Strap Yer Boots

Laura and April here with boots strapped and eyes wide for this one. In today’s episode, we’re diving into one of the most jaw-dropping survival stories ever told: Touching the Void. This isn’t just a tale of mountaineering gone wrong — it’s a brutal, almost unbelievable fight for life on a frozen cliffside in the Peruvian Andes.

We’ll walk you through Joe Simpson and Simon Yates’ 1985 climb of Siula Grande — the triumphs, the impos...

This week, we’re strapping our boots a little tighter for a deep and invigorating chat with Irish fitness coach and outdoor enthusiast, Cillian Bonnar. From the crisp edges of cold therapy to the steamy solace of the sauna, Cillian shares how embracing the elements has shaped his approach to health, strength, and resilience.

We talk about his journey from gym floors to forest floors, building Full Rotation Fitness, and why he believ...

Grab your boots and your best raincoat, because this week we’re trekking into the wild soul of southwest Ireland — the rugged, windswept Beara Peninsula.

In this episode, The Last March, we follow the haunting trail of Dónal Cam O’Sullivan Beare, the chieftain who led one of the most heroic and heartbreaking retreats in Irish history. After the fall of Gaelic resistance at the Battle of Kinsale in 1602, O’Sullivan and around 1,000 o...

April and Laura here, back with another episode of Strap Yer Boots! This week, we’re diving into YOUR hiking questions in "Gear, Trails, and Tales." From the best budget-friendly gear to our favorite trail snacks (spoiler: Laura swears by sour tongues), we’re covering it all.

We answer the burning questions you sent into us. We’ve got answers—plus a few wild hiking stories along the way. So Strap Yer Boots, grab a snack, a...

Ahoy, history lovers! This week, we set sail into the legendary life of Gráinne O’Malley—pirate, chieftain, and all-around badass. From commanding fleets along the west coast of Ireland to defying English rule (and even having a showdown with Queen Elizabeth I), Gráinne’s story is one of rebellion, resilience, and pure adventure.

Join us as we uncover the myths, the battles, and the legacy of Ireland’s most infamous sea queen. Was s...

In this episode of Strap Yer Boots, we sit down with the legendary James McManus—founder of Earth’s Edge, expedition leader, and all-around thrill-seeker. James attempted to summit Everest without supplementary oxygen, but as we quickly learned, the mountain had other plans.

We dive deep into his summit experiences, the mental game of turning back, and what it really takes to lead people through some of the world’s toughest environm...

Deep in the wilds of Donegal, where the Derryveagh Mountains meet the Atlantic’s edge, two enigmatic groups sought refuge—each with their own radical vision of the world.

In this episode of Strap Yer Boots, we unravel the eerie legacies of The Screamers, a primal therapy cult that believed emotional freedom could only be achieved through relentless, gut-wrenching screams, and The Silver Sisterhood, a secretive order of women who wov...

Gather round, folklore fiends—this one is a wild ride. This week on Strap Yer Boots, we’re diving into the eerie legend of Petticoat Loose, one of Ireland’s most infamous restless spirits. Was she a wronged woman or a wicked one? A supernatural menace or just a misunderstood soul cursed to wander the Knockmealdown Mountains for eternity?

Join us, Laura & April, as we trace the roots of this chilling tale, from whispered stories ...

In this episode of Strap Yer Boots, we sit down with the legendary Professor Michael Maunsell, PhD—an adventurer, academic, and advocate for mountain communities worldwide. With over 40 years of experience in mountain environments as a climber, researcher, and educator, Mike’s journey is nothing short of inspiring.

Before stepping into academia at 34, Mike spent over two decades as a climbing instructor, mastering the art of resilie...

Grab your raincoat, strap yer boots, and hold onto your hats—April & Laura here and we are about to take you through the wildest weather Ireland has ever seen. In this stormy episode of Strap Yer Boots, we’re diving into three of the most notorious tempests in Irish history, from gale-force winds to torrential downpours that had even the hardiest of locals saying, “That’s enough of that!” 🌬️🌧️

We’ll be chatting about the worst...

In this episode of Strap Yer Boots, we’re diving into one of Ireland’s most iconic and sacred mountains—Croagh Patrick.

We chat about what makes this peak so different from any other mountain, not just in Ireland but around the world. It’s more than just a climb; it’s a pilgrimage, steeped in history, spirituality, and myth. We unpack the fascinating legends tied to St. Patrick, including how he’s said to have fasted at the summit f...

In this episode of Strap Yer Boots, we had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Irish mountaineer Adam Sweeney from Waterford, and let us tell you—his story is nothing short of epic. 

Adam takes us through his jaw-dropping experiences, including how he became the only member of his team to summit both Ama Dablam in Nepal and summit Aconcagua in Argentina. His stories are packed with grit, determination, and the kind of resilie...

It’s April and Laura here, and we’re so excited to share this week’s episode of Strap Yer Boots with you. We’re heading deep into the Wicklow Mountains to explore one of Ireland’s most stunning and historic trails—St. Kevin’s Way.

We’ll take you on a journey through the mystical ruins of Glendalough, where St. Kevin once lived as a hermit (wait till you hear about that legend), and then follow the ancient pilgrimage route through br...

Join us, April and Laura, as we take you on an adventure through the magic of Ireland! In this episode, we’re heading up Slievenamon, one of Ireland’s most iconic mountains. With its stunning views and rich history, Slievenamon is woven into Irish folklore, and we’re digging into the stories that make it so special.

We’ll also dive into the legendary Fionn mac Cumhaill—one of Ireland’s greatest heroes. From his epic quests to the Fi...

It’s April and Laura, and we’re so excited to bring you our first episode all about the breathtaking Comeragh Mountains in County Waterford. We’re diving into the history of the range, chatting about how these stunning peaks are shaped (spoiler alert: glaciers were involved), and sharing some of the local lore that makes this area so special.

But the real treat? We’re telling the story of Ned Curran—a man whose legend looms as large...