About the risk that gives life meaning - Mára Holeček: O riziku, které dává životu smysl I Talks 21

Talks 21 — The Karel Janeček Podcast · Jan 5, 2026 · 1h

⛰ Can you imagine climbing an eight-thousander without supplemental oxygen, without a support team, and with just one climbing partner by your side?

For Mára Holeček—one of the most respected Czech mountaineers and a two-time recipient of the Piolet d’Or (Golden Ice Axe)—this is standard practice.

I’m glad we had the chance to sit together on a rock and talk about his journey from a panel apartment block on a Prague housing estate to dozens of expeditions in the world’s great mountain ranges. Mára has completed more than 50 expeditions—from the Himalayas to Patagonia and Antarctica. Many of…