The Enormocast: the climbing podcast
The Enormocast is a long-running climbing podcast hosted by Chris Kalous, who brings decades of climbing experience and a conversational style to every episode. The show features interviews with climbers, tributes, discussions, and plenty of humor, covering all aspects of the sport from rock climbing and big wall climbing to alpinism, ice climbing, bouldering, and competition climbing. It aims to capture the essence of climbing culture, described by Alex Honnold as essential listening for any climber.
Episodes
Enormocast 328: Matt Cornell – The Right Reasons
On Episode 328 of the Enormocast, we sit down with alpinist and Michigander, Matt Cornell. That’s right, one of the world’s best alpinists grew up in the mountain-less upper Midwest dreaming of vertical playgrounds beyond his home State’s borders. Despite the pressures of modern suburban expectations, Matt moved into his hatchback and become a climbing … Continue reading "Enormocast 328: Matt Corn
Enormocast 327: Karly Rager – Days of Glory
On Episode 327 of the Enormocast, I sit down with climber, coach, and entrepreneur, Karly Rager. Karly got a soft start to climbing in her home State of South Dakota when she went top-roping with a family friend. As many before her, she was hooked in an instant. But it wasn’t until she was pursuing … Continue reading "Enormocast 327: Karly Rager – Days of Glory"
Enormocast 326: Julia Cassou – Telling True Stories
On episode 326, I connect from Colorado to Chamonix to hear from French photographer and expedition climber, Julia Cassou. Julia grew up in a rural part of France in a town known for foie gras and its suggestive name (in English anyway). Her first camera was borrowed from her dad, and her first love was … Continue reading "Enormocast 326: Julia Cassou – Telling True Stories"
Enormocast 325: Bradley Brooks – Hunting for Clarity
On Episode 325 of the Enormocast, I sit down across the internet with climber and hunter Brad Brooks. Brad is from Boise, ID and grew up hunting long before he found climbing. After moving on from dreams of professional soccer, Brad found climbing on a college course, and it quickly became his second passion beside … Continue reading "Enormocast 325: Bradley Brooks – Hunting for Clarity"
Enormocast 324: Ines Papert – Only One Life
On Episode 324 of the Enormocast, I sit down for the second time with German climber Ines Papert. The first time was way back in 2016 when Ines and I climbed together in Indian Creek and found time torecord an interview. At that time, Ines was the single mom of a teenager but still managing … Continue reading "Enormocast 324: Ines Papert – Only One Life"
Enormocast 323: Cole Brauer – Every Day the Sea
Cole Brauer joins the Enormocast after becoming the first American woman to race solo around the world in the Global Solo Challenge in 2023. The 30,000‑mile circumnavigation pushed her through storms, gear failures, sleep deprivation, and the kind of isolation only found in climbing in places like Baffin Island. During the race, Cole became its … Continue reading "Enormocast 323: Cole Brauer – Eve
Enormocast 322: Beau Martino – The Content Climbing Creator
On Episode 322 of the Enormocast, we sit down with early climbing content creator, Beau Martino. Beau caught the Tiktok wave out of the 2020 pandemic by creating mostly one-person skits spoofing climbing and dirtbag life. By 2021, he’d started to build a “career” out of it as he set up his tripod in a … Continue reading "Enormocast 322: Beau Martino – The Content Climbing Creator"
Enormocast 321: Katie McKinstry Stylos – Reaching Further
On Episode 321 of the Enormocast, I sit down at the Michigan Ice Fest with dry tooling maven, Katie McKinstry Stylos. Katie spent her entire youth as a “horse girl”: training horses, caring for horses, and competing. But when she lost her beloved horse to complications of an injury, her enthusiasm was dashed and burnout … Continue reading "Enormocast 321: Katie McKinstry Stylos – Reaching Further"
Enormocast 320: Last Rites FKA Taps 2026 – The Roomba Your Way to the Top Edition
