
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

Feb 5, 2025 • 1h 9min
Magnus Midtbø: How to Improve Indoors, Are Kneepads Aid, and His Insane Training Plan
Elite climber Magnus Midtbø dives into an array of captivating topics. He discusses the lost Dawn Wall footage and his experiences climbing with PewDiePie. Magnus shares tips on improving gym skills, the importance of rest days, and the evolving role of knee pads in climbing. He also spills secrets from his intense training regimen and debates whether flexibility or finger strength is more crucial. Additionally, he reflects on building a successful YouTube channel and the changing dynamics of the climbing community.

16 snips
Jan 29, 2025 • 1h 31min
Road To V8 with Nate Drolet: Winter Training Plan
Nate Drolet, a climbing coach from Power Company Climbing and a YouTube training expert, joins the discussion to enhance bouldering performance. He emphasizes building a strong foundation through pyramid training and developing endurance, even for pure boulderers. Drolet shares insights on assessing progress via benchmarks, the importance of tailored training metrics, and the '7 Try' rule. He also advises on the right approach to tackling challenging climbs without solely relying on strength, ensuring climbers maximize their training efficiency.

Jan 22, 2025 • 1h 23min
Connor Herson: Trad Phenom, 5.15 Without Hangboarding, and the Value of 'Easy' Days
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 Connor Herson explores:
What social media doesn't reveal about the process of hard climbing
Struggling with training, and avoiding hangboarding and weightlifting
How projecting 5.15 feels similar (and different) to projecting lower grades
Lighter is not better on big walls
His unexpected send of Magic Line, one of the hardest trad crack climbs in the world
Movement and technique vs strength and power
Creative gear placement strategies for trad climbing
The benefit of top rope sessions
The tradeoff between comp climbing and outdoor climbing
Why climbing easier routes is so important
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CHAPTERS:
Struggle: (0:10:48)
Training: (0:29:10)
Nutrition: (0:47:05)
Tactics: (0:51:46)
Mental Game: (1:04:22)
Purpose: (1:06:13)
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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 15% Off Bags, Buckets, Chalk & Apparel from Rúngne! Rungne.com
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
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!
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.
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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!

Jan 15, 2025 • 1h 11min
Road To What's Next with Eric Hörst: Build a Pyramid, Climb V8, or 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 episode, Coach Eric Hörst joins to discuss:
How to identify new climbing goals after sending a big proj
The importance of celebrating and reflecting big achievements
Building a skyscraper vs a pyramid
Reframing one's mindset on what we feel we're capable of
The benefits of clipping chains and topping boulders
Should Ryan's goal be V8, building the pyramid... or both?
How to program winter training to maximize strength benefits without losing endurance
The mindset shift we should all consider taking as we set our sights on the next grade
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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!
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
-
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!

Jan 8, 2025 • 58min
Adam Ondra: New Mega Projects, Comp Retirement, Kneepad Hot Takes, and is Terranova V17?
Adam Ondra, one of the greatest rock climbers, dives into his climbing journey, highlighting his latest projects like DNA (5.15d) and the legendary challenges faced in Gorges du Verdon. He discusses the influence of knee pads on climbing performance and grades, shares thoughts on competition retirement, and reveals insights about his new Ondra Comp shoe and the term 'smedging.' The conversation also tackles the complexity of bouldering routes, questioning if Terranova is tougher than V16 and the potential of climbers like Will Bosi.

Dec 20, 2024 • 18min
Reflecting on 4 Years of Finger Strength Tests, Big Sends, Epic Adventures... and the Journal That I'm Using To Log It All
Listen in as I flip through my 5-Year Training and Performance Journal to reflect on some of my test metrics, meaningful sends, and days out on rock over the past few years. What a journey!
Grab a copy of the 5-Year Training and Performance Journal at thestruggleclimbingshow.com/journal

Dec 18, 2024 • 1h 17min
Davis Ngo: Struggling with Progress, Overcoming Setbacks, and Finding Joy in the Community
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 and creator Davis Ngo (dr.climb), explores:
The pros and cons of leaving his day job to focus on climbing full time
The physical and mental challenges that come from experiencing a big injury
Struggling with training and not feeling as fast of a progression as he'd like
The importance of the climbing community and the joy it brings
Setting route goals vs grade goals
Wrestling with the idea that perhaps he has climbed his hardest boulder
The ups and downs of being a social media celebrity
Performance vs Fun, and how we can adjust those dials each season
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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! Rungne.com
Crimpd: The absolute best tool for self-coached climbers to stay on track with training. Visit Crimpd.com to download the app for FREE and take your training to the next level.
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.
And check out ALL the show’s awesome sponsors and exclusive deals at thestruggleclimbingshow.com/deals
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Follow along on Instagram @thestruggleclimbingshow and YouTube /@thestruggleclimbingshow
If you'd like to work with Davis as a coach, shoot him a DM on insta, @dr.climb
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Shoutout to Matt Waltereese for being a Victory Whip supporter on Patreon! So mega.
-
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!

Dec 11, 2024 • 1h 17min
Fitz Cahall: Creating a Life of Adventure and Purpose
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, storyteller and adventurer Fitz Cahall explores:
The connection between adventure and creativity
The process of bringing an idea to reality
Free soloing, high balling, and runout trad
What high-consequence climbing can do to a relationship
Learnings from 17 years of The Dirtbag Diaries
How we all can invite more adventure into our lives
Adventuring as a parent
Unplugging for a 50-day epic adventure
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CHAPTERS:
Struggle: 0:09:36
Climbing: 0:21:28
States of Adventure: 0:47:23
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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! 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.
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
-
Follow along on Instagram @thestruggleclimbingshow and YouTube /@thestruggleclimbingshow
Check out States of Adventure and grab a copy for yourself and those in your life who could use a kick of adventurous inspiration: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/746701/states-of-adventure-by-fitz-cahall/
-
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!

Dec 4, 2024 • 59min
Anna Hazelnutt | Crag Chat: Celebrating Big Sends, First Naked Ascents, Vegas Climbing, and More Foot Stuff
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 importance of celebrating big sends
The Vegas climbing and food scene
What should Ryan’s next big goal be?
Why FFAs matter
Ryan’s goal for a First Naked Ascent
Unhinged listener questions
Embracing gnarly feet and making pedicure plans
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 15% 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 new bundles (on top of the 15% off code)!
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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
-
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!

10 snips
Nov 27, 2024 • 1h 39min
Will Bosi: Sending four V17s, Simple Training for Power and Endurance, 5.15d / 9c+ Goals, the Problem with Downgrading
In this engaging discussion, elite climber Will Bosi shares insights from his incredible career, including his recent V17 send, "Spots of Time." He reveals the surprisingly simple training methods that fuel his power and endurance. Listeners will learn about his unique diet, including the favorite gas station snacks that keep him energized. Bosi also dives into the challenges of climbing solo versus with others, and shares his aspirations for tackling a mega route planned by Adam Ondra. A perfect blend of technique, nutrition, and the climbing mindset!
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