Interrupts her guest, does not ask insightful or clarifying questions, and frankly says things that are thoughtless and off putting. E.g. Recent episode regarding helmets: she states that she had never thought about how weight affects climbing, which is laughable if you have any involvement in climbing. There are ongoing conversations about how weight affects the sport and many professionals have come forward to talk about struggles with eating disorders. How can a person who talks about climbing all the time have never thought about it? This indicates that she is not thinking about the sports she discusses. Then in the same episode describes to the guest how his wife could have had to clean his brain matter off of a rock if he wasn’t wearing a helmet?? What does that add to the show? How is that at all considerate of the guest who was being vulnerable and sharing what sounds like a traumatic and scary experience for him? Great concept but extremely poor execution.

Truly enjoy this podcast and many thanks to Ashley for all the work and preparation that goes into each episode. Not surprisingly, I find some more useful than others but that’s purely a reflection of my personal interests. Also, while i appreciate hearing guests speak in their own words, sometimes this is a bit torturous when guests have long pauses or use lots of fluff words/sounds like “yeah” or “you know” or “umm”. Some additional editing or perhaps advance coaching of guests might be beneficial. Case in point-the Ken Wylie interview: very worthy topic but really difficult to listen to due to the many pauses, superfluous words and very esoteric manner of speaking.

This is a wonderful podcast. I’am NOT a hiker, just fascinated by these brave people. So entertaining and the host is fabulous.

This podcast has long been a favorite of mine. I became disabled by lupus several years ago which, sadly, prevents me from adventuring outdoors. A truly devastating loss – and I live in the PNW! Since then I've mostly explored the wilderness vicariously. As a result, I truly appreciate Ashley and everyone who's shared their stories – and am sorry for the difficulties the guests have endured. Given The Sharp End's value of safety and learning from others, I was disheartened then to hear that the host did not demonstrate basic protective care for herself and others with respect to a virus that has killed and disabled millions around the globe. Most recently, Olympic athletes who had trained their entire lives had to forgo competing due to Long Covid. I would hate for Ashley or any listeners to have a similar experience. As with climbing accidents, disability from Covid can happen in practically an instant. Going to a workplace (or anywhere!) while feeling ill, unmasked, and potentially spreading Covid to others is unconscionable and unnecessary. I hope Ashley heals quickly and completely and that no one else contracted it. Ashley has undoubtedly already saved countless lives. I don't want anyone else – for any reason – to lose physical or cognitive abilities and be unable to pursue their passion for the outdoors, let alone work, socialize, etc. I hope in the future Ashley will encourage N95 masking — just as she encourages consistent use of helmets, communication devices, and other best practices to mitigate risks — in order to save lives and prevent disability and the physical, social, emotional, and financial costs that come with it. Thanks for letting me share this. I love the show, appreciate the care it takes to produce, and am awed by the incredible impact it's had. Thank you! "Play hard and be smart!" ❤️😷

The host ruins the podcast. In addition to breathing into the microphone etc, she’s monotone and drains the energy from each episode. She also needs practice asking insightful questions, bantering with her guests, and building up the story. It’s a shame because this would otherwise be a fantastic podcast.

Similar to what many other reviews seem to say, this is a GREAT podcast as far as content, but the consistent issues with audio make it difficult / less enjoyable to listen to. Sound between the subject and host is often radically different meaning if you’ve cranked the volume to hear one person then you blast your eardrums out when the other cuts in. The inconsistency is maddening, especially when listening on earbuds. I love the stories and applaud folks willing to tell their stories for the benefit of others, and the host does a great job asking questions when necessary and making information accessible in case you’re listening and don’t know a term or something like that. I hope the audio issues can get improved to really help this pod take the next step!

5* host. 5* content. 5* stories. 1* audio. Volume overall is consistently low and requires it turned up to 11. the different volume of guest vs host causes jump scares. But I have consistently enjoyed the lessons learned and have been inspired me to reevaluate my gear and safety. This update comes around the time of episode 100. Sound and audio levels are now much more consistent and pleasant to listen to. Sound and audio is now nearly consistent with presenter and content!

Irresponsible climbers who lack determination, teamwork and grit. Twenty years ago, climbers would have been embarrassed to tell this story. The only decent recent episode was the Air Force academy guys BASE jumping. Perhaps the story of me losing my wallet while hiking could be an episode

Thanks for fixing those audio issues, it sounds great now! That was my only gripe with the podcast before now. The stories and lessons learned are so valuable. Rather than an interview, the guests are allowed to tell their stories themselves, with some questions and prompting from Ashley. Very casual and intimate.

This is a great show - I love listening to it. A huge issue which could easily be fixed is the audio levels. The interviewer is at a 10. The interviewee is at a 5. Please fix this - it’s excruciatingly loud to hear the interviewer after you’ve turned up the volume to hear the other person

I’m sure a sound engineer can help or maybe a microphone for podcasting! This is such an amazing podcast but your voice bushwhacks into my brain and we can even hear your breathing as the guest talks sometimes! I really want to hear what you and your guests have to say!

