

The Nugget Climbing Podcast
Steven Dimmitt
Welcome to a podcast about performance climbing, self-improvement, and being a human being.
5M+ downloads.
"One of the best long-form interview podcasts in the outdoor space." - Climbing Magazine
5M+ downloads.
"One of the best long-form interview podcasts in the outdoor space." - Climbing Magazine
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 15, 2024 • 1h 22min
EP 238: Girls Gone Hueco — Making the First All-Female Bouldering Film & the Power of a Girl Gang | ft. Midori Buechli & Long Truong
Midori Buechli, a talented V11 climber passionate about female representation in climbing, joins filmmaker Long Truong to discuss their groundbreaking all-female bouldering film, Girls Gone Hueco. They share the challenges and surprises of filmmaking, the importance of a supportive girl gang, and the hidden costs involved in production. Humorous stories, like the infamous trash can shower, highlight the adventure. They also provide inspiring advice for aspiring filmmakers and tackle issues like imposter syndrome, celebrating the authenticity of climbing.

Sep 9, 2024 • 2h 10min
EP 237: Yves Gravelle Returns — Why Lazy Athletes Get Strong, My 200 lb Grip Goal, and How to Combine Climbing With Targeted Finger Training
Yves Gravelle returns to the podcast to help me get stronger fingers. We talked about my current finger strength goal, how to build a 3-month training program, best joint angles for edge lifting, limiting factors, the challenge for climbers with building finger strength, forearm hypertrophy exercises, how to know when you need more rest, how to combine board sessions with finger training, repeater protocols for long boulders, process goals, and much more.Watch the Video Interview of this episode:EP 237: Yves Gravelle Returns — Uncut VideoBecome a Patron:patreon.com/thenuggetclimbing The NUG:frictitiousclimbing.com/products/the-nugCheck out my new portable hangboard design.Crimpd:crimpd.comOr download the Crimpd app for free!Rhino Skin Solutions:rhinoskinsolutions.comUse code “NUGGET” at checkout for 20% off your next order!Revival Climbing Coalition:revivalclimbing.comEP 225: Tony Bell & David Bress (my episode with the founders of Revival)Chalk Cartel:chalkcartel.comUse code "NUGGET" at checkout for 20% off your next order. We are supported by these amazing BIG GIVERS:Michael Roy, Craig Lee, Mark and Julie Calhoun, Yinan Liu, and Matt WalterShow Notes: thenuggetclimbing.com/episodes/yves-gravelle-returnsNuggets:(00:00:00) – Intro(00:03:59) – The 200 lb grip goal(00:07:31) – How Yves makes a training program, the Gap Analysis, & benchmarking(00:11:28) – Limiting factors(00:12:15) – The Sport Audit(00:15:13) – Joint angles for edge lifting(00:19:19) – Specializing(00:20:36) – The challenge for climbers with building finger strength(00:21:18) – More on specialization(00:22:51) – Forearm hypertrophy exercises(00:24:58) – Lifting vs. hanging vs. overcoming isometrics(00:30:33) – Grip positions for different goals(00:36:07) – 20mm vs. 25mm edge training(00:38:29) – How to build a 3-month grip training program(00:45:56) – Yves’ edge lifting protocols(00:53:35) – When to progress weight(00:54:50) – Wellness questionnaire & readiness test(00:56:20) – When to change your training schedule(00:58:23) – When to push out of your comfort zone (i.e. The Shock Week)(01:00:08) – Hypertrophy & long-term finger strength gains(01:04:27) – Lazy athletes get strong(01:05:29) – Repeaters(01:07:44) – Changing your schedule or program(01:10:48) – My takeaways so far(01:12:02) – How to combine board sessions with finger training(01:20:04) – Training for a 23-move boulder(01:22:44) – Pacing & effeciency(01:25:37) – Summary of my example training plan(01:35:12) – More about repeaters(01:40:46) – How to maintain finger strength in season(01:48:05) – Yves’ recent grip comp & climbing goals(01:55:22) – Yves’ gap analysis for comps(01:57:15) – Planning & process goals(01:59:05) – Yves’ job as a special effects artist(02:01:06) – Yves’ YouTube channel(02:01:54) – Climbers getting into grip sports(02:02:47) – Outdoor rock goals & his last Hueco trip(02:05:45) – Wrap up & EXTRA teaser for Patrons

Sep 2, 2024 • 1h 11min
EP 236: Fundamentals — How to Train on a Spray Wall
Discover the secrets to training effectively on spray and home walls! The hosts share practical tips for setting up your wall, including the best holds and angles. Learn how to create a repertoire of benchmark climbs while iterating for continuous improvement. They dive into the art of route setting, emphasizing creativity and personalization in your climbing space. Plus, explore useful apps to track your progress and maximize your training potential. It's all about making climbing fun while honing your skills!

