The Climbing Majority (Kyle Broxterman)
Explorez tous les épisodes de The Climbing Majority
| Date | Titre | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 Feb 2022 | 6 | Coping with Traumatic Injuries | 01:12:01 | |
In Episode 6 Kyle and Max get personal about what it's like to cope with traumatic injuries. They cover the emotional and physical challenges, what you can and what you can't control, and the benefits of strength training for the recovery process. They also dive into the effects of depression and anxiety and how to stay positive when everything around you seems lost. | |||
| 15 Mar 2022 | 9 | Bonus Episode: Helmets, Shame, and Media w/ Robert Kepley | 00:27:03 | |
In the episode, launched this week, called "Helmets, Shame, and Social Media" Kyle and Max spoke about the controversial topic of helmets, explored why there seems to be so much shame and negativity built into our sport, and discussed the positives and negatives of media for the everyday climber. In this bonus episode, Kyle has the chance to talk to climbing photographer Rob Kepley about his experience in climbing and discuss his point of view on these controversial and engaging topics. | |||
| 28 Mar 2022 | 10 | Words From a Fallen Soloist w/ Josh Ourada | 01:34:40 | |
In this episode, Max and Kyle speak with Josh Ourada. A climber who survived a harrowing 175ft fall while free soloing "The Nutcracker" in Yosemite Valley. His story has been covered in Climbing Magazine and talked about across the web, and for good reason. Beyond the miracle of his survival and the details of his accident, Max, Kyle, and Josh dive into the ethics behind free soloing, how media plays a role in our perception of risk, and what life is like on the other side of cheating death. | |||
| 25 Apr 2022 | 12 | A Broken Heel 1,700 Miles From Home w/ James Pymn | 02:02:02 | |
James Pymn, is a British climber who loves routes with character, even if that means assuming lots of risk. From free soloing large multi-pitch routes to leading 7c (12c) trad routes with obligatory 8m (24ft.) runouts, James has had a climbing career one could say is of "full value". In this episode, we take a look into James' life as a climber, discuss the elusive British grading system, and talk about his accident involving a 70ft fall and an obliterated calcaneus, all while in a foreign country 1,700 miles from home. | |||
| 11 Apr 2022 | 11 | Psilocybin as Medicine w/ Eric Nelson | 01:22:28 | |
In this episode, we interview Eric, a personal trainer, entrepreneur and health coach who resides in Reno, Nevada. With his clients, he focuses on the four fundamentals of health: sleep, food, movement, and connection to breath in tandem with sub-perceptual or micro-doses of psilocybin. We dive into our own personal anecdotes and experiences with psilocybin and its use to reduce anxiety and depression by creating new neural pathways that can reframe the negative beliefs we create our reality around. | |||
| 09 May 2022 | 13 | Belaying, The Unsung Hero w/ AMGA Guide Cody Bradford | 01:54:45 | |
In the sport of climbing, we are almost always focused on what's happening on the sharp end, the leader, the art of climbing. But what we seem to miss is that without a belayer climbers are free soloing. While climbing, our ability to stay attached to the wall and the gear we place are our primary line of safety, but our belayers are the ones that in the end save our lives when we make mistakes. We feel that the art of belaying is underrepresented and feel that it needs to be talked about and given more appreciation so in this episode, we sit down with Cody Bradford, an AMGA Rock Guide, to discuss his background and thoughts on the topic of belaying. | |||
| 23 May 2022 | 14 | Climbing Talk w/ AMGA Rock & Alpine Guide Max Lurie | 01:50:05 | |
In this episode, we sit down with Max Lurie. Max is an AMGA-certified Rock and Alpine guide and an accomplished alpinist. We get his perspective on several topics, including risk and social media. We talk about the best and worst ways of obtaining climbing knowledge, what it's like to hire a guide, how to best prepare for an objective, and how even a professional guide gets criticism and shame in his DM's. | |||
| 06 Jun 2022 | 15 | Mental Health, Addiction and Climbing w/ Harvey Merritt Wright | 02:05:40 | |
Harvey is a musician, hairdresser, and climber from Vancouver BC. He is best known for the recent award-winning documentary Crux, a full-length film about his life, his struggle with addiction, and his relationship with climbing. In this conversation we discuss how Harvey fell in love with climbing, the process of filming Crux, and dive deep into mental health, drug addiction and consumption. | |||
| 20 Jun 2022 | 16 | Living & Climbing the Impossible w/ Jack Ryan aka. Paralyzed to Peaks | 01:24:43 | |
Today, in episode 16, we sit down, in person, with Jack Ryan an adaptive trad climber and mountaineer and founder of Paralyzed to Peaks. Jack is not your average trad climber. On November 29th Jack’s neck was crushed in an illegal move done by his blackbelt instructor during a Jiu-Jitsu sparing session. He suffered a broken neck at C4-C5 resulting in paralysis from the neck down as well as numerous strokes due to blood clotting the following morning. He lost everything that day and has been fighting to regain it all ever since. Since his life-changing injury, and having never climbed before, he has begun to forge a new path in the world of adaptive climbing. In August 2020, in tandem with the founding of Paralyzed to Peaks, Jack Ryan became the first and only individual with a spinal cord injury and incomplete quadriplegia to summit mount Whitney and is currently the only individual in the world with incomplete quadriplegia taking the sharp end on sport/trad climbs. He has a large vision for the future including several large technical mountaineering objectives and aims to change the world's perception of adaptive athletes. | |||
| 04 Jul 2022 | 17| Injury Prevention, Rehabilitation, and Returning to Sport w/ Physical Therapists Matthew Oravitz and Kevin Wright | 01:58:08 | |
About a year ago both Kyle and I were involved in bone-shattering climbing accidents that changed the way we view the world and ultimately became the spark for the creation of this podcast. In our earlier episodes, we spent time discussing our accidents, recovery processes, and the psychological effects traumatic injuries have on the mind. Having now recovered to a point where we both are participating in climbing and living a pseudo-normal life we felt it was time to talk with some professionals. In this episode, we talk with physical therapists Matthew and Kevin about the bio, psycho, social model of patient care, specific return to sport measures, climbing strain injuries, proper warm-up protocol for injury prevention, and much more. | |||
| 18 Jul 2022 | 18 | Accidents, Mentorship & The Art of First Ascents w/ AMGA Guide Joshua Reinig | 02:29:42 | |
In this episode, we sit down and talk with AMGA guide Joshua Reinig. I met Josh about 7 years ago when I first started climbing. His immediate willingness to share his knowledge and stoke helped shape me into the climber I am today. Throughout his climbing career, Josh has led over 6000 guided trips, established over 2000 first ascents, and is currently in the top 25 all-time contributors to Mountain Project. His deep excitement for climbing and passion for sharing it is contagious energy to everyone around him. In this 2.5-hour conversation, we talk about Josh’s past and how he came to be an AMGA guide involving a freak accident that almost cost him his life. We dive deep into what it means to be a mentor, explain how to manage fear & risk, go over the ethics behind the creation of first ascents, and finally talk about Josh’s most recent undertaking, the creation of the Mt. Whitney Climbing Ranch. | |||
| 01 Aug 2022 | 19| Chasing a First Ski Descent in the Himalaya w/ Arc'teryx Athlete Eric Carter | 01:51:36 | |
In today's episode, we speak with Eric Carter. Eric is an Arc'teryx athlete who resides in Squamish British Columbia. He spent 5 years on the us national ski mountaineering team and holds the speed record on Mount Rainier and the Tantalus Traverse. Eric has an M.S in Exercise Physiology and a PhD where he studied the affects of altitude on humans. In this conversation we cover the topics of snow safety, avalanche training, and training for the mountain athlete and alpinist. We also do a deep dive into Eric's recent trip into the Himalaya, where he searches for a first ski descent on a peak called Bhrigupanth near Meru (The Sharks Fin) in India at the head of the Ganges river. https://arcteryx.com/us/en/athletes/eric-carter | |||
| 15 Aug 2022 | 20 | The Mysteries Behind Concussions and Pulley Injuries w/ Physiotherapist Quinn Turner | 01:24:49 | |
In this episode, we have a conversation with, registered physiotherapist and climber, Quinn Turner. We found Quinn’s Instagram account @alpine.physio and was truly inspired by his content. Quinn resides in North Vancouver BC where he works out of Body Works Sports Physiotherapy and Kinematics Sports Medicine & Rehab. He began his studies at the University of Calgary obtaining a BSc in kinesiology and later receiving his Masters from the University of Alberta. Quinn specializes in concussion and vestibular rehabilitation but treats a wide range of ailments found in the life of a climber. Like all of us, Quinn has a strong passion for the mountains. He is an experienced Nordic skier, hiker, and climber. In our conversation, we cover topics such as the accidents that inspired him to become a physio, concussions, their severity, symptoms, and the healing process, the physics of helmets and their effectiveness in climbing, we discuss evidence-based rehabilitation and outdated medical practices that are still being prescribed today, and finally, we dive deep into the mysterious pulley injury and its relation to crimping and dynamic movement. | |||
| 29 Aug 2022 | 21 | The Alpha Female Mentality w/ AMGA Guide Lindsey Hamm aka. "The Hamminator" | 02:06:52 | |
Summary We talk about how she found climbing, her stories of three separate ground falls that left her…uninjured, we chat about the art of soloing, and belaying, and…since she is officially the first female on the podcast, we dive into her female perspective of the climbing community, the details of her life as a female guide, and how misogyny can plague the sport, and finally, we hear about what she is currently up to in the steep rocky terrain of Pakistan. Resources: Female Empowering Climbing Groups: | |||
| 12 Sep 2022 | 22 | Dirtbag Rehab & Mind Tools w/ ACMG Apprentice Guide Catherine Pitura | 01:46:52 | |
Summary https://gripped.com/events/watch-free-talk-by-mind-tools-for-climbers-on-april-21/ https://gripped.com/gear/mind-tools-aim-to-keep-you-psyched/ | |||
| 26 Sep 2022 | 23 | Inside the Mind of an Orthopedic Surgeon w/ Dr. Scott Whitlow | 01:53:10 | |
As I am sure most of you are aware this podcast’s creation stemmed from Max and I’s traumatic climbing injuries that occurred just over a year ago. Within a week of each other and in different countries Max and I both took trad falls and sustained ankle injuries that required surgery. If you haven’t heard those stories cruise back to episodes 2&3. As a patient of surgery, I was curious as to what the procedure was like. What was going through the surgeon's head? What was actually happening while I was under with a tourniquet wrapped around my leg? In today’s episode, we get answers to those questions as we have the rare privilege of sitting down with Dr. Scott Whitlow THE orthopedic surgeon that performed my bilateral ankle surgery. Scott received his medical degree from the Boston University School of Medicine and completed his residency at UC Davis. He then went on to receive specialty training in foot and ankle surgery in Vail, CO. Over the years he has performed countless surgeries and is considered an expert in his field. In our conversation, we dive into the surgeon's perspective of handling a patient with lower extremity injuries, the future of joint replacements, post-procedure options like scoping and hardware removal, and we get to hear Scott's story about how HE became the patient for a serious of unfortunate orthopedic surgeries… that nearly claimed his life. | |||
| 10 Oct 2022 | 24 | Climbing Nutrition w/ Caitlin Holmes | 02:18:54 | |
As a relatively larger climber, sitting around 200lbs and having gone through recent traumatic injuries… my weight… and my positivity around my own body image have fluctuated a lot. As fellow climbers, I am sure you know the struggle of trying to juggle performance, health, weight gain…or weight loss. In today’s conversation, we discuss a topic that so many of us struggle with. It's the foundation of our energy, our happiness. Basically our entire lives…..I'm talking about nutrition. In this episode, we sit down with Caitlin Holmes. Caitlin is a board-certified Nutrition Specialist who received her Masters of Science in Human Nutrition & Functional Medicine from the University of Western States. After her graduation, she started her nutrition coaching business, Caitlin Holmes Nutrition, where she primarily works with climbers and outdoor enthusiasts to develop effective nutrition plans for long-term health and performance. Her passion and knowledge of nutrition are palpable. Caitlin, like so many of us, has had her struggles and successes in the sport of climbing. She’s experienced injuries, body issues, and performance plateaus. Caitlin is a great boulderer and sport climber and she’s even climbed some v9s… which is an amazing accomplishment. In our conversation, we talk about the failure of the modern medical system, micro and macronutrients, how to fuel for climbing, our bodie’s energy systems, and much more. This episode is an awesome deep dive into what fuels our bodies and minds to do the activities that we love. Eat well, climb hard, and have fun. Enjoy the show.
