
The Struggle Climbing Show
Named one of Climbing Magazine’s favorite podcasts. 2M+ Downloads!
If you love rock climbing, self-improvement, and inspiring stories... chalk up and pull on.
Latest episodes

Apr 23, 2025 • 1h 2min
Road to The Pyramid with Eric Hörst: Accepting Setbacks, How to Build Endurance while Maintaining Power, and My New Rivalry with Jared Leto
Join The Struggle’s Patreon community to get 100+ hours of Bonus Episodes, Pro Clinics, Uncut Videos, and Submit Questions for Future Guests. FREE TRIAL available!
https://www.patreon.com/thestruggleclimbingshow
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In our latest 'Road To' installment, Coach Eric Hörst joins to discuss:
How to handle big swings in performance from season to season
Why I was feeling bad about where I’m at this spring
My pyramid to date for 2025
The benefits of building strength as a route climber
How to maintain strength while in a sport climbing season
Where bouldering should fit in for me during the spring season
Jared Leto vs Ryan Devlin
The new tool I scored on Marketplace to take my training to the next level
30:30 protocol for a sport climbing power-up
The massive amount of new development and amazing new routes coming online at the red
The art of the second go send
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BIG THANKS TO THE AMAZING SPONSORS OF THE STRUGGLE WHO LOVE ROCK CLIMBING AS MUCH AS YOU DO:
PhysiVantage: the official climbing-nutrition sponsor of The Struggle. Use code STRUGGLE15 at checkout for 15% off your full-priced nutrition order.
Rúngne: Soft threads and high performing chalk! Use Code STRUGGLE for 10% Off Bags, Buckets, Chalk & Apparel from Rúngne!
5-Year Training and Performance Journal: The most important climbing tool I use! Takes just a few minutes each day, and yields amazing insights year after year. If you’re psyched on training and performance, this is the journal for you. Log, reflect, send.
And check out ALL the show’s awesome sponsors and exclusive deals at thestruggleclimbingshow.com/deals
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Shoutout to Matt Waltereese for being a Victory Whip supporter on Patreon! So mega.
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Follow along on Instagram and YouTube: @thestruggleclimbingshow
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This show is produced and hosted by Ryan Devlin, and edited by Glen Walker. The Struggle is carbon-neutral in partnership with The Honnold Foundation and is a proud member of the Plug Tone Audio Collective, a diverse group of the best, most impactful podcasts in the outdoor industry.
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!

Apr 16, 2025 • 1h 12min
Luke Mehall: Starting Training at 40, Why Climbers Should Write, and the Power of Good Storytelling
Join The Struggle’s Patreon community to get 100+ hours of Bonus Episodes, Pro Clinics, Uncut Videos, and Submit Questions for Future Guests. FREE TRIAL available!
https://www.patreon.com/thestruggleclimbingshow
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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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BIG THANKS TO THE AMAZING SPONSORS OF THE STRUGGLE WHO LOVE ROCK CLIMBING AS MUCH AS YOU DO:
PhysiVantage: the official climbing-nutrition sponsor of The Struggle. Use code STRUGGLE15 at checkout for 15% off your full-priced nutrition order.
Rúngne: Soft threads and high performing chalk! Use Code STRUGGLE for 10% Off Bags, Buckets, Chalk & Apparel from Rúngne! Rungne.com
5-Year Training and Performance Journal: The most important climbing tool I use! Takes just a few minutes each day, and yields amazing insights year after year. If you’re psyched on training and performance, this is the journal for you. Log, reflect, send.
And check out ALL the show’s awesome sponsors and exclusive deals at thestruggleclimbingshow.com/deals
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Shoutout to Matt Waltereese for being a Victory Whip supporter on Patreon! So mega.
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Follow along on Instagram @thestruggleclimbingshow and YouTube /@thestruggleclimbingshow
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The Struggle is carbon-neutral in partnership with The Honnold Foundation, whose mission is to promote solar energy for a more equitable world.
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This show is produced and hosted by Ryan Devlin, and edited by Glen Walker. The Struggle is a proud member of the Plug Tone Audio Collective, a diverse group of the best, most impactful podcasts in the outdoor industry.
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The struggle makes us stronger! I hope your training and climbing are going great.
-
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!

