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CIA - Climbing Intelligence Agency

CIA - Climbing Intelligence Agency 51 Episodes Oct 9, 2026

CIA - Climbing Intelligence Agency is a podcast focused on the world of climbing. It likely explores climbing stories, training, gear, and culture. The show is produced by the Climbing Intelligence Agency. It offers insights and conversations for climbers and fans of the sport.

Episodes

CIA - Interrogation of Sarina Ghaffari Oct 9, 2026 01:23:38 We talk to the extremely talented Iranian climber Sarina Ghaffari. Sarina won double Gold medals at the Asian Youth Games in 2024 and is now trying to get to the top among the seniors. Recently, she moved to Grenoble, France, to study and train. We talk about her background, how it all started, competitions, training, studies and more.By and with Björn Pohl & Vladek Zumr, The Climbing Intellig

CIA - Interrogation of Annie Sanders Sep 25, 2026 01:00:07 Annie Sanders, from Dallas, TX, is a competition climber from the USA.In 2025 she became the first US woman to win Gold in both Lead and Boulder in the same season, and in 2026, she took it one step further by taking double Golds at the Prague World Climbing Series.In total she has won 8 World Cup/Climbing Series competitions. Four in Lead and four in Boulder.We talk about training, World Climbing

CIA - Interrogation of Luka Fonda Sep 17, 2026 01:01:17 Luka Fonda is deeply involved in Slovenian and international Sport climbing and Bouldering.He is a national coach and owner of the Plus Climbing gym in Koper, Slovenia, where he recently hosted his 5th, and Slovenia's 30th, World Cup/Climbing Series.We talk about how he ended up here and what it takes to organize a World Climbing Series event.By and with Björn Pohl & Vladek Zumr, the Climb

CIA - Interrogation of James Pearson II Sep 10, 2026 02:46:48 The interrogation continues.To be continued.

CIA - Interrogation of James Pearson, Part I Aug 31, 2026 01:47:49 We had a plan. Topics, questions etc.We didn't get very far, so we need at least one more session.

CIA - PCL Debrief, with Roman Krajnik Mar 12, 2026 00:38:15 We sat down with Roman Krajnik, coach of Janja Garnbret, to talk about The Pro Climbing League. What did we expect?What did we experience?Do we have any suggestions for making it even better?From now on, the plan is to talk with Roman more regularly, especially during the competition season, but also if something extraordinary happens.'By and with Björn Pohl & Vladek Zumr, the CIA

CIA - Interrogation of Charlie Boscoe Jan 26, 2026 01:02:55 An interrogation of the co-founder of the Pro Climbing League.Obviously a lot about PCL and the story behind it, but also Charlie's story. How did he end up here?By and with: Björn Pohl & Vladek Zumr, The CIA

CIA - Interrogation of Yannick Flohé Jan 16, 2026 01:14:06 Yannick probably doesn't need an introduction, even though he himself still doesn't think he's a name in climbing.When it comes to finger strength, very few, if anyone, can match him, and consequently, in the summer of 2025, he became the first to flash an 8C boulder problem.He is also an extremely accomplished lead climber and recently he repeated Excalibur, 9b+, which is half a grade

CIA - Interrogation of Alex Megos Nov 6, 2025 01:31:48 A long and open hearted talk with Alex Megos about the past, present and future, projecting, competitions, goals, ethics and much more.1,5h of quality entertainment.By and with Björn Pohl & Vladek Zumr, The CIA

CIA - Interrogation of Rosa Rekar Nov 4, 2025 00:28:45 Rosa Rekar is quickly racing through the ranks!20 years young, she has already been in five World Cup finals and at the World Championship in Seoul she made it a Slovenian double by grabbing the Silver medal.But how did it start and what plans does she have for the future?

