The Ground Up Podcast

Joe Goodacre grew up in North Boulder and started climbing at just 4 years old through Robyn Erbesfield-Raboutou’s Team ABC—one of the strongest youth programs in the country. In this episode, Joe shares what it was like to come up through competitive climbing, from early top‑rope comps to winning youth nationals and becoming a National and Pan-American champion. We get into the hyper‑technical world of speed climbing—micro‑beta, head‑to‑head racing, and this niche sport's evolution. As well as Joe’s time spent climbing over the water both outdoors and in the exhilarating Psicobloc competitions all over the world. Lastly, we dive into Joe's transition into outdoor climbing, skipping v10, climbing high above the water and what it's been like to work a climb for more than the comp-allotted 5 minutes. It’s a fun look at what happens when someone raised in the gym discovers the full spectrum of climbing. - A huge thank you to our sponsor, Misty Mountain , for supporting The Ground Up Podcast. Since 1985, Misty Mountain has been handcrafting climbing harnesses and equipment in North Carolina, building gear that's trusted by climbers no matter the challenge. As a listener of The Ground Up Podcast, you can save 15% on harnesses, gear, and apparel with the code GROUNDUP at checkout. - Follow the Joe on Instagram: @joewgoodacre - Get access to exclusive and ad-free content by becoming a Patreon Follow along on Instagram: @listentogroundup Check out our new website: https://www.thegrounduppodcast.com/ Sign up for the Mailing List !

Here it is folks, the moment you've been waiting for! We're here live announcing the winners of the Misty Mountain Harness giveaway event that's been ongoing for the last couple of weeks. Big shoutout to Misty Mountain for providing the harnesses and supporting the show. We've got two winners from the Instagram contest as well as one winner from Patreon. We'll be in touch with the winners with all the details on how to claim your harness. Thanks to everyone that participated! - A huge thank you to our sponsor, Misty Mountain , for supporting The Ground Up Podcast. Since 1985, Misty Mountain has been handcrafting climbing harnesses and equipment in North Carolina, building gear that's trusted by climbers no matter the challenge. As a listener of The Ground Up Podcast, you can save 15% on harnesses, gear, and apparel with the code GROUNDUP at checkout. - Get access to exclusive and ad-free content by becoming a Patreon Follow along on Instagram: @listentogroundup Check out our new website: https://www.thegrounduppodcast.com/ Sign up for the Mailing List !

Steph Abegg has spent the better part of two decades exploring, climbing, and meticulously documenting some of the biggest and most adventurous routes across western North America. From her early days scrambling and mountaineering in the North Cascades to long days on remote multi-pitch routes, Steph has built a reputation not only for her ability to move quickly through big terrain, but for the incredibly detailed trip reports, route overlays, photos, and beta she creates along the way. In this episode, we trace Steph’s climbing journey from growing up in a family of mountaineers to discovering rock climbing in college, and the mentorship that helped launch her into the world of long alpine routes. She shares the story of a devastating accident on the North Face of Vesper that nearly cost her her foot—and ultimately pushed her toward steeper, more solid rock climbing in the High Sierra and beyond. We also dive into the big-day mentality that has defined her climbing ever since, including her recent 19-hour ascent of All Along the Watchtower in the Bugaboos, a 35-hour car-to-car push on Bear Mountain, and her 10-hour ascent of the Matterhorn that put her more than an hour under the previous women’s FKT. Along the way, we get deep into Steph’s unique approach to climbing documentation—how she researches an objective, builds route overlays before ever setting foot on the climb, records pitch-by-pitch beta, and turns each adventure into a polished visual story. She explains why the process of documenting a climb has become almost as important as the climb itself, and how that passion has evolved into her current project: 70 Select, a book highlighting her favorite multi-pitch rock climbs across western North America. It's clear from this conversation, that after nearly 20 years of climbing and documenting adventures, Steph still has no plans to slow down. - A huge thank you to our sponsor, Misty Mountain , for supporting The Ground Up Podcast. Since 1985, Misty Mountain has been handcrafting climbing harnesses and equipment in North Carolina, building gear that's trusted by climbers no matter the challenge. As a listener of The Ground Up Podcast, you can save 15% on harnesses, gear, and apparel with the code GROUNDUP at checkout. - Visit Steph's website to see all of her latest adventures, topos and trip reports Follow the Steph on Instagram: @stephabegg_com Check out Steph's YouTube Channel @stephabegg Read about Steph's recent ascent of All Along the Watchtower in the Bugaboos Get a first hand look at Steph's recent FKT on the Matterhorn Dive deep into Steph's 35-hour car-to-car push on Bear Mountain - Get access to exclusive and ad-free content by becoming a Patreon Follow along on Instagram: @listentogroundup Check out our new website: https://www.thegrounduppodcast.com/ Sign up for the Mailing List !