Apr 9, 2025 • 1h 37min
Louis Parkinson: A Masterclass on How to Improve at Indoor Climbing
Join The Struggle’s Patreon community to get 100+ hours of Bonus Episodes, Pro Clinics, Uncut Videos, and Submit Questions for Future Guests. FREE TRIAL available!
https://www.patreon.com/thestruggleclimbingshow
Coach Louis Parkinson of Catalyst Climbing joins the show to explore:
His recent struggles with low self-esteem
The main differences between indoor and outdoor climbing
Why indoor grades are softer at the lower end
Movement styles that are unique to indoor climbing
The problem with boulder grades in general
Knowing when we're climbing too much (or not enough)
Utilizing indoor climbs to become more well rounded outdoors
The reason many climbers avoid dynamic movements (and how to fix it)
The shockingly small odds of getting seriously hurt
A comprehensive (and fun) 20-minute climbing warmup
The 3 simple movements that make up nearly all dynamic climbs
The huge benefit of not trying to send
How to accelerate learning on indoor climbs
How to coach ourselves as if Louis were in our heads
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BIG THANKS TO THE AMAZING SPONSORS OF THE STRUGGLE WHO LOVE ROCK CLIMBING AS MUCH AS YOU DO:
PhysiVantage: the official climbing-nutrition sponsor of The Struggle. Use code STRUGGLE15 at checkout for 15% off your full-priced nutrition order.
SCARPA: Whether you’re a climber, trail runner, skier, or hiker, SCARPA offers an array of adventure footwear for the adventure seeker in you. With a commitment to sustainability. SCARPA, No Place Too Far.
Rúngne: Soft threads and high performing chalk! Use Code STRUGGLE for 10% Off Bags, Buckets, Chalk & Apparel from Rúngne! Rungne.com
5-Year Training and Performance Journal: The most important climbing tool I use! Takes just a few minutes each day, and yields amazing insights year after year. If you’re psyched on training and performance, this is the journal for you. Log, reflect, send.
And check out ALL the show’s awesome sponsors and exclusive deals at thestruggleclimbingshow.com/deals
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Shoutout to Matt Waltereese for being a Victory Whip supporter on Patreon! So mega.
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Follow along on Instagram and YouTube: @thestruggleclimbingshow
Check out the Catalyst channel on YT: @catalystclimbing
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This show is produced and hosted by Ryan Devlin, and edited by Glen Walker. The Struggle is carbon-neutral in partnership with The Honnold Foundation and is a proud member of the Plug Tone Audio Collective, a diverse group of the best, most impactful podcasts in the outdoor industry.
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!

Apr 2, 2025 • 43min
Emil Abrahamsson: Live Q&A from Portland Rock Gym
Join The Struggle’s Patreon community to get 100+ hours of Bonus Episodes, Pro Clinics, Uncut Videos, and Submit Questions for Future Guests. FREE TRIAL available!
https://www.patreon.com/thestruggleclimbingshow
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Elite climber Emil Abrahamsson joins Ryan for a live event at Portland Rock Gym where they answered climber questions covering topics that explore:
How to improve at indoor climbing
What his coaching meant for me sending my hardest indoor climb
How to make fast progress on comp-style problems
Strength vs Mobility
His next outdoor project
How he uses tactics to improve his projecting process
Time management tips for busy climbers
Board Climbing: the most important training tool if used properly
What to be cautious of when training on boards
Shoutout to Portland Rock Gym in Beaverton for hosting us! What an INCREDIBLE facility they have. If you're in the area (or can find a reason to be) check it out. The rope hall is mega, the setting is top notch, the staff are friendly, and the entire vibe is so positive.
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BIG THANKS TO THE AMAZING SPONSORS OF THE STRUGGLE WHO LOVE ROCK CLIMBING AS MUCH AS YOU DO:
PhysiVantage: the official climbing-nutrition sponsor of The Struggle. Use code STRUGGLE15 at checkout for 15% off your full-priced nutrition order.
Rúngne: Soft threads and high performing chalk! Use Code STRUGGLE for 15% Off Bags, Buckets, Chalk & Apparel from Rúngne!
Rhino Skin Solutions: Perform, Cleanse, Repair… repeat! The absolute best skin care products crafted specifically for climbers, whether you’re pulling hard indoors or out. Use code STRUGGLE to score a whopping 20% off your purchase!
And check out ALL the show’s awesome sponsors and exclusive deals at thestruggleclimbingshow.com/deals
-
Shoutout to Matt Waltereese for being a Victory Whip supporter on Patreon! So mega.
-
Follow along on Instagram @thestruggleclimbingshow and YouTube /@thestruggleclimbingshow
-
The Struggle is carbon-neutral in partnership with The Honnold Foundation, whose mission is to promote solar energy for a more equitable world.
-
This show is produced and hosted by Ryan Devlin, and edited by Glen Walker. The Struggle is a proud member of the Plug Tone Audio Collective, a diverse group of the best, most impactful podcasts in the outdoor industry.
-
The struggle makes us stronger! I hope your training and climbing are going great.
-
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!

