Steven Oritt of Los Angeles, Californa.
I have Jim and Steve with me today and we discuss that day and their beautiful and inspiring film ACCIDENTAL CLIMBER, which is available for download on iTunes, released by Vision Films.
Music for this episode is by LOBO LOCO, found on the fre music archive. You can find him on musikbrause.de
Jim is a motivational speaker whose life’s purpose has been to help people help themselves.
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Barry Katz is a modern day renaissance man. He is also funny as hell. Smart. Successful. Humble beginnings. I met Barry in high school, where we competed on swim teams from neighboring towns, then went on to compete together on the Boston University Swim Team. Barry's beginnings are inauspicious: he was a high school bully. A swim coach - who happened to be my AAU coach - spotted Barry serving detention one day and said 'kid, come swim with my team and I'll get your 9 million hours of detention wiped out.' Barry was officially born.
He is a successful talent agent, helped jumpstart the careers of comedians Dave Chappelle, Tracey Morgan, Jay Mohr, Jim Breuer, Louis CK...need I say more? Hell, just that he worked with Jim Gaffigan is enough for me. He has brokered 100 TV development deals, Executive Produced over 50 television specials....
Barry got his career off to a start in Boston, as a student at Sargent College of Health and Rehabilitation Services at Boston University, and - well, you'll hear it here - made his way through the side door of the comic industry by good old hard work, taking risks and, ultimately, how he responded to a tragedy in his life.
Listen up. Be ready to be inspired. Ladies and Germs, Barry Katz, of Barry Katz Entertainment from Hollywood California.
Find Barry on Instagram and Twitter:
@barrykatz
Music by The Reverend Freakchild off his new album The Bodhisattva Blues
Find him at: https://www.www-reverendfreakchild.org/
And his new album at:
https://www.www-reverendfreakchild.org/the-bodhisattva-blues
PLEASE SUBSCRIBE to Baker Street with Thom Pollard on Apple Podcasts, or find me at www.eyesopenproductions.com for more about Mount Everest or to inquire about a speaking event. Ask to be on my mailing list by writing me at thom.dharma.pollard@gmail.com
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When I first started climbing back in my late 20’s I wanted to mix my newfound love of the mountains with my career…. It was my dream to bring the two together, so that I could make a living doing what I love, that being a filmmaker or cameraman filming on mountains around the world. It’s taken me many places, including four expeditions to Mount Everest.
The Highpointers with the Bargo Brothers is a new PBS television program premiering in July 2020 fefaturing my two guests, Branndon and Greg Bargo, who explore the United States by climbing the highest point in all 50 states. They invite local experts and some of the country's most interesting people to join them as they discover the best that each state has to offer.
I was fortunate enough to be featured in Episode 3 of The Highpointers, climbing to the summit of New Hampshire's highest point, Mount Washington. It's a wonderful episode. Our interview talks about their program and about all the work that it took to make it to this point. They're great guys and are tons of fun to listen to.
MUSIC for today is Metyu, VKTRD and Ondro M, found on the free music archive. You can find them at godot.sk/en or on their YouTube channel Met Yu
THE HIGHPOINTERS can be watched online at thehighpointers.com
PLEASE check them out
Write me at thom.dharma.pollard if you'd like to be added to my mailing list. Check me out at eyesopenproductions.com for more and to inquire about my speaking presentations and how you can hire me for one of your events.
Peace and love,
Thom Dharma Pollard
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I awoke today to news of an old college buddy, my first roommate, who is very sick. I had coincidentally had a dream about him last night, where I hugged him and told him that I was sorry I hadn't stayed in touch over the years.
I also was attacked on social media by someone I thought was my friend, who went insane when he heard me make a comment about Donald Trump bragging about his genius in a supposed cognitive test. I'm learning a lot about people these days...
All I can say is that I CAN DO BETTER. On this, the anniversary of my mom's birth, I share some thoughts on the world at large, on how I can only focus on me, not anyone else, in making the world a better place.
Please listen. Please share.
Peace and love,
Thom Dharma Pollard
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THIS IS A MUST LISTEN for all interested in current events, about how an elementary school in the most violent neighborhood in Brooklyn, New York has virtually transformed thousands of lives.
This is a story about two separate worlds intersecting to make something beautiful. About an amazing elementary school that gives hope where there is only hopelessness and despair. It’s a story about a now decades old friendship formed out of a seemingly random encounter. When one man, a black man, my second guest, was bringing his 14 year old son, a talented 6’ 8 basketball recruit from East NY, meets a young white assistant director of admissions, graduate of Harvard’s graduate school of education, working at a top prep school in New England, where the son had been recruited to play.
Normally, there would be no reason at all to mention whether any of my guests were black, or white, or of any cultural background, because it doesn’t matter….unless it’s pertinent to the story. In this case, while the friendship of these two men had absolutely zero to do with race, the events that took place in the few years after their first meeting, formed a lifelong bond which has changed the lives of thousands of youths in one of the toughest neighborhoods in all of Brooklyn New York.
The real story started with the tragic drowning of a young and promising basketball player Brewster Academy named Trey Whitfield. Out of the sadness and sorrow of his loss his father, AB Whitfield, a former NFL player and his wife, Janie Whitney created a school named after their late son. This is a beautiful story that MUST be heard.
For more information about the Trey Whitfield School visit: treywhitfieldschool.org
Find me at eyesopenproductions.com
For more about Stu and the Wildcat Inn and Tavern visit: wildcattavern.com
The music was brought to you by none other than the Reverend Freakchild, found originally on the Free Music Archive. Look for the Reverend's new album, The Bodhisattva Blues at
http://www.www-reverendfreakchild.org/the-bodhisattva-blues
Reverend Freakchild was the guest on Season 2's Episode 1, a great listen. Visit bakerstreet.buzzsprout.com and click on S2 Episode 1.
For exclusive content visit Patreon at:
https://www.patreon.com/thehappinessquotient
Subscribe to The Happiness Quotient on YouTube:
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The 2019 expedition to solve the mystery of who climbed Everest first changed many lives, is now the subject of a new film called LOST ON EVEREST, is the cover article in the July issue of National Geographic Magazine and is the subject of a book by NY Times Best Selling author and professional climber Mark Synnott. The Third Pole will be released in the spring of 2021. One of the chapters of Synnott's book is called The Day Everest Broke, and describes in heartbreaking detail the story of some of the eleven people who lost their lives on May 23, 2019. This gripping episode features Mark Synnott, who takes us on a journey to Everest and how the project started and how it turned into the history making expedition for all the world to see.
Everything you thought you ever knew about Mount Everest will change when you listen to this interview with New York Times Best Selling Author and professional climber Mark Synnott. In 2019 Mark and I made a blood pact to go to Everest to try to solve the most enduring mystery in all of modern exploration: who climbed Everest first. Shortly after we made the blood pact to go 'no matter what', Mark told our friend Renan Ozturk, who virtually transformed the shape of the expedition by bringing in National Geographic, The North Face and Sony as sponsors.
The film about our history making expedition - LOST ON EVEREST - premiers on National Geographic Channel on June 30th in the United States. Mark is writing a book, The Third Pole, about our expedition, which will be released in the spring of 2021. I interviewed Mark at my home on June 20, 2020, almost exactly two years after we made our blood pact. His interview will totally transform everything you thought you knew about Mount Everest.