Aug 27, 2024 • 2h
EP 235: Dr. Amy Frugé — Why Your Spine & Stress Might Be Responsible for Your Forearm & Finger Pain
Dr. Amy Frugé (DPT) is a former Martial Arts World Champion, rock climber, and the founder of Converge Physical Therapy. We talked about extremity and finger pain from unusual sources, how to maintain a healthy spine, how emotions and stress affect our pain, psychedelic experiences, the pain, tension, and fear triangle, ways to empty your stress bucket, and much more.Watch the Video Interview of this episode:EP 235: Dr. Amy Frugé — Uncut VideosBecome a Patron:patreon.com/thenuggetclimbing Rhino Skin Solutions:rhinoskinsolutions.comUse code “NUGGET” at checkout for 20% off your next order!KAYA:kayaclimb.comUse code "NUGGET" at checkout for 20% off your first year of KAYA PRO!PhysiVantage:physivantage.com/discount/NUG20Use code "NUG20" at checkout for 20% off your next order of collagen or protein!Crimpd:crimpd.comOr download the Crimpd app for free! We are supported by these amazing BIG GIVERS:Michael Roy, Craig Lee, Mark and Julie Calhoun, Yinan Liu, and Matt WalterShow Notes: thenuggetclimbing.com/episodes/amy-frugeNuggets:(00:00:00) – Intro(00:02:26) – Pregnancy & maternity leave(00:04:05) – Overview(00:05:31) – Amy’s martial arts background(00:10:21) – Confidence(00:13:29) – Point sparring & boxing(00:18:14) – Pivoting to climbing(00:22:24) – How Amy’s athletic background informs her work with climbers(00:24:25) – Starting her Physical Therapy business during covid(00:27:13) – Radiculopathy(00:28:59) – Elbow & finger pain from the spine(00:39:53) – A pulley injury that turned out to be from the spine(00:47:00) – Be careful how you snuggle(00:49:06) – How to maintain a healthy spine(00:52:44) – Shoulder pain & directional preference(00:59:37) – Go-to tells of spinal issues(01:01:15) – Finding a provider(01:02:39) – How emotions & stress affect our pain(01:09:08) – The bucket analogy(01:10:23) – Pain is protective(01:11:37) – Stress & mindset(01:18:27) – Science vs. woowoo, & left vs. right(01:23:09) – Psychedelic-assisted therapy(01:27:48) – My psychedelic experiences(01:29:26) – Another client success story(01:36:58) – The pain, tension, & fear triangle(01:40:54) – Ways to empty your stress bucket(01:47:17) – Our many different buckets, & introverts vs. extroverts(01:51:20) – Be more like a dog(01:54:42) – Wrap up

Aug 19, 2024 • 1h 3min
EP 234: Fundamentals — How to Climb on a Training Board
Explore the essential tips for mastering training boards like the Tension and Moonboard. Learn how to treat sessions like structured training, manage volume, and keep workouts short for power gains. Discover the importance of clear session plans and dive into the challenges of translating board strength to outdoor climbs. The hosts share insights on avoiding common pitfalls and the nuances of grading systems. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned climber, this discussion will elevate your training game!

Aug 19, 2024 • 6min
Fundamentals Season 2 Kickoff
Jesse Firestone, an experienced climber, returns to share invaluable training techniques and insights into injury recovery. He highlights essential methods for breaking through plateaus and reflects on key climbing fundamentals. Listeners can expect personal anecdotes and expert advice designed to help climbers at all levels improve their skills. The conversation celebrates the success of the first season while diving deeper into effective training strategies, including training boards and weight lifting.

Aug 12, 2024 • 2h
EP 233: Olympic Reactions With Allison Vest
Allison Vest joins me to talk about the Paris Olympics! We talked about our biggest surprises from the men’s and women’s combined semifinals, our thoughts on the route setting, what defines an “electric” boulder, why speed was so great to watch, heartbreaking results, men’s and women’s combined finals, who we are most excited to see bring their Olympic fitness to the rocks, and much more!Watch the Video Interview of this episode:EP 233: Olympic Reactions With Allison Vest — Uncut VideoBecome a Patron:patreon.com/thenuggetclimbing KAYA:kayaclimb.comUse code "NUGGET" at checkout for 20% off your first year of KAYA PRO!PhysiVantage:physivantage.com/discount/NUG20Use code "NUG20" at checkout for 20% off your next order of collagen or protein!Rhino Skin Solutions:rhinoskinsolutions.comUse code “NUGGET” at checkout for 20% off your next order!Mad Rock:madrock.comUse code “NUGGET” at checkout for 10% off your next order!We are supported by these amazing BIG GIVERS:Michael Roy, Craig Lee, Mark and Julie Calhoun, Yinan Liu, and Matt WalterShow Notes: thenuggetclimbing.com/episodes/olympic-reactionsNuggets:(00:00:00) – Intro(00:01:35) – How we watched the Olympics(00:08:57) – Overall reaction(00:10:58) – Power, Electric, Slab, & Coordination(00:13:59) – Men’s final boulder 1(00:16:39) – Surprises from the men’s semifinal(00:19:25) – Adam Ondra & Jakob Schubert(00:23:11) – The unknown format for LA(00:26:10) – Olympic rules & limitations(00:27:55) – Niche Olympic sports & pride for climbing(00:30:28) – Speed recap(00:35:40) – Heartbreak(00:43:25) – Colin Duffy(00:45:58) – Jakob’s point deduction in bouldering(00:47:12) – Men’s final boulder 3(00:50:31) – Toby Roberts & Sorato Anraku(00:53:03) – What Toby’s gold means for the GB Team(00:55:41) – Colin on men’s final boulder 4(00:58:45) – Surprises from the women’s semifinal(01:04:07) – The OQS series & the effects of qualifying at different times(01:07:16) – Brooke Raboutou(01:11:11) – Janja Garnbret(01:19:36) – Climbers are wonderful(01:28:24) – Women’s top 3(01:29:24) – Will climbing grow after the Olympics?(01:32:39) – Which Olympians we are excited to see climb outdoors(01:41:14) – The skills of outdoor climbing(01:51:03) – Camera angles & World Cup challenges(01:53:29) – Will Allison compete again?(01:54:39) – Wrap up

