The RunOut Podcast

Andrew Bisharat & Chris Kalous
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Jun 11, 2025 • 1h 14min

RunOut 150: Girl Climber, with Emily Harrington and Jon Glassberg

Jon Glassberg is a photographer and filmmaker, and Emily Harrington is one of America’s most prolific professional climbers, whose all-around feats span summits of 8,000 meter peaks, 5.14, National Comp podiums, and free ascents of El Capitan. Their new film is Girl Climber, which is profile of Emily and her quest to free climb Golden Gate on El Capitan in a day.  But first, crack open a case of Send Lite and help us ponder whether we need way more terms for doing what we do with our rock-climbing ascents. Our final bit is “Big Wall,” an alt-rock ear worm from Nathan Murdoch, from the forthcoming EP “If You’re Not There.” Show Notes Follow Emily Harrington Follow Jon Glassberg Pre-order Girl Climber from Jolt Film Girl Climber film review from Climbing Mag Follow Nathan Murdoch Listen to Big Wall on Spotify  Become a RunOut Rope Gun! Support our podcast and increase your RunOut runtime. Bonus episodes, AMA, and more will be available to our Rope Guns. Thank you for your support! http://patreon.com/runoutpodcast Contact us Send ideas, voicemail, feedback and more. andrew@runoutpodcast.com // chris@runoutpodcast.com
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May 22, 2025 • 1h 33min

RunOut 149: Jordan Cannon and Mark Hudon, live from El Cap

Jordan Cannon is a professional climber, known for his free and speed-climbing feats on El Capitan. Mark Hudon is one of the fathers of big-wall free climbing, best known for making a very early and audacious free attempt of the Salathé Wall in 1979 with Max Jones, nearly a decade before El Cap was officially first free climbed by Todd Skinner and Paul Piana. Jordan and Mark’s partnership is legendary, best encapsulated in the film “Free As Can Be,” which documents Jordan’s ascent of Freerider in a day and Mark’s attempt to finally complete a free ascent of El Capitan by the same route, more than four decades later.  On today’s episode, we make podcasting history by recording our episode live from halfway up the side of El Capitan, as Jordan attempts to free the Salathé Wall via the rarely repeated, and arguably official crux pitch—the infamous pitch 19—with Mark supporting him on belay.  This is a two-part episode. To hear the second half of our conversation, you’ll need to join us at Patreon.com But first, your over-stoker podcast hosts run into the latest climbing headlines and cover the biggest downgrades to the most impressive ascents, while wondering whether it’s all just one big Tommy Caldwell sandbag. Today’s final bit features the return of the Seattle post punk power trio rock band Dragontail Peak, with the song Three Rules–as in three rules of big-wall climbing. Show Notes Mandatory listening: “Bonus: The Free Salathé Wall’s Strange Revisionist History”  “Bonus: Pitch 19, Part Deux” Enormocast: Episode 152: Mark Hudon and Max Jones – As Free as Can Be. Follow Jordan Cannon on Instagram Follow Mark Hudon on Instagram Mark Hudon website Bill Ramsey, 64, does Wrongdoer (8b+) Tommy Caldwell, 46, does Empath 9a (+) calling it 8c From V16 to Big Walls: Pietro Vidi Makes the Second Ascent of ‘Lurking Fear’ UNCUT: “No one Mourns The Wicked” – V17/9A – Hamish McArthur Follow DragonTail Peak on Instagram DragonTail Peak on Bandcamp Become a RunOut Rope Gun! Support our podcast and increase your RunOut runtime. Bonus episodes, AMA, and more will be available to our Rope Guns. Thank you for your support! http://patreon.com/runoutpodcast Contact us Send ideas, voicemail, feedback and more. andrew@runoutpodcast.com // chris@runoutpodcast.com
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May 17, 2025 • 1h 22min

The RunOut 148: The Evolution of Sonnie Trotter 

Sonnie Trotter is a professional climber from Canada, whose notable ascents include the first ascent of Cobra Crack in Squamish, The Shining on Mount Louis, and the Pineapple Express on El Capitan. His new book is called UPLIFTED: The Evolution of a Climbing Life. But first, is it aid? One of climbing’s most perennial questions comes up in a way that leaves your hosts breathless and saying “sucks to your ass-mar”.  Our final bit is “Yamashiro” by Recorduroy, a fusion band based in Colorado, with climber Dave Cohen on drums.  Show Notes “UPLIFTED: The Evolution of a Climbing Life” from Patagonia Books Read “Manboy” an excerpt from Sonnie’s new book on Evening Sends Follow Sonnie Trotter on Instagram Listen to Yamashiro on Spotify and Apple Music Recorduroy on Spotify and Apple Music Follow Recorduroy on Instagram Why an Inhaler Sparked a Personal Style Debate on ‘Life of Villains’ Become a RunOut Rope Gun! Support our podcast and increase your RunOut runtime. Bonus episodes, AMA, and more will be available to our Rope Guns. Thank you for your support! http://patreon.com/runoutpodcast Contact us Send ideas, voicemail, feedback and more. andrew@runoutpodcast.com // chris@runoutpodcast.com
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May 5, 2025 • 1h 27min

