Climbing Gold

Sierra Blair: Ahead of the Curve

Jun 7, 2024

Sierra Blair, a controversial figure in climbing, discusses her use of social media in her competitive career. Topics include handling criticism, balancing authenticity with audience expectations, creating beta videos for climbing routes in Arizona, and navigating sponsorships and reliable gear in the climbing world.

34:29

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Episode guests

Sierra Blair

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Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Social media is vital for climbers to gain sponsorships and showcase talents.

Athletes must stay true to their motivations and passions amidst online challenges and criticism.

Deep dives

Social Media Influence in Professional Climbing

Social media is a significant aspect of professional climbing, where virtually every mainstream athlete uses it for sponsorship obligations. Athletes find social media essential to showcase their activities and connect with audiences. It has become a vital tool for both mainstream and outdoor athletes to promote and earn a living. The shift to leveraging social media provides a platform for athletes to gain sponsorships and showcase their talents.

Intro

2min

Evolution of Social Media and Influencers in Climbing

9min

Navigating Sponsorships and Reliable Gear

3min

Navigating Criticism and Social Media as a Climber

8min

Enhancing Accessibility of Climbing Information and Embracing Individual Social Media Presence

4min

Balancing Authenticity and Audience Expectations in the Online World

7min

Navigating Adversity and Personal Growth in Professional Climbing

4min

A decade ago, climbing’s most controversial figure wasn’t someone who’d lied, chopped routes, or chipped holds. It was a young woman who’d savvily harnessed the internet and social media to power her competitive career. Unintentionally, Sierra Blair became a lightning rod. Today, Sierra’s approach might simply be considered best practice for an athlete on social media, but a decade ago it sparked conversations about who gets to call themselves an athlete or a “real” climber, and it exposed a vein of misogyny flowing through our sport. With that period firmly in the rearview mirror and climbing harder than ever, Sierra shares her journey through climbing, professionalism, and the Internet.

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Climbing Gold

Sierra Blair: Ahead of the Curve

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

Social Media Influence in Professional Climbing

Navigating Social Media Challenges

Personal Growth and Resilience Through Adversity

Professional Climbing Achievements and Growth

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts