The Careless Talk Climbing Podcast E173: Ben Cossey - The situation down under, Action Directe, Groove Train, It's all lightweight baby!
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Nov 5, 2025 Ben Cossey, an Australian climber and coach known for his iconic first ascents, shares his experiences in the climbing world. He discusses access issues in Australian climbing, the emotional toll of losing iconic routes, and his legendary ascent of Lightweight Baby. Ben also recounts his attempts at Action Directe and his amusing finish on Groove Train, which became internet-famous. He provides insights into training philosophies and highlights unsung climbers pushing grades in Australia, making it a captivating conversation for climbing enthusiasts.
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Protect Access By Leading As Stewards
- Act as stewards: be careful and considerate because one bad actor can damage access for everyone.
- Prioritize stewardship to prevent closures driven by visible misuse or disrespect.
Access Loss Feels Like A Personal Grief
- Losing access to iconic routes creates a lasting emotional void for climbers who built identity around those places.
- Being able to see but not climb classic lines is often harder to accept than a permanent loss.
Meeting Fred Nicole With A Baguette
- Ben met Fred Nicole while working on Lightweight Baby and remembers offering baguette and camembert.
- Fred later tried the line and accidentally broke an undercling, which became part of the route's story.