In this episode, the Ground Up crew flips the script by announcing it's first ever GEAR GIVEAWAY before Robert interviews Ari about his recent exploits in the Winds tackling the Cirque of the Towers Traverse with Mike Palmer, who you may remember from Episode 1 of the podcast. Located in Wyoming, the Wind River Range is roughly 100 miles long, boasts some of the highest Rocky Mountain peaks outside of Colorado and provides a spectacular arena for several monster linkups, including the iconic Cirque of the Towers Traverse, a roughly 20 mile alpine traverse across the Cirque's 11 major peaks including a lap up the Wolf's Head on one of North America's 50 Classic Climbs. During the interview we cover everything from Ari and Mike's tactics and logistics, the pros and cons of climbing highly exposed routes by headlamp and all of the inevitable type 2 challenges that come with a sufferfest of this magnitude, including a last minute weather audible before they even got to the trailhead at Big Sandy. - A huge thank you to our sponsor, Misty Mountain , for supporting The Ground Up Podcast. Since 1985, Misty Mountain has been handcrafting climbing harnesses and equipment in North Carolina, building gear that's trusted by climbers no matter the challenge. As a listener of The Ground Up Podcast, you can save 15% on harnesses, gear, and apparel with the code GROUNDUP at checkout. - Get the beta for the Cirque of the Towers Traverse Follow the Ari on Instagram: @arigold145 Learn more about the Gear Giveaway Listen to Ep 1 with Mike Palmer - Get access to exclusive and ad-free content by becoming a Patron Follow along on Instagram: @listentogroundup Check out our new website: https://www.thegrounduppodcast.com/ Sign up for the Mailing List !

What happens when two Horseshoe Hell veterans sit down with the podcast legends Ryan Devlin & Chris Kalous and try to explain what they've gotten themselves into? For this special rebroadcast, we joined Ryan on the Struggle Climbing Show and his Hell partner Chris (host of The Enormocast) for a crash course in all things 24 Hours of Horseshoe Hell—the legendary Arkansas climbing event where teams spend 12, 24, or even 36 hours climbing as many routes as they can. We break down the basics of Hell, from how the event works and how to qualify, to the biggest mistakes first-timers make and the tactics that can save your skin, energy, and sanity when the clock keeps ticking. We also get into the questions everyone has before their first Hell: Why aren't there more injuries? What does it actually take to survive 24 hours? And, perhaps most importantly, how do you choose the right costume? Whether you're thinking about signing up for Horseshoe Hell, curious what makes the event so uniquely chaotic, or just want to hear four climbers convince themselves that climbing through the night is a good idea, this episode is your crash course in Hell. - A huge thank you to our sponsor, Misty Mountain , for supporting The Ground Up Podcast. Since 1985, Misty Mountain has been handcrafting climbing harnesses and equipment in North Carolina, building gear that's trusted by climbers no matter the challenge. As a listener of The Ground Up Podcast, you can save 15% on harnesses, gear, and apparel with the code GROUNDUP at checkout. - Follow Ryan & The Struggle on Instagram: @thestruggleclimbingshow Follow Chris & The Enormocast on Instagram: @enormocast Check out the Struggle Climbing Show Check out the Enormocast Get prepped for 24 Hours of Horseshoe Hell with our previous Hell guests The Goatbuster: Vasya Vorotnikov and Rob D'Anastasio Genevive Walker Leather & Lace: Dick & Natalie Dower Nadya Vorotnikova & Sean Vallefuoco - Get access to exclusive and ad-free content by becoming a Patreon Follow along on Instagram: @listentogroundup Check out our new website: https://www.thegrounduppodcast.com/ Sign up for the Mailing List !

