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.
Listen on:
Episodes
7 days ago
7 days ago
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 of the Weekend Warrior series, busy-dad climber Joey Churchman joins to discuss:
How he broke into new grades on just 3 hours per week at the gym
Tall-climber struggles (he's 6' 6.5")
Big gains using a training app to stay focused and efficient
From avoiding system boards to training almost exclusively on them
How he programs his gym sessions and home training for optimal results
Picking the right project to break into V7 and 5.12a
Top-roping tactics for faster sends
Using video to accelerate progress
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BIG THANKS TO THE AMAZING SPONSORS OF THE STRUGGLE WHO LOVE ROCK CLIMBING AS MUCH AS YOU DO:
PhysiVantage: the official climbing-nutrition sponsor of The Struggle. Use code STRUGGLE15 at checkout for 15% off your full-priced nutrition order.
Rúngne: Soft threads and high performing chalk! Use Code STRUGGLE for 10% Off Bags, Buckets, Chalk & Apparel from Rúngne!
SCARPA: The best climbing shoes, trail runners, and hikers in the game! Score yourself a free SCARPA x STRUGGLE hat when you use code STRUGGLE at checkout at SCARPA.com. SCARPA, No Place Too Far.
Petzl: The best and most reliable helmets, harnesses, draws, and gear that'll help you to Access the Inaccessible. Find Petzl at your local gear shop, and learn more at Petzl.com
And check out ALL the show’s awesome sponsors and exclusive deals at thestruggleclimbingshow.com/deals
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Here are some AI generated show notes (hopefully the robots got it right)
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:25 Meet Joey Churchman: The Weekend Warrior
01:45 Balancing Climbing with Family and Work
03:03 Ryan's Personal Climbing Update
03:56 Joey's Climbing Background and Challenges
06:59 Training and Progression
14:44 Board Climbing Journey
20:27 Efficient Training Strategies
34:28 The Benefits of Running for Climbers
35:59 Balancing Fitness and Family
36:12 Running and Strength Conditioning Routine
37:38 Translating Training to Rock Climbing
39:38 Breaking into 5.12 Grades
47:16 Mental Strategies and Visualization
55:06 Bouldering with Family
59:06 Efficient Training and Video Analysis
01:04:07 Future Goals and Reflections
01:07:24 Host's Personal Climbing Update
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Shoutout to Matt Waltereese for being a Victory Whip supporter on Patreon! So mega.
-
Follow along on Instagram and YouTube: @thestruggleclimbingshow
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This show is produced and hosted by Ryan Devlin, and edited by Glen Walker. The Struggle is carbon-neutral in partnership with The Honnold Foundation and is a proud member of the Plug Tone Audio Collective, a diverse group of the best, most impactful podcasts in the outdoor industry.
And now here are some buzzwords to help the almighty algorithm get this show in front of people who love to climb: rock climbing, rock climber, climbing, climber, bouldering, sport climbing, gym climbing, how to rock climb, donuts are amazing. Okay, whew, that’s done. But hey, if you’re a human that’s actually reading this, and if you love this show (and love to climb) would you think about sharing this episode with a climber friend of yours? And shout it out on your socials? I’ll send you a sticker for doing it. Just shoot me a message on IG – thanks so much!
Wednesday Oct 29, 2025
Wednesday Oct 29, 2025
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, Dr. David Spiegel of Stanford University School of Medicine and founder of Reveri discusses:
What hypnosis is and isn't
How to access flow state more often
Using self-hypnosis to manage fear of falling
How to reduce the pain response on and off route
Breaking bad habits in as little as one session
Using a 10-min protocol to improve focus and productivity
How to manage the stress of climbing and beyond
Getting to sleep faster, and back to sleep after waking in the night
Controlling HRV using self-hypnosis
Score a 7-day free trial and 20% off your subscription to the Reveri app using code STRUGGLE at reveri.com
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Gain instant access to the FULL Pro Clinic by supporting the show as a Patron (you can even check it out for FREE with a 7-day trial):
https://www.patreon.com/thestruggleclimbingshow
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Here are some AI generated show notes (hopefully the robots got it right)
00:00 Introduction: Overcoming Mental Challenges in Climbing
01:14 Meet Dr. David Spiegel: Expert in Psychiatry and Hypnosis
01:46 Understanding Hypnosis and Its Applications
02:52 Personal Experiences and Misconceptions About Hypnosis
06:47 The Science Behind Hypnosis
11:35 Hypnosis for Pain Management and Performance Enhancement
20:24 Practical Applications of Hypnosis in Climbing
32:40 Exploring the Reveri App for Self-Hypnosis
35:52 Conclusion and How to Access More Content
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Shoutout to Matt Waltereese for being a Victory Whip supporter on Patreon! So mega.