Aug 5, 2024 • 1h 31min
EP 232: Natalia Grossman (Olympian) — Her Breakout Success, Overcoming Mental & Physical Hurdles, & What It Takes to Win
Natalia Grossman, a World Champion and three-time World Cup winner, shares her remarkable journey to the Paris Olympics. She discusses overcoming mental and physical hurdles, including handling public criticism and health challenges. The importance of mindset in competition shines through as she balances ambition with relaxation. Natalia also reflects on her early climbing experiences, the significance of therapy for mental health, and her adventures transitioning to outdoor climbing, all while inspiring others with her story of resilience.

Jul 29, 2024 • 1h 54min
EP 231: Colin Duffy (Olympian) — His Journey as a 2x Olympian, Comp Scoring & Strategy, & Future Outdoor Goals
Colin Duffy, a 2x Olympian and V16 boulderer from Colorado, discusses his journey through the climbing world. He shares valuable lessons learned from early competitions and the unexpected challenges faced during the Tokyo Games. Colin delves into the complexities of Olympic scoring and his strategic approach for Paris. He reflects on balancing competitive climbing with personal growth, the evolving landscape of climbing competitions, and his future outdoor goals. His insights into mental preparedness and resilience make this conversation truly inspiring.

Jul 22, 2024 • 2h 12min
EP 230: Emma Hunt (Olympian) — Why Speed Climbing is Legit, the Mental Game & Strategy of Racing, & Chasing World Records
Emma Hunt is the US speed climbing record holder and will compete in the Paris Olympics. We talked about her intro to speed climbing, how strong you have to be for speed climbing, speed training, how speed shoes compare to other climbing shoes, her mental game and strategy in comps, prejudice against speed in the climbing world, whether the speed route will ever change, why speed is cool, and much more!Watch the Video Interview of this episode:EP 230: Emma Hunt — Uncut VideoBecome a Patron - 7 Day Free Trial!patreon.com/thenuggetclimbing Check out Crimpd!crimpd.comOr download the Crimpd app for free!The Nugget is sponsored by BetterHelp!betterhelp.com/NUGGETUse this link for 10% off your first month!Check out Mad Rock!madrock.comUse code “NUGGET” at checkout for 10% off your next order!PhysiVantage SUMMER SPECIAL!physivantage.com/discount/NUG20Use code "NUG20" at checkout for 20% off your next order of collagen or protein!We are supported by these amazing BIG GIVERS:Michael Roy, Craig Lee, Mark and Julie Calhoun, Yinan Liu, and Matt WalterShow Notes: thenuggetclimbing.com/episodes/emma-huntNuggets:(00:00:00) – Intro(00:01:50) – Emma’s intro to climbing & speed(00:04:08) – “I just wanna go fast.”(00:06:48) – Keeping the fire lit(00:09:28) – Beta changes(00:12:08) – The Start, Dyno, and Top(00:13:10) – Speed nerds(00:16:19) – A rock climber first(00:18:10) – Post-Olympic plans(00:20:41) – How strong are speed climbers?(00:23:25) – How speed climbers train(00:28:42) – Training sections of the speed route(00:30:14) – Off-the-wall training(00:31:56) – Her coaches(00:35:06) – Speed shoes(00:44:59) – Other sports(00:46:27) – Rock climbing as a kid(00:48:27) – What makes Emma so good at speed(00:49:58) – Pre-race rituals(00:51:36) – Speed mental game(00:56:37) – Olympic vs. World Cup format(00:59:06) – Seeds & sides(01:00:39) – Strategy(01:05:01) – Riding waves(01:11:28) – More about the Olympic format(01:13:18) – Speed prejudice & Toyko combined format(01:27:51) – Future Bouldering & Lead comps(01:29:20) – Speed climbing in the mainstream(01:35:22) – We celebrate gold(01:40:39) – Barriers to speed(01:42:30) – Emma’s fastest time & goals(01:44:49) – Will the speed route ever change?(01:51:56) – 50-year-old goals(01:53:45) – Rapid fire questions(02:07:51) – Speed is cool