
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

Jul 2, 2025 • 1h 36min
Sonnie Trotter: Training for 5.15, Movement Mastery, and Reflecting on a Life of Adventures
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, elite climber Sonnie Trotter explores:
The 5.15a he’s training for, and what he’s specifically doing
The visualization trick he uses to get better at climbing (while at home)
Climbers who can do V14 on a board but not 5.10a outside
Training power vs endurance
Dreamcatcher dreams
Dealing with fitness setbacks due to sickness or injury
Board climbing for peak power
How to improve footwork using hard gym climbs
Managing fear on bold climbs and free solos
Getting the kids into climbing
His new book Uplifted
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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
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.
Arc’teryx: Inspired by and tested in the Coast Mountains of BC, Arc’teryx makes gear to go the distance! If you’re out adventuring in the elements, Arc’teryx has got you covered. Shop their full collection at Arcteryx.com
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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Here are some AI generated show notes (hopefully the robots got it right)
00:51 Journey in Rock Climbing
01:30 Balancing Family and Climbing
02:02 Training and Rest Strategies
02:57 Current Projects and Fitness Regimen
04:10 The Legendary Cobra Crack
05:12 Mental Aspects of Climbing
06:05 Conversation with Sonnie Trotter Begins
07:03 Pivotal Moments in Climbing
14:10 Sonnie's Climbing Heroes and Influences
19:53 Nutritional Adjustments and Insights
33:19 Balancing Professional Climbing and Family Life
38:49 Sonnie's Current and Future Projects
39:27 Navigating Risk and Fear in Climbing
42:19 Reflections on Climbing Legacy
43:49 Coaching and parenting in Climbing
47:06 The Journey to Writing Uplifted
51:43 Stories and Reflections from the Book
59:50 Reflections on Climbing Legacy
01:02:45 Sonnie's Future Goals
01:08:48 Listener Questions and Final Thoughts
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Check out Sonnie's wonderful book, Uplifted, available on Patagonia, Amazon, etc.
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Meet me at ICF in Lander! https://www.climbersfestival.org/
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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.
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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!

Jun 25, 2025 • 1h 2min
Road to V8: Why I'm Putting In a Kilter Board at Home
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
Jackie Hueftle and Kevin Cuckovich from Kilter join the pod to chat through our exciting partnership, including:
The history and current landscape of system boards
Where Kilter fits compared to the Moon Board and others
Why adjustability and a dense variety of hold types matters
Kevin's assessment of me as a boulderer
Route climber pitfalls when we turn our sights to bouldering
My current strengths and weaknesses
Grades, and why they differ indoors, outdoors, and on boards
A look ahead at my training journey
The impact of endurance training on strength adaptations
The surprising benefit of setting problems on the board
How to get stronger fingers using larger holds
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BIG THANKS TO THE AMAZING SPONSORS OF THE STRUGGLE WHO LOVE ROCK CLIMBING AS MUCH AS YOU DO:
Rúngne: Soft threads and high performing chalk! Use Code STRUGGLE for 10% Off Bags, Buckets, Chalk & Apparel from Rúngne!
Kilter: Award winning, adjustable, light-up board. It’s what I’m training on at home, and if you’re psyched to join me then use code STRUGGLE at checkout when you build your board, and you’ll score a free gift pack plus $500-$1000 off depending on your setup (Fullride, Mainline, and Auxiliary kits) let’s gooooo!
And check out ALL the show’s awesome sponsors and exclusive deals at thestruggleclimbingshow.com/deals
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Here are some AI generated show notes (hopefully the robots got it right):
00:46 Why Choose the Kilter Board?
01:53 Training and Goals with the Kilter Board
02:59 Meet the Experts: Jackie and Kevin
05:56 Jackie's Journey in Climbing and Route Setting
09:18 Kevin's Climbing and Training Background
12:44 The Evolution and Design of Kilter Boards
16:51 Comparing Kilter with Other Climbing Boards
22:42 Training Strategies and Goals for V8
31:53 Balancing Bouldering and Sport Climbing
33:09 Balancing Strength and Endurance in Climbing
35:07 Learning from Past Climbing Goals
36:04 Maximizing Home Wall Training
38:34 The Importance of Movement and Setting in Climbing
44:17 Consistency and Smart Training
46:30 Avoiding Pitfalls on the Kilter Board
52:05 Mastery and Skill Development in Climbing
55:06 Excitement for the Journey Ahead
59:42 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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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!

