What happens when you lean into the things that make you different?

In this episode, I sit down with Bren Piper, a Canmore local who has represented Canada in international dry tooling competitions.

We explore the unusual world of dry tooling, a niche discipline of climbing that uses ice tools on steep rock and artificial structures, and what it takes to compete on the world stage.

But this conversation goes far beyond competition.

Bren shares how exploring unconventional hobbies, from competitive climbing to juggling fire, has shaped his approach to fear, performance anxiety, and personal growth. We talk about the mental side of competition, training for fear of falling, the pride of representing your country, and why pursuing niche passions can build confidence in unexpected ways.

It’s a thoughtful conversation about curiosity, community, and why trying things outside the mainstream might be one of the most powerful ways to grow.

Follow Bren:

Instagram - @bren_piper

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Contact Me: www.plantoendure.com

Instagram: @plan.to.endure

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when the life you’ve built changes in an instant?

In this episode, I sit down with Mark Herbison, an ACMG mountain guide whose life shifted dramatically after a paragliding incident led to the amputation of his lower left leg.

Mark shares the story of the day everything changed, and the long road that followed. We talk about recovery, pain management, body image, and the emotional process of redefining identity after a life altering injury.

But this conversation goes deeper than resilience.

We explore how the experience reshaped Mark’s perspective on risk, ambition, and what it means to live a meaningful life. From philosophical reflections to the role of family, gratitude, and public speaking in his journey, Mark shares how adversity can become a catalyst for clarity.

This is a powerful conversation about perspective, identity, and learning to rebuild a life when the ground beneath you shifts.

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The Parable of the Chinese Farmer

Once upon a time there was a Chinese farmer whose horse ran away. That evening, all of his neighbors came around to commiserate. They said, “We are so sorry to hear your horse has run away. This is most unfortunate.” The farmer said, “Maybe.” The next day the horse came back bringing seven wild horses with it, and in the evening everybody came back and said, “Oh, isn’t that lucky. What a great turn of events. You now have eight horses!” The farmer again said, “Maybe.”

The following day his son tried to break one of the horses, and while riding it, he was thrown and broke his leg. The neighbors then said, “Oh dear, that’s too bad,” and the farmer responded, “Maybe.” The next day the conscription officers came around to conscript people into the army, and they rejected his son because he had a broken leg. Again all the neighbors came around and said, “Isn’t that great!” Again, he said, “Maybe.”

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Follow Mark:

Instagram - @markherbison

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Contact Me: www.plantoendure.com

Instagram: @plan.to.endure

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it take to tell the story of someone who helped shape an entire generation of climbers?

In this episode, I sit down with filmmaker and producer Andy Arts to talk about the making of Spindrift: A Barry Blanchard Story, a film about legendary Canadian alpinist Barry Blanchard.

But this conversation goes far beyond filmmaking.

Andy shares what it was like to document the life of someone many consider a hero, while uncovering the human story behind the legend. We talk about the challenges of filming in the mountains, the responsibility of telling someone else’s story honestly, and why the most powerful moments in storytelling often come from vulnerability rather than achievement.

We also explore the deeper themes that emerged through the process: the importance of heroes, the quiet influence of unsung lives, balancing freedom with family, and the kind of legacy that truly lasts.

This is a conversation about storytelling, meaning, and what it really takes to capture a life well lived.

Watch Spindrift:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rhS55Idhsfw

Follow Andy:

Instagram - @andy_a_arts

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Contact Me: www.plantoendure.com

Instagram: @plan.to.endure

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.