Best Climbing Podcasts (2024)

1
The Underdog 54:46

6h ago54:46

54:46

In the last few years, Alexandera Houchin has become a force in the world of ultra endurance mountain bike racing. As a Native kid growing up in northern Minnesota, she never could have predicted the ways that racing her single speed would prove healing to both her mind and her body. In 2023, she set out to complete the Triple Crown Challenge– raci…

1
Enormocast 288: Don McGrath – The Vertical Mind Returns 1:05:58

2d ago1:05:58

1:05:58

On Episode 288 of the Enormocast, I reunite with Don McGrath, the author of the book Vertical Mind. Don appeared nearly a decade ago on the podcast, and his book on the mindset of climbing has never left the conversion. Don has spent the last 10 years learning even more about overcoming the hurdles our … Continue reading "Enormocast 288: Don McGrat…

1
The Shorts— Going The Distance 30:46

14d ago30:46

30:46

When their lives felt out of their control, both Cindy Hong and Dierdre Wolownick turned to running for solace. Each of their stories is a reminder of the value of putting one foot in front of the other, no matter the speed or destination. Want more episodes? Join Dirtbag Diaries+ today Support comes from Kuat Racks AeroPress Use code DIARIES to sa…

1
Enormocast 287: Mo Beck – A Certain Version of Fine 1:29:41

21d ago1:29:41

1:29:41

On Episode 287 of the Enormocast, I connect with Paraclimbing champion, Mo Beck. Mo was born with one hand, and her parents were determined to make sure she was ready for challenges of life like any other kid. When Mo ran into a camp counselor that told her that she didn’t HAVE TO climb if … Continue reading "Enormocast 287: Mo Beck – A Certain Ver…

1
Heed The Call 56:22

28d ago56:22

56:22

Two people step outside their comfort zones to take action on the things that matter to them in the hopes of making their communities, and the world, a better place. For Caroline Gleich, that means running for a Senate seat in Utah. For Alex Haraus, that means advocating and mobilizing support for environmental protections using social media. Suppo…

1
Enormocast 286: Didier Berthod – Facing the World (Part 1) 1:27:48

1M ago1:27:48

1:27:48

On Episode 287 of the Enormocast, I connect through to America’s hat with Swiss crack-master, Didier Berthod. You might have heard about Didier from his recent send of Cobra Crack. The media mentions Didier disappearing from climbing for 10 years, returning to slay the Cobra, yada, yada, but that Didier’s completion of the Cobra has … Continue read…

1
Enormocast Tweener: Didier Berthod – Facing the World (Part 2) 55:38

1M ago55:38

55:38

In the early 2000s, Didier Berthod was the best crack climber in the world, then he dropped out of climbing and essentially disappeared from the world. When we left Didier Berthod in Facing the World Part 1, he had emerged from monastic life, contacted the daughter he had never seen, and returned to climbing. In … Continue reading "Enormocast Tween…

1
Outside/In: 'Til The Landslide Brings It Down 33:04

1M ago33:04

33:04

We're sharing an episode from our friends at Outside/In. Their team of reporters combine solid reporting and long-form narrative storytelling that sits at the crossroads of the outdoors, science and the environment and how those themes interact with the rest of our world. Til the landslide brings it down explores what happens when a growing threat …

1
Beth Rodden: A Light Through The Cracks 37:54

2M ago37:54

37:54

Beth Rodden first started climbing in 1995, and it wasn’t long before she radically changed the sport. Within three years, she’d become the first woman to climb 5.14; within five, she’d established a still unrepeated free route on Yosemite’s El Capitan. Today, Beth is making waves in a different way: by leading the climbing community in difficult, …

1
States of Adventure book Pre-order 10:43

2M ago10:43

10:43

We made a book! For the last year, Fitz and Becca have been working on adapting 30 episodes into essays and pairing them with incredible imagery. And we are really excited to be able to (nearly) share it with you. You can pre-order States of Adventure: 30 Outdoor Adventure Stories About Finding Yourself By Getting Lost now through July 22nd. The bo…