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| 24 Oct 2022 | 25 | A High Altitude Climbing Legend Part 1 w/ Alan Burgess | 02:39:11 | |
All right, people, today is a special day because we are sitting down with one of the most legendary high alpine climbers of the 20th century. His name is Alan Burgess. Alan first reached out to me after seeing a climbing majority poster at our local climbing gym here in Reno. We met at a coffee shop and I did not know what to expect, having not known who he was or about his stories up to this point. He handed a book to me. It was called The Burgess Book of Lies, and his vision was to turn it into an audiobook. To be honest, at this point, I had no idea who Alan was. And now, after hearing his stories, I'm a bit ashamed as a climber not to have known who he was. But after sitting down with him for probably an hour, I knew that he was special and his life needed to be shared. So I agreed. Unfortunately, after much effort, the project of turning his book into an audiobook just did not make any sense. And we had to call it quits. So instead, we are sitting here today to do the second best thing to get him on to the podcast, to hear his story. Alan lived a life that most of us couldn't even dream of. His vast experience in the mountains and the multitude of a sense worldwide that he is accomplished in his life would just be impossible to capture in a podcast episode. So we decided to break up his story into two parts. In this episode, we are going to talk about his childhood and what climbing was like in the 1950s. And then we're going to talk about his most notable super Alpine ascents. The first climb we're going to be talking about is his third ascent of the American route on Fitzroy in Patagonia. Next is the first alpine-style ascent of the French route on the north face of Huascaran Norte in Peru. And third, we're going to be talking about the first ascent of the southwest buttress of Mount Logan in Canada, a route that has never been repeated. And finally, we're going to close this episode out by talking about how he was able to fund and create a life of climbing around the world and how he was able to survive through countless situations where most fail. | |||
| 07 Nov 2022 | 26 | Climbing in the Death Zone w/ Climbing Legend Alan Burgess Part II | 03:23:55 | |
In our last episode, we sat down with legendary high-altitude climber Alan Burgess and discussed his upbringing and his most notable alpine & super alpine ascents. In this episode, we continue our conversation and dive into his most notable high-altitude climbs including the west ridge of Everest in winter, Dhaulagiri in winter, Annapurna IV in winter, and K2. We talk about the complicated logistics of large-scale expeditions, the dangers of climbing above 8000m, and what Al Burgess is doing now. | |||
| 21 Nov 2022 | 27 | A Close Call, Fatherhood, and Climbing in the Balkans w/ Chris Stephens Sr. | 01:31:03 | |
This episode really represents the foundational purpose of this podcast. That being, to hear climbing stories and chat about climbing topics with fellow recreational climbers. Climbers with full-time jobs, relationships, kids, and lives outside of their world of climbing. Climbing is such an amazing sport and one of the reasons is that you don’t need to climb extremely hard grades or dedicate your life to it in order to have life-changing, empowering, and inspiring experiences. In today’s conversation, we sit down with Chris Stephens Sr., a father, soldier, traveler, and of course a climber. Chris reached out to me via Instagram after hearing my episode on the Sharp End Podcast where I briefly mentioned my climbing trip in Albania. He too had just come back from a climbing trip to eastern Europe and wanted to swap stories. We decided to turn what would be a quick chat into an episode. We talk about how Chris was so inspired by the landscape around him that he chose to pursue the sport of climbing, how a close call turned him off the sport for 4 years, how fathership affects his mental game while climbing, and finally we swap stories about our experience climbing in the Balkans. A land where food limitations, access issues, and limited information make outdoor climbing a whole lot more adventurous. | |||
| 05 Dec 2022 | 28 | The Hard Rock 100, a 300 Foot Fall, and a Fatal Avalanche w/ Adam Campbell | 02:22:21 | |
In this episode, we sit down with Adam Campell. Adam is a man in motion who has dedicated his life to the pursuit of athletics and movement in the mountains. During his years as an athlete, Adam has been a member of five Canadian national teams in the sports of mountain running, ski mountaineering, and the duathlon/triathlon. His deep athletic base and hard work ethic have allowed him to become one of the best ultra runners on the planet. Arguably one of Adam’s most notable achievements was at the Hard Rock 100, a notorious race at high-elevation in the San Juan Mountains, where he placed 3rd not once but twice. When it didn't seem like anything could go wrong, Adam’s life came to a crashing halt after a 300ft fall while climbing the Horseshoe Traverse in BC. Thanks to luck, a helmet, and a full pack Adam survived, but with devastating injuries. Nonetheless, Adam defied logic and ended up running the Hard Rock 100 again only ten months after his injuries, a feat that is hard to believe even possible. Then Adams' story sadly took another turn for the worse in 2020 when he had to unbury his wife from a fatal avalanche. Needless to say, Adam has lived through a full spectrum of experiences in the mountains…, experiences that have tested his understanding of life, love, and what it means to be a mountain athlete. Adam has always spoken genuinely about his experiences in the mountains and he does so in our conversation. This episode provides a deep dive into the realities of the power that mountains carry. They give us life, energy, purpose, and meaning..but sometimes they take everything from us… Please rate, review the show, and share this podcast with your friends. Word of mouth is one of the most powerful tools to help us out. | |||
| 19 Dec 2022 | 29 | How Not 2 Have Gear Fear w/ Ryan Jenks | 02:18:18 | |
As I am sure all of you are aware. Max and I simultaneously injured ourselves in climbing accidents. After my injury, I started to look at climbing in a completely different way. And one of the main things that struck me was that we never really know whether a piece of trad protection is truly going to hold a fall…. until you fall on it. That didn’t seem very safe to me, how are we supposed to learn the limits of our gear and understand what happens to them under load without risking our lives? Today we get to sit down with the man who has dedicated his life to exploring and fully understanding the limits, capabilities, and applications of climbing gear. Ryan Jenks started his Youtube channel "How Not 2 Highline" almost six years ago. Back then he simply wanted to create 10 videos that covered the ins and outs of how to set up a highline safely. Fast forward to today, with over 400 videos posted and a community of over 125K, Ryan Jenks is blazing the trail when it comes to testing the limits and fully understanding the capabilities of climbing gear. In our conversation, we dive into the beginnings of his story and the creation of How Not 2. We ask him hot-topic questions about Totems, ropes, and V-threads. And finally, we discuss the future of his channel and the details of his new machine The Slack Snap 5.0 | |||
| 02 Jan 2023 | 30 | The Past, The Present, & The Future of TCM | 00:59:46 | |
We are celebrating one year of our podcast and taking a look back at the growth and development of the show. From discussing how to cope with traumatic injuries to interviewing climbing legends like Alan Burgess, we've covered a wide range of topics in the past year. These have included belaying, mental health and addiction, physical therapy, adaptive athletes, fear and risk, and much more. We are excited to continue exploring these topics in the coming year and are also excited to announce some updates to the show, including a new brand presence, improved equipment, and enhanced sound quality. In addition, we will be offering ways for listeners to support the show. We are grateful to all our guests who have shared their stories and experiences on the show, and to our listeners who have been with us from the beginning, you are the foundation of this show. Thank you for your support! Finally, we end this conversation with a montage of soundbites from each of the twenty-nine episodes of 2022. | |||
| 16 Jan 2023 | 31 | Route Development, Stewardship, and a Dark Side w/ Colby Wangler | 02:10:52 | |
I don't know about you but when I first started climbing..creating a first ascent and developing a route was something my regular climbing partner and I would fantasize about—looking out the car window on long road trips for any rock formation that might have been untouched, a prize yet to be claimed. However, like most of you, I am sure, I was too enthralled in actually climbing to take the time, money, and focus to become a route developer. With climbing being so accessible, and there being over fifty thousand published routes on Mountain Project between California and Canada alone, it is easy to just enjoy climbs and forget all the work it took to establish them. Today, our topic is route development and we get to sit down with a local climber and route developer here in Reno, his name is Colby Wangler. In our conversation, we talk about how Colby found climbing and what lead him to become a route developer, the ins and out of the route developing process, and how Colby both developed and climbed his first own 5.13. We cover how we, the majority, the people who get enjoy the work of others, can support, maintain, and give back to the areas we love so much. And finally, we talk about a potential dark side to this amazing sport we call climbing. Please rate, review the show, and share this podcast with your friends. Word of mouth is one of the most powerful tools to help us out. Sea to Sky Climbing Hardware Fund British Mountaineering Crag Care Fund Access Fund USA (Register and Adopt a Crag) | |||
| 30 Jan 2023 | 32 | Climber Rescues Crashed Base Jumper w/ River Barry | 01:34:48 | |
One thing I’ve learned about climbing over the years is that you never really know when something might go wrong, that human error and the randomness of nature are something we as climbers can’t really avoid. So instead we prepare ourselves to deal with the unknown, to come equipped with the tools necessary both physical and mental to rescue either ourselves or others when things go wrong. Remember that story that was all over the news a few months ago, about a climber who had rescued a base jumper who crashed, hanging precariously on a cliff? Today we get to sit down with the climber herself, River Barry. We dive deep into the details of her heroic rescue on that fateful day and find out what we are all capable of when preparedness, training, and experience all come together. Please rate, review the show, and share this podcast with your friends. Word of mouth is one of the most powerful tools to help us out. | |||
| 13 Feb 2023 | 33 | A Mentor, A Friend and A Big Red Truck w/ MT Mountaineering & Climbing Instructor Callum Nelson | 01:43:29 | |
Recently I've been seeking mentorship and guidance to help improve my climbing. This can be a tricky endeavor, finding someone you trust and respect can be challenging. With this in mind, I reached out to a local Ice climbing group in search of such a person. With some amazing luck, I connected with Callum Nelson. Through our conversation, I quickly realized that Callum was an accomplished climber and UK Certified Rock Guide who has climbed all over the world. Callum and I climbed a beautiful Water Ice 5 Called Shriek of the Sheep on the West Coast of BC this was a phenomenal experience that I'll remember for the rest of my life. What stood out most was how aligned Callum and I are as people something just clicked. I am honored that Callum is the first guest to record in my home and I consider myself lucky to call him a friend. Callum and his partner Anya currently live in a converted fire engine called big red. He embodies the spirit of climbing and shares how climbing is much more than an experience. it can be life-transforming as so many of us know and have discovered ourselves | |||
| 27 Feb 2023 | 34 | Don't Fall, Don't Fall, Don't Hit The Ground w/ IFMGA Dale Remsberg | 01:23:27 | |
As we are sure most of you know accidents happen to the best of us and when you spend enough time in places with severe hazards it's not a question of if, but when. Nevertheless, it is easy to get complacent, and comfortable and that's when things go wrong. Today, we sit down with IFMGA certified mountain guide Dale Remsberg. We connected with Dale after hearing about an accident he had while leading ice that almost took his life. With some luck and a badass mentality he was back top-roping ice only 10 days later, which is pretty ridiculous our my opinion. Dale doesn't ruminate on his mistakes; he learns from them and shares them with the community so others can learn too. He spends 100 days a year guiding and also enjoys training new mountain guides. In our conversation, we get to hear Dale’s story about his childhood, how he found climbing, and what events led up to his accident. Dale also shares with us the importance of mentorship and what he's doing in the community to provide this critical piece of climbing to others. Finally, we talk about the myth of safety in climbing, because as controversial as it might sound….climbing simply isn't safe. Maybe that's why we like it so much? | |||
| 13 Mar 2023 | 35 | How to Survive Tragedy w/ Ben Lavoie | 01:31:59 | |
Everyone in their lives experiences suffering, trauma, depressed states and difficult times. Some people experience these events early in life and some later on. But ultimately, suffering and loss are both tragic and a natural part of the human experience. Our guest today reached out to Kyle and I. He is Ben Levoie. Ben had a traumatic car accident which left him badly injured and severely concussed. This incident resulted in Ben losing 10 years of memory and living with PTSD. Ben wants to share his story in the hopes that it will help others deal with their own trauma and difficult experiences. In today's episode Ben opens up about his life, his accident and how he used climbing to help him with his PTSD. Finally, we talk about the flow state, metal health, and how climbing has helped Ben to create new memories with his son. Please rate, review the show, and share this podcast with your friends. Word of mouth is one of the most powerful tools to help us out. | |||
| 27 Mar 2023 | 36 | From 5.6 to 5.12R in Two Years w/ Joey Latina | 01:06:15 | |
Most of the time we come across successful climbers after their massive accomplishments…the climbs, first ascents, and daring projects that put their name on the map. But rarely do we get to meet or hear about these people before their time. Before their groundbreaking achievements that cast them into the limelight. Today is one of those days. We get to sit down with a young crusher by the name of Joey Latina who is a local here in Las Vegas, NV. At the remarkably young age of 16 Joey is already making quick work of his path towards becoming a nationally recognized climber. With only a few years of climbing under his belt, he has already climbed routes that most of us would spend a lifetime to accomplish. The Original Route on the infamous Rainbow Wall and Buffalo Soldiers on Buffalo Wall just to name a few. These are serious, committing trad routes with some pitches tagged with the R rating. While Joey understands the severity and impressiveness of his achievements. He remains calm, humble, and focused on his goals. We sit down and talk about how Joey found climbing and his remarkable progression from scrambling 5.5 to projecting 5.12R trad routes in under two years. We talk about his perception of risk and dive into whether or not he really understands the risk that he is undertaking on these routes. Finally, we talk about the future and start to realize that we very well might be sitting next to one of the most up and coming trad climbers of his generation. Please rate, review the show, and share this podcast with your friends. Word of mouth is one of the most powerful tools to help us out. | |||
| 10 Apr 2023 | 37 | Climbing On Wet Rocks...An Ethical Debate w/ Mike Tagg | 01:10:00 | |
I don’t know about you, but this winter has been insane for us on the west coast. Record snowfall, rainfall, and constant cold weather. While it does seem like we are finally coming to a close of this long winter as temps are warming up, one thing in my mind that has stuck out the most, and that is the debate of climbing on wet rocks. Wet rocks are a part of nature…but certain kinds of rock become brittle and fragile after considerable saturation. With a season as wet as 2023, this topic sits at the forefront of many climbers minds. I have personally become very interested in the topic and feel that we all, at the very least, need to be aware that it is a real issue. People are getting injured, classic climbing routes are being changed forever, and public land owners are potentially getting more ground to ban us climbers from the areas we love the most. Todays conversation is with a fellow recreational climber named Mike Tagg. I met Mike via Facebook after finding his post about an app he had developed, that consolidates the information we need to better make a decision on whether or not to climb on wet rocks. We talk about the ethics behind climbing on wet rocks, dive deep into both sides of the coin, and ultimately realize that we, the Majority, are in control of when we climb….and hope this conversation makes us more aware of the impact that we have on the world around us….and provide a tool for us to use to better make critical decisions… like when to climb……when it might be better to either stay home….or simply climb somewhere else. Please rate, review the show, and share this podcast with your friends. Word of mouth is one of the most powerful tools to help us out. | |||