Eric Zschiesche is one of the true pioneers of American bouldering. From establishing some of the Piedmont's most iconic boulder problems and traditional routes to developing classics at Devil's Lake, Eric's influence stretches far beyond the guidebooks. Long before crash pads and social media, he was climbing bold highballs, pushing into 5.13—often barefoot—and building a legacy that continues to inspire generations of climbers. In this episode, we trace Eric's journey from scrambling around the cliffs of North Carolina's Moore's Wall as a teenager to dirtbagging across the American West in pursuit of Yosemite's biggest walls. He shares stories of discovering technical climbing, finding inspiration beneath Midnight Lightning, surviving epics on El Capitan, and why bouldering has always remained at the heart of his climbing philosophy. Along the way, we dive into the evolution of climbing from the 1970s to today, the ethics and mindset behind bold ascents, the unique quartzite cliffs of North Carolina, and what it was like establishing difficult highballs without the safety net of modern crash pads. Eric also opens up about the "widow maker" heart attack that nearly ended his life—and how showing up to the climbing gym that day ultimately saved it. Now in his 60s and still climbing double-digit boulders, Eric reflects on the joy of lifelong movement, curiosity, and why the simplest act of climbing on rock has never stopped captivating him. - A huge thank you to our sponsor, Misty Mountain , for supporting The Ground Up Podcast. Since 1985, Misty Mountain has been handcrafting climbing harnesses and equipment in North Carolina, building gear that's trusted by climbers no matter the challenge. As a listener of The Ground Up Podcast, you can save 15% on harnesses, gear, and apparel with the code GROUNDUP at checkout. - Follow the Eric on Instagram: @ericzschiesche00 Check out Eri's YouTube Channel @ericzschiesche Head on over to Eric's website to see some his artrwork - Get access to exclusive and ad-free content by becoming a Patreon Follow along on Instagram: @listentogroundup Check out our new website: https://www.thegrounduppodcast.com/ Sign up for the Mailing List !

Snake Dike has become one of the most talked-about routes in climbing after a controversial retro-bolting effort—and the equally controversial decision to chop those bolts. So we brought friend of the pod, Trevor Jones, on to debate one of the biggest questions in climbing today: should classic routes ever be changed? The three of us come at the topic from very different perspectives as we discuss retro-bolting ethics, preserving climbing history, adventure, risk, and who gets the final say when it comes to an iconic route. We also tackle another climbing ethics question: if you fall onto a ledge but never weight the rope, did you actually send the climb? Finally, we wrap things up by talking about Janja Garnbret's incredible ascent of Bibliographie and whether she's already the greatest all-around female rock climber of all time. - A huge thank you to our sponsor, Misty Mountain , for supporting The Ground Up Podcast. Since 1985, Misty Mountain has been handcrafting climbing harnesses and equipment in North Carolina, building gear that's trusted by climbers no matter the challenge. As a listener of The Ground Up Podcast, you can save 15% on harnesses, gear, and apparel with the code GROUNDUP at checkout. - Read about the recent retro-bolting of Snake Dike Check out the Climbing Magazine article about why the bolts were chopped Hear John Long's take on this classic debate Read about the infamous 2024 accident on Snake Dike Peruse the borderline obnoxious Mountain Project thread on the topic - Get access to exclusive and ad-free content by becoming a Patreon Follow along on Instagram: @listentogroundup Check out our new website: https://www.thegrounduppodcast.com/ Sign up for the Mailing List !

