

1115: The Amazing Adventures of Tommy Caldwell, Star of Netflix's The Dawn Wall
Sep 9, 2019
Tommy Caldwell, a renowned rock climber and star of Netflix's The Dawn Wall, shares tales of his incredible life, from being held hostage in Kyrgyzstan to overcoming a devastating injury. He discusses the mental resilience needed in climbing, how rock climbers often become their own filmmakers, and the joys of camaraderie in the climbing community. Caldwell touches on the moral complexities of survival and the liberating aspect of shedding expectations, all while advocating for environmental causes.
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Climber-Filmmakers
- Tommy Caldwell's climbing films, including "The Dawn Wall," are made by his friends.
- This collaborative approach is common among professional climbers, fostering a unique style of filmmaking.
Climbing's Rise
- Big wall free climbing has seen a surge in popularity, partially due to Caldwell's influence.
- This growth is also attributed to increased media attention, climbing gyms, and the Olympics.
Formative Experiences
- Caldwell's father, a bodybuilder and mountain guide, instilled in him a "joyful masochism."
- He fostered Caldwell's resilience by exposing him to challenging and exciting outdoor experiences from a young age.