| 24 Apr 2023 | 38 | Sky Diving, Climbing, and a Fatal Stabbing w/ Mike Tagg | 01:49:49 | |
In our last conversation we sat down with a gentleman by the name of Mike Tagg where talked about the ethics behind climbing on wet rocks and provided a way for us, The Majority, to make better, well informed decisions on when we can climb after a a rain. But, we did not have the chance to do what we normally do on this show, hear Mike’s story, because I don’t know about you but we are always interested in hearing all the vastly different ways people find this magical sport, and how it impacts each individual's life so differently. Mike’s story is a bit different than most, rather than having climbing be the source of a traumatic injury, like Max and I, Mike found climbing after a life changing injury he sustained while sky diving. This shocking injury and the ultimate path towards climbing it put Mike on was all for a reason it seems. Because only a year or two after he found climbing, he woke up one night to find himself standing in a stairwell, with a gun in his face, while his good friend and roommate was being horrifically murdered only 20ft away. Mike says without the sport of climbing to give his life purpose, and a way to deal with the PTSD caused by the event.. he is not so sure he would be sitting in his chair telling this story today. I must warn you that later in this episode, around an hour in, Mike will be sharing his detailed account of that tragic night. It contains graphic details that may not be suitable for younger audiences, so we suggest listening to this episode later if you have children around. | |||
| 08 May 2023 | 39 | 80m Runout WI7, Soloing Ice, & A Fatal Accident w / Philip Setter | 02:16:31 | |
As an amateur alpinist I love climbing ice, it is such a foreboding medium to climb on. Here one day and gone the next, it is ephemeral in nature. But for anyone who has swung an ice axe into a beautiful line of frozen water, you know the satisfaction that the sport of ice climbing can provide. Our guest today is Philip Setter, Philip is an avid ice climber who has had the opportunity to climb with one of the best Ice climbers on the planet, Stas Baskin. Phil is the owner and operator of the Canadian boys Youtube Channel where he shares his stories and experiences in POV. In our conversation we find out how Phil progressed from hiking and scrambling, to leading WI6+ ice on some of the most sought after objectives in the Canadian Rockies, a mecca of big committing and dangerous ice lines. Phil shares stories of his epic adventures as well as some of his darkest moments. Please rate, review the show, and share this podcast with your friends. Word of mouth is one of the most powerful tools to help us out. | |||
| 22 May 2023 | 40 | The Power of the Great Outdoors w/ Jacob Urban | 01:46:28 | |
In today’s episode we sit down with Jacob Urban. Mountain athlete and Founder of The Jackson Hole Outdoor Leadership Institute. Climbing put Jacob on a path and in his words climbing is what “led him to himself”. Now with over 30 years in the industry of Outdoor Education he is here to teach us not only how to survive in the mountains, but how we view ourselves and our relationship with the world around us. We hear about Jacob’s story…. cover topics such as Risk and Ethics….and finally discuss what our subconscious’ role is in how we interact with the world. | |||
| 05 Jun 2023 | 41 | Get Out Of Your Own Way w/ Kevin Roet | 01:21:47 | |
Have you ever walked up to a route saying “I can’t do this' ' or “I am going to fall, I just know it”. What happens? Chances are your prediction of the future comes true. Our own internal dialogue, whether negative or positive, shapes our reality. But how do we change our perception of ourselves, become aware of our internal dialogue, and learn to climb psychologically unencumbered? Our guest today is Kevin Roet; climber, coach, founder of Rise & Summit outdoor education, and the author of “Climbing Psychology”. Kevin has been climbing since he was 18 and over the years noticed how many other climbers, including himself, have dealt or currently deal with an array of detrimental psychological habits that keep them from climbing their best. It is his goal to help educate the community on how we can address, accept, and move past these habits holding us back. Using his book as a foundation we talk about fear and its role in our lives and in climbing. How the “just push through it” or “override fear” mentality is not the most healthy approach for a long injury free climbing career. And cover the steps Kevin suggests to effectively and safely get our minds out of our own way. | |||
| 19 Jun 2023 | 42 | The Mountains Are In My Blood w/ Steph Abegg | 01:30:02 | |
As we’ve seen on this podcast, there can be some serious consequences to playing in the mountains. But one thing that seems to stay consistent, is that no matter how traumatic the injury, how devastating the loss, we are always finding our way back to the mountains. Why is that? What calls us back to the activity and environment that caused the pain in the first place? Our guest today is Steph Abegg. Climber—Photographer—Adventurer— and Math&Data Nerd. For as long as she can remember, she has been triply afflicted with an insatiable thirst for adventure, a persistent awe of the natural world, and a need to document the world around her. During her years of adventure and alpine climbing Steph witnessed a major accident and sustained two major injuries herself that would have completely sidelined most athletes. But for her, not climbing, not being in the mountains just simply wasn’t an option. As she puts it, The Mountains are in my Blood… In our conversation we dive deep into Steph’s past, chat about three major accidents, discuss her recent move to Estes Park, and finally we cover her website where she has meticulously documented over 750 routes with trip reports, photos, and route overlays. Please rate, review the show, and share this podcast with your friends. Word of mouth is one of the most powerful tools to help us out. | |||
| 03 Jul 2023 | 43 | How To Climb Like A Pro w/ Coach Charlie Schreiber | 01:42:08 | |
As a budding trad climber, climbing hard and improving my grades is something I've struggled with the last several years. Time, energy, and life commitments can make it hard to focus on certain goals. As someone who is always looking to improve, sometimes I need help organizing and focusing on the correct things with my limited time. | |||
| 17 Jul 2023 | 44 | Summiting Denali w/ Max Carrier | 01:44:27 | |
As climbers we all have our own goals and ambitions. In 2019 I had the goal of climbing the tallest mountain in North America. I had just recently completed an ironman and was looking for my next challenge. Life had other plans for me though. Unfortunately, the Covid-19 pandemic and a fall that nearly took my life all happened in 2021. Fast forward from 2019 to present day my girlfriend Rae and I have just returned from Climbing the West Buttress of Denali. Four years have passed and I've learnt a lot of things since initially wanting to climb Denali. But the thing that stands out to me most in the last 4 years is that life can be really hard, but you can do really hard things if you commit and put your mind to it. So whether “your summit” is raising a family and having a successful career or climbing mountains, maybe both? We all have peaks to summit and lows to experience. It's how we deal with our lowest moments that define us. Climbing Denali was the culmination of 5 years of endurance training and climbing. This experience changed me for the better. I hope it inspires you to try hard and get out and climb. In this episode Kyle and I will be sitting down and sharing everything I learnt while climbing the tallest mountain in North America. | |||
| 31 Jul 2023 | 45 | Developing Wild & Untouched Boulder Fields w/ Brendan Baars | 01:09:40 | |
The cool thing about climbing is that it means something different to everyone. From the weekend warrior trad dad to the dedicated dirtbag, each of us has our own reasons for interacting with the vertical plane. For Brenden, he has always wanted climbing to mean something to him, and for his efforts in the climbing community to mean something to others. With a natural proclivity to bouldering, Brenden, on his first outdoor bouldering trip during his first year of climbing, sent a v9. At first, it seemed like his direction was going to be focused towards becoming a professional climber. That was, until he found the art of route development and a brand new area that houses hundreds of undeveloped classic bouldering routes... This conversation with Brenden Baars, is about how he found what will be the next big destination for climbers to get a taste of what being ‘disconnected’ and climbing in nature feels like Plus, he says the climbing is GOOD—really good. Welcome to the Nooks…. Please rate, review the show, and share this podcast with your friends. Word of mouth is one of the most powerful tools to help us out. | |||
| 14 Aug 2023 | 46 | Close Calls While Skiing Solo On Denali w/ AMGA Guide Alex Mitchko | 01:39:04 | |
As mountain athletes it's easy to get consumed by our objectives and our drive to continuously improve and get stronger can be draining. It can make us forget that one of the most meaningful parts of the mountains is the people we meet on the way, the bonds we form and the experiences shared. In this conversation we explore what drives a 25 year old who was born and raised in the flat state of Long Island New York to pursue a challenging solo ascent of Denali. Our Guest today is Alex Mitchko, an apprentice ski and alpine guide. I met Alex this past spring while climbing Denali in Alaska. During his expedition he had a 45 mph skiing accident…. and two harrowing crevasse falls. Amazingly he walked away injury free. Spending time with Alex, you could see his passion for the mountains radiating from him. But what stood out even more was his ability to connect with people. Alex brought out the best in everyone around him and is a great reminder that the people we are with are just as important as the objectives we covet.
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| 28 Aug 2023 | 47 | Climbing The Matterhorn w/ Joshua Kasumovic | 01:21:51 | |
Climbing larger mountains, especially ones that are far away from home… takes a lot of planning, training, logistics, and a little bit of luck. We spend months preparing for what sometimes comes down to a single day on a mountain. So what happens when you're 700 ft from the summit, and you realize touching the top might mean you won’t come back? While that seems like an easy choice…. The weight of seemingly wasting months of planning, training, and traveling can be almost too much to bear…This is a decision we are all faced with at some point in our lives as mountain climbers… do we risk everything and continue on? Or do we swallow pride and choose to climb the mountain another day? This is the exact situation our guest Joshua Kasumovic found himself in high up on what is possibly the most iconic mountains in the world. This is Josh’s story of the Matterhorn. Please rate, review the show, and share this podcast with your friends. Word of mouth is one of the most powerful tools to help us out. | |||
| 11 Sep 2023 | 48 | Denali's Fastest Known Time (FKT) w/ Jack Kuenzle | 01:30:09 | |
Our guest today is not a part of the majority; he is the very definition of a small minority of athletes doing unfathomable feats. Today Kyle and I are sitting down with Jack Kuenzle, a former Navy Seal who grew up in Dallas Texas. Jack attended Yale receiving his B.A before he joined the Navy Seals and completed Basic Underwater Demolition Seals Training (BUDS). He is best known for his pursuit of FKT,s. Some of his accolades include Beating Killian Jornet’s fastest known times on the 66 mile Bob Graham Round, a mountainous traverse around England's lake district. Moreover he beat Killiants FKT on Denali this past year, this is where Jack and I met. Heis also credited with numerous fastest known times such as Mt Whitney CA, Mt Shasta CA, Mt Hood and Mt Rainier to name a few. Additionally Jack is a coach for Evoke Endurance where he is under the tutelage of legendary Coach Scott Johston. In today's conversation we discuss Jack's history, what led him to be the athlete he is today, his training and nutrition and finally we discuss some of his major ascents, FKT’s and what he plans to do in the future. Please rate, review the show, and share this podcast with your friends. Word of mouth is one of the most powerful tools to help us out. | |||
| 25 Sep 2023 | 49 | Failed Protection & Rope Soloing w/ Colin Jokisch | 01:17:41 | |
Climbing can be risky, and it's easy to overlook those risks when you've never experienced them first hand. You might hear stories of injuries or even fatalities, but until you experience something first hand you are missing a true understanding of the risks you are taking. Enter Colin Jokisch, a seasoned climber whose world changed after a near-fatal fall on an Arkansas roof crack. Colin's accident gave him PTSD, especially when using trad gear—a sentiment Max and I deeply understand. Like most of us his love for climbing didn't go away. Instead of choosing to quit the sport altogether or to never push his abilities again he pivoted to the art of rope soloing, finding it a safer way to tackle challenging trad lines. Today, we dive into Colin's harrowing experience, the mental, physical, and emotional toll of climbing accidents, and finally we cover the ins and outs of the elusive practice of rope soloing. Please rate, review the show, and share this podcast with your friends. Word of mouth is one of the most powerful tools to help us out. | |||
| 09 Oct 2023 | 50 | Climbing The Fishhook Arete on Mt. Russell w/ Kyle Broxterman | 01:16:25 | |
Welcome back everyone! We are about 1.5 years into this podcast and you are currently listening to our 50th episode and are rapidly approaching 30k all time downloads and just wanted to say thank you for being a part of this growing community, Max and I are beyond pumped that your here, and are excited to keep sharing stories of climbers around the world. Today’s conversation is about my recent successful summit of Mt Russell via the Fishhook Arete in the Eastern Sierra in California. While, thankfully, nothing dramatic occurred, we talk about the new permit logistics found for the Whitney Portal area, the complications of professionally documenting a high alpine ascent, the benefits of radios in the alpine, and finally the play by play of our climb…which included a single nut rappel made after a route finding error. Please rate, review the show, and share this podcast with your friends. Word of mouth is one of the most powerful tools to help us out. | |||
| 23 Oct 2023 | 51 | From Battlefields to Mountain Peaks: A Veteran's Journey w/ Austin McCall | 01:18:26 | |
As climbers we are aware of the finality of our actions. The possibility of death is always looming. Paradoxically, knowing this, is what can make us feel so alive. We know our actions have consequences, and only through the mastery of body and emotions can those consequences be mitigated to avoid the finality of death. Our guest today is no stranger to death. Austin McCall completed 13 tours of duty in the military. Operating in both Iraq and Afghanistan with the army's 75th Ranger Regiment. In this conversation we discuss how Austin began to work with the Veteran Adventure Group where he plans and leads climbing expeditions around the world. We discuss his military service, a rescue on Denali, a whipper at 17,000 feet, the bonds formed through climbing and much more. A word of caution, This episode discusses combat, death, and an incident where Austin took grenade shrapnel to his face, it is graphic and heavy by nature. Please rate, review the show, and share this podcast with your friends. Word of mouth is one of the most powerful tools to help us out. | |||
| 06 Nov 2023 | 52 | Alone On The Cassin Ridge w/ Nathan Longhurst | 01:54:09 | |
The Mountains test us, and shape us. We cannot lower the mountains. So we must elevate ourselves to their level. We should strive to choose goals in life that will challenge us, test us and that we think are impossible. Only through aiming at the highest peaks we can possibly envision will we truly transcend the suffering of the world to find meaning and purpose. For some this may be being a good life partner, having kids and enjoying the outdoors. For others it may mean climbing the wildest and gnarliest lines possible. Our guest today at the age of 23 has managed to complete a lifetime of climbing accomplishments and he's just getting started. Nathan Longhurst is an endurance athlete and climber. In our conversation we discuss how he climbed the infamous Bulger's List at the age of 21. This consists of climbing Washington’s 100 highest peaks. As crazy as that is, it pales in comparison to his journey climbing the Sierra Peak Section (SPS) which involved climbing 247 peaks in 138 days. This accomplishment is mind blowing and a true feat of grit, endurance and logistics. Finally we chat about Nathan’s solo ascent of Denali’s infamous Cassin Ridge. Nathan climbed this with skis and ski boots. A mind blowing accomplishment. Nathan is clearly a master in the mountains.