The interview is presented to you here basically unedited, unfiltered, raw and as-it-happened. From Everest Mystery sleuths to anyone who enjoys a damn good story, this interview is for you.
For more information about Mark Synnott:
https://www.marksynnott.com/
For more information about Renan Ozturk:
https://www.renanozturk.com/
For more information about me:
eyesopenproductions.com
If you like what you hear and want to ensure the future of Baker Street with Thom Pollard, Support the show https://www.patreon.com/thomdharmapollard
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC CHANNEL WORLD PREMIERE DATES:
France – July 5th 2020 21:55
Netherlands - July 6th 2020 22:00
Italy – July 9th 2020 21:55
Romania / Greece – July 12th 2020 20:00
Germany – July 12th 2020 20:10
Brazil – July 14th 2020 21:00
United Kingdom – July 14th 2020 18:00
SEA – July 15th 2020 22:00
LATAM – July 18th 2020 22:00
Turkey – July 19th 2020 20:00
Central Europe – July 19th 2020 21:00
Taiwan – July 19th 2020 22:00
Australia – July 21st 2020 20:30
Africa – July 22nd 2020 19:15
Poland – July 22nd 2020 22:00
Balkans – August 6th 2020 21:00
Canada – September 26th (Tentative)
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This episode begins with the sounds of Barred owls calling in the New Hampshire night, as I muse about my sudden illness on Mount Everest in 2019. The wisdom of the owls is apt for Episode 10 as we recall the words of wise men from our past, including Albert Einstein, Halie Salassie and Bob Marley.
On the question of racial discrimination, Haile Salassie in a speech said to those who will learn, this further lesson:
"That until the philosophy which holds one race superior and another inferior is finally and permanently discredited and abandoned; That until there are no longer first-class and second-class citizens of any nation; That until the color of a man's skin is of no more significance than the color of his eyes; That until the basic human rights are equally guaranteed to all without regard to race; That until that day, the dream of lasting peace and world citizenship and the rule of international morality will remain but a fleeting illusion, to be pursued but never attained; And until the ignoble and unhappy regimes that hold our brothers in subhuman bondage have been toppled and destroyed; Until bigotry and prejudice and malicious and inhuman self-interest have been replaced by understanding and tolerance and good-will; Until all Africans stand and speak as free beings, equal in the eyes of all men, as they are in the eyes of Heaven; Until that day, the African continent will not know peace. We Africans will fight, if necessary, and we know that we shall win, as we are confident in the victory of good over evil." – Haile Selassie I
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(THESE NOTES WILL BE UPDATED)
Mickey Raphael was given his first harmonica by an uncle who said if you can play Oh, Suzanna I'll give you the harmonica. Mickey would go on to play a whole lot more than that, having been Willie Nelson's harmonica player for over 46 years. He's played with the likes of Townes Van Zandt, Chris Stapleton, Tom Morello, Paul Simon, Snoop Dogg, Engelbert Humperdinck, Leon Bridges, Neil Young, Norah Jones, Bob Dylan, Ray Charles, Duane Eddy, Vince Gill, Emmylou Harris, Leon Russell...DO I NEED TO SAY MORE?
Mickey's story is a perfect fit for Baker Street with Thom Pollard. He picked up the harmonica and knew that he was destined to be a pro. His early influences include Sonny Boy Williamson, Sonny Terry & Brownie Mcghee and the legendary bluesman Paul Butterfield, with whom he soon became friends.
Mickey tells a great story about playing with Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine fame, and how he introduced Tom's mom to Willie.
Mickey's website is at mickeyraphael.com
Hand to Mouth, the music is courtesy of Mickey Raphael and Paul Butterfield
Paul Butterfield's One More Heartache, which Mickey plays before he hits the stage every night: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HHMryjUnu58
First song he ever played with Willie Nelson, Funny How Time Slips Away:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZaZqx9v3dU
PLEASE VISIT ME AT eyesopenproductions.com - click on CONTACT and ask to be added to my mailing list.
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On June 8, 1924, two British mountaineers by the name of George Mallory and Sandy Irvine were seen at an altitude of over 28,000 feet 'headed toward the top' of Mount Everest by team member Noel Odell. At the time it was the highest any person had ever climbed before. After a few minutes, clouds obscured Odell's view of them and they disappeared, never to be seen again.
29 years later, Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay successfully summited Mount Everest, on May 29, 1953. While they were the first to survive the epic ascent, many wondered if perhaps Mallory and Irvine might have been the first to actually stand on the top of what was known as The Third Pole.
75 years after the disappearance of Mallory & Irvine, a team of filmmakers and mountain climbers discovered the frozen body of Mallory at 26,750 feet. The team was looking for the camera they were known to be carrying that day. If the film could be safely brought down and developed, perhaps there would be summit photos. To this day, that camera has never been found.
I was High Altitude Cameraman on that expedition in 1999. I returned in 2019 with a team of climbers to search for the body of Sandy Irvine. One of the most knowledgeable historians on Everest and the mystery of who climbed it first, Jochen Hemmleb, is the guest of Episode 7. His exhaustive dedication to a life of research of all things Everest will transfix all who listen to this interview about the greatest mystery in all of exploration.
For more information on Jochen you can find him at jochenhemmleb.com
Miusic for the episode was found on the Free Music Archive and is by Lobo Loco. Lobo Loco's music can be found at musikbrause.de
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When we encounter tragedy or a traumatic event in life, it often times opens up a portal through which we can gain a new perspective of life. We actually learn through the experience and can become more wise in the process.
In today's episode I interview photographer, adventurer and wilderness educator Oscar Manguy. We caught up with him at his home in a remote location in Finland, talked to him about his life in the outdoors, photography, and of the ritual of drinking Maté,is a traditional South American caffeine-rich infused drink.
Visit Oscar's website at oscarmanguy.com or his Instagram page at https://www.instagram.com/oscar.manguy/
Music for this episode is courtesy of Reverend Freakchild's album The Bodhisattva Blues. Visit here to purchase this amazing album: https://blind-raccoon.lnk.to/Bodhisattva
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Ever look out the window at work or in school and wish you were out there doing something big, living out your dreams? That is what this episode is about. We meet a man who used to do that. Then decided that enough was enough.
Adventurer and three time Guinness Book of World Record holder Mike Reid says you don’t have to be gifted or talented. You don’t need anything given to you. If you refuse to take ‘no’ for an answer, anyone can achieve their dreams.
As a child Mike was bullied. He experienced a horrible divorce as a young child. He used to look at the Guinness Book of World Records and think that these are people he will never be. Growing up in inner city Philadelphia he experienced the invisible barriers that hold people from ever having hope or ever getting out of their situation. But, he realized that dreams take massive amounts of persistence and dedication.
While Mike has many amazing stories of adventure, today we’ll focus on his first ever kayak across the Sea of Japan with an experienced kayak guide, who showed Mike that he was worth believing in. It’s a gripping tale that has many possible bad endings. However, they persisted and made it happen. That expedition can be seen at Japantokorea.asia
Mike can be found on Instagram and Facebook @gnarlyadventures
Music is found on the Free Music Archive and features the Vivisectors http://thevivisectors.com/
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During this time, when the world seems to be going insane, we can lose our minds or keep our act together, or PROSPER! I don’t know about you, but when this stuff happens and we look at the super macro of it, click a few down on the pull down tabs of life, I like what is happening. Don’t get me wrong, I hate the devastation it’s having on life and millions of people and businesses in the world. But, beyond this, I feel like I’ve never been busier in taking advantage of this time.
