

The Struggle Climbing Show
Ryan Devlin
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.
If you love rock climbing, self-improvement, and inspiring stories... chalk up and pull on.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 10, 2025 • 31min
Pro Clinic: Dr. Tyler Nelson on How to Maintain and GAIN Strength Beyond Age 35 (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. Tyler Nelson digs into recent scientific studies to explore:
What 'masters athletes' can do to maintain or build strength
Why losing strength with age is not inevitable
How to maintain strong tendons with age
How to get strong without getting big
What younger climbers can do to prep for their older years
Specific protocols for strength, power, and hypertrophy
Sets and reps schemes for a 5-day program
How to keep strength and power up during a climbing season
The fallacy of fatigue
Large vs small muscle group programming
When to focus on power vs strength in season
Winter programming
Should we lift before or after climbing?
How to build power as part of a climbing warmup
Hang board protocols for strength and health
Nutrition, supplements, and sleep guidelines for aging athletes
HERE is a fantastic article Tyler wrote about the subject, to support what was covered in this interview
Other episodes about strength and power to check out:
Dr. Tyler Nelson on Finger Strength
Dr. Tyler Nelson on Power
Dr. Tyler Nelson Q&A
Colin and Jesse of C4HP on Strength Training
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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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Here are some AI generated show notes (hopefully the robots got it right)
00:00 Introduction: Stronger at 43
00:27 Welcome to the Struggle Climbing Show
00:38 Defying Aging: Science and Strength
02:09 Understanding Aging Athletes
02:32 Specific Training Programs for Older Climbers
18:46 The Importance of Tendon Health
25:59 Programming for Aging Athletes
26:21 Conclusion and Membership Information
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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.
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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!

Dec 3, 2025 • 1h 49min
Ethan Pringle: Common Climber Mistakes, Releasing Mental Baggage, and Finding Better Beta
Ethan Pringle, a professional rock climber with impressive ascents like Jumbo Love, shares insights on climbing mentalities and emotional breakthroughs. He discusses the discomfort of struggle and how it fosters growth, emphasizing the need to release negative narratives. Ethan also dives into the importance of prioritizing outdoor climbing and adapting to varied conditions. He introduces the concept of 'tired beta' for optimizing climbs and examines the balance between managing fear and assessing risks on challenging projects.

Nov 26, 2025 • 1h 2min
My Training Plog: November 2025
Casually reflecting on my training, performance, and experimentation for the month, including:
Recap of November goals (hits and misses)
Learnings from my second 12c
What being "board strong" has meant for my route climbing
What it took to send 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d in the past 6 weeks
My first session on Bulldog boulder (V6 / V8)
How I'm adjusting my training during this performance window
The fear factor of trying higher moves on a boulder
Patron questions
December goals
Thank you so much for supporting me. I love hearing what you're up to, so feel free to hit me up on IG. Have an awesome month!

Nov 19, 2025 • 1h 18min
Coach Tom Randall: Training Strength for Endurance, How to Self-Assess Weaknesses, Max Hang Testing, Crack 101, and other Listener Questions
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 Listener Q&A episode, Coach Tom Randall explores:
Improving endurance by getting stronger
How to self assess weaknesses
Is there such thing as “active rest”?
Developing beginner crack skills
Periodization for gym climbers
Which crack size is the best to train
What standard tests should climbers do
How often should we test finger strength
Building a cheap crack trainer at home
Correlation between finger strength and climbing grade
Plus a bonus episode about free soloing buildings, and the mega building Alex Honnold will be soloing in January!
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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!
ForceBoard: A better way to train fingers. Portable, accurate, and created to train finger strength and endurance exactly how YOU need it. Score $10 off and support the show by using code STRUGGLE10 at checkout.
Nature Climbing: Beautifully crafted lifting edges and hangboards that feature real granite edges for improved texture and skin conditioning. Sustainably crafted works of art, I love them so much! Get 20% off everything at natureclimbing.com using code STRUGGLE.
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)
00:42 Listener Questions Overview
02:20 Personal Climbing Journey
03:22 Reconnecting with Tom Randall
04:36 Tom Randall's Training Insights
15:21 Self-Assessing Climbing Weaknesses
25:37 Active Rest and Recovery Tips
30:31 Learning Crack Climbing
36:54 Periodization for Gym Climbers
39:05 Adapting to Training and Periodization
42:03 Indoor vs. Outdoor Climbing
45:09 Crack Climbing Techniques and Training
47:46 Testing Metrics and Their Importance
53:52 Urban Crack Climbing and Unique Locations
55:30 Listener Q&A: Training and Climbing Insights
01:07:49 Encouraging Gyms to Set Crack Boulders
01:11:18 Conclusion and Bonus Content Announcement
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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.
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!

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
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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
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Get 20% off at Nature Climbing and Rhino Skin Solutions by using code STRUGGLE
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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
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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!

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
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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!
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
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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!

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
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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
-
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!

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
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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!
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!

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
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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
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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!

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.


