

The RunOut Podcast
Andrew Bisharat & Chris Kalous
Chris Kalous (The Enormocast) and Andrew Bisharat (Evening Sends) bring decades of climbing experience to the mic, talking with the most interesting voices in the sport. From bouldering to big walls, comps to alpinism—no discipline is off-limits and no dogma goes unchallenged. You might not always agree, but you’ll probably laugh about it later.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 14, 2025 • 1h 32min
RunOut #140: Chris Deuto Seeks More in the Mountains
Though just 21, Chris Deuto has already amassed an impressive lifetime of climbing since first starting the sport at age 7. Having ticked 5.14c and V14 and done national-level competitions, Chris has shifted his focus to more alpine-centered climbs, from Aconcagua to Fitz Roy. Most recently, he made the first free rope-solo winter ascent of the Diamond face of Long’s Peak in his home state of Colorado. Chris has consciously brought his process-centered approach to the forefront of his climbing, seeking richer experiences rather than just focusing on grades.
But first, your second favorite conspiracy-addled climbing podcasters discuss the curious appearance of “bolts” (big scare quotes) beneath a petroglyph in northeastern Utah. Where did these so-called “bolts” come from, and why, exactly, are climbers to blame? The mystery deepens…
Last but never least, our final bit features the return of a Bend-based musical duo Billy and Box Kid, with their new track, Without the Frills.
Show Notes
Follow Chris Deuto
Chris Deuto profile on Climbing.com
Chris Deuto profile on the Daily Camera
Petroglphy “churnalism” on CBS, KUTV, NYPost, Artnet, Gear Junkie.
Wilderness Watch’s hostility toward the PARCA bill
RunOut #101: Will Congress Let Climbers Bolt in Wilderness?
Read: Breaking the Wilderness Bell Jar and There is Just Climbing on Evening Sends
Billy and the Box Kid website
Follow Billy and the Box Kid on Instagram
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

Dec 22, 2024 • 1h 34min
RunOut 139: Fred Nicole speaks to the soul of bouldering
Fred Nicole’s name is synonymous with hard bouldering. The dude is legend, responsible for establishing the world’s first V14 and first V15, always while bringing an artistic, quiet approach that has defined the soul of bouldering for over four decades. Today Fred works as a shoe designer for So Ill, and continues to explore the forests of his native Switzerland—among other areas around the world—for new boulders that capture his imagination.
But first, Chris shares some stories about an escape to what’s arguably the best rock in the country, the New River Gorge.
Our Final Bit is from none other than Margo Hayes, the first woman to climb 5.15. This song is called Jaded and it’s off her new album Notes to You.
Show Notes
Follow Fred Nicole on Instagram
Fred Nicole interview with UP Climbing
Dreamtime on Youtube
Follow Margo Hayes on Instagram
Listen to Notes to You wherever you get your music
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

Dec 9, 2024 • 1h 18min
RunOut #138: The Bromance of Tommy Caldwell and Alex Honnold
Today’s guest is climbing’s Captain America, Tommy Cadlwell. Tommy’s latest film is called The Devil’s Climb, and it documents an epic adventure in which he and Alex Honnold rode their bike’s to Alaska and enchained all the summits on the striking and infamous Devil’s Thumb massif. The film was pitched as an environmental film, but the directors decided that global warming was less interesting than Tommy and Alex’s bromance. We catch up with one of the world’s greatest climbers of all time and hear about making this film, and all the other things in life.
But first, we open up the official record book of climbing, and discuss the recent news of Michaela Kirsh becoming the first woman to do a V15 and 5.15a, Babsi Zangerl’s flash of Freerider, and other achievements.
For our final bit, we’re pleased to share the heady music of longtime climber Dave Pomeranz’s band, Whale Fall, with their track Chronophobia.
Show Notes
Watch the trailer for The Devil’s Climb and stream the whole film on Disney+.
Sign up for Tommy Caldwell’s newsletter Routefinding at Patagonia
Michaela Kiersch becomes first woman to send 5.15 and V15
Babsi Flashes Freerider
Setting and Revising the Record on Evening Sends
Tommy’s book recommendation: Waking the Tiger by Peter A. Levine, Ph.D.
Whale Fall on Bandcamp and 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

