Sam In Cham with Samantha Ryder
Chamonix is one of Europe’s oldest ski resorts and a playground for adventure both winter and summer alike. While it may sit in the shadows of Mont Blanc, this small alpine village is brimming with life. So, join Sam Ryder (International journalist, producer, and lover of all things sport) as she chats with athletes, thrill-seekers, those who live in Chamonix, and those who just can’t stay away. Search Sam in Cham with Samantha Ryder wherever you get your podcasts.
Episodes
24 episodes
Alpinist and Activist Nasim Eshqi on climbing in and out of Iran - literally and metaphorically!
Joining me this week is Iranian alpinist Nasim Eshqi. Kickboxing champion of Iran, many times over, Nasim left the sport in her early 20’s because of the pressure to ‘cover up’.Climbing mountains gave her the chance to be outside, and a...
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Episode 23
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1:48:38
Falkiner and friends - John talks 50 years of fun bringing energy and action to the Alps!
John Falkiner, Professional ski bum, stunt man, telemark skier, and now mountain guide, there seems to be little he cannot conquer when it comes to mountains. At 18, lured by the prospect of deep powder skiing, he moved from the snowy mountains...
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Season 1
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Episode 22
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1:46:20
Freeriding with Megane Betend as the French speed queen prepares for this year's World Tour
This week freeride skier Megane Betend joins me for a chat. The French speed queen started skiing at the age of 2 and soon joined the ranks of the local alpine ski club. It gave her all the essentials - discipline and great technique - but her ...
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Season 1
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Episode 21
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1:24:08
Straight from the archives - a lesson on life from one of Chamonix's original skilebrities - Gary Bigham!
Chamonix legend Gary Bigham is about as original as you can get. Luckily, he had some free time...and was available for a chat! From the ski bum era of the 70s, 80s, and 90s, we take a trip down memory lane to some of the wild times here in the...
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Season 1
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Episode 20
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1:55:59
From the ocean to the mountains - we delve into the many lives of Carly Van-Evelingen
Joining me this week is Carly Van-Evelingen – groom/ equestrian/ climber/ ski bum/ van lifer… yes, it’s been a mixed bag…even for her. Having delved into all kinds of professions, she says she never really fit…then one summer, deci...
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Season 1
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Episode 19
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1:36:41
Ultra-runner Emily Schmitz talks mountains, art and why planning ahead is SO yesterday!
Joining me this week is ultra-runner Emily Schmitz. Born in Wisconsin, Emily studied art at university there but says she didn’t realise how little it was going to prepare her for life in the real world. After finishing, she waited tables befor...
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Season 1
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Episode 18
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1:16:57
Life in a day with Mountaineer Fay Manners – Hold onto your harness, it’s quite the ride…
Fay Manners has had quite the year so far. In her ‘spare time,’ the UK-born Data Analyst likes to play in the mountains here in Chamonix. In fact, not just here in Chamonix, but in any mountains. For Fay - it’s been a y...
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Season 1
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Episode 17
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1:14:19
Ultra-runner Emmanuel Ocampo talks all kinds of sport!! And why NOW is the time to be honest about mental health.
Emmanuel Ocampo is dedicated, determined, and incredibly disciplined. He’s also an ultra-runner who lives in Chamonix. Growing up in a small town in Argentina, he was always very sporty – competing mostly in team disciplines, hockey, football, ...
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Season 1
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Episode 16
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1:26:26
Tamsin Gay talks sh*&…well it was her idea! The brilliantly funny, brutally honest International Mountain Guide bares all
Tamsin Gay may not have known what she wanted to do with her life growing up, but she has certainly found her niche. The International Mountain Guide and TV Safety Location Advisor spends the majority of time at home in the mountains – whether ...
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Episode 15
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1:41:21
An unlikely hero – Victor Saunders talks The Eiger, Everest, and why it’s shape, more than size that really matters!
British and world-renowned mountaineer and author Victor Saunders has not only reached six of the seven summits but has also made SIX ascents of Everest – however, he still won’t agree he’s a good climber. Instead, he’s happy to play down his M...
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Season 1
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Episode 14
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2:00:03
Camille Jaccoux: An original Crow - The story so far...
Joining me this week is Chamonix native, mogul master, freeride phenomenon, and although he may not always admit…total lover of fashion, and unmistakable style...yes, it’s Camille Jaccoux – oh, I forgot to mention, he started this brand here in...
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Season 1
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Episode 13
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1:31:07
She’s back!! Minna Riihimaki on literally surviving life in the mountains and why focus really does determine reality!
Minna Riihimaki – says the human body is capable of recovery in an incredible way, but it all depends on the mind. She knows first-hand what it’s like to suffer life-threatening injuries and not know whether recovery is even possible? ...
