The Careless Talk Climbing Podcast

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

The hosts take a light-hearted look back at the year's climbing moments, celebrating personal achievements and milestones while emphasizing community bonds. They discuss the growing presence of women in climbing and the importance of recognizing their diverse capabilities. Emotional journeys, the unpredictability of competitions, and the joy of exploration are highlighted, alongside reflections on the evolving nature of climbing culture. Listeners are encouraged to embrace their own climbing adventures and aspirations.

Join the fun as Billy Rydell, an adventurous spirit known for his engaging storytelling, participates in a lively Christmas quiz packed with climbing-themed trivia. The group shares entertaining anecdotes, including a spine-tingling spooky story that adds a festive twist. They navigate the challenges of winter climbing, reflecting on their hilarious DIY camper van debacle in Spain. Enjoy the friendly competition and playful banter as they tackle quirky climbing trivia, ignite nostalgia, and celebrate their love for the climbing community.

Stian Christophersen, a Norwegian climber and physiotherapist, dives into the world of climbing injuries and rehabilitation. He shares valuable insights on navigating recovery and the importance of individualized treatment plans. The conversation covers the complexities of pulley injuries and the risks of re-ruptures, all while dispelling common misconceptions. Stian also highlights the psychological aspects of recovery and the significance of cultivating resilience. Plus, his excitement for climbing in Yosemite adds an adventurous twist!

Hello there, we yoyoed to the other end of the spectrum this week as we got all lathered up in reductive energy and tried to rank the standard bits of equipment by how useful we think they are for rock climbing. If you want to see the visuals then the video (replete with shoddy tier list) is on the Patreon!If you're enjoying this shoddy affair then do check out our Patreon page! https://www.patreon.com/c/user?u=70353823Support the show

Ethan Salvo, a Canadian climber from Squamish, dives deep into his introspective approach to climbing. He emphasizes the joy of the journey rather than just achieving hard sends. Salvo shares insights from his Substack articles, contrasting the unique beauty of climbing in Bishop, California, with the challenges posed by Squamish’s weather. He advocates for mindfulness and enjoying the present, exploring personal growth through climbing experiences. The conversation also touches on redefining climbing culture away from social media for genuine community connections.