JRE #1790 – Nims Purja

by

9-Mar-22






Joe Rogan Experience #1790 – Nims Purja Podcast Topic Breakdown

This podcast is an engaging conversation with Nims Purja, a world-record-breaking mountaineer, who climbed all 14 of the world’s ‘Death Zone’ peaks over 8,000m in just 6 months and 6 days. Joe Rogan dives deep into Nims’ incredible journey, exploring his unwavering determination, the intense physical and mental challenges he faced, and the controversy surrounding his record-breaking feat.

Key Topics

  1. Nims’ Childhood Dream: Becoming a Gurkha

    1. Purja’s childhood dream was to join the Gurkha Regiment, a renowned Nepalese military force known for its bravery and discipline.
    2. He describes the intense competition for Gurkha recruitment, with only 230 individuals selected out of 32,000 applicants.
    3. Purja’s upbringing in a poverty-stricken area of Nepal shaped his determination to overcome obstacles and succeed.
    4. He highlights the stark contrast between his background and the perception of poverty in developed countries, emphasizing the relatively high standard of living even for those considered “lower class” in places like America.

  2. Nims’ Extreme Training Regimen

    1. Purja’s commitment to becoming a Gurkha involved waking up at 1 am to run 20 kilometers with a 75-pound weight on his back, followed by a full day of military training and construction work.
    2. He shares his dedication to this rigorous routine, stating he never made excuses regardless of the weather or his own fatigue.
    3. Purja credits his extraordinary cardio to his relentless training since childhood, highlighting the importance of consistent, self-motivated effort.
    4. He emphasizes the role of self-discipline and self-motivation in achieving extraordinary feats, contrasting them with external discipline imposed by parents, teachers, or coaches.

  3. The Special Boat Service Selection and 200 Years of Gurkha History

    1. Inspired by the UK’s elite special forces, Purja set his sights on joining the Special Boat Service (SBS), equivalent to the US Navy SEALs.
    2. He faced skepticism and ridicule from his Gurkha comrades and superiors, who deemed his ambition as “impossible” given no Gurkha had ever achieved this before.
    3. Purja persevered, developing his sense of humor to meet the SBS selection criteria and eventually becoming the first Gurkha to pass this challenging test in 200 years of history.
    4. His achievement highlights his unwavering belief in the power of dedication and determination to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

  4. The Birth of the 14 Peaks Project: Purpose, Motivation, and Risk

    1. Purja’s 14 Peaks Project, which he conceived in 2019, involved climbing all 14 mountains over 8,000 meters in the world, known as the ‘Death Zone’, in under seven months.
    2. Purja explains his two primary motivations for embarking on this ambitious endeavor: showing the world that “nothing is impossible” and raising the profile of Nepalese climbers.
    3. He details the risks he took, including quitting his career in the British military and remortgaging his house to secure funding for the project.
    4. Despite facing skepticism and lack of financial support, Purja’s unwavering belief in himself and his mission fueled his relentless pursuit of this seemingly impossible goal.

  5. Facing Death on Anapurna and the Importance of Rescue

    1. Purja’s first mountain in his 14 Peaks Project was Anapurna, notorious for its high fatality rate, with a reported 3 out of every 4 climbers dying on the mountain.
    2. Purja describes his lack of preparation, being overweight and having not trained for months due to his focus on fundraising.
    3. He emphasizes the inherent risk involved in mountaineering, where even the most experienced climbers face dangers such as avalanches, altitude sickness, and unpredictable weather conditions.
    4. Purja’s decision to divert his efforts to rescue a stranded climber on Anapurna highlights his commitment to human life even when it meant jeopardizing his own project and goals.

  6. Hallucinations, Frostbite, and Survival on K2

    1. Purja shares his harrowing experience on K2, including encountering climbers who were out of oxygen and suffering from altitude sickness, including hallucinations.
    2. He recounts the moment he thought he saw a Yeti, attributing it to the effects of altitude sickness and the harsh conditions.
    3. Purja describes the challenges of rescuing climbers in the ‘Death Zone’ with limited resources, highlighting the difficult decisions that climbers and rescue teams have to make in these extreme situations.
    4. He emphasizes the importance of human connection and the responsibility to help those in need, even when it comes at great personal risk.

  7. The Everest “Traffic Jam” and Controversy

    1. Purja’s photo of a crowded line of climbers on Everest during a summit window sparked controversy and accusations of overtourism and overcrowding on the mountain.
    2. He addresses the criticism, explaining the rare window of good weather that led to an influx of climbers, and the intense effort and dedication required to even attempt a summit on Everest.
    3. Purja emphasizes that the climbing community needs to be more supportive of each other, and that climbing is a challenging endeavor regardless of the number of climbers involved.
    4. He reveals his own plans to clean up trash and debris on Everest, advocating for responsible mountaineering practices and environmental stewardship.

  8. The Role of Sherpas and the “Rich Man’s Goal” Perception

    1. Purja addresses the common misconception that climbing Everest is solely for wealthy individuals and that Sherpas do all the work.
    2. He emphasizes that climbing Everest is a challenging endeavor requiring significant dedication, training, and financial investment regardless of one’s background.
    3. He recognizes the crucial role of Sherpas in mountaineering, but stresses that climbing is a collaborative effort requiring skilled climbers, Sherpas, and support teams.
    4. Purja advocates for a more inclusive and respectful understanding of mountaineering, recognizing the diverse motivations and backgrounds of climbers.