-
Follow along on Instagram and YouTube: @thestruggleclimbingshow
-
This show is produced and hosted by Ryan Devlin, and edited by Glen Walker. The Struggle is carbon-neutral in partnership with The Honnold Foundation and is a proud member of the Plug Tone Audio Collective, a diverse group of the best, most impactful podcasts in the outdoor industry.
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The struggle makes us stronger! Let's get out there and try hard. Thanks for supporting the show, y'all.
-
And now here are some buzzwords to help the almighty algorithm get this show in front of people who love to climb: rock climbing, rock climber, climbing, climber, bouldering, sport climbing, gym climbing, how to rock climb, donuts are amazing. Okay, whew, that’s done. But hey, if you’re a human that’s actually reading this, and if you love this show (and love to climb) would you think about sharing this episode with a climber friend of yours? And shout it out on your socials? I’ll send you a sticker for doing it. Just shoot me a message on IG – thanks so much!
Wednesday Oct 22, 2025
Wednesday Oct 22, 2025
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 latest installment of the Road To series, Coach Nate Drolet joins to explore:
Are bouldering and route climbing goals at odds?
Why having endurance can help with board climbing and bouldering
What he recommends for my training schedule this season
The risk of trying to peak too early in the season
A top rope drill to learn how to climb faster and mentally manage the pump
The 3 types of routes that are best suited for boulderers
Whether I should try to push my sport grade this season or not
The Chattanooga V8 he thinks could be my perfect fit
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BIG THANKS TO THE AMAZING SPONSORS OF THE STRUGGLE WHO LOVE ROCK CLIMBING AS MUCH AS YOU DO:
PhysiVantage: the official climbing-nutrition sponsor of The Struggle. Use code STRUGGLE15 at checkout for 15% off your full-priced nutrition order.
Rúngne: Soft threads and high performing chalk! Use Code STRUGGLE for 10% Off Bags, Buckets, Chalk & Apparel from Rúngne!
And check out ALL the show’s awesome sponsors and exclusive deals at thestruggleclimbingshow.com/deals
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Here are some AI generated show notes (hopefully the robots got it right)
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:54 Seasonal Climbing Goals
02:17 Balancing Bouldering and Sport Climbing
03:17 Training Techniques and Drills
04:46 Personal Climbing Updates
22:50 Climbing Community and Social Dynamics
24:10 Sponsorship and Product Endorsements
39:55 Climbing Without Chalk: Embracing Discomfort
40:53 The Mental Game: Embracing Uncomfortable Climbing
43:47 Experimenting with Climbing Techniques
47:21 Training and Endurance: Insights and Tips
51:50 Route Recommendations and Climbing Strategies
57:35 Exploring New Climbing Locations
57:58 Bouldering Projects and Training Plans
01:05:01 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
-
Shoutout to Matt Waltereese for being a Victory Whip supporter on Patreon! So mega.
-
Follow along on Instagram and YouTube: @thestruggleclimbingshow
-
This show is produced and hosted by Ryan Devlin, and edited by Glen Walker. The Struggle is carbon-neutral in partnership with The Honnold Foundation and is a proud member of the Plug Tone Audio Collective, a diverse group of the best, most impactful podcasts in the outdoor industry.
And now here are some buzzwords to help the almighty algorithm get this show in front of people who love to climb: rock climbing, rock climber, climbing, climber, bouldering, sport climbing, gym climbing, how to rock climb, donuts are amazing. Okay, whew, that’s done. But hey, if you’re a human that’s actually reading this, and if you love this show (and love to climb) would you think about sharing this episode with a climber friend of yours? And shout it out on your socials? I’ll send you a sticker for doing it. Just shoot me a message on IG – thanks so much!