In Episode 4 of Season 2 I draw a distinction of this time and how people handle it with the book by Viktor Frankl called Man’s Search For Meaning. Frankl was a survivor of a concentration camp during World War II and observed that different reactions to life in these camps had a significant impact on one’s life during and beyond the concentration camps. Frankl concludes from his experience that a prisoner's psychological reactions are not solely the result of the conditions of his life, but also from the freedom of choice he always has even in severe suffering.
Well, COVID-19 is nothing compared to the Nazi confinement and extermination of millions during World War II. But, used as a metaphor, it applies to how different people during the pandemic are reacting to their own situation.
In this episode I welcome a small business owner in North Conway, New Hampshire, Austin Orth, co-owner of Frontside Coffee Roasters. We discuss how he is surviving during this time and innovating in ways that will change the way he does business when it is all over.
Please visit www.frontsidecoffee.com for their menu and coffee for local, non contact pickup, or for their own roasts of coffee in 12oz or 5-pound bags which can be shipped anywhere.
For some killer shots of Austin’s worldwide mountain bike posts, visit his Instagram page and follow him at: https://www.instagram.com/ostencoffee/
Music is by Garcia Birthday Band, found on the Free Music Archive. Find the band on their website at https://gbblive.com
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This one is about the heroes...well, two at least. Both of them would say PHOOEY, I'm no hero... So, let's just say it’s about how people are getting by. Specifically, it's about the small business owners, faced with the gut wrenching decisions they have to make when faced with going out of business, laying off employees...survival.
This Heroes of the Quarantine Culture on Baker Street with Thom Pollard welcomes two incredible individuals on the front line of the economy. Peter Dunn is President of Topdrawer, a Japanese-American company with over a dozens stores in the US and Japan which sells “tools for nomads,” including minimalist canvas backpacks and carry bags, portable speakers, eyeglasses, Bento boxes; anything and everything you might need while traveling. Please visit https://topdrawershop.com/
Peter had to make some gut-wrenching decisions when the COVID-19 stay at home orders swept across the land. When he made the decision to temporarily close the stories, he shut down 90% of their business. Peter shares how he mobilized quickly so that Topdrawer can survive.
David Brancaccio, our second guest, needs little introduction. I mean, the guy has a page in Wikipedia! David and I traveled to India a little over a decade ago to document the dramatic changes taking place on the Ganges River. We trekked to the source of the Ganges, to the mouth of the Gangotri Glacier, to learn that climatologists estimate the glacier will disappear in 50 years (that was ten years ago). David, as many of you know, is host and senior editor of Marketplace Morning Report. He keeps the pulse on business innovation and the economy, politics, human rights, national security, the environment, health care, and science policy. In 2007, David won a national Emmy for coverage of a public health story in Kenya. In 2009, he won a Walter Cronkite Award for excellence in television political coverage.
The music for this episode was found on the Free Music Archive, including the Blue Dot Sessions with Fjell: https://www.sessions.blue/ and also the music of Miller and Sasser http://millerandsasser.com/
Please visit https://topdrawershop.com/ for more about the brand.
Please feel free to visit http://eyesopenproductions.com for more information about Thom. Click ‘Contact’ and sign up for his mailing list.
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There is a romance to uncertain times. In the undulations and valleys that we experience in life we are given an opportunity to learn new ways to do things. Much like the relationship between a master and his student, experiences offer us an opportunity to see things from a different angle.
This episode isnt about making guitars, per se, but about making a dream come true….about finding a muse and following it to completion. We'll be talking with Tom Thiel, an entrepreneur who spent his life in pursuit of a craft. He has built over 500 instruments. Built a sound company. He knows that by trial and error one learns things, masters them. This man creates 'serious wood products.'
We'll also meet a piece of wood called DragonTongue. It's worth a listen for those who wish to master a talent.
Music from the episode comes from none other than the amazing Reverend Freakchild. His new album, called The Bodhisattva Blues, can be pre-ordered beginning April 1, 2020 right here:
http://www.www-reverendfreakchild.org/the-bodhisattva-blues
The album officially releases on April 10th...GET THE BLUES. GET THE BODHISATTVA BLUES. Many thanks to the Reverend's publicist Betsie Brown of Blind Racoon, LLC. You can visit them at:
https://blindraccoon.com/
Tom Thiel's website can be found at
www.northwindtonewood.com
Noah River's website can be found at
www.njrguitars.com
See you next time on Baker Street with Thom Pollard.
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YOU HEARD IT HERE FIRST, PEOPLE:
Today on Baker Street with Thom Pollard I welcome the ever talented bluesman and Buddhist practitioner Reverend Freakchild. We'll talk about everything under the sun, as well as listen cuts off his new album called The Bodhisattva Blues. His insight and music will cover everything from the blues to drugs, to the Coronavirus pandemic, the Grateful Dead, to Buddhist philosophy from the Buddha himself to Naropa University, where the Reverend is studying for a masters in divinity.
Let's ease the pain of the current quarantine culture which has impacted all of our lives and celebrate the pains of a pandemic that has united us as a world community.
SUPPORT OUR MUSICIANS: The Bodhisattva Blues can be pre-ordered beginning April 1, 2020 right here:
http://www.www-reverendfreakchild.org/the-bodhisattva-blues
The album officially releases on April 10th...GET THE BLUES. GET THE BODHISATTVA BLUES
Many thanks to the Reverend's publicist Betsie Brown of Blind Racoon, LLC. You can visit them at:
https://blindraccoon.com/
If you would like to learn more about me, visit:
eyesopenproductions.com
Look for me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/thom.dharma.pollard/
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If you think this episode is making a statement about my personal political preferences with this photo you're HIGHLY mistaken. Like me, if you're actually breathing, you know that the collective consciousness of the US political landscape is deeply divided. What's the old saying? War is not healthy for children and other living things? How does the current political divisiveness affect you? Does it raise your heart rate when you hear the detritus of political squabbling blurt out of your tv or radio? Well, here's a bit of help from a prominent Jungian analyst, Dr. Nathan Schwartz-Salant. Let's call it a modern day survival guide for those of us wondering if there's light at the end of the tunnel. I interviewed him recently asking him to shed some light on the state of affairs, and how we can keep our feet on the ground when it appears that the world has lost its mind.
One thing for sure, is that this is a changing time. As Americans look to find suitable candidates to elect as president, our times have become turbulent and divisive. How does all of this impact the individual? Can individuals hold their center together as the world appears to be crumbling around them? This episode is for them, for you, for me!
The collective psyche of the American society is fracturing. One needs only to be breathing to see that the divisiveness is completely restructuring who we, as a nation, are becoming. This divisiveness has also caused great internal distress with millions of individuals who are upset by the seemingly senseless actions of not only the president but by the politicians on both the left and the right. This episode is for those people, as well as our many listeners from other countries watching with great interest to the slow motion train wreck.
In episode 30 we welcome Dr. Nathan Schwartz-Salant, a prominent Jungian analyst, offers a way for us to 'stand our ground' during these uncertain times, how to embrace the darkness of the collective psyche. His insight and analysis is perfect for
Dr. Schwartz-Salant is a member of the International Association for Analytical Psychology {IAAP} and has been practicing as a Jungian analyst for almost fifty years.
