The Careless Talk Climbing Podcast

Sam Prior & Aidan Roberts
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Aug 20, 2025 • 1h 35min

E162: Darth Grading, climbing ethics and Aidan getting bullied by trad climbers

Get ready for a lively exploration of climbing's quirks! The hosts tackle the heated debate over gear ethics and question when climbing tools cross the line into cheating. Aidan's antics with trad climbers lead to some hilarious tales. The complexity of grading systems takes center stage, revealing their subjective nature and the challenges involved. Plus, discover the rivalry between bouldering and traditional climbing, and insights on preventing injury through proper training techniques. A mix of humor and deep discussions make this a must-listen!
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Aug 13, 2025 • 2h 28min

E161: Ethan Salvo - Having an incredible trip without sending anything followed by one of the best ever weeks in Canadian climbing

Ethan Salvo, a Canadian climber known for conquering Dreamcatcher and Event Horizon, shares his unique perspectives on climbing. He reflects on a recent trip to Bishop, where he found greater value in the experience over hard sends. The conversation dives into emotional challenges faced in climbing, the humor of cultural quirks, and the tension between personal storytelling and social media pressures. With a focus on authenticity and community, Ethan emphasizes the importance of meaningful connections in the climbing world.
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Aug 6, 2025 • 2h 37min

E160: Adam Ondra - Legacy, the future, parenthood and rare failures amongst a litany of successes

Adam Ondra, one of the world's top rock climbers, shares insights from his incredible career and passion for the sport. He discusses the psychological complexities of climbing, balancing personal ambitions with family life, and the evolving dynamics of competitions, especially in light of the Olympics. Ondra reflects on the art of barefoot climbing and explores the ethics behind route development. He also touches on his hopes for introducing his son to climbing, emphasizing the importance of community and joy in both sport and parenting.
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Jul 30, 2025 • 2h 10min

E159: Another round table with Katie Lamb, general chats and the fantasy climbing auction

Professional climber Katie Lamb returns for a lively discussion on the dynamics of climbing motivation and legacy athletes. She shares insights on the challenges faced by pro climbers and the emotional aspects of their journey. The conversation dives into climbing ethics, like route modifications, and the financial landscape impacting athletes today. To wrap it up, Katie participates in a humorous fantasy climbing auction, where ideas and laughter blend, showcasing the vibrant spirit of the climbing community.
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Jul 23, 2025 • 2h 4min

E158: Nicolai Uznik - Comps, Maltatal and a long journey to the top of Mount Doom

Nicolai Uznik, an accomplished Austrian climber, discusses the balancing act between competitive and outdoor climbing. He shares insights into the evolution of competition settings and the unique challenges of outdoor climbing. The conversation highlights his ascent of Mount Doom, affectionately dubbed for its intimidating nature. Nicolai also delves into the emotional challenges climbers face and the importance of maintaining safety in competitions. With humor interspersed, he showcases the lively camaraderie found within the climbing community.
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7 snips
Jul 16, 2025 • 1h 36min

E157: Let's devise a 4th Olympic climbing discipline

The hosts brainstorm a new Olympic climbing discipline while sharing laughs about quirky modern sports like cheese rolling and e-bike jousting. They discuss the balance between competition and connection in sports, emphasizing youth engagement. The charm of climbing quirks is highlighted alongside light chitchat about heatwaves and training setups. With a nod to cinematic journeys, they reflect on the evolution of climbing media, exploring personal narratives that shape the sport's stories. It's a fun ride through laughter, creative ideas, and community spirit.
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Jul 9, 2025 • 2h 36min

E156: Brooke Raboutou - Growing up in a climbing family and climbing the highest grades whilst maintaining balance

Brooke Raboutou, an Olympic silver medalist and rising star in climbing, shares her journey growing up in a climbing family. She discusses the balance between competition and personal passion, reflecting on the pressures and joys of the sport. Brooke dives into her experiences navigating social media, sponsorships, and the challenges of maintaining authenticity in a competitive environment. The conversation explores the evolution of climbing competitions and emphasizes the importance of community and self-acceptance in achieving one's climbing ambitions.
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4 snips
Jul 2, 2025 • 2h 9min

E155: Natasha Barnes - Should we all be strength training?

Natasha Barnes, a former professional climber and national bouldering champion, passionately discusses the transformative power of strength training. She shares her journey from injury to recovery through powerlifting, emphasizing the importance of tailored strength programs for climbers. The conversation dives into how strength training empowers women and influences body image, along with the benefits of training for various demographics. Natasha also offers insights on navigating the overwhelming information on rehabilitation, encouraging intentional climbing and structured training for optimal performance.
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Jun 25, 2025 • 1h 59min

E154: Austin Hoyt - The King of the North-East, Comp moves on rock and Lucid Dreaming

Austin Hoyt, a former competition climber and rock-wonder from the Northeast, dives into the thriving climbing culture of his region. He shares insights on local legends and burgeoning talent, revealing unique techniques like the coordination double clutch. The conversation takes a twist as they discuss Finland’s lesser-known bouldering opportunities. Austin reflects on the balance between competition and outdoor climbing, emphasizing community dynamics and emotional bonds among climbers. Get ready for an inspiring and fun journey through the rocks of the Northeast!
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Jun 18, 2025 • 1h 44min

E153: Using danger for clicks, Aidan's hardest climb of the season and Sam forgets his shoes

The hosts dive into the interplay between climbing risks and social media's impact on climbers' choices. They share insights on training routines and the psychological aspects of professional climbing. Delving into a daring challenge near Las Vegas, they discuss the thrill of adventure versus safety. The conversation turns to the motivations behind risky feats and the importance of community support. A hilarious tale emerges when one climber attempts a traverse in two left shoes, highlighting the quirky dynamics of the climbing world.

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