The Struggle Climbing Show

Ryan Devlin
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Nov 12, 2025 • 1h 19min

How to Optimize Your Skin for Peak Climbing 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 skin care masterclass, Mads Bülow Duus from Nature Climbing and Justin Brown from Rhino Skin Solutions cover: Why skin care can be the difference maker What bad climbing skin looks like  What good climbing skin looks like How to bring skin humidity down How to to bring skin humidity up How to condition skin for specific types of rock When to prep skin (and how) for a big trip Protocol for using real rock edges and holds in training  How to treat a split or flapper - Get 20% off at Nature Climbing and Rhino Skin Solutions by using code STRUGGLE  - 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)   00:49 The Importance of Skin in Climbing 01:16 Ryan's Climbing Journey and Podcast 03:09 Meet the Skin Experts: Mads and Justin 06:28 Justin's Background and Rhino Skin Solutions 09:43 Mads' Background and Nature Climbing 11:58 Skin Preparation and Conditioning 18:18 Understanding Skin Types and Their Impact 22:50 Pre-Trip Skin Preparation Protocols 38:53 Managing Dry Skin for Climbers 42:06 Introduction to Spit and Its Ingredients 42:35 Application and Benefits of Spit for Climbers 43:18 Challenges of Climbing in Extreme Conditions 44:10 Skin Conditioning and Pain Tolerance Protocols 44:45 Training and Preparation for Climbing Trips 45:40 Managing Skin Health During Climbing Trips 48:37 Importance of Repair and Performance Creams 49:29 Using Stone Hangers and Warm-Up Techniques 52:12 Handling Skin Splits and Injuries 58:16 Choosing the Right Hang Board and Training Tools 01:03:59 Sustainability and New Products from Rhino and Nature Climbing 01:07:21 Personal Climbing Experiences and Final Thoughts     - 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! 
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Nov 5, 2025 • 1h 14min

Weekend Warrior: Breaking into V7 and 5.12 on Just 3 Hrs per Week at the 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   In this episode of the Weekend Warrior series, busy-dad climber Joey Churchman joins to discuss: How he broke into new grades on just 3 hours per week at the gym Tall-climber struggles (he's 6' 6.5") Big gains using a training app to stay focused and efficient  From avoiding system boards to training almost exclusively on them How he programs his gym sessions and home training for optimal results  Picking the right project to break into V7 and 5.12a Top-roping tactics for faster sends  Using video to accelerate progress  - 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! SCARPA: The best climbing shoes, trail runners, and hikers in the game! Score yourself a free SCARPA x STRUGGLE hat when you use code STRUGGLE at checkout at SCARPA.com. SCARPA, No Place Too Far. Petzl: The best and most reliable helmets, harnesses, draws, and gear that'll help you to Access the Inaccessible. Find Petzl at your local gear shop, and learn more at Petzl.com   And check out ALL the show’s awesome sponsors and exclusive deals at thestruggleclimbingshow.com/deals - Here are some AI generated show notes (hopefully the robots got it right) 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:25 Meet Joey Churchman: The Weekend Warrior 01:45 Balancing Climbing with Family and Work 03:03 Ryan's Personal Climbing Update 03:56 Joey's Climbing Background and Challenges 06:59 Training and Progression 14:44 Board Climbing Journey 20:27 Efficient Training Strategies 34:28 The Benefits of Running for Climbers 35:59 Balancing Fitness and Family 36:12 Running and Strength Conditioning Routine 37:38 Translating Training to Rock Climbing 39:38 Breaking into 5.12 Grades 47:16 Mental Strategies and Visualization 55:06 Bouldering with Family 59:06 Efficient Training and Video Analysis 01:04:07 Future Goals and Reflections 01:07:24 Host's Personal Climbing Update   - 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! 
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Oct 29, 2025 • 40min

Pro Clinic: Dr. David Spiegel on Self-Hypnosis to Access Flow, Manage Fear, and Improve Performance (FREE)

