Jude's Slices

Rising to nearly 9 kilometres (5½ miles) above sea level, Mount Everest represents the ultimate challenge in mountaineering, a deadly siren calling to those brave – or foolish – enough to test themselves against her slopes.

As of December 2024, more than 7,200 people have climbed Everest and 335 have died in the attempt.

In this Slice, we’ll learn about the origins and the fairly recent discovery of the mountain, and we’ll meet the pioneers – those incredibly brave and seemingly superhuman men and women who made history or broke new records.

We’ll also look at the Sherpas, the local mountain people who continue to risk their lives many times on each expedition, and we’ll consider what makes them do it. 

And, of course, we’ll discuss the impact that all these expeditions have on the mountain.

Oh, and as a bonus for brave readers and listeners, we’ll also find out how to climb Everest, step by gruelling step!

Join me in this exploration of everything to do with the legend that is Mount Everest.