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The Struggle Climbing Show

Named one of Climbing Magazine’s favorite podcasts. 2M+ Downloads! If you love rock climbing, self-improvement, and inspiring stories... chalk up and pull on.
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Episodes

Sonnie Trotter: Training for 5.15, Movement Mastery, and Reflecting on a Life of Adventures

Join The Struggle’s Patreon community to get 100+ hours of Bonus Episodes, Pro Clinics, Uncut Videos, and Submit Questions for Future Guests. FREE TRIAL available! https://www.patreon.com/thestruggleclimbingshow - In this episode, elite climber Sonnie Trotter explores: The 5.15a he’s training for, and what he’s specifically doing The visualization trick he uses to get better at climbing (while at home) Climbers who can do V14 on a board but not 5.10a outside Training power vs endurance Dreamcatc...

Jul 02, 20251 hr 36 minEp. 244

Road to V8: Why I'm Putting In a Kilter Board at Home

Join The Struggle’s Patreon community to get 100+ hours of Bonus Episodes, Pro Clinics, Uncut Videos, and Submit Questions for Future Guests. FREE TRIAL available! https://www.patreon.com/thestruggleclimbingshow Jackie Hueftle and Kevin Cuckovich from Kilter join the pod to chat through our exciting partnership, including: The history and current landscape of system boards Where Kilter fits compared to the Moon Board and others Why adjustability and a dense variety of hold types matters Kevin's ...

Jun 25, 20251 hr 2 minEp. 242

Alan Watts: Cheater, Pariah, Hero. Following Your Heart and Tuning Out the Haters

Join The Struggle’s Patreon community to get 100+ hours of Bonus Episodes, Pro Clinics, Uncut Videos, and Submit Questions for Future Guests. FREE TRIAL available! https://www.patreon.com/thestruggleclimbingshow - Meet me at ICF this year, July 10-13! https://www.climbersfestival.org/ - In this episode, legendary climber and developer Alan Watts explores: How he inadvertently hazed me on my first Smith climb The joy and fallout of being the father of sport climbing in the U.S. The stunning Watts...

Jun 18, 20251 hr 17 minEp. 239

Weekend Warrior: Breaking Into 5.12 with Simple Strength Training, Mindset Hacks, and Spreadsheet Nerdery

Join The Struggle’s Patreon community to get 100+ hours of Bonus Episodes, Pro Clinics, Uncut Videos, and Submit Questions for Future Guests. FREE TRIAL available! https://www.patreon.com/thestruggleclimbingshow - In this episode, we connect with Weekend Warrior Annette Guo to explore: How she went from struggling on 5.11 to sending twelve 5.12s in a year Simple strength training that resulted in less injuries and her biggest sending spree ever How she sent her first V5, V6, and V7 in a matter o...

Jun 11, 20251 hrEp. 237

Pro Clinic: Dr. Tyler Nelson Answers Top 10 Listener Questions on Finger Training, Strength Training, and Optimizing for Performance

Join The Struggle’s Patreon community to get 100+ hours of Bonus Episodes, Pro Clinics, Uncut Videos, and Submit Questions for Future Guests. FREE TRIAL available! https://www.patreon.com/thestruggleclimbingshow In this special Q&A episode, Dr. Tyler Nelson from Camp 4 Human Performance answers YOUR questions, which yielded amazing insights including: Which grip type is the best to train? How to rotate finger training methodologies for optimal results Which finger training to do pre season v...

Jun 04, 202532 minEp. 234

Road to V8 with Nate Drolet: My First (gym) V7, Better Not Stronger, and the Importance of REALLY Trying

Join The Struggle’s Patreon community to get 100+ hours of Bonus Episodes, Pro Clinics, Uncut Videos, and Submit Questions for Future Guests. FREE TRIAL available! https://www.patreon.com/thestruggleclimbingshow Climbing Coach Nate Drolet captains the Struggle Bus on my Road to V8 as we cover: Recap of winter strength and power training Climbing my first gym V7 Getting better without getting stronger Video assessment of recent board struggles Macro vs micro beta when it comes to board training H...

May 28, 20251 hr 7 minEp. 231

Kyra Condie: How to Perform When It Counts, Simple Training for Strength and Power, and Comp Climbing News

Join The Struggle’s Patreon community to get 100+ hours of Bonus Episodes, Pro Clinics, Uncut Videos, and Submit Questions for Future Guests. FREE TRIAL available! https://www.patreon.com/thestruggleclimbingshow - In this episode, elite climber Kyra Condie explores: "You suck try harder" Spray walls vs system boards Struggles with modern comp setting The power of the campus board Her super simple hang board routine Game changing skin care tips Tools to handle performance anxiety How to up/down r...

