#306. Special Forces in Everest Death Zone & World's Fastest Ascent: Alistair Carns & Staz

In this podcast episode, Al Cairns and Staz recount their exhilarating and challenging expedition to summit Mount Everest while raising crucial funds for veterans. Al, a former military officer who transitioned into politics, shares insights into his military background and the reasons behind his using the climb as a platform for veterans' support. They discuss the extreme conditions they faced, such as battling avalanches, thinning air at high altitudes, and the emotional toll of encountering frozen bodies on the mountain. Staz provides his perspective on the mountaineering challenge, highlighting the training involved, including altitude acclimatization while sleeping in a hypoxic tent in their homes. They reflect on the camaraderie that defined their climb and how their military training prepared them for the physical and mental hardships. Importantly, the conversation delves into their motivations for the climb — primarily to shed light on veterans' issues and raise funds that would impact bereaved families. Cairns explains his commitment to initiating systemic changes for veteran support through his political role. The episode ends with an appeal to listeners to contribute to the cause, emphasizing their shared mission to create positive change for their comrades.