Jun 18, 2025 • 1h 17min
Alan Watts: Cheater, Pariah, Hero. Following Your Heart and Tuning Out the Haters
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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Meet me at ICF this year, July 10-13! https://www.climbersfestival.org/
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In this episode, legendary climber and developer Alan Watts explores:
How he inadvertently hazed me on my first Smith climb
The joy and fallout of being the father of sport climbing in the U.S.
The stunning Watts route that caused a chain reaction in climbing
The route J.B. Tribout actually stole from him (it wasn't Just Do It)
The wild story of how Just Do It actually came to be bolted
What are the "rules" of climbing anyway?
Putting Smith Rock on the map, and what makes it so rad
Being labeled a cheater by his heroes and peers
Balancing performance, health, and joy as an older climber
How to have more fun as a climber right now
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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
Rhino Skin Solutions: Perform, Cleanse, Repair… repeat! Amazing 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!
Arc’teryx: Inspired by and tested in the Coast Mountains of BC, Arc’teryx makes gear to go the distance! If you’re out adventuring in the elements, Arc’teryx has got you covered. Shop their full collection at Arcteryx.com
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.
-
Here are some AI generated show notes (hopefully the robots got it right)
00:25 Legendary Guest: Alan Watts
00:51 Memorable Climbing Experiences
01:30 Alan Watts' Impact on Climbing
02:02 The Evolution of Sport Climbing
02:57 Smith Rock: The Birthplace of Sport Climbing
04:10 Personal Stories and Reflections
05:12 Upcoming Events and Announcements
06:05 Conversation with Alan Watts Begins
07:03 Recollections of Climbing at Smith Rock
14:10 Challenges and Struggles in Climbing
19:53 The Evolution of Climbing Ethics and Techniques
33:19 The Iconic Route: Just Do It
38:49 The Turning Point in US Climbing
39:27 The Controversial Route Theft
42:19 Debating the Rules of Climbing
43:49 The Evolution of Climbing Ethics
47:06 Fueling Climbing Gains
51:43 The Joy of Climbing and Community
59:50 Modern Climbing and Gym Culture
01:02:45 Reflections on Climbing Legacy
01:08:48 Concluding Thoughts and Future of Climbing
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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.
-
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!

7 snips
Jun 11, 2025 • 60min
Weekend Warrior: Breaking Into 5.12 with Simple Strength Training, Mindset Hacks, and Spreadsheet Nerdery
In this engaging conversation, Annette Guo, a dedicated weekend warrior climber, shares her remarkable journey from struggling on 5.11 to sending twelve 5.12s in one year. She discusses her effective strength training techniques that led to fewer injuries and boosted her confidence. Annette emphasizes the importance of focusing on one goal at a time and the benefits of regular self-assessments. Her analytical skills shine as she reveals her impressive planning and logging systems that help streamline her training, making climbing improvements more targeted and effective.

Jun 4, 2025 • 32min
Pro Clinic: Dr. Tyler Nelson Answers Top 10 Listener Questions on Finger Training, Strength Training, and Optimizing for Performance
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 special Q&A episode, Dr. Tyler Nelson from Camp 4 Human Performance answers YOUR questions, which yielded amazing insights including:
Which grip type is the best to train?
How to rotate finger training methodologies for optimal results
Which finger training to do pre season vs in season
What’s the ideal percentage of max for safe and effective finger training?
Is it better to be strong for the grade or week for the grade?
The mistake of correlating finger strength-to-grade
The difference between amateurs and pros on their strength-to-grade performance
Surprising study showing elite climbers use less force on climbs than amateurs
Set and rep scheme to avoid fatigue when strength training
Training while injured
How to effectively train power and endurance on the same day
How to beat the spinning pull-up bar carnival game
Do arm wrestling training tactics translate to climbing?
How Tyler programs his training and climbing days
What to do if you hit a finger strength plateau
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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
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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.
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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!

