The Backcountry Manifesto
The Backcountry Manifesto
Podcast Description
Welcome to The Backcountry Manifesto Podcast, the outdoor adventure podcast for everyone. Join your buddy out west, Hayden Sammak, as he talks to friends old and new about wild places, exploration, and backcountry adventure.
From talking space exploration with astronaut Loral O’Hara, to bullshitting about rock climbing with Rick Accomazzo and John Long, TBM has something for everyone, no matter what you’re into. If it has anything to do with outdoor adventure in wild places, you’ll find us talking about it here.
Welcome to the backcountry – welcome to The Backcountry Manifesto!
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast covers a wide array of themes related to outdoor adventures, such as rock climbing, astronomy, and prospecting. Specific episodes delve into topics like the legendary 'Dope Lake' crash stories, gold prospecting techniques with experts like Dan Hurd, and firsthand accounts of life aboard the International Space Station with astronaut Loral O'Hara, highlighting the intersection of adventure and practical experiences.
Welcome to The Backcountry Manifesto Podcast, the adventure podcast for everyone. Join your buddy out west, Hayden Sammak, as he talks to friends old and new about wild places, exploration, and backcountry adventure.
From talking space exploration with astronaut Loral O’Hara, to bullshitting about rock climbing with Rick Accomazzo and John Long, TBM has something for everyone, no matter what you’re into. If it has anything to do with outdoor adventure in wild places, you’ll find us talking about it here.
Welcome to the backcountry – welcome to The Backcountry Manifesto!
Is Everest still a climber’s ultimate test, or has it become too crowded and controversial?
This week on The Backcountry Manifesto, Everest historian, climber, and 1999 Mallory expedition participant Tom Pollard joins host Hayden Sammak in PART 3 of our discussion to share his gripping firsthand stories. We dive into Tom’s four Everest attempts, his 2016 summit triumph, the evolution of guiding from pre-1996 pioneers to today’s high-stakes operators, and the raw power of Sherpa climbers. Plus, breakdowns of key landmarks like the Hillary Step and South Col, the perils of avalanches and bottlenecks, debunking myths around “Into Thin Air,” and reflections on what Everest truly represents beyond the hype. If you’re fascinated by high-altitude adventure, mountaineering history, or the human spirit against nature’s extremes, this episode is your summit push.
We talk about:
- The landmarks on the route of an Everest summit
- The DEATH ZONE
- Khumbu Icefall
- Sherpas
- Commercialization of the mountain
- Permits in Nepal and China
- Minecraft Youtuber turned Everest summiteer
Links mentioned in this video
Connect
- Catch up with Hayden on IG, TikTok, and more: https://linktr.ee/Hayden_Sammak
- Follow TBM on Youtube, IG, and everywhere else: https://linktr.ee/BackcountryManifesto
- Get yer limited-run TBM X Out Yonder Co. merch: https://outyondercompany.com/pages/shop-the-out-yonder-x-backcountry-manifesto-collab
Partners
- Special thanks to our partners at Shared Pour! Visit SharedPour.com to purchase the VERY FIRST Backcountry Manifesto barrel pick, available right now!
Credits
- Intro and Animations by Barry Thompson
- Photograph Contributions for Animation by Carver Weeks
- Additional Graphics by Andrew O’Neill
- Production Assistance by John Stock
- “Welcome to the Backcountry” theme song by Logan Roth, Will Brown, Arjun Dube and produced at Treacle Mine Studios, Phila, PA
- Copyright Outdoor Visions Media LLC, 2025
Disclaimer
This podcast’s information is provided for general reference and was obtained from publicly accessible sources. The Podcast Collaborative neither produces nor verifies the content, accuracy, or suitability of this podcast. Views and opinions belong solely to the podcast creators and guests.
For a complete disclaimer, please see our Full Disclaimer on the archive page. The Podcast Collaborative bears no responsibility for the podcast’s themes, language, or overall content. Listener discretion is advised. Read our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy for more details.