Summary of "Check It Out: The Disappearance of Eric Robinson (Uinta Triangle)"

Podcast Title: Fail Better with David Duchovny
Episode: Check It Out: The Disappearance of Eric Robinson (Uinta Triangle)
Release Date: July 1, 2025
Host/Author: Lemonada Media

Introduction

In the episode "Check It Out: The Disappearance of Eric Robinson," hosted by Marilyn Kulstra, listeners are taken on an immersive journey into the mysterious vanishing of Eric Robinson, a seasoned solo hiker from Australia. The episode delves deep into Eric's life, his relationships, and the circumstances surrounding his disappearance in the Uinta Mountains of New Zealand.

Eric Robinson’s Background

Eric Robinson was a passionate hiker who had recently retired and embarked on a month-long trekking expedition across New Zealand's rugged terrains. His meticulous preparation included packing a GPS beacon, making his disappearance all the more perplexing given the safety measures he had taken.

Eric's Wife, Marilyn Kulstra [05:19]:
"That's the voice of Eric's wife, Marilyn Kulstra. Eric and Marilyn lived in Australia, in the suburbs of Melbourne. Eric was a few weeks shy of his 61st birthday and he had just retired."

Eric's adventures began in Glenorchy, traversing the Ries River and ascending into the Dart River Valley, a region renowned for its natural beauty and treacherous conditions, especially when wet.

Personal Life and Relationships

Eric met Marilyn Kulstra in 1994 through an introduction agency. Their relationship blossomed over shared interests in hiking and outdoor activities, contrasting their previous experiences and personal losses. Eric had endured the early loss of his father, stepfather, and first wife, Helen, which fueled his passion for nature as a sanctuary.

Marilyn Kulstra [26:12]:
"The story of Eric's disappearance is Marilyn's story. Too, to tell it right, I need to share a bit of what she said when the tape wasn't rolling."

Eric and Marilyn maintained separate households for over a decade, allowing them to preserve their independence while nurturing their relationship through frequent hiking trips and shared adventures.

The Trek and Disappearance

In early 2008, Eric set out to hike the Cascade Saddle, a notoriously dangerous segment of the trail known for its slick grasses and history of fatalities. Despite the challenging weather conditions, Eric proceeded with determination.

Marilyn Kulstra [64:08]:
"But Eric Robinson did not turn back during his walk over the Cascade Saddle. When our story resumes, I'll tell you exactly how his walk end."

Marilyn Kulstra, driven by the need to uncover the truth behind Eric's disappearance, embarks on her own expedition along the same trail, mirroring Eric's journey. Her narrative intertwines personal reflection with the unfolding mystery, highlighting the stark differences between her experiences and Eric's fate.

Search Efforts and Unanswered Questions

Upon Eric's failure to return, Marilyn faced the grim reality of a missing husband. Concurrently, Alan Beck, a close friend of Eric's, also becomes a pivotal figure in the investigation. Their shared history and mutual love for the outdoors add layers of complexity to the search efforts.

Alan Beck [07:05]:
"He [Eric] could sit out in his garden and listen to the cockatoos and kookaburras."

The search involves engaging with local authorities, scouring through Eric's extensive hiking records, and retracing his last known steps. Despite thorough efforts, the exact circumstances of Eric's disappearance remain elusive, leaving Marilyn and Alan grappling with unanswered questions and the haunting possibility of foul play or tragic accident.

Eric’s Legacy and Marilyn’s Quest

Eric Robinson's disappearance is not just a mystery but a catalyst for Marilyn Kulstra's profound personal journey. As she delves deeper into Eric's past, she uncovers his unresolved familial ties and the psychological scars that drove him to seek solace in the wilderness.

Marilyn Kulstra [29:57]:
"Eric and Marilyn were opposites in many ways, but they complemented each other where it mattered most."

Marilyn's quest to understand what led Eric to hike alone serves as a poignant exploration of human resilience, the fear of failure, and the innate desire to seek answers amidst loss and uncertainty.

Conclusion

"Check It Out: The Disappearance of Eric Robinson (Uinta Triangle)" offers an intricate tapestry of love, loss, and the relentless pursuit of truth. Through detailed storytelling and emotional interviews, Marilyn Kulstra paints a vivid picture of Eric Robinson's life and the enigmatic circumstances of his vanishing. The episode serves as a testament to the enduring human spirit and the complexities that lie within our quests for meaning and understanding.

Notable Quotes

• Marilyn Kulstra [08:35]:
  "The department is New Zealand's government agency responsible for managing backcountry trails. It would likely launch a search and rescue mission for Eric."

• Alan Beck [33:08]:
  "Eric was an anti conscription campaigner, protester, a hider of people who would not join up."

• Marilyn Kulstra [37:14]:
  "We just went to a party one night, and it was actually a wedding."

• Alan Beck [57:59]:
  "That was probably, you know, the highlight of their first foray into mountaineering. Glacial snow places together. It was a stunning place."

• Marilyn Kulstra [64:08]:
  "But Eric Robinson did not turn back during his walk over the Cascade Saddle."

This detailed summary encapsulates the essence of the episode, providing a comprehensive overview of Eric Robinson's disappearance and the ensuing investigation. It highlights the emotional depth and complexity of the narrative, ensuring that listeners grasp the full scope of the story even if they haven't tuned into the actual podcast.