The Careless Talk Climbing Podcast E181: Round Table - Does climbing need grades? Cancellations and group therapy
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Jan 14, 2026 In this engaging discussion, professional climber Katie Lamb reflects on her major ascents and the pressures of perfectionism, contemplating whether grades are essential in climbing. Climber Benn Wheeler shares tales from Budapest and his own experiences with academic pressure. The conversation takes a turn into 'group therapy,' exploring the balance between climbing and personal relationships. They also debate the implications of removing grades, how narratives shape climbing, and the impact of online opinions in today's climate.
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Grades As A Content Crutch
- Removing grades would force climbing media to explain why climbs are meaningful rather than rely on a number.
- Sam argues this would push storytellers to produce richer videos and context for audiences.
Grading Affects Athlete Visibility
- Not grading content can reduce visibility for climbers who lack large platforms.
- Aidan notes creators like Nicky Charia get less recognition because they skip grades.
Use Grades To Grab Attention
- Use grades deliberately: they drive attention and drastically boost views on climbing media.
- Benn says including a grade in thumbnails multiplies audience interest for videos.
