Michaela Kiersch: Her Latest 5.15a (9a+) Ascent, Grade Debates, Power Endurance Training, and Reel Rock

Sep 9, 2026

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Michaela Kiersch: Her Latest 5.15a (9a+) Ascent, Grade Debates, Power Endurance Training, and Reel Rock

The story behind her FA of Mad Lib (9a / 5.14d)
Sending Dolby Surround (9a+ / 5.15a) after a hold broke
Trading beta with Will Bosi
Taking her strength and power endurance to a new level
Handling send pressure on a limit project
The challenge of grading the hardest climbs
A case for doing easier volume
The most efficient way to build endurance
Being featured in Reel Rock

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Here are some AI generated show notes (hopefully the robots got it right)

00:00 Pressure at the Limit
00:24 Mikaela Returns
01:27 Big Sends Preview
04:03 Lyme Disease Detour
07:10 Catching Up and Moving
08:50 Vermont Bouldering Tear
09:53 Madlib First Ascent
15:22 Jaws and Size Beta
16:25 Dolby Surround Backstory
19:04 Two Months on Dolby
21:44 Sponsor Break
24:41 Training for Dolby
27:08 Send Day Mindset
32:50 Grading and Consensus
35:50 Grades Versus Inspiration
39:20 Breakthrough Grades Memories
42:21 Colorado Plans And Technique
44:58 Tactics And Smart Volume
45:55 Intentional Climber App
47:47 Anti Style And Beta Sharing
50:34 Training For Route Season
51:48 Endurance Sessions Explained
55:22 Madness Cave Prep Tips
58:32 Mindset Journaling Progress
01:02:13 Real Rock Feature Reveal
01:06:46 Bonus Episode And Patreon
01:11:00 Host Red Session Update
01:16:18 Thanks Sponsors And Wrap

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The Struggle is carbon-neutral in partnership with The Honnold Foundation, whose mission is to promote solar energy for a more equitable world.

This show is produced and hosted by Ryan Devlin, and edited by Glen Walker. The Struggle is a proud member of the Plug Tone Audio Collective, a diverse group of the best, most impactful podcasts in the outdoor industry.

The struggle makes us stronger! I hope your training and climbing are going great.

And now here are some buzzwords to help the almighty algorithm get this show in front of people who love to climb: rock climbing, rock climber, climbing, climber, bouldering, sport climbing, gym climbing, how to rock climb, donuts are amazing. Okay, whew, that’s done. But hey, if you’re a human that’s actually reading this, and if you love this show (and love to climb) would you think about sharing this episode with a climber friend of yours? And shout it out on your socials? I’ll send you a sticker for doing it. Just shoot me a message on IG – thanks so much!