Podcast Interview with Will Cockrell on his new book Everest Inc
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In 2024, Everest has become completely commercialized. Shock, right? Well, Will Cockrell's new book, Everest, Inc: The Renegades and Rogues Who Built an Industry at the Top of the World, tells us how it happened. If you love Everest, despise it or don't really care, this book has something for everyone.
In this fascinating read, Will did extensive research and uses quotes from original interviews with more than a hundred Western and Sherpa climbers, clients, writers, filmmakers, and even a Hollywood actor; the voices of the people who have made the mountain what it is today.
In this Podcast, Will tells me that he positioned Everest, Inc. as the opposite of Jon Krakauer’s Into Thin Air. His book gets to the heart of the mountain through the definitive story of its greatest invention: the Himalayan guiding industry. It all began in the 1980s with entrepreneurs like Rob Hall and Gary Ball, Todd Burleson and David Breashears, with Dick Bass establishing a new, innovative industry for climbing high-altitude mountains, including Mt. Everest. Many of the pioneers are still living and climbing today and have helped thousands reach their climbing dreams.
I talk through the three areas of commercialization with Will: the industry's formation in the 1980s and '90s, the early 2000s, when Western companions dominated guiding climbing Nepal, and the late 2000s, until today, when Nepali-owned operators lead 80% of all commercial clients.
Everest, Inc: The Renegades and Rogues Who Built an Industry at the Top of the World will be published by @simonandschuster imprint @gallerybooks on April 16, 2024.
You can read about Will on his website and KZread.
Climb On!
Alan
Memories are Everything
www.alanarnette.com/blog/2024...
Пікірлер: 26
Will sat in our base camp in 2022 when we were attempting Nuptse. He provided some enjoyable insights into the history of commercial climbing on Everest. A really decent guy and an excellent listener.
@AlanArnetteClimbs
2 ай бұрын
Good to hear. I agree, super guy
I really enjoy listening to the history of Everest and everything that goes along with it. I truly admire climbers and hearing their stories. Thankyou Alan
@AlanArnetteClimbs
2 ай бұрын
I think all history buffs will enjoy his book and this podcast. Thanks.
Jon's a hero and a Great American writer in a time when there are few. He is a Legend.
Excellent interview. Loved it. Will get the book. I love anything about climbing. I'd never do the climbs myself but I enjoy living it through your stories Alan!!❤
I love the history of Everest. Thank you for the interview. It was very interesting.
@AlanArnetteClimbs
2 ай бұрын
Perfect! This is the book for you, then.
@pegahghavami8062
2 ай бұрын
This explains why Alpine Ascents is a solid guiding company. I climbed with them on mout Rainier and love it. I would do it again.
Pre-ordered the audiobook. I’m focussed on the state high points now post Kili success and Aconcagua (turn around).
@AlanArnetteClimbs
2 ай бұрын
Great, it's a solid book.
Very interesting view of Everest and the climbing community.
@AlanArnetteClimbs
2 ай бұрын
Glad you enjoyed it. It's a great book.
Really interesting interview.
@AlanArnetteClimbs
2 ай бұрын
Glad you enjoyed it. Will is a great guy and it's a great book.
Exceptional interview! I never knew that there wasn't much money in it for these company's. At the prices they charge, I figured they were all rolling in the dough. I also thought it was interesting that Western outfits think client safety is the top priority while the Nepalese see their role differently. It reminds me of things I read related to issues in the "1996 Everest disaster, regarding the same issue. Anatoli Boukreev's actions/non-actions/inactions were, of course, a very contentious subject. One source mentioned that traditional Russian guiding was not about treating climbers "as if they were in kindergarden" and being responsible for every move they made. I found that very interesting. Again, great interview. Thanks! .
@AlanArnetteClimbs
2 ай бұрын
Appreciate your comment ZZ
it surprised me not to hear about the mobs of climbers caught in the long lines. that seems so very dangerous. you did mention that the number of permits sold has dropped, perhaps that will help. great interview, guys!
@AlanArnetteClimbs
2 ай бұрын
Yes, it does look like a very different year is developing than it has been in the past 10 or so.
Very interesting. I'm not sure if or when I'll be able to get my hands on the book here in Brazil but I'll try!
I know Erik Weihenmayer, the first blind man to climb Everest about 20 years ago.
@AlanArnetteClimbs
2 ай бұрын
I've met him a few times, super nice!
How long has EPO, HGH and testosterone been used in the mountaineering industrial complex ?
@zztop4996
2 ай бұрын
I've never thought of this. I hope Alan weighs in.
@zztop4996
2 ай бұрын
I just stumbled upon this interesting Outside article. "Climbing’s Little Helper" by Devon O’Neil (Originally Published Mar 14, 2013 Updated Jun 30, 2021)
@AlanArnetteClimbs
2 ай бұрын
Bob, it would be naïve to think no drugs are used in mountaineering. In my close to 30 years of active participation in the sport and industry I can honestly say I’ve not seen an organized, promoted or widespread use of any kind of drug. Diamox is commonly used to accelerate acclimatization but that is not a performance enhancing drug per se. Some people have taken the steroid Dexamethasone prophylactically as cited in the article ZZ shared but as shown in the article, it can backfire big time so it’s not commonly used by informed individuals. Bottom line for me is PE drugs in climbing is certainly there but not at the level it once was in competition cycling or baseball for example. My opinion. Thanks.