What happens when one of the Arab world’s most fearless adventurers sits down to share the risks, triumphs, and raw truths behind her record-breaking climbs? In this riveting episode of Luca’s Insight Track, Luca is joined by Nelly Attar—the first Arab woman to summit K2—whose journey from dance studio founder in Saudi Arabia to conquering some of the world’s deadliest peaks is nothing short of extraordinary.
But this isn’t just about mountains. It’s about mindset, grief, resilience, and the pursuit of purpose. Nelly opens up about losing her father to COVID-19, and how that heartbreak became the catalyst for her most ambitious challenges. They dive into the razor-thin margin between life and death at 8,000 meters, the stolen oxygen bottles that almost ended her climb, and why fear—handled right—can keep you alive.
They unpack it all: the birth of Saudi Arabia’s first female dance studio at a time when music in public spaces was banned, building a community for women’s fitness against the odds, and pivoting her life’s focus after closing her business. Nelly reflects on Everest vs. K2, the mental tricks that keep her going in the “death zone,” and how to spot the moment complacency becomes dangerous—on a mountain or in everyday life.
This episode also tackles bigger questions. How can sports be a tool for social change? What does it take to turn physical suffering into emotional healing? And why do so many of life’s biggest rewards come from calculated risks?
We also go personal: Nelly shares her views on marriage as a “risk,” the advice her parents gave her about never settling, and her ambitions to shape sports policy in Saudi Arabia. She talks about surrounding yourself with people who challenge you, using gratitude as fuel, and learning to slow down long enough to enjoy the view before chasing the next summit.
Whether you’re an athlete, entrepreneur, dreamer, or someone navigating your own mountain—literal or metaphorical—this conversation is packed with hard-won wisdom and contagious energy. Nelly’s story is a reminder that the highest peaks aren’t just climbed with muscle, but with mindset, courage, and purpose.
If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to stand on top of the world and still keep climbing, this episode will leave you inspired to take your own leap—no matter how steep the ascent.
We are -
- Global first: Face-to-face interview with ChatGPT (avatar)
- Apple Podcasts: Best So Far 2025 (Top 10)
- Podeo: Best Trailer 2024 winner
- YouTube: 162K+ subscribers • 2M+ total views
Rankings:
UAE: #5 Society Culture • Top #16 Overall • #2 English SC
Lebanon: #2 Society Culture • Top #9 Overall
Saudi Arabia: #19 Society Culture • Top #72 Overall
Egypt: #16 Society Culture • Top #95 Overall