ALCHEMY is a podcast hosted by Paralympic gold medalist and adventurer Karen Darke about elite athletes who are persevering through adversity and turning the unimaginable into reality. In each episode she leads a conversation that delves into the mindset of an elite athlete, showcasing their journey of transformation – their personal version of Alchemy.
EPISODES
EPISODE 101 STEVE BATE – Paralympic Cyclist and Climber
Steve Bate–New Zealand–was the first visually impaired person to solo climb El Capitan. Over the past 12 years he has won numerous medals in the Paralympics and World Cups. He has an MBE.
EPISODE 102 HANNAH DINES – Paralympic Cyclist and Surfer
Hannah Dines–Glasgow, Scotland–started her career as a cyclist, winning medals at the World Cup in 2015. She is also a writer, contributing to ParalympicsGB in a regular column. In 2020(?), she started prone surfing, and is now training to compete at the world class level.
EPISODE 103 – KARL KRÜGER – Attempting to be the first to standup paddleboard (SUP) the Northwest Passage.
Karl Krüger–Orcas Island, Washington–transcended an abusive childhood to become a wonderful father, sailor, and a consummate champion for nature. In 2017 he was the world’s first SUP finisher in the Race to Alaska, an unsupported, 766 mile journey from Washington to Alaska. Over the past several summers, he’s set to become the first person to standup paddleboard the Northwest Passage – completing the 1,900 miles Arctic expedition in ~500 mile chunks each summer when the ice melts just enough for him to be able to pass.
HOSTED BY KAREN DARKE (Scotland & Spain)
“I believe we create results and happiness from the inside out. Utilizing our thoughts – the language of our mind, and our emotions – the language of our body, we can create health and freedom. I believe that with desire, awareness and resources, and permission to unleash who we truly want to be, anything is possible.”
– Karen Darke // Paralympic Gold Medalist // Sport Psychologist // Host of ALCHEMY
Karen was left paralyzed at the age of 21 after suffering an accident while cliff climbing. That didn’t stop her. From there, she has cycled across the Himalayas, Kayaked over 900 miles from Vancouver to Juneau, and skied across Greenland’s ice cap. For her next world’s first, she’s planning a Guiness record setting hand-cycle across Antarctica “to promote possibility thinking with enabling technology, team, and mindset.” She has a master’s degree in sports psychology
Karen has an MBE, a Ph.D. in Earth Science, an MA in Development Training, and a second MA in High-Performance Sports Coaching and Psychology, and Diplomas in Hypnotherapy, Motivational Coaching, & Clinical and Pastoral Counselling.. She has been awarded honorary doctorates from The University of Aberdeen, Leeds, Cumbria, Sheffield Hallam, and Abertay Universities, in recognition of her contributions to adventure and high-performance sport.