Type2Fun

Imagine hiking through the misty mountains of Rwanda, not knowing exactly what awaits you—and then suddenly finding yourself standing just feet away from a family of mountain gorillas.It’s one thing to see wildlife. It’s another to look into the eyes of an animal that is so incredibly powerful, intelligent, and familiar… and realize you’re sharing its world.On this episode of Type2Fun, Theresa is joined by Julia Nesbitt from Embark Explorations and David Cope, an Embark client who recently returned from this extraordinary journey.David takes us inside the experience of trekking through Rwanda in search of mountain gorillas and what it was like when that long-awaited moment finally happened. Julia shares what goes into coordinating these incredible trips and why Rwanda has become such a powerful destination for adventure travelers.And the gorillas are just the beginning.The journey also includes encounters with chimpanzees and golden monkeys, incredible trekking through Rwanda’s landscapes, and a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial—an experience that adds an important and deeply moving dimension to the trip.This is a story about wildlife and adventure, but it’s also about perspective, connection, resilience, and those rare travel experiences that change you long after you’ve unpacked your bags.In this episode:• Getting up close with Rwanda’s mountain gorillas• What it feels like to encounter a gorilla family in the wild• Trekking for chimpanzees and golden monkeys• The physical and emotional challenges of the journey• What goes into planning a life-changing Embark adventure• Visiting the Kigali Genocide Memorial• Rwanda’s remarkable story of resilience• Why some adventures become memories you carry forever

Episode: Getting Mountain Ready: How to Train for Your Next Big TrekType2Fun Podcast | Presented by Embark ExplorationGreg Amorelli is a U.S. Army veteran turned personal trainer with a passion for the mountains and helping people reach their physical peak — literally. Greg has climbed with Embark Exploration and brings a coach's eye to everything from beginner fitness to summit prep.In this episode, we cover:Embark's 4-Month Training Plan & Fitness AssessmentGreg walks through Embark Exploration's structured approach to pre-climb preparation, including the fitness assessment used to benchmark where you're starting and how the 4-month timeline is designed to build you up progressively — not just get you moving, but get you mountain-ready.Gym Fit vs. Mountain FitOne of the most important distinctions in this episode. You might crush it in the gym, but the mountain is a completely different animal. Greg explains why cardiovascular endurance, load-bearing capacity, and functional movement under fatigue matter far more than how much you can bench press.Weightlifting as Part of the PlanStrength training isn't left out — Greg makes the case for how and why lifting fits into a mountain training program, and what kinds of movements actually transfer to the trail.Training Without Elevation: Advice for FlatlandersLiving in Texas or Florida doesn't have to hold you back. Greg shares practical, proven strategies for building altitude readiness and hiking-specific fitness even when the tallest thing around you is a highway overpass.Nutrition for PerformanceWhat you eat before, during, and after training sessions matters — and on the mountain, it can be the difference between a strong summit push and bonking on a ridgeline. Greg covers the nutritional principles that support serious mountain training.The Mental Side of TrainingPhysical preparation will only take you so far. Greg discusses how to build mental toughness, manage discomfort, and develop the mindset that carries you through the hardest moments on a climb.Connect with Greg Amorelli: www.arxhp.comLearn more about Embark Exploration: www.embarkexplorationco.com

What happens when the plan falls apart?In this episode of Type2Fun, host Theresa Stephens sits down with professional adventure guides Milo Gomezand Jordan Cargill to explore one of the most important — and least discussed — aspects of outdoor travel: decision-making when conditions change.From rapidly shifting weather systems to managing risk in remote environments, experienced guides know that success isn’t always defined by reaching the summit or completing the route.Sometimes, the bravest and most professional decision is to turn around.In this episode, we discuss:✅ Why weather is the most unpredictable factor in expedition planning✅ How guides assess risk and make safety calls in real time✅ Setting expectations and safety rules before an adventure begins✅ The psychology of disappointment when goals change✅ Leadership lessons from outdoor guiding✅ Why the journey — not the summit — becomes the lasting memoryWhether you’re an experienced adventurer, aspiring guide, or someone curious about expedition leadership, this conversation reveals what truly defines a successful adventure.Discover your next adventure at Embark Exploration

This episode we sat down with Nima, Embark's Site Director in Nepal to discuss the lure of Everest and some amazing stories from the trail.  Learn all about sherpa life and Nima's exciting ancestry  Envision what a typical day is like trekking to Everest Base Camp What's a tea house? What are the differences between a trek in the Annapurna region vs the Everest Region What surprises people about Nepal  and so much more!  Learn why people come back multiple times to Nepal and hear stories from the trail. 

Introducing Embark’s Slow Hiker Community, officially called the Pole-Pole club. Pole-Pole is Swahili means “slow slow,” and that’s what these trips will be designed for – Slow Hikers. We have been running hiking adventures around the world for decades and know, first hand, the power and perseverance inside those who might not be the fastest in the group.  Being slow doesn’t stop us from being amazing hikers, climbers, and adventurers!  You know you will make it to your destination, it just might take a bit longer.  And, let’s face it, it can be deflating to feel like you are constantly slowing others down.  You know you’re strong… you’re just… slow.  And what’s so wrong with that? The Pole-Pole club is set around the concept of a slow pace- anyone can participate; just know if you come, you’re definitely going to be taking your time. Next Steps Join our Slow Hikers Mailing List Tune in for our podcast about slow hiking Watch for our upcoming hikes designed for slow hikers Sign up and hike together, collecting Slow Hiker badges along the way- you know you want one! Prepare for the ultimate culmination of all your hard work – Everest Base Camp or Oaxaca Mexico! This summer, 2023, Embark will be planning a series of hikes meant for our Slow Hiker community.  Together we will turn the slow hiker connotation on its head- we’re going to Embrace the Slow.  Our hikes will be just as dynamic and engaging as any of our Embark’s adventures but there will be an emphasis on a measured pace, deliberated breaks and more assistance with packing and personal gear management.  We are planning adventures to Canada, the Colorado Rockies, and Oaxaca, Mexico with a culminating epic trek to Everest Base Camp. There will be hikes every year for the Slow Hikers. The slow hikers concept is a way to really take in your surroundings; for some of us, this will be our only experience in the remote neck of the woods where Embark adventures take place…so why not take our time? Come hike with us! P.s. The hiking will be slow but don’t dilly dally reserving your spot; there’s a lot of us out there who are super enthused to have found this group and space is limited!