CIA - Interrogation of Jacopo Larcher May 7, 2025 01:30:02 Jacopo Larcher is one of the most accomplished allround climbers in the World.Trad: 9a (at least) and E11Sport: 9a+Boulder: 8B+Multi pitch: 8b+ (many)Alpine bigwall: 8a+Plus he is an IFSC routsetterWe talk about many things, like for example:How to train your pinkie in the correct way, his attempts on Bon Voyage, Tribe and the inevitable question of grading or not, Freerider and about sometimes li

CIA - Interrogation of Nicolai Užnik Mar 4, 2025 01:35:46 Of course we talk a lot about Nicolai's recent First ascent of Mount Doom, 9A, in the Maltatal. About the problem, the process, the grade, the significance and so on. Also about other 9A:s, the World Cup, goals, training and more.By and with: Björn Pohl & Vladek Zumr, The CIA

CIA - Interrogation of Mélissa Le Nevé Feb 21, 2025 01:13:20 About her youth, World Cup career, Action Directe, Dreamtime, projecting, paragliding, life, training and more...like bench.By and with: Björn Pohl & Vladek Zumr, The CIA

CIA - Interrogation of Charles Albert Feb 14, 2025 00:51:23 We talk to Charles Albert, a Fontainebleau purebred who has chosen to climb without shoes. This hasn't stopped him from becoming one of the very best boulderers in the World, shoes or not and he is one of the few who have reached the elusive 9A grade.By and with: Björn Pohl & Vladek Zumr, The CIA

CIA - Interrogation of Nalle Hukkataival (2015) Jan 31, 2025 00:55:25 Found deep in the CIA secret vault, a blast from the past that we thought was lost forever. In this interrogation from May 2015, Nalle talks about what was then "The Lappnor Project", now better known as "The Burden of Dreams", the World's first 9A boulder problem. We talk about the process, the physical and mental struggle to be able to push the limits, grades and difficu

CIA - Interrogation of Jon Glassberg Jan 24, 2025 01:25:50 We sit down with award winning cinematographer/photographer Jon Glassberg, founder of Louder than 11. Some of the topics: The early, wild days. Training Various aspects of film making and story telling Current and future projects By and with: Björn Pohl & Vladek Zumr, The CIA

CIA - Interrogation of Noah Wheeler Jan 17, 2025 01:14:53 We talk to the man of the moment, Noah Wheeler, who recently made the 3rd ascent of Return of the Sleepwalker, V17/9A. Now he's after more. But how much more? Shaolin? No one mourns the Wicked? Megatron? Burden of dreams? Alphane? V18? We also talk about training, strengths and weaknesses, mind games, future plans, bench and so much more. By and with: Björn Pohl & Vladek Zumr, the CIA

CIA - Interrogation of Charlie Schreiber Jan 14, 2025 01:44:33 Charlie Schrieber: - Climber - Coach - Routesetter - Innovator - Thinker We talk about...a lot of things. Interesting things worth listening to for sure! By and with: Björn Pohl & Vladek Zumr, The CIA

CIA - Interrogation of Hannes Puman Jan 2, 2025 00:55:15 Training, competitions, projects, future plans and, of course, his adventures in Yosemite where he, among A LOT of other things became the first to climb the Nose free via the Schnaz (or is it Schnoz?) variation. Also: Why is the hardest route in Sweden graded 7b? By and with: Björn Pohl & Vladek Zumr, The CIA

CIA - Interrogation of Hannes Van Duysen Dec 11, 2024 01:13:27 We talk to Belgian Olympian Hannes Van Duysen. - Morning routines - Es Pontàs and the DWS experience - Future plans - World Cup and Olympics - Knee-pads or not? - Implants or not? And, of course: How much does he bench?By and with:Björn Pohl & Vladek Zumr, The CIA

CIA - Interrogation of Louis Parkinson Nov 29, 2024 01:11:12 Everything you need to know about coaching with Captain Cutloose himself! How it started, how it's going and what the future looks like. How do you measure if the session was good ot not? We asked. Who would Louis refuse to coach? We asked. How much does he bench? Yes, we asked. By and with: Björn Pohl & Vladek Zumr, the CIA.