RunOut 147: How Briana Mazzolini-Blanchard is Pushing the Limits of Climbing Activism

Briana Mazzolini-Blanchard is the executive director of Urban Native Collective, the host of the Life on the Margins: An Urban Native Experience podcast, the co-founder of the Indigenous Field Guide, and a collaborator with the American Climbing Project. She recently stepped down from the Red River Gorge Climbing Coalition Board of Directors over their decision to discontinue their community programming: Climb L8, an initiative integral to their efforts to remove systemic and financial barriers to entry into rock climbing. But first, your very influential podcast hosts discuss the latest list of top climbing influencers, talk about what we want to see on social media, and give our draft picks for our top follows. Our final bit is Boulder-based climbers Kyle Ward and Dave Cohen’s band Dry Mouth, back with a track, Lost Boys, off their EP Cactus Jazz Demos. Show Notes Follow Briana Mazzolini-Blanchard on Instagram Urban Native Collective Urban Native Collective on Instagram Life on the Margins Podcast Life on the Margins Podcast on Instagram American Climbing Project on Instagram American Climbing Project on Patreon Climb L8 – web archive Follow Kyle Ward on Instagram Follow Dry Mouth on Instagram Dry Mouth – Soundcloud Become a RunOut Rope Gun! Support our podcast and increase your RunOut runtime. Bonus episodes, AMA, and more will be available to our Rope Guns. Thank you for your support! http://patreon.com/runoutpodcast 
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Apr 16, 2025 • 1h 36min

RunOut #146: From Big Walls to Open Water: Unlocking the Expedition Mindset with Mark Synnott

Mark Synnott is a professional big-wall climber, expedition sailor, and writer whose books have included The Third Pole and The Impossible Climb. His latest book is Into The Ice, an epic read about his recent voyage across the infamous Northwest Passage and the historical mysteries that lie within. The 6,736-mile journey takes 112 days, allowing Mark to give us his most personal memoir yet while weaving in the historical details of British explorer Sir John Franklin and the 128 men he led on an ill-fated expedition in the mid-19th century. But first, we gush over some cool climbing news: Brooke Raboutou becomes the first woman to reach 5.15c, and Connor Herson makes a quick tick of one of the hardest crack climbs in the desert: Mason Earle’s Stranger Than Fiction Our final bit is a throwback to a moment in time when the Black Nugget in Carbondale was the place to be, and Sector 7G found a groove that sent the cowboys and hippies spiraling. Show Notes Follow Mark Synnott on Instagram and check out his homepage “Into the Ice” from Penguin Random House All books by Mark Synnott Northwest Passage – Wikipedia Northwest Passage – AP The RunOut #60 – Mark Synnott and Everest News: Brooke Raboutou Climbs 5.15c Follow Brooke | Her send post News: Connor Herson Climbs Stranger Than Fiction (5.14b) Follow Connor | His send post Mason Earle’s tapped foot
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Apr 3, 2025 • 1h 12min

RunOut #145: Here Come the Management Plans 

Earlier this year, the Bears Ears Resource Management Plan dropped, outlining rules regarding camping, waste management, dogs, and, perhaps most controversially, fixed anchors for new routes across the monument, which includes, of course, Indian Creek. Jason Keith is a senior policy advisor at the Access Fund who has spent his career navigating the legal and relational fog of securing access for climbers across the country. He was deeply involved in the development of this plan and talks to us today about what it means for climbers today—and everyone going forward amid the uncertainty and chaos of the current administration.  But first, we talk about favorite mountain on earth, Everest, and why it’s a such a slippery slope. Drones are coming for Sherpa jobs, but our hot take on this development might surprise you.  Our Final Bit is the Golden Shoals, a fiddle and guitar duo featuring Mark Kilianski and rock climber Amy Alvey. Check out the Show Notes for tour dates, website, and more! Show Notes New Rules at Indian Creek Are Now in Effect. Here’s What You Need to Know. Bears Ears Resource Management Plan Access Fund Drones Will Do Some Schlepping for Sherpas on Mount Everest Golden Shoals Follow Golden Shoals and Amy Alvey on Instagram Golden Shoals tour dates. Get Bonus Episodes! Support our podcast and increase your RunOut runtime. http://patreon.com/runoutpodcast
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Mar 19, 2025 • 1h 28min

RunOut #144: Life After Competition: Hannah Schubert and Eating Disorders in Climbing

In this discussion, Austrian climber Hannah Schubert opens up about her journey through the competitive climbing world, detailing her battles with eating disorders. She emphasizes how the pressure of performance, silent cues from peers, and comments from coaches can create an invisible crisis. Hannah shares her breaking point and the long path to recovery, underscoring the importance of vulnerability and support within the climbing community. The conversation blends personal anecdotes with insights that resonate deeply for athletes facing mental health challenges.
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Feb 28, 2025 • 1h 17min

RunOut #143: PARC Act Passes, so What’s Next For Climbing in America?

