First Ascent Podcast

Today, Jay and Lee share their thoughts after watching the first episode of The Climb on HBOMax. Then, they dig into listener questions, including their favorite places to climb and favorite (and least favorite) types of rock. 

Palate Cleansers: 

El Capitan - Fred Padula 1971: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TcWg9Y9oLY4

One Summer - Bouldering in the Peak in 1994: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RnGf69g6Igc

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.

How have you bounced back from a climbing injury? Let us know @firstascentpod on Instagram!

Jay and Lee can be found at @jayknower and @xxleeweexx 

Jay is laid up with a back injury from chopping wood, so the guys thought there was no better time to discuss climbing injuries. Today, Jay and Lee chat about their own experiences with injuries and how they’ve navigated the setbacks that come with them. 

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.

How have you bounced back from a climbing injury? Let us know @firstascentpod on Instagram!

Jay and Lee can be found at @jayknower and @xxleeweexx 

This week, Jay’s mom Susan and Lee’s dad Ernie join the pod! Tune in for a wide ranging chat about Jay and Lee’s early climbing days, and the importance of allowing children to do challenging things. Plus, hear some great stories about climbing with the parents. 

What do your parents think of climbing? Do they participate? Let us know @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 celebrate Festivus in classic Seinfeld fashion by airing their grievances! Tune in to hear Jay and Lee let loose on topics including -  inflated gym bouldering ratings, downgrading routes, carabiners on chalk bags… and water filtration? 

What is your biggest grievance in the climbing world this year? Let us know @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.

“There are no such things as bad conditions, just bad attitudes” - Tim Deroehn

Today, Jay and Lee let you in on one of the best kept secrets of climbing - climbing in cold weather. Hear their thoughts on the weather conditions to look for, techniques for keeping warm (hello screaming pukies!), and how to choose the best routes. 

Plus, get the guys unvarnished views on Totem cams, the ‘no anticipation send’, and Cloudwalker. 

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.

Mountain guide and avid ice climber Dave Lottman joins us on the show today for a wide ranging conversation about ice climbing, avalanche preparedness, and what he’s looking forward to this ice climbing season. Plus, we’ll tackle a few listener questions! 

For more about Dave and his class offerings, check out his Instagram, blog, or at www.nemountaineering.com. 

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.

You asked, we answered! This week we’re going through the First Ascent mailbag to answer questions that have come our way. 

Do you have a burning question that you’d like answered on a future episode? DM it to 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 cover what is possibly the most important piece of gear of all: shoes. Learn about the history of how climbing shoes changed the game, the impotance of shoe sizing, and hear Jay and Lee’s debate on best shoes throughout the years. 

What are your desert island climbing shoes? 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.

The ice climbing season is upon us and Jay and Lee are joined today by an impressive line up of dedicated ice climbers to chat about just that. Tune in to hear a wide ranging conversation on ice climbing with guests Pat Cooke, Luke Hampton, Jon Nicolodi, Zac St. Jules, and Yan Mongrain.

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.

We are back with Part 2! This week Jay and Lee continue with their list of what they believe to be the most classic climbs of each rating in New Hampshire - 5.11 - 5.14.

Tell us your thoughts on classic climbs - did we nail it or not? 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.