The Careless Talk Climbing Podcast

Ben Moon, one of Britain's greatest climbers, discusses his career, training, and the birth of sport climbing. They also explore climbing media in the 1980s, controversy over using knee bars on historical routes, and the challenges of climbing at your limit. The conversation touches on the evolution of climbing holds, UK's infrastructure, and 3D scanning and printing. They conclude with updates on the Moonboard app and tips for training and climbing goals.

Psychologist Mimi White joins Sam and Aidan to discuss her recently published survey on the role of climbing in our lives. They explore the meaning of climbing, its impact on mental health, and the fine line between passion and obsession. They also delve into the connection between climbing and sports psychology, the limitations of focusing on climbing, and the role of climbing in personal growth. The hosts reflect on the emotional dependency they have on climbing, their day-to-day goals and energy balance, and the interdependence of brain and physicalities in climbing.

Yannick Flohé, one of the strongest climbers on the planet, discusses rocks, comps, training, and mindset in climbing competitions. They also explore weighted training, climbing style, speed training, financial assistance, the impact of mindset in climbing, favorite and worst types of boulder problems, challenges of full-time climbing, designing climbing walls, and wearing glasses while climbing.

Toby Segar, a big star in the Parkour world, talks about his recent foray into climbing and the similarities between the two sports. They discuss content creation, setting climbing routes and parkour obstacles, the impact of the Olympics on parkour, reflections on past injuries and fear as a muscle, the perception of danger in climbing and parkour, early experiences with filming and editing, the evolution of content and balancing work and personal relationships, navigating the challenges and benefits of teamwork, YouTube's algorithm and demonetization policies, the similarities and differences between climbing and parkour, rock climbing goals and inspiration, and the availability and appeal of climbing gyms and parkour in London.

Matthew Phillips joins us this week! He's only young but he's already had a sparkling career in the sport. A world champion, but also an incredibly humble and laid back guy who's now getting more involved with the routesetting and coaching side of the sport. His pragmatism and fearlessness in the face of challenges is infectious and we really enjoyed having an opportunity to chat to him! If you're enjoying the podcast and would like to support us: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=70353823Support the show

Alex joins us this week! One of the UKs most experienced and best known setters as well as one of the brains behind Hardwood Holds, Alex has been on the UK scene for a really long time and he's an absolute font of knowledge when it comes to all things routesetting and holds (as well as I'm sure a many great other things but we weren't talking about them). Give it a listen if you like delving into the nerdy side of indoor climbing, I always enjoy hearing what he's got to say. He's also provided some beautifully made wooden holds to giveaway to our discord tier patrons, so that's another reason to join up! https://www.patreon.com/user?u=70353823Support the show

Climber Aidan reflects on finding the fun in projecting, while Sam shares the story of his first 8C boulder. They discuss the challenges and intricacies of difficult climbs, the balance between fun and performance, and the impact of splits on climbing. They also explore the psychological aspect of climbing, the difficulties in grading climbs at the eight C level, and their upcoming trip to Fontainebleau for some climbing fun.

A lighthearted discussion about the holiday season and the challenges of January and February. The hosts reminisce about advent calendars and recommend their 12 climbing-themed Christmas favorites. They discuss the iconic climbing film 'Between the Trees' and its influence. They share recommendations for Christmas-themed crag snacks and their favorite climbing books. Learn about the benefits of rechargeable hand warmers for winter climbing. They discuss sci-fi books and a history book on Kings and Queens of England. They provide tips for outdoor climbing trips and emphasize knowing when to stop. Learn about the best indoor climbing shoe and practicing psychological focus in climbing training. They share their favorite podcasts and guilty pleasure of ghost stories. They discuss the benefits of rest days during climbing trips.

Shauna Coxsey, a two-time bouldering champion, joins the podcast to discuss topics such as her competition days, injuries, working with the IFSC, climbing post motherhood, family support, making climbing relatable, commentating in climbing competitions, reflecting on her climbing journey, the impact of the Olympics on athletes' relationships, controversy in the IFSC, physiotherapy and recovery, challenges and changes as parents climbing outside, and the challenges of managing their own diary.

James Pearson, an experienced climber, discusses the community kickback he faced for pushing trad climbing and how he learned from the experience. Topics include the challenges of inflated grading, the importance of enjoying climbing, the appeal and risks of bold trad climbing routes, and the investment and rewards of climbing Bon Voyage.