May 21, 20251 hr 38 minEp. 229

Weekend Warrior: A Protocol that Added More than 40lbs of Strength PER HAND in About a Year

Join The Struggle’s Patreon community to get 100+ hours of Bonus Episodes, Pro Clinics, Uncut Videos, and Submit Questions for Future Guests. FREE TRIAL available! https://www.patreon.com/thestruggleclimbingshow - The new Weekend Warrior series will feature stories of amateur climbers who have taken their training and performance to new heights, and shine a light on what they feel have been the difference makers in their growth. Today, we're connecting with Aaron Townsley to learn about the simp...

May 14, 20251 hrEp. 227

Toby Segar: Parkour Tools for Climbing, Managing Fear, and Why We Shouldn't Say "I'm not strong enough"

Join The Struggle’s Patreon community to get 100+ hours of Bonus Episodes, Pro Clinics, Uncut Videos, and Submit Questions for Future Guests. FREE TRIAL available! https://www.patreon.com/thestruggleclimbingshow - In this episode, parkour pro Toby Segar explores: Going from beginner to advanced in climbing Grades vs No Grades Finger training that helped him to level up as a climber Century Crack dreams Learnings from Pete Whittaker Why we shouldn't say "I'm not strong enough" How to improve very...

May 07, 20251 hr 31 minEp. 224

Anna Hazelnutt | Crag Chat: Earth Day, Shoulder Rehab, Brooke Raboutou, and My Road to V8

Join The Struggle’s Patreon community to get 100+ hours of Bonus Episodes, Pro Clinics, Uncut Videos, and Submit Questions for Future Guests. FREE TRIAL available! https://www.patreon.com/thestruggleclimbingshow Anna Hazelnutt is back with another Crag Chat packed with laughs, musings, updates, struggles, beta, and whatever else is on our minds, including: The issue with inside out and outside in Naked in nature Tick mark hot takes Rehabbing a shoulder injury like a boss Anna's insane itinerary ...

Apr 30, 202559 minEp. 222

Road to The Pyramid with Eric Hörst: Accepting Setbacks, How to Build Endurance while Maintaining Power, and My New Rivalry with Jared Leto

Join The Struggle’s Patreon community to get 100+ hours of Bonus Episodes, Pro Clinics, Uncut Videos, and Submit Questions for Future Guests. FREE TRIAL available! https://www.patreon.com/thestruggleclimbingshow - In our latest 'Road To' installment, Coach Eric Hörst joins to discuss: How to handle big swings in performance from season to season Why I was feeling bad about where I’m at this spring My pyramid to date for 2025 The benefits of building strength as a route climber How to maintain st...

Apr 23, 20251 hr 2 minEp. 220

Luke Mehall: Starting Training at 40, Why Climbers Should Write, and the Power of Good Storytelling

Join The Struggle’s Patreon community to get 100+ hours of Bonus Episodes, Pro Clinics, Uncut Videos, and Submit Questions for Future Guests. FREE TRIAL available! https://www.patreon.com/thestruggleclimbingshow - Climber, writer, and podcaster, Luke Mehall of The Climbing Zine, joins to discuss: Starting training at age 40 and unlocking big gains Falling in love with sport climbing What it means to have a dirtbag state of mind Why all climbers should write and writers should climb Developing hu...

Apr 16, 20251 hr 12 minEp. 218

Louis Parkinson: A Masterclass on How to Improve at Indoor Climbing

Join The Struggle’s Patreon community to get 100+ hours of Bonus Episodes, Pro Clinics, Uncut Videos, and Submit Questions for Future Guests. FREE TRIAL available! https://www.patreon.com/thestruggleclimbingshow Coach Louis Parkinson of Catalyst Climbing joins the show to explore: His recent struggles with low self-esteem The main differences between indoor and outdoor climbing Why indoor grades are softer at the lower end Movement styles that are unique to indoor climbing The problem with bould...

Apr 09, 20251 hr 37 minEp. 215

Emil Abrahamsson: Live Q&A from Portland Rock Gym

Join The Struggle’s Patreon community to get 100+ hours of Bonus Episodes, Pro Clinics, Uncut Videos, and Submit Questions for Future Guests. FREE TRIAL available! https://www.patreon.com/thestruggleclimbingshow - Elite climber Emil Abrahamsson joins Ryan for a live event at Portland Rock Gym where they answered climber questions covering topics that explore: How to improve at indoor climbing What his coaching meant for me sending my hardest indoor climb How to make fast progress on comp-style p...

