Lonnie Bedwell dives deep into the nuts and bolts of how he prepared—both mentally and physically—for feats like kayaking the Colorado River blind and summiting Everest. In this episode, he and Zach unpack the adaptive techniques Lonnie uses in whitewater rapids, the specialized gear that gives him confidence on 8,000-meter peaks, and the daily rituals that keep him focused when everything else feels uncertain. From the moment he forgave the friend whose mistake changed his life, Lonnie has leaned into a mantra of possibility, and you’ll hear the exact mindset shifts and training routines that turn his “impossible” adventures into reality.

Zach Tidwell, himself a blind veteran, brings his own front-line experience into the conversation, asking the questions Lonnie’s own guides and teammates might. Together they compare notes on navigating danger with limited vision, leading teams in extreme environments, and the power of camaraderie forged in hardship. Their shared bond—service, sacrifice, and a refusal to let blindness define them—makes this more than an adventure story; it’s a blueprint for overcoming any obstacle.

Listen here: Going in Blind with Zach Tidwell on Spotify