Luke Mehall: Starting Training at 40, Why Climbers Should Write, and the Power of Good Storytelling

Apr 16, 2025

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Climber, writer, and podcaster, Luke Mehall of The Climbing Zine, joins to discuss:

Starting training at age 40 and unlocking big gains
Falling in love with sport climbing
What it means to have a dirtbag state of mind
Why all climbers should write and writers should climb
Developing hundreds of routes and what makes the process so special
Route development 101 for those interested in first ascents
The climbing scene in El Potrero
The Climbing Zine and why YOU should be getting it

Subscribe to The Climbing Zine and check out its podcast, Dirtbag State of Mind

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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!