the best climbing podcast episodes
A hand-picked, playable selection of the best podcast episodes for this topic — each with the reason it earned its spot. Press play on any pick, or build your own playlist free.
Why these picks
8 episodes curated for "the best climbing podcast episodes"
The curated episodes
8 episodes — each chosen for a reason you can read below.
Why this pick: This Climbing Gold episode features renowned climber and filmmaker Jimmy Chin discussing his approach to pushing limits in climbing, photography, and filmmaking. It directly addresses mindset, mentorship, and embracing discomfort to achieve elite performance, which aligns perfectly with 'best climbing' themes. The high production quality, expert guest, and focus on real-world climbing challenges make it exceptionally valuable for enthusiasts seeking inspiration from one of the top names in the sport.
Why this pick: StoneLine Podcast interviews Jerry Moffatt, one of the world's best climbers in the 1980s, about his mindset, training, and approach to hard routes, boulders, and competitions. He shares research from his book Mastermind on high-caliber climbers' mental strategies, offering timeless tactics relevant today. This expert-level discussion on becoming the best provides actionable insights into projecting, energy management, and elite performance in climbing.
Why this pick: Climbing Gold episode explores Hollywood's portrayal of climbing with Academy Award winner Charlize Theron and climbing legend Beth Rodden consulting on the film Apex for realism. It delves into making climbing authentic on screen without needing to climb 5.12, offering unique insights into professional climbing technique and film production. This provides practical value on climbing form and a fresh perspective on bridging elite climbing with mainstream media.
Why this pick: Climbing Gold profiles Sean Bailey, America's top climber, who has sent multiple V17 boulders and North America's first 5.15d. Despite retiring from competitions, his focus remains on hunting great climbs rather than hype, showcasing dedication and low-key excellence. This episode highlights duality in elite climbing careers, offering motivation and strategies for sustained high-level performance from one of the best.
Why this pick: This episode recounts the legendary 1978 attempt on the North Ridge of Latok 1 by a dream team of alpinists, which became an iconic story of friendship and perseverance despite not summiting. It examines whether reaching a summit measures success and celebrates the power of camaraderie in extreme climbing. As a high-quality narrative on one of the most coveted alpine climbs, it offers deep inspiration and historical context for what defines the 'best' in climbing.
Why this pick: From the Wide Boyz climbing experts, this episode focuses on optimal nutrition and food choices specifically for climbing trips and performance. It draws from their crack climbing community expertise to help climbers fuel effectively for demanding routes. While more niche, it delivers practical, high-value advice that enhances any climber's ability to perform at their best on multi-day or high-intensity adventures.
Why this pick: This Climbing Gold chapter features Peter Croft discussing climbing evolution, heroes, and pushing mental boundaries with host Alex. It connects historical influences like 1940s bebop jazz to free-soloing Yosemite's Astroman, exploring how climbing rules are rewritten by pioneers. The episode provides philosophical and historical depth on what makes certain climbs and climbers the 'best,' encouraging innovative mindsets.
Why this pick: This crossover episode tests the strength of world-class armwrestler Devon Larratt by having him try climbing with Magnus Midtbø, a top climber. It humorously and insightfully compares physical demands across strength sports, revealing what makes elite climbers exceptional. The engaging format and expert participants offer a unique angle on climbing prowess, fitness transfer, and what 'best' means across athletic disciplines.