His first book, Narcissism and Character Transformation: The Psychology of Narcissistic Character Disorders, published by Inner City Books in 1982, is a classic in the Jungian field. Recently, he contributed the chapter "Healthy Presidential Narcissism: Is That Possible?" for the popular book, A Clear and Present Danger: Narcissism in the Era of Donald Trump, that came out during the 2016 presidential campaign.
Thank you to Dr. Schwartz-Salant for your incredible insight and advice to those finding themselves at dis-ease during these maddening times.
Music for Episode 30 is by Mild Wild and was found on the free music archive. They can be found at https://soundcloud.com/mildwildmusic
For more about me please visit eyesopenproductions.com and ask to join my mailing list.
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In Episode 18 we got to meet Nathanael Smiley Tejeda, who gave up his Make-a-Wish grant to help his now former high school build a new weight room. That was back in August of 2019. This past December the weight room was finally unveiled. I called Smiley at his college in Springfield, Massachusetts, where he is starting his second semester of freshman year at Springfield College. Smiley talks about being in remission from Hodgkin Lymphoma, how exciting it was to unveil the new weight room and life in general. I also interview Lynda Pearson, one of Smiley's grantors at Make-a-Wish.
Every 4 days Make-A-Wish® New Hampshire grants the wish of a child diagnosed with a life-threatening medical condition in New Hampshire. We believe that a wish experience can be a game-changer. This one belief guides us in everything we do. It inspires us to grant wishes that change the lives of the kids we serve.
Here's a link to their site:
https://nh.wish.org/
Only a small percentage of our listeners are from NH, so if you'd like to learn more about the foundation, visit: https://wish.org/
Music for the episode was found on the free music archive, featuring KieLoBot. Search for them on YouTube for their copyright free recordings.
For the YouTube episode of Baker Street featuring Nathanael please find it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQcVXR89auU
For more information about the incredible work of the Shriner's Hospitals, visit them at https://www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org/shc
Nathanael wants to share the importance of The Childhood Cancer Lifeline of New Hampshire, Families Helping Families. They can be found at: http://www.childhoodcancerlifeline.org/
Please check out Nathanael's gym, Veritas Performance Training in Nashua, New Hampshire at https://veritaspt.com/
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This is a special BONUS EPISODE of Baker Street:
THE BUSHFIRES CURRENTLY RAVAGING AUSTRALIA ARE NOT ONLY OUT OF CONTROL IN ALMOST EVERY AUSTRALIAN STATE BUT THEY ARE COMPLETELY UNPRECEDENTED, AND OF A MAGNITUDE THATS NEVER BEEN EXPERIENCED.
This tragic loss of life, property and infrastructure has been declared a national state of disaster. In this Bonus Episode I interview Scott Salmon, owner of Nautilus Effects Systems based in Canberra Australia. (ABN 605 277 208 29). Scott's business is based around building guitar systems for musicians, and retailing mostly guitar effects and accessories. His home page is here: https://nautiluseffectssystems.com
I interviewed Scott on February 14, 2020 from the United States via WhatsApp. Scott was at his work in Canberra, Australia. His story is BEYOND INSPIRING. This is about COMMUNITY and EVERYONE can help.
Scott and a couple colleagues recently started a campaign aimed to donate money directly to the communities and animals affected in all those states as best that they can. The GoFundMe campaign has raised over $30,000 as of this writing, in the first week of operation. The campaign started out simply enough, with Scott raffling off a piece of equipment from his company. Since then, more than 60 gear and music companies have climbed aboard, donating dozens of prizes, to be raffled off February 1, at the end of this fundraiser.
All proceeds will be donated in daily increments, as raised to
-NSW RURAL FIRE SERVICE
-RSPCA BUSHFIRE APPEAL
-COUNTRY FIRE AUTHORITY
-WIRES ANIMAL RESCUE
-THE G SPOT CANBERRA south coast aid mission
Please visit the giveaway Instagram page at:
https://www.instagram.com/aussiebushfiregeargiveaway/
And to give please visit their GoFundMe page at:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/aussie-bushfire-gear-giveaway?utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=customer&utm_campaign=p_lico+share-sheet
Music for this episode was found on the Free Music Archive, by The Hipshakes and Lobo Loco. The Hipshakes music can be found here https://thehipshakes.bandcamp.com/ and here for Lobo Loco https://www.musikbrause.de/
Please stop by my website at http://eyesopenproductions.com/ and drop me an email. Share the love and let your friends and family know about Baker Street with Thom Pollard.
Thank you for everything, and may Australia get the rain they deserve!
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For anyone concerned about suicide, contact the National Crisis Line.
800-273-8255 (TALK)
This is a crisis line for EVERYONE
Veterans Press 1 - for expedited service, specifically for veterans
EPISODE 27:
Today’s topic cuts close to the bone. If you’ve listened to Episode 23, called Don’t Tell a Lie, Your Life Depends on It, I talk about the suicide of my brother, my best friend, a beautiful, kind soul that broke so many hearts.
In Episode 27 we’re talking about suicide. Why does it happen, you might ask? Well, a person who commits suicide feels marginalized in some way. They can’t seem any conceivable path forward other than suicide. The pain is so unbearable, that they can’t imagine ever coming out of it, there is no path forward. Everything is hopeless, there is no escape, and "I am of no use to anyone." For those who have never thought about suicide it’s hard to imagine what it’s like to feel that way, and therefore so many assumptions are made about people who make this choice, because it is a choice.
**You can’t rescue everyone. But, there are people out there who are trying to rescue at least some. They’re out there. We’re welcoming one of those people onto our show today, Ray Gilmore, a military veteran from New Hampshire, USA who understands what it’s like to lose a best friend to suicide. He understands what it’s like to think about it himself. Ray is working to stem the tide of suicides in military veterans, and Ray will be our guest on this moving and inspirational episode.
Ray has begun the work of bringing vets home, by giving them the experiences that they felt in the military, so seldom felt in civilian life. The Azimuth Check Foundation** helps heroes find their way by providing injured warriors (active, reserve, national guard) and first responders challenging year-round athletic activities that creates wellness in an atmosphere of camaraderie.
BELOW THE SHOW NOTES, PLEASE SEE A MESSAGE FROM RAY WITH LINKS TO ORGANIZATIONS AND LOCAL EVENTS IN THE NEW HAMPSHIRE USA REGION! Music for this episode is by Elephant Funeral. I found them on the Free Music Archive. Look for Elephant Funeral here, on their YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYtHQq3XTZTzDPJanYNFMFw/videos
If you or someone you love is thinking about suicide, or if you think you can help, contact the Azimuth Check Foundation at https://azimuthcheckfoundation.org/
If you'd like to learn more about me, look for me on eyesopenproductions.com and please follow me on my social media, at the following:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEk3e_XGyNnqwK2ZlxH7fEA?view_as=subscriber
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thom.dharma.pollard/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Thom_Pollard
The Veterans Service Group that Ray works with, The Azimuth Check Foundation
https://azimuthcheckfoundation.org/
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This episode is a n instant classic, exploring not only the beauty of Australia but the inner journey of discovery and enlightenment with my good friend and fan of this podcast, Rod McCurdy. This episode summarizes exactly why Baker Street with Thom Pollard exists in the first place.