May 28, 2025 • 1h 7min
Road to V8 with Nate Drolet: My First (gym) V7, Better Not Stronger, and the Importance of REALLY Trying
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
Climbing Coach Nate Drolet captains the Struggle Bus on my Road to V8 as we cover:
Recap of winter strength and power training
Climbing my first gym V7
Getting better without getting stronger
Video assessment of recent board struggles
Macro vs micro beta when it comes to board training
How to learn from our better climbing friends
Why Nate could tell I wasn’t REALLY trying
Why sport climbing can sabotage bouldering goals
Nerd Gummies and other tricks to 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!
If you’re looking to equip your home wall with some beautiful hand-crafted wood holds, check out http://ManaHolds.com
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 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!

May 21, 2025 • 1h 38min
Kyra Condie: How to Perform When It Counts, Simple Training for Strength and Power, and Comp Climbing News
Kyra Condie, an elite climber and Olympian, dives deep into her experiences and strategies for success. She shares her struggles with performance anxiety and the lessons learned from injuries, including scoliosis. Kyra discusses training techniques like campusing and her effective hangboard routine. She also highlights the importance of skin care for climbers and tells intriguing stories from her competition experiences. Finally, Kyra provides insights into the evolving landscape of climbing competitions and the quest for sponsorships in the climbing world.

8 snips
May 14, 2025 • 1h
Weekend Warrior: A Protocol that Added More than 40lbs of Strength PER HAND in About a Year
In this engaging discussion, Aaron Townsley, a dedicated climber and community advocate with the Bighorn Climbers Coalition, reveals his transformative finger training protocol. He shares how he achieved over 40 pounds of strength per hand in just a year. Listeners will learn about intentional training techniques, the importance of grip work, and innovative methods to overcome setbacks. Aaron emphasizes the significance of structured training and progressive loading, inspiring weekend warriors to elevate their climbing game and enhance their performance.

May 7, 2025 • 1h 31min
Toby Segar: Parkour Tools for Climbing, Managing Fear, and Why We Shouldn't Say "I'm not strong enough"
Toby Segar, a parkour athlete and climber from STORROR, shares his insights on transitioning from parkour to climbing. He emphasizes the importance of a beginner's mindset and offers strategies for overcoming the fear of falling. Toby discusses the art of crack climbing and shares his finger training methods that have skyrocketed his performance. He encourages climbers to avoid self-doubt, stating, 'I'm not strong enough' is a limiting belief. The conversation wraps up with thoughts on maintaining a creative approach to tackling dynamic climbs.

Apr 30, 2025 • 59min
Anna Hazelnutt | Crag Chat: Earth Day, Shoulder Rehab, Brooke Raboutou, and My Road to V8
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
Anna Hazelnutt is back with another Crag Chat packed with laughs, musings, updates, struggles, beta, and whatever else is on our minds, including:
The issue with inside out and outside in
Naked in nature
Tick mark hot takes
Rehabbing a shoulder injury like a boss
Anna's insane itinerary
Brooke sending 5.15c
The power of picking the right route
My Road to V8 update
Big wall send ethics
Watch the uncut video at The Struggle's or Anna's Patreons:
patreon.com/thestruggleclimbingshow
patreon.com/annahazelnutt
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Shoutout to Rúngne for sponsoring this Crag Chat! Use code STRUGGLE to get 10% off Magdust chalk, performance apparel, and pretty much everything on their site. Plus, you can score free shipping to the U.S. on a bunch of bundles (on top of the 10% off code)!
Shoutout to Matt Waltereese for being a Victory Whip supporter on Patreon! So mega.
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Check out Anna’s latest videos on her YT channel: youtube.com/@annahazelnutt
Check out The Struggle’s latest videos at: youtube.com/@thestruggleclimbingshow
Follow along on Instagram @thestruggleclimbingshow and @annahazelnutt
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Are you as obsessed with training and climbing as I am? If so, check out the 5-Year Training and Performance Journal that I created, where you can log and reflect on all of your struggles, sends, adventures, and metrics over the next 5 years. It's the most important climbing tool I have, and it brings me so much joy each day!
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This show is produced and hosted by Ryan Devlin. 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!