Climbing Gold

Sean Bailey, a top trad and bouldering climber who sent multiple V17s and North America’s first 5.15d, talks about the making of Duality of Man and the route’s origins. He breaks down the climb’s pitches and grading, reflects on leaving competition, and explains his low-key social media and film release approach. He also shares life in Japan and building a new gym.

Nasim Eshqi, Iranian climber and human-rights activist in exile, known for first ascents and advocacy after the 2022 protests. She recounts discovering climbing as freedom, navigating family and state restrictions, and choosing exile over return. She discusses using climbs and route-naming projects to amplify Iranian women and push for international awareness.

Jimmy Chin, professional climber, photographer, and filmmaker known for Meru and Free Solo, talks about saying yes to hard challenges. He recounts early Yosemite days, learning photography, and risky projects like skiing Everest. Conversation touches on coping with expedition tragedy, parenting through mountaineering, and craving a simpler dirtbag life.

A debrief of a high-profile Taipei 101 climb with behind-the-scenes stories and broadcast surprises. They describe improvisation, bold campusing moves, and the surreal top-out wind and views. Conversation covers crowd energy, showmanship, scouting challenges like soot and slick residue, media craziness including an SNL spoof, and how attention is being steered toward charitable work.

Discover why Alex is so excited about free soloing Taipei 101 for a live Netflix event. He shares his childhood fascination with climbing buildings and recounts daring adventures, including a rooftop climb in Jersey City. The conversation dives into the building's unique design, the technical challenges of the climb, and his physical training regimen. Alex also reflects on dealing with nerves and pacing himself during the ascent. Plus, he reveals his 'say yes' mindset inspired by James Bond, turning risks into thrilling experiences.

Join Alain Robert, the 'French Spider-Man' and a legendary urban climber, as he shares exhilarating tales from his life of free soloing world-famous skyscrapers. Discover how he transitioned from climbing challenging rock routes to scaling buildings, often illegally, and the thrilling stories behind his 170+ arrests. Alain reflects on the mental focus needed while climbing, his battles with injuries, and the adrenaline rush of climbing in front of live crowds. His daring adventures continue to inspire climbers and thrill-seekers alike!

Professional rock climber Jonathan Siegrist joins to reflect on a groundbreaking year in climbing. They discuss historic achievements, like the first woman to climb 5.15c and remarkable El Cap ascents. The conversation highlights the emerging generation of climbers and the shift in styles, as well as the challenges of standing out in a crowded space. Siegrist also shares insights on the balance between training in gyms versus outdoor adventures and the ongoing influence of climbing legends.

In this engaging conversation, Chris Sharma, an elite sport climber known for pioneering some of the hardest routes, shares his journey with Biographie. He recounts the humbling experiences of his first attempts and the psychological challenges faced during redpointing. Cinematographer Brett Lowell discusses the filming process, while Jonathan Segrist highlights the route's aesthetic and significance. The guest reflect on how Biographie set a new standard in climbing, transforming the landscape and shaping future generations of climbers.

In this conversation, Heather Thorne, Executive Director of Access Fund, and Mark Udall, former U.S. Senator and passionate climber, tackle the challenges facing public lands. Heather reveals the innovative revolving loan model that empowers local climbing organizations to secure crucial access. Mark shares how climbing has shaped his life and his efforts in public service, urging climbers to engage politically. Together, they emphasize the importance of defending landscapes, voting, and community involvement for the future of climbing and conservation.

Alex has climbed all over the world, but he’s never visited some of our country’s best climbing areas. Today, three devoted southern climbers – Andrew Kornylak, Karen Lane and Colette McInerney – lay out the case for why the Southeast should be on his tick list.  Watch Climbing Gold on YouTube Thanks to our sponsors The North Face Check out Summit Series at thenorthface.com  LMNT  Get your free LMNT Sample Pack with any purchase at www.drinklmnt.com/climbinggold. Try the new LMNT Sparkling — a bold, 16-ounce can of sparkling electrolyte water. Kodiak Cakes Find Kodiak products at your local grocery store, they're the ones with the bear on the box or learn more at Kodiakcakes.com TurtleboxTake your music anywhere turtleboxaudio.com Want Climbing Gold ad free? Check out ⁠Unroped