Wednesday Oct 15, 2025
Wednesday Oct 15, 2025
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
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Emily Harrington, Kai Lightner, and Anna Hazelnutt team up for a live podcast from iconic Miguel's Pizza to kick off Rocktoberfest! We grab a slice and a beer, then dive into:
Memories from first trip to the Red
How to work through the mental discomfort of pump
Fear of falling and how the pros handle it
What solidified climbing as their passion in life
USA Climbing's ban on trans athlete competitors
How becoming a parent impacts climbing performance and adventures
How to become a professional climber
Climbing pet peeves
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BIG THANKS TO THESE SPONSORS FOR SUPPORTING ROCKTOBERFEST AND BRINGING YOU THIS EPISODE AD-FREE:
PhysiVantage: the official climbing-nutrition sponsor of The Struggle. Use code STRUGGLE15 at checkout for 15% off your full-priced nutrition order.
SCARPA: The best climbing shoes, trail runners, and hikers in the game! Score yourself a free SCARPA x STRUGGLE hat when you use code STRUGGLE at checkout at SCARPA.com. SCARPA, No Place Too Far.
Petzl: The best and most reliable helmets, harnesses, draws, and gear that'll help you to Access the Inaccessible. Find Petzl at your local gear shop, and learn more at Petzl.com
Rhino Skin Solutions: Perform, Cleanse, Repair… repeat! Amazing skin care products crafted specifically for climbers, whether you’re pulling hard indoors or out. Use code STRUGGLE to score a whopping 20% off your purchase!
And a huge shoutout to the RRGCC for making Rocktoberfest happen. Please support their work with a monthly donation like I do, if you can!
-
Shoutout to Matt Waltereese for being a Victory Whip supporter on Patreon! So mega.
-
Follow along on Instagram @thestruggleclimbingshow and YouTube /@thestruggleclimbingshow
-
The Struggle is carbon-neutral in partnership with The Honnold Foundation, whose mission is to promote solar energy for a more equitable world.
-
This show is produced and hosted by Ryan Devlin, and edited by Glen Walker. The Struggle is a proud member of the Plug Tone Audio Collective, a diverse group of the best, most impactful podcasts in the outdoor industry.
-
The struggle makes us stronger! I hope your training and climbing are going great.
-
And now here are some buzzwords to help the almighty algorithm get this show in front of people who love to climb: rock climbing, rock climber, climbing, climber, bouldering, sport climbing, gym climbing, how to rock climb, donuts are amazing. Okay, whew, that’s done. But hey, if you’re a human that’s actually reading this, and if you love this show (and love to climb) would you think about sharing this episode with a climber friend of yours? And shout it out on your socials? I’ll send you a sticker for doing it. Just shoot me a message on IG – thanks so much!
Wednesday Oct 08, 2025
Wednesday Oct 08, 2025
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
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In this interview, elite climber Hamish McArthur shares:
Why he now seeks to avoid struggle
How he got better when he stopped training
The new grip position he learned from Daniel woods that took his performance to new levels
Boards vs spray walls for his training
An argument against training up weaknesses
The nemesis Kilter climb he has yet to do
How he sent Megatron (V17/9A) in 5 days
How he sent No One Mourns the Wicked (V17/9A) second or third go
Utilizing “One touch” climbing to send hard things fast
Creative outlets and passions beyond climbing
Attempting to flash Burden of Dreams
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BIG THANKS TO THE AMAZING SPONSORS OF THE STRUGGLE WHO LOVE ROCK CLIMBING AS MUCH AS YOU DO:
PhysiVantage: the official climbing-nutrition sponsor of The Struggle. Use code STRUGGLE15 at checkout for 15% off your full-priced nutrition order.
Rúngne: Soft threads and high performing chalk! Use Code STRUGGLE for 10% Off Bags, Buckets, Chalk & Apparel from Rúngne! Rungne.com
Rhino Skin Solutions: Perform, Cleanse, Repair… repeat! Amazing skin care products crafted specifically for climbers, whether you’re pulling hard indoors or out. Use code STRUGGLE to score a whopping 20% off your purchase!
Nature Climbing: Beautifully crafted lifting edges and hangboards that feature real granite edges for improved texture and skin conditioning. Sustainably crafted works of art, I love them so much! Get 20% off everything at natureclimbing.com using code STRUGGLE
And check out ALL the show’s awesome sponsors and exclusive deals at thestruggleclimbingshow.com/deals
-
Shoutout to Matt Waltereese for being a Victory Whip supporter on Patreon! So mega.
