Not Your Typical Climber

Wanjiru shares their journey into the world of climbing, discussing the importance of community, and their role with Sending in Color in creating inclusive spaces for climbers of colour. They reflect on the challenges of ice climbing, the significance of proper gear, and the joy of seeing others succeed in climbing. Wanjiru and Mel explore the value of treating climbing as a journey rather than a destination. 

notyourtypicalclimberpodcast.uk

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About your host:

Mel Reeve is an experienced writer, casual climber and enthusiast, bringing her knowledge and passion to the podcast. With a background in writing, copywriting and content creation, Mel is dedicated to sharing the diverse stories and perspectives that shape the climbing community.

Siddrah, the founder of Climb Muz, shares her motivation behind creating a supportive community for Muslim women in climbing. She discusses the challenges faced by Muslim women in climbing, the importance of representation, and the impact of Climb Muz in fostering a safe and inclusive environment. Siddrah tells us about her growth as a climber and future aspirations for her organisation.

Chapters
00:00
Introduction to Climbing and Personal Journey

02:23
Creating Inclusive Spaces

05:18
Building Community and Support in Climbing

07:42
Overcoming Challenges: Fear and Barriers in Climbing

10:01
The Role of Climbing Walls in Inclusivity

12:39
Personal Growth Through Climbing

15:03
Future Aspirations and Goals for Climbers

17:37
Advice for New Climbers and Building Confidence

notyourtypicalclimberpodcast.uk

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About your host:

Mel Reeve is an experienced writer, casual climber and enthusiast, bringing her knowledge and passion to the podcast. With a background in writing, copywriting and content creation, Mel is dedicated to sharing the diverse stories and perspectives that shape the climbing community.

Sunni Ford is the director of Fat Senders, a climbing group focused on inclusivity for all body types within the climbing community. Sunni shares their journey into climbing, the challenges they've faced because of misconceptions about their capabilities, and the positive impact of creating a supportive environment through Fat Senders. They discuss the importance of navigating assumptions and stereotypes in climbing, the need for more inclusive spaces, and their experiences within the trad climbing community. 

Chapters:

00:00
Introduction to Climbing and Personal Journey

02:48
The Positive Impact of Fatsenders

06:10
Navigating Assumptions and Stereotypes in Climbing

09:08
Creating Inclusive Climbing Spaces

12:05
Experiences in Trad Climbing

15:00
Future Goals and Aspirations for Fatsenders

17:49
Reflections on Competition and Community

21:08
Advice for New Climbers 

notyourtypicalclimberpodcast.uk

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About your host:

Mel Reeve is an experienced writer, casual climber and enthusiast, bringing her knowledge and passion to the podcast. With a background in writing, copywriting and content creation, Mel is dedicated to sharing the diverse stories and perspectives that shape the climbing community.

Ayla shares how climbing has impacted her life and how it can support mental health. She tells Mel about the challenges faced by the trans community within the climbing world, highlighting the need for inclusivity and support. Ayla reflects on the realities of being a trans climber, and her motivation for creating content that encourages others to embrace their identities in outdoor spaces. She tells us about her current climbing projects and favourite locations, particularly her love for slate climbing in North Wales.
 
Chapters:
00:00
Introduction

03:41
Climbing as Therapy

10:50
Community and Inclusivity in Climbing

18:05
Climbing Goals and Personal Growth

24:38
Encouraging Others in the Climbing Community

notyourtypicalclimberpodcast.uk

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About your host:

Mel Reeve is an experienced writer, casual climber and enthusiast, bringing her knowledge and passion to the podcast. With a background in writing, copywriting and content creation, Mel is dedicated to sharing the diverse stories and perspectives that shape the climbing community.

Lou, the managing director of Flash Foxy, shares their journey in climbing, the evolution of the organization towards inclusivity, and the importance of creating supportive spaces for women and genderqueer climbers. They discuss the significance of community, the joy of climbing festivals, and the complexities of risk management in climbing. 

