Seven Years in a Subaru — From the Deep South to Himalayan Summits: Discipline, Focus, and the Fire That Never Fades

Imagine growing up in the conservative Deep South, where young women were expected to play it safe

Now imagine trading that world for Himalayan storms, frozen walls, and a seven-year stretch of living out of a Subaru to chase something bigger.

Kitty Calhoun did exactly that. She became the first North American woman to summit Dhaulagiri and the first woman to climb Makalu’s West Pillar—two of the hardest, highest peaks on Earth. Along the way she’s survived avalanches, eight-day storms, and the loneliness of cutting new lines where no woman had before.

But at 65, Kitty’s story isn’t about danger or glory—it’s about clarity. About the discipline, focus, and simplicity that have allowed her to keep climbing, mentoring, and living fully decades after most people would have retired their harness.

In this conversation, we explore:

Growing up in the Deep South and breaking gender barriers in one of the world’s most male-dominated arenasWhat surviving a Himalayan storm taught her about resilience and prioritiesHow seven years of minimalist living shaped her philosophy on focus and freedomThe difference between chasing summits and finding meaning in the climb itselfWhat she’s learned about longevity, humility, and living with purpose at 65

Kitty also shares how she’s passing her lessons forward—through mentoring younger women, climate advocacy, and a renewed connection to simplicity in an age of excess.

This episode is for anyone who’s ever wondered how to stay passionate, grounded, and physically vibrant as the years go by—and how courage can evolve from proving yourself to knowing yourself.

🔑 Takeaways

Discipline is freedom; simplicity sharpens focus.Strength doesn’t fade with age—it refines.True leadership is opening doors for others, not standing on top of them.The outdoors isn’t an escape—it’s a mirror.

📚 References & Links

Kitty Calhoun – Protect Our Winters

TEDx Talk: “Last Ascents” by Kitty Calhoun

Patagonia Profile: Kitty Calhoun

📸 Jay Smith

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