On this episode of pplpod, we chart the extraordinary altitude gained by a humble New Zealand beekeeper. We explore the life of Sir Edmund Hillary, who, alongside Tenzing Norgay, became the first climber confirmed to reach the summit of Mount Everest on May 29, 1953.

Join us as we discuss:

• The Ascent: The details of the 1953 British expedition, the navigation of the treacherous "Hillary Step," and the famous moment Hillary told George Lowe, "We knocked the bastard off".

• Beyond the Mountain: Hillary’s lesser-known feats, including his run as the first person to reach both poles and summit Everest—driving modified farm tractors to the South Pole and landing at the North Pole with Neil Armstrong.

• Triumph and Tragedy: From being Knighted by Queen Elizabeth II to ...