Former guides Dr. Kelly & Juliet Starrett are a power couple in so many ways; as wellness experts, influencers, coaches, business people, and socially-impactful parents. Their story demonstrates where a guiding mindset fosters extraordinary success as courage, caring, and vision come together.

"Simply put, I still love to guide!" 30 years after starting Southern Yosemite Mountain Guides with a couple of buddies, a closet full of gear, a van, and a passion for adventure, Ian Elman runs a business that's stood the test of time like the alpine, granite paradise his guides navigate.

Susan Purvis saves lives and teaches others to do the same. She's done this as an adventure guide, medic, avalanche instructor, writer, and a remarkable storyteller. And she's done it on seven continents in the highest, lowest, hottest, coldest places on earth.

Borneo has some of the world's most fascinating biodiversity. Susan Myers is a long-time birdwatching guide and naturalist with Wings Birds. She's a leading expert, in particular, on the birds of Southeast Asia and author of the Birds of Borneo. Join us for insights - usually best seen and heard in the earliest morning hours. Links:

Cari Gray was a 22-year-old cycling guide who worked her way across Europe, and up through the ranks of an elite, adventure travel company. And then she had a vision: bespoke adventure travel for billionaires. People with means want super-exclusive, private island-like vacations. Two things come in handy: a jet on standby, and Cari Gray's phone number.

In this episode, Barry shares a quick update on Leading Steep and how to reach out and participate, a recap on recent shows, a preview on future shows, thoughts on leadership and kids, and some very important acknowledgments.

Richard Bangs has been called "Indiana Jones with a conscious." He is an extraordinary raconteur because he's lived the stories he tells on all parts of the globe. Founder of Sobek, river explorer and first descender, online travel pioneer, founding team member at Expedia, writer, media producer and filmographer, travel expert, leadership sage. Richard shares perspectives on all this and more.

This is the Leading Steep Podcast. I’m Barry Kruse. I’m interviewing adventure guides and leaders from around the world. Thanks for listening, subscribing, sharing, and rating.

Zach Collier is the owner of Northwest Rafting, a forward-thinking thought leader, influencer, and respected voice in the whitewater industry. He's shared hundreds-of-hours of knowledge on YouTube and is passionate about rafting, leadership, and delivering quality adventure experiences for guests. Northwest Rafting runs the best rivers in Oregon, Idaho, and Bhutan. Zach brings a fascinating perspective to all of these.

Jim Coffey is the owner of Esprit Whitewater in Quebec, Canada, and one of the world's leading experts on river rescue. He's got great perspectives on leadership garnered over many years as an elite, worldwide whitewater guide and outfitter.

Host Barry Kruse introduces the Leading Steep podcast, and gives background on himself, the history of the podcast, the guests, and what you can expect to get from the show.