Difference in volume between presenter and guests now makes this unlistenable. Too bad… top-notch content.

This is my favorite outdoor podcast. I like the format, I like the intelligent questions you ask, and most of all I like the lessons learned section. Episode 89 helped me rethink a time when I almost had heat stroke and gave me tips about some early warning signs that guy hadn’t noticed. Thank you, thank you!

Would enjoy this podcast a lot more if the audio editing were way better!

Instructor to student belayer: “It’s no one’s fault (that I fell and broke my ankle ) but you have agency” maybe it’s just me but something is missing

After listening to quality content like against the odds and the fine line, I was excited to find another podcast about search/rescue and accidents. It’s my opinion that the host detracts a lot from the guests story line with her misplaced input in the middle of their dialogue causing a break in the flow of storytelling. The audio quality isn’t the best. Very quiet guest speakers suddenly interrupted by the loud unexpected voice of the host.

This show has been consistent and interesting. While the audio quality / mixing / editing has been an issue forever, the great content has also been consistent. Would love to see a 5-10 minute end to each episode where an actual profesional (outdoor educator, risk mgmt pro, ski patroller, etc) discuss the accident and the story-teller’s perspective. Sometimes the interviewee glazes over Important issues and the host may not queue-in (cue-in?) in real time. Look forward to the evolution of this show

In the latest episode about the hand injury at Indian Creek, the hosts voice is SO much louder than the guest. If I had the volume high enough to hear the guest, my eardrums would be blown out every time the host spoke up. Harsh! Otherwise, a good, informative show, as always!

Super helpful - I’ve learned so much on safety and things to be more aware of when spending time outdoors to prevent injury/death and on self rescue. Thank you for this podcast! 🩵

I find that the host is often trying to balance being nice to the guest and calling their mistakes out to listener. Too often the host lets the guest pass over their biggest mistake. Example: the fact that the forecast for the wind river range was not clear prior to the guys in episode 90 (I was there the week before this incident). I’d suggest folks just read accidents in North America. Also the audio has been an issue for years.

It’s like sitting in on someone else’s debrief. I think it’s great.

My favorite thing about this podcast is the learning opportunities it offers for all of us adventurers. Learn from other peoples’ mistakes! Ashley does such a great job of offering a no-judgement zone for people to tell their stories and for us to be able to incorporate some learnings into our own trips to hopefully prevent it from happening to us. Highly recommend.

Thanks for a great pod. I love it!!! But can we talk about Duane S because his approach scares the heck out of me. First, if you led on a static line you really did not pay attention at all to anything. This is warning number one that Duane S needs to dial it way back and learn a lot by climbing with some mentors, which he basically admits he skipped entirely. Second, his explanation of TR solo is so weird and convoluted. Dude. You fix line. You rap. You climb up it using 2 devices that capture progress. What are you going on about with climber and belayer? Holy smokes.

Been loving these 1st hand stories from people not only as great reminders about ways we can be better prepared for when things go sideways and how to be safer in the places we play, but as a way to learn more about other of outdoor activities that I’m not familiar with. It takes a lot to be vulnerable and talk about a traumatic event, so I really appreciate people who have come forward with their experiences, so that we can all learn from them and hopefully avoid a bad situation ourselves. Thank you!

Am unsubscribing due to the inconsistency of audio between the interviewer and guests. I’ve been a long time listener and I keep hoping it gets better but doesn’t. I am out of patience

Content and stories are all great. Some old and new ones that really stick with me. Lots to learn. However, it’s borderline unlistenable because of some audio editing (or lack thereof) issues: 1) needs normalisation so the loudest and quietest sounds aren’t miles apart. 2) average audio level is too low relative to other podcasts / media. I need to turn this up 15-20% higher than everything else. This wouldn’t be as much of an issue if it didn’t compound with issue 1. I’m sure the interviewees don’t always have the greatest mics but the above should be able to be handled regardless.

The basejumping episode was incredible! Love how he broke it down-know your weather,crew,medical kit,etc. He has the most amazing friends & brother!! Thank you for such great insights into base-jumping

Definitely a few interesting stories, but a ton of noobs with minimal real mountain experience bragging about their excursions then falling while hiking

The content is interesting and well done… stories are great for discussions after the fact as well. Our only complaint is in the editing/producing in that the microphone of the host is much louder than frequently her guests… in order to hear the guests you turn up the radio then when the host speaks you get blasted! Should be an easy fix for an otherwise great listen!

The thing about saving lives through prevention is you mostly never know you save them and you mostly never get thanked. Having these open conversations about outdoor accidents is how backcountry users learn to be smarter and safer. Thank you for this amazing podcast, Ashley!

I love this podcast, highly recommend. One aspect that I am always curious about is the cost of rescues—I think it would be interesting to hear if the adventurer had any special insurance, like AAC’s rescue’s benefit or if their rescue was provided as a public service or volunteer SAR group—or if private pay was required.

I love listening to search and rescue/adventure stories and this is the best podcast I’ve found. The stories are super interesting and told in a way that is both informative and non-judgmental, without minimizing the bad decisions some of the people have made. It is also super helpful in reviewing what went wrong so the listeners can try to avoid the mistakes others have made.