CIA - Interrogation of Toby Roberts Oct 18, 2024 01:19:42 We interrogate Olympic Champion Toby Roberts about everything from his Bench PB to his Olympic experience. Highs and lows, Olympics, Training, Competitions, Rock and Bench. By and with: Björn Pohl & Vladek Zumr The Climbing Intelligence Agency

CIA - Interrogation of Sam Avezou Jul 23, 2024 00:58:50 An interrogation of Team France's Olympian to be Sam Avezou! Growing up in a family where four out of five have competed in the World Cup must be kind of different, no? Was it inevitable that Sam would qualify for Paris? Find out all about his way to the Olympics, including the drama in Budapest. Also, the Olympic games in your home city: frightening, inspiring or both? And what about the great o

CIA - Interrogation of Hamish McArthur Jul 17, 2024 01:18:33 An interrogation of Team GB Olympian to be Hamish McArthur! A lot about the mental aspects and challenges of being a competitive athlete, and Hamish' ongoing process of finding his place in that world. Of course we're not avoiding the upcoming Olympics, plus a bunch of other subjects. By and with: Björn Pohl & Vladek Zumr, the CIA.

CIA - Interrogation of Sam Watson, the fastest climber in the World Apr 25, 2024 01:05:09 All the secrets of Speed Climbing from World Record holder Sam Watson. If you're a Speed Climbing fan - You should definitely watch this! If you're NOT a Speed Climbing fan (yet) - You MUST watch this! - What makes a great speed wall? - How did it all start? - Sam the athlete - How good is the WR? - Why doesn’t Sam push it to the max? - Sam’s unique start - What’s his opinion on the false start ru

CIA - Interrogation of Magnus Midtbø Feb 16, 2024 01:28:02 We interrogate YouTube Legend Magnus Midtbø. - Background - Magnus' climbing career - Highs and lows of the YouTube channel - Favorite guests and dream collabs - All about the free solo episode with Alex Honnold - Future plans - YouTube's ever changing algorithms - Nostalgia - Does Magnus ever sleep? By and with: Björn Pohl & Vladek Zumr The Climbing Intelligence Agency

CIA - Interrogation of Jesse Grupper Feb 2, 2024 01:02:05 Jesse Grupper about: - Paris Olympics - Training - Setting goals - Balancing passions - Past and future - More By and with the CIA: Björn Pohl & Vladek Zumr

CIA - Interrogation of Oceana Mackenzie Dec 15, 2023 00:58:06 Soon to be double Olympian Oceana Mackenzie about competitions, training, pressure, sisters, life on the road, gym culture and a lot more. By and with the CIA: Björn Pohl & Vladek Zumr

CIA - Interrogation of Stefano Ghisolfi Nov 10, 2023 01:27:23 Stefano Ghisolfi about: Burden of Dreams Silence Competitions Olympics More... By and with the CIA: Björn Pohl & Vladek Zumr

CIA - Interrogation of Jakob Schubert Aug 28, 2023 01:22:28 If you're at all into climbing, Jakob Schubert really doesn't need an introduction. Six World Championship titles, multiple overall WC winner, Olympic medalist, 9b+ and 8C climber...this list is so much longer... By and with: Björn Pohl & Vladek Zumr, the Climbing Intelligence Agency

CIA - Interrogation of Benjamin Hartmann Jul 12, 2023 01:16:26 Finally we had the pleasure of interrogating Benjamin Hartmann, Boulder coach for Team Japan! All the secrets of Team Japan's success! History, training philosophy, training- and gym culture, team selection, the essence, progression and future of modern bouldering and so on and so forth. By and with: Björn Pohl & Vladek Zumr, the Climbing Intelligence Agency

CIA - Interrogation of Siebe Vanhee May 12, 2023 01:22:04 An interview with allround master Siebe Vanhee from Belgium. We cover a lot of topics including the early years, how Siebe found trad climbing, Dawn wall, how to handle risk and life as a sponsored climber. By and with Björn Pohl & Vladek Zumr, the Climbing Intelligence Agency.

CIA - Interrogation of Adam Ondra, the Alpha and the Omega Apr 18, 2023 01:59:14 A long and in depth interview with the best climber in the world: Adam Ondra. Covering topics like Project Big and the inherent frustration of projecting, competing and the Olympics, various kinds of pressure, pushing the limits, the future, knee pads and the benefits of...painkillers, just to give you an idea. By and with Björn Pohl & Vladek Zumr, the Climbing Intelligence Agency

CIA - Interrogation of Simon Lorenzi Mar 9, 2023 01:14:57 Everything about Soudain Seul and Alphane. The ups, downs and finally ups. Training, Olympics and speculations about the future. By and with: Björn Pohl & Vladek Zumr The Climbing Intelligence Agency