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| 20 Nov 2023 | 53 | From Simul to Stranded at 14,000ft. w/ Ethan Morris and Evan Geller | 01:16:10 | |
Teamwork…Communication…and Trust…are all paramount characteristics of a successful climbing partnership. And our safety is based around our own humility, proficiency, and confidence in the mountains…. The perfect balance of all these attributes is a complicated equilibrium to achieve. Today’s story is about what can happen when these pillars start to fall apart. When the ego takes over confidence….and when communication fails to keep everyone on the same page. That is when you find yourself in over your head, unable to retreat, and unable to move forward…at 14000 ft. Today we sit down with Ethan Morris and Evan Geller. Two climbers from San Diego that found themselves rescuing the very people they were trying to distance themselves from on the East Buttress of Mt. Whitney. A 1000ft route up the tallest mountain in the lower 48. They had no idea they were about to embark on a 48 hr epic involving runouts, loose rocks, panic, and risk of hypothermia……all with no previous alpine experience. Please rate, review the show, and share this podcast with your friends. Word of mouth is one of the most powerful tools to help us out. | |||
| 04 Dec 2023 | 54 | The Seven Volcanic Summit Infinity Loops w/ Jason Hardrath | 01:20:55 | |
This podcast is no stranger to traumatic life altering accidents. It is easy to let these events cripple us, and hard to allow them to transform us. Jason Hardrath, PE teacher from Klamath Fall, OR and competitive endurance athlete who’d just qualified for the Ironman 70.3 World Championships. Found himself ejected from a moving vehicle. He suffered a broken shoulder, collapsed lung, torn ACL and multiple internal injuries. Its fair to say the Jason is lucky to be alive. Just Three years later, Jason became the first person ever to establish 100 FKTs and currently sits with 121 under his belt. Now he is chasing a new objective: the Seven Volcanic Summits done in a style dreamed up by renowned climber Chad Kellogg called “The Infinity Loop”, which involves two summits and circumventing the entire base of each of the world's tallest volcanoes. In our conversation we also discuss Jason’s predisposition for H.A.P.E and how it affects his safety in high altitude environments, his goals, and the partners who choose to join him on his dream of establishing the Seven Volcanic Summit Infinity Loops. Please rate, review the show, and share this podcast with your friends. Word of mouth is one of the most powerful tools to help us out. | |||
| 18 Dec 2023 | 55 | Achieving The Impossible..Climbing 5.14 On Gear w/ Mary Eden | 01:05:59 | |
Welcome to the last episode of 2023. Thank you so much for being a part of our growing community…It means a lot to Kyle and I that you are here. As climbers we've all seen videos and media depicting near impossible feats of physicality. You've probably seen these videos and thought “I could never accomplish something so hard”. But are these limitations we put on ourselves real? While our guest today is not a part of the Majority….. she once was. As a young spirited climber she never believed she could accomplish climbing 5.12. Fast forward to the present day, Mary Eden is one of the most accomplished crack climbers in the word. She recently just sent Necronomicon 5.14a and Black Mamba 5.14b on gear… These kinds of feats leave me simply speechless and in awe. But what stood out most in our conversation was not how amazingly accomplished of a climber Mary is. It was her empowering message that we all can break through the arbitrary limitations we put on ourselves to achieve great things we once thought impossible. I'll leave you with a quote from Mary. "I know that Necronomicon is not the peak of my physical or mental potential even though it was a beautiful dream. My advice for others is to pour energy into the people and activities that bring you joy as much as you can. Build yourself a genuine community and support system. Set your goals, and work towards them with intention, while enjoying the scenery along the way. And remember that at the end of the day it is just rock climbing, and you should be having fun." -Mary Eden | |||
| 01 Jan 2024 | 56 | TCM 2023 Recap | 00:28:01 | |
We are celebrating two years of podcasting and taking a look back at the growth and development of the show. We've covered a wide range of topics in the past year including recreational climbers and professional athletes involved in tragic accidents, huge accomplishments, and much more. We are excited to continue exploring new conversations in the coming year and are also excited to announce some updates to the show, including a new website, sponsorship opportunities, and live events. We are grateful to all our guests who have shared their stories and experiences on the show, and to all of our listeners you are the foundation of this show. Thank you for your support! Finally, we end this conversation with a montage of soundbites from each of the twenty-five episodes of 2023 | |||
| 15 Jan 2024 | 57 | "Yer Gonna Die" - Elitism In Climbing w/ Landon McDowell | 01:10:55 | |
I would argue that our climbing community is mostly open, kind, and understanding. But I am sure we all have our own experiences with people who are not. The silent judgy squad that think they own the crag. The keyboard warrior that spreads hate, judgment, and negativity behind the protection of a screen. Today we sit down with Landon McDowell, a self proclaimed “Reformed Elitist”. Having started climbing at the age of 14 he quickly noticed a natural proclivity towards the sport. Climbing soon became the source for Landon's identity, ego, and happiness. He noticed this and its effect on the people around him and quit rock climbing to work on himself and pursue his new passion of flight sports. Landon now has a calm, collected and positive outlook on life and is aiming to push the boundaries of alpine flight sports. In our conversation, we chat about Landons rapid progression from a gym sport climber to projecting Desert Reality, an iconic and imposing roof crack in Red Rock Canyon. We get to hear what it might be like to be on the other side of the keyboard to the “yer gonna die” comment we all see online. And finally, we chat about Landons new passion of base jumping and speed flying and how he envisions mixing these disciplines with climbing and taking them into the mountains… Please rate, review the show, and share this podcast with your friends. Word of mouth is one of the most powerful tools to help us out. | |||
| 29 Jan 2024 | 58 | The Night Bryn Spejcher Fatally Stabbed Her Boyfriend 108 Times w/ Mike Tagg | 00:51:51 | |
Warning: this episode contains graphic descriptions of violence that might not be suitable for all audiences, especially children. If you're not in a space to listen to this content, please consider saving this episode for another time. On May 28th of 2018, Chad O’Melia was brutally stabbed to death in his own home by his girlfriend Bryn Spejcher after they had smoked marijuana together. The state-appointed forensic psychologist on the case, Kris Mohandie, wrote in a 37-page report that Spejcher appeared “possessed” and proceeded to repeatedly stab herself and her own dog despite being tasered multiple times. It wasn’t until the ninth blow from a police officer’s steel baton that the police were able to stop her.. She was arrested on scene and released on bail shortly afterward.
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| 12 Feb 2024 | 59 | The Timeless Nature of Climbing Partnerships w/ Bryce Ungersma | 01:03:54 | |
Today we are sitting down with my good friend Bryce. Funny enough, I met Bryce before either of us were climbers. We each found climbing separately, but inevitably we roped up and quickly became a great team. Recently, Bryce and I spent a weekend trad climbing in Red Rock Canyon. Despite not climbing together for several years, getting out on the rock in red-rocks felt just as fun, and natural as before. We may change and the environment changes but our friendships endure. In our conversation, we talk about fatherhood and how it changed Bryce’s relationship with climbing, how he chooses his objectives, and the kind of partners he climbs with. We talk about the fine line between safety and total catastrophe, and how trust, mindfulness, and communication keep us alive. And finally we discuss the ethics involved in sharing classic climbs in super popular areas.
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| 26 Feb 2024 | 60 | Beyond Climbing Hard w/ Jonathan Siegrist | 01:05:14 | |
Have you ever imagined what kinda person you have to be mentally and physically to climb some of the hardest routes in the world? Maybe how that person views themselves and their own accomplishment? Or even how they might view the everyday climber? In this conversation we wanted to move beyond what it's like to climb hard. What are the lessons of a 5.15 climber and how can we apply Jonathan's viewpoint and experiences to improve our own lives?
