In some circles, Dierdre Wolownick is best known as Alex Honnold’s mom. But she is also the oldest woman to climb El Cap, an author, teacher, linguist, musician, marathon runner, and someone who continues to push her comfort zone. We talk to Dierdre about her new book The Sharp End of Life: A Mother’s Story; what shaped her philosophy of parenting; how she’s become more courageous with age; and the importance of continuing to push past limits.

TOPICS & TIMES:

• Growing up in a home with “old world” values (3:58)
• Dierdre’s philosophy of parenting (10:23)
• When family dynamics become very public (21:37)
• The importance of expanding our comfort zones (26:29)
• On the specialized languages of outdoor sports communities (32:40)
• On the “devastating absence of connection” (38:18)
• Book recommendations (42:55)
• Dierdre’s philosophy of life (47:15)
• What are you most passionate about currently? (51:13)

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