The Freetrail Podcast with Dylan Bowman

Alex Honnold | Fatherhood, Legacy, & Giving Back

Apr 4, 2025

In a captivating chat, Alex Honnold, the legendary free solo climber behind the historic ascent of El Capitan, shares insights into his remarkable journey and the evolution of climbing. He discusses the profound impact of fatherhood on his goal-setting and the balance between ambition and family life. Alex reflects on the challenges of two decades as a pro athlete, competition's role in his career, and how the climbing landscape is changing, especially with technology's arrival. He also highlights his philanthropic journey with the Honnold Foundation and what it means to give back.

01:07:05

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Episode guests

Alex Honnold

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Alex Honnold reflects on how becoming a parent has shifted his focus from a nomadic climbing lifestyle to a more strategic approach to the sport.

The legacy of climbing legend Peter Croft profoundly influences Honnold, emphasizing mentorship and the bonds within the climbing community.

Honnold discusses the steady evolution of climbing's popularity post-Olympics, recognizing both the financial benefits and gradual growth of the sport.

Deep dives

Alex Honnold's Evolution as a Climber

Alex Honnold discusses his current stage in his climbing career as he approaches his 40th birthday. He acknowledges a shift in his focus towards being a parent, which has made his time for climbing more limited. Honnold reflects on how he once lived a nomadic lifestyle, dedicating all his time to climbing, but now approaches it more strategically. He appreciates that despite the demands of his family life, he has recently rediscovered the joy of climbing through a fulfilling project.

Intro

2min

Reflections on Climbing: Career and Legacy

18min

Climbing Training: Balancing Data and Instinct

7min

Climbing Life: Balancing Ambition and Family

23min

Reflections on Achievement and the Thrill of Climbing

5min

Living the Adventure: Climbing and Philanthropy in Vegas

9min

Reflections on Impact and Personal Growth

2min

Alex Honnold is among the most accomplished climbers in history. Bursting into the mainstream consciousness in 2008, Alex has personally changed what people have viewed to be possible in the vertical world. In 2017, Alex did the first ever free solo of El Capitan in Yosemite Valley, a feat that many consider to be the greatest athletic accomplishment in history, and that was documented in the Oscar winning film, Free Solo. We're honored to host him on the podcast.

Learn more about The Honnold Foundation: https://www.honnoldfoundation.org/#mission

Topics:

Where Alex is the arc of his career
His feelings recollecting to the times before he was famous
The inspiration Alex took from climbing legend Peter Croft
The state of climbing as a sport and the impact of the Olympics
Training and the similarities between running and climbing
How becoming a parent has impacted goal setting
The physical and psychological toll of being a pro athlete for two decades
Staying motivated over time
Alex's relationship with competition
The aftermath of Free Solo and what Alex called his "deployment to Hollywood"
His home in Las Vegas and why it's a great place to live
The Honnold Foundation
A lot more!

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