Apr 02, 202543 minEp. 210

Tom Randall: Pro Clinic on How to Climb Harder Without Getting Stronger

Join The Struggle’s Patreon community to get 100+ hours of Bonus Episodes, Pro Clinics, Uncut Videos, and Submit Questions for Future Guests. FREE TRIAL available! https://www.patreon.com/thestruggleclimbingshow In this Pro Clinic, Lattice Co-Founder and Elite Climber Coach Tom Randall explores: How to improve as climbers without adding any strength or fitness Using the "chunking" tactic to improve by up to 3 grades How to expedite a projecting timeline Proper tapering for peak performance Condi...

Mar 26, 202531 minEp. 213

Sanni Honnold: Creating Peak Life Experiences Outdoors, How to Improve at an Accelerated Rate, and Dealing with Jerks at the Crag

Join The Struggle’s Patreon community to get 100+ hours of Bonus Episodes, Pro Clinics, Uncut Videos, and Submit Questions for Future Guests. FREE TRIAL available! https://www.patreon.com/thestruggleclimbingshow - In this episode climber, Outwild co-founder, and life coach Sanni Honnold discusses: • Quick progression in her climbing • The three types of climbing partners and why they matter • The pitfall of always climbing with better partners • Creating core memories by pushing the comfort zone...

Mar 19, 20251 hr 33 minEp. 209

Francis Sanzaro: Boosting Performance with Mindset Tools and Why We Shouldn't Chase Flow

Join The Struggle’s Patreon community to get 100+ hours of Bonus Episodes, Pro Clinics, Uncut Videos, and Submit Questions for Future Guests. FREE TRIAL available! https://www.patreon.com/thestruggleclimbingshow Climbing Coach Francis Sanzaro joins to discuss: How a Zen mindset can boost performance and joy Why 'sending' shouldn't be the goal What to do when things get scary on route Why top climbers don't call 'take' when something goes wrong The problem with chasing flow (and what to chase ins...

Mar 12, 20251 hr 33 minEp. 207

Stian Christophersen: Smarter Training, Faster Recovery, and the Science of Optimism

Join The Struggle’s Patreon community to get 100+ hours of Bonus Episodes, Pro Clinics, Uncut Videos, and Submit Questions for Future Guests. FREE TRIAL available! https://www.patreon.com/thestruggleclimbingshow - Elite climber, coach, and physio Stian Christophersen explores: Learning how to handle pain better The mental and social side of injury The importance of the mind-body connection as it pertains to injury recovery Why some pro climbers remain more injury free than others The benefit (an...

Mar 05, 20251 hr 36 minEp. 204

Adrian Ballinger: Pro Clinic on Mountaineering and How to Have Big Adventures in the Big Mountains (FREE)

In this Pro Clinic, Adrian Ballinger covers: How to learn basic mountaineering skills near home The best mountains to start your journey Life-changing trips that require only one week off work How to train for a high altitude objective, even if you live in Miami The coolest 20k foot peak in the world How to manage high altitude illnesses Pre-acclimitization hacks that reduce time away from home by 50% Summit success rates Factors that might shut down a summit attempt How to manage risk on a trip...

Feb 26, 202553 minEp. 200

Pete Whittaker: Embracing Struggle, Building Strength, Managing Fear, and Crack School

Join The Struggle’s Patreon community to get 100+ hours of Bonus Episodes, Pro Clinics, Uncut Videos, and Submit Questions for Future Guests. FREE TRIAL available! https://www.patreon.com/thestruggleclimbingshow - Elite climber Pete Whittaker explores: How to get better at struggling Who gives up first when things get tough: him and Tom How he's building strength and power Improving training results by focusing on intention His wild experiment with weight Expedition tactics and his epic Greenlan...

Feb 19, 20252 hr 9 minEp. 198

Anna Hazelnutt | Crag Chat: Sending Belly of the Beast (14b), Big Emotions on a Big Wall, Tattoo Talk, and Listener Questions

Join The Struggle’s Patreon community to get 100+ hours of Bonus Episodes, Pro Clinics, Uncut Videos, and Submit Questions for Future Guests. FREE TRIAL available! https://www.patreon.com/thestruggleclimbingshow Anna Hazelnutt is back with another Crag Chat packed with laughs, musings, updates, struggles, beta, and whatever else is on our minds, including: Sending her hardest climb yet! Breakdown of Belly of the Beast (14b) in El Salto What happens when the send isn't happening Big emotions on t...

Feb 15, 20251 hr 9 minEp. 195

Coach Karly Rager: How to Plan, Prep, and Perform on your Next Climbing Trip

Join The Struggle’s Patreon community to get 100+ hours of Bonus Episodes, Pro Clinics, Uncut Videos, and Submit Questions for Future Guests. FREE TRIAL available! https://www.patreon.com/thestruggleclimbingshow In this conversation with Coach Karly Rager of Project Direct Coaching we cover: Common pitfalls climbers make when planning trips How to be performance-driven without blowing a trip on one route Building a grade ladder rather than pyramid The importance of pattern recognition in a new a...