CIA: Interrogation of Marco Scolaris Mar 2, 2023 01:03:29 A one hour interview with iFSC President Marco Scolaris. From how his climbing life began to why he became so deeply involved in competition climbing, and of course the whole Olympic story. By and with: Björn Pohl & Vladek Zumr The Climbing Intelligence Agency

CIA - interrogation of Ali Baratz Nov 26, 2022 00:30:43 CIA - interrogation of Ali Baratz by CIA - Climbing Intelligence Agency

CIA - Mejdi Schalck interrogation Oct 28, 2022 00:49:21 We talk to the young French star Mejdi Schalck. The season, training, Olympics, questions from Instagram and much more. By and with: Björn Pohl & Vladek Zumr, The Climbing Intelligence Agency

CIA - Luka Potočar interrogation Oct 7, 2022 00:45:25 We interrogate Luka Potočar from Slovenia. World Cup Champion Lead 2022 Silver World Championships Lead 2021 Silver European Championships Lead 2022 Winner of Koper WC Lead 2022 Big thanks to Luka! By and with: Björn Pohl & Vladek Zumr, The CIA

Not quite everything about climbing shoes, but still a lot, with Nathan Hoette. Sep 15, 2022 01:27:19 This podcast is done in cooperation with Klätterkanalen, so instead of Björn Pohl & Vladek Zumr from the CIA, it's Björn & Robert Rundin from Klättercentret Stockholm. We talk to Nathan about climbing shoes, but also his background and about how to avoid taxes, why Heinz Mariacher is an icon and a lot more.

CIA: Interrogation of Roman Krajnik Aug 2, 2022 00:51:52 We talk with Roman Krajnik, one of the most expereinced and best climbing coaches on the planet. Roman is currently the coach of Janja Garnbret, just to mention one... and has previously been the coach of the Slovenian, Austrian and Chinese national teams as well as Team Texas. Big thanks to Roman, and everyone who contributed with questions! By Björn Pohl & Vladek Zumr

NEW: CIA - Natalia Grossman interrogation Jun 17, 2022 00:57:26 We interview Natalia Grossman about her (successful) attempts to dominate the Boulder World Cup. We received SO many questions on Instagram, so there was no way to ask them all, but thanks to everyone who contributed! In the end, I guess most questions were answered one way or the other. By: Björn Pohl & Vladek Zumr

NEW: CIA - Will Bosi interrogation May 12, 2022 00:57:44 We interrogate Will Bosi about his suspicious trip to the Czech Republic, his activities in Britain, training, competitions, skin, plans for the future and more. King Capella, Brandenburg gate, Hubble, Mutation... By and with: Björn Pohl & Vladek Zumr, The CIA climbing.i.a@gmail.com

NEW: CIA - Sean Bailey interrogation May 6, 2022 00:42:20 An interview with Sean Bailey. By and with Björn Pohl & Vladek Zumr. climbing.i.a@gmail.com

Alex Megos interview from 2016 Apr 29, 2022 01:15:13 The Ledge archives

Jimmy Webb interview from 2016 Apr 29, 2022 01:03:33 Recorded in Helsinki Finland in 2016. The Ledge archives.

Ines Papert interview from 2016 Apr 29, 2022 00:48:46 From The Ledge Podcast's archive.

Chris Sharma interview from 2016 Apr 29, 2022 01:09:12 Another one from The Ledge podcast's archive.

Alex Honnold interview from 2016 Apr 28, 2022 01:08:27 Done in Chamonix (The Ledge Podcast)

Jerry Moffatt interview from 2017 Apr 28, 2022 01:07:29 An interview from back in 2017 (The Ledge Podcast).

NEW: CIA - Colin Duffy interview Apr 28, 2022 00:41:11 An interview with Colin Duffy about the past, present and future, but mostly the Meiringen World Cup.

NEW: CIA - Nathaniel Coleman Apr 28, 2022 00:53:08 We interview Olympic Silver medalist Nathaniel Coleman.

Daniel Woods & Dave Graham interview Apr 1, 2021 01:32:03 The classic late night talk with Daniel Woods and Dave Graham is back online. Recorded in the wee hours in a hotel lobby in Helsinki, Finland in April 2016.

CIA - Climbing Intelligence Agency

Episodes

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