Ben Mayforth’s strength is a sight to behold. The professional paraclimber’s social clips of campusing double digit boulder problems may have made it into your social feed, but his story runs much deeper than any grade or route. It’s a story of hard work, belonging and finding a path in the world. Forerunner features Alex JohnsonAdapted Part 1 and Part 2 features Mo BeckThanks to our sponsorsThe North Face Henson Shaving Use link and enter CLIMBINGGOLD at checkout to get 100 free blades with your purchase. (Note: you must add both the 100-blade pack and the razor for the discount to apply.)LMNT Use link to get a free LMNT sample pack with any order Altitude Climbing Learn the three key elements needed to make progress again from Dave Macleod. Sign-up for the course at altitudeclimbing.com/climbinggoldCOROS Use code CLIMBINGGOLD to get a free watch carabiner with the purchase of a VERTIX 2s watch when both items are in your cart. Watch Climbing Gold on YouTube

Tommy Caldwell, a legendary rock climber known for the Dawn Wall, joins forces with Taylor Shaffer, a photographer and expedition wingman. They share exhilarating tales from their adventure to Alaska's Devil's Thumb, including the challenges of blending climbing with conservation efforts. They also recount their transformative journeys through breathtaking landscapes, the joys of camaraderie, and the little mishaps—like vehicle troubles—that made the trip memorable. Discover how these experiences shaped their views on nature and environmental awareness.

Tucked away in a corner of Chilean Patagonia, Valle Cochamó wasn’t going to stay hidden forever. The soaring unclimbed granite walls instilled dreams of first ascents in climbers. Industrialists eyed its free flowing rivers with their potential for hydroelectric power. Conservationists hoped it could provide a final puzzle piece of an incredible protected wildlife corridor. To the families who live there, it was simply home where they ranched amidst the 3,000-year-old Alerce trees. This is the story of how a coalition of Chilean gauchos, climbers and activists fought off development efforts for two decades. Now there is an opportunity for a lasting conservation victory. How do you make the next Yosemite? You start by buying it.Donate today: https://bit.ly/SavingCochamoThis episode was produced in collaboration with The Dirtbag Diaries. Listen to all episodes on Apple Podcasts or SpotifyThanks to our sponsorsThe North Face LMNT Use link to get a free LMNT sample pack with any order Altitude Climbing Learn the three key elements needed to make progress again from Dave Macleod. Sign-up for the course at altitudeclimbing.com/climbinggold.Henson Shaving Use link and enter CLIMBINGGOLD at checkout to get 100 free blades with your purchase. (Note: you must add both the 100-blade pack and the razor for the discount to apply.)COROS Use code CLIMBINGGOLD to get a free watch carabiner with the purchase of a VERTIX 2s watch when both items are in your cart. Watch Climbing Gold on YouTube

5.13 at 78. That’s staggering, but the numbers don’t capture the breadth of Jamie Logan’s climbing career, which now spans seven decades. Through every chapter of our sport, Jamie has been a contributor from pioneering free climbing in the 1960’s to leading design trends of the modern gym. The risk she took in her 70’s may ultimately prove to be the most lasting pillar of her legacy. Never be afraid of who you are. Watch Jamie film at bit.ly/JamieLoganThanks to our sponsorsThe North Face COROS Use code CLIMBINGGOLD to get a free watch carabiner with the purchase of a VERTIX 2s watch when both items are in your cart. Altitude Climbing Learn the three key elements needed to make progress again from Dave Macleod. Sign-up for the course at altitudeclimbing.com/climbinggold.LMNT Get a free LMNT sample pack with any order at bit.ly/LMNTxCGWatch Climbing Gold on YouTube

In this discussion, Cory Richards, an accomplished alpinist and photographer, shares his journey through bi-polar disorder, PTSD, and addiction. He reflects on how these challenges shaped his climbing experiences and creative expression. Cory emphasizes the power of storytelling in healing and navigating emotional landscapes. He also highlights the importance of being present in the moment rather than focusing solely on capturing it. His journey offers insights into the transformative nature of writing and self-reflection, inspiring others to embrace their multifaceted truths.

Lynn Hill, a trailblazer who redefined climbing limits, shares her incredible journey of free climbing El Capitan's Nose in a single day. Accomplished climbers Emily Harrington and Beth Rodden provide insights into the impact of this legendary feat. They discuss the emotional challenges and sacrifices involved in reaching such heights, the evolution of sponsorship, and the fight for gender equality in the sport. The conversation celebrates Lynn's pioneering 'Houdini move' and explores why overcoming fear is crucial for climbers looking to break barriers.

Margo Hayes, a trailblazing climber and the first woman to conquer the 5.15 grade, shares her journey through the highs and lows of professional climbing. She candidly discusses battling Lyme disease and how it impacted her passion for climbing. Margo reflects on the pressures of societal expectations while striving to maintain balance between her athletic pursuits and creative interests. She also touches on the importance of community support, personal safety, and finding joy in individual achievements within the sport.

Babsi Zangerl, a leading figure in traditional climbing, joins Jacopo Larcher, known for tackling challenging routes, to discuss the passion behind their sport. They delve into the risks and thrills of traditional climbing, sharing tales from their ascent of the notorious Eternal Flame route in Pakistan. The conversation highlights overcoming fear, the importance of gear reliability, and how their perspectives have shifted from competition to tackling the wild. Their insights shed light on the future of climbing, balancing risk with growth.

Beth Rodden, a trailblazing climber and the first woman to conquer 5.14, shares her journey of vulnerability and resilience. She discusses her new book, shedding light on the emotional struggles within the climbing community. Topics include navigating trauma from personal experiences, the balance of love and risk in climbing relationships, and adapting to life changes like injury and divorce. Beth emphasizes finding joy in simplicity and shared experiences, encouraging climbers to embrace change while cherishing personal growth.

After a protracted battle over bolts and sport climbing, American climbers nearly lost the ability to climb on public lands in the early 1990s. It would have completely altered the course of our sport. Fortunately, lawyer and climber Armando Menocal rose to the challenge of protecting climbing for generations to come, despite the fact that many climbers hoped he would fail. We take a peek into the early days of the Access Fund and Leici Hendrix adds perspective on the importance of local climbing organizations. Armando Menocal Climbing Advocacy FundOriginally aired in 2021. Thanks to our sponsorsThe North Face LMNT Use link to get a free LMNT sample pack with any orderCOROS Use code CLIMBINGGOLD to get a free watch carabiner with the purchase of a VERTIX 2s watch when both items are in your cart.