Cary’s Jennye Stirlen talks her thrilling journey on CBS’ The Summit.
You know the saying: “If all your friends jumped off a bridge, would you follow?” Usually a groupthink analogy or classic parental comeback, Cary local Jennye Stirlen experienced it as a call to real-life adventure.
No stranger to risk or adversity, The Summitstar moved solo to NC nine years ago—not to mention overcame cancer and addiction. Now, on CBS’ new hit show, the ever-brave contestant competes weekly against 16 strangers on a 14-day trek through the New Zealand Alps facing Antarctic winds, intense physical challenges and surprise twists at the will of the “Mountain’s Keeper”—all with a cool mill (collective) on the line.
It was a profound experience of personal growth, the fierce competitor tells RM. Ahead of the series finale Dec. 4, Stirlen reveals what it was like to take on The Summit.
How did you get involved in the show?
A casting director reached out with minimal details (really just that it would be challenging) and asked if I might be interested in participating. Having faced significant challenges in my life—surviving cancer, overcoming addiction in my family and losing 120 pounds—I saw this as another chance for growth. So, I said yes!
What was your adventure tolerance like before?
I enjoy being outdoors, but I lean more toward ‘glamping’ than traditional camping. This experience definitely pushed me out of my comfort zone.
How did you prepare?
I train in boxing, Muay Thai and judo daily. Knowing we’d be filming in New Zealand, I used an elevation mask while rucking to prepare for the altitude. I also did obstacle-course training, as I had no idea what to expect.
What was the day-to-day experience like?
The New Zealand mountains are stunning but unforgiving. The terrain was brutal, especially for inexperienced hikers. We hiked for miles each day, facing daunting obstacles while trying to stay in the game. It was physically, emotionally and mentally grueling.
What are some of your key takeaways?
This experience was challenging and exhausting, but it taught me a lot about myself and my capabilities. Extreme situations reveal parts of your personality you didn’t know existed. I discovered my ability to adapt quickly to changing circumstances and how deeply I can connect with people I’ve just met.
What have you been up to since?
As an MMA referee, I was eager to reconnect with my fight community here in Raleigh. I continue my education and training as an MMA referee, both locally and internationally. I’m also actively involved in the LGBTQ community, volunteering at local events to support and uplift others.
Watch Wednesdays at 9:30pm on CBS 17;Answers have been lightly edited for length and clarity.
Soccer fans, assemble! This Friday, find the U.S. Women’s National Team in New Zealand facing off for its first FIFA Women’s World Cup matchup versus Vietnam. And while our leading ladies are kickin’ it across the world, we’ve rounded up local events where you can show your support and spots to screen the match stateside. Let’s make this worldwide event one for the books. #Goals!
The Rialto The show must go on! The Rialto is reopening today at 7:30pm for World Cup USA vs Vietnam at 9pm—enter for free with beer, soda and maybe popcorn for sale. @rialtoraleigh
Tap Yard Fam and furry friends alike are welcome to cheer on our fierce females on the big screen (with the sound on!) with food trucks and cold bevs, natch. And be sure to don your best team USA gear! tapyardraleigh.com
Sports and Social What’s better than watching the World Cup on not one, not two, but 65+ TVs (NTM a 42-foot LED screen)?! Partake in the party—complete with games, giveaways and good vibes—and cheer on our gals with a specialty Hat Trick cocktail in hand. sportsandsocial.com
Live Viewing Party in Moore Square Pitch can’t kill the vibe at this Downtown watch party feat. live music, food truck fare and a load of lawn games (think knockerball, human foosball, soccer challenges and more). Score! raleighnc.gov
The Avenue While it might not be a soccer pitch, roll up to the grassy oasis at The Avenue and catch the game on one of its stockpile of screens—and squeeze in a game or two of pool during halftime. Play on! avenueraleigh.com
The Bridge DTR Clear eyes, full bellies, can’t lose. Fill up on food, drinks and camaraderie at The Bridge for soccer screening—Downtown soccer pub style. thebridgedtr.com
Carolina Ale House Give our kickin’ women an “ale yeah” at the NC Courage watch party in Brier Creek feat. food, games, and an appearance from the mascot Roary (!) along with select players from the NC Courage team. carolinaalehouse.com
Hibernian Pub Channel the luck of the Irish for our all-American soccer stars via a jaunt across the pond—er, to Glenwood South—for pub fare, drinks and an all-around kickin’ time. hibernianpub.com
Earlier this year, Huia Vineyards invited me to travel around the world to New Zealand. I prepared for a trip of formal tastings, walks through the vines, conversations about the technical aspects of wine and maybe a little bit of sightseeing.
What I didn’t plan for was a full-immersion experience taking in the beauty and uniqueness of this magical country.
As the plane descended into Auckland following 35 hours of travel, I scanned my jet-lagged brain for what I knew about the islands. Admittedly, my knowledge was limited—mostly it related to hobbits, sheep, extreme sports, Sauvignon Blanc and the country’s proximity to Australia. While these are important cultural references, I quickly realized there’s much more that defines Kiwis and the nation they call home.
The beauty of dramatic mountains, cliff-lined coastlines and green fields dotted with livestock is palpable. But, when you delve into the culture, here’s what you learn:
Everyone (and I mean EVERYONE) wants to know all they can about travelers. Taxi drivers asked where we came from and shared their favorite places to travel. Servers in restaurants wanted to know how we take our coffee at home before offering us their national favorite—a flat white, which I make now every morning. Tour guides let us in on “Lord of the Rings” filming locations and shared their knowledge of every species of plant and bird imaginable.
The town of Blenheim, located on the South Island, is the heart of the Marlborough region. Surrounded by a valley of vines and flanked by two mountain ranges, it’s here that Kiwis produce the crisp, refreshing, grapefruity Sauvignon Blanc we’ve come to know and love.
Just about every winery you encounter produces it and the wine remains the lifeblood of the country—it’s what put New Zealand on the international wine map. But the winemakers who live here, whether native or immigrants who settled after discovering the beauty of the region, know they have more to offer.
There’s a New World sensibility that infuses the wines Kiwis make. They plant Syrah and Pinot Noir, and graft Pinot Gris vines on top of Malbec route stock. They put Gruner Veltliner into oak barrels to age and make bubbles in the traditional champagne method. They experiment and play around and have fun while they do it.
This same element of joie de vivre is present in Kiwis’ everyday lives. They are kind and sharing, with a quirky sense of humor that will crack you up. What you see is what you get, and what you see is goodness and openness embodied in all they do.
So, while I now can speak to how special and rare a Noble Riesling is, I also can say firsthand how delicious it tastes when paired with hokey pokey ice cream, a national favorite: vanilla ice cream with bits of honeycomb toffee.
Kiwi music is fun to listen to but it’s even better when a winemaker is playing it on his guitar before challenging his guests to a game of snooker, cards or dice.
Swimming in a pool is great but it’s even better when it’s a swimming hole just steps from the vines that make the wines you’re going to drink with dinner that evening.
And, while I embarked on this adventure thinking I had to see it all because I would only have one chance to visit New Zealand, I got home and am already counting down the days until I can go back to this magical, beautiful country.