On the latest Episode of Enormocast we bring you the long awaited 2026 installment of Last Rites FKA Taps: the annual show where we air our grievances, talk shit about our fellow climbers, and have a good time doing it. As is the recent tradition, the fodder for our silliness is coming from listeners like … Continue reading "Enormocast 320: Last Rites FKA Taps 2026 – The Roomba Your Way to the Top
Enormocast 319: Freja Shannon – Moments of Glad Grace
On episode 319 of the Enormocast, I connect across the Atlantic with Irish/Swedish climber and guide, Freja Shannon. Freja split her youth between the west coast of Ireland and Sweden. Her first mountain sport was snowboarding which took her to Chamonix for a winter season when she was 19. But in that spring, she found … Continue reading "Enormocast 319: Freja Shannon – Moments of Glad Grace"
Enormocast Tweener : Live from the Banff Mountain Film Festival with Helias Millerioux
I had the honor of interviewing French alpinist and guide Helias Millerioux on stage at the Banff Mountain Film Festival. Helias is most internationally known for climbing a new route on the South Face of Nuptse alpine style with a French Team. But Helias is a experienced alpine climber with ascents around the world. He … Continue reading "Enormocast Tweener : Live from the Banff Mountain Film Fes
Enormocast 318: Babsi Zangerl – 10 Years Later
On the latest Enormocast, Austrian rock master Babsi Zangerl returns to the show after I discovered her 10 years ago. Just kidding, but to say that her fame has rocketed since her first Enormocast over ten years ago is an understatement. Since we last talked, Babsi took her bouldering base and parlayed that into becoming … Continue reading "Enormocast 318: Babsi Zangerl – 10 Years Later"
Enormocast 317: Alik Berg – A Climber’s Climber
On Episode 317 of the Enormocast, I sit down at the Banff Mountain Film Festival with alpinist Alik Berg. Born in Edmonton and living in Canmore, Alik has spent most of his life forging himself into the climber’s climber: reliable, strong, smart, and bold. His view of the ethics and philosophy of alpinism were instilled … Continue reading "Enormocast 317: Alik Berg – A Climber’s Climber"
Enormocast 316: Chantel Astorga – What Would Voytek Do?
On Episode 316 of the Enormocast I sit down with alpinist Chantel Astorga. Though Chantel didn’t grow up in a climbing family, it was her dad who lit the fire for climbing by giving a tween Chantel a book on the Alaska Range. Then an encounter with the writings of the enigmatic Polish climber Voytek … Continue reading "Enormocast 316: Chantel Astorga – What Would Voytek Do?"
Enormocast Tweener: Vikki Weldon and Em Pellerin Live at the Arc’teryx Academy in Squamish, BC
On the Enormocast Tweener, we have Vikki Weldon and Em Pellerin on stage at the Arc’teryx Academy in Squamish (Sḵwx̱wú7mesh) BC for a live podcast. Vikki and Em are world climbers, but both have a “home” base in Squamish. Though they are of a similar age, the paths the two women took to arrive and … Continue reading "Enormocast Tweener: Vikki Weldon and Em Pellerin Live at the Arc’teryx Academy in
Enormocast 315: Kate Kelleghan – Turbocharged Life
On Episode 315 of the Enormocast, I sit down with Boulder-born Yosemite-trained speed climbing maestra, Kate Kelleghan. Kate came to climbing at 20 despite, or maye TO spite, her climbing dad. A youth of dark eye make-up, music, art, and smoke-sessions behind the school finally gave way to a life of climbing adventure when dad … Continue reading "Enormocast 315: Kate Kelleghan – Turbocharged Life"
Enormocast 314: Sam MacIlwaine – The Way of the Offwidth Warrior
On Episode 314 of the Enormocast, I sit down with climber Sam MacIlwaine. Sam is a sport climber, trad climber, bigwall climber, but perhaps is most well-known for her invert offwidth jones. Somewhere in her kinda “normal” ascension as a climber, Sam ended up in Mary “Tradprincess” Eden’s Offwidth clinic and the two women became … Continue reading "Enormocast 314: Sam MacIlwaine – The Way of the O
Enormocast Tweener: Matilda Söderlund Live in Squamish
On this Tweener Enormocast, we rebroadcast a live interview with Swedish climber Matilda Söderlund captured in front of a smart well-dressed audience at the Arc’teryx Academy in Squamish, BC. Matilda has become a bright star of Swedish climbing progressing from a tween competitor to hot shot sport climber, big route climber, trad climber, and gyn … Continue reading "Enormocast Tweener: Matilda Söd
