S14 - Episode #03 - Monet Izabeth
Monet Izabeth, @monet.izabeth
700+ miles. Alone. Dragging a sled across Antarctica with nothing but training, grit, and the kind of stubbornness that makes history — and she did. Meet the first American woman to ski solo and unsupported to the South Pole.
On January 18, 2026, Monet Izabeth made history — skiing solo and unsupported across 700+ miles of Antarctic ice to the South Pole. The wild part? Three years before that, she had never once slept outside in winter.
In this episode, Monet traces the full, unlikely arc: from being dragged on hikes as a kid who wanted nothing to do with the outdoors, to a jaw-dropping Facebook message about her great uncle's WWII plane found on Mt. Kenya, to a brutal polar shakedown in Svalbard that left her thinking, "Damn it. Now I have to do it."
We go deep on what a goal this size actually demands — over $89,000 just for the expedition itself, two and a half years of all-consuming physical and mental training, and a decision to bet her own savings when sponsors wouldn't take the leap. We also get into the mental game of hauling a sled across a frozen continent alone, her philosophy on summits and why she'd rather you have fun than bag a peak, gear hot takes, tea house trekking in Nepal, and what's coming next (spoiler: a book).
Monet's story will make you rethink every excuse you've ever made about not being ready.
Episode Links:
Monet on Instagram
Monet's GoFundMe
Monet's Substack
Monet's 2026 Group Trips
This episode was Produced by Jordyn Smith, follow her on Instagram @jordyn.journeys
Follow us on Instagram, @Hikesandmics
This episode's music was created by Ketsa, follow him on Instagram @Ketsamusic
Episode Sponsor(s):
Ursa Minor Outfitters - Inspired by the outdoors, Created by local artists
Go check them at www.ursaminoroutfitters.com and don’t forget to enter the promo code HikesMics10 at checkout to receive 10% off your order.
FlipSockz will keep Mother Nature out of your boots with their innovative nylon sleeve.
To get your first pair visit www.FlipSockz.com and enter the promo code HikesMics10 at checkout to receive 10% off your order.
Outdoorsy
An RV marketplace for consumers and pros.
Lots of folks own RVs. Lots of folks want to rent RVs. Outdoorsy is how they meet.
They’re the most comprehensive platform for outdoor travelers to rent stylish awesome RVs in the nation. Their selection spans vintage Airstreams, toy haulers, fifth wheelers, Class A, B, and C of RVs, as well as garden variety trailers and motorhomes.
Outdoorsy is safe, easy, fully insured, and has a great local selection. They’re free to join and have no membership fees of any kind. Discover amazing RVs to travel in - or rent out your own!
Visit www.outdoorsy.com to book your next adventure rig now!