In our chat, we talk about how Jonathan supports the community and what recreational climbers look like through pros’ eyes. We discuss how top climbers use their influence, what key traits make them successful, and finally how Jonathan plans to use his talents once he outlives his physical peak. | |||
| 11 Mar 2024 | 61 | Injured & Alone in Alaska, a Coach's Journey w/ Scott Johnston | 01:17:19 | |
The mountains will try to kill us and yet they have no malice. Please rate, review the show, and share this podcast with your friends. Word of mouth is one of the most powerful tools to help us out. | |||
| 25 Mar 2024 | 62 | Mountain Project vs. Open Beta | A Fight For Data Rights w/ Viet Nyguen | 00:57:35 | |
Today, we're diving into something that most of us are all familiar with - Mountain Project. It's the guidebook that's always at our fingertips, supported and enriched by our very own community. Yet, as revolutionary as it has been for sharing and discovering climbs, it brings up a few questions that we might easily overlook. Questions like, who actually owns the data we input? What happens to our contributions if we decide to bow out and delete our profile? And what do these practices mean for the future of climbing information? Honestly, these questions can really make you pause and think. | |||
| 08 Apr 2024 | 63 | Climbing Isn't Just White People Sh*t w/ Eddie Taylor | 01:11:02 | |
In today's ever increasingly polarized world it can be difficult to have challenging conversations. Kyle and I are well aware that the issue of representation in sport is one that does not affect us personally. | |||
| 22 Apr 2024 | 64 | Get Paid To Make 3D Climbing Maps w/ Martin Mora | 00:59:09 | |
What’s up everyone thanks for being here and for being a part of The Climbing Majority. Today we sit down with Martin Mora, co-founder and developer of Red- Point. Red-Point is a new app where you can use interactive 3d maps to explore and get detailed route information on boulders and crags. If you haven't already seen their social posts of their app in action…definitely go check them out. Martin is a unique individual who like many in the majority, found climbing later in his life. He found himself spending way too much time wondering where a specific route is at a new crag, and thought “There must be a better way”...Because of this h e and his business partner spent the last few years developing a process to scan and render 3 dimensional images of crags that can be explored virtually on your phone. Now they are traveling the globe to ultimately begin the overwhelming task of scanning the world's most prominent and popular rock walls. So, whether you're a tech enthusiast, an avid climber, or just love a good story about passion fueled innovation, you won't want to miss what Martin has to say. Let’s get started. | |||
| 06 May 2024 | 65 | The Sandstone Alpinist Part I w/ James Barrow | 01:00:05 | |
When you hear "Zion National Park," what comes to mind? The Narrows, Moonlight Buttress, and some of the most stunning sandstone cliffs and peaks you’ll ever see, all packed into a canyon visited by over five million people each year. But what about the possibilities beyond the main canyon, beyond the classic hikes and climbs? Today, we’re chatting with James Barrow. He's a father, climber, and electrician by trade. James quickly developed a knack for climbing, finding himself leading sport climbs in the 5.12+ range in under six months. But, after rushing his progression, he seriously injured his tendons, which pushed him to find a new kind of challenge. That's when he turned to adventure climbing. James fell in love with exploring the uncharted, runout, loose, and complicated sandstone peaks and plateaus surrounding the main area of Zion National Park. His latest achievement? The Complete Towers of the Virgin Traverse—a feat that covers 20 distinct peaks, with 18,500 feet of elevation gain over 28 miles. The terrain involves runouts, canyoneering, bushwhacking, steep snow travel, soloing, and massive 70-meter rappels using a fiddlestick. The climb, rated 5.9+R/M2R, is one of the most challenging and technical routes done in Zion in the last 20 years. I can't emphasize enough the magnitude of what James and his partner accomplished. After our conversation, he walked me through his route on Google Earth. The complexity of route-finding, the massive scale, and the varied conditions of rock, snow, and thick bushes left me amazed. We’ve split this conversation into two parts. Today, we'll hear about the events that led James to set his sights on this massive sandstone alpine linkup, and essentially shape him as a climber. This will help us understand him better when he tells the full story of "The Complete Towers of the Virgin Traverse" in part two. We'll talk about his rapid progression to 5.12+, how he found adventure climbing, his view on risk, and what he did to prepare for this big linkup. | |||
| 20 May 2024 | 66 | The Sandstone Alpinist Part II w/ James Barrow | 01:49:57 | |
Welcome back to part two of our chat with James Barrow! In our last episode, we heard about James' journey as a climber and what events ultimately lead to his most recent achievement: The Complete Towers of the Virgin Traverse. A link up that covers 20 distinct peaks, and 18.5k of elevation gain over 28 miles. The terrain involves runouts upon runouts, canyoneering, bushwacking, steep snow travel, soloing, and an abundance of massive full 70m rappels using a fiddle stick. At 5.9+R/M2R. Nothing of this length or technical difficulty has been done in Zion in over 20 years. Today, we're diving into a step-by-step trip report. We'll cover the major milestones, close calls, and all the intricate details of this massive desert alpine link up. If you haven't already, I highly recommend doing a bit of homework on The Complete Towers of the Virgin Traverse. Check out the resources in the show notes to get a sense of the massive scale and seriousness of this objective. I'll keep this intro brief since we've got a lot to cover. So, without further ado, let's jump back into our conversation with James Barrow. The TCM movement is growing but we need your help to spread the word! Please share this podcast with your friends and family. Word of mouth is one of the best ways to support the show. If you enjoyed the show we’d really appreciate it if you could rate and review us on your favorite podcatcher. We are always looking for new guests. If you or someone you know would be a great fit for the show please don’t hesitate to reach out, just like James did. You can reach us on IG or email us directly @ theclimbingmajoritypodcast@gmail.com --- | |||
| 03 Jun 2024 | 67 | Seven Years of Silence Part I w/ Myles Moser | 00:44:26 | |
In today’s world, where social media, technology, and commercialism are at the forefront of our minds, the reasons why we climb can sometimes get a bit confusing. Professional climbers often need an “audience” for brands to market their products to, and climbers everywhere, myself included, share videos and photos of our recent ascents. It makes you wonder… why do we climb? Is it truly for personal satisfaction, or are we chasing clout and recognition for our achievements? For Myles, this era of “clout chasing” and immediately posting about our climbing is completely against his ethos. He climbs for himself, for his personal exploration as both a climber and a creator. Over the last seven years Myles has even turned down pro contracts in order to dedicate his life to his personal goals of putting up countless dangerous, massive alpine multi-pitch first ascents in the Whitney Portal area and in Patagonia. Most of these routes have never been repeated,and never shared with anyone. For some of them this is the first time the world is hearing about them.. The seriousness and complexity of these routes can’t be overstated—one even got him nominated for the Piolets d'Or, one of the most prestigious international mountaineering awards. Myles has built a successful contracting business, allowing him to self-fund his objectives and first ascents. He doesn’t feel pressure from brands or the need to monetize his climbing in any way and instead relies on his own skills, his partners, and a lot of luck to pull off these truly inspiring and bold new routes. Today, we’re opening up Myles’ black book of climbing topos and breaking his seven years of silence. We get to discuss what he’s been up to, the routes he’s developed, and the incredible stories from these years of establishing some of the gnarliest routes the climbing world has seen. Myles also shares a refreshing narrative that reminds us to reflect on the reasons why we climb, how we choose our routes, and how much danger we put ourselves in. Are we climbing for ourselves or for recognition from others? ---- The TCM movement is growing but we need your help to spread the word! Please share this podcast with your friends and family. Word of mouth is one of the best ways to support the show. If you enjoyed the show we’d really appreciate it if you could rate and review us on your favorite podcatcher. We are always looking for new guests. If you or someone you know would be a great fit for the show please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can reach us on IG or email us directly @ theclimbingmajoritypodcast@gmail.com --- | |||
| 17 Jun 2024 | 68 | Seven Years of Silence Part II w/ Myles Moser | 01:14:46 | |
Hey everyone, thanks for tuning in and for being a part of The Climbing Majority. Today, we're diving into part two of our conversation with Myles Moser. If you missed part one, I highly recommend going back to the previous episode before continuing. This episode is PACKED with stories that will keep you on the edge of your seat. So I will keep this introduction brief. First we explore Myles' incredible experience establishing the first ascent of his route 'Plate Tectonics,' a 21-pitch Grade VI 5.12 C1 on the east face of the North Tower of Torres Del Paine in Patagonia—a 3000ft unclimbed vertical face deemed simply too dangerous by local climbers.. We then discuss his attempt on the Central Tower of Torres del Paine and a climbing accident that left him with a broken ankle 1600 ft off the ground. All I can say after listening to these stories, is that Myles is lucky to be alive and that he is probably one of the most determined and mentally tough men I’ve ever met. Also, the scale and seriousness of these objectives are almost too intense to truly comprehend. Myles has a Youtube channel and I HIGHLY recommend check it out after this episode to help gain some context to the stories he shares in this episode. Finally, wrap up our conversation by discussing Myles' future objectives and get to reflect on why he chose now to break his seven years of silence…with these remarkable stories of radical first ascents…. ---- The TCM movement is growing but we need your help to spread the word! Please share this podcast with your friends and family. Word of mouth is one of the best ways to support the show. If you enjoyed the show we’d really appreciate it if you could rate and review us on your favorite podcatcher. We are always looking for new guests. If you or someone you know would be a great fit for the show please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can reach us on IG or email us directly @ theclimbingmajoritypodcast@gmail.com --- | |||
| 01 Jul 2024 | 69 | Ordinarily Extraordinary Part I w/ Evan Wisheropp | 00:41:11 | |
Today, we are sitting down with Evan Wisheropp, a part-time professional photographer with a full-time passion for climbing. Evan's climbing journey began like many of ours—in a gym. From there, he explored various climbing disciplines until he found his true passions: desert offwidths and route development. Off-width climbing, takes Evan to Indian Creek and Moab, Utah, every year to tackle massive desert offwidth splitters. His latest project, The Cleaver, a 13b offwidth roof Evan spotted while scouting…. After several failed attempts, he handed the first ascent to the Wide Boyz but returned the next season to redpoint the route and film a short documentary about the experience. When he is not suffering up desert offwidths Evan spends his time climbing and developing new routes in the Northwest region of California. He began developing routes back in 2014. Since then, he has created an impressive 475 routes. Over the past nine years, Evan has personally invested nearly $60,000 to develop the limestone crags of Northern California. Many of these areas remain largely unknown to the public, offering hundreds of cleaned, bolted classic routes with only a handful of ascents. This conversation is split into two parts. First, we’ll journey back in time to explore how Evan became the climber he is today. We’ll dive into three traumatic climbing accidents that shaped his progression, his relationship with trad gear, and his perspective on taking risks. Our conversation reminds us how dangerous climbing can be, but more importantly, how we can learn and grow from our mistakes and still recover a deep passion for climbing and the outdoors. ---- The TCM movement is growing but we need your help to spread the word! Please share this podcast with your friends and family. Word of mouth is one of the best ways to support the show. If you enjoyed the show we’d really appreciate it if you could rate and review us on your favorite podcatcher. We are always looking for new guests. If you or someone you know would be a great fit for the show please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can reach us on IG or email us directly @ theclimbingmajoritypodcast@gmail.com --- | |||
| 15 Jul 2024 | 70 | Ordinarily Extraordinary Part II w/ Evan Wisheropp | 00:59:47 | |
Today, we are continuing our conversation with Evan Wisheropp. If you missed part one, I highly recommend checking it out first. It provides a foundation for understanding who Evan is as a climber and how he achieved the objectives we’re discussing today. In this episode, we’ll dive into Evan’s two main passions: desert offwidth splitters and route development. First, we’ll discuss Evan’s recent send of The Cleaver, a 13b offwidth roof crack that, as Evan puts it, "contains all the hardest transitions of sizes that offwidth can offer, jumping from a splitter #2 to a #6 in less than 10 feet." We chat about the logistics and skills involved in sending not only this particular climb but all offwidths. We’ll also dive into his next offwidth project, an extension to the infamous Belly Full of Bad Berries. Next, we’ll explore Evan’s passion for route development. Initially, Evan started developing routes because he ran out of 5.12s to climb in his local area. This quest for more climbs turned into a huge passion. Over the last nine years, he has established an impressive 475 routes in the Northwest region of California, investing nearly $60,000 of his own money. Many of these areas remain largely unknown to the public, offering hundreds of cleaned, bolted classic routes up to grade 5.13 with only a handful of ascents. Evan lives near the Redwoods, the largest trees in the world, situated on the Pacific coastline. His local crags are nestled in these magical areas, featuring rocky coastlines and massive Jurassic trees towering hundreds of feet tall. He recently published a guidebook for these areas, which you can check out in the show notes. Our conversation with Evan is a reminder of how much we can take for granted as climbers. We often show up to a climb that has been found, cleaned, and bolted, and leave without a thought of all the work that went into making that happen and who that person was. We feel honored to tell Evan’s story and hope to spread some awareness, not only of his accomplishments and significant contributions to the sport of climbing but to route developers everywhere. ---- The TCM movement is growing but we need your help to spread the word! Please share this podcast with your friends and family. Word of mouth is one of the best ways to support the show. If you enjoyed the show we’d really appreciate it if you could rate and review us on your favorite podcatcher. We are always looking for new guests. If you or someone you know would be a great fit for the show please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can reach us on IG or email us directly @ theclimbingmajoritypodcast@gmail.com --- | |||
| 29 Jul 2024 | 71 | Climbing North America's Most Iconic Route Part I w/ Bryce & Evan | 00:56:37 | |
