#1790 - Nims Purja
NaN minutesEpisode #1790
Nims is the multi world record breaking mountaineer who climbed all 14 of the world’s ‘Death Zone’ peaks over 8,000m in just 6 months and 6 days. He was part of the first winter ascent of the ‘Savage Mountain’ K2. His film, "14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible," is out now on Netflix, as is his best-selling book, "Beyond Possible." Nims is a UNEP Mountain Advocate and founder of the Nimsdai Foundation.
Episode Timestamps
Joe Rogan Podcast and Personal Background
- Introduction to the Joe Rogan podcast and a conversation with the guest about a documentary
- Guest shares childhood dream of becoming a Gyrca and the journey of achieving it
- Discussion on poverty, success, and the challenges faced in reaching goals
Determination and Training Regimen
- Guest's intense training routine and dedication to achieve his goals
- Description of the rigorous physical and mental preparation for joining the special forces
- Development of discipline, sense of humor, and hard work leading to historical achievement
Self-Discipline, Dream Pursuit, and Family Sacrifices
- Discussion on the development of self-discipline and self-motivation from a young age
- Exploration of the dream pursuit and career progression from childhood aspirations to serving in Special Forces
- Personal sacrifices made for pursuing dreams, including resigning from a stable career and strained family relationships
Challenging the Impossible, Fundraising Struggles, and Initial Project Ideation
- Setting the audacious goal of completing the 14 peaks in record time to inspire perseverance
- Struggles faced in fundraising for the project despite the substantial financial requirements
- Starting the journey of creating a movie project with no prior experience in filmmaking or media involvement
Struggles with Funding and Building Support
- Discussion on the challenges faced after quitting a job and pursuing a passion project
- Struggle with funding and lack of initial investor support
- Initiative to mortgage personal assets to fund the project and generate early momentum
Conquering Annapurna and Insights on Fitness
- Experience of embarking on a dangerous mountain climbing expedition on Annapurna
- Exchange on impressive cardio abilities and its roots in consistent lifelong training
- Insights into the adaptation of Sherpas to high altitudes and the impact on their genetics
Life and Challenges on Mount Everest
- Description of the challenges faced during an Everest expedition in 2019 due to limited favorable weather conditions
- Insights into the sacrifices and financial commitments individuals make for Everest expeditions
- Introduction of the Big Mountain Cleanup Project to address pollution issues on mountains
High Altitude Challenges and Rescue Mission
- Discussion on high altitude cerebral edema and its impact on climbers
- Anecdote about a rescue mission on the Halagry mountain affecting the summit plan
- Dramatic account of a rescue operation on Kansanjunga involving oxygen depletion and casualties
Challenges and Determination in Climbing Peaks
- Discussion about hallucinations during high altitude sickness while climbing Everest
- Struggles and determination of climbing peaks despite challenging circumstances
- Funding difficulties and managing various aspects of the climbing projects
Documenting the Climbing Journey and Impact
- Efforts in documenting the climbing journey with hundreds of hours of footage
- Suggestion for a comprehensive series on Netflix to explore each individual climb in depth
- Emotional significance and the impact of the climbing journey on viewers' motivation and perspective
Challenges and Perseverance in Achieving Extreme Goals
- Discussion on pushing past the point where most people quit
- Facing skepticism and doubt in pursuing ambitious challenges
- Highlight on planning, determination, and overcoming obstacles in achieving goals
Physical Demands and Mental Preparedness in High-Altitude Climbing
- Insight into food and hydration strategies in extreme conditions
- Approach to training and mindset for endurance in challenging environments
- Discussion on attention to detail and careful planning for survival
Positive Mindset and Overcoming Challenges
- Nims shares his belief in the power of positivity and recounts a personal experience on Everest where he had to change his perspective to overcome a challenge
- Discusses the importance of mental framing and believing in positive outcomes even in difficult situations
- Touches upon lies as a tool for self-encouragement and the human capacity to adapt in extreme circumstances
Adventure, Human Nature, and Environmental Responsibility
- Exploration of the accessibility of adventures like climbing Everest to individuals from different backgrounds
- Reflection on the transformative power of physical challenges on personal development and mindset
- Discussion on human behavior in survival scenarios and the environmental impact of mountaineering, emphasizing the need for collective responsibility and action
Expedition Stories and Challenges on K2 Mountain
- Narrative about encountering a dead body on a peak, discussing the risks and challenges of high-altitude climbing
- Insight into the extreme conditions faced during winter climbs on K2, showcasing the difficulty and danger involved
- Description of a historic team accomplishment on K2, emphasizing unity and national pride
Accomplishments and Future Endeavors
- Reflections on achieving extraordinary feats and contemplating future goals in extreme sports
- Discussion on the endless pursuit of challenges beyond the current achievements
- Sharing a personal milestone of summiting K2 with a group and celebrating the unity and happiness it brought
Facing Challenges in Extreme Conditions
- Discussion about frostnip, an early stage of frostbite, and its treatment
- Personal anecdotes about facing challenges in extreme conditions
- Exploration of how experiences in challenging environments can change one's perspective on life
Preparing and Climbing Mount Everest
- Description of the preparation process for climbing Mount Everest
- Insights into the acclimatization process and adapting to high altitudes
- Overview of the journey from base camp to summit and the time frame for the entire expedition
The Healing Power of Adventure and Finding Purpose
- Nims shares his reasons for climbing, focusing on the desire to feel truly alive and the simplicity found in adventure
- Discussion on the humbling experience of nature and how it led to finding joy in challenges and self-discovery
- Emphasis on following one's passion in life, the importance of purpose in achieving goals, and the idea of enjoying the journey rather than just working
Overcoming Fear, Taking Risks, and Embracing Life's Uncertainties
- Encouragement to overcome fear, make commitments, and take risks in order to truly live and pursue dreams
- Exploration of the rewards of finding purpose, pushing oneself beyond comfort zones, and the notion that life's uncertainties should be embraced
- Reflection on the inevitability of facing challenges in life, the need to make the most of every moment, and the idea of living a fulfilling and meaningful existence
Personal Growth and Pursuing Passions
- Discussion on the importance of loving what you do for mental and overall health
- Focus on personal growth through experiencing challenges and pushing boundaries
- Encouragement to follow passions and excel in what brings joy
The Art of Conversation and Mission-Centric Mindset
- Exploration of podcasting as a skill and art form that involves engaging conversations
- Narrative on a mission-centric mindset and prioritizing the central goal
- Anecdote about facing challenges in a mission scenario and persevering for the greater objective
Campaign for Equal Pension Rights and Fighting for a Cause
- Nims discusses his motivation behind selling everything to pursue a larger mission
- Description of the campaign by Gherkas for equal pension rights in the British military
- The power of social media and overcoming negative feedback for a bigger reason
Dealing with Negativity and Recognizing the Value in Others' Success
- Exploration of how some individuals resort to negativity due to personal limitations
- Understanding the impact of jealousy and envy on criticizing others
- Embracing the success of others as a source of inspiration and personal growth