Most people know Mount Everest as the tallest mountain on Earth.
Ryan Rivard knows it as a teacher.
Before standing on top of the world, Ryan experienced rock bottom. He battled addiction, lived out of his car, and fought to rebuild his life one decision at a time. Years later, after becoming sober, building a successful marketing agency, raising four children, and reclaiming his relationship with his father, he pursued one of the most dangerous challenges imaginable: summiting Mount Everest.
In this powerful conversation with Charles Eide, Ryan pulls back the curtain on what it's actually like to climb Everest. From navigating the deadly Khumbu Icefall and surviving the infamous Death Zone to witnessing life-and-death decisions on the mountain, he shares stories few people on Earth can tell.
But this episode is about much more than mountaineering.
Ryan explains why every person has an "Everest" in life, how focusing on the next ten steps can overcome seemingly impossible obstacles, why the journey matters more than the destination, and how faith, resilience, and community helped transform his life from addiction to purpose.
This conversation is equal parts adventure, leadership lesson, and reminder that no matter where you start, your future is not determined by your past.
In this episode you'll learn:
- Why Ryan believes climbing Mount Everest is more mentally challenging than physically demanding.
- The incredible journey from addiction and homelessness to becoming one of the few Americans to summit Everest.
- What it's really like inside the Death Zone—and why more climbers die coming down than going up.
- The simple mindset that helped Ryan overcome impossible moments: focusing on the next ten steps.
- How recovery transformed not only Ryan's life but also restored his relationship with his father.
- Why success isn't reaching the summit—it's becoming the person the journey requires.
- The role faith, family, and purpose played in helping Ryan accomplish what once seemed impossible.
- How letting go of shame can become the turning point that changes someone else's life.
- Lessons from Everest that apply directly to business, leadership, and everyday challenges.
- Why Ryan says everyone has an "Everest"—and how anyone can begin climbing theirs.
Meet Ryan Rivard:
Ryan Rivard is an entrepreneur, endurance athlete, marketing strategist, and one of the few Americans to successfully summit Mount Everest.
After overcoming addiction as a teenager, Ryan rebuilt his life through recovery, education, and entrepreneurship, eventually founding Bespoken, a marketing agency specializing in SEO, AI-powered marketing, and business growth. Today, he combines his experience in business with the life-changing lessons learned from some of the world's highest mountains.
Ryan is passionate about helping others overcome adversity, discover purpose, and pursue seemingly impossible goals. Through coaching, speaking, and his upcoming book, he shares a powerful message of resilience, faith, and personal transformation—proving that no matter where you begin, it's possible to reach extraordinary heights.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
