The Careless Talk Climbing Podcast E188: Round Table - Anecdotes, talking points and ramble shambles
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Mar 4, 2026 Katie Lamb, elite climber known for sharp insights and amusing anecdotes. Ben Wheeler, seasoned climber and raconteur who fuels lively debate. They riff on online criticism and community drama. They unpack training culture, MoonBoard and leaderboard controversies. Tangents include pad-stashing ethics, free-solo spectacle and gym-to-outdoor tradeoffs. Lots of banter, mishaps and offbeat stories.
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Ben's Spotify Hate Comment That Stung
- Ben Wheeler describes being hit by a vague Spotify hate comment and obsessively trying to find the commenter online.
- The comment simply said “I just can't listen to Ben,” which Ben Googled and fretted over before eventually getting over it.
Standardized Boards Create Illusion Of Fair Comparison
- Aidan argues commercial standardized boards (Moonboard/TB2) create a false illusion of conformity and rankings that people take too seriously.
- He says environmental differences, hold wear and wall setups make universal grading/rankings on commercial boards inherently flawed.
Avoid Blanket Judgments About Wet Rock Ethics
- Be cautious and context-aware when judging climbing on wet rock; conditions, local rock types, and timing matter.
- Katie Lamb and others note some rock types tolerate damp holds while sandstone or choss need stricter restraint.