John Alcorn has quietly become one of Colorado's strongest and speediest alpine climbers. Best known for his record-setting ascent of the Casual Route on Longs Peak's Diamond, John's journey wasn't built on chasing speed from the beginning—it started with a humbling 24-hour ascent that sparked an obsession with climbing more efficiently. In this episode, we follow that progression from growing up in rural Tennessee to discovering Colorado's alpine climbing scene, falling in love with Longs Peak, and spending nearly a decade refining every aspect of movement in the mountains. John shares how trail running, simul-climbing, and countless laps on Eldorado Canyon classics like the Naked Edge became the foundation for bigger objectives, eventually leading to the fastest ascents ever of the Diamond. Along the way, we dive into the history of speed climbing on Longs Peak, the philosophy behind efficiency in the alpine, balancing a career in aerospace with ambitious climbing goals, and why some of the most meaningful objectives are the ones waiting just outside your back door. - A huge thank you to our sponsor, Misty Mountain , for supporting The Ground Up Podcast. Since 1985, Misty Mountain has been handcrafting climbing harnesses and equipment in North Carolina, building gear that's trusted by climbers no matter the challenge. As a listener of The Ground Up Podcast, you can save 15% on harnesses, gear, and apparel with the code GROUNDUP at checkout. - Follow the John on Instagram: @jalcrn Stay up to date with John's latest activities on Strava Read about John's FKT of The Diamond of Long's Peak - Get access to exclusive and ad-free content by becoming a Patreon Follow along on Instagram: @listentogroundup Check out our new website: https://www.thegrounduppodcast.com/ Sign up for the Mailing List !

Vasya Vorotnikov is a seasoned veteran of the climbing world, with over 30 years of climbing experience and a deep background as a movement coach and route setter. Known for demolishing massive personal goals—like ticking off over ten 5.14s, over a hundred 5.13s, and 365 5.12s or harder in a single year—Vasya approaches climbing from a refreshing perspective: that technique, creative thinking, and mental capacity trump raw physical strength almost every time. In this episode, we talk about adapting your training to fit your lifestyle, contrasting Ari’s abundant outdoor access in Denver with Rob’s gym-dependent, unpredictable freelancing schedule in New York City. Vasya breaks down his 80/20 rule for building true endurance, detailing solo gym strategies like arcing to mimic long pitches, ground-based block pulling for safe finger strength, and the humbling "5-7-9" conditioning workout. We also dive into how to be intentional when you step outside, transforming a hard project into a legitimate workout rather than falling into the trap of diminishing returns. This conversation is a deep dive into movement efficiency, highly optimized solo training protocols, and how to strategically structure your gym and crag time to smash your limits, no matter what environment you find yourself in. - Follow the Vasya on Instagram: @vasyav87 Check out Vasya's insane tick list on 8a.nu - Get access to exclusive and ad-free content by becoming a Patreon Follow along on Instagram: @listentogroundup Check out our new website: https://www.thegrounduppodcast.com/ Sign up for the Mailing List !

David Sharratt is one of the East Coast's great underground crushers. From bold headpoints at Moon Rocks, pushing the boundaries of free climbing at Looking Glass, to the legendary Good, Bad, and Ugly at Ghost Town, David has spent decades establishing and repeating some of North Carolina and the Southeast's hardest and most serious routes. In this episode, we talk about the aesthetic pull of lines that seem barely possible—routes with just enough holds, just enough gear, and just enough mystery to demand attention. David shares how hard sport climbing and bold trad became the foundation for free climbing and first ascents around the world, leading to expeditions in Peru, Patagonia, China, Malaysia's Dragon's Horn, and the Indian Himalaya. This conversation is a deep dive into bold climbing, expedition objectives, aesthetic obsession, and a lifetime spent chasing the kinds of routes that leave a lasting mark long after the ascent is over. - Follow the David on Instagram: @davidosharratt Check out David's Vimeo Channel Read about David's expedition to the Indian Himalaya - Get access to exclusive and ad-free content by becoming a Patreon Follow along on Instagram: @listentogroundup Check out our new website: https://www.thegrounduppodcast.com/ Sign up for the Mailing List !

