Climbing Gold

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.

Katie Lamb, a groundbreaking boulderer from Berkeley, California, is the first woman to conquer V16 twice. She shares her thoughts on the surprise of sudden fame and the drama surrounding grade downgrades. The conversation digs deep into her ascent of 'the dark side' in Yosemite and the psychological hurdles climbers face. Emphasizing personal growth and the challenges of public scrutiny, Katie discusses the emotional weight of milestones and navigating her climbing career while remaining authentic to herself.

Jesse Dufton, a blind climber from the UK, and his wife Molly, his climbing partner and guide, share their extraordinary story. They discuss their unique partnership, tackling the challenges of climbing without sight while emphasizing support and communication. The excitement of their first ascent in Morocco is highlighted, illustrating the psychological aspects of risk-taking and gear placement. They also delve into the peculiarities of climbing in diverse environments, showcasing their resilience and adventurous spirit as they adapt to the obstacles they face.

Sonnie Trotter, a celebrated Canadian rock climber and author of 'Uplifted: The Evolution of a Climbing Life,' shares insights from his illustrious career. He delves into the thrill of traditional climbing and the joy of exploration, blending humor from parenthood with wisdom from the climbing community. Trotter reflects on the evolution of climbing culture, the mental and physical challenges faced, and the inspiring influence of iconic climbers. He also candidly discusses the financial realities of a climbing lifestyle, emphasizing the importance of connection to nature.