A recent sojourn to Australia unearthed a serendipitous encounter with Aboriginal musician George Dow, who masterfully demonstrated his didgeridoo. We discuss the hunter versus farmer hypothesis, first written about by author Thom Harmann. is a proposed explanation of the nature of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) first suggested by radio host Thom Hartmann in his book Attention Deficit Disorder: a Different Perception. This hypothesis proposes that ADHD represents a lack of adaptation of members of hunter-gatherer societies to their transformation into farming societies. Hartmann developed the idea first as a mental model after his own son was diagnosed with ADHD, stating, "It's not hard science, and was never intended to be." However, more recent molecular and clinical research has given support to a genetic theory of ADHD arising from evolutionary adaptation. You can find more about Thom Hartmann and where to purchase his books at thomhartmann.com
Rod McCurdy invited me to visit Australia, and invite which I accepted gratefully. During the visit I met and fell in love with his family - wife Andrea, children Luca, Noah and Belle, and father-in-law Rolf Meyer. Rod, Rolf and myself went to Mount Kosciuszko National Park to climb the continent of Australia's highest mountain,
In a further interview, Rod discusses a difficult life situation that transformed his life, how this near awful experience is now viewed as a gift in his life. Rod also discusses his plans for a primitive reedship voyage to sail from Peru to Australia, a voyage ultimately devoted to studying the impact of plastic in our oceans, the use of modern technology and how he hopes to use the ship as a platform for understanding our oceans. Further, Rod speaks about the internal journey that a long expedition will require, and the type of crew he will be looking for to sail the ship during a voyage expected to last eight or more months on the ocean.
An alternate version of this episode is available on YouTube, and can be found here: https://youtu.be/VGviYzsQMwU
Music is brought to you by Lobo Loco, found on the Free Music Archive. His website is at www.musikbrause.de
For more information about my climbing and adventures, or to hire me to speak to your school, business or event, find me at www.eyesopenproductions.com
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There's a damn good reason that this is BY FAR my most downloaded and shared episode. We are in a divisive, tumultuous period, in the USA as well as worldwide. I decided to remove myself from the s*** slinging here on Facebook, have muted or unfollowed dozens of normally sane and rational friends since chasm began to widen.
If you're interested in doing a deep dive into the mind and soul of the most powerful man in the world and how he has come to build a large constituency, this is a great listen.
In this revealing interview, Dr. Nathan Schwartz-Salant, a prominent and world-renowned Jungian analyst, offers a clear and balanced explanation of how the phenomenon of DJT has emerged and taken hold.
His first book, Narcissism and Character Transformation: The Psychology of Narcissistic Character Disorders, published by Inner City Books in 1982, is a classic in the Jungian field.
He is the author of The Mystery of Human Relationship: Alchemy & the Transformation of the Self, The Borderline Personality: Vision & Healing, and The Black Nightgown: The Fusional Complex & the Unlived Life. He is also the editor of the book, Jung on Alchemy.
Episode 26 is an important and vital episode for anyone feeling inner discord because of today's politics and world climate.
One can find Dr. Schwartz-Salants books on Amazon.
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Episode 24 - THIS IS PART TWO OF A TWO PART EPISODE. This powerful story that will surely leave an imprint upon you. We’ll be talking with Irene Butter, who survived the Holocaust with her family. For decades Irene didn’t breathe a word about it. She wrote a book called Shores Beyond Shores, from Holocaust to Hope, My True Story. My friends John Bidwell and Kris Holloway (husband and wife) co-wrote this book with Irene by conducting hours upon hours of Skype interviews together. What resulted was an amazing book that stands as a beacon of hope an inspiration for all who read it.
In Part 2 Irene discusses her harrowing experience at Bergen-Belsen concentration camp, where brutality and death were commonplace. One night she helped bring a bundle of clothing to her old neighbor Anne Frank.
Irene also discusses her liberation from the camp with her family. Many years later, after decades in the United States, Irene began telling her story to students and people around the world. Her message of hope and inspiration is enduring, Her message includes "never a bystander" and "one person can make a difference". Her story is a story of Triumph Over Tragedy.
The music we’re listening to was found on the free music archive, and is by Tagirijus. You can find his music at tagirijus.de I discovered the music at the free music archive.
For more information about Irene please visit www.IreneButter.com and also please visit her publisher's website www.canofworms.net
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Episode 24 - THIS IS PART ONE OF A TWO PART EPISODE. THIS is a very powerful story that will surely leave an imprint upon you. We’ll be talking with Irene Butter, who survived the Holocaust with her family. For decades Irene didn’t breathe a word about it. She wrote a book called Shores Beyond Shores, from Holocaust to Hope, my true story…. My friends John Bidwell and wife Kris Holloway co-wrote this book with Irene by conducting hours upon hours of Skype interviews together. What resulted was an amazing book that stands as a beacon of hope an inspiration for all who read it.
The music we’re listening to was found on the free music archive, and is by Tagirijus. You can find his music at tagirijus.de I discovered the music at the free music archive.
For more information about Irene please visit www.IreneButter.com and also please visit her publisher's website www.canofworms.net
For more information about me, visit eyesopenproductions.com. If you wish to be added to my mailing list, click on Contact and let me know.
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When we act in accordance to the central spirit of our being we become off kilter, and millions upon millions live their entire lives…. In this world there is so much suffering to overcome, and we have much to keep attuned to. However, for every person who dies never having followed the central spirit of their being the world ends up a lesser place.
Buddha said that Life is Suffering. Yet, in our acceptance of that we can transcend that suffering and experience joy. It comes in letting go of attachment...attachment not only to material objects or attachment to the love or affection of another, but attachment to our own bodies. We are all going to die, that much is assured.
I’m not ashamed to tell you that my life has been difficult, that I was a total fuckup as a business man, as a husband...damn I think I was and am a damn good dad, but so many things fell apart for me, financially, my brother committed suicide three months after my dad died of lung cancer, I was a mess.
Someone reached down into my pit of hell and made me understand that there was hope, and I was able to pick up the pieces. When we encourage one human being, we make the world a better place. Further, by walking in truth we - one person at a time - make this world a more tolerable place. And, that is what brings us to the importance of never telling a lie.
Kudos and props to Jordan B. Peterson for the inspiration for this episode. His keen insight and intellect has made a big difference for me. His podcast can be found wherever podcasts are found. Please look him up.
Music is provided by Lobo Loco, and his music can be found on musikbrause.de PLEASE check him out. Thank you my friend.
Please look for me on youtube and click on Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEk3e_XGyNnqwK2ZlxH7fEA
And if you'd like to be added to my mailing list please find me at eyesopenproductions.com and Click on Contact. THANK YOU
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The world is your oyster and all the world is a stage. In preparing for officiating the wedding of Trevor and Thaley I pulled inspiration from William Shakespeare and also from noted Dr. of Psychology Jordan Peterson to deliver what I hoped would be a memorable thing to share. If we accept challenges without malevolence or anger or self-pity we literally awaken dormant neurons in our brain that help us grow in wisdom. That's why old people are pretty cool. Imagine what would happen if you accepted every challenge that came your way? You would be the most you can be, that's what.
Much of the inspiration and some of the content for this talk was inspired by Jordan B. Peterson. I strongly advise anyone to look him up and invest some time in watching his content on YouTube, as well as listen to his podcast, which can be found on iTunes. Thank you kind sir for your incredible insight and piercing understanding of that which resides within us.