-
Here are some AI generated show notes (hopefully the robots got it right)
01:10 Hamish's Climbing Achievements
01:45 Mindset and Techniques
02:54 Climbing Philosophy and Goals
04:27 Interview with Hamish McArthur
11:57 Training and Climbing Techniques
22:53 Finger Strength and Training Insights
43:21 Recovery and Nutrition
50:13 Project Strategy and Mental Game
51:05 Discussing the Kilter Board Climb
53:01 Projecting Megatron and Other Boulders
55:56 Fueling Climbing Gains with Fizzy Vantage
57:21 The Mental Game of Climbing
01:01:56 Achieving Success on Hard Projects
01:06:03 Reflecting on Climbing Accomplishments
01:25:22 Future Climbing Plans and Personal Interests
01:31:49 Conclusion and Bonus Episode Teaser
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Follow along on Instagram @thestruggleclimbingshow and YouTube /@thestruggleclimbingshow
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The Struggle is carbon-neutral in partnership with The Honnold Foundation, whose mission is to promote solar energy for a more equitable world.
-
This show is produced and hosted by Ryan Devlin, and edited by Glen Walker. The Struggle is a proud member of the Plug Tone Audio Collective, a diverse group of the best, most impactful podcasts in the outdoor industry.
-
The struggle makes us stronger! I hope your training and climbing are going great.
-
And now here are some buzzwords to help the almighty algorithm get this show in front of people who love to climb: rock climbing, rock climber, climbing, climber, bouldering, sport climbing, gym climbing, how to rock climb, donuts are amazing. Okay, whew, that’s done. But hey, if you’re a human that’s actually reading this, and if you love this show (and love to climb) would you think about sharing this episode with a climber friend of yours? And shout it out on your socials? I’ll send you a sticker for doing it. Just shoot me a message on IG – thanks so much!
Wednesday Oct 01, 2025
Wednesday Oct 01, 2025
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 Climber's Guide to the Red River Gorge, Eric Hörst and Kris Hampton explore:
When to visit
Where to stay (on all budgets)
Where to eat (on all budgets)
How to train for the pump
Tactics to perform at your best
How to 'protect the send'
Favorite routes from 5.9 to 5.14
Here's a list of our favorite routes: https://www.thestruggleclimbingshow.com/RRGlist
Join me at Rocktoberfest on October 8th for a live podcast, then stick around for the incredible weekend of programs, clinics, and stoke! https://rrgcc.org/rocktoberfest/
Get $25 off the Red River Pump Prep program from Power Company by using code STRUGGLEPUMP at https://www.powercompanyclimbing.com/trip-prep#rrg-trip-prep
Get 15% off SendureX and other Physivantage staples by using code Struggle15 at http://www.physivantage.com/discount/STRUGGLE15
Get 20% off Rhino Skin Solutions by using code STRUGGLE at https://rhinoskinsolutions.com/discount/STRUGGLE
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BIG THANKS TO THE AMAZING SPONSORS OF THE STRUGGLE WHO LOVE ROCK CLIMBING AS MUCH AS YOU DO:
PhysiVantage: the official climbing-nutrition sponsor of The Struggle. Use code STRUGGLE15 at checkout for 15% off your full-priced nutrition order.
Rúngne: Soft threads and high performing chalk! Use Code STRUGGLE for 10% Off Bags, Buckets, Chalk & Apparel from Rúngne!
5-Year Training and Performance Journal: The most important climbing tool I use! Takes just a few minutes each day, and yields amazing insights year after year. If you’re psyched on training and performance, this is the journal for you. Log, reflect, send.
And check out ALL the show’s awesome sponsors and exclusive deals at thestruggleclimbingshow.com/deals
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Here are some AI generated show notes (hopefully the robots got it right)
04:24 Interview with Eric Horst and Kris Hampton
05:43 Kris Hampton's Climbing Journey
09:36 Eric Horst's Climbing Journey
18:14 Best Seasons to Climb at the Red
24:31 Where to Stay at the Red River Gorge
34:10 Where to Eat at the Red River Gorge
36:54 Training for the Red River Gorge
38:31 Understanding Endurance Climbing
39:25 Training for the Red River Gorge
43:05 Aerobic vs. Anaerobic Training
47:49 The Importance of Year-Round Training
49:43 Mental and Physical Adaptations
57:53 Tactics for a Successful Climbing Trip
01:15:52 Favorite Routes at the Red River Gorge
01:18:52 Discussing Favorite Climbing Routes
01:20:30 Exploring 5.10 Climbing Routes
01:22:50 Diving into 5.11 Climbing Routes
01:28:12 Highlighting 5.12 Climbing Routes
01:33:31 Exploring 5.13 Climbing Routes
01:37:40 Discussing 5.14 and Beyond
01:41:18 Wrapping Up and Future Plans
-
Shoutout to Matt Waltereese for being a Victory Whip supporter on Patreon! So mega.