1
Enormocast 285: Nico Favresse – Mad to Live 1:38:27

2M ago1:38:27

1:38:27

On Episode 285 of the Enormocast, after long last, I connect with Belgian rock-climber and alpinist, Nico Favresse. Nico is certainly a contender for the most experienced expedition rock-climber of all time. Perhaps only rivalled by his ubiquitous partner, Sean Villanueva-O’Driscoll? Nevertheless, Nico is an all-arounder who has tackled the biggest…

1
Live From 5Point Vol. 10 54:36

2M ago54:36

54:36

Thirteen years ago Fitz got talked into doing our first live Dirtbag Diaries at 5Point Film Festival. So, we were thrilled to to return again for the 2024 festival and talk with Dr. John Francis, Taylor Rees and Renan Ozturk. In 1971, John gave up motorized transportation after seeing the effects of an oil spill on wildlife. Months later he took a …

1
The Shorts— Everybody Loves Lyle 17:34

3M ago17:34

17:34

“With no roads to this wave, we had hiked in a dozen or so miles along the beach from the nearest town as a huge swell raged next to us,” writes Tyler Homen. A weekend of surfing with buddies turns epic when everyone’s favorite pup, Lyle, goes missing. In partnership with 1% For The Planet Want more episodes? Join Dirtbag Diaries+ today…

1
Querencia (Español) 44:43

3M ago44:43

44:43

Creciendo en Michigan, Vanessa Chavarriaga Posada no creía que el esquí era cosa de ella, y no fue hasta que se mudo a Wyoming que descubrió la alegría que le podía traer. El año pasado, decidió esquiar el pico más alto de México, el Pico de Orizaba, con una meta significativa: incluir a sus papás, que nunca habían entendido completamente las activ…

1
Homecoming (English) 41:36

3M ago41:36

41:36

Growing up undocumented in Michigan, Vanessa Chavarriaga Posada didn't think skiing was for her, and it wasn't until she moved to Wyoming that she found how much joy it brought her. Last year, she set her sights on skiing Mexico's tallest peak, Pico de Orizaba, with a meaningful twist: her parents, who have never quite understood why skiing was so …

1
Enormocast 284: Emma Twyford – Getting on With It 1:25:41

3M ago1:25:41

1:25:41

On Episode 284 of the Enormocast, we connect across the pond to North Wales in the U.K. and into the living room of Emma Twyford. Emma is a pioneering woman in that rarified air of hard, desperate trad that only the old country can serve up. She is the first British woman to climb 9a … Continue reading "Enormocast 284: Emma Twyford – Getting on Wit…

1
Enormocast 283: Clint Helander – To Live in Hearts We Leave Behind 1:16:17

3M ago1:16:17

1:16:17

On Episode 283 of the Enormocast, I sit down in a hotel in Munising, Michigan at the Michigan Icefest with Alaska-based alpinist, Clint Helander. What with the Chris Kalous Dance Party and the last call nightcap(s) at a bar literally called Whisky Dick’s, it had been a long night and an early morning for both … Continue reading "Enormocast 283: Cli…

1
The Only Way Out Is Through 45:28

4M ago45:28

45:28

Natalie Brechtel joined the U.S. Antarctic Program at the South Pole for a supposed dream gig, but instead it was the start of a year marked by harassment, a toxic work environment and loss. Despite losing the ability to trust both her colleagues and herself, she kept going back, redefining what it means to feel safe. A decade later, she faced one …

1
Enormocast 282: Natalia Grossman – The Tyranny of Expectations 54:32

4M ago54:32

54:32

On Episode 282 of the Enormocast, I sit down with US Olympic qualifier, Natalia Grossman. That’s right, Natalia is headed to Paris to represent the US in Lead and Boulder combined (speed is separate this time around). But this moment was caught during a bit of down time for Natalia as she ramps up for … Continue reading "Enormocast 282: Natalia Gro…

1
Enormocast Tweener: Harvey Wright Returns with Patio Pacifica 56:48

4M ago56:48

56:48

On this in-between episode of the Enormocast, Harvey Wright from Episode 222 returns to discuss his ongoing treatment and recovery for addiction. But more importantly, Harvey is here to talk about his new album, Patio Pacifica, written almost entirely while in a Vancouver treatment facility. Also, we talk about the rough and dirty years since … Con…