I think you would agree that there is arguably no rock formation more infamous than El Cap . With its massive presence in the development of North American climbing, iconic size, and technical challenges, it stands as a beacon for climbers worldwide to test their abilities on a sea of stone. When we start climbing, El Cap is often at the forefront of our minds—a dream expressed as “Man, I would love to climb that one day.” But how many of us actually take the steps to make that dream a reality? Sometimes it feels like El Cap is reserved for the pros. Today, we sit down with previous guests Bryce Ungersma and Evan Geller, two recreational climbers who turned their dream of climbing El Cap into a reality. On May 22nd, they joined the ranks of climbers who have summited El Cap after successfully completing “The Nose” in 3.5 days. We are here to tell their story. This conversation is split into two one-hour segments. First, we dive into what it was like for Bryce and Evan to make the mental switch from “I want to climb that one day” to “This is real and this is happening.” We’ll explore their training, planning, and preparation, and then discuss the food, water, gear, permits, and logistics needed to get established on the wall. Their story is a reminder to continue chasing our dreams and pushing the boundaries of what we think is possible for ourselves. The TCM movement is growing but we need your help to spread the word! Please share this podcast with your friends and family. Word of mouth is one of the best ways to support the show. If you enjoyed the show we’d really appreciate it if you could rate and review us on your favorite podcatcher. We are always looking for new guests. If you or someone you know would be a great fit for the show please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can reach us on IG or email us directly @ theclimbingmajoritypodcast@gmail.com --- | |||
| 12 Aug 2024 | 72 | Climbing North America's Most Iconic Route Part II w/ Bryce & Evan | 01:02:48 | |
Today, we continue our conversation with Bryce and Evan about their recent successful completion of The Nose on El Cap. If you missed episode 71, I recommend checking it out before continuing here. ---- The TCM movement is growing but we need your help to spread the word! Please share this podcast with your friends and family. Word of mouth is one of the best ways to support the show. If you enjoyed the show we’d appreciate it if you could rate and review us on your favorite podcatcher. We are always looking for new guests. If you or someone you know would be a great fit for the show please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can reach us on IG or email us directly @ theclimbingmajoritypodcast@gmail.com --- | |||
| 26 Aug 2024 | 73 | I Am Gravity Lab Part I w/ Brant Hysell | 00:57:00 | |
In the age of social media and digital platforms like YouTube, creators often develop a "digital persona" that’s shaped by the content they produce. As viewers, it’s easy to make assumptions about who they are and how they live their lives. Today, we have the chance to peel back the layers and break down the digital persona behind The Gravity Lab YouTube channel. At first glance, this channel seems to be run by a pair of climbers living out of a van with endless time to send some of the most epic routes around the world. It’s easy to watch with envy and wonder how it’s all possible. But as it turns out, Gravity Lab is the passion project of a single crusher named Brant Hysell. Brant is just like most of us—he juggles a full-time job, a relationship, and home responsibilities. Where he differs is in his deep passion for climbing and his dedication to making the most of every moment. In part one of our conversation with Brant, we dive into how he supports his climbing lifestyle and the secrets behind balancing a full-time job, running The Gravity Lab YouTube channel, training, and, as he puts it, squeezing fun into every available moment. Brant’s main lesson? Time is precious. It’s easy to waste it by watching TV or endlessly scrolling on social media. Brant encourages us to be intentional with our time and to plan our lives around what makes us happiest—from sunup to sundown. ---- The TCM movement is growing but we need your help to spread the word! Please share this podcast with your friends and family. Word of mouth is one of the best ways to support the show. If you enjoyed the show we’d appreciate it if you could rate and review us on your favorite podcatcher. We are always looking for new guests. If you or someone you know would be a great fit for the show please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can reach us on IG or email us directly @ theclimbingmajoritypodcast@gmail.com --- | |||
| 09 Sep 2024 | 74 | I Am Gravity Lab Part II w/ Brant Hysell | 01:06:27 | |
Welcome back to Part II of our conversation with Brant Hysell. Climber, olive mafia boss, and man behind The Gravity Lab YouTube channel. If you missed Part I, I highly recommend checking it out before continuing here. Today, it’s story time with Brant as we dive into three of his most memorable climbs: Freestone, Lurking Fear, and his recent solo ascent of the Salathé. Most of us would spend months, if not years, meticulously planning and training for objectives like these. But for Brant, these climbs were more about stepping into the unknown and leaving room for the unexpected. To me, this reveals two important things about Brant. First, he’s an incredibly strong climber with a solid foundation to fall back on. Second, Brant climbs for the adventure. For him, too much planning, research, and preparation take away from the magic that climbing offers. He’d rather pack the essentials, sans headlamps, and figure the rest out in the moment. Brant’s approach to climbing is raw and real—creating the chaotic, often messy adventures that truly shape a climber. His mindset challenges the belief that every climb needs to be meticulously planned and perfectly executed. This way of thinking doesn’t just apply to climbing—it’s a lesson in life. Embrace the chaos, trust in your abilities, and honor the legacies that inspire you. In doing so, you’ll find that the most meaningful experiences are often the ones you least expect. Finally we close the conversation with the details surrounding Brants recent solo speed record of the Salathe Wall, a record that stood undefeated for 10 years! While Brant was only able to hold the title briefly…. before Alex Honnold came to the valley and stole the record a few weeks later, he reflects on the experience with humility and pride. . As he puts it; he is proud to have his name up next to one of the greatest climbers in the world…to have your record taken from someone like Alex…honestly feels pretty good”. The TCM movement is growing but we need your help to spread the word! Please share this podcast with your friends and family. Word of mouth is one of the best ways to support the show. If you enjoyed the show we’d appreciate it if you could rate and review us on your favorite podcatcher. We are always looking for new guests. If you or someone you know would be a great fit for the show please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can reach us on IG or email us directly @ theclimbingmajoritypodcast@gmail.com --- | |||
| 23 Sep 2024 | 75 | My Path To Happiness Part I w/ Tyler Karow | 01:10:37 | |
I'm sure we've all been there—the dream of living a life solely dedicated to climbing: sponsorships, life on the road, making a living through our passion for the sport. For many, this represents the ultimate freedom. Often, this grand vision captures us in our early climbing years, yet it seldom holds much reality. Attracting sponsors and dedicating your life entirely to climbing requires something truly special. For most of us, this dream starts to feel one-dimensional, perhaps even a little unrealistic. Climbing, as fulfilling as it is, can sometimes no longer be the clear answer to all of life’s questions—because in reality, we have other ambitions, other passions to fulfill, other goals to achieve. But what if you had sponsors and created a thriving climbing YouTube channel? Would you still feel there was something more out there for you, or would you seize the opportunity and dive fully into a life dedicated to climbing? Today, we're sitting down with Tyler Karow, a climber who finds himself at these very crossroads. Despite his success on Youtube and his recently acquired sponsorships, Tyler has chosen to step back from the singular pursuit of climbing to focus on something bigger—a life that balances his passion for climbing with broader ambitions, a life that is truly meaningful and fulfilling for him. For Tyler, climbing has always been about more than just the performance. It's about the adventure, the connection, and the shared experiences that enrich our lives both on and off the rock. From tackling serious alpine routes in Patagonia to bivvying with good food and wine, climbing has fostered deep friendships and unforgettable moments for him. But even with this strong connection to the sport and opportunities most of us could only dream of, he has found himself questioning whether climbing alone is enough. His journey speaks to a broader question that many of us face: How do we balance our love for climbing with our other ambitions, responsibilities, and long-term goals? Tyler’s story is a compelling reminder that climbing doesn’t have to be the only path. He’s finding a way to integrate his passion for the sport with a vision for the future that goes beyond the rock, allowing him to pursue both adventure and purpose in his life. His story also reminds us not to take life or climbing too seriously…because in the end life is short. We might not live tomorrow….so let’s be sure to make the most out of today. The TCM movement is growing but we need your help to spread the word! Please share this podcast with your friends and family. Word of mouth is one of the best ways to support the show. If you enjoyed the show we’d appreciate it if you could rate and review us on your favorite podcatcher. We are always looking for new guests. If you or someone you know would be a great fit for the show please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can reach us on IG or email us directly @ theclimbingmajoritypodcast@gmail.com --- | |||
| 07 Oct 2024 | 76 | My Path To Happiness Part II w/ Tyler Karow | 00:49:24 | |
Welcome to Part II of our conversation with Tyler Karow. If you missed Part I, I highly recommend checking it out before continuing here. Tyler Karow has built a highly engaged following on YouTube and Instagram, to the point where many might label him as an influencer. While his impact on the climbing community is undeniable, Tyler is quick to distance himself from the typical “influencer” role. Constantly promoting products or leaning into that stereotype is the furthest thing from his goals. He believes that his ability to capture the raw adventure and authentic connections he experiences during his climbs is what ultimately draws people to his content . Tyler takes pride in sharing these stories and feels grateful that they resonate deeply with so many. For Tyler, adventure is the core of his content, but that doesn’t always mean taking more risks. He emphasizes that adventure can be found anywhere—whether its a beginner tackling their first 5.7 or a group questing out to rarely accessed boulder fields. It's about pushing beyond your comfort zone into the unknown. For Tyler, these moments are critical to living a fulfilled life—fueling self-improvement, self-discovery, and happiness. We wrap up our conversation with Tyler’s future plans to return to Patagonia. With bold objectives like Cerro Torre on his list, he's gearing up for another chapter of wild adventure and plans to bring us all along for the ride. The TCM movement is growing but we need your help to spread the word! Please share this podcast with your friends and family. Word of mouth is one of the best ways to support the show. If you enjoyed the show we’d appreciate it if you could rate and review us on your favorite podcatcher. We are always looking for new guests. If you or someone you know would be a great fit for the show please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can reach us on IG or email us directly @ theclimbingmajoritypodcast@gmail.com --- | |||
| 21 Oct 2024 | 77 | My Last Episode w/ Max Carrier | 00:43:59 | |
Today marks a significant turning point for The Climbing Majority. After three years and 76 episodes, my co-host and partner, Max Carrier, has made the difficult decision to step away from the show to dedicate more time to his educational pursuits, mountaineering, and his personal goals. This episode is dedicated to Max—both in celebration of everything we’ve accomplished together and as a send-off as he embarks on the next chapter of his life. We start by diving into Max’s current life as a full-time student and where he envisions his educational career taking him. We reflect on the moments that have defined our time as co-hosts and the meaning this partnership—and this podcast—has brought to both of us. Finally we talk about one of Max’s greatest passions—mountaineering. Discussing his upcoming trip to Aconcagua and the excitement and challenges that come with such an ambitious objective. As I take the helm of The Climbing Majority moving forward, I’m heading into uncharted territory. I won’t be bringing on another co-host—at least for now—and I plan to carry on what we’ve started, staying true to the core mission of this podcast: giving a larger voice to the majority. I’ve got some exciting interviews lined up in the coming weeks, and I’m eager to continue building this community and sharing the untold stories of climbers from around the world. While I’m confident in the direction of the podcast, Max’s humor, reflections, and personality will be missed. He’s been a huge part of this journey, and I wish him nothing but success in his future endeavors, both personally and in the mountains. ---- The TCM movement is growing but we need your help to spread the word! Please share this podcast with your friends and family. Word of mouth is one of the best ways to support the show. If you enjoyed the show we’d appreciate it if you could rate and review us on your favorite podcatcher. We are always looking for new guests. If you or someone you know would be a great fit for the show please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can reach us on IG or email us directly @ theclimbingmajoritypodcast@gmail.com --- | |||
| 04 Nov 2024 | 78 | Hey, It's Buttress! w/ Tanner Wanish | 02:07:09 | |
I first reached out to Tanner back in March, right after he and his climbing partner, Michael Vaill, had completed the Red Rock Triple in an impressive 12 hours and 35 minutes. I was stoked to share their story, but little did I know it would take six months to get the chance to sit down with them. Looking back, I couldn’t be happier it turned out that way. Just days after our initial interviews, Tanner and Michael made waves by setting the speed record for the Yosemite Triple Crown. And as if that wasn’t enough, last week they pushed the boundaries even further, making history with the most ambitious link-up Yosemite has ever seen—the Yosemite Quad. Last week, these two crushers linked Mount Watkins, El Cap, the South Face of Washington Column, and Half Dome in a mind-blowing 21 hours and 50 minutes. So, this week, I’m thrilled to introduce The Climbing Majority’s own 'Triple Crown'. Over the next three days I will be posting three separate full length episodes.' Today, we sit down with Tanner Wanish. Tomorrow, you’ll hear from his climbing partner, Michael Vaill. And on the final day, we’ll sit down with both of them for an insider’s look at their recent, groundbreaking feat in Yosemite. Get psyched for an epic week of stories, insights, a deep look into the lives of these two athletes. Today, we dive into the journey of Tanner Wanish. Tanner’s story begins with a military background, though not in the way you might expect. After years of service, he found himself in what he describes as the darkest days of his life, having realized that the trajectory he was on in the military was no longer the path he wanted. Sensing Tanner’s struggles from overseas, his brother—a prominent developer on the Front Range—sent him a hard drive packed with climbing films. And so began Tanner’s passion for climbing, igniting a pursuit that would lead him, four and a half years later, to literally etch his name into the walls of Yosemite. Our conversation with Tanner reveals a climber who has woven the sport into every aspect of his life. He’s taken climbing beyond just an outlet for adventure and fulfillment—it’s become his way to live, grow, and connect deeply with others. Tanner also embraces what he calls 'manufactured adversity,' seeing the immense value of challenge and struggle for personal growth. For him, climbing is the ultimate vehicle for this kind of development. Tanner’s journey is a powerful reminder that climbing is more than a sport. It’s a medium for growth, connection, and self-discovery. His story shows us the value of resilience, adventure, and the balance between passion and purpose. Buckle up for an inspiring conversation with Tanner Wanish. ---- The TCM movement is growing but we need your help to spread the word! Please share this podcast with your friends and family. Word of mouth is one of the best ways to support the show. If you enjoyed the show we’d appreciate it if you could rate and review us on your favorite podcatcher. We are always looking for new guests. If you or someone you know would be a great fit for the show please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can reach us on IG or email us directly @ theclimbingmajoritypodcast@gmail.com --- | |||
| 05 Nov 2024 | 79 | Stay Psyched w/ Michael Vaill | 01:35:02 | |