Enormocast 313: Dave Groth and Leo Hermacinski – Giving Devil’s Lake Its Due
On episode 313, I sit down in the Enormocast headquarters in Carbondale, CO with two OG Devil’s Lake climbers: Dave Groth and Leo Hermacinski. Groth is a veritable legend amongst the purple quartzite walls and blocs of DL, and Leo was there to witness many of his finest moments. As members of the infamous DLFA, … Continue reading "Enormocast 313: Dave Groth and Leo Hermacinski – Giving Devil’s Lak
Enormocast 312: Maya Madere – Opportunity Rocks
On Episode 312 of the Enormocast, I invite comp and rock climber Maya Madere for a face to face interview at the Arc’teryx Academy in Squamish. Maya considers herself an opportunist, but in the good way. She looks for open doors and opportunities, and when they come, she grabs hold tight, works her butt off, … Continue reading "Enormocast 312: Maya Madere – Opportunity Rocks"
Enormocast 311: Gisely Ferraz (Souza) – The Heart is a Puzzle
On Episode 311 of the Enormocast, I catch up in Moab with Brazilian climber Gisely Ferraz AKA Gisely Souza AKA Brazilianclimbergirl AKA Gi. Though Gisely started climbing in Brazil, she has spent much of the last two decades in North America- first in the Northeast and then out West. Though she fell in and out … Continue reading "Enormocast 311: Gisely Ferraz (Souza) – The Heart is a Puzzle"
Enormocast 310: Timmy O’Neill – The Charmed Life Must Not Yield
On Episode 310 of the Enormocast, the inimitable Timmy O’Neill returns. Since Timmy’s Enormocast in 2020, several life-changes have gone down: a marriage, a kid, and maybe most impactful of all, Timmy suffered a stroke in Patagonia not long after his first Enormocast (not the Enormobump he was looking for!). O’Neill is a long time … Continue reading "Enormocast 310: Timmy O’Neill – The Charmed Lif
Enormocast 309: Anna Hazelnutt (Hazlett) – A Positive Influence
On Episode 309 of the Enormocast, I reconnect with climber Anna Hazlenutt. Anna has built a career around her nom de plume (birth name Hazlett) starting out as an influencer making fun climbing based videos and evolving into a serious and skilled climber. Anna specializes in technical slabs and vertical rock, often tossing in a … Continue reading "Enormocast 309: Anna Hazelnutt (Hazlett) – A Posit
Enormocast 308: Angela Vanwiemeersch – The Stars Not Wanted
On Episode 308 of the Enormocast, Alpinist Angela Vanwiemeersch returns after over a decade since her first interview on the show. That interview featured a spunky overstoked girl who had more or less just discovered climbing. She had been ushered into the big leagues by association with her then boyfriend, Scott Adamson. Scott’s “no weak … Continue reading "Enormocast 308: Angela Vanwiemeersch –
Tweener: Sam Stroh Settles In
On this Tweener ™ episode of the Enormocast, we catch up with pro climber, Sam Stroh. When we posted the full-blown Enormocast with Sam in April, 2025, it had been gathering dust for nearly 9 months. Sam and I agreed that a catch-up was in the offing. In the meantime, Sam had been to Naranjo … Continue reading "Tweener: Sam Stroh Settles In"
Enormocast 307: Amy Alvey and Mark Kilianski of Golden Shoals – Rock Toppers
On Episode 307 of the Enormocast, we are graced buy a drop-in concert and chat from Amy Alvey and Mark Kilianski of Golden Shoals. Of the pair, Amy is the climber, but together they form Golden Shoals, an old time and folk duo formed over a decade ago with origins at Berklee. Amy and Mark … Continue reading "Enormocast 307: Amy Alvey and Mark Kilianski of Golden Shoals – Rock Toppers"
Enormocast 306: Sarah Hueniken – The Aftermath
On Episode 206 of the Enormocast, I sit down at Banff Mountain Film with alpinist and guide, Sarah Hueniken. Sarah was an outdoor educator before she was a climber, and though she is known for ice climbing and dry tooling, she was a rock climber first. She even found Canmore, Alberta a little bleak and … Continue reading "Enormocast 306: Sarah Hueniken – The Aftermath"
Enormocast 305: Caro North – Magnetic
