The Nugget Climbing Podcast

EP 257: Sol Wertkin — Surviving Cancer, a Richer Life After Climbing, and Saying Goodbye to Johnny G.

Jan 27, 2025

Sol Wertkin, a former rock climber, cancer survivor, and nurse, shares his inspiring journey through adversity. He discusses his cancer diagnosis and recovery, emphasizing resilience and the importance of community support. Sol reflects on how e-biking revitalized his love for the outdoors post-climbing. He also nostalgically recounts the 'Golden Era' of climbing in Leavenworth and the impact of his late friend Johnny Goicoechea on his life. With insights on balancing health, family, and personal passion, Sol offers valuable nuggets for navigating life's challenges.

03:08:00

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Episode guests

Sol Wertkin

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Sol Wertkin's cancer diagnosis transformed his perspective on life, fostering a deep gratitude for everyday moments and relationships.

The significant role of community support during Saul's health struggles highlighted the power of human connection in overcoming adversity.

Transitioning from climbing to mountain biking provided Saul a means to stay active while also prioritizing his lung health and well-being.

Saul emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy in healthcare, encouraging proactive approaches and informed decision-making for better health outcomes.

Mental health is crucial for recovery, as Saul highlighted the value of therapy in coping with the emotional challenges post-cancer treatment.

Deep dives

Saul Wirtkin's Journey of Resilience

Saul Wirtkin shares his journey of resilience after being diagnosed with a rare neuroendocrine tumor in his chest in 2020. Following a challenging diagnosis and complications during recovery, he nearly lost his life but emerged with a new perspective on life. Saul emphasizes that the fight against cancer instilled a gratitude for life that continues to influence his outlook today. This life-altering experience has transformed his approach to every aspect of living, particularly appreciating his time with family and the beauty of the outdoors.

Intro

2min

The Evolution of Climbing

18min

Nostalgia and Growth in Bouldering

16min

Navigating Health and Resilience in Turmoil

20min

Triumph Through Turmoil: A Recovery Journey

11min

Medical Insights: Diaphragm Placing for Lung Function

5min

Journey Through Diaphragm Surgery

11min

Battling Cancer: A Personal Journey

22min

Resilience Through Recovery

14min

10.

Enhancing Climbing Performance with Innovative Chalk and Training Tools

4min

11.

From Climbing to Mountain Biking: Embracing Change

11min

12.

Biking Through Challenges: A Journey of Acceptance

22min

13.

Balancing Family Life and Passion for Mountain Biking

3min

14.

Navigating Healthcare Challenges

12min

15.

Healing with Honey and the Importance of Blood Pressure Awareness

3min

16.

Navigating Cardiovascular Complexities

9min

17.

Finding Balance in Post-Cancer Health

6min

Sol Wertkin is a former rock climber, cancer survivor, nurse, and avid mountain biker. We talked about new routing in the PNW, the “Golden Era” of Leavenworth climbing, the passing of Johnny Goicoechea, Sol’s cancer diagnosis in 2020, the long and difficult road to recovery, how e-biking saved his life, sailing, why life feels richer now that he doesn’t climb, and nuggets to help your own health journey.

Feel free to message Sol on Instagram if you have any questions about cancer diagnosis or long covid.

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We are supported by these amazing BIG GIVERS:

Michael Roy, Mark and Julie Calhoun, and Yinan Liu

Show Notes:

thenuggetclimbing.com/episodes/sol-wertkin

Nuggets:

(00:00:00) – Intro

(00:00:57) – How I met Sol

(00:03:56) – Depression & climbing roots

(00:09:02) – New routing in the PNW

(00:12:02) – The “Golden Era” in Leavenworth

(00:23:37) – Johnny Goicoechea

(00:28:37) – Training & sport climbing

(00:31:27) – Smith Rock & Spain

(00:35:40) – Getting diagnosed with cancer

(00:49:07) – Lifetimes, surgery 1, & do the things

(00:54:43) – Short of breath

(00:59:12) – Systematic diaphragm paralysis, & surgery 2

(01:03:33) – E-bikes

(01:10:20) – Diaphragm plication

(01:21:54) – Chylothorax

(01:25:15) – The early stages of dying

(01:28:39) – Surgery 3

(01:32:31) – Planning for the worst, & getting discharged

(01:36:40) – Bonus life

(01:41:55) – A final hurdle

(01:52:32) – Every day is a gift

(01:54:14) – Sailing

(02:01:06) – Replacing climbing

(02:08:48) – Goals

(02:13:59) – E-biking & ableism

(02:19:07) – Why Sol doesn’t climb anymore

(02:22:33) – A richer life after climbing

(02:29:58) – Trail clearing & volunteering

(02:34:38) – What’s next

(02:37:44) – Healthcare & nursing

(02:40:46) – Sol’s nuggets

(03:06:19) – Let’s go!

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The Nugget Climbing Podcast

EP 257: Sol Wertkin — Surviving Cancer, a Richer Life After Climbing, and Saying Goodbye to Johnny G.

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

Saul Wirtkin's Journey of Resilience

The Importance of Community Support

Finding New Passions in Mountain Biking

Advocacy for Health and Self-Care

The Importance of Mental Health

Lessons in Gratitude and Perspective

Living in the Moment

Empowering Others Through Experience

The Healing Power of Nature

Redefining Athletic Identity

Get the Snipd
podcast app

AI-powered
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Discover
highlights

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The Nugget Climbing Podcast

EP 257: Sol Wertkin — Surviving Cancer, a Richer Life After Climbing, and Saying Goodbye to Johnny G.

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

Saul Wirtkin's Journey of Resilience

The Importance of Community Support

Finding New Passions in Mountain Biking

Advocacy for Health and Self-Care

The Importance of Mental Health

Lessons in Gratitude and Perspective

Living in the Moment

Empowering Others Through Experience

The Healing Power of Nature

Redefining Athletic Identity

Get the Snipdpodcast app

AI-poweredpodcast player

Discoverhighlights

Save anymoment

Share& Export

AI-poweredpodcast player

Discoverhighlights

Get the Snipd
podcast app

AI-powered
podcast player

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highlights

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moment

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highlights