Episode 174: EBC Part 3: Trust on the Mountain with Karen Darke
“I have this natural calling and curiosity for adventure… I just instantly look for how you can do something rather than how you can’t.”
This week, in the final part of our Everest Base Camp series, we're honored to welcome Karen Darke, Paralympic gold medalist, and adventurer whose extraordinary journey to Everest Base Camp redefines what it means to answer the call to adventure. From her early days as a passionate explorer to overcoming a life-changing accident that left her paralyzed, Karen’s story is a testament to resilience, curiosity, and the power of saying “yes” to life’s boldest invitations.
Karen takes us on a journey through her transformation from dreaming about adventure to living it—sharing the pivotal moment when a casual conversation sparked the audacious idea to trek to Everest Base Camp. What began as a vision quickly became a test of trust, surrender, and teamwork, as Karen navigated the unpredictable terrain of the Himalayas alongside a dedicated team, overcoming logistical hurdles, mechanical failures, and the ever-present doubts that accompany any great quest.
In this episode, we explore the deeper meaning of adventure beyond the summit photos: the surrender to the unknown, the profound connections forged with guides, porters, and fellow travelers, and the inner gold uncovered through both struggle and celebration. Karen’s story is a powerful reminder of the magic that unfolds when we trust the journey, lean on community, and allow ourselves to be transformed by the mountains—inside and out.
Join us for a moving conversation about finding purpose through challenge, the art of surrender, and what it truly means to answer the call to adventure.
Karen and Scott also discuss:
00:29 Everest Base Camp Adventure Overview
01:04 Introducing Karen Darke
01:10 The Call to Adventure
02:03 Karen's Journey and Challenges
03:13 The Hero's Journey and Saying Yes
04:35 Preparing for the Trek
16:34 Traveling with the Ice Trike
20:00 Challenges and Serendipity
29:34 Reflecting on the Porter Team
30:19 Belief in the Universe
32:19 The Bike's Journey Begins
34:37 Challenges on the Trail
36:33 Catastrophic Failure and Recovery
44:35 Team Dynamics and Relationships
50:37 Reaching Base Camp and Reflections
55:47 Future Adventures and Final Thoughts
You can learn more about Karen by following her Instagram, and Facebook, or connect with her on LinkedIn and by visiting Karen’s website KarenDarke.com.
See below for photos Karen shared from her adventures.
Watch the Full Behind The Scenes Episode
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