On Episode 305 of the Enormocast, alpinist and guide Caro North joins me in my lovely hotel room in Banff, AB during the Banff Mountain Film Festival for a heartfelt talk about her journey as an international female climber. Born in Switzerland, but raised in Germany, Caro actually found herself on top of Aconcagua in … Continue reading "Enormocast 305: Caro North – Magnetic"
Enormocast 304: Sam Stroh – Naturally Decent
On Episode 304 of the Enormocast, climber Sam Stroh drops by my suite at the Arcteryx Academy in Squamish to talk climbing and get to the bottom of a misunderstanding. Sam cut his teeth in New Mexico and soon after high school was on the road as a classic itinerant dirtbag. After falling in with … Continue reading "Enormocast 304: Sam Stroh – Naturally Decent"
Enormocast 303: Sean Villanueva O’Driscoll – A Very Particular Set of Skills
On Episode 303 of the Enormocast I sit down with one of the most compelling and somewhat enigmatic climbers of our times: Sean Villanueva O’Driscoll. It was a multi-year dance, but we finally sat down puss-a-puss in the Canadian Rockies at the Banff Mountain Film Festival. Sean is known for his big wall antics across … Continue reading "Enormocast 303: Sean Villanueva O’Driscoll – A Very Particula
Enormocast 302: Last Rites 2025 (FKA Taps) Don’t Side-Eye the Trad-Dad Edition
Episode 302 of the Enormocast is the annual airing of grievances in climbing: the laments, the beefs, and the sad truths of the dumb shit we do as climbers. What was formerly known as Taps is now Last Rites. Once again, this year’s slam evolves from listeners’ calls. Andy Salo, Andrew Bisharat, and Mary “Token … Continue reading "Enormocast 302: Last Rites 2025 (FKA Taps) Don’t Side-Eye the Trad-D
Enormocast 301: Quentin Roberts – Listening to The Mountain
On Episode 301 of the Enormocast, I sit down in a posh hotel in Squamish, BC, with alpinist Quentin Roberts. We met up at the Arc’teryx Academy in August 2024 on a rainy day to talk about Quentin’s life as a climber. Quentin grew up attending boarding schools in several countries and despite not fitting … Continue reading "Enormocast 301: Quentin Roberts – Listening to The Mountain"
Enormocast 300: Chris Kalous by Alex Honnold – No Retreat, No Surrender
On the auspicious Episode 300 of the Enormocast, Alex Honnold hijacks the Enormocast to interview Chris Kalous of the Enormocast. Yes, it turns out that Alex Honnold gets to have everything. Alex takes the interview skills that he’s honed over at Climbing Gold and talks to Chris about his climbing origins, podcast pioneering, and why … Continue reading "Enormocast 300: Chris Kalous by Alex Honnold
Enormocast 299: Nina Caprez – Two Roads Just as Fair
On Episode 299 of the Enormocast, I sit down in a fine hotel suite with the elegant Nina Caprez. We met up at the Arc’teryx Academy in Squamish, and after a Co-MC gig on the main stage the previous night, Nina and I reviewed our performance and then got down to business reviewing the 9 … Continue reading "Enormocast 299: Nina Caprez – Two Roads Just as Fair"
Enormocast 298: Jim Erickson – Clean and Free in the 1970s
On Episode 298 of the Enormocast, I sit down in with Boulder, Colorado legend, Jim Erickson. Turns out that when Jim climbed the crags and roamed the streets of Boulder in the late 60s and 70s, it was a cow-town – not the bougie climbing mecca we love to hate on today. Erickson grew up … Continue reading "Enormocast 298: Jim Erickson – Clean and Free in the 1970s"
Enormocast 297: Paul “PK” Kuenn – The Dairylander
On Episode 297 of the Enormocast, I sit down in Munising, Michigan with local Midwest legend, Paul Kuenn. In his youth near Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Paul was drawn to the outdoors: fly-fishing, cross-country skiing, and finally, climbing at Devil’s Lake. Climbing became obsession which brought him to the PNW to become a guide and to Colorado … Continue reading "Enormocast 297: Paul “PK” Kuenn – The D
Enormocast 296: Barry Blanchard Live in Banff
On Episode 296 of the Enormocast, we rebroadcast an interview that was recorded live at the Banff Mountain Film Festival with alpinist and Canadian legend, Barry Blanchard. Barry showed up at the Banff Centre at 9:45am and brought the fire and the wisdom of 50 years in the game. Barry’s feted exploits range from his … Continue reading "Enormocast 296: Barry Blanchard Live in Banff"
