The Careless Talk Climbing Podcast

Dive into the thrilling world of climbing as the hosts humorously rank the toughest boulders globally and discuss the elusive 9A tier list. They share personal stories about the challenges of breaking in climbing shoes, dissect brand loyalty, and ponder the financial implications of footwear choices. With engaging debates about grading complexities and the beauty of climbing, listeners will appreciate the blend of humor and insight in a community passionate about their sport.

Joining us this week is the mind-blowing Jesse Dufton. Jesse is a blind climber who leads hard trad routes, sets all his own gear and has a passion for onsighting (or nosighting as he calls it). He has recently featured in two films for the Brit Rock Film Tour called Climbing Blind, and they both make for truly incredible viewing. It was a pleasure to sit down and have a chat with him to better understand his motivations and courage. If you're enjoying the podcast and would like to support us please do consider checking out our Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/c/user?u=70353823Support the show

Jim Pope, an elite climber known for his diverse skills in competition and big wall climbs, shares tales from his thrilling adventures. He discusses the intricate balance between competition and exploration, revealing the psychological elements of climbing under pressure. Jim also dives into the joys of mushroom foraging and the art of sewing, reflecting on the beauty of nature and personal growth. He playfully imagines his top picks for desert island boulders, blending humor with insights into the climbing community.

Nathan is back this week to talk about finishing up his long term project in Brione. Nathan recently climbed Deep Fake, the sit start to the famous Fake Pamplemousse, and proposed a career high grade of 8C+. We chatted about that as well as his approach to route setting and training, his penchant for a mad beta idea and we all had a good laugh at Sam's questionable climbing technique. A good fun chat! :)If you're enjoying the podcast and would like to support us: https://www.patreon.com/c/user?u=70353823Support the show

The hosts dive into Aidan's adventures in Yosemite, shedding light on its underrated bouldering scene. They discuss the current climbing conditions, juxtaposing pleasant weather with winter's impending challenges. A lively debate erupts over the tricky grading of the Climpet route, revealing the subjective nature of climbing evaluations. With personal anecdotes, they explore the moral dilemmas and community dynamics in climbing. Plus, there's laughter over whimsical project planning and insights into injury management and skin care routines!

In this chat, Katie Lamb, one of the world’s top boulderers and a statistical analyst, shares her journey balancing climbing and career. She dives into the drama of her ascent at Box Therapy and the essence of bouldering versus other climbing styles. Katie also discusses the nuances of climbing ethics, like 'dabbing,' and the impact of social media on climbers' self-esteem. With humor, she reflects on the community's evolving dynamics, particularly regarding women's achievements and the subjective nature of grading climbs.

Matt Bird, an athlete manager representing elite climbers like Shauna Coxsey and Will Bosi, offers a compelling glimpse into the business side of professional climbing. He discusses the necessity of managers for climbers, dives into the complexities of athlete contracts, and the dynamics with sponsors. The talk highlights the importance of authenticity in brand partnerships and the evolving relationship between athletes and social media. Additionally, Matt touches on the disparities in athlete valuation and the exciting potential of climbing as a spectator sport.

Toby Roberts, Olympic gold medalist in climbing, shares his journey from intense training to the pressures of competition. He discusses the mental hurdles faced during Olympic preparations and the vital role of his father's coaching. Listeners get a glimpse into his unique insights on balancing ambition with recovery, the evolving dynamics of climbing techniques, and the shift from competitive sport to vlogging. With tales of camaraderie in the Olympic Village and reflections on personal growth, Toby reveals the highs and lows of his remarkable journey.

This week features Paul Robinson, a bouldering legend with over a thousand eighth-grade ascents and a knack for self-documentation through films and YouTube. He dives into his ambitious quest to conquer ten challenging boulders, sharing the ups and downs along the way. Paul also reflects on the impact of online culture in climbing, the pressure of performance during filming, and the evolution of climbing media. The conversation closes with tales of mentorship and the strong camaraderie that defines the climbing community.

It was a long overdue pleasure to be joined by Hamish this week! If you follow him on Instagram then you'll know that he's a deep thinker with an eloquent and unique way of phrasing things. We really appreciate the way he thinks about climbing and it was a pleasure to chat to him. If you're enjoying the podcast and would like to support us: https://www.patreon.com/c/user?u=70353823Support the show