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, Dr. David Spiegel of Stanford University School of Medicine and founder of Reveri discusses: What hypnosis is and isn't How to access flow state more often Using self-hypnosis to manage fear of falling How to reduce the pain response on and off route Breaking bad habits in as little as one session Using a 10-min protocol to improve focus and productivity How to manage the stress of climbing and beyond Getting to sleep faster, and back to sleep after waking in the night Controlling HRV using self-hypnosis   Score a 7-day free trial and 20% off your subscription to the Reveri app using code STRUGGLE at reveri.com - 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 - Here are some AI generated show notes (hopefully the robots got it right) 00:00 Introduction: Overcoming Mental Challenges in Climbing 01:14 Meet Dr. David Spiegel: Expert in Psychiatry and Hypnosis 01:46 Understanding Hypnosis and Its Applications 02:52 Personal Experiences and Misconceptions About Hypnosis 06:47 The Science Behind Hypnosis 11:35 Hypnosis for Pain Management and Performance Enhancement 20:24 Practical Applications of Hypnosis in Climbing 32:40 Exploring the Reveri App for Self-Hypnosis 35:52 Conclusion and How to Access More Content - 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. - 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!   
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Oct 22, 2025 • 1h 14min

Road to V8: Bouldering vs. Route Climbing, Can We Excel at Both?

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 latest installment of the Road To series, Coach Nate Drolet joins to explore: Are bouldering and route climbing goals at odds? Why having endurance can help with board climbing and bouldering What he recommends for my training schedule this season The risk of trying to peak too early in the season  A top rope drill to learn how to climb faster and mentally manage the pump The 3 types of routes that are best suited for boulderers Whether I should try to push my sport grade this season or not  The Chattanooga V8 he thinks could be my perfect fit - 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!   And check out ALL the show’s awesome sponsors and exclusive deals at thestruggleclimbingshow.com/deals - Here are some AI generated show notes (hopefully the robots got it right) 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:54 Seasonal Climbing Goals 02:17 Balancing Bouldering and Sport Climbing 03:17 Training Techniques and Drills 04:46 Personal Climbing Updates 22:50 Climbing Community and Social Dynamics 24:10 Sponsorship and Product Endorsements 39:55 Climbing Without Chalk: Embracing Discomfort 40:53 The Mental Game: Embracing Uncomfortable Climbing 43:47 Experimenting with Climbing Techniques 47:21 Training and Endurance: Insights and Tips 51:50 Route Recommendations and Climbing Strategies 57:35 Exploring New Climbing Locations 57:58 Bouldering Projects and Training Plans 01:05:01 Final Thoughts and Encouragement   - 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! 
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Oct 15, 2025 • 1h 4min

LIVE from Rocktoberfest with Emily Harrington, Kai Lightner, and Anna Hazelnutt

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 - Emily Harrington, Kai Lightner, and Anna Hazelnutt team up for a live podcast from iconic Miguel's Pizza to kick off Rocktoberfest! We grab a slice and a beer, then dive into: Memories from first trip to the Red How to work through the mental discomfort of pump Fear of falling and how the pros handle it What solidified climbing as their passion in life USA Climbing's ban on trans athlete competitors How becoming a parent impacts climbing performance and adventures How to become a professional climber Climbing pet peeves - BIG THANKS TO THESE SPONSORS FOR SUPPORTING ROCKTOBERFEST AND BRINGING YOU THIS EPISODE AD-FREE: PhysiVantage: the official climbing-nutrition sponsor of The Struggle. Use code STRUGGLE15 at checkout for 15% off your full-priced nutrition order. SCARPA: The best climbing shoes, trail runners, and hikers in the game! Score yourself a free SCARPA x STRUGGLE hat when you use code STRUGGLE at checkout at SCARPA.com. SCARPA, No Place Too Far. Petzl: The best and most reliable helmets, harnesses, draws, and gear that'll help you to Access the Inaccessible. Find Petzl at your local gear shop, and learn more at Petzl.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!    And a huge shoutout to the RRGCC for making Rocktoberfest happen. Please support their work with a monthly donation like I do, if you can! - 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! 
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Oct 8, 2025 • 1h 40min

