Emily Harrington and Adrian Ballinger

Rebecca, Emily, and Adrian discuss:

• Emily’s historic free climb of El Capitan’s Golden Gate route in a single day

• Adrian’s no-oxygen Everest summit and why he continues to return to the Himalaya

• The dynamics of being partners on the mountain and at home

• What it means to take risks together and where they draw the line

• Building a life that blends adventure, purpose, and presence

• How they support each other through setbacks, injuries, and fear

  
  

Transformative insights:

• Growth doesn’t happen without discomfort, and sometimes failure is the best teacher.

• True partnership means knowing when to step up and when to step back.

• The stories we tell about our achievements are less important than the values they reflect.

• Adventure is not just about summits; it’s about the process of becoming.

Vulnerable moments:

• Emily opens up about the injuries that nearly derailed her career.

• Adrian reflects on the loneliness and pressure of leading Everest expeditions.

• Both share what it feels like to risk their lives in the mountains while protecting their relationship.

• Rebecca and Emily connect over the challenge of balancing identity as athletes with evolving into new roles.

Practical wisdom:

• Why clear communication is as essential on the mountain as any technical skill.

• How to prepare mentally for risk and uncertainty.

• The role of rest, recovery, and perspective in sustaining long careers.

• Tips for finding presence even in the middle of high-stakes pursuits.

Personal growth:

• Emily’s evolution from competition climber to bold alpinist

• Adrian’s shift from chasing summits to finding deeper purpose in guiding and mentoring

• Rebecca’s reflections on partnership, identity, and letting go of the need to “prove it”

• The reminder that achievement without connection is never enough