Fresh off the world premiere of Queen Swing, return guest Laura Pineau is back on the podcast—this time stepping away from the Yosemite speed climbing stories to dive deeper into the experiences and climbing that shaped her. We talk about Laura’s unconventional introduction to climbing through deep water soloing along the sea cliffs of southern France, how those early days falling into the Mediterranean built both her love for climbing and her tolerance for exposure, and the path that eventually led her toward trad and crack climbing. Laura shares the steep learning curve of transitioning from limestone sport climbing to granite big walls, the mentorship and partnerships that accelerated her progression, and how she became obsessed with the craft of crack climbing. We also dive into her groundbreaking ascent of Wet Lycra Nightmare (13d) on Leaning Tower in Yosemite, becoming the first woman to free climb the route, and the mental and physical process behind taking on one of the Valley’s most intimidating testpieces. Beyond Yosemite, Laura talks about her recent adventure with Elsa Ponzo to climb the “100 Most Beautiful Multi-Pitches” in the South of France in just 50 days—a massive endurance project filled with long days, logistics, partnership dynamics, and some of the best (and worst) rock in Europe. - Follow the Laura on Instagram: @laurapineau Check out Laura's YouTube Channel: @Laura-Pineau Read the Planet Mountain's article on Laura's FFA of Wet Lycra Nightmare See the breakdown of the 100 multipitch routes in Provence on Planet Mountain Get the latest information of tour dates for the Queen Swing , part of the Mountains on Stage film tour - Additional Links 100 Most Beautiful Multipitches Guidebook - Camp to Camp Deepwater Soloing Une araignée au plafond Mello Blocco Bouldering Festival - Get access to exclusive and ad-free content by becoming a Patreon Follow along on Instagram: @listentogroundup Check out our new website: https://www.thegrounduppodcast.com/ Sign up for the Mailing List !

We're switching things up a bit this week with our first ever listener questions driven episode! Instead of our usual format interviewing guests, it’s just us this time—riffing on climbing films, hot topics, and however many listener submitted questions we can get through. We start by getting into some recent films we’ve been watching (and working on), swap thoughts on storytelling in climbing media, and dive into a pretty deep debate on grading—what it means, where it falls short, and what a “perfect” system might actually look like. We also tackle a few listener-submitted questions, ranging from thoughtful to slightly ridiculous, and let the conversation wander into everything from ethics to personal preferences on the rock. This is a more off-the-cuff, unfiltered side of the podcast—and a bit of an experiment. Let us know what you think and if you like it, we’ll keep them coming more often. - Check out all the films we mentioned: Dias de la Gloria Queen Swing IAN Learn more about the SAR on the Naked Edge - Get access to exclusive and ad-free content by becoming a Patreon Follow along on Instagram: @listentogroundup Check out our new website: https://www.thegrounduppodcast.com/ Sign up for the Mailing List !

Today’s guest is none other than mental‑training expert and longtime first‑ascensionist Arno Ilgner. While most climbers know Arno for The Rock Warrior’s Way—his influential book and program on focus, risk, and commitment—his 50‑year climbing career is just as compelling, and ultimately what led him into the world of mental training. In today's episode, we cover Arno's introduction to climbing in the in the limestone bluffs of Tennessee, climbing with a rack of pitons & hip belays. From there, he went on to establish bold first ascents across the country, including major contributions in Fremont Canyon and the intimidating headwall of Whitesides in North Carolina—routes that remain test pieces even today. We then dive into how his climbing sparked a deeper curiosity about the mind—specifically why he felt more comfortable on runout 5.12 trad than on a perfectly safe 5.13 sport route. That question became the foundation for The Rock Warrior’s Way. We explore some of the core techniques behind his program, how climbers can work with fear of falling or fear of failure, and what it means to climb with more presence and self‑awareness. Finally, Arno talks about the next evolution of The Warrior’s Way as he transitions the program into a broader, non‑climbing context, helping people apply the same tools of awareness, courage, and intentional action to the rest of their lives. - Follow the Arno on Instagram: @rockwarriorsway Arno is also on Facebook , LinkedIn and YouTube Learn more about the Warrior's Way mental training program by visiting their website . Check out the Warrior's Way Retreats , Personalized Coaching , or sign-up for their email list to stay up to date with the latest news! - Get access to exclusive and ad-free content by becoming a Patreon Follow along on Instagram: @listentogroundup Check out our new website: https://www.thegrounduppodcast.com/ Sign up for the Mailing List !