Enormocast 295: Aaron Peterson – Paying His Dues
On Episode 295 of the Enormocast, I sit down at a splintery picnic table on a hot morning in Lander, Wyoming with Aaron Peterson. Aaron is a young (ish) climber for whom activism, protest, and speaking his mind goes hand in hand with his motivations as a climber. At a cost to his mental health, … Continue reading "Enormocast 295: Aaron Peterson – Paying His Dues"
Enormocast 294: Simon Carter – Climbing Through the Lens
On Episode 294 of the Enormocast, I connect to Katoomba, NSW in Australia- the heart of the Blue Mountains – to chat with photographer Simon Carter. Simon has been in the game as long as anyone currently active, and after four decades of producing some of the most iconic images in climbing, he’s published a … Continue reading "Enormocast 294: Simon Carter – Climbing Through the Lens"
Enormocast 293: Jim Ewing – The Quality of Life
On Episode 293 of the Enormocast, I connect with paraclimber Jim Ewing. Jim grew up climbing in the storied days of 1980s North Conway in New Hampshire. In his formative climbing years, Ewing rubbed elbows with the likes of Randy Radcliff, Alison Osius, and Hugh Herr. He didn’t know it while eeking out a dirtbag … Continue reading "Enormocast 293: Jim Ewing – The Quality of Life"
Enormocast 292: Hamish McArthur and Holly Toothill – Showing Up
On Episode 292 of the Enormocast, I sit down in a hotel in Squamish (Sḵwx̱wú7mesh) during the Arc’teryx Academy with Olympian Hamish McArthur and British competition climber Holly Toothill. I arrived in Squamish with Hamish booked and asked Holly to join at the last minute as a friend, teammate, and observer of Hamish’s performance in … Continue reading "Enormocast 292: Hamish McArthur and Holly T
Enormocast 290: Hayden Jamieson -Through the Valley of Darkness
On Episode 290 of the Enormocast, I sit down in a cool, dark hotel room on a bright and HOT day in Lander, WY with bigwall climber, Hayden Jamieson. Hayden and I both slumped into our chairs after escaping the 100 degree day outside and tried to gather ourselves for the interview, and that’s when … Continue reading "Enormocast 290: Hayden Jamieson -Through the Valley of Darkness"
Enormocast 289: Smith Curry – A Climber Boy Can Survive
On Episode 289 of the Enormocast, I connect to Nashville, TN to talk to climber and musician Smith Curry. Smith is one of the busiest session players in Music City on dobro and pedal steel. He also happens to be a veteran climber with big walls, first ascents, and alpine gnar under his harness-belt. Smith … Continue reading "Enormocast 289: Smith Curry – A Climber Boy Can Survive"
Enormocast 288: Don McGrath – The Vertical Mind Returns
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 McGrath – The Vertical Mind Returns"
Enormocast 287: Mo Beck – A Certain Version of Fine
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 Version of Fine"
Enormocast 286: Didier Berthod – Facing the World (Part 1)
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 reading "Enormocast 286: Didier Berthod – Facing the W
Enormocast Tweener: Didier Berthod – Facing the World (Part 2)
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 Tweener: Didier Berthod – Facing the World (Part 2)"
Enormocast 285: Nico Favresse – Mad to Live
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 and most remote bigwalls … Continue reading "Enor
Enormocast 284: Emma Twyford – Getting on With It
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 With It"
Enormocast 283: Clint Helander – To Live in Hearts We Leave Behind
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: Clint Helander – To Live in Hearts We Leave Behind"
Enormocast 282: Natalia Grossman – The Tyranny of Expectations
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 Grossman – The Tyranny of Expectations"
Enormocast Tweener: Harvey Wright Returns with Patio Pacifica
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 … Continue reading "Enormocast Tweener: Harvey Wright R
Enormocast 281: Jon Hawk and Tye Liggins of Memphis Rox – Peace Above All
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 "Enormocast 281: Jon Hawk and Tye Liggins of Memphis Rox –
