Who is Aaron Mulkey? I figured it was time to go beyond the surface of my life. Like just about anyone I have struggled in life multiple times. I have lost, loved, fallen and escaped life when I needed to disconnect from reality. Climbing and Kayaking kept me alive in my darkest times, but I was incredibly lucky. Attempting to find balance between work, climbing and family has always been a struggle. Social Media tells a story that we curate for our followers, but the reality of a life can only be shared through a book or conversation. This will be the first of these open conversations to come. 

 

This is a super powerful conversation with Sarah Hueniken who has been a driving force in the Ice and Mixed Climbing community for many years. She is one of the strongest winter athletes I know and one of the nicest people you will ever meet. Sarah shares some of her secrets to her success and how she navigates fear and risk. We also chat about accidents and loss in the mountains and how we as a climbing community can better support each other. 

Check out https://www.mountainmuskox.com/ a support group of individuals who have been impacted by loss or trauma in the mountains. 

History is made with the introduction of the "Many-Headed Beast" The Black Diamond Hydra ice climbing tool. I sit down with ice and alpine climbing legends Will Gadd and Jackson Marvell along with the incredible design and engineering team at Black Diamond, Sean Dunlop, Derek Gustafson and Jeremy Stack. This is a first of its kind conversation about how the Hydra Ice Climbing Tool came to be. We also dive into some Ice Climbing history and the many ice tools that Black Diamond has developed over the years. This history is very important to tell the story of the evolution of the Hydra.

Hydra Contest: For your chance to win one of the two Hydra tools signed by Aaron Mulkey, Jackson Marvell and Will Gadd follow the rules below to enter. 

• Follow @blackdiamond and @coldfear on Instagram
• Listen to this podcast
• Answer the question: Which pomel is stronger, the upper or lower?
• DM the secret answer to @coldfear on Instagram
• Comment on the @blackdiamond and @coldfear Hydra Podcast collaboration post on Instagram “I conquered the many headed beast” once you’ve sent in your answer
• Share that collaboration post to your story for an extra entry
• Winner will be randomly selected from submissions that meet all the rules on September 20th!

Connor Koch is a mountain endurance athlete rooted in the Rockies. His climbing career has been shaped by fast and light pushes on the Colorado 14ers, technical Teton and Montana high points, and ski descents from the granite giants of the Sierra. While comfortable on any medium, Connor is most inspired by long days with nothing but a small pack and running shoes, testing his limits and finding the edge of possibility between the earth and the sky. 

The time is now to start training for your winter season. I sit down with Seth Keena to talk about the Ice Climbing training plan he and I put together with Evoke Endurance. Seth is a full time coach at Evoke Endurance and started mentoring under legend Scott Johnston in 2015. Seth is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to training and how the body responds. We talk about the Ice Climbing training plan and how easy it is to start this plan for people who also have full time jobs. If you're looking to get strong this winter season then give this a listen and check out the plan for $75.

Check out the plan HERE

Kelly Halpin grew up in Jackson WY with the Tetons and National Forest as her playground. She has made a name for herself in the world of mountain running by taking on massive mountain ranges solo and unsupported. It's not a trail that sets her path, It's the ridge ahead that has led her to set a number of FKT records in some of the most remote spots in the U.S. Sometimes her runs have her moving through the night and on her feet for over 60 hours. She started climbing at age 6 which led to a lifelong love for the mountains. Kelly began competing in bouldering competitions while in college in Los Angeles, winning multiple firsts in the Advanced Women’s Division. After graduating she moved back home to Jackson where she pursued snowboarding on a competitive level until 2012 when she blew her knee on her home mountain. Ironically, the injury inspired Kelly to begin trail running and pursuing human powered endurance pursuits in the mountains. Today Kelly is an avid mountain runner and adventurer, merging her passions for running, climbing, and exploring remote and wild places. She enjoys the challenge of pushing herself mentally through difficult endurance feats, typically solo and unsupported. When she is not outside, Kelly maintains a career as a professional illustrator with artwork inspired by her time in nature.

Meet Ryan Vachon, a seasoned climate scientist and geochemist with a Ph.D. earned in 2006. For over 15 years, Ryan's research has taken him across Greenland, Alaska, the Andes, and the Himalayas, studying the impacts of climate change.  

Beyond his academic achievements, Ryan is an accomplished climber across all disciplines, known for putting up numerous first ascents. A reliable partner for tackling challenging projects, he's the go-to person when it's time to achieve something significant.

In this episode, Ryan opens up about dealing with a challenging injury and the mental resilience required during recovery. Additionally, he sheds light on how individuals can truly make a difference in combating climate change. The insights shared might just surprise you!

Steve House is a highly accomplished alpinist known for his bold and groundbreaking ascents in the world of alpine climbing. With a career spanning several decades, House has established himself as one of the most influential climbers of his generation. His notable achievements include numerous first ascents in remote and challenging mountain ranges around the globe. As a sought-after speaker and author, House has shared his expertise and experiences with audiences worldwide. In this episode House shares valuable insights into what he has learned through his career and experiences in the mountains. Through Uphill Athlete Steve continues to share his passion for the mountains and training. 

I sit down with Dan Vastyan and Chris Guyer to talk about all things that have happened in the last couple months from Post Holing 10 hours into a climb, a First Ascent, Alaska and Bloody Ice. 

Episode 19 I sit down with Steven Dunnavant about his life renewed. Steven is one of the most stoked and nicest individuals you will ever meet, but we can all learn from his motivation to get fit and eliminate excuses.  He started ice climbing when he weighed over 300 pounds and has lost over 75 pounds over the last year. Ice Climbing lit a fire in his heart and mind. It opened a door to a life he didn't know existed and it has now become a part of him he can not live without. He is a family man, owns a business, and.....lives in Texas. Yes, he is a rare breed a "Texas Ice Climber". Despite having all of the excuses in the world to continue down a path of comfort and bad health, he chooses to take control of his future. I think at many times in this conversation Steven and I were both a bit teary-eyed so I hope you enjoy this conversation.