Nov 18, 2024 • 0sec
RunOut 137: The Revelations of Jerry Moffatt
Today we’re honored to be speaking with Jerry Moffatt. Jerry was one of the most influential and best climbers in the 1980s and ‘90s, whose groundbreaking first ascents pushed the limits and also was incredibly influential on the direction of our sport. His autobiography Revelations is one of the best climbing books ever, and a must read for everyone who listens to this show.
But first, we break down the news of the closures at Mt. Arapiles in Australia. Mt. Arapiles is arguably Australia’s best, most historic crag, and is widely considered to have some of the finest stone of any crag on earth. Now, nearly half of that climbing is being shut down. But why? It’s a complicated question, involving special interests and the government’s unwillingness to rein them in, alongside a general animosity toward climbers.
Last, our final bit is from Seattle based Mamas New Cult featuring Zoey Huynh.
Show Notes
Buy Jerry Moffatt’s book “Revelations”
Visit SaveGrampians.org
Sign this open letter
Change.org Petition
Donate to the Climb Victoria Advocacy Fund
Mamas New Cult on Spotify
Tattoo Artist Zoey Huynh
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

Oct 31, 2024 • 1h 25min
RunOut 136: Brady Robinson on Climbing, Advocacy, and the legacy of Armando Menocal
Armando Menocal was a civil rights lawyer and climber who helped found the Access Fund. It’s safe to say that without Armando’s silent but hugely significant contributions, climbing would look very different today. Sadly, Armando recently died at the age of 83 from cancer. Here today to help memorialize Armando is Armando’s friend and colleague Brady Robinson. Brady is the former Executive Director of the Access Fund. He is a veteran of numerous expeditions, with first ascents in Pakistan, Patagonia, and Peru. Today he works as the director of philanthropy at the Freja Foundation and is working on conservation projects in South America.
But first, your hosts listen to another climbing podcast, get redpilled, freak out, and launch into a conspiracy of our own about Jimmy Chin and Sandy Irvine. Something’s afoot on Everest …
For today’s final bit, climber / musician Jessica Roki Kilroy is back with Right Here Remix. Roki is a climber and musician from Montana, whose experimental, brooding, emotional folk music incorporates the sounds of the natural world, including those that she captured while on El Cap.
Show Notes
“Remembering Armando Menocal” on ClimbingCuba ClimbingArmando Fund on Access FundFreyja FoundationThe Nugget’s InstagramRemains of Andrew ‘Sandy’ Irvine believed to have been found on EverestRokifolk.comFollow Jessica Roki Kilroy on InstagramJessica Roki Kilroy BandcampJessica Roki Kilroy 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

Oct 18, 2024 • 1h 11min
RunOut #135: Becca Steinbrecher: What it’s Like to Survive a Serious Climbing Accident
Last year, Becca Steinbrecher broke a foothold while climbing in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison and took a 30-foot fall onto a ledge. It was only a couple of months later that Becca woke up and learned what had happened to her that day, including the heroic and miraculous search and rescue operation that navigated a thorny web of very tough decisions in order to get her out of the Black Canyon and to a hospital. Becca recounts the events of that fateful as they were told to her, and shares what her experience has been like living with a traumatic brain injury, and ultimately returning back to the sport she loves.
But first, some lighter fare as your curmudgeonly podcast hosts go back for round two of ‘Mudgeon Mania. We roll up our sociologist sleeves and build a taxonomy of different curmudgeons in the climbing world, including: the Hermudgeon, the Newmudgeon, and the Sportmudgeon (all now TM properties of The RunOut podcast but available for a Creative Commons license as long as you support our podcast on Patreon.)
Today’s final bit is from Moab-based rock climber Sam Newman, who created spooky, silly climbing-themed spoof of Edgar Allen Poe’s seminal poem, The Raven.
Show Notes
Climbing.com: Major Accident and Dramatic Rescue in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison
YouTube: The Great White Wall: Black Canyon of the Gunnison
Friends of the Black Canyon Search and Rescue Team
Love Your Brain
SOAR
Adaptive Adventures
High Fives Foundation
Craig Hospital
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

Oct 2, 2024 • 1h 5min
RunOut #134: The State of Adventure and Storytelling with Fitz Cahall
Fitz Cahall, founder of the Dirtbag Diaries and author of 'States of Adventure', dives into the quirky world of climbing culture. He hilariously discusses childless climbers and the rising trend of crag cats versus traditional crag dogs. The conversation shifts to the evolution of adventure storytelling, where Fitz emphasizes the importance of authentic, relatable narratives. He also reflects on balancing media careers with personal life and the challenges of maintaining creative integrity in a commercialized landscape. Tune in for a blend of humor and insightful observations!

