The Careless Talk Climbing Podcast

Aidan shares his journey tackling Mount Doom, exploring what motivates him and how his mindset evolves. Intriguing discussions about ancient Egypt and the Tutankhamun exhibition reveal their fascination with history. They delve into climbing training, debating wood versus resin holds, and the effects of skin issues on performance. Aidan reflects on the disparity between failure and success, emphasizing the lessons learned from setbacks. They also touch on intrinsic motivation versus external validation, and upcoming projects in Yosemite.

Ben Cossey, an Australian climber and coach known for his iconic first ascents, shares his experiences in the climbing world. He discusses access issues in Australian climbing, the emotional toll of losing iconic routes, and his legendary ascent of Lightweight Baby. Ben also recounts his attempts at Action Directe and his amusing finish on Groove Train, which became internet-famous. He provides insights into training philosophies and highlights unsung climbers pushing grades in Australia, making it a captivating conversation for climbing enthusiasts.

This week’s round table features Benn Wheeler, an experienced boulderer known for his insights on climbing culture and travel tales, alongside Katie Lamb, a high-level competitor with a knack for technical climbing perspectives. They dive into the complexities of flashing friend's projects, the ethics of training on 3D replicas, and whether climbing culture is fixated on iconic ascents like Burden of Dreams. They also engage in a humorous auction game to build the ultimate climber, adding power-ups and vices that spark lively debates on identity and success in the climbing world.

Eliot Stephens, a Welsh bouldering specialist and prolific first-ascensionist, dives into the world of climbing development and guidebook writing. He shares insights on transforming local bouldering scenes, the appeal of South Wales crags, and the nuances of his training ethos. Eliot discusses the balance of podcasting with climbing, comparing home boards to commercial gyms, and the emotional journey of tackling hard climbs. The conversation reveals the intimate connection between climbing tactics and personal motivation, offering a fresh perspective on the community's evolving landscape.

In this entertaining game segment, Aidan faces whimsical choices presented by Sam, channeling Morpheus. He picks between unique advantages like flawless skin or guaranteed progression, teleportation versus endless stamina, and the allure of injury immunity. Aidan ultimately opts for infinite sponsorship money, even with the mantra catch. The duo also explores the humorous side of climbing culture, personal reflections on embarrassment, and Aidan's upcoming adventure plans. It’s a fun mix of fantasy and climbing banter!

Mina is back on the podcast after quite some time! Since last time Mina has written a book all about nutrition for climbing! So we have a pretty long ramble about parenthood, whether you can maximise fun and achievement simultaneous and y'know general fear of death... All the fun stuff! I think we finally got to talking about the book after about an hour if you want to skip to that! https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/Eat-to-Climb-by-Mina-Leslie-Wujastyk/9781839812729If you're enjoying the podcast and would like to support us, please consider checking out our Patreon page! https://www.patreon.com/c/u70353823Support the show

Aidan shares insights from his adventurous year in the US, detailing the community he built in Yosemite. The duo dives into the ethics of traveling for climbing, weighing personal principles against family priorities. They tackle skin issues and training philosophies, discussing the balance between power and endurance. Aidan's ambitious European trip plans spark excitement, while a whimsical discussion on Nike's live-stream sponsorship raises questions about privacy and performance. Lastly, they reflect on what makes outdoor climbing uniquely special.

Stefano Ghisolfi, a world-class sport climber turned boulderer, shares insights on his journey from competitive lead climbing to bouldering adventures. He explains how skills from his sport climbing helped tackle challenging boulder problems like Burden of Dreams. The discussion delves into the ethics of hold fabrication and the importance of collaboration in pushing climbing limits. Stefano also reflects on balancing competition with the thrill of outdoor climbing and the evolving role of social media in a climber's career.

Adam Shahar, an elite board climbing specialist and international competitor, shares insights from his climbing journey. He recounts his intense struggles on the V16 boulder problem 'The Process' in Bishop, revealing the psychological and physical hurdles he faced. Adam also discusses his memorable climbing trip to Magic Wood with his family, including a humorous four-hour session in a riverbed. The conversation touches on the balance between competition and personal joy in climbing, exploring the community's evolving dynamics and the emotional challenges of climbing with loved ones.

Join Charles Albert, a groundbreaking barefoot climber from Fontainebleau, as he discusses his unique approach to climbing without shoes or gear. He shares insights on minimalist lifestyles driven by freedom and self-sufficiency. Explore the thrilling challenges of the Charlatan project and the revival of jumping in climbing culture. Charles delves into the physical and mental aspects of tackling climbs, blending climbing with parkour for a fresh perspective on competition. Enjoy tales of camaraderie and adventure in the climbing community.