CHAPTERS
Colin’s new book and the “row back to Antarctica” phone call
Joe and Colin open with Colin’s new book, The Impossible First, and quickly pivot to Colin’s latest expedition. Colin recounts getting an unexpected call inviting him to return to Antarctica—this time by rowing across the Drake Passage.
What it takes to row the Drake Passage: distance, danger, and the boat setup
Colin explains the Drake Passage’s reputation as one of the world’s most treacherous sea crossings and outlines the basics of their plan. He describes the 700-mile route, the 12-day timeline, and how a fully human-powered ocean rowboat is provisioned.
Water and food logistics: desalination, freeze-dried meals, and high-calorie ‘Coln bars’
The conversation dives into survival logistics—especially water production and compact, high-calorie nutrition. Colin describes their solar-powered desalinator and the tailored nutrition strategy that made eating and resting more efficient during shift rowing.
Life onboard: 90-minute rowing shifts, tiny sleeping compartments, and team realities
Colin explains their relentless 90-minutes-on/90-minutes-off schedule and what ‘rest’ really means in a cramped, wet boat. He describes the sleeping compartments, how the crew rotated, and what it’s like to share space with near-strangers for two weeks.
National Geographic controversy: ‘Impossible First’ challenged and Colin’s response
Joe raises the National Geographic article questioning Colin’s “first” claim. Colin details why he believes the piece is inaccurate, why he asked for a retraction, and how his book explicitly credits Børge Ousland.
Definitions that matter: unsupported vs unassisted—and the kite comparison
Colin clarifies the polar-travel terminology at the heart of the dispute. He explains the distinction between ‘unsupported’ (no resupply) and ‘unassisted’ (no propulsion aids like kites/dogs), and why Ousland’s kite use makes it a different category.
The ‘road in Antarctica’ claim: the South Pole Overland Traverse explained
They unpack another criticism: that Colin used a ‘road’ for part of the journey. Colin describes the South Pole Overland Traverse as rutted tracks/flagging over snow and ice, argues it’s often worse terrain, and explains why rule changes after the fact don’t invalidate prior achievements.
Media incentives, backlash, and whether to sue
Joe and Colin zoom out to discuss why takedown stories spread and how online outrage snowballs. Colin shares the personal impact of being labeled a liar, his hope for a retraction, and the possibility of legal action if needed.
Drake Passage history and conditions: prior attempts, timing windows, and real danger
The discussion returns to the row, including historical context and why the Drake Passage is uniquely brutal. Colin recounts earlier hybrid sail/row attempts, the narrow seasonal window, and mentions deadly incidents (including a plane crash as they departed).
On-water extremes: sea anchor, lost miles, bucket toilet, and survival in constant wet
Colin describes what happens when conditions overpower human rowing: deploying a sea anchor for more than a day and getting pushed backward. He details the cramped, unsanitary realities—pooping in a bucket, sleeping soaked, and trying to function while everything is cold and wet.
Gear and recovery: custom dry suits, safety tethering, and the physical aftermath
Colin explains their layered gear strategy and the custom-designed dry suits built for rowing mobility. He discusses safety measures (clipping in, self-righting boat), the toll of never fully drying out, and how long it took to feel normal again.
Why do this at all: growth mindset, training innovations, and the ‘range-bound life’ idea
Joe asks what comes next and whether these experiences change Colin. Colin shares his philosophy about curiosity, learning new skills quickly, and intentionally choosing hard things to avoid a ‘4-to-6’ life—arguing that embracing discomfort expands the highs of life.
What’s next: supporting his wife on Everest, commercialization concerns, and wrap-up
Colin reveals the next expedition: helping his wife, Jenna, pursue her goal of climbing Everest from the north side. They discuss overcrowding and safety on Everest, Colin’s own 2016 summit experience, and close with book and documentary plugs.