Today, we’re continuing The Climbing Majority’s ‘Triple Crown’ series with Michael Vaill, one of the two climbers who recently broke the Yosemite Triple Crown speed record and, just a week later, made history with the monumental Yosemite Quad. If you missed yesterday’s conversation with his partner, Tanner Wanish, I highly recommend giving it a listen after this episode. If I had to describe Michael Vaill in one word, it would be 'psyched.' His passion is tangible, infectious, and truly motivating. But for Michael, 'psyche' is more than just a climbing mindset—it’s a way of life. Even before discovering climbing, he nurtured this relentless drive while studying and achieving a PhD in Cell Biology. After graduating, he redirected his focus entirely to climbing in Yosemite, where he could fully embrace this life of passion and challenge. Michael chooses to live a minimalist, flexible life in order to fully immerse himself in climbing. Life in a van allows him to spend every day pursuing what excites him the most. As he says, if he’s “psyched,” then he’ll keep doing it forever. While his love for climbing runs deep, Michael takes safety and caution seriously. He speaks about the importance of mentorship, learning to place reliable protection, and respecting the skills required to climb at your limit safely…. Even as he tackles routes as serious and dangerous as the legendary Bachar-Yerian, a 5.11 X testpiece, his approach is careful and calculated. He’s also dedicated to helping newer climbers, giving them a safe space to learn and experience the joy of climbing. Michael is here. Right now…living in the present…., and aims to continue like that for the foreseeable future., And with his recent achievements in the climbing world, I’d say it's working out for him pretty well.... His journey is a reminder to stay psyched, push limits thoughtfully, and savor the fulfillment that climbing brings to our lives. ---- The TCM movement is growing but we need your help to spread the word! Please share this podcast with your friends and family. Word of mouth is one of the best ways to support the show. If you enjoyed the show we’d appreciate it if you could rate and review us on your favorite podcatcher. We are always looking for new guests. If you or someone you know would be a great fit for the show please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can reach us on IG or email us directly @ theclimbingmajoritypodcast@gmail.com --- | |||
| 06 Nov 2024 | 80 | The Yosemite Quadfathers w/ Michael & Tanner | 01:16:23 | |
Welcome back to the final episode of the TCM triple crown! Today we get the privilege to sit down with both Tanner Wanish and Micheal Vaill to discuss their most recent achievement, the Yosemite Quad. If for some reason you’ve made it here without listening to the two prior episodes I highly consider stopping and checking those out before you continue here, as they give a background to each individual climber’s life. Human nature has us craving novelty, so when we hear about an achievement like ‘The Yosemite Quad,’ it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and headlines and miss the real meaning behind it. Tanner and Michael didn’t create the Quad for publicity, nor were they focused on breaking speed records for the Yosemite Triple Crown. In fact, they didn’t really care about records—it was just a by-product of something much bigger. For these two, the real passion lies in pushing the limits of how much climbing they can pack into 24 hours. ‘The Yosemite Quad’ is simply the latest expression of that vision. It’s also easy to get hyper-focused on the climbers themselves, especially when media tends to spotlight individuals. But after talking to Micheal and Tanner, it’s clear that the Quad wasn’t just about physical endurance. This feat took meticulous planning, logistics, and overwhelming support from their network. These two are especially psyched about this accomplishment because it was truly a team effort. Without the key people who supported them over the 22-hour mission, this achievement wouldn’t have been possible. For them, the real magic lies in the collaboration—the network, friendships, and teamwork they’ve built over the years. During this interview, these two crushers were still buzzing with excitement, having completed the Quad just days before. So I sat back and just let them share what was on their mind.. I hope you enjoy listening to them as much as I did. And now I bring you The Quadfathers. ---- The TCM movement is growing but we need your help to spread the word! Please share this podcast with your friends and family. Word of mouth is one of the best ways to support the show. If you enjoyed the show we’d appreciate it if you could rate and review us on your favorite podcatcher. We are always looking for new guests. If you or someone you know would be a great fit for the show please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can reach us on IG or email us directly @ theclimbingmajoritypodcast@gmail.com --- | |||
| 02 Dec 2024 | 81 | The Silent Alpinist Part I w/ Paul Ramsden | 01:30:38 | |
Today, I’m beyond excited to share a truly rare and special opportunity: a conversation with UK climbing legend Paul Ramsden. The Piolets d’Or—often called the Oscars of mountaineering—is the highest honor in alpine climbing, awarded to only those who demonstrate the pinnacle of style and commitment in the mountains. With past recipients like David Lama, Mick Fowler, and Hayden Kennedy, the award emphasizes ascents done in ‘alpine style’—no bolts, no portaledges, no siege tactics. Just you, your partner, and what you can carry on your back as you tackle an unclimbed wall on an unclimbed mountain. And Paul Ramsden? He holds five Piolets d’Or—the most of any climber in history. For Paul, style isn’t just about the ethics—it’s the heart of his climbing philosophy. His unwavering commitment to ‘alpine style’ is how he authentically experiences the mountains. It’s a pure test of his ability to move efficiently, confidently, and quickly over technical terrain in extreme high-altitude environments. What makes Paul even more unique is his aversion to the spotlight. Despite his unparalleled achievements, he has stayed largely out of the public eye. Beyond the write-ups he and his partners have contributed to the American Alpine Journal, there’s almost no available information about him. In fact, this might very well be the first time Paul has spoken openly about his life, his climbs, and his distinct approach to the climbing world. It’s truly an honor to have the chance to share his story. This conversation is split into two parts. In Part I, we’ll get to know Paul—where he came from, what shaped him, and how he became the climber he is today. Then in Part II, we’ll dive into the specifics of each of the five individual climbs that earned him the Piolets d’Or. So, get ready for 2 and a half hours of stories, lessons, insights, and life lessons with the legendary Paul Ramsden. ---- The TCM movement is growing but we need your help to spread the word! Please share this podcast with your friends and family. Word of mouth is one of the best ways to support the show. If you enjoyed the show we’d appreciate it if you could rate and review us on your favorite podcatcher. We are always looking for new guests. If you or someone you know would be a great fit for the show please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can reach us on IG or email us directly @ theclimbingmajoritypodcast@gmail.com --- | |||
| 16 Dec 2024 | 82 | The Silent Alpinist Part II w/ Paul Ramsden | 01:15:40 | |
Today, we continue our conversation with the legendary Paul Ramsden. If you missed Part 1, hit pause and go back to the last episode—it’s essential listening. In this episode, we pick up with the second of Paul’s FIVE Piolet d’Or-winning climbs: The Prow of Shiva. From there, we journey through each climb, exploring the lessons, challenges, and reflections that have shaped his remarkable career. We close with Paul’s insights on life, climbing philosophy, and advice for anyone daring to follow in his path. As we wrap up this incredible conversation, I want to send a huge thank you to Paul for trusting me to share his story. If this episode resonated with you, don’t hesitate to reach out—I’ll gladly pass along your messages to him. The TCM movement is growing but we need your help to spread the word! Please share this podcast with your friends and family. Word of mouth is one of the best ways to support the show. If you enjoyed the show we’d appreciate it if you could rate and review us on your favorite podcatcher. We are always looking for new guests. If you or someone you know would be a great fit for the show please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can reach us on IG or email us directly @ theclimbingmajoritypodcast@gmail.com --- | |||
| 30 Dec 2024 | 83 | Twins To The Tops Part I w/ Eric & Matthew Gilbertson | 01:00:21 | |
Have you ever heard of the Gilbertson twins? My guess is probably not, which is surprising given what these two have been up to for nearly 30 years. MIT graduates Eric and Matthew Gilbertson have made it their mission to summit and survey the highest mountain in every country on Earth. So far, they’ve successfully climbed 145 country highpoints, documenting their journeys with detailed trip reports and photos. Similar to previous guest Steph Abegg, Eric and Matthew’s attention to detail and the sheer amount of free information they’ve made available on their website is astonishing. I highly encourage you to check it out after this episode. The TCM movement is growing but we need your help to spread the word! Please share this podcast with your friends and family. Word of mouth is one of the best ways to support the show. If you enjoyed the show we’d appreciate it if you could rate and review us on your favorite podcatcher. We are always looking for new guests. If you or someone you know would be a great fit for the show please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can reach us on IG or email us directly @ theclimbingmajoritypodcast@gmail.com --- | |||
| 13 Jan 2025 | 84 | Twins To The Tops Part II w/ Eric and Matthew Gilbertson | 00:57:22 | |
Welcome back, everyone. I’m your host, Kyle Broxterman, and today we’re continuing our conversation with Eric and Matthew Gilbertson. If you missed Part One, I highly recommend circling back to listen before continuing here, as we’ll be jumping right into the middle of our two-hour conversation. Just in the past two weeks, Eric returned from a trip to Colombia with some groundbreaking news. Due to glacial melt, the country’s previously recognized highest peak has lost about 50 meters in elevation and after surveying the region, Eric officially confirmed a new highest point in Colombia—previously thought to be Pico Colón, but now officially Pico Bolívar, stands at 5,720 meters. Reaching its summit requires an eight-pitch climb, featuring 5.6 M2 WI2 terrain. As always, Eric has documented the entire expedition in a detailed trip report, which you can find linked in the show notes. With this latest achievement, the twins have now collectively summited 146 of the 195 country high points across the world. In today’s episode, we take a deeper dive into some of the most unique, bizarre, and dangerous experiences they’ve encountered along their mission to summit all the country highpoints. Mountains permanently closed for religious reasons, approaches through active minefields, climbing walls made of roots and jungle vegetation, and first ascents in the remote Canadian wilderness—this conversation truly showcases the extreme variety of challenges they’ve faced. As I mentioned before, condensing 146 global mountain ascents into just two hours is nearly impossible. But my hope is that this conversation spreads the word about their mission and the incredible accomplishments they’ve achieved so far. Eric and Matthew Gilbertson are truly modern-day explorers in every sense of the word. ---- The TCM movement is growing but we need your help to spread the word! Please share this podcast with your friends and family. Word of mouth is one of the best ways to support the show. If you enjoyed the show we’d appreciate it if you could rate and review us on your favorite podcatcher. We are always looking for new guests. If you or someone you know would be a great fit for the show please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can reach us on IG or email us directly @ theclimbingmajoritypodcast@gmail.com --- | |||
| 27 Jan 2025 | 85 | The Passionate Pioneer of Pacific Northwest Climbing w/ Wayne Wallace | 01:58:07 | |
Today, I am sharing a conversation with you that has truly left me inspired and honestly pretty humbled. Wayne Wallace—a name that might not immediately ring bells for some of you outside the Pacific Northwest, but one that should. Wayne is, without exaggeration, a living legend in the climbing world. His dedication to the craft spans decades, and his career has been marked by unparalleled passion, mentorship, alpine route development, and pure adventure. In this episode, we dive deep into Wayne’s journey—from his early days discovering climbing in a world where the technology for clean free climbing was just starting to be developed… to decades later, becoming one of the most prolific alpine route developers in the Pacific Northwest, with countless FA’s including the mythical Mongo Ridge of West Fury. We’ll explore his process for creating new routes, the ethical dilemmas of bolting, and how he views his role as a mentor to the next generation. As an advocate for important and thoughtful climbing ethics— he promotes balancing the ego of creation with the responsibility of establishing routes that others can safely climb after you. Wayne also opens up about the transitions climbers face as they age, and what it means to continue finding joy in the sport when your approach—and body—changes. Wayne’s adaptability is a testament to his love for all disciplines of the sport. He openly shares lessons learned from his close calls, the importance of bailing when necessary, and his commitment to leaving a positive legacy. His reflections on balancing ambition with survival are a powerful reminder that climbing is not just about reaching summits—it’s about passion, community, and the wisdom you gain as you survive a lifetime of climbing. Talking with Wayne felt like stepping into a world of climbing that I’ve only scratched the surface of. His humility and depth of experience were both inspiring and intimidating. This man has lived a life devoted to climbing in a way that few can comprehend. And now I bring you…Explorer, Mentor, Route Developer, and self proclaimed serial sandbagger.. Wayne Wallace. ---- The TCM movement is growing but we need your help to spread the word! Please share this podcast with your friends and family. Word of mouth is one of the best ways to support the show. If you enjoyed the show we’d appreciate it if you could rate and review us on your favorite podcatcher. We are always looking for new guests. If you or someone you know would be a great fit for the show please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can reach us on IG or email us directly @ theclimbingmajoritypodcast@gmail.com --- | |||
| 10 Feb 2025 | 86 | A Life Behind The Lens w/ Cody & Victoria | 02:01:55 | |
Today, we’re stepping behind the screens and into the lives of Cody and Victoria Blue, a climbing couple who have built a sustainable life around capturing and sharing their adventures in the mountains. Relatively new to climbing, their success lies not in the groundbreaking nature of their climbing achievements, but in their remarkable abilities as videographers and story tellers in the environments that inspire us the most. Recently, Cody and Victoria documented their journey up one of the most iconic mountains in the world—the Matterhorn. The short film these two produced is super well done and really showcases their strengths as storytellers and artists. If you haven’t seen it yet I highly recommend checking it out on their Youtube Channel. Filming in the mountains is already an immense challenge. But being both the filmmaker and the subject—while also focusing on climbing safely? That’s a whole different level of difficulty and a challenge that simply cannot be overstated..How do you decide what moments are worth capturing? Do you film everything, or does documenting the entire experience risk taking away from the present moment? These are the kinds of questions we explore in this conversation, gaining a deeper understanding of what it’s really like to create the videos we all love to watch. I was psyched to sit down with Cody and Victoria and dive into such relatable and thought-provoking topics. The term “influencer” often comes with mixed opinions, but these two are living their dream—and have found a way to support a life of creation and climbing. I have a huge amount of respect for that and can’t wait to see where their skills take them next. And now, I bring you my conversation with Cody & Victoria Blue. ---- The TCM movement is growing but we need your help to spread the word! Please share this podcast with your friends and family. Word of mouth is one of the best ways to support the show. If you enjoyed the show we’d appreciate it if you could rate and review us on your favorite podcatcher. We are always looking for new guests. If you or someone you know would be a great fit for the show please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can reach us on IG or email us directly @ theclimbingmajoritypodcast@gmail.com --- | |||