Wilson Cutbirth is an expedition climber at heart—driven by ground-up style, remote objectives, and first ascents on some of the wildest big walls out there. With a deep background in rigging and rope systems, his approach blends technical precision with a willingness to embrace uncertainty in truly committing terrain. In this episode, we trace Wilson’s unconventional path into climbing—from sharing a single pair of shoes with friends in rural Arizona to putting up bold first ascents on remote big walls across the world, including an expedition to Mount Roraima with Leo Houlding. Along the way, we dive into his early days as a highliner, the transition into climbing, and what drives him to go ground up on some of the worlds biggest cliffs. We also get into some full-value epics: his attempts to set the FKT of the Cirque Tower Traverse, getting absolutely wrecked in a storm on the side of El Cap after taking questionable beta, and a brutally heavy first expedition into Wyoming’s Wind River Range—complete with 100+ pound packs, a massive hail storm, and a whole lot of learning the hard way. This one’s all about progression through experience, embracing the sufferfest, and chasing big objectives in wild places. - Follow the Wislon on Instagram: @wilstone8 Check out Wilson's FKT breakdown for the Cirque Tower Traverse ! See the film of Wilson and Leo's ascent of Mount Roraima's northern prow. Check out Wilson's rigging company Gravity Line - Get access to exclusive and ad-free content by becoming a Patreon Follow along on Instagram: @listentogroundup Check out our new website: https://www.thegrounduppodcast.com/ Sign up for the Mailing List !

In this episode, we sit down with West Virginia climber and prolific developer Andrew Leich to trace a climbing journey shaped by obsession, grit, and an almost unthinkable comeback. From his early days at the New River Gorge to developing out of necessity in the Cheat Canyon, Andrew built his reputation on bold ascents—including an onsight* of Moonlight Buttress. Along the way, he also shares the surprisingly simple, yet effective, fingerboard routine that helped him build elite endurance. But everything changed after a near-fatal rattlesnake bite left Andrew with severe nerve damage, forcing him to start over from square one. What followed was a long, uncertain road back, redefining his relationship with climbing and progressing his way back through the grades. That journey ultimately comes full circle with his recent ascent of Green Magic in the Hills (5.14b), a route he bolted years earlier but never sent—until now. We also dive into Andrew’s deep impact on the Cheat Canyon, where he’s developed hundreds of boulders and authored a guidebook that’s helped put the area on the map. - Follow the Andrew on Instagram: @andrew_leich Get a copy of the Cheat Canyon Guidebook ! Check out Climbing Magazine's recent article featuring Andrew's comeback! - Get access to exclusive and ad-free content by becoming a Patreon Follow along on Instagram: @listentogroundup Check out our new website: https://www.thegrounduppodcast.com/ Sign up for the Mailing List !

For decades, Ghost Town stood as one of North Carolina’s most legendary—and inaccessible—cliffs. First climbed in the 1970s and closed for nearly 20 years, its towering crack systems and dramatic position above Hickory Nut Gorge became the stuff of local lore. In this episode, we sit down with the Carolina Climbers Coalition Executive Director, Mike Reardon, to unpack the long journey to bring Ghost Town back to life. Mike shares the behind-the-scenes story of land access, conservation, and the effort to reopen this historic crag to the climbing community. We explore Ghost Town’s rich history, its untapped potential, and what it means to be part of a climbing area’s rebirth—from forgotten first ascents to brand new routes waiting to be discovered. - Follow the CCC on Instagram: @carolinaclimberscoalition Join the Effort - Donate to help ensure Lower Ghost Town stays open. All donations $150 or more will receive an exclusive Ghost Town T-Shirt ! Become a member of the CCC to support access to climbing areas all around the Carolinas like Ghost Town! Stay up to date with the latest trail days for Ghost Town! Sign up for the Rumble , a premier boulder and ropes competition put on by the CCC Learn more about the CCC's recent acquisition of Ghost Town ! - Get access to exclusive and ad-free content by becoming a Patreon Follow along on Instagram: @listentogroundup Check out our new website: https://www.thegrounduppodcast.com/ Sign up for the Mailing List !

