When REI announced it was shutting down its Experiences Division, the internet exploded with outrage. For many, it felt like the company was abandoning one of the most meaningful things it offered - a way to actually get people outside, not just sell them the gear.

In this episode, I sit down with Chris Anderson, Former director of Risk Management & Guide Training at REI - a key leader behind the Experiences Division - to unpack what really happened behind the scenes.

We cover:

• Why REI acquired Arizona Outback Adventures (AOA) in 2019
• The original vision for Experiences and how it aligned with REI’s mission
• Internal data that showed Experiences boosted member spending and loyalty
• What changed after the pandemic—and why even a successful program can get cut
• Why REI’s commitment to paying guides fairly may have made long-term profitability an uphill battle

Chris brings a rare perspective—both operational and deeply personal—to a story that’s about much more than one company. It’s about the gap between mission and margin in the outdoor industry.

🎧 If you’ve ever taken a guided trip and had no idea what went on behind the scenes - Part 2 will change the way you see the entire experience.

That’s where we go behind the curtain: exploring the emotional labor of guides, the broken tipping culture, and what needs to change to make this industry sustainable - for

Check out the LinkedIn post from Chris that sparked this two-part series…

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In this exhilarating episode, I talk with Alex Harz, creator and star of the captivating documentary "The Quest Everest." Alex shares incredible behind-the-scenes stories of his meticulous year-long training regimen, intense mental preparation, and unforgettable experiences climbing from Lukla to the summit of Mount Everest.

Listen in as Alex reveals:

• The surprising challenges he faced, including unexpected toe injuries and the infamous "Khumbu cough."
• The reality of the Everest climb—navigating treacherous ladders, repeated ascents through the Khumbu Icefall, and life at extreme altitudes.
• Insights on the Sherpa community and the cultural significance of the Everest region.
• Valuable advice on physical and mental preparation for Everest Base Camp and high-altitude trekking.

This episode isn't about encouraging listeners to summit Everest themselves. Instead, it's an opportunity to experience thrilling moments vicariously—through gripping anecdotes and vivid storytelling from someone who's been there. Listeners will gain rare insights into extraordinary situations they'll likely never face firsthand, from navigating treacherous ladders above crevasses to confronting the raw intensity of the death zone. Ultimately, it's about stepping into the climber's boots, absorbing the awe-inspiring drama, and using that inspiration to conquer the mountains in their own lives.

Whether you're dreaming of Everest Base Camp or inspired to conquer your personal Everest, Alex's story will motivate you to push past your self-imposed limits.

Key Highlights:

• How Alex prepared physically and mentally for 52 intense days on Everest.
• Stories of overcoming mental barriers at crucial moments.
• The profound cultural experiences in the Khumbu Valley.
• Tips for aspiring Everest Base Camp trekkers.

Mentioned in the Episode:

• Follow Alex: The Quest Series Instagram
• Virtual Reality Experience: Quest Everest VR
• Documentary: The Quest Everest

Ask Me How To Get Fit For Your Next Hike, Trek or Backpacking Trip:
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Tia Banks never laced up hiking boots until her mid-30s—after a career as a pro basketball and flag-football athlete was cut short by a Grade 5 cartilage tear in her right knee. In this 41-minute episode, we explore:

• Reinventing yourself after injury: How she pivoted from court and field into totally unfamiliar trails, rediscovered her identity and went on to summit Kilimanjaro while battling illness, whipping winds and half the oxygen she was used to.
• Why “too late” is a myth: How a total novice built high-altitude endurance with pre-dawn weighted walks, stair-climb marathons and expert breath-work coaching.
• The power of your tribe: How one voice on a dark summit night turned “I want to quit” into “I will keep going,” and why Tia now pairs every hiker with a dedicated “partner in climb.”
• Unconventional training secrets: The mindset tools—optimism, “keep deciding” and resilience practices—that outlast raw talent on any trail.
• Mind Over Mountains: A deep dive into Tia’s interactive book and coaching platform, where you map your personal “life mountains” and transform setbacks into stepping-stones.
• From summit to spotlight: How Tia turned her late-start passion into a full-time calling—leading treks to Guadalupe Peak (Texas), Pico de Orizaba (Mexico) and beyond, and bringing mountain-born lessons into schools and boardrooms.

Whether you’re gearing up for your first day hike or facing an Everest-sized challenge at home, Tia’s journey proves it’s never too late to start—and you don’t climb alone.

Get started at tiabanks.com —grab the book, join a group trek, or book her for your next resilience workshop.

Ask Me How To Get Fit For Your Next Hike, Trek or Backpacking Trip:
https://fitfortrips.com/consultation/

Get Your 3 Free 12-Week Hiking Training Plans:
https://fitfortrips.com/free-hiking-training-plan/

LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for new videos:
https://www.youtube.com/@HikeStrongPodcast

Check out the audio podcast version on all platforms:
https://fitfortrips.com/hikestrongpodcast