Hamish McArthur: Sending V17 Fast, Breakthrough Finger Training, One-Touch Technique, and a Burden Flash Attempt

Hamish McArthur, an elite British climber and former Olympian, shares his journey from competitive athlete to outdoor boulder aficionado. He discusses his rapid V17 sends, including how he topped Megatron in just five days. Hamish reveals his new grip technique learned from Daniel Woods and argues for focusing on strengths rather than weaknesses in training. He also touches on his approach to climbing without struggle, seeking joy in the process, and his creative passions beyond climbing, including art and cooking.
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Oct 1, 2025 • 1h 50min

A Climber's Guide to the Red River Gorge

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 Climber's Guide to the Red River Gorge, Eric Hörst and Kris Hampton explore: When to visit Where to stay (on all budgets) Where to eat (on all budgets) How to train for the pump Tactics to perform at your best How to 'protect the send' Favorite routes from 5.9 to 5.14   Here's a list of our favorite routes: https://www.thestruggleclimbingshow.com/RRGlist     Join me at Rocktoberfest on October 8th for a live podcast, then stick around for the incredible weekend of programs, clinics, and stoke! https://rrgcc.org/rocktoberfest/     Get $25 off the Red River Pump Prep program from Power Company by using code STRUGGLEPUMP at https://www.powercompanyclimbing.com/trip-prep#rrg-trip-prep     Get 15% off SendureX and other Physivantage staples by using code Struggle15 at http://www.physivantage.com/discount/STRUGGLE15     Get 20% off Rhino Skin Solutions by using code STRUGGLE at https://rhinoskinsolutions.com/discount/STRUGGLE - 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 - Here are some AI generated show notes (hopefully the robots got it right) 04:24 Interview with Eric Horst and Kris Hampton 05:43 Kris Hampton's Climbing Journey 09:36 Eric Horst's Climbing Journey 18:14 Best Seasons to Climb at the Red 24:31 Where to Stay at the Red River Gorge 34:10 Where to Eat at the Red River Gorge 36:54 Training for the Red River Gorge 38:31 Understanding Endurance Climbing 39:25 Training for the Red River Gorge 43:05 Aerobic vs. Anaerobic Training 47:49 The Importance of Year-Round Training 49:43 Mental and Physical Adaptations 57:53 Tactics for a Successful Climbing Trip 01:15:52 Favorite Routes at the Red River Gorge 01:18:52 Discussing Favorite Climbing Routes 01:20:30 Exploring 5.10 Climbing Routes 01:22:50 Diving into 5.11 Climbing Routes 01:28:12 Highlighting 5.12 Climbing Routes 01:33:31 Exploring 5.13 Climbing Routes 01:37:40 Discussing 5.14 and Beyond 01:41:18 Wrapping Up and Future Plans - 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! 
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Sep 24, 2025 • 1h 27min

Fallon Rowe: Escaping an Abusive Climbing Relationship, Finding Freedom, and Rekindling the Stoke

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 episode Fallon Rowe, climber and author of Pay No Mind, explores: How she fell into a charismatic climbing relationship that turned very dark, controlling, and abusive  The manipulative tricks her partner used to keep her under his control Power imbalances that can occur in some climbing relationships Her harrowing escape The evidence based therapy (EMDR) that she used to process and recover from the trauma  Stoic philosophy Why she feels more deeply connected to climbing and mastery everyday  Struggling with chronic health conditions and how she manages them Being psyched on sport multi-pitch and FAs How to identify red flags in your relationship or belaytionship Being mentored by John Long   Order a copy of Pay No Mind, it's a gripping read: https://www.diangelopublications.com/shop/p/pay-no-mind -   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) 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:37 Introducing Fallon Rowe and Her Story 01:19 Fallon's Book: Pay No Mind 01:45 A Different Kind of Episode 04:00 Starting the Conversation with Fallon 05:12 Fallon's Journey and Writing Process 07:53 The Abusive Relationship Unfolds 11:12 Climbing and Control 33:32 The Final Escape 37:47 Healing and Moving Forward 49:23 The Downward Spiral of a Friend 50:12 Rediscovering the Joy of Climbing 52:03 Living with Chronic Illness 55:28 Navigating Climbing with Health Conditions 01:01:32 Addressing Abuse in Climbing Relationships 01:08:44 The Impact of Sharing Personal Stories 01:11:39 Fallon's Future and Stoic Philosophy 01:22:06 Final Thoughts and Acknowledgements   - 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! 
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Sep 17, 2025 • 1h 8min