1
The Shorts-- Chasing A Vision 35:44

4M ago35:44

35:44

At different points in their lives, both Brice Ruiz and Ashley Lose found themselves at a crossroads. Brice wanted to run his first ultramarathon, but wouldn’t call himself a “runner.” Ashley and her partner had just hit the road when she found out she was pregnant, pushing them to reconsider their definition of home. In each of their essays, Brice…

1
Enormocast 281: Jon Hawk and Tye Liggins of Memphis Rox – Peace Above All 1:20:03

4M ago1:20:03

1:20:03

On Episode 281 of the Enormocast, Jon Hawk and Tye Liggins from Memphis Rox join to discuss the mission of the famous pay-what-you-can gym, Memphis Rox, in the inner-city of Memphis, TN. Jon is director of operations, and Tye went from walk-in to head coach and course-setter. Memphis Rox, founded by Tom Shadyac in 2018, … Continue reading "Enormoca…

1
Race Day 36:37

5M ago36:37

36:37

Chances are at some point you’ve signed up for an organized race or event. Maybe you’ve participated in a local turkey trot or maybe you’ve run Western States. You register, pay the entry fee, train, show up and try hard. Race day can almost feel like magic. This is a story about the people behind the scenes making all that magic happen. Support co…

1
Enormocast 280: Taps 2024 – The Really Bollocks Edition 2:23:32

5M ago2:23:32

2:23:32

On Episode 280 of the Enormocast we present the 2024 Taps edition of the Enormocast. This is the annual episode where we lay to rest traditions, foibles, and notions in climbing that are either sadly going to sleep never to reawaken, or should be put to bed for good. The Enormocast is joined by our … Continue reading "Enormocast 280: Taps 2024 – Th…

1
The Winter Rangers 43:00

5M ago43:00

43:00

During their twelve winters as winter rangers in Yosemite National Park, Rob and Laura Pilewski have learned a thing or two about what it means to love a place– and a person. Support comes from HMNV.com/DirtbagDiaries Get 30% off your first subscription Kuat Racks Want more episodes? Join Dirtbag Diaries+ today…

1
Enormocast 279: David Smart and Royal Robbins – Some Work of Noble Note 1:34:51

5M ago1:34:51

1:34:51

On episode 279 of the Enormocast, we have an allt-ime double-header. First, David Smart joins from Toronto to talk about his life as a climber and his new book from The Mountaineers, Royal Robbins: The American Climber. Royal Robbins was one of the most influential climbers of all time, and David’s book is the most … Continue reading "Enormocast 27…

1
The Shorts-- The Wilderness Within 34:08

6M ago34:08

34:08

Both Julia Hoer and Josie McKee suffered traumatic experiences that forced them to reckon with their identities and priorities. But through time in the mountains, each learned that they had within them everything they needed. Support comes from HMNV.com/DirtbagDiaries Get 30% off your first subscription Want more episodes? Join Dirtbag Diaries+ tod…

1
Enormocast 278: Thomas Bukowski – A Funny Little Life 1:20:37

6M ago1:20:37

1:20:37

On Episode 278 of the Enormocast, I connect with Thomas Bukowski from my home to his van sitting in Yosemite. Thomas had just completed three El Cap routes in three days, and was recovering. His next adventures in Patagonia were just on the horizon. Thomas is an American citizen, but is also half Chinese and … Continue reading "Enormocast 278: Thom…

1
The FIFTY 50:55

6M ago50:55

50:55

This year to celebrate the new year, Fitz sat down with professional skier Cody Townsend about his goal of skiing all of the Fifty Classic Ski Descents in North America. We might just have to call this episode the Many Years of a Big Audacious Idea. Support comes from HMNV.com/DirtbagDiaries Get 30% off your first subscription Kuat Racks AG1 Alpeng…

1
Enormocast Rebroadcast: Episode 93: Armando Menocal – The Peaceful Climbing Warrior 1:22:21

6M ago1:22:21

1:22:21

As we stare down into the howling void of Government regulation of our dear sport, let us give thanks and a listen to Armando Menocal from 2015. Armando has made it his life’s work to keep the simpering bureaucrats in Washington and elsewhere at bay. But lately, they have reared their heads in an attempt … Continue reading "Enormocast Rebroadcast: …