Feb 12, 20251 hr 44 minEp. 194

Magnus Midtbø: How to Improve Indoors, Are Kneepads Aid, and His Insane Training Plan

Join The Struggle’s Patreon community to get 100+ hours of Bonus Episodes, Pro Clinics, Uncut Videos, and Submit Questions for Future Guests. FREE TRIAL available! https://www.patreon.com/thestruggleclimbingshow - Elite climber Magnus Midtbø explores: Adam Ondra’s lost Dawn Wall footage Climbing with PewDiePie and what we can learn from it How to improve on comp style dynamic and coordination problems in the gym Adam Ondra’s secret finger nail tip Building a successful YT empire, clothing brand,...

Feb 05, 20251 hr 9 minEp. 190

Road To V8 with Nate Drolet: Winter Training Plan

Join The Struggle’s Patreon community to get 100+ hours of Bonus Episodes, Pro Clinics, Uncut Videos, and Submit Questions for Future Guests. FREE TRIAL available! https://www.patreon.com/thestruggleclimbingshow In this episode, Coach Nate Drolet consults with me on my bouldering goals and beyond, including: The importance of building a pyramid as a sport climber The benefit of a developed endurance system even if you’re a pure boulderer My test metrics and what they mean for my training plan an...

Jan 29, 20251 hr 31 minEp. 188

Connor Herson: Trad Phenom, 5.15 Without Hangboarding, and the Value of 'Easy' Days

Join The Struggle’s Patreon community to get 100+ hours of Bonus Episodes, Pro Clinics, Uncut Videos, and Submit Questions for Future Guests. FREE TRIAL available! https://www.patreon.com/thestruggleclimbingshow - In this episode, elite climber Connor Herson explores: What social media doesn't reveal about the process of hard climbing Struggling with training, and avoiding hangboarding and weightlifting How projecting 5.15 feels similar (and different) to projecting lower grades Lighter is not b...

Jan 22, 20251 hr 23 minEp. 184

Road To What's Next with Eric Hörst: Build a Pyramid, Climb V8, or both?

Join The Struggle’s Patreon community to get 100+ hours of Bonus Episodes, Pro Clinics, Uncut Videos, and Submit Questions for Future Guests. FREE TRIAL available! https://www.patreon.com/thestruggleclimbingshow In this episode, Coach Eric Hörst joins to discuss: How to identify new climbing goals after sending a big proj The importance of celebrating and reflecting big achievements Building a skyscraper vs a pyramid Reframing one's mindset on what we feel we're capable of The benefits of clippi...

Jan 15, 20251 hr 11 minEp. 183

Adam Ondra: New Mega Projects, Comp Retirement, Kneepad Hot Takes, and is Terranova V17?

Join The Struggle’s Patreon community to get 100+ hours of Bonus Episodes, Pro Clinics, Uncut Videos, and Submit Questions for Future Guests. FREE TRIAL available! https://www.patreon.com/thestruggleclimbingshow - In this episode, elite climber Adam Ondra explores: His process with Jakob and friends on DNA (5.15d / 9c) Being motivated by friendly competition The recent sends of Change and Move by Alex Megos and others Kneepads and their impact on modern climbing and grades of old classics Silenc...

Jan 08, 202558 minEp. 179

Davis Ngo: Struggling with Progress, Overcoming Setbacks, and Finding Joy in the Community

Join The Struggle’s Patreon community to get 100+ hours of Bonus Episodes, Pro Clinics, Uncut Videos, and Submit Questions for Future Guests. FREE TRIAL available! https://www.patreon.com/thestruggleclimbingshow - In this episode, climber and creator Davis Ngo (dr.climb), explores: The pros and cons of leaving his day job to focus on climbing full time The physical and mental challenges that come from experiencing a big injury Struggling with training and not feeling as fast of a progression as ...

Dec 18, 20241 hr 17 minEp. 175

Fitz Cahall: Creating a Life of Adventure and Purpose

Join The Struggle’s Patreon community to get 100+ hours of Bonus Episodes, Pro Clinics, Uncut Videos, and Submit Questions for Future Guests. FREE TRIAL available! https://www.patreon.com/thestruggleclimbingshow - In this episode, storyteller and adventurer Fitz Cahall explores: The connection between adventure and creativity The process of bringing an idea to reality Free soloing, high balling, and runout trad What high-consequence climbing can do to a relationship Learnings from 17 years of Th...

Dec 11, 20241 hr 17 minEp. 172
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