Climbing Gold

Discover why Alex is so excited about free soloing Taipei 101 for a live Netflix event. He shares his childhood fascination with climbing buildings and recounts daring adventures, including a rooftop climb in Jersey City. The conversation dives into the building's unique design, the technical challenges of the climb, and his physical training regimen. Alex also reflects on dealing with nerves and pacing himself during the ascent. Plus, he reveals his 'say yes' mindset inspired by James Bond, turning risks into thrilling experiences.

Join Alain Robert, the 'French Spider-Man' and a legendary urban climber, as he shares exhilarating tales from his life of free soloing world-famous skyscrapers. Discover how he transitioned from climbing challenging rock routes to scaling buildings, often illegally, and the thrilling stories behind his 170+ arrests. Alain reflects on the mental focus needed while climbing, his battles with injuries, and the adrenaline rush of climbing in front of live crowds. His daring adventures continue to inspire climbers and thrill-seekers alike!

Professional rock climber Jonathan Siegrist joins to reflect on a groundbreaking year in climbing. They discuss historic achievements, like the first woman to climb 5.15c and remarkable El Cap ascents. The conversation highlights the emerging generation of climbers and the shift in styles, as well as the challenges of standing out in a crowded space. Siegrist also shares insights on the balance between training in gyms versus outdoor adventures and the ongoing influence of climbing legends.

In this engaging conversation, Chris Sharma, an elite sport climber known for pioneering some of the hardest routes, shares his journey with Biographie. He recounts the humbling experiences of his first attempts and the psychological challenges faced during redpointing. Cinematographer Brett Lowell discusses the filming process, while Jonathan Segrist highlights the route's aesthetic and significance. The guest reflect on how Biographie set a new standard in climbing, transforming the landscape and shaping future generations of climbers.

In this conversation, Heather Thorne, Executive Director of Access Fund, and Mark Udall, former U.S. Senator and passionate climber, tackle the challenges facing public lands. Heather reveals the innovative revolving loan model that empowers local climbing organizations to secure crucial access. Mark shares how climbing has shaped his life and his efforts in public service, urging climbers to engage politically. Together, they emphasize the importance of defending landscapes, voting, and community involvement for the future of climbing and conservation.

Alex has climbed all over the world, but he’s never visited some of our country’s best climbing areas. Today, three devoted southern climbers – Andrew Kornylak, Karen Lane and Colette McInerney – lay out the case for why the Southeast should be on his tick list.  Watch Climbing Gold on YouTube Thanks to our sponsors The North Face Check out Summit Series at thenorthface.com  LMNT  Get your free LMNT Sample Pack with any purchase at www.drinklmnt.com/climbinggold. Try the new LMNT Sparkling — a bold, 16-ounce can of sparkling electrolyte water. Kodiak Cakes Find Kodiak products at your local grocery store, they're the ones with the bear on the box or learn more at Kodiakcakes.com TurtleboxTake your music anywhere turtleboxaudio.com Want Climbing Gold ad free? Check out ⁠Unroped

In a lively conversation, veteran late-night host David Letterman interviews renowned climber Alex Honnold. They delve into how fatherhood reshapes risk management without sacrificing climbing. The duo explores the concept of fear control through practice and Alex shares his thoughts on free-soloing versus other climbing disciplines. They also touch on Yosemite's unique climbing culture and the impact of community. As a lighthearted bonus, Alex recounts a hilarious mishap before belaying Letterman in a memorable live climbing demo.

Brett Lowell, a veteran climbing cinematographer with nearly 30 years of experience, shares stories from his illustrious career, including his time filming landmark ascents. He discusses the shift towards DIY aesthetics in climbing media and the impact of films like Rampage in popularizing iconic routes. Brett recounts thrilling moments on the Dawn Wall, including innovative rigging techniques and the emotional weight of capturing unforgettable sends. He also reflects on how filming has influenced his personal climbing journey, especially as a parent.

Hamish McArthur, an elite young boulderer and surprise fifth-place finisher at the Paris Olympics, shares his incredible journey. He candidly discusses how competitions reshaped his perspective on climbing and what it was like to approach the Olympics as an underdog. Hamish reveals his intuitive training methods and the joy he finds in bouldering projects rather than hard routes. Plus, he reflects on the creative process behind tackling world-class problems like Megatron, emphasizing that enjoyment and mindset make daunting climbs feel achievable.

Climber Melissa Arnot Reid blazed her way into the elite circle of high altitude guides, but her ascent into rarified air came amidst deep personal struggles that no amount of Everest summits or accolades could fix. Today, we talk about the state of Everest, Ueli Steck and Melissa’s new book Enough.  Watch Climbing Gold on YouTube Thanks to our sponsors The North Face Check out Summit Series at thenorthface.com  Factor Meals⁠ Eat smart at ⁠FactorMeals.com/CLIMBINGGOLD50OFF⁠ and use code CLIMBINGGOLD50OFF to get 50% plus FREE breakfast for one year. David Buy 4 cartons and get the 5th one for free at davidprotein.com/climbinggold LMNT  Get your free LMNT Sample Pack with any purchase at www.drinklmnt.com/climbinggold. Try the new LMNT Sparkling — a bold, 16-ounce can of sparkling electrolyte water. Turtlebox Take your music anywhere turtleboxaudio.com Want Climbing Gold ad free? Check out Unroped