Mar 26, 2025 • 31min
Tom Randall: Pro Clinic on How to Climb Harder Without Getting Stronger
Join The Struggle’s Patreon community to get 100+ hours of Bonus Episodes, Pro Clinics, Uncut Videos, and Submit Questions for Future Guests. FREE TRIAL available!
https://www.patreon.com/thestruggleclimbingshow
In this Pro Clinic, Lattice Co-Founder and Elite Climber Coach Tom Randall explores:
How to improve as climbers without adding any strength or fitness
Using the "chunking" tactic to improve by up to 3 grades
How to expedite a projecting timeline
Proper tapering for peak performance
Conditions tactics, indoors and out
A key tactic to unlocking indoor sends
A sneaky tip to send your board project faster
Boosting stoke to boost performance
Key concepts to managing fear
Accessing the last 0.01% of Try Hard
Building a proper technique library
What sets Will Bosi apart, and how we can harness it
#1 factor Lattice data shows to benefit outdoor performance
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Gain instant access to the FULL Pro Clinic by supporting the show as a Patron (you can even check it out for FREE with a 7-day trial):
https://www.patreon.com/thestruggleclimbingshow
-
Shoutout to Matt Waltereese for being a Victory Whip supporter on Patreon! So mega.
-
Follow along on Instagram and YouTube: @thestruggleclimbingshow
-
This show is produced and hosted by Ryan Devlin, and edited by Glen Walker. The Struggle is carbon-neutral in partnership with The Honnold Foundation and is a proud member of the Plug Tone Audio Collective, a diverse group of the best, most impactful podcasts in the outdoor industry.
-
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!

Mar 19, 2025 • 1h 33min
Sanni Honnold: Creating Peak Life Experiences Outdoors, How to Improve at an Accelerated Rate, and Dealing with Jerks at the Crag
Join The Struggle’s Patreon community to get 100+ hours of Bonus Episodes, Pro Clinics, Uncut Videos, and Submit Questions for Future Guests. FREE TRIAL available!
https://www.patreon.com/thestruggleclimbingshow
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In this episode climber, Outwild co-founder, and life coach Sanni Honnold discusses:
• Quick progression in her climbing
• The three types of climbing partners and why they matter
• The pitfall of always climbing with better partners
• Creating core memories by pushing the comfort zone
• How to identify and plan a life-changing adventure (quickly)
• HTK communication
• How to handle vibyness at the crag
• The power of being "psycho nice"
• Outwild retreats
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BIG THANKS TO THE AMAZING SPONSORS OF THE STRUGGLE WHO LOVE ROCK CLIMBING AS MUCH AS YOU DO:
Rúngne Club: Turn your passion into rewards, join the Rúngne community & start earning!
PhysiVantage: the official climbing-nutrition sponsor of The Struggle. Use code STRUGGLE15 at checkout for 15% off your full-priced nutrition order.
Boulder Bears: Taste like candy, kick like coffee! Each caffeinated gummy bear contains collagen and 20mg of caffeine so you can take care of your tendons while dialing in the perfect level of boost and focus for your sesh. Plus, they're crazy delicious. Score a free travel pack plus 15% off using code STRUGGLE
5-Year Training and Performance Journal: The most important climbing tool I use! Takes just a few minutes each day, and yields amazing insights year after year. If you’re psyched on training and performance, this is the journal for you. Log, reflect, send.
-
Shoutout to Matt Waltereese for being a Victory Whip supporter on Patreon! So mega.
-
Follow along on Instagram @thestruggleclimbingshow and YouTube /@thestruggleclimbingshow
-
The Struggle is carbon-neutral in partnership with The Honnold Foundation, whose mission is to promote solar energy for a more equitable world.
-
This show is produced and hosted by Ryan Devlin, and edited by Glen Walker. The Struggle is a proud member of the Plug Tone Audio Collective, a diverse group of the best, most impactful podcasts in the outdoor industry.
-
The struggle makes us stronger! I hope your training and climbing are going great.
-
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!

5 snips
Mar 12, 2025 • 1h 33min
Francis Sanzaro: Boosting Performance with Mindset Tools and Why We Shouldn't Chase Flow
Climbing coach Francis Sanzaro, a philosopher with a PhD and author of "The Zen of Climbing," shares insights on achieving peak performance through a Zen mindset. He challenges the obsession with 'sending' and emphasizes the importance of joy in climbing. Sanzaro discusses overcoming anxiety with mindfulness, the dangers of chasing flow, and the connection between personal worth and climbing success. He advocates for embracing fear and understanding your mental game to improve both enjoyment and performance on the rock.