Enormocast 280: Taps 2024 – The Really Bollocks Edition
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 – The Really Bollocks Edition"
Enormocast 279: David Smart and Royal Robbins – Some Work of Noble Note
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 279: David Smart and Royal Robbins – Some Work of No
Enormocast 278: Thomas Bukowski – A Funny Little Life
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: Thomas Bukowski – A Funny Little Life"
Enormocast Rebroadcast: Episode 93: Armando Menocal – The Peaceful Climbing Warrior
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: Episode 93: Armando Menocal – The Peaceful Climbin
Enormocast 277: Kurt Smith – The Iconoclast
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 "Enormocast 277: Kurt Smith – The Iconoclast"
Enormocast Tweener: A Candid Ascent of Trango Tower with Jordan Cannon, Jesse Huey, and Matt Segal [Part 2]
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 Candid Ascent of Trango Tower with Jordan Cannon, Jes
Enormocast 276: A Candid Ascent of Trango Tower with Jordan Cannon, Jesse Huey, and Matt Segal [Part 1]
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 "Enormocast 276: A Candid Ascent of Trango Tower with Jord
Enormocast 275: Anna Liina Laitinen – Born to Kiivetä
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 275: Anna Liina Laitinen – Born to Kiivetä"
Enormocast 274: Roger Schaeli – In The Shadow of the Eiger
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 "Enormocast 274: Roger Schaeli – In The Shadow of the Eige
Enormocast 273: Brette Harrington – Keeper of the Flame
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 "Enormocast 273: Brette Harrington – Keeper of the F
Enormocast 272: Connor Herson – Deeds of Youth
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 Herson – Deeds of Youth"
Enormocast 271: Charlie Schreiber – The Kids are Alright
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 "Enormocast 271: Charlie Schreiber – The Kids are Alrigh
Enormocast 270: Briana Mazzolini-Blanchard – Doing What Needs to Be Done
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 … Continue reading "Enormocast 270: Briana Mazzolini-Blanc
Enormocast Tweener: Tyler Karow Saves a Goat (Maybe a Sheep?)
On this in-between episode of the Enormocast, you get the outtakes from Episode 269 with climber, Tyler Karow. After the official interview ended, we kept talking about climbing in Jordan, the social cost of the itinerant climbing lifestyle, and a few more tidbits for your pleasure. And the cops showed up. Enjoy this free “bonus” … Continue reading "Enormocast Tweener: Tyler Karow Saves a Goat (Ma
Enormocast 269: Tyler Karow – Engineering the Stoke
On Episode 269 of the Enormocast, I catch up with the elusive and prolific climber, Tyler Karow. Though Tyler has a popular presence on Youtube and Instagram, he still remained, for me, an enigma of sorts. Tyler burst on the national scene with a ground up free ascent of Golden Gate on El Cap (5.13) … Continue reading "Enormocast 269: Tyler Karow – Engineering the Stoke"
Enormocast 268: Lincoln Stoller – The Physics of the Unknown
On Episode 268, I connect across the northern border with former climber and current therapist, Lincoln Stoller. Lincoln came up climbing in the 70s, and his wide ranging career in climbing found him partnered with the likes of Fred Beckey, Dougal Haston, George Lowe, and John Stannard. When his interest in climbing waned, he found … Continue reading "Enormocast 268: Lincoln Stoller – The Physics
Enormocast 267: Michael Gardner – Beyond the Legacy
On the Episode 267 of the Enormocast, I sit down with alpinist and Exum guide, Mike Gardner. Mike was born to the mountains and a life in guiding with early summers in the Tetons and tagging along on expeditions with his father, George Gardner. But when George was killed in a climbing accident when Mike … Continue reading "Enormocast 267: Michael Gardner – Beyond the Legacy"
Enormocast 266: Erik “Alleycat” Hingerty – Above the Lighted Stage