Sep 20, 2024 • 1h 15min
RunOut #133: Olympic Runner and Rock Climber Hobbs Kessler
Hobbs Kessler is a 21-year-old professional runner who ran a 3:34 in the 1500m in his senior year of high school. He has also climbed as hard as 5.14c with an ascent of Southern Smoke in the Red River Gorge. Hobbs just returned from the Paris Olympics, where he competed in both the 800 and 1500m races.
But first, your curmudgeonly hosts roll their eyes at one of climbing’s most bitter personas: the climbing curmudgeon. It’s like we’re looking in the mirror!
Today’s final bit is a mother-daughter violin performance of the Appalachian Waltz. The musicians behind this composition are my good friend Kate McGinnis, a nurse from Atlanta who is one of the most talented and strong climbers I’ve ever met, and her 13 year old daughter Annie, who is crushing rock climbs just like her mom.
Show Notes
Follow Hobbs on Instagram
“Hobbs Kessler Climbs 5.14+ and Runs a Sub 4-Minute Mile. And He’s Just 17.”
<p><strong>Become a RunOut Rope Gun!</strong> 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! <a href=”http://patreon.com/runoutpodcast”>http://patreon.com/runoutpodcast</a></p> <p><strong>Contact us</strong> Send ideas, voicemail, feedback and more. <a href=”mailto:andrew@runoutpodcast.com”>andrew@runoutpodcast.com</a> // <a href=”mailto:chris@runoutpodcast.com”>chris@runoutpodcast.com</a></p>

Sep 2, 2024 • 1h 16min
RunOut #132: Amity Warme is Bringing Stoke—and Style—Back to Climbing
Amity Warme is a professional rock climber and dietician, who has not only free climbed El Capitan five times, but has done so each time in true ground-up style. This ground-up style is captured in an awesome new film that tells the story Amity and Brent Barghahn’s ground-up free ascent of El Niño via the Pineapple Express Variation on El Capitan. Our conversation ranges from big-wall style and ethics, to her philosophy and approach to nutrition.
But first we dive into what the American Alpine Club is calling the greatest access issue in climbing: expensive day passes to climbing gyms.
Last, Gunky and Professor Wayne Burleson brings us his livingroom version of the Dead’s Franklin’s Tower.
Show Notes
Amity Warme on Instagram
Amity Warme website
Amity Warme and Brent Barghahn free climb El Niño.
Watch Amity climb Book of Hate
“Can Climbing Outrun Its Own Elitism With Inclusive Gym Pricing?” on Climbing.com
Pay What You Can Toolkit on the AAC
Professor Burleson

Aug 19, 2024 • 1h 21min
RunOut #131: Drew Ruana Climbs Hard and Thinks Ahead
Out #131: Drew Ruana Climbs Hard and Thinks Ahead
Drew Ruana started climbing on the slabs of Smith Rock, and has since become one of America’s most prolific boulderers, with over 100 V14 and harder problems ticked. He’s currently a student at the Colorado School of Mines, and thinking ahead of what kind of career he wants in life, and how climbing fits into it all.
But first, yr friendly podcast hosts debrief on their Olympic fever, and talk about where Paris soared, and where it fell short.
Today’s final bit is from the all-girl punk band Fire Party, who was part of the DC punk scene in the late 1980s. In true punk fashion, the members of Fire Party — including the lead singer, badass climber and friend of the pod Amy Pickering — rejected the label of being an all-girl band.
Show Notes
Watch Drew Ruana climb the Ice Knife
Follow Drew on Instagram
Follow Amy Pickering on Instagram


