This week, Greg Pouliot joins Jay and Lee on the pod to chat about how his newfound sobriety has positively impacted his climbing experience.

If you are questioning if it’s time to get sober, here are a few resources to help you get started: 

https://www.aa.org/

https://al-anon.org/

https://al-anon.org/newcomers/teen-corner-alateen/

Links: 

https://www.britannica.com/topic/asceticism

You know what you want to do? You want to join our Patreon! Support the First Ascent Podcast for just $5/month and get access to great bonus content like our live talks, route info, and exclusive beta. Learn more here: https://www.patreon.com/FirstAscentPodcast

Do you have a listener question or a topic idea? Let us know at @firstascentpod on Instagram! Jay and Lee can be found at @jayknower and @xxleeweexx 

Disclaimer: 

The information expressed in this episode is for entertainment purposes only, and is not intended as, nor should it be interpreted as, informational or instructional.

By popular demand, Jay and Lee finally share their thoughts on the art of bouldering. Hear why bouldering will make you a better climber, and learn how bouldering has changed over the years. 

You know what you want to do? You want to join our Patreon! Support the First Ascent Podcast for just $5/month and get access to great bonus content like our live talks, route info, and exclusive beta. Learn more here: https://www.patreon.com/FirstAscentPodcast

Do you have a listener question or a topic idea? Let us know at @firstascentpod on Instagram! Jay and Lee can be found at @jayknower and @xxleeweexx 

Disclaimer: 

The information expressed in this episode is for entertainment purposes only, and is not intended as, nor should it be interpreted as, informational or instructional.

It’s a full house on the pod this week! Jay and Lee are joined by the members of their development group, Team Scruff. Tune in for a fun chat about development with Greg Pouliot, Sam Johansson, Torie Kidd, Kayte Knower, Mike Gagnon, Jeff Cegan and Mike Zarnowski.

We have a Patreon! We would be so grateful for your support of the First Ascent Podcast. Learn more here: https://www.patreon.com/FirstAscentPodcast

Do you have a listener question or a topic idea? Let us know at @firstascentpod on Instagram! Jay and Lee can be found at @jayknower and @xxleeweexx 

Disclaimer: 

The information expressed in this episode is for entertainment purposes only, and is not intended as, nor should it be interpreted as, informational or instructional.

Today, Jay and Lee are joined by a legend of Cannon Cliff - Jon Sykes. A prolific developer with many first ascents under his belt, Jon brings a wealth of wisdom, advice, and wild tales to today’s pod. 

Check out Jon’s excellent climbing guides: 

The Notches: A Rock Climber’s Guide to the Western White Mountains of New Hampshire

https://www.amazon.com/Notches-Climbers-Western-Mountains-Hampshire/dp/069281762X

Secrets of the Notch: A Guide to Rock & Ice Climbing on Cannon Cliff and the Crags of Franconia Notch

https://www.amazon.com/Secrets-Notch-Climbing-Cannon-Franconia/dp/188606413X

We have a Patreon! We would be so grateful for your support of the First Ascent Podcast. Learn more here: https://www.patreon.com/FirstAscentPodcast

Do you have a listener question or a topic idea? Let us know at @firstascentpod on Instagram! Jay and Lee can be found at @jayknower and @xxleeweexx 

Disclaimer: 

The information expressed in this episode is for entertainment purposes only, and is not intended as, nor should it be interpreted as, informational or instructional.

Today, Jay and Lee face off in the toughest debate they’ve ever had on the pod: gates in or gates out on a harness. Hear each of their takes, why they are certain that the other is wrong, and learn where many of today’s best climbers land in this contentious debate. 

Plus - drinking unfiltered water, the unexpectedly ephemeral nature of rock and what it means for grades, and the best routes for young kids. 

We have a Patreon! We would be so grateful for your support of First Ascent Podcast. Learn more here: https://www.patreon.com/FirstAscentPodcast

Do you have a listener question or a topic idea? Let us know at @firstascentpod on Instagram! Jay and Lee can be found at @jayknower and @xxleeweexx 

Disclaimer: 

The information expressed in this episode is for entertainment purposes only, and is not intended as, nor should it be interpreted as, informational or instructional.

Few people in the world know more about bolting than Dave Quinn of Team Tough. We’re so lucky to have him join us this week to nerd out on all things bolts! Learn about how Dave came to realize that glue-ins were the way to go, his community-focused bolting philosophy, why bolts are such a hot commodity right now, and much more. Plus - stick around until the end to get an exclusive scoop on an incredible new product that will hit Team Tough’s shelves soon! 

Check out Team Tough Bolt Products here: www.team-tough.com 

Do you have a question that you’d like answered on the pod? DM us at @firstascentpod on Instagram! Jay and Lee can be found at @jayknower and @xxleeweexx 

Disclaimer: 

The information expressed in this episode is for entertainment purposes only, and is not intended as, nor should it be interpreted as, informational or instructional.

This week, Jay and Lee are winging it! Learn all about the Peregrine Falcon closure at Main Cliff in Rumney, and Chris Sharma’s first ascent of the 15 c, Sleeping Lion. Then, the guys answer your latest batch of listener questions. 

Connect with us at @firstascentpod on Instagram! Jay and Lee can be found at @jayknower and @xxleeweexx 

Disclaimer: 

The information expressed in this episode is for entertainment purposes only, and is not intended as, nor should it be interpreted as, informational or instructional.

In today’s episode, Jay and Lee are joined by legendary New England climbers Ward and Chris Smith! Ward and Chris are responsible for some of the most beloved routes at Rumney and beyond. Tune in to learn how they got their start, what it was like to be a part of Team Tough during the height of development at Rumney, the challenges they’ve experienced in balancing access and overcrowding, and so much more. 

Check out Ward’s guide book to Rumney here: https://www.rockandsnow.com/91279/rumney/

Connect with us at @firstascentpod on Instagram! Jay and Lee can be found at @jayknower and @xxleeweexx 

Disclaimer: 

The information expressed in this episode is for entertainment purposes only, and is not intended as, nor should it be interpreted as, informational or instructional.

Abby Erler and Kayte Knower join us today to talk about the access efforts that are underway at Merriam Woods (formerly Russell Crag). Learn about the vote that just occurred and where things will go from here. 

Are you passionate about recreation at Merriam Woods? Get involved at 

https://www.merriamwoods.org/

Connect with us at @firstascentpod on Instagram! Jay and Lee can be found at @jayknower and @xxleeweexx 

Disclaimer: 

The information expressed in this episode is for entertainment purposes only, and is not intended as, nor should it be interpreted as, informational or instructional.

Today, Jay and Lee answer another batch of questions you’ve submitted. Hear their thoughts on ad campaigns, how to handle unsolicited beta, their skin care routines, and so much more.

Do you have a listener question or a topic idea? Let us know at @firstascentpod on Instagram! Jay and Lee can be found at @jayknower and @xxleeweexx 

Disclaimer: 

The information expressed in this episode is for entertainment purposes only, and is not intended as, nor should it be interpreted as, informational or instructional.