On this episode of Oui Talk Raw, Jennifer sits down with Dianette Wells—elite mountaineer, extreme endurance athlete, and author of Another Step Up the Mountain. From Malibu mom to one of fewer than 500 people who have conquered the Seven Summits, Dianette has biked across America, raced through deserts, and climbed the world’s most dangerous peaks—all while navigating profound personal loss. Her story is one of resilience, reinvention, and discovering how to turn pain into purpose. Together, we explore what it means to face your own “Mt. Everest,” push beyond fear, and find strength where you thought you had none.
Dianette Wells | Mountaineer, Athlete & Author
About Me – Dianette Wells
Dianette Wells is an elite mountaineer, adventure racer, and author who embodies the power of passion-driven resilience. One of fewer than 500 people to conquer the Seven Summits—including Everest, Kilimanjaro, and Denali—she’s also raced 150+ miles across deserts, biked across America, and competed in multiple Eco-Challenges and ultra-marathons worldwide, many televised (Amazon Prime’s World’s Toughest Race, 48 Hours’ Eco-Challenge Borneo, Discovery Channel’s World Championship, and the documentary, American Daredevil).
A mother of three, Dianette’s journey took a profound turn in 2015 when her son Johnny, a record-setting adventurer, died in a wingsuit accident. Channeling grief into grit, Dianette continued pushing her boundaries, from summiting peaks to writing her memoir, Another Step Up the Mountain. Dianette is now on a mission, through her speaking and writing, to inspire others to chase their own “Everest”, whatever the odds.
Another Step Up the Mountain: Dianette Wells on Climbing, Healing, and Living Fully
On this episode of Aligned with Jen on rBeatz Radio, host Jennifer Busco sits down with mountaineer, author, mother, and grandmother Dianette Wells to talk about her extraordinary life on and off the world’s highest peaks. From surviving near-death experiences to raising three children, from summiting Everest to writing her memoir Another Step Up the Mountain, Dianette’s story is as much about resilience and spirit as it is about adventure.
Climbing Mountains and Facing Life’s Biggest Tests
Dianette shared that her climbs have always been more than athletic feats — they’ve been spiritual journeys, “Being on a mountain is when I feel the most present, the most connected,” she said. “You can’t bulldoze through life. Sometimes it’s one shovel, one step at a time.” Jennifer and Dianette discussed how climbing mirrors everyday struggles — whether it’s grief, illness, or navigating personal challenges. For Dianette, summits have often been about honoring her late son Johnny, as well as learning how to live more deeply.
Spiritual Lessons from the Edge
Dianette opened up about her belief in past lives, the soul’s journey, and how hardship shapes growth. A psychic once told her she had lived 132 lifetimes — and that she didn’t have to come back after this one. Dianette laughed, “Is that because I keep screwing it up?” But ultimately, she embraced the lesson: sometimes the darkest moments become our greatest teachers. Both Jennifer and Dianette agreed that humanity is evolving — moving toward a “lighter” way of being, where future generations may not need suffering in order to grow.
The Book: Another Step Up the Mountain
Dianette’s memoir, Another Step Up the Mountain, took eight years to complete. Writing it forced her to revisit both triumph and pain — including her son’s passing. She recalled once asking for a sign on whether she should climb Everest again, and within 48 hours she tore her ACL. “It couldn’t have been more definitive,” she said. Instead of forcing it, she walked to base camp, then trusted that stepping away was the right choice.
Her book, available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and audiobook platforms, captures those pivotal moments of courage, loss, and spiritual awakening.
Life Beyond the Summits
Despite the medals, the climbs, and the endurance records, Dianette says her greatest victory is being a mother and now a grandmother:
“There’s no summit that equates to seeing your children grow up to be amazing people.”
When she’s not on the world’s tallest peaks, Dianette is just as content on smaller trails — even local hikes. “You cannot underestimate any mountain,” she told Jennifer. “It doesn’t have to be Everest. Being in nature, with trees or boulders, makes me as happy as can be.”
Gear She Trusts
For aspiring climbers wondering where to begin, Dianette had practical advice:
- Start small — local hikes, 5Ks, or beginner mountains like Mount Whitney.
- Build confidence step by step.
- And when it comes to gear, she swears by Salomon shoes, Osprey packs, Mountain Hardwear jackets, and her trusty Patagonia pants she’s worn since 2004.
Key Takeaways from Dianette’s Journey
- Presence matters: Whether climbing Everest or handling life’s struggles, focus on the step in front of you.
- Listen for signs: Sometimes the universe answers in ways we don’t expect — like a torn ACL.
- Joy in nature: Adventure doesn’t have to mean Everest. Any time outside can be healing.
- Greatest summit: Family, love, and connection outweigh any medal or mountain.
- Start now: Hiking your local trails is the first step toward bigger adventures.
Closing Thought
Jennifer closed the conversation by thanking Dianette for following her purpose:
“When you’re in your passion or your purpose, it serves the collective. We can all feel it.”
And that’s exactly what this episode delivered — a reminder that while mountains challenge us, they also teach us how to live, love, and climb the inner peaks of our own lives.
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