Mar 5, 2025 • 1h 36min
Stian Christophersen: Smarter Training, Faster Recovery, and the Science of Optimism
Join The Struggle’s Patreon community to get 100+ hours of Bonus Episodes, Pro Clinics, Uncut Videos, and Submit Questions for Future Guests. FREE TRIAL available!
https://www.patreon.com/thestruggleclimbingshow
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Elite climber, coach, and physio Stian Christophersen explores:
Learning how to handle pain better
The mental and social side of injury
The importance of the mind-body connection as it pertains to injury recovery
Why some pro climbers remain more injury free than others
The benefit (and example) of having a standardized warm-up
How to safely train full crimp
How to improve performance and reduce injury risk on boards
What to do after a pulley injury
Ice or heat? Rest or loading? How to treat an acute injury
Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) for injury recovery and performance
Massage: placebo or proven?
The future of climbing science
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BIG THANKS TO THE AMAZING SPONSORS OF THE STRUGGLE WHO LOVE ROCK CLIMBING AS MUCH AS YOU DO:
SCARPA: Whether you’re a climber, trail runner, skier, or hiker, SCARPA offers an array of adventure footwear for the adventure seeker in you. with a commitment to sustainability. Shop the whole collection at SCARPA.com. SCARPA, No Place Too Far.
5-Year Training and Performance Journal: The most important climbing tool I use! Takes just a few minutes each day, and yields amazing insights year after year. If you’re psyched on training and performance, this is the journal for you. Log, reflect, send.
Rab Equipment: For more than 40 years, Rab have been crafting rugged, high-performance clothing and equipment that give you absolute protection, comfort and freedom in the mountains. Nothing fancy or over-engineered – just honest, hard-working gear you’d rather repair than replace. Learn more at Rab.equipment.
Rúngne Club: Turn your passion into rewards, join the Rúngne community & start earning!
And check out ALL the show’s awesome sponsors and exclusive deals at thestruggleclimbingshow.com/deals
Grab Stian's book, The Climbing Bible: Managing Injuries
-
Shoutout to Matt Waltereese for being a Victory Whip supporter on Patreon! So mega.
-
Follow along on Instagram @thestruggleclimbingshow and YouTube /@thestruggleclimbingshow
-
The Struggle is carbon-neutral in partnership with The Honnold Foundation, whose mission is to promote solar energy for a more equitable world.
-
This show is produced and hosted by Ryan Devlin, and edited by Glen Walker. The Struggle is a proud member of the Plug Tone Audio Collective, a diverse group of the best, most impactful podcasts in the outdoor industry.
-
The struggle makes us stronger! I hope your training and climbing are going great.
-
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!

Feb 26, 2025 • 53min
Adrian Ballinger: Pro Clinic on Mountaineering and How to Have Big Adventures in the Big Mountains (FREE)
In this Pro Clinic, Adrian Ballinger covers:
How to learn basic mountaineering skills near home
The best mountains to start your journey
Life-changing trips that require only one week off work
How to train for a high altitude objective, even if you live in Miami
The coolest 20k foot peak in the world
How to manage high altitude illnesses
Pre-acclimitization hacks that reduce time away from home by 50%
Summit success rates
Factors that might shut down a summit attempt
How to manage risk on a trip, and understand which risks are ‘real’
Expeditions in big mountains that range from $500 to $95,000
How big mountain experiences can influence and improve our sport climbing
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Gain instant access to the FULL Pro Clinic by supporting the show as a Patron (you can even check it out for FREE with a 7-day trial):
https://www.patreon.com/thestruggleclimbingshow
-
Shoutout to Matt Waltereese for being a Victory Whip supporter on Patreon! So mega.
-
Follow along on Instagram and YouTube: @thestruggleclimbingshow, @adrianballinger, @alpenglowexpeditions
Explore what Alpenglow Expeditions is all about: https://alpenglowexpeditions.com/
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This show is produced and hosted by Ryan Devlin, and edited by Glen Walker. The Struggle is carbon-neutral in partnership with The Honnold Foundation and is a proud member of the Plug Tone Audio Collective, a diverse group of the best, most impactful podcasts in the outdoor industry.
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The struggle makes us stronger! Let's get out there and try hard. Thanks for supporting the show, y'all.
-
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!

Feb 19, 2025 • 2h 9min
Pete Whittaker: Embracing Struggle, Building Strength, Managing Fear, and Crack School
Elite climber Pete Whittaker shares his journey through the challenges of climbing, discussing the art of embracing struggle for personal growth. He unveils his training strategies, focusing on intentional practice and the importance of fear management. Pete delves into climbing techniques, gear placement, and recounts his thrilling Greenland expedition. Notably, he introduces the Global Crack School, a fun platform to master crack climbing skills. Tune in for insights on balancing strength and technique while navigating the highs and lows of climbing!
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