Love this show, the audio though turns me off from it. Some feedback, mixed volumes from host to guest, it’s frustrating to listen to and I’ve stopped episodes mid-way because of it

I don’t climb. I dont even like to climb stairs. But this podcast had me hook from the first episode I heard. Then it was a bingefest! I couldn’t stop. It had me googling all kinds of climbing related gear and terms so I could follow along. It’s a great learning experience of the human endurance and courage.

I have been binge listening while shoveling the endless 2023 California snow. Ashley and all the guests have made wonderful companions. I appreciate the guests’ vulnerability and quality storytelling. I cried, laughed and learned. Merci!

For all climbers, outdoors women and men, and people that want to learn from the mistakes of others! I always look forward to new episodes on this podcast. Very grateful it exists! Thanks to the host for all their hard work they put into this !

The podcast itself is awesome. Some of the episodes, however, are unlistenable. The audio is all over the place. I'm constantly turning up and down the volume to adjust for the hosts quiet track and then the guests way too loud track, after a few times of trying to drive and listen and monitor volume, I had to shut it down. I'll keep checking back... Not every episode is like this, but the ones that are make it a frustrating listening experience. Hope it gets better:)

Ashley Saupe does all of us an incredible service by providing a space for brave people to tell their stories of ‘near misses’ in their outdoor pursuits. Ashley listens while stories are told, asking an occasional knowledgeable question or thoughtful comment and ends with “Lessons learned.” A fine podcast full of learning opportunities for all of us.

I listen to this for interesting risk management perspectives/missteps/etc. I am not a climber, but I really appreciate the lessons learned shared here. I spend a lot of time in the woods, but a lot of that has been for work (wildfires) and for recreation (trail running, mountain biking, hiking), so I’ve been interested in human factors and why and when things go wrong for awhile; lions, tigers and heuristic traps….oh my. Thank you all that share your stories and much respect to those that have not survived. May we all continue to learn and share and help each other avoid catastrophic consequences.

I like this show, and the stories that the interviewees tell. I’ll keep listening to this show. I don’t want to tear the interviewer down. But there’s definitely room for improvement with interview technique, questions, even voice inflection/tone…

What’s more important than keeping the public informed on safety? I’ve learned so much from this show and the mistakes and accidents of the guests.

My number priority in climbing is safety, and I started listening to this show before I ever started climbing outside. I know that lessons I’ve learned from those brave enough to share have made a difference to me and others. I love the episodes about misadventures where everything turned out ok, but I think it’s important to hear everyone’s story so that others’ injury or loss can serve a greater purpose and get more people home safely. This show is an incredible gift to the community.

I love these topics! But I listened to a whole long podcast where the interviewee spoke with the interviewer not saying a word. Those podcasts are boring. The best podcasts have an active vibrant and charismatic interviewer who bring the best out of the interviewee.

I started listening to this podcast in 2020, and I’ve been hooked! I only signed up for Patreon JUST so I could support the show (I promise I will also support other podcasts in the future!). Ashley is dedicated, mindful, and always respectful in her interviews. While we all have our own opinions about some of the stories, what matters most is that the lessons learned are being talked about. I’m sure these lessons have prevented some bad days in the mountains for people who listen to the show! Always good reminders in the episodes of what to do and what NOT to do. Thank you Ashley for your hard work! We appreciate it!

Really hoped a few tough questions would be asked of Ken Wylie. Shocked the host didn’t even read his book in advance of the “interview”. Shows keep getting weaker and weaker.

Great show but I dont like how Ashley has to continually talk about how she is the only person who works on the show and need support to keep it going. I get it that it takes work but so does everything. Lot of people run podcasts and you tube channels. Don’t do it if you do t like doing it. Plenty of stuff to listen to.

Love the idea and the content, but the storytelling and the interviews need help most of the time. A producer would do wonders for the show. Also, “learnings”? “Lessons” is what you’re looking for.

As an outdoor lover with many varying interests (too many to gain expertise in just one) I so appreciate this podcast, host and guests sharing their experiences. Many of these experiences are traumatic and painful to recount and as a listener I have great respect and admiration for that. I have no doubt that those of us listening are safer in our endeavors because of this platform. Personally it has changed the way I approach my interests and how I assess risk. Many thanks -M

For my time which is more valuable to me than money, there is no better show than the sharp end for adventure enthusiasts. I’ve been listening to Ashley from the very beginning and it’s impossible to say how many accidents she has helped me to avoid because of the lessons learned shared in this space. Keep it up and thank you.

What was once a educational show interviewing self-respecting outdoor people, it is now the “Monthy Idiot Who Shouldnt Be Outside”. Hard to learn lessons from people who don’t have the basics to bring food, water, or a cell phone with them. I loved the girl who kept repeating “We were traveling ultralight, so we didn’t bring helmets”. How much can you learn from a privileged idiot? This podcast highlights the nightmares of Colorado 14ers when inexperienced idiots strand themselves, or how about the girl who almost killed her own dog? This podcast is now a joke.