1
Enormocast 277: Kurt Smith – The Iconoclast 2:13:48

7M ago2:13:48

2:13:48

On Episode 277 of the Enormocast, we connect with the inimitable Kurt Smith. Kurt grew up in the 70s in Tahoe and through friendships with local climbers like Rick Lovelace and encounters with Yosemite Climber, Kurt found himself in Joshua Tree amongst the Stonemasters in the early 80s. Soon, Kurt and his crew were making … Continue reading "Enormo…

1
Grand Traverse 40:36

7M ago40:36

40:36

The Grand Traverse is a ski race like no other: skiers begin at midnight and navigate 40 miles through the dark and they often face blizzards, frostbite, and gear failures. The race follows old postal routes through Colorado’s high mountains connecting the iconic ski towns of Crested Butte and Aspen– racers trudge over mountain passes topping out a…

1
Enormocast Tweener: A Candid Ascent of Trango Tower with Jordan Cannon, Jesse Huey, and Matt Segal [Part 2] 57:12

7M ago57:12

57:12

When we left the boys in the last Episode, they had just summited the Trango Tower via the 2nd ascent of Cowboy Direct. In this installment, the summit emotions and revelations come fast and furious as well as the realization that hits every alpinist on the summit: “Oh, shit, we still gotta get off this … Continue reading "Enormocast Tweener: A Can…

1
The Shorts--The Myth of Stars 12:51

7M ago12:51

12:51

As a kid, Lauren DeLaunay Miller desperately wanted to see a shooting star. Years later, in the vastness of the Utah desert, she finally got her wish. Support comes from Patagonia Athletic Greens Kuat Racks RumplBy Duct Tape Then Beer

1
Enormocast 276: A Candid Ascent of Trango Tower with Jordan Cannon, Jesse Huey, and Matt Segal [Part 1] 1:46:33

7M ago1:46:33

1:46:33

On Episode 276 of the Enormocast, three guys dreamed big and got it done. Climbers Jordan Cannon and Jesse Huey hitched their wagons to Matt Segal‘s long standing dream of free climbing the second ascent of Todd Skinner et al’s master piece, Cowboy Direct, on Trango Tower in Pakistan (AKA Nameless Tower). What ensued was … Continue reading "Enormoc…

1
Right Place, Right Time Rivalry 53:50

8M ago53:50

53:50

A crisp sunny morning with tacky stone. The spring flush of desert sun and good dirt. Long summer days that tangle with night. What’s best? Armed with facts, waxing poetic prose, and a touch of emotional heat, our staff goes toe to toe to determine which region has the best season. It’s tournament time! Today’s episode is from our Dirtbag Diaries+ …

1
Enormocast 275: Anna Liina Laitinen – Born to Kiivetä 1:22:40

8M ago1:22:40

1:22:40

On Episode 275 of the Enormocast, I sit down face to face with Finnish climber Anna Laitenin. After a youth in gymnastics, Anna found climbing and then almost accidentally found herself one of the best climbers in Finland. A life of competitions and pursuing hard climbs at home and beyond followed, as did becoming a … Continue reading "Enormocast 2…

1
DBD+ Preview: A Fine Line with Graham Zimmerman 7:48

8M ago7:48

7:48

Alpinist and labradoodle devotee Graham Zimmerman has poured his heart into climate change activism after witnessing its effects in the world's great ranges. His new book, "A Fine Line" reflects on his incredible climbing career. In the sometimes overly macho, deeply risky pursuit of alpine climbing, his book offers a welcomed counterpoint to the n…

1
Paso a Paso (English) 34:22

8M ago34:22

34:22

When Arlene Gonzalez started running eleven years ago, she quickly discovered its ability to mend a broken heart, inspire confidence, and bring people together. Today, she finds her passion in uniting a binational community across the U.S.-Mexico border around a shared love of movement. Support comes from Patagonia AG1 Kuat Racks Rumpl Want more ep…

1
Paso a Paso (Español) 36:24

8M ago36:24

36:24

Cuando Arlene Gonzalez empezó a correr hace once años, descubrió cómo el deporte puede reparar un corazón roto, inspirar confianza, y crear comunidad. Hoy, Arlene encuentra pasión en unir la comunidad binacional entre EE.UU. y México a través de un amor compartido por correr. Support comes from Patagonia AG1 Kuat Racks Rumpl Want more episodes? Joi…