Music is from Barrence Whitfield and the Savages, found on the Free Music Archive. More of his music can be found at www.bloodshotrecords.com
To contact me or be added to my mailing list, please visit www.eyesopenproductions.com
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As summer in the northern hemisphere winds to a close (and the southern hemisphere welcomes the end of winter), the fire pit becomes a central gathering spot on chilly evenings at homes everywhere. In this episode, Thom helps viewers Master the Fire Pit by showing how to start a fire pit using old tortilla chips leftover from the night before. This fun little how-to episode will get you started on the way to mastering the fire pit. This episode is currently uploading on YouTube and will be available at this link at 7:45AM EST: https://youtu.be/1qCZPSoiPpo
Music for the episode is found on the free music archive and is performed by Lobo Loco. His songs are appropriately titled for the episode: Place On My Bonfire and Evening Campfire. His website is www.musikbrause.de Also appearing in the podcast is music from Norman Sylvester and Tavis Dodge, Find them at http://normansylvester.com/
Please join my mailing list by going to www.eyesopenproductions.com and clicking on Contact. Send me a short note and I'll add you right away.
As always, this podcast and all my episodes are available on iTunes, iHeartRadio, GooglePlayMusic, Spotify, Stitcher, Alexa and soon will be found on Pandora.
Thank you to all my fans for your continued support of this fun and enlightening adventure into the world of podcasts. -Thom Dharma Pollard
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When George Mallory and Sandy Irvine disappeared on Mount Everest on June 8, 1924, the commercialization of the mountain was already under way. In the nearly 100 years, Everest has become an industry. With dozens of deaths on the mountain in the last five years, many feel that the mountain deserves a break. However, no matter how many die there, the dreamers will keep coming. In this captivating episode, Thom Pollard - with four expeditions over the course of 20 years under his belt, and a summit in 2016 - shares his insights about the good, the bad and the ugly of Everest. As a professional filmmaker and cameraman, he has seen Everest from all angles, including the discovery of George Mallory, 75 years after his disappearance, at 27,000 feet on the north side of Everest in 1999.
Thom uses excerpts from Tales From the Top, a recruitment event for the Boston Museum of Science, in February of 2018. The panel discussion was led by Professor Peter Hansen, Professor of History and Director of International and Global Studies at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. His book, The Summits of Modern Man, Mountaineering After the Enlightenment, can be found at Harvard University Press at this linkn: https://www.hup.harvard.edu/catalog.php?isbn=9780674047990
Music for the podcast was found on the Free Music Archive, performed by Vinod Prasanna, Okey Szoke & Pompey. Their label is Black Sea Records, found at https://www.bsr.fm/
For more information or to hire Thom for an Everest presentation, find him at www.eyesopenproductions.com Click on Contact and send a brief email to be added to the mailing list.
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In 2003 I was caught in an avalanche while climbing in the Alaska Range. I was certain that my life was going to end in that moment. Then, as if out of nowhere, a spirit appeared and saved my life. That incredible story is the focus of Episode 19.
Music is found on the Free Music Archive and by Blue Dot Sessions, which can be found at https://sessions.blue/
For more information about my climbing and adventures, or to hire me to speak to your school, business or event, find me at www.eyesopenproductions.com
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In Episode 18 of Baker Street with Thom Pollard we meet a positive and inspirational young man named Nathanael Smiley Tejeda, a high school graduate undergoing radiation for Hodgkin Lymphoma. At the time I met him he was practicing three times a day with a New Hampshire All-Star team in order to compete in the Shriner Hospitals 66th Annual Maple Sugar Bowl Game at Castleton University, VT on August 3, 2019. I was so moved by his infectious enthusiasm and joy that I wanted to introduce my listeners to him.
For a different YouTube episode of Baker Street featuring Nathanael please find it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQcVXR89auU
For more information about the incredible work of the Shriner's Hospitals, visit them at https://www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org/shc
Nathanael wants to share the importance of The Childhood Cancer Lifeline of New Hampshire, Families Helping Families. They can be found at: http://www.childhoodcancerlifeline.org/
Please check out Nathanael's gym, Veritas Performance Training in Nashua, New Hampshire at https://veritaspt.com/
the music of Lobo Loco was found on the free music archive. You can find him at https://www.musikbrause.de/
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Religions, by nature, divide and conquer. They succeed by keeping their followers in fear: fear of going to hell, fear of sin and so on. The truth is that a spiritually aware person doesn't need an 'ism'. These people come from a place of love and are not ruled by fear. Fear has power because people don't realize that the thoughts that we empower create our reality. When people make it their intent to be a true light force they can give rise to a spiritual awakening, their kundalini.
This brings us to the important point of why one should never say I'm sorry, or why one should ever require forgiveness from another. Forgiveness does not exist in the light, and forgiveness requires judgment, which requires us to deny the truth of who we are.
Music for this episode is performed by The New Monitors, and can be found on the free music archive. The New Monitors can be found at www.thenewmonitors.bandcamp.com
If you would like to be added to our mailing list please go to www.eyesopenproductions.com and click on Contact, fill out the short form and we'll contact you when a new episode is out.
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When that day finally arrives… Yes, you know what I’m talking about, death…what words will you need to share with those closest to you? Will the life that you’ve lived be sufficient enough? Or, are there secrets inside that you must share before it’s too late? In Episode 16 we explore the transformation that happens to us before death. We'll also talk about life after life and near death experiences, and how they have changed the lives of those who have experienced them. Finally, we'll share parts of a beautiful eulogy spoken for a man who passed in July 2019. He was a beloved friend that died at the age of 52, well before his time. We’ll find out if there were words he needed to share before he passed on or if the life he lived with sufficient enough.
This episode can be seen on YouTube at this link (available the evening of July 30): https://youtu.be/j6daMVXQtPc
If you’d like to contact me or be added to my mailing list, please go to www.eyesopenproductions.com and click on contact, send me a short email.
Music for today’s episode is by llama made lamb work today. You can find them on the free music archive and at Jana Mela Marti.bandcamp.com
Life After Life: The Bestselling Original Investigation that Revealed "Near Death Experiences" can be found on Amazon or wherever books are sold.
Please share with your friends and loved ones and visit Baker Street with Thom Pollard on iTunes and leave me a review. That helps people find out about our community!
Thank you and have a wonderful day wherever you may be.
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In Episode 15 I’ll explain why I’m grateful for the Grateful Dead. When people turn on to kindness and togetherness, there’s no downside. I also share the story of one of my best friends called Running for His Life, by Tim Gillis. If tears don’t come to your eyes when you listen to it, well, maybe you’re not a human being ;) It’s really that beautiful. I also tell you a little bit about my good friend’s new book called The Impossible Climb, about Alex Honnold’s free ascent of El Capitan. My friend is Mark Synnott, and his book is a New York Times bestseller.
If you’d like to watch this episode on YouTube, click on the link below:
https://youtu.be/asPENfF6spU
Music for this episode is by Garcia birthday band and you can find their music at www.GBBlive.com
Please join my mailing list, find me at www.eyesopenproductions.com - click on contact, and send me a short email about how I can reach you.
Thank you as always. Share this episode or give me a r review in iTunes.
