Confidence, Community & Climbing: Inside Upward Transitions Institute
What happens when you can’t find the outdoor community you’ve been searching for—so you build it yourself?
In this episode of Life in Motion, Jeremy sits down with Victoria Garvin, founder of Upward Transitions Institute, a mountain education and guiding company redefining inclusivity in outdoor spaces. After leaving a demanding nursing career and facing gender bias in the guiding industry, Victoria created a space where folks from any background, race, gender identity, and socioeconomic status can gain confidence, learn essential skills, and lead with independence.
From scaling Mount Baker to organizing international mountaineering courses, Victoria shares how Upward Transitions empowers climbers through education, mentorship, and community. Her story reminds us that the outdoors isn’t just about summits—it’s about belonging, growth, and finding the courage to “do it scared.”
Life in Motion is brought to you by Actual Outdoors. They help build beautiful brands that highlight the approachable and authentic parts of outdoor recreation. Said simply - they “keep it real”. Find them online at actualoutdoors.com or on Instagram at @actualoutdoors.
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WELCOME TO THE LIFE IN MOTION AUDIO EXPERIENCE
Welcome to Life in Motion - hosted by adventure lover, outdoor enthusiast, travel junkie and founder of Illumine Collect, Jeremy Lux. On this podcast you'll find tips from world travelers, the true culture behind action sports, how nonprofits build communities around the outdoors, and more. Tune in for new guests weekly.
Life in Motion is brought to you by Actual Outdoors. They help build beautiful brands that highlight the approachable and authentic parts of outdoor recreation. Said simply - they “keep it real”. Find them online at actualoutdoors.com or on Instagram at @actualoutdoors.
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