| 24 Feb 2025 | 87 | Unforgotten Lives & Unseen Lines w/ Maximilian Barlerin | 02:16:17 | |
Today I sit down with Maximilian Barlerin. You might have first heard his name back in October when Corey Buhay wrote what Max humbly calls “a fluff piece” about his staggering 14-pitch, 5.13 big wall first ascent in the Wind River Range—Children of the Sun. The article described an "everyman" 5.14 climber balancing family, two jobs, a fledgling business, and an impressive list of first ascents. This is the first time Maximilian has spoken publicly about his life. Max isn’t just a climber…He works as a climbing ranger and search-and-rescue responder in Rocky Mountain National Park. His career put him face-to-face with some of the harshest realities of the mountains, forcing him to reconcile the risks we take as climbers with the consequences he’s witnessed firsthand. Through years of SAR work, close calls, and deep self-reflection, he’s developed a rare perspective on climbing, risk, and the ever-evolving relationship we have with danger. Just days before this episode launch, I learned that Max and his entire team of rangers had been laid off due to recent federal budget cuts—a devastating blow, especially for those who relied on the job not just for income, but for housing. The outdoor community is certainly hurting right now, and my heart goes out to everyone affected. Max reminds us that this is not a good year to get injured in the mountains—there just might not be anyone there to rescue you. After we unpack the highs and lows of his time as a climbing ranger..we dive into four of his most notable first ascents in Patagonia, Zion, and the Wind River Range—covering the vision, the process, and the lessons he’s learned along the way. Maximilian is a soft-spoken, humble climber with an astonishing depth of experience and achievement, and I’m psyched to share his story. ---- HELP KEEP THIS PODCAST AD FREE! | For a little as $3/mo! ----
The TCM movement is growing but we need your help to spread the word! Please share this podcast with your friends and family. Word of mouth is one of the best ways to support the show. If you enjoyed the show we’d appreciate it if you could rate and review us on your favorite podcatcher. We are always looking for new guests. If you or someone you know would be a great fit for the show please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can reach us on IG or email us directly @ theclimbingmajoritypodcast@gmail.com --- First Ascent in Patagonia "Colorado Route" (5.11c 45 Degrees, 500m) Climbing Magazine Article about "Children of The Sun" (IV 5.13-; 1500ft) | |||
| 10 Mar 2025 | 88 | The Para-Alpinist w/ Nathan Longhurst | 02:52:52 | |
Today I have a truly groundbreaking story from one of my previous show guests Nathan Longhurst. Last time I spoke with Nathan, he was fresh off his solo ascent of the Cassin Ridge on Denali and making waves in the climbing community. At the time, he had also just discovered his next passion—paragliding. I remember joking back then, hoping he wouldn’t get hurt as he dove headfirst into this new pursuit. But just a few weeks later, he crashed—breaking his pelvis. Since then, Nathan has pushed even further in fulfilling his vision of merging the sports of solo alpinism and flight. Becoming a leading pioneer in a budding new style of alpinism. His latest project in New Zealand involves linking together 100 technical alpine peaks not just by climbing them, but also flying between them. His goal? To Successfully summit all of “New Zealand’s 100 Greatest Peaks”. A curated list of New Zealand's 100 most iconic mountains that had only ever been climbed by one man Don French —a journey that took him nearly 34 years to accomplish. However, on February 27th 2025 Nathan managed to complete the entire objective in a staggering 103 days. revolutionizing what’s possible in mountain travel by blending the skills of an alpinist and a foil pilot. But this wasn’t just a smooth, picturesque journey through the mountains. Along the way, Nathan battled snow blindness after losing his sunglasses, survived loose rock fall that nearly ended his entire mission, and had to manage the terrifying reality of flying on a damaged wing after a failed launch high up on a rocky ridge. Every decision mattered, and with each new challenge, he was forced to recalibrate his limits, balancing the thrill of the unknown with the ever-present dangers of both the air and the mountains. This conversation goes deep. We talk about the mental and physical challenges of combining two of the most committing mountain disciplines, how his perception of risk evolved after cheating death during a crash landing due to catastrophic canopy failure…, and the logistical puzzles of executing a cutting edge project that has just simply never been done before. At the point of releasing this conversation Nathan has yet to speak with anyone about the intimate details of his experience ... .and I am honored to share his story…So nowI bring you 3 hrs of Nathan Longhurst. ---- HELP KEEP THIS PODCAST AD FREE! | For a little as $3/mo! ----
The TCM movement is growing but we need your help to spread the word! Please share this podcast with your friends and family. Word of mouth is one of the best ways to support the show. If you enjoyed the show we’d appreciate it if you could rate and review us on your favorite podcatcher. We are always looking for new guests. If you or someone you know would be a great fit for the show please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can reach us on IG or email us directly @ theclimbingmajoritypodcast@gmail.com --- | |||
| 24 Mar 2025 | 89 | The Creek Freak w/ Devin Fin | 01:50:52 | |
If you’re a crack climber, chances are you’ve either made the pilgrimage to Indian Creek or have at least dreamed about it. Nestled in the Utah desert, this valley holds one of the highest concentrations of pure splitter cracks in the world. It’s quite literally a crack climber’s paradise. The remarkable uniformity of its cracks require upwards of 16 cams of the same size . While early pioneers like Earl Wiggins made history with routes like Supercrack—established with nothing but hexes—it wasn’t until the late ‘70s and the development of cams that the true potential of the Creek was unlocked. Since then, the area has exploded in popularity, with over 1,600 routes listed on Mountain Project alone. But of all the climbers who have contributed to the development of Indian Creek, one name stands out: Devin Fin. Devin caught the Creek bug early, after his family moved to Durango. Once he got a taste of the desert splitters, he never looked back. He dedicated his life to climbing and establishing new routes full-time, amassing an incredible 665 first ascents in the creek over the last thirty years.. But unlike some route developers, Devin doesn’t publish all his climbs in guidebooks or Mountain Project. Instead,over half of his established routes are sitting in the desert waiting to be climbed… If you’re in search for a Devin Fin route you’ll just need to follow the breadcrumbs…With placards at the base and signature shiny bolted anchors—these classic routes wait for adventurous climbers to stumble upon them. For Devin, route development isn’t just about creating climbs—it’s a way of life. With no car, no house, and no traditional job, he has built a life centered entirely around climbing, exploration, and self-sufficiency. He wakes up every day in pursuit of the next climb. In our conversation, we dive into Devin’s background, the history of Indian Creek climbing, the elusive nature of his first ascents, risk management, his memorable FA’s, and more. ---- HELP KEEP THIS PODCAST AD FREE! | For a little as $3/mo! ----
The TCM movement is growing but we need your help to spread the word! Please share this podcast with your friends and family. Word of mouth is one of the best ways to support the show. If you enjoyed the show we’d appreciate it if you could rate and review us on your favorite podcatcher. We are always looking for new guests. If you or someone you know would be a great fit for the show please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can reach us on IG or email us directly @ theclimbingmajoritypodcast@gmail.com --- | |||
| 07 Apr 2025 | 90 | No Hand, No Problem w/ Kimber Cross | 01:29:00 | |
Picture this: you’re ice climbing. Now picture doing it… without fingers on one of your hands. Sounds nearly impossible, right? Well today, I sit down with Kimber Cross, a kindergarten teacher, adaptive athlete, and living embodiment of her own personal motto: Can’t. Will. Did. Born without fingers on her right hand, Kimber grew up doing all the “normal” sports and activities—fully adapting to the world around her. But when she discovered ice climbing, for the first time, she hit a wall. How do you climb vertical ice without a second ice axe? In true Kimber fashion, she reached out to a prosthetist, and together they designed a custom prosthetic ice tool that allowed her to return to the ice on the sharp end. Fast forward to today—Kimber is pursuing professional climbing, setting bold goals like the Moose’s Tooth in Alaska. She’s inspiring those around her through grit, vision, and a refusal to let anything hold her back. In our conversation, we talk about how she discovered ice climbing, the story behind her custom ice tool, a high-stakes malfunction on the Moose’s Tooth, and what is next on her journey. ---- SIGN UP FOR EXCLUSIVE EPISODES! | For a little as $3/mo! ----
The TCM movement is growing but we need your help to spread the word! Please share this podcast with your friends and family. Word of mouth is one of the best ways to support the show. If you enjoyed the show we’d appreciate it if you could rate and review us on your favorite podcatcher. We are always looking for new guests. If you or someone you know would be a great fit for the show please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can reach us on IG or email us directly @ theclimbingmajoritypodcast@gmail.com --- Short Film "Can't. Will. Did." | |||
| 21 Apr 2025 | 91 | Our Illusion Of Safety w/ IFMGA Silas Rossi | 01:45:15 | |
In a world flooded with climbing content, tech tips, and loud online opinions, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed when you’re educating yourself on safety systems. The truth? Learning how to climb safely and efficiently can be confusing—and quite honestly pretty dangerous. So what is the best way to learn? Books, YouTube, mentors, guides? Honestly, it’s a mix of all four. Today’s guest is someone who has spent his life thinking deeply about how we learn, how we climb, and how we can stay alive in the mountains. Silas Rossi is an IFMGA certified guide, current president of the American Mountain Guides Association, and owner of Alpine Logic Guide Services... With 24 years of climbing under his belt, he’s instructed athletes, recreational climbers, and guides around the world. He’s climbed the Matterhorn nearly a dozen times, spent multiple seasons in the Alps, and enjoys crushing hard trad routes near his hometown in New York—Silas is the real deal. And yet, despite his deep experience and knowledge, Silas is the first to say that no matter how dialed you are, luck undoubtedly plays a role in the mountains. Mistakes happen. Conditions shift. And with enough time out there, luck is often the invisible hand that tips the balance. But that doesn’t mean we’re helpless. “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.” If we prioritize safety, build good systems, and stay aware, we give ourselves the best chance to succeed—and survive. In this conversation, we dig into the philosophy of risk. We uncover the truth that most of us are probably less prepared than we think—for emergencies, for rescues, for moments when things really go sideways. We unpack the phrase: “If you’re not falling, you’re not trying.” And we go into some simple yet often overlooked ways to build safety and redundancy into our systems. We also take a hard look at the guiding industry in America, the public’s misconceptions about hiring guides, and how the influencer-ification of safety content has both helped and hurt the profession. This one is packed with knowledge, insight, and reflection—and I’m stoked to share it with you. ---- SIGN UP FOR EXCLUSIVE EPISODES! | For a little as $3/mo! ----
The TCM movement is growing but we need your help to spread the word! Please share this podcast with your friends and family. Word of mouth is one of the best ways to support the show. If you enjoyed the show we’d appreciate it if you could rate and review us on your favorite podcatcher. We are always looking for new guests. If you or someone you know would be a great fit for the show please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can reach us on IG or email us directly @ theclimbingmajoritypodcast@gmail.com --- Alpine Logic (Hire Silas As A Guide) Sign Up For The Ascend Membership | |||
| 03 Jan 2022 | 1 | Meet The Creators | 00:33:21 | |
Most of today’s climbing media is focused on what happens at the edges of the sport involving the most experienced and talented climbers in the world. Your hosts Kyle Broxterman and Max Carrier believe that these stories and experiences do not directly relate to the majority of climbers that now exist. Thanks to gyms, the Olympics, and mainstream media coverage a vast growing group of people is now discovering this magical sport. As a part of this group, they are here to give this new Climbing Majority a voice and a place to share the experiences, stories, and lessons of the non-professional climber. | |||
| 10 Jan 2022 | 2 | High Risk Low Probability | 01:05:30 | |
Max Carrier is a climber, triathlete and running guide that works for Mountain Equipment Company. He is one of the Co-Hosts of The Climbing Majority Podcast. In this episode Max Carrier recounts his fall while climbing the Chief in Squamish B.C. Co-Host Kyle interviews Max and they talk about risk, rescue and what it's like to sustain a traumatic injury. This injury left Max on the Chief with both ankles broken in several places and requiring helicopter rescue. This episode is a deep dive into the physical and psychological trauma of a major climbing fall. What are the lessons and takeaways from this experience and how has it affected his life, relationships and identity as a climber and athlete? | |||
| 17 Jan 2022 | 3 | A Shattered Calcaneus | 01:16:04 | |
A 30ft fall, failed protection, and a shattered calcaneus. This is the story of how Kyle Broxterman found himself upside down with two broken ankles. We discuss what went wrong, go over specific gear placements, and cover how to avoid a situation like this from happening in the first place. | |||
| 24 Jan 2022 | 4 | The First Year of Trad Climbing feat. Joree Weatherly | 00:55:41 | |
The first year of trad climbing can be a dangerous one, but it doesn't have to be! Listen in to hear from our own personal mistakes during this tumultuous time in every climber's life. From safety checks and rappelling nightmares to the critical benefits of hiring a guide; we cover a lot of things to help you succeed in your first year of trad climbing. | |||
| 28 Feb 2022 | 7 | Fear, Focus, and Risk | 01:15:30 | |
Sweaty palms, rapid breathing, we know the beginning stages of fear and how quickly it can unravel into panic. Today Kyle and Max discuss the role that fear plays in our lives as climbers, which kind of fear you should listen to, and cover techniques and habits to help overcome it. They also talk about the superpowers that deep focus or flow state can bring you, including an example where Dean Potter used his superhuman abilities to cheat death. Finally, Kyle and Max talk about mitigating risk in order to help the everyday climber stay in the outdoors longer. Follow Will Gad here: https://willgadd.com/ @therealwillgadd Mapping Tool: Dean Potter's Story: | |||
| 14 Mar 2022 | 8 | Helmets, Shame, and Social Media | 01:05:26 | |
Kyle was cruising Instagram one day and stumbled upon a post by famous climbing photographer Jim Thornburg titled "100 Classic Crack Week". In which, all ten pictures featured climbers sending super hard classic tad routes...without a helmet. After looking into the comments Kyle found that someone had expressed concern over this and got completely shamed for it. In this episode, Max and Kyle dive deep into the controversial topic of helmets, explore why there seems to be so much shame and negativity built into our sport, and discuss the positives and negatives of social media for the everyday climber. | |||
| 31 Jan 2022 | 5 | Six Months Since Our Injuries | 00:38:48 | |
Max and Kyle check in and discuss their progress in healing post-surgery. They discuss topics ranging from pain management, post-surgery struggles, diet and nutrition, and manufacturing happiness when times are dark. Several months after surgery the co-hosts of The Climbing Majority Podcast discuss how they are coping with their traumatic injuries. | |||