He Was Dean Potter’s “Secret Weapon” — But This Was Never a Death Wish | Timmy O’Neill, 57

Ageless Athlete — Healthy Aging for a Strong, Capable Life

Ageless Athlete — Healthy Aging for a Strong, Capable Life
He Was Dean Potter’s “Secret Weapon” — But This Was Never a Death Wish | Timmy O’Neill, 57
Sep 23, 2026 Season 1 Episode 146

📺 Watch on Youtube! 

Dean Potter once called Timmy O’Neill his “secret weapon.”

With Dean back in the spotlight through Dark Wizard, I went back to this conversation with Timmy — and realized how much of it deserves to be heard again.

Timmy shares stories from their extraordinary years climbing together in Yosemite, but this conversation goes somewhere deeper: how our relationship with risk changes as we age, why Timmy fears not living more than dying, and his idea of cultivating a “life wish” — even if you’re not a climber or adventure athlete.

We also talk about aging, play, family, loss, adaptive climbing, and finding the things that make you feel truly alive. One of my favorites. Enjoy! 

Marek Health: Deeper look at your health with comprehensive bloodwork and personalized guidance. 10% off with code AGELESS at https://agelessathlete.short.gy/marek

Timeline: Support cellular renewal and mitochondrial function with Mitopure, featuring Urolithin A.  Up to 20% off at timeline.com/AGELESSATHLETE

🚀 Love the show? Here’s how to support it 

If something you’ve heard here has stayed with you, made you smile, please consider supporting the show. 👉 https://buymeacoffee.com/agelessathlete

Ageless Athlete is a podcast about healthy aging for people who want to stay strong, active and capable for life. Conversations explore strength, endurance, mobility, recovery, VO2 max, muscle and bone health, and what it takes to keep doing the things you love as you get older.

Follow Ageless Athlete — How to Stay Strong, Curious & Capable for Life for new episodes each week.