Some people reach through a screen and rearrange something in you. Nirmal "Nims Dai" Purja was one of those people for me.

The legendary mountaineer — who climbed all fourteen of the world's 8,000-meter peaks in a record 189 days, and taught millions that nothing is impossible — is gone, lost in an avalanche on Broad Peak at just 43.

This episode is my tribute to him. It's also the most personal story I've shared: years ago, after a car accident and a near-death experience, it was his film that breathed life back into me when I needed it most. I've carried Everest in my heart my whole life — and through watching his film, it made me want to take the leap even more.

But his deepest teaching was this: it's never really the mountain outside that we must conquer. It's the one inside. So this is for him — and for the mountain you're standing at the base of. Whatever it is: take one step this week. In his memory.

In memory of Nirmal "Nims Dai" Purja. Keep climbing. 🏔️