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Type2Fun

Type2Fun

By Embark Exploration Co.

You’ve heard it said, “It doesn’t have to be fun to be fun”-- with that in mind join us for An insider’s glimpse into all things trekking, safaris and world adventure. From packing for your Everest Base Camp trek to what it felt like for a cancer patient to attempt to summit Kilimanjaro, or visiting a village in the Sacred Valley of Peru, you will be inspired, informed and ignited to get out there and start adventuring.
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Turning Grief into Good

Type2FunApr 20, 2021

00:00
01:33:58
The many adventures of Jay Irwin

The many adventures of Jay Irwin

Join us as we listen to one type two fun story after another from the man, the myth, the legend.... Jay Irwin.


In Jay's own words, "I have a strong belief that Adventure is a key ingredient in transforming lives." We couldn't agree more! Buckle up, this one is a bumpy ride!

Nov 29, 202301:02:31
Meryl Lassen - Tales from the Trail

Meryl Lassen - Tales from the Trail

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

Join us for a candid and organic conversation as we delve into Meryl's incredible life of climbing and adventuring. We explore how and why she embarked on this extraordinary path, tracing her steps through the last 10+ years of adrenaline-pumping adventures that have taken her to some of the world's most breathtaking heights.

What sets Meryl's story apart is her incredible resilience in the face of adversity, which we'll be highlighting. She has not let any obstacles deter her from her passion, and her journey serves as an inspiration to many. You won't want to miss her insights into how the culture of climbing and adventuring is evolving, making outdoor pursuits more inclusive and accessible to all.

At Embark Exploration Co, we believe that trying something adventurous for the first time can change lives, and Meryl's experiences are a testament to that. We'll explore the profound impact her adventures have had on her life, both physically and mentally, and discover how she has harnessed the transformative power of the outdoors.

Tune in to hear Meryl's unforgettable stories, intriguing tidbits, and captivating experiences from the mountains and beyond. Whether you're an experienced adventurer or someone looking to take their first steps into the wild, Meryl's journey is sure to leave you inspired and ready to embark on your own adventures.

Join us for a conversation that reminds us all that with determination, passion, and a love for the great outdoors, there are no limits to what we can achieve. It's time to reach new heights with Meryl Lessen on the Type2Fun podcast.


Choose your next adventure at www.embarkexplorationco.com

Sep 10, 202346:07
Exploring Everest - Stories from the trail

Exploring Everest - Stories from the trail

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

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

Learn why people come back multiple times to Nepal and hear stories from the trail. 

Feb 15, 202337:02
Slow Hikers

Slow Hikers

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

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

The Pole-Pole club is set around the concept of a slow pace- anyone can participate; just know if you come, you’re definitely going to be taking your time.

Next Steps

  • Join our Slow Hikers Mailing List
  • Tune in for our podcast about slow hiking
  • Watch for our upcoming hikes designed for slow hikers
  • Sign up and hike together, collecting Slow Hiker badges along the way- you know you want one!
  • Prepare for the ultimate culmination of all your hard work – Everest Base Camp or Oaxaca Mexico!

This summer, 2023, Embark will be planning a series of hikes meant for our Slow Hiker community.  Together we will turn the slow hiker connotation on its head- we’re going to Embrace the Slow.  Our hikes will be just as dynamic and engaging as any of our Embark’s adventures but there will be an emphasis on a measured pace, deliberated breaks and more assistance with packing and personal gear management.  We are planning adventures to Canada, the Colorado Rockies, and Oaxaca, Mexico with a culminating epic trek to Everest Base Camp. There will be hikes every year for the Slow Hikers.

The slow hikers concept is a way to really take in your surroundings; for some of us, this will be our only experience in the remote neck of the woods where Embark adventures take place…so why not take our time? Come hike with us!

P.s. The hiking will be slow but don’t dilly dally reserving your spot; there’s a lot of us out there who are super enthused to have found this group and space is limited!

Feb 15, 202336:02
Trekking with Kids. Part Two
Dec 28, 202235:19
Trekking with children. Part One
Dec 28, 202259:25
The heart of Ecuador
Dec 17, 202243:55
High Altitude Sickness 101

High Altitude Sickness 101

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

Public Speaking - Education

-Wilderness Medicine 3-day course for Tanzanian guides at African Environments in Arusha, 2001

-Wilderness and Expedition Medicine Course: on trek to K2 basecamp, 1986

-US Antarctic Research Program: Orientation for all US scientists new to life on the continent, 1978

-Himalayan Rescue Association, Manang, Nepal: started the clinic, 8-12/82


So needless to say, he is extremely qualified to dive into the understanding of High Altitude Sickness. In this episode we will cover:

- Can I train for altitude?

- Should I take Diamox? (Most people take 125 mg once in morning/once in the evening)

- What are the side effects of taking it?

-  is it common for people to get light level altitude at the beginning of their adventures, stop, sleep, hydrate and continue?

- how fast oxygen from a canister can treat severe altitude sickness.

- Pathophysiology of high altitude: AMS, HACE, and HAPE   The physiology portion is important in understanding the "why" of the pathology, avoidance, and treatment

And finally come stories from the trails.


And his personal expeditions range from:

Everest (Tibet): physician/climber with French/Italian expedition, spring, 1988

Annapurna (Nepal): physician/climber with French/Italian expedition, ascent of S. Face, fall, 1988

Lhotse (Nepal): physician for Polish international expedition, fall, 1987

Everest (Nepal): physician/climber with Austrian expedition, fall,1987

K2 (Pakistan): physician/climber with American expedition, summer 1986; (13 fatalities among 9 exp.)

