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“Strap Yer Boots” is your go-to podcast for raw, unfiltered conversations about the challenges and triumphs of everyday life. Hosted by passionate adventurers Laura Roche & April Brophy, this show dives deep into topics that matter- whether it’s overcoming obstacles, pushing through tough times, or simply finding joy in the journey.
36 Episodes
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In December 1943, a brand-new USAAF C-47 Skytrain on a ferry flight to England veered off course and struck the slopes of Cnoc na Péiste in the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks. All five crewmen were killed, their story buried in confusion over dates, wartime secrecy, and the remoteness of the Kerry mountains. In this episode of Strap Yer Boots, we retrace the doomed flight, the recovery, and the enduring mystery of “the forgotten crash” in Ireland’s highest range. Along the way, we uncover how ...
In this episode of Strap Yer Boots, we sit down with John O’Brien— Irish military leader turned outdoor adventurer. With over 26 years of service, John’s career took him from managing complex investigations to leading multinational teams in challenging environments. In 2019, he founded Little Big Adventures Ireland, where he now shares his passion for the outdoors as a qualified Mountain Leader. We chat about the lessons the mountains can teach us, how military precision translates to t...
On Christmas Eve 1971, 17-year-old Juliane Koepcke boarded a flight over the Peruvian rainforest with her mother. What was supposed to be a routine journey turned into a nightmare when lightning struck the plane, causing it to disintegrate mid-air. Juliane fell over two miles—without a parachute—and miraculously survived. In this episode, we delve into one of the most extraordinary survival stories of all time. We explore Juliane’s experience falling from the sky, waking up alone in the jungl...
Rising high in the remote ranges of Tibet, Mount Kailash has inspired awe, devotion, and mystery for thousands of years. Unlike other famous peaks, it has never been climbed—nor should it be, according to the spiritual traditions that revere it. In this episode, we journey into the legends and beliefs that surround this extraordinary mountain. From its significance in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Bon, to the pilgrimage of the sacred kora around its base, Mount Kailash represents more than...
Join us as we lace up and take on Carrauntoohil, Ireland’s highest peak and the crown jewel of the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks. In this episode, we break down the trail details step by step — from the approaches to the Devil’s Ladder and alternative routes — giving you a clear picture of what to expect on the climb. Along the way, we dive into the rich folklore and legends that surround the mountain, where myth and landscape intertwine in unforgettable ways. Whether you’re planning your own hike or...
In 1959, nine hikers vanished in Russia's Ural Mountains. Their tent was found slashed open from the inside...their bodies scattered, some half-dressed in the snow, others with injuries no one could explain. Was it nature, secrecy, or something beyond? Strap Yer Boots and step into the cold as we uncover the haunting mystery of the Dyatlov Pass. Instagram @strapyerboots Website strapyerboots.com Contact info@strapyerboots.com
In this episode of Strap Yer Boots, we head to the rugged hills of Ireland’s south-east to meet two members of the South Eastern Mountain Rescue Association (SEMRA) — Liz Browne and Pat Holland. From midnight callouts to life-saving rescues in wild weather, they share what it’s really like to be part of a volunteer team that drops everything to answer the call. We talk about the skills, teamwork, and dedication it takes to bring people home safely, and hear some unforgettable stories from the...
In this episode, we’re joined by the incredibly inspiring Ian O’Brien—husband, father, adventurer, and advocate—who was diagnosed with Early Onset Parkinson’s Disease at just 38 years old. Rather than letting the diagnosis define him, Ian chose to take action—literally. In June 2023, he embarked on the Eur-Up-Ian Challenge: climbing the highest peak in all 27 EU countries and the UK in just 28 days. That’s right—28 mountains, 28 days, one massive journey of resilience, awareness, and purpose....
Grab the lead, Strap Yer Boots, and pack a few treats—this week, we’re talking all things dog-friendly trails across Ireland! From breezy coastal strolls to forest adventures and mountain scrambles that’ll tire out even the most energetic pups, we’re sharing routes that both humans and hounds will love. We chat about trail etiquette, must-have gear (yes, even for dogs), and our own four-legged companions. So whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just looking for a new Sunday walk with your...
Strap yer boots and get ready to scale new heights as we dive into the world of mountaineering — where grit meets glory and the summit is just the beginning. In this episode, we explore the roots of mountaineering, from early Alpine ascents to the golden age of Himalayan exploration. Discover how this daring pursuit evolved from scientific curiosity to a global passion, and meet the trailblazers who paved the icy paths we follow today. Whether you're a seasoned climber or just curious about t...