On Episode 266 of the Enormocast, I sit down with stagehand, rigger, former BMXer, and “every-person” climber, Erik “Alleycat” Hingerty. Erik grew up underground street-riding on his BMX bike: ducking any fame, and trying to keep it real. But the accidents and injuries started to mount as he pushed his limits on a bike and … Continue reading "Enormocast 266: Erik “Alleycat” Hingerty – Above the Li
Enormocast 265: Drew Hulsey – Just a Climber Like EveryBODY Else
On Episode 265 of the Enormocast, I connect with climber and influencer, Drew Hulsey. Drew saw Free Solo and pretty much lost his mind for climbing. Despite the feats of Alex Honnold being at the most extreme end of the sport, Drew found himself wondering “Can fat people do this?” Not even sure that the … Continue reading "Enormocast 265: Drew Hulsey – Just a Climber Like EveryBODY Else"
Enormocast 264: Alita Contreras – The Language of Climbing
On Episode 264 of the Enormocast, I connect with Alita Contreras – a Venezuelan/Colombian climber beaming in from…Georgia. Alita was born in Venezuela to a Colombian father who taught his child to love the traditions and legends of Colombia. At University while studying languages, Alita found climbing, and soon, she was pining to leave her … Continue reading "Enormocast 264: Alita Contreras – The
Enormocast 263: Steve House – The Art of Alpinism
On Episode 263 of the Enormocast, I sit down for a long overdue conversation with one of the greatest alpinists of all time, Steve House. Steve house spent 20 years riding the cutting edge of alpinism. His ascents of K7, The Rupal Face, and the Slovak Direct, among many more, represented a sea change in … Continue reading "Enormocast 263: Steve House – The Art of Alpinism"
Enormocast 262: Caroline George – Belonging
On Episode 262 of the Enormocast, I connect across continents and oceans to Switzerland and Caroline George. Caroline is one of the most accomplished climbers you’ve never heard of, an early female IFMGA guide, a mom, and a Swiss Ms. She holds US, French, and Swiss passports which open the world for climbing and professional … Continue reading "Enormocast 262: Caroline George – Belonging"
Enormocast 261: Timmy Kang – A Different Soul
On Episode 261 of the Enormocast, I connect with highball boulderer, Timmy Kang, to reflect on life, his youth, and the completion a major project. In December 2022, Timmy did 5 major Highballs in Bishop in a day, including the feared and revered Too Big to Flail. The forthcoming film, Focus, was made by Timmy … Continue reading "Enormocast 261: Timmy Kang – A Different Soul"
Emormocast 260: Peter Naituli – Sacred Mountains
On Episode 260 of the Enormocast, I connect across oceans and continents with Kenyan climber and guide, Peter Naituli (AKA Peter Muambi Loinua ‘Naitulu’ M’tulatia). Peter is a home grown Kenyan climber and guide who is spearheading development of styles, routes, and crags in Northern Kenya. In addition, Peter has a guiding service for rock … Continue reading "Emormocast 260: Peter Naituli – Sacre
Episode 259: Lindsey Hamm – Pulling the Ripcord
On Episode 259, I sit down in Ouray, Colorado with one of the most ebullient guests I’ve ever had on the Enormocast, Lindsey Hamm. Yes, I said “ebullient”. Lindsey is a climber and guide originally from a hard-partying and wild upbringing in East Texas. A brief but formative sojourn in the music biz chased Lindsey … Continue reading "Episode 259: Lindsey Hamm – Pulling the Ripcord"
Enormocast 258: Taps 2023 – The End of the Quietude Edition
On Episode 258 of the Enormocast, we present the 6th annual TAPS episode where we play Taps on the sundown of good and bad trends in climbing. The royal we are joined by Andrew Bisharat of The Runout Podcast and Evening Sends, former guest and listener-mail panelist, Mary Harlan, and last year’s TAPS newbie, Any … Continue reading "Enormocast 258: Taps 2023 – The End of the Quietude Edition"
Enormocast 257: Chris Sharma – The Thunder and the Sunshine
On Episode 257 of the Enormocast, I am joined in-person by climber, gym-owner, and newly minted television personality, Chris Sharma. Chris is one of the most well-known climbers in the world, and his legacy of ground-breaking sport climbing remains unmatched. Chris was of the earliest crop of child-phenoms to hit the competition scene. Along with … Continue reading "Enormocast 257: Chris Sharma –
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