-
Follow along on Instagram and YouTube: @thestruggleclimbingshow
-
This show is produced and hosted by Ryan Devlin, and edited by Glen Walker. The Struggle is carbon-neutral in partnership with The Honnold Foundation and is a proud member of the Plug Tone Audio Collective, a diverse group of the best, most impactful podcasts in the outdoor industry.
And now here are some buzzwords to help the almighty algorithm get this show in front of people who love to climb: rock climbing, rock climber, climbing, climber, bouldering, sport climbing, gym climbing, how to rock climb, donuts are amazing. Okay, whew, that’s done. But hey, if you’re a human that’s actually reading this, and if you love this show (and love to climb) would you think about sharing this episode with a climber friend of yours? And shout it out on your socials? I’ll send you a sticker for doing it. Just shoot me a message on IG – thanks so much!
Wednesday Sep 24, 2025
Wednesday Sep 24, 2025
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
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In this episode Fallon Rowe, climber and author of Pay No Mind, explores:
How she fell into a charismatic climbing relationship that turned very dark, controlling, and abusive
The manipulative tricks her partner used to keep her under his control
Power imbalances that can occur in some climbing relationships
Her harrowing escape
The evidence based therapy (EMDR) that she used to process and recover from the trauma
Stoic philosophy
Why she feels more deeply connected to climbing and mastery everyday
Struggling with chronic health conditions and how she manages them
Being psyched on sport multi-pitch and FAs
How to identify red flags in your relationship or belaytionship
Being mentored by John Long
Order a copy of Pay No Mind, it's a gripping read: https://www.diangelopublications.com/shop/p/pay-no-mind
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And check out ALL the show’s awesome sponsors and exclusive deals at thestruggleclimbingshow.com/deals
-
Shoutout to Matt Waltereese for being a Victory Whip supporter on Patreon! So mega.
-
Here are some AI generated show notes (hopefully the robots got it right)
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:37 Introducing Fallon Rowe and Her Story
01:19 Fallon's Book: Pay No Mind
01:45 A Different Kind of Episode
04:00 Starting the Conversation with Fallon
05:12 Fallon's Journey and Writing Process
07:53 The Abusive Relationship Unfolds
11:12 Climbing and Control
33:32 The Final Escape
37:47 Healing and Moving Forward
49:23 The Downward Spiral of a Friend
50:12 Rediscovering the Joy of Climbing
52:03 Living with Chronic Illness
55:28 Navigating Climbing with Health Conditions
01:01:32 Addressing Abuse in Climbing Relationships
01:08:44 The Impact of Sharing Personal Stories
01:11:39 Fallon's Future and Stoic Philosophy
01:22:06 Final Thoughts and Acknowledgements
-
Follow along on Instagram @thestruggleclimbingshow and YouTube /@thestruggleclimbingshow
-
The Struggle is carbon-neutral in partnership with The Honnold Foundation, whose mission is to promote solar energy for a more equitable world.
-
This show is produced and hosted by Ryan Devlin, and edited by Glen Walker. The Struggle is a proud member of the Plug Tone Audio Collective, a diverse group of the best, most impactful podcasts in the outdoor industry.
-
The struggle makes us stronger! I hope your training and climbing are going great.
-
And now here are some buzzwords to help the almighty algorithm get this show in front of people who love to climb: rock climbing, rock climber, climbing, climber, bouldering, sport climbing, gym climbing, how to rock climb, donuts are amazing. Okay, whew, that’s done. But hey, if you’re a human that’s actually reading this, and if you love this show (and love to climb) would you think about sharing this episode with a climber friend of yours? And shout it out on your socials? I’ll send you a sticker for doing it. Just shoot me a message on IG – thanks so much!