In this episode, we sit down with Kathy Karlo to trace an unconventional climbing trajectory—one that started on ice in Ouray and the steep quartzite horizontals of the Gunks, but has led to a life filled with endless single-pitch perfection on the Sandstone of the Southeast. Kathy reflects on how traveling to places like Indian Creek, the Black Canyon, and Vedauwoo pushed her into uncomfortable styles that made her a stronger, more creative climber—and why, despite all that wandering, she’s continually drawn back to the Southeast to pursue some of the most aesthetic trad lines around. We also dive into two of her biggest accomplishments: becoming the first woman to complete the Tennessee Wall Triple Crown—three 5.12 roof cracks outside Chattanooga—and the Linville Destroyer, a massive link-up that adds six formations and a committing river crossing to the already formidable Linville Crusher in Linville Gorge. Beyond her personal climbing, Kathy serves as the Executive Director of the No Man’s Land Film Festival, where she helps amplify women and gender-nonconforming voices in adventure storytelling while building one of the most impactful film tours in the outdoor community. This episode is about choosing the harder path on purpose, learning to rest when needed, and building a life around climbing—without letting it consume you entirely. - Follow Kathy on Instagram: @inheadlights Get more details about the No Man's Land Film Festival at their website! Follow No Man's Land Film Festival on Instagram: @nomanslandfilmfestival Watch the Stone Locals film featuring Kathy's FFA of the Tennessee Triple Crown - Get access to exclusive and ad-free content by becoming a Patreon Follow along on Instagram: @listentogroundup Check out our new website: https://www.thegrounduppodcast.com/ Sign up for the Mailing List !

In this episode, we sit down with Tal Wanish to talk about what it really means to build a climbing area from the ground up. Tal walks us through his evolution from a college climbing class at Clemson to becoming one of the most active route developers in Colorado’s South Platte, and eventually discovering what is now known as Wonderland—a massive, wild granite zone west of Denver that has grown into a true local playground. With over two dozen named formations and hundreds of routes, Wonderland is a case study in what happens when curiosity, persistence, and community-minded development collide. We dig into Tal’s philosophy on developing areas rather than individual routes, how he evaluates new rock, and the technical and ethical considerations that come with bolting, re-bolting, and building something that will last beyond his lifetime. Tal also shares how mentorship shaped his path, and how he’s paying it forward by helping guide the next generation of route developers. - Follow Tal on Instagram: @totalwanish Get a copy of the Wonderland Guidebook today! Pick up a local copy of the guide at Rock & Resole - Get access to exclusive and ad-free content by becoming a Patreon Follow along on Instagram: @listentogroundup Check out our new website: https://www.thegrounduppodcast.com/ Sign up for the Mailing List !

We’re back! After a short hiatus, we're kicking things off with a State of the Union for The Ground Up Podcast. In this episode, we catch up on what’s been happening behind the scenes—from moves and life changes to why it felt like the right time to pause, reset, and level up the show. We also lay out what’s coming next: a return to a consistent bi-weekly release schedule, a stacked lineup of upcoming guests, and new ways to engage with the Ground Up community. Most importantly, we officially announce the launch of the Ground Up Patreon —a new way to support the show while keeping it largely ad-free. Patreon members will get early access to episodes, opportunities to submit questions for guests, and access to giveaways, merch drops, and more. If you’ve been enjoying the show and want to help shape where it goes next, this is how you can be part of it. Welcome back to The Ground Up. - Get access to exclusive and ad-free content by becoming a Patreon Follow along on Instagram: @listentogroundup Check out our new website: https://www.thegrounduppodcast.com/ Sign up for the Mailing List !

Fresh off a record-breaking run at 24 Hours of Horseshoe Hell, Nadya and Sean sit down with Ari and Rob to share how they approached the legendary 24-hour climbing marathon. From Sean’s disastrous first year of Oreos, Gatorade, and brand-new shoes to the meticulous (and sometimes improvised) strategy that helped Nadya smash the women’s points record, we dig into what works, what doesn’t, and why the right partner makes or breaks your experience. They also talk about the upcoming rule changes for the 20th anniversary of “Hell,” what excites them about a clean slate, and how community and stoke fuel their endurance. - Follow Nadya on Instagram: @nadyavorotnikova Follow Sean on Instagram: @seanvallefuoco Follow along with all the Horseshoe Hell Fun: @therealtwofourhell - Interested in signing up for the event?! Check out more details at https://www.twofourhell.com/ - Follow along on Instagram: @listentogroundup Check out our new website: https://www.thegrounduppodcast.com/ Sign up for the Mailing List !