Dirtbag Billionaire: Why Calling Isn't "Found", It's Uncovered

S1E84 - Dirtbag Billionaire: Why Calling Isn't "Found", It's Uncovered

Published: November 11, 2025

Duration: 24:46

In this episode, we explore the unconventional story of Yvon Chouinard, the “dirtbag” climber who became the founder of Patagonia and ultimately gave away his billion-dollar company to protect its mission. In conversation with David Gelles—New York Times journalist and author of Dirtbag Billionaire—we dig into the paradoxes of success, the power of awareness, and the ongoing tension between principle and profit. We discuss how Chouinard’s love for the outdoors led him to create climbing gear out of necessity, and how his refusal to ignore the negative impact of his products shaped Patagonia’s legacy of environmental...