Wednesday Sep 17, 2025
Wednesday Sep 17, 2025
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
Weekend Warrior Gentil Nguyen shares insights including:
How she sent ten V10s in her first two years outside
Challenges (and advantages!) of being 4'11"
Why indoor climbs can be harder than outdoors for short climbers
Climbing 3 days per week and doing very little other training
Why her first season was so magical, and her second season a struggle
Dealing with send pressure
The importance of releasing expectations
Separating self-worth from climbing performance
Flexibility and finger strength tips to "climb taller"
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BIG THANKS TO THE AMAZING SPONSORS OF THE STRUGGLE WHO LOVE ROCK CLIMBING AS MUCH AS YOU DO:
Rúngne: Soft threads and high performing chalk! Use Code STRUGGLE for 10% Off Bags, Buckets, Chalk & Apparel from Rúngne!
Petzl: Check out the CONNECT ADJUST at your local gear shop, and learn more at Petzl.com. I love this PAS, it's so easy to use.
Rhino Skin Solutions: Perform, Cleanse, Repair… repeat! Amazing skin care products crafted specifically for climbers, whether you’re pulling hard indoors or out. Use code STRUGGLE to score a whopping 20% off your purchase!
And check out ALL the show’s awesome sponsors and exclusive deals at thestruggleclimbingshow.com/deals
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Here are some AI generated show notes (hopefully the robots got it right)
02:11 Gentil's Climbing Background and Achievements
02:48 Host's Recent Outdoor Climbing Experience
19:40 Gentil's Climbing Philosophy and Training Routine
27:26 Gentil's Transition to Outdoor Climbing
33:43 Planning Bouldering Trips
34:48 Setting Expectations and Priorities
36:28 Researching and Identifying Boulders
37:18 Inspiration and Community Impact
37:54 Safety Gear Spotlight: Petzl Connect Adjust
39:41 Challenges of Short Climbers
41:58 Mental Journey and Training Blocks
46:43 Balancing Performance and Enjoyment
54:07 Future Goals and Outdoor Climbing
55:52 Indoor Climbing and Personal Growth
56:40 Tips for Short Climbers
01:00:10 Red Rock Bouldering Recommendations
01:04:15 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
-
Shoutout to Matt Waltereese for being a Victory Whip supporter on Patreon! So mega.
-
Follow along on Instagram and YouTube: @thestruggleclimbingshow
-
This show is produced and hosted by Ryan Devlin, and edited by Glen Walker. The Struggle is carbon-neutral in partnership with The Honnold Foundation and is a proud member of the Plug Tone Audio Collective, a diverse group of the best, most impactful podcasts in the outdoor industry.
And now here are some buzzwords to help the almighty algorithm get this show in front of people who love to climb: rock climbing, rock climber, climbing, climber, bouldering, sport climbing, gym climbing, how to rock climb, donuts are amazing. Okay, whew, that’s done. But hey, if you’re a human that’s actually reading this, and if you love this show (and love to climb) would you think about sharing this episode with a climber friend of yours? And shout it out on your socials? I’ll send you a sticker for doing it. Just shoot me a message on IG – thanks so much!
Wednesday Sep 10, 2025
Wednesday Sep 10, 2025
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, coach Jesse Firestone answers lisnters' top bouldering questions in his characteristic thoughtful manner. Topics include:
How to access maximal effort and power on the first move
Visualization techniques to get amped
The value of limiting attempts on a boulder
Are grades necessary for motivation and progression
Loss aversion theory
The importance of skills over grades
Managing fear of falling
A guaranteed way to get better at scary top outs
Dealing with injuries
How to let go of the things we can’t control
Overcoming biases to refresh our training and performance
How to improve at technique if we don’t have a coach
Using video for self technique review
When testing various strength metrics is helpful vs a waste of time
Building capacity for better bouldering sessions
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Gain instant access to the FULL Pro Clinic by supporting the show as a Patron (you can even check it out for FREE with a 7-day trial):
https://www.patreon.com/thestruggleclimbingshow
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Here are some AI generated show notes (hopefully the robots got it right)
00:00 Introduction to Strength Training
00:22 Welcome to the Struggle Climbing Show
00:41 Top 10 Bouldering Questions
01:34 Jesse Firestone's Coaching Insights
02:46 Personal Climbing Journeys
03:28 Parenting and Climbing
05:54 Q&A Session Begins
07:32 Maximal Effort Tips
08:21 Visualization Techniques
10:07 Creating Aggression for Climbing
12:22 Strength Training and Plyometrics
15:25 Session Constraints and Final Tips
16:25 Corey's Perspective on Grades
17:18 Understanding Loss Aversion in Climbing
19:26 Skills Over Grades: A Coaching Approach
22:58 The Value of Attempting the Impossible
29:51 Fear of Falling in Outdoor Bouldering
31:27 Conclusion and Further Insights
-
Shoutout to Matt Waltereese for being a Victory Whip supporter on Patreon! So mega.
