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May 15, 2025 71 mins

Today on the show, we're bringing you Part 2 of our conversation with Mount Everest Historian Thom Pollard. In Part 1, we told you all about the tragedy of the 1924 British expedition, which ultimately culminated in the deaths of George Mallory and Sandy Irvine. Today, we're talking with Thom about his first-hand experience on the 1999 expedition to find their bodies and coming face to face with Mallory himself. This is the story of perhaps the most controversial chapter in the history of the world's tallest mountain. In this episode, you'll hear about:

  • Thom Pollard's summit of Mount Everest
  • The 1999 expedition team
  • Aftermath and Fallout of the 1999 expedition
  • Search for Irvine's camera
  • What 75 years on Mount Everest does to a body
  • Did Thom take a photo of Mallory's face?
Links Mentioned Connect Our Partners
  • Special thanks to our partners at Shared Pour! Visit SharedPour.com - Use code “BACKCOUNTRY” for 10% off at checkout.
  • Special thanks to our patterns at Out Yonder Company! Visit OutYonderCompany.com and use code “BACKCOUNTRY15” for 15% off at checkout.
Credits
  • Featuring Thom Pollard
  • Produced by Andrew O'Neill with Hayden Sammak
  • Intro and Animations by Barry Thompson
  • Photograph Contributions for Animation by Carver Weeks
  • Additional Graphics by Andrew O’Neill 
  • Production Assistance by John Stock 
  • “Welcome to the Backcountry” theme song by Logan Roth, Will Brown, Arjun Dube and produced at Treacle Mine Studios, Phila, PA
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