1
Enormocast 274: Roger Schaeli – In The Shadow of the Eiger 1:27:42

8M ago1:27:42

1:27:42

On Episode 274 of the Enormocast, I connect over the Atlantic with Swiss alpinist, guide, and Eiger North Face aficionado, Roger Schaeli. Roger was born directly in the Swiss alps and learned to climb at an early age with his father. Surrounded by deep Swiss climbing culture, an early accident did not deter Roger, rather … Continue reading "Enormoc…

1
Tales of Terror Vol. 14 35:05

9M ago35:05

35:05

In our annual Tales of Terror episode, we’ve got dark caves, unsettling landscapes, and unexplainable figures in the night. Mua ha ha. Support comes from Patagonia AG1 Kuat Racks AeroPress Want more episodes? Join Dirtbag Diaries+ todayBy Duct Tape Then Beer

1
Enormocast 273: Brette Harrington – Keeper of the Flame 1:36:31

9M ago1:36:31

1:36:31

On Episode 273 of the Enormocast, I reconnect with Brette Harrington who appeared on the Enormocast in 2016. Just after that first appearance, Brette and Mayan Smith-Gobat left for an audacious attempt on free climbing Riders on the Storm on Torre Central on the Torres de Paine massif. Even though they failed in their ultimate … Continue reading "E…

1
The Shorts--Seeking Caribou 30:29

9M ago30:29

30:29

Fifteen years ago, Tim Irvin went on a solo trip to the Arctic with the hope of seeing the annual caribou migration. Despite mobs of blackflies and an unpleasant encounter with poop, Tim soon found his stride and connected with the natural world in a new way. Support comes from Patagonia Athletic Greens Kuat Racks AeroPress…

1
Enormocast 272: Connor Herson – Deeds of Youth 1:18:16

9M ago1:18:16

1:18:16

On Episode 272 of the Enormocast, I connect with young trad-phenom, Connor Herson. Connor first burst into climbing’s collective consciousness with the 6th free ascent of the Nose at the tender age of 15. Connor had already climbed 14 5.14s by the age of 14 (say that ten times fast), and he went on to … Continue reading "Enormocast 272: Connor Hers…

1
Diaries+ Preview: Right Place, Right Time Rivalry 7:47

9M ago7:47

7:47

A crisp sunny morning with tacky stone. The spring flush of desert sun and good dirt. Long summer days that tangle with night. What's best? Armed with facts, waxing poetic prose, and a touch of emotional heat, our staff goes toe to toe to determine which region has the best season. It's tournament time! Got a favorite season in a region to share? C…

1
Enormocast 271: Charlie Schreiber – The Kids are Alright 1:21:23

10M ago1:21:23

1:21:23

On Episode 271, I am joined by climbing coach and former (maybe) competitor, Charlie Schreiber. Charlie coaches climbers of all ages, but the meat of this conversation is about youth climbing teams. Charlie has been a youth climbing coach since he was a youth himself. We discuss my own skepticism about the promise of youth … Continue reading "Enorm…

1
Endangered Spaces--Castner Range 34:11

10M ago34:11

34:11

Gabaccia Moreno is our guide to one of our newest National Monuments– The Castner Range in El Paso, Texas. She talks with some of the people who worked over decades to make the designation a reality, gives us a window into the biological and cultural significance of the area, and describes a coalition that can be a model for 21st century conservati…

1
Diaries+ Preview: Yes To Never 5:19

10M ago5:19

5:19

A Campfire Chat about the silly things we've done and that we would never do again. (Well, almost never.) Got a story you want to share? Call the Dirtbag Hotline at 206- 705-3006 Want to hear more? Join Dirtbag Diaries+ todayBy Duct Tape Then Beer

1
Enormocast 270: Briana Mazzolini-Blanchard – Doing What Needs to Be Done 1:33:48

10M ago1:33:48

1:33:48

On Episode 270 of the Enormocast, we are joined by Indigenous activist and climber, Briana Mazzolini-Blanchard. Though her path to accepting her heritage as a member of the CHamoru/Tugong Clan with origins in Guam was not without struggles, Briana has spent the last 6 years advocating for Indigenous peoples in Ohio and Eastern Kentucky. As … Contin…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Climbing Podcasts

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