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Season 1
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Episode 12
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1:30:02
Where giants dare to roam - the climbing legend Andy Parkin on literally NEVER giving up!
Andy Parkin is a giant in the world of climbing. An exemplar of the purest form of ascent and descent – and a champion of the solo expedition. A Sheffield lad through and through, Andy was able to perfect technique on the rocky peaks and cliffs...
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Season 1
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Episode 11
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1:30:55
From the Highlands to the High-er-lands - Ross Hewitt talks mountain guiding, biking, steep skiing and in his 'spare' time, being an engineer
Ross Hewitt grew up in Scotland. He started skiing at the age of seven, and never looked back. Ross began mountaineering in the harsh climate of the highlands until he discovered the Alps that offered the same adventure but with steeper slopes ...
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Season 1
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Episode 10
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41:00
Chamonix's new generation of ski patrollers - Tim Moniot talks avalanches, explosions, and surviving a mountain bike crash...
At 27, Chamonix local Tim Moniot is part of a new generation of Ski Patrollers, looking after the mountains for the thousands of skiers that descend upon the valley each year. With a long-standing history of mountain guides and patrollers, it s...
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Season 1
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Episode 9
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1:00:18
Who were the ‘Conquistadors of the Useless'? Antoine Terray gives us a glimpse into the life of his famous father the mountaineer Lionel Terray
Antoine Terray is a skier, a runner, and a businessman here in Chamonix – he is also the son of one of the greatest alpinists of his time, Lionel Terray. Adopted at the age of 4, Antoine spent just a few months with his father before his tragic...
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Season 1
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Episode 8
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36:05
Snowboarding to No-Boarding - Swedish DJ and music producer Magnus Asberg talks 4 decades of Chamonix
Magnus Asberg started coming to Chamonix from the age of 13 - first on a school trip, then making the 24-hour journey by bus every year. He grew up on skis, but being an avid skater, transferred his passion onto the snow. 40 years later, Magnus...
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Season 1
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Episode 7
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46:16
Disability, dyslexia but determined - Alpine Runner Matthew Breakell on refusing to stay silent.
Matthew Breakell was born with clubfoot and spent months in plaster. Doctors said he may never run. A couple of weeks ago in Switzerland, he completed his 20th ultra-run by finishing the Ultra Tour Monte Rosa – his 6th 100-miler. He has severe ...
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Season 1
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Episode 6
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42:56
Top South African ultra-runner Meg Mackenzie on finishing her first 100km race, marmots, and her next big challenge - winter in Chamonix.
Meg Mackenzie is one of South Africa’s top female ultra-runners. Growing up along the famous Comrades route – a 55 mile stretch of road between Durban and Pietermaritzburg – not to mention being born into a family of sports enthusiasts, it was ...
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Season 1
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Episode 5
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39:42
Catherine Poletti on UTMB brand expansion, and what the future holds for trail running, one of the worlds fastest growing sports.
Catherine Poletti is the President and Co-Founder of the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc – one of the most important and indeed iconic events in the ultra-running calendar. From music to psychology to IT, Catherine dabbled in all sorts before landing...
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Season 1
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Episode 4
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58:50
Colombia’s top ultra-runner Jhon Barrera on TDS success and why the body can only achieve what the mind believes.
“Competing in Chamonix was a dream come true”, says Colombia’s top ultra-runner Jhon Barerra. The 36-year-old biologist turned professional trail runner placed 13th in his debut European ultramarathon. While happy with the result, it’s not a po...
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Season 1
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Episode 3
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30:53
Marta Wenta on ‘The climate crisis vs. an ultramarathon’ – it’s possible to conquer both, if we have the courage to step up.
Polish ultra-runner Marta Wenta has been racing for almost a decade. This year, as part of the UTMB week, she completed the TDS, the ‘Sur les Traces des Ducs de Savoie’ - 150km from Courmayeur in the Aosta valley back to Chamonix. She was the 7...
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Season 1
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Episode 2
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37:47
Rachel Kerr on breaking gender barriers within the ski industry and empowering women to feel more at home in the mountains.
Rachel Kerr trained for 5 years to become a qualified ski instructor with French equivalence. She is an avid cyclist, kite surfer, runner, and one of 3 SheEO’s of the Women’s Mountain Club in Chamonix where she lives. Growing up on the banks of...
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Season 1
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Episode 1
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41:48
Introducing: Sam in Cham with Samantha Ryder
Chamonix is one of Europe’s oldest ski resorts and a playground for adventure both winter and summer alike. While it may sit in the shadows of Mont Blanc, this small alpine town is brimming with life. So, join Sam Ryder (International journalis...
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Season 1
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1:55
