Recent Podcasts
American Alpine Club CEO, Phil Powers (Ep.11)
We talk to Phil Powers, CEO of the American Alpine Club, about his own relationship to climbing (including summiting K2); the mission of the AAC and why it’s so important; the decision to give Alex Honnold the AAC’s Underhill Award; and much more.
Tension Climbing’s Will Anglin & Ben Spannuth, Part 1 (Ep.9)
This week we’re talking with Will Anglin and Ben Spannuth of Tension Climbing. Both have impressive climbing ticklists and volumes of insight into how climbing works. We discuss their “mad scientist” approach to designing holds, and what years of coaching and studying have taught them about how to improve your climbing.
Reviewing Portraits of Climbing Legends in “The Climbers” (Ep. 8)
We talk to Jim Herrington about his new award-winning book, “The Climbers,” a compelling collection of portraits of many of the most influential climbers of the 20th century — including Fred Beckey, Yvon Chouinard, John Gill, and many more. We discuss the book, the subjects in the photos, and the book’s important role in the climbing community.
A Close Look at “Dirtbag: The Legend of Fred Beckey” (Ep.7)
We talk with Dave O’Leske, the director of “Dirtbag: The Legend of Fred Beckey,” about documenting the life of one of the most influential and eccentric climbers of all time, and some of the stories that didn’t make the film.
Fixing Dangerous Bolts: Greg Barnes and the ASCA (Ep.6)
When climbing outside, how safe are the bolts we encounter? Should we trust them? Who maintains and / or replaces them? Greg Barnes, the Director of the American Safe Climbing Association, answers all our questions about bolts and more.
Jonathan Siegrist, Part 2 (Ep.5)
In part 2 of our conversation with rock climber, Jonathan Siegrist, we discuss his time on the Dawn Wall with Tommy Caldwell, the role “adventure” plays in climbing, and how we can shape the future of the sport in a positive way.
Jonathan Siegrist, Part 1 (Ep.4)
In part one of our conversation with professional rock climber, Jonathan Siegrist, we discuss his entrance into climbing, his diverse lists of accomplishments on the rock, why he’s obsessed with climbing “old” routes, and the unique characteristics of the new generation of strong climbers.
Hazel Findlay (Ep.1)
In our inaugural episode of All Things Climbing, we talk to Hazel Findlay about her recent send of the Salathe Wall on El Cap; the current direction of climbing culture; and conflicts within climbing sponsorships.
Introducing: All Things Climbing
Check out our new weekly climbing podcast, All Things Climbing.
Introducing: GEAR:30
Check out our new podcast that launches Wednesday, November 8th.
Adam Ondra’s New Grade + DH World Championships (Ep.54)
This week, we discuss the hardest sport route in the world and Adam Ondra’s proposed new grade, then debate (and bet on) this weekend’s World Championships Downhill races in Cairns, Australia.
A Nearly Fatal Birthday, Part 2 (Ep.48)
On our last podcast, we told you about a serious ski accident that Blister founder, Jonathan Ellsworth, was fortunate to survive. But the crash itself was only part of the story, and the weeks after the crash have been full of a number of very consequential events, decisions, and lessons, and we discuss them here.