Live From Nepal: From Everest to Walking in Junko’s Footsteps - Jo Bradshaw’s Journey

In this very special episode of the First Females Podcast, recorded in Nepal, I sit down with Everest summiteer Jo Bradshaw to talk about legacy, resilience, and why some stories still haven’t been told loudly enough. Against the backdrop of the Himalayas, our conversation weaves together Jo’s own extraordinary experiences on Everest with her deep commitment to celebrating the life and impact of Junko Tabei.

Junko Tabei became the first woman in the world to summit Mount Everest in 1975, yet 50 years on, her name is still unfamiliar to far too many. Jo, like me, is on a mission to change that and it’s how our paths crossed.

Jo’s Journey to Everest

Jo’s path into high-altitude mountaineering was anything but conventional. She never imagined Everest would be part of her life, describing herself as a height-hating, comfort-loving business advisor with a strong aversion to risk. Yet a parachute jump - almost accidentally - set her on a journey that would lead her into the mountains and ultimately to the roof of the world.

Jo climbed to the summit of Mount Everest in 2016, having returned to the mountain after surviving the devastating 2015 earthquake, an experience that tested her mentally as much as physically. She speaks candidly about the psychological challenges she faced, the voices that doubted her place on the mountain, and the resilience she discovered by continuing “under her own steam.”

Everest, for Jo, was not a pinnacle but a chapter - one that showed her what she was capable of and opened the door to completing the Seven Summits, following in the footsteps of women like Junko Tabei who paved the way before her.

Yala Peak and Walking in Junko’s Footsteps

To honour the 50th anniversary of Junko’s Everest ascent, Jo brought together an all-women expedition to climb Yala Peak (5,555m) in Nepal’s Langtang Valley - a mountain Junko herself climbed in 1977. Designed to be accessible while still deeply challenging, the expedition welcomed women at different stages of their adventurous journeys.

It was about shared stories, quiet bravery, and taking things one step at a time - a phrase Junko lived by. Alongside a phenomenal local team, the expedition became a moving tribute not just to Junko, but to what is possible when women support one another.

More Than a Mountain: The Film

Out of this journey came More Than a Mountain, a beautifully crafted documentary produced by Wild Valley Media. The film follows the Yala Peak expedition while exploring Junko’s life, from her childhood to her lasting environmental and humanitarian legacy. It also shines a light on the individual stories of the women who took part - each one extraordinary in her own way.

The film premiered at Kendal Mountain Festival, with an entire opening night dedicated to celebrating women in mountaineering and Junko Tabei’s enduring influence. Supported by an incredible community of crowdfunders, sponsors, and collaborators, the project is continually evolving.

Follow @morethanamountain for updates on future screenings.

Why Junko Still Matters

As Jo says in the episode, Junko wasn’t just the first woman on Everest. She created opportunities where none existed, founded women’s climbing clubs, supported environmental projects, and gave back to communities affected by disaster. Her legacy reminds us that if something doesn’t exist, we can create it - and that quiet, determined achievement can change the world.

This conversation is about far more than mountaineering. It’s about taking the first step, whatever your Junko journey might be, and trusting where it could lead.