Weekend Warrior: Shorty Bouldering Skills, Drills, and Mindset

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   Weekend Warrior Gentil Nguyen shares insights including: How she sent ten V10s in her first two years outside Challenges (and advantages!) of being 4'11" Why indoor climbs can be harder than outdoors for short climbers Climbing 3 days per week and doing very little other training Why her first season was so magical, and her second season a struggle Dealing with send pressure The importance of releasing expectations Separating self-worth from climbing performance Flexibility and finger strength tips to "climb taller" - 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! Petzl: Check out the CONNECT ADJUST at your local gear shop, and learn more at Petzl.com. I love this PAS, it's so easy to use. 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!   And check out ALL the show’s awesome sponsors and exclusive deals at thestruggleclimbingshow.com/deals - Here are some AI generated show notes (hopefully the robots got it right) 02:11 Gentil's Climbing Background and Achievements 02:48 Host's Recent Outdoor Climbing Experience 19:40 Gentil's Climbing Philosophy and Training Routine 27:26 Gentil's Transition to Outdoor Climbing 33:43 Planning Bouldering Trips 34:48 Setting Expectations and Priorities 36:28 Researching and Identifying Boulders 37:18 Inspiration and Community Impact 37:54 Safety Gear Spotlight: Petzl Connect Adjust 39:41 Challenges of Short Climbers 41:58 Mental Journey and Training Blocks 46:43 Balancing Performance and Enjoyment 54:07 Future Goals and Outdoor Climbing 55:52 Indoor Climbing and Personal Growth 56:40 Tips for Short Climbers 01:00:10 Red Rock Bouldering Recommendations 01:04:15 Conclusion and Final Thoughts - 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! 
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Sep 10, 2025 • 35min

Pro Clinic: Top 10 Bouldering Questions with Coach Jesse Firestone (FREE)

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, coach Jesse Firestone answers lisnters' top bouldering questions in his characteristic thoughtful manner. Topics include: How to access maximal effort and power on the first move Visualization techniques to get amped The value of limiting attempts on a boulder Are grades necessary for motivation and progression Loss aversion theory The importance of skills over grades  Managing fear of falling A guaranteed way to get better at scary top outs Dealing with injuries  How to let go of the things we can’t control  Overcoming biases to refresh our training and performance  How to improve at technique if we don’t have a coach  Using video for self technique review  When testing various strength metrics is helpful vs a waste of time  Building capacity for better bouldering sessions   - 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 - Here are some AI generated show notes (hopefully the robots got it right) 00:00 Introduction to Strength Training 00:22 Welcome to the Struggle Climbing Show 00:41 Top 10 Bouldering Questions 01:34 Jesse Firestone's Coaching Insights 02:46 Personal Climbing Journeys 03:28 Parenting and Climbing 05:54 Q&A Session Begins 07:32 Maximal Effort Tips 08:21 Visualization Techniques 10:07 Creating Aggression for Climbing 12:22 Strength Training and Plyometrics 15:25 Session Constraints and Final Tips 16:25 Corey's Perspective on Grades 17:18 Understanding Loss Aversion in Climbing 19:26 Skills Over Grades: A Coaching Approach 22:58 The Value of Attempting the Impossible 29:51 Fear of Falling in Outdoor Bouldering 31:27 Conclusion and Further Insights - 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. - 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!   

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