The Protect America’s Rock Climbing Act was signed into law at the end of President Biden’s term. The PARC Act mandates that various government departments issue guideance recognizing rock climbing as a legitimate use of public lands, including the placement and maintenance of fixed anchors in Wilderness. This historic act was the result of a multi-year campaign spearheaded by the Access Fund. Our guests today are Access Fund executive director Heather Thorne and deputy director Erik Murdock. This interview was recorded on January 28th, before the news of DOGE’s cuts to many positions, including at our national parks. To check out the Access Fund’s position on the DOGE cuts, see the linked article in our Show Notes. But first, we tee up our conversation with the Access Fund by talking about this recent news, including the upside-down American flag that was hung from the top of El Capitan last week by Yosemite’s recently dismissed locksmith and others. Our final bit is from a climber at heart, Madi Rindge, aka, Madi Bisharat, my cousin and a brilliant musician whose music I’m honored and excited to share. Check out the show notes for links to her albums, including this song Alien, as well as a GoFundMe to support her father who lost his house in the Palisades fire this year. Become a RunOut Rope Gun! Support our podcast and increase your RunOut runtime. Bonus episodes, AMA, and more will be available to our Rope Guns. Thank you for your support! http://patreon.com/runoutpodcast Show Notes VICTORY! Congress Passes Protecting America’s Rock Climbing Act — Access Fund A New Era for Climbing: PARC Act’s Impact and the Path Forward — Access Fund Tell Lawmakers How Firing Public Lands Employees Impacts You — Access Fund Donate to the Access Fund How the Yosemite Climbing Community Is Reacting to DOGE Layoffs — Climbing.com Protesters Display Upside-Down American Flag at Yosemite — NYT Cat rescue Follow Madi Rindge on Instagram Listen to Running Out of Oxygen on Spotify Order Running out of Oxygen from Madi. GoFundMe for Charlie Bisharat’s home that was lost in the Palisades fire
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Feb 19, 2025 • 1h 17min

RunOut #142: Jason Kehl and the Evolution of Bouldering

Jason Kehl is a hold shaper, iconclast, and highball bouldering legend, perhaps best known for his first ascent of Evilution in the Buttermilks. Today, he lives in El Paso, Texas, where he continues to establish first ascents all over Hueco Tanks. He is also continue to work with So Ill to create climbing holds. Our conversation traces the evolution of bouldering as a sport for misfits and outcasts to the conformist scene of today. But first, we respond to the tragic news of an ice-climbing death by asking some tough and perhaps irreconcilable questions about being a new climber, in which ambition can exceed experience, and how social media dynamics can make all of this worse. Last, a little amuse bouche of one of our favorite climbing songwriters, Chris Parker, who’ll be joining us on stage in Boulder for our upcoming LIVE event on February 20. Show Notes Follow Jason Kehl on Instagram Jason Kehl’s World of Illusions – Episode 8 – Hueco’s Web Hueco Rehab – “Real Climbing Episode 5″ Check out the Connect Board from So Ill Check out the latest holds from So Ill  Ice Climber Dies in the Canadian Rockies — Gripped Chris Parker on Instagram and Spotify
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Jan 29, 2025 • 1h 24min

RunOut #141: The Joy of Struggle, According to Ryan Devlin

Ryan Devlin is an actor who has appeared in such shows as Brothers and Sisters, Cougar Town, and Grey’s Anatomy. Climbers, however, will know him as the host of one of our favorite climbing podcasts, The Struggle Climbing Show. In this episode, we catch up with Ryan after he redpointed his hardest rock climb to date at the Red River Gorge, and hear about what it was like to share that redpoint journey with his audience. But first, pass the xenon gas and strap in the nitro, it’s time to climb Everest, baby! Our final bit is a blast from the early aughts, with climber Nick Smith in the Half Jeffersons. Show Notes Follow Ryan Devlin and The Struggle Climbing Show on Instagram The Struggle Climbing Show You Can Now Climb Everest in a Week Using Xenon Gas: The Implications — Explorer’s Web Everest in a Week: Lukas Furtenbach Enters the Xenon Debate — Explorer’s Web The Half Jeffersons’ Sweet Angel on Spotify, The Fire on Youtube Become a RunOut Rope Gun! Support our podcast and increase your RunOut runtime. Bonus episodes, AMA, and more will be available to our Rope Guns. Thank you for your support! http://patreon.com/runoutpodcast Contact us Send ideas, voicemail, feedback and more. andrew@runoutpodcast.com // chris@runoutpodcast.com

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