Climbing Gold

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

John Bachar may have been the Stonemasters brightest star. His audacious free climbs and even more audacious free solos turned heads around the globe. Sadly, John fell while free soloing in 2009. Last winter, longtime climber and author Mark Kroese approached us with a tape marked Bachar, a remnant of the research he did for his book Fifty Favorite Climbs. Time to hit play.   Watch Climbing Gold on YouTube Thanks to our sponsors The North Face Check out Summit Series at thenorthface.com  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 AG1 AG1 is offering new subscribers a FREE $76 gift when you sign up. You’ll get a Welcome Kit that includes 5 AG1 travel packs, a shaker and canister in your first box. DrinkAG1.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.

Emily Harrington, a trailblazing professional climber known for her incredible feats like free climbing El Capitan and summiting Everest, shares her journey in the film 'Girl Climber.' She discusses overcoming fears and the emotional challenges faced in her ambitious climbs. The conversation touches on the evolution from competition to community and the power of personal storytelling in climbing. Emily also explores the intersection of climbing and parenting, revealing how her new role has reshaped her approach to risk and resilience.