Love to all 🕉
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What is the surest way to achieve self liberation, enlightenment? Some tout the use of hallucinogens such as LSD or psilocybin mushrooms in order to take the short path to a spiritual upgrade. Others tout the slow path via years on the meditation mat. In this episode Thom explores his chosen path and the realizations that he encountered along the way. Thom also shares insights learned from his mysterious friendship with the shaman he knew in the Pacific Northwest. He also introduces the listener to the humanistic philosophy of Ubuntu, wherein in any community or tribe where Ubuntu is practiced it's all for one and one for all.
Thom also shares with us a new book called Musa Masala: Mountain Girl of the Himalaya. I was asked to write a blurb for the book by the writers. I wrote: “I had tears in my eyes from the outset. The inspiring and transformative journey of a lovable little homeless girl is an inspiration for us all… Musa learns that there are no limits on how far she can go in life. Such a wonderful tale for today’s children, young and old.” For more information on Musa Masala, please visit www.musamasala.com Proceeds from the book will benefit the construction and operation of the Wongchhu Sherpa Memorial Hospital in Nepal. These are incredible people doing wonderful non-profit work in areas hit hardest by the earthquake of 2015.
This episode is also on youtube, and features some incredible wildlife footage filmed at Thom's home in New Hampshire, USA. The episode can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cD060jUf_Sc
Music in this episode is provided and found on the free music archive, featuring Lobo Loco, a wonderful artist. Please visit him at www.musikbrause.de
Also featured are the Rose City Kings, recorded live at the KBOO Blues Junction in Portland, Oregon. Check them out at www.rosecitykings.com
Please share this episode and any other episodes with your friends and family on social media. For more information about me and my public speaking and video/film production, look me up at www.eyesopenproductions.com Also, I'd love it if you joined my mailing list. Click Contact on my website!
Thank you THANK YOU!
Thom Pollard
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Episode 13 is the first episode also recorded on video and available on YouTube. This episode features the first meeting between Thom and a learned shaman named Swayu, a descendant of the Coast Salish of the Pacific Northwest. This remarkable friendship enlightened Thom to heretofore unknown wisdom.
His story starts as Thom opened a brand new journal, in which he detailed the teachings of this learned Teacher of the Light. The episode, filmed and recorded at his house in New Hampshire, Thom discusses his affinity to living in nature, close to wildlife and his thoughts.
The video link for this episode can be found at this link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7eNJkz0m9EU
Music is by Lobo Loco, found on the free music archive. His music can be found at musicbrause.de For more information about Thom or to be added to his mailing list, contact him at eyesopenproductions.com
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Two of my favorite subjects are Paul Butterfield, the blues harmonica master who was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2015, as well as Mount Everest, the mountain I climbed for the first time after three attempts, dating back to 1999. Paul Butterfield was inducted into the Rock Hall after three attempts at getting him in. It was through my efforts and those of others in the production of a short documentary that helped Paul and his band gain acceptance.
I returned to Everest this year and witnessed firsthand the madness that ensues when too many people try to climb it at the same time. My remarks and thoughts cover not only 2019, but also my experiences on Everest in 2014, during which time a massive avalanche took the lives of 16 sherpa. I successfully climbed Everest in 2016, and returned again to the north side with a crew from National Geographic.
The Summits of Modern Man: Mountaineering after the Enlightenment by Peter H. Hansen can be found on Amazon and other major booksellers His panel discussion about the commercialization of Everest for the Boston Museum of Science called Tales From the Top can be found on YouTube.
Music is from Paul Butterfield Revisited. The Everest section is by Lobo Loco, found on the free music archive. For more information please contact me at eyesopenproductions.com
CORRECTION: Paul Butterfield Revisited band members Jimmy Eppard, Pete Levin and Jim Curtin are from Woodstock, New Yoirk, not Vermont as stated.
Also, the film featuring Jim Geiger, who endeavored to become the oldest American to climb Mount Everest, is called Accidental Climber, not Mountaineer as stated.
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When I walked into Friendly River Music in Cornish, Maine (of all places!) I could hear angels singing...er, maybe it was a stack of Marshalls blowing a '50 amp fuse' as Mick sings in You Can't Always Get What You Want. I'd found guitar-lovers Nirvana, then promptly spent my savings on a Fender Strat and Princeton Reverb amp. John Barton, the shop's founder, owner, proprietor, rock historian, guitar lover/collector, Beatles freak, all 'round great guy, inspires you as he takes us on a tour. From a 1961 Gretsch Chet Atkins 6120 hollowbody to a handmade Steelcast made by James Trussart, this is not your ordinary neighborhood shop. John's story is inspiring, too. He grew this shop from a $500 investment, borne out of knowing he'd never survive a career as a teacher.
I've posted photos of the guitars that John and I discuss in the episode, as well as many photos from his beautiful shop on my Facebook page (Thom Dharma Pollard) and my Instagram page @thom.dharma.pollard
In Episode 11 I also discuss discernment, which one develops when they begin living their truths. When we have discernment we can be assured that our decisions are the right decisions. So, if we are endeavoring to achieve something, be it a short-term goal or lifechanging career move, we will be less fearful in moving forward.
Suitably, music on the episode is from the surf sounds of The Vivisectors, found on the free music archives. Find them at vivisectors.bandcamp.com. Visit @friendlyrivermusic on Facebook, or check their website at friendlyrivermusic.com.
Please share the podcast with friends and family. Baker Street can be found wherever you can listen to podcasts, as well as at bakerstreet.buzzsprout.com. My website is eyesopenproductions.com. Please stop by and say hi!
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For all intents and purposes, the guest for Episode 10 should have died a hundred times over given the odds stacked against him from a young age. Instead, his is a story of inspiration.
Tourette Syndrome is a type of Tic Disorder. Tics are involuntary, repetitive movements and vocalizations. In addition to the medical and behavioral challenges that come hand-in-had with TS, children also face challenging social and educational situations, which can be stressful. Our guest has lived his entire life with Tourette Syndrome. Instead of allowing it to defeat him, he's risen literally to the top of the world, Mount Everest, and has become successful in the military, as a chef, in business and is also an advocate and mentor to others with Tourette Syndrome.
I met Frank Campanaro this spring on Mount Everest, where both of us were endeavoring to climb to the world's highest point. It soon became obvious how remarkable Frank's story is. While Tourette Syndrome is a big part of his story, his is primarily a story of overcoming odds, living in the present, helping others and making a difference for individuals and charities.
For information and resources about Tourette Syndrome, Frank suggests visiting https://tourette.org. Frank's suggested reading list for creating more excellence in life includes:
Emotional Intelligence - Daniel Goleman
Autobiography of a Yogi - Paramahansa Yogananda
Detoxify or Die - Sherry Rogers, MD
Gut Solutions - Brenda Watson
Plant Paradox - Dr. Steven Gundry
Music for Episode 10 is by Norman Sylvester & Tevis Hodge Jr. found on the free music archive. For more information visit him at normansylvester.com.
Please visit my website at eyesopenproductions.com. Please click on Contact and send me a short note if you'd like to be added to the mailing list. See you next time!
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What are the qualities that make a leader? What qualities make a good fighter pilot? Believe it or not, those qualities that make a fighter pilot are those that make one successful in other areas of life. Meet Uva Rama, an F-16 pilot from Singapore who has devoted his so-called retirement years to giving back to the community. Interviewed in Kathmandu, Nepal, where he makes his home, Uva now has taken on the task of developing a company that outfits expeditions to the top of the world, Mount Everest.