  9. The Impact of the 14 Peaks Documentary and Global Reach

    1. Purja’s documentary “14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible” became one of Netflix’s most watched documentaries, gaining a global audience and inspiring viewers worldwide.
    2. He shares his experience of the documentary’s impact, receiving messages from individuals whose lives were positively changed by his story.
    3. Purja’s story highlights the power of human resilience, determination, and the ability to overcome seemingly impossible obstacles.
    4. He emphasizes the importance of sharing inspiring stories and celebrating human achievements, particularly when they challenge societal norms and perceived limitations.

  10. Nims’ Mindset: Overcoming Negativity and Embracing the Positive

    1. Purja discusses the importance of maintaining a positive mindset in the face of adversity and challenges, drawing parallels to his experience with the theft of his oxygen on Everest.
    2. He shares how he reframed the situation, choosing to believe that the stolen oxygen was used to save someone’s life, instead of succumbing to negativity and giving up.
    3. Purja emphasizes the power of belief and how it can shape our reality, even in the face of difficult circumstances.
    4. He emphasizes the importance of seeing the positive in every situation, even when it requires a deliberate effort to reframe our perspective.

  11. The Power of Purpose and the Importance of Finding Your Passion

    1. Purja stresses the significance of finding a purpose in life and aligning it with our passions.
    2. He suggests that when we pursue our passions, the effort required feels less like work and more like an enjoyable endeavor.
    3. Purja emphasizes the importance of taking risks and embracing challenges, even when they involve sacrificing comfort and stability.
    4. He encourages listeners to step outside of their comfort zones and to pursue their dreams, regardless of the obstacles they may face.

  12. Nims’ Future Plans: Continuing to Push Boundaries and Inspire Others

    1. Purja acknowledges his current position as a role model and influencer but emphasizes that his passion for extreme sports will continue.
    2. He hints at future projects that will push boundaries and inspire others, promising to stay tuned for what’s to come.
    3. Purja’s journey exemplifies the human spirit’s ability to achieve remarkable feats when driven by purpose, passion, and an unwavering belief in oneself.
    4. He continues to inspire people worldwide with his story, reminding them that nothing is impossible if we dare to dream big and put in the hard work.

  13. The Role of Social Media in Empowering Change

    1. Purja shares his use of social media to raise awareness for important causes, such as the need for equal rights for Gurkha veterans in the British military.
    2. He highlights the impact of his social media efforts, successfully advocating for a parliamentary debate on the issue and garnering significant support for Gurkha veterans.
    3. Purja emphasizes the power of social media for positive change, empowering individuals to raise their voices and advocate for justice and equality.
    4. He encourages listeners to use social media for good, embracing its potential for positive impact and social change.

  14. Nims’ Philosophy: Overcoming Negativity and Finding Your Purpose

    1. Purja outlines his key philosophy of life, emphasizing the importance of focusing on our own goals and aspirations rather than being consumed by negativity.
    2. He suggests that we should ignore those who try to pull us down and focus on pursuing our dreams, regardless of the obstacles we may face.
    3. Purja’s story inspires a mindset of resilience, determination, and a belief in the potential for positive change.
    4. He emphasizes the power of finding our passions, embracing challenges, and believing in ourselves to achieve extraordinary feats.

  15. The Joe Rogan Experience: Connecting with Extraordinary Individuals

    1. Joe Rogan reflects on the impact of his podcast, acknowledging its role in connecting listeners with extraordinary individuals from diverse backgrounds.
    2. He expresses his fascination with the human spirit and its capacity to accomplish remarkable feats.
    3. Rogan recognizes the power of conversation in sharing knowledge, experiences, and inspiring perspectives.
    4. He highlights the podcast’s unique ability to bridge gaps between audiences and provide a platform for sharing stories that inspire and challenge conventional thinking.

Memorable Quotes:

  • “There’s no excuses. Right? So my 2 brothers were, you know, in the gay cause. And once they joined the gay cause, they were like, you know what? I want my sister and my brother to go to the boarding school. So they send us to boarding school. And my brothers are like my father. Like, my elder brother is eighteen and a half year older than me.” – Nims Purja, speaking on his early life and family.
  • “The only big thing that the friends were saying was like names. You know, it’s not only about physical. You need to have, you know, a great sense of humor. You need to have, you know, common sense and all that. So I was like, okay. Then I start looking into English sense of humor.” – Nims Purja, describing his preparation for the Special Boat Service selection.
  • “I truly believe that to break this barrier of, you know, a gherka, you know, to to get into. I knew that I have to put more And you know what? The only big thing that the friends were saying was like names. You know, it’s not only about physical. You need to have, you know, a great sense of humor. You need to have, you know, common sense and all that. So I was like, okay. Then I start looking into English sense of humor.” – Nims Purja, on the importance of self-motivation and discipline.
  • “What I really believed in was, okay, people doesn’t believe now, but if I start climbing this mountain, in the manner, and in the style that I said I would do it, it’s gonna be possible.” – Nims Purja, speaking about the initial stages of the 14 Peaks Project.
  • “I think a lot of people, like, they all have rights to the adventure. And people don’t really come and climb Everest or any a thousand meter peak to be under their nim style or under, like, you know, the legend. But Right. They come to to experience something. It’s like running marathon. People run marathon because from that journey, they take something away in their life.” – Nims Purja, on the diverse motivations behind mountaineering and the transformative power of adventure.