-
Follow along on Instagram and YouTube: @thestruggleclimbingshow
-
This show is produced and hosted by Ryan Devlin, and edited by Glen Walker. The Struggle is carbon-neutral in partnership with The Honnold Foundation and is a proud member of the Plug Tone Audio Collective, a diverse group of the best, most impactful podcasts in the outdoor industry.
-
The struggle makes us stronger! Let's get out there and try hard. Thanks for supporting the show, y'all.
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And now here are some buzzwords to help the almighty algorithm get this show in front of people who love to climb: rock climbing, rock climber, climbing, climber, bouldering, sport climbing, gym climbing, how to rock climb, donuts are amazing. Okay, whew, that’s done. But hey, if you’re a human that’s actually reading this, and if you love this show (and love to climb) would you think about sharing this episode with a climber friend of yours? And shout it out on your socials? I’ll send you a sticker for doing it. Just shoot me a message on IG – thanks so much!
Wednesday Sep 03, 2025
Wednesday Sep 03, 2025
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Coach Kevin Cuckovich from Kilter joins to go over my recent climbing assessment on the board, including:
What my assessment entailed
My strengths and weaknesses
The two main things I need to work on right now
Specific drills and exercises for me to implement
Why he doesn’t want me to cut feet
The benefit of imposed scarcity for attempts
The importance of not 'cheating' climbs
Why some of my sport climbing instincts are working against me as a boulderer
Embracing unstable positions
Off-the-wall training to support my climbing
How to schedule climbing and conditioning for best gains and recovery
When I’ll try my first V8 on the board
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BIG THANKS TO THE AMAZING SPONSORS OF THE STRUGGLE WHO LOVE ROCK CLIMBING AS MUCH AS YOU DO:
Kilter: Award winning, adjustable, light-up board. It’s what I’m training on at home, and if you’re psyched to join me then use code STRUGGLE at checkout when you build your board, and you’ll score up to $1000 off plus a free gift pack let’s goooo!
Altitude Climbing: Join legends Chris Sharma and Magnus Midtbø for an unforgettable deep water soloing retreat in Mallorca, where all of the logistics (food, lodging, boat guides, etc.) are taken care of for you. Dream trip! Visit altitudeclimbing.com/events to learn more and apply today.
And check out ALL the show’s awesome sponsors and exclusive deals at thestruggleclimbingshow.com/deals
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Here are some AI generated show notes (hopefully the robots got it right)
00:00 Introduction and Welcome Back
00:24 Ryan's Squamish Adventure
02:16 Training on the Kilter Board
02:50 Assessment with Coach Kevin
03:28 Identifying Weaknesses and Strengths
06:18 Training Strategies and Adjustments
16:28 The Importance of Precision and Familiarity
22:37 Kilter Board Endorsement and Benefits
26:10 Final Thoughts and Training Philosophy
32:15 Footwork and Climbing Techniques
34:42 Challenges and Observations
41:29 Training Plan and Adjustments
44:10 Balancing Climbing and Conditioning
51:35 Preparing for Squamish and Future Goals
57:53 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
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Shoutout to Matt Waltereese for being a Victory Whip supporter on Patreon! So mega.
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Follow along on Instagram and YouTube: @thestruggleclimbingshow
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This show is produced and hosted by Ryan Devlin, and edited by Glen Walker. The Struggle is carbon-neutral in partnership with The Honnold Foundation and is a proud member of the Plug Tone Audio Collective, a diverse group of the best, most impactful podcasts in the outdoor industry.
And now here are some buzzwords to help the almighty algorithm get this show in front of people who love to climb: rock climbing, rock climber, climbing, climber, bouldering, sport climbing, gym climbing, how to rock climb, donuts are amazing. Okay, whew, that’s done. But hey, if you’re a human that’s actually reading this, and if you love this show (and love to climb) would you think about sharing this episode with a climber friend of yours? And shout it out on your socials? I’ll send you a sticker for doing it. Just shoot me a message on IG – thanks so much!