American Medical Research Exp to Everest (Nepal): climber/scientist, 7/81-12/81

(> 50 publications from the expedition: co-author on 4, senior author on weight loss study)

Dufek Massif, East Antarctica: physician/geologist for USGS team, 10/78-1/79

Jun 06, 202201:11:26
Tips for Wilderness Navigation
May 22, 202240:22
Live Episode: Stories from Peru
Sep 19, 202132:24
The history and culture of Peru

The history and culture of Peru

The navel of the world, the heart of an empire, a journey through the sacred and ancient world of high Peru. Combining remote wilderness and access to the soul of the Inca empire with lodges outfitted with today’s comforts. Roaming across upper valleys and mountain passes, visitors are witness to both magnificent nature and traditional Andean villages where ancient values endure.

Few visitors ever see this region. Guides specialize in cultural and historical aspects of the trip,  making this week of superb Alpine vistas and tropical glaciers into a walking adventure in time travel. Of course the historical Machu Pichu strengthened and deeply informed about the history that built this stunning citadel, and enjoy longer-than-usual time on site.

Listen in as adventure travel expert Nadia La Bon discusses the history and culture of this wonderful country. 

Aug 23, 202137:03
The Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project
Jun 10, 202150:20
Mt. Everest Base Camp Memory Lane
Apr 27, 202156:03
Turning Grief into Good

Turning Grief into Good

Heather and Eric Burneson faced the unimaginable, losing their son Henry at just 17 years old. They decided to turn their grief into good to help the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society find a cure by hiking Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Learn all about Henry and his battle against cancer, the beautiful memories he left with his family, and how Eric and Heather took on Kilimanjaro together. While on their hike, the extreme conditions they encountered and how the adventure brought them all closer together. 

Apr 20, 202101:33:58
Meet Luisa: Head Guide in Guatemala

Meet Luisa: Head Guide in Guatemala

Meet Luisa, the head guide of the newest trekking adventure for Embark Exploration Co. 

On this episode we not only get to know the lovely Luisa, but we also learn all about how the new trek in Guatemala was created. Get behind the scenes as we share with you a trek that has been years in the making. 

You will learn: 

  • Luisa's personal Story  Include aspects of being a female trekker
  • How her family reacted first time she said she was going to hike Acatenango. 
  • What makes Guatemala special (mountains, trekking, relatively unexplored compared to Costa Rica/Mexico)
  • History of people not exploring their own beautiful country because of the civil war. How had that changed? 
  • How has COVID impacted domestic tourism?
  • Embark's adventures (3 big mountains-- 2 very active mountains that erupt all the time). 
  • What makes this trek unique is how multi-faceted it is
  • How the trek was developed
  • and so much more! 

To learn more about this trek and other Embark Exploration Co adventures, visit, www.embarkexplorationco.com

Mar 17, 202148:57
How to Pack for a Trek

How to Pack for a Trek

Join us on this episode of Type2Fun as we speak to lead guide Jim Ronning and discuss the do's and don'ts of packing for your upcoming trekking adventures. 


Want to learn more? Go to www.embarkexplorationco.com


Mar 14, 202150:26
Exploring the Dynamics of Hiking in a Group

Exploring the Dynamics of Hiking in a Group

Meet John and Chris Berlow. Two brothers who collect adventures like baseball cards. John Berlow recently finished a 35 year career with fire department and 22 years in the army reserves. Chris Berlow is a 7th degree black belt in professional Martial Artist in Tae Kwon Do and owns Empowered Mastery where he uses martial arts values to help corporations. Not to mention, their brotherly banter will keep you laughing. 

Join us as we discuss what it is like to hike in a group, navigating the different dynamics and how to find the joy in almost any situation.

Top Advice for Hiking in a group

  1. Be the light - optimistic situations in the trek, find the positive energy
  2. Its ok to be uncomfortable
  3. respect the altitude
Feb 15, 202101:00:20
Let's summit Mt. Elbrus
Jan 18, 202150:00
Conquering Your Mountain

Conquering Your Mountain

On this episode of Type2Fun we meet the bold and relentless, Lila Javan. 

Lila is a 3x Leukemia Survivor and as if that wasn't enough to showcase her phenomenal bravery, she also helped create what is now, The Leukemia and Lymphoma Societies, Climb to Cure. 

Lila discusses how she used a marathon to get her through first hearing she had Leukemia then Climbing Kilimanjaro as her second. Through that journey we learn about her goal to raise a million dollars for cancer research, and not to give it away, she did, in just her first year fundraising. 

Join us on a journey to hear about her first trip to Kilimanjaro with five generations of women there, including her doctor. 

You'll have a difficult time saying no to Lila if she ever asks you to join her on an adventure, as her energy is contagious! 

Jan 11, 202140:06
Want to go on a Safari?
Dec 23, 202036:44
How to train for a trek

How to train for a trek

Listen in as we learn from Michael Phipps on the Do’s and Don’t’s for training for a trek.

Mike is a retired NYPD law enforcement officer with 40 years of service.

In addition to being a certified Incident Commander of the National Incident Management System, he is:

  • An alumni National Outdoor Leadership School 
  • Certified hiking coach with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society hiking programs
  • Certified hike group leader with American Hiking Society
  • Boy Scout leader with over a decade of service
  • Wilderness medicine training certified!

Needless to say, he is well qualified to discuss training for a trek.

Listen in as we learn about his: 

  • 4 month training program
  • 3 Do’s and 3 Don’ts of training, and his
  • 5 areas of overall fitness to improve on before a trek.

 Buckle up; this is an adventure all on its own!

Want to learn more? Go to www.embarkexplorationco.com

Dec 04, 202001:05:20
Type2Fun - The Journey Begins
Nov 10, 202041:02