Music in the episode is from Metyu, VKTRD & Ondro M., found on the Free Music Archive. For more information on Thom Pollard, please visit eyesopenproductions.com. Click on Contact and sign up for his podcast newsletter for news and alerts to the next podcast. Please share with friends and family on your social media!
If you'd like more information on the work that Uva is doing, visit the company website at www.expeditionhimalaya.com, or email him directly at Uva@expeditionhimalaya.com
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We are all endeavoring to surmount various obstacles en route to our goals and aspirations. For some, it might be in tackling a 30 mile race over mountains. For others, it might be in facing an employer to ask for a raise. For others, it might be the decision to allow a relationship to end, despite the abyss of the unknown staring us in the face. Either way, if we practice a simple exercise, we can get a grip on our fears and take control of our future.
Music in this episode was recorded at a puja. For more information about me, please visit www.eyesopenproductions.com. Please share this episode with friends, family and anyone who might be interested in listening. Share on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram...anywhere at all.
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There are billions of human beings living in ignorance, destined to die that way only to come back again in the next incarnation to do it all over again. Cool! Funny thing is, when offered the opportunity to step out of ignorance, most turn away because they're happy not knowing the answers. Go for it! All that said, if you want to be a better dad, sister, brother, mom, friend, human being....you should give this episode a listen. But hey, don't take my word for it. Find out for yourself. If you want to stay in ignorance, hasta luego. See you in the next incarnation.
Truth is, that we are here for a reason: to explore our creativity. Yup. Plain and simple. We delve deeply into the question of our reason for existence and why we ended up here in this place.
Music is found on the Free Music Archive featuring Reverend Freakchild at www-reverendfreakchild dot org. For more on Michael Simonson find him at michaelsimonsonfoundation dot org. To learn about the guy hosting this podcast please look me up at eyesopenproductions dot com.
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When we sit in limbo wondering whether to take the leap and follow our truth, our own true path in life, we are never going to be truly happy. I'm not saying just hit the road and leave it all behind. The due diligence is to go deep and see if our choices are serving our higher good, our higher self. Our higher self is all knowing. When we know, we KNOW. There are consequences when we choose to come from a place of love. And, there are consequences when we come from a place of fear. One sets you free. The other imprisons you in a prison of your own making.
This episode might make a few of you angry. If you believe blindly in a gospel delivered by a preacher without discovering the truth for yourself...you'll never be free. Now, don't believe a word I say! Find out for yourself. If you think I'm full of it, cool! Go find your own truth, don't take it as gospel from anyone but you and your higher self. Additionally, the pious are those that serve the darkness through judgment. We'll explore that with my brother and friend Michael Simonson, a man you met in our first episode. Again, don't believe a word he says. Find out for yourself. That said, this will get you thinking (or angry!).
Warning: there are numerous F-bombs in this episode as I've used recordings of conversations off the cuff. I feel that leaving them in portrays the truth of my thought process and makes it authentic. Music in this episode comes from Loco Lobo, found on the Free Music Archive. Loco Lobo's website is www.musikbrause.de. Michael Simonson, our special guest, can be found at www.michaelsimonsonfoundation.org. Please investigate both if you are interested. If you would like more information about me, please visit eyesopenproductions.com and send me a note. If you think I'm full of beans, I'd still love to hear from you. Keep your thoughts and intentions positive, for they create your reality.
-Thom Dharma Pollard
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The key to functioning at high levels is in clearing our mind of distractions. At Human Horse Balance Healing Foundation in Center Conway, New Hampshire, one must also clear the mind of distractions when working with horses, as horses live in the here and now. They have no past or present. Paula Lambie is a healer, Reiki master and a veritable horse whisperer. Paula brings together her special knowledge of horses with people in need of healing, whether veterans with PTSD, children with autism and everything in between. Thom ventures out to meet Paula and to be introduced to her very special horses. Music in the episode is from the Free Music Archive, featuring the music of Metyu, VKTRD & Ondro M., a band out of Slovakia on the Radio Bunker label. Go to YouTube to find a clip of the innovative band. For more information on Paula and her horses, go to hhbhealing.org. For more information about Thom visit his webpage at eyesopenproductions.com.
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A first ever before heard interview with legendary mountaineer and philanthropist Sir Edmund Hillary, the first man to stand atop Mount Everest in 1953. Our accomplishments mean very little if we do not feel and express gratitude and humility. Sir Edmund Hillary became the first man to stand atop the world's highest mountain with Tenzing Norgay. His legacy, however, is in all that he gave back to the Sherpa people and the Everest region of Nepal. Also in this episode, in March of this year a terrorist in Christchurch, New Zealand burst into to two mosques and killed 50 innocent people. NZ Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern swiftly moved to deny the man the notoriety he expected by making it known that she would never mention him by name. "He may have sought notoriety but we in New Zealand will give him nothing -- not even his name." Music for the episode comes from the Garcia Birthday Band found on the freemusicarchive. They can be found at gbblive.com. Information on Sir Edmund Hillary's legacy can be found at himalayantrust.org. Info on The Explorers Club can be found at explorers.org.
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While training for my fourth expedition to Mount Everest on the slopes of Mount Washington in New Hampshire I reflect on the knowledge passed down through my mentor, the late Bradford Washburn, cartographer of Mount Everest, the Grand Canyon and Denali. Brad was the world's greatest aerial photographer, as well as the founder of the Boston Museum of Science, pioneer of 13 first ascents in Alaska and was the first to climb the now popular West Buttress route on Denali in 1951.
During my training for Everest to search for the body of Sandy Irvine, last seen on June 8, 1924 at over 28,000' with his partner George Mallory, I became aware of a presence near me. Was it Sandy, asking for assistance?
This podcast's theme song, Happiness Jones, appears courtesy of The Wood Brothers.
For more information about The Wood Brothers:
https://www.thewoodbros.com/
The Wood Brothers on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTvWKQovDZlLceuct1EEMMQ
Happiness Jones video can be seen here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKIoiVWwF5A
For more about Thom Dharma Pollard, about personal coaching or my inspirational presentations, virtual or in person, find me at:
http://eyesopenproductions.com/
Music inside the episode is by Dazie Mae at daziemae.com, found on the freemusicarchive.
If you would like to join my mailing list, please email me at thom.dharma.pollard@gmail.com
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Those who follow the musical course of their heart experience collateral damage along the way. However, within the sacrifices those same people often discover their greatest masterpieces. After hearing an interview wherein Neil Young spoke about following our musical course, Thom Pollard decided to begin producing a film called Dream Heart, about people following their passions and living their own musical course. In this episode we'll meet a 20-year old luthier named Noah Rivers, the first subject of Thom's in-production film Dream Heart. Music for the episode comes from Reverend Freakchild, found on freemusicarchive.org. Reverend Freakchild can be found at http://www.www-reverendfreakchild.org.
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In this introductory episode of Baker Street with Thom Pollard we’ll explore why we exist, the real meaning of life and meet a special guest who understands that we can make our intentions a reality by choosing love over fear. Everest climber, adventurer and public speaker Thom Pollard shares some personal stories in this episode, including the tragic avalanche on Mount Everest in 2014 that claimed the lives of 16-men. He also reveals the story behind how he named the podcast Baker Street. Thom also introduces us to energy worker Michael Simonson, who explorers how fear and judgment hamper our ability to live a good life.
For exclusive content visit Patreon at:
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