What does it take to attempt the world’s longest triathlon — and finish it on the summit of Mount Everest? In this episode, we sit down with Mitch Hutchcraft, former Royal Marine Commando and the force behind Project Limitless, an unprecedented 12,000km journey of endurance, resilience, and purpose. From swimming the English Channel, cycling 10,000km across continents, and running through the punishing terrain of India and Nepal — all before even setting foot on the world’s tallest mountain —...
In this episode, we venture into the wild with Aisling Kinsella – birdwatcher, zoology graduate, and adventure host of Gals Gone Wild. Aisling shares how her love for the outdoors took flight three years ago, where birdsong and bogland shaped her passion for nature. We chat about her academic journey through zoology, the joy (and challenge) of spotting elusive species, and how she’s using media to connect more women to the wild. With curiosity, humor, and a deep reverence for the natural worl...
In this episode of Strap Yer Boots, we dive into the unbelievable true story of Maurice Wilson — World War I veteran, spiritual seeker, and the man who hatched one of the most bizarre plans in mountaineering history. Inspired by faith, fasting, and a second-hand biplane, Wilson set out in the 1930s to conquer Mount Everest entirely alone, with almost no climbing experience. Drawing from Ed Caesar’s riveting book The Moth and the Mountain, we trace Wilson’s journey from the skies of Engl...
In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Sarah Armstrong — a 30-year-old adventurer, mountaineer, and all-around force of nature. Sarah is currently on a bold mission to climb the Seven Summits — the highest peaks on each continent — by 2027. From summiting Kilimanjaro in 2024 to conquering Aconcagua in 2025, and reaching Everest Base Camp in 2023, Sarah has already checked off some of the world's most iconic and demanding climbs. Her mountain resume also includes Mount Kenya, Mount Toubka...
In this episode of Strap Yer Boots, we set our sights on the Seven Summits — the tallest mountain on each of the seven continents. From the iconic Everest in Asia to the icy isolation of Antarctica’s Mount Vinson, we break down what makes each of these peaks both a physical and mental battleground. Whether you're dreaming of Denali or just curious why Kosciuszko sparks so much debate, we’re exploring the history, challenges, and allure of these legendary climbs. Join us as we talk altitude, a...
In this episode, we lace up our boots and step into the bogs, hills, and high pastures of Ireland to trace the humble sheep’s extraordinary journey through five thousand years of Irish life. From the first hardy flocks brought by Neolithic farmers, to the monastic monks who spun fleece into holy robes, to the famine-weary shepherds of the 1800s — this is not just a story of wool and weather. It’s a tale of survival, silence, and soft-footed resilience. Strap Yer Boots invites you to walk alon...
This week on Strap Yer Boots, we lace up for a windswept, soul-stirring hike up Mount Brandon in County Kerry — one of Ireland’s most sacred peaks. Along the way, we dive into the legend of Saint Brendan the Navigator, the original Atlantic explorer (take that, Columbus), and have a few laughs about their slightly confused discovery of the “12 Apostles of Ireland.” Fresh from a weekend at the vibrant and wild OutWest Festival in Dingle, we share tips on what to do in Dingle, from holding baby...
In this episode, we dive into the enchanting world of Aengus Óg, the Irish god of love, youth, and poetic dreams. Born of the Dagda and the river goddess Boann, Aengus is a figure wrapped in mystery and myth—known for his eternal youth, his silver tongue, and a swan-maiden love that defied the bounds of the mortal world. From shape-shifting lovers to dreamlike journeys through the Otherworld, we explore the tales that made Aengus a symbol of passion, inspiration, and the power of dreams...
In this high-flying episode of Strap Yer Boots, we sit down with the remarkable Debbie Hally—winchman with Ireland’s elite Rescue 117 crew. From the streets to the skies, Debbie takes us through her extraordinary journey, beginning as an advanced paramedic and transitioning into one of the most demanding and adrenaline-fueled roles in emergency response. We dive into the grit, courage, and heart it takes to dangle from a helicopter in brutal Irish weather, reaching people in their most vulner...
This week, we untangle a sun-scorched story of desperation, friendship, and a decision that stunned the nation. In the brutal heat of August 1999, David Coughlin and Raffi Kodikian set off on what was supposed to be a quick overnight hike through Rattlesnake Canyon in Carlsbad Caverns National Park. But when they lost the trail and their water ran out, things went from uncomfortable to deadly—fast. Stranded in the desert with no help in sight, their survival story took a shocking turn. We’re ...
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