Johanna Garton

Johanna Garton is a mother, proud Wisconsin girl, writer and cross country coach. In writing Edge of the Map, she interviewed more than 75 friends and family of Christine Boskoff and Charlie Fowler, including notable climbers such as Peter Habeler, Nazir Sabir, Willie Benegas, Phil Powers, Mark Gunlogson (current owner of Mountain Madness), Hector Ponce de Leon, Steve Swenson, and Conrad Anker. Conversant in Mandarin, Garton conducted several weeks of research and interviews near the site of Boskoff’s death in China.

Not a mountaineer herself, Garton was drawn to Boskoff’s story for deeply personal reasons: hailing from the same small Midwestern hometown, and in fact, attending high school together, though they never met. Their paths seemed destined to intersect.

When Boskoff went missing in 2006, Garton’s mother, also a journalist, began a ten-year deep dive into Boskoff’s story as well as a close friendship with Boskoff’s mother. She devoted herself to this project until a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease made it clear that Garton was meant to pick up where she left off and ensure Boskoff’s story was told.

Before the publication of her book, she dabbled in nonprofit consulting, college teaching and a brief, but quickly extinguished career as a lawyer. She’s moved her family to China, been charged by an elephant, and has completed over 20 marathons. She and her husband share their home in Denver with two bright children who are much wiser than she is and the inspiration of her storytelling

I’m so excited for you to connect with Johanna, check out her new book, and follow along as she continues to share share powerful and transformational stories.

I'd love it if you'd introduce yourself, what you do, and what you're working on.

Hello friends, I am Johanna Garton and like all of you, I wear many hats. I’m a mother, writer, lawyer, runner and traveler. Right now the writer part of me is taking center stage, with the publication of my second book, Edge of the Map.

How did you get started?

I studied journalism in college and then took a long and circular path through law school, exploring the world, teaching college, raising a family, moving overseas and eventually back to writing.

What inspired the work that you're doing?

The book I’ve just spent three years on is one of the greatest unknown stories in modern mountaineering. The woman at the center of the story, Christine Boskoff, grew up in my hometown and was so humble that she was virtually unknown, though she’s the most accomplished American female mountaineer of all time. Her story is one of love, loss, mystery and inspiration that felt absolutely essential to share with the world, and it was clear that I was the one to do it.

What is your biggest passion? Do you feel like you're living your passion and purpose?

I have a variety of passions that have grown and changed over the years. Right now my passion is storytelling, and it feels particularly useful at this time as we are all looking for ways to escape. I’m devoted to continuing to tell stories that inspire others as long as I’m able. It’s a passion that was buried for many decades but now that I’m here, I’m staying!

What is your joy blueprint? What lights you up, brings you joy, and makes you feel the most alive?

I’m most alive when I’m in nature or when I’m traveling to remote places of the world. There’s something special about the steadfastness of mountains, forests and lakes that is very grounding and joyful to me. Likewise, I feel all lit up when I’m experiencing the universe from a totally different perspective, whether that’s eating a picnic lunch on a boat in Burma or watching the sunrise in Zambia.

How do you live intentionally? Are there tools/resources/practices that you rely on to help you stay mindful and grounded?

Taking care of my body and mind are essential, and getting exercise once a day is non-negotiable. A run, a yoga session or a few minutes lifting weights is required. If I don’t do it, I’m a grump. I also try to read plenty of books, as I think it keeps my mind sharp and helps me become a better writer.

What would your younger self think about what you're doing now?

My younger self would think, “What took you so long?”

Do you have a go-to mantra or affirmation?

I find it incredibly easy to fall into the trap of looking at what everyone around you is doing with their lives in order to seek your own fulfillment which is of course, silly and unproductive. So I tend to repeat to myself constantly: Look inward for what moves you.

What is your biggest dream?

Biggest dream is to watch my children grow into happy, joyful adults. To travel and explore the world as much as possible and to continue to tell stories. I’d also love to see Edge of the Map be turned into a film or TV series.

To learn more about Johanna and her new book visit her website www.johannagarton.com and on Instagram @johannagartonbooks and Facebook @johannagarton and you can find her book, Edge of the Map, here

Joy Corner is an interview-style blog series brought to you by Seek The Joy Podcast. Our mission continues to be a desire to share your stories, truths, joys and inspiration in your words. We invite you to join our corner, and share your joys, passions, and moments of inspiration as we continue to seek the joy, together. Join this series here

Johanna Garton - Author, Edge of the Map