Chapters:
00:00
Introduction

06:30
The Evolution of Flash Foxy and Its Values

12:22
Creating Inclusive Spaces in Climbing

17:28
The Joy of Climbing Festivals

22:39
Risk Management and Personal Growth in Climbing

28:26
Future Aspirations in Alpine Climbing

notyourtypicalclimberpodcast.uk

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About your host:

Mel Reeve is an experienced writer, casual climber and enthusiast, bringing her knowledge and passion to the podcast. With a background in writing, copywriting and content creation, Mel is dedicated to sharing the diverse stories and perspectives that shape the climbing community.

Hannah, a journalist and climber, shares her journey into the world of climbing, her involvement with the Women's Climbing Symposium, and her passion for environmental stewardship through her initiative, Tidy Climbers. She discusses the importance of community in climbing, the challenges of littering in outdoor spaces, and the need for education and compassion in addressing these issues. 

Chapters:

00:00
Introduction

02:52
Women in Climbing: The Women's Climbing Symposium

05:48
Hannah's Climbing Journey: From Scouts to Trad

09:05
The Beauty of Trad Climbing in the Lake District

11:58
Tidy Climbers: A Litter Picking Initiative

14:55
The Impact of Tidy Climbers on the Community

17:48
Understanding Littering: Education and Compassion

21:09
Future Plans for Tidy Climbers

24:02
Closing Thoughts

notyourtypicalclimberpodcast.uk

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About your host:

Mel Reeve is an experienced writer, casual climber and enthusiast, bringing her knowledge and passion to the podcast. With a background in writing, copywriting and content creation, Mel is dedicated to sharing the diverse stories and perspectives that shape the climbing community.

Amruta Wyssmann shares how she went from a new climber to proud member of the Swiss paraclimbing team. She tells Mel about the importance of community in climbing and her training plans. Amy also shares her aspirations for the future - including hopes for the 2028 Paralympics - her newfound passion for ice climbing, and her hobbies outside of climbing including cooking and reading fantasy novels.

NOTE: apologies, the audio quality for the final moments of the episode is slightly less than optimal - no, it's not just your headphones!

Chapters:

00:00
Introduction

02:51
The Community and Competition in Climbing

05:46
Training Regimens and Overcoming Challenges

09:04
Route Setting and Adaptations in Para Climbing

11:58
Future Aspirations and the Paralympics

15:08
Exploring Ice Climbing

17:57
Hobbies Beyond Climbing

notyourtypicalclimberpodcast.uk

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About your host:

Mel Reeve is an experienced writer, casual climber and enthusiast, bringing her knowledge and passion to the podcast. With a background in writing, copywriting and content creation, Mel is dedicated to sharing the diverse stories and perspectives that shape the climbing community.

Ben Fitzsimmons from Refugees Rock shares his profound connection to climbing. Ben highlights his work with Refugees Rock, a programme that provides free climbing sessions for asylum seekers. We discuss the importance of access to climbing for diverse groups and the role of community support in enhancing the climbing experience. 

notyourtypicalclimberpodcast.uk

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About your host:

Mel Reeve is an experienced writer, casual climber and enthusiast, bringing her knowledge and passion to the podcast. With a background in writing, copywriting and content creation, Mel is dedicated to sharing the diverse stories and perspectives that shape the climbing community.

Bennett Rahn, a plus-size rock climber and mountaineer, shares her experiences of being a plus-size climber. Bennett tells host Mel Reeve about the importance of rage confidence, navigating gear accessibility, and the need for more representation in climbing. She reflects on building supportive communities, self-advocacy, and the journey from amateur to professional guiding. 

Chapters:
00:00
Introduction 

02:54
The Journey to Climbing: Overcoming Insecurities

05:46
Embodiment and Confidence in Climbing

09:01
Navigating Gear and Movement as a Plus-Size Climber

11:52
Representation and Its Impact on the Climbing Community

15:13
Building Resilience and Community in Climbing

18:06
The Role of a Plus-Size Guide in Climbing

29:11
The Journey to Guiding: From Amateur to Professional

34:16
Overcoming Imposter Syndrome in Climbing

53:06
Finding Joy and Balance in Climbing

notyourtypicalclimberpodcast.uk

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About your host:

Mel Reeve is an experienced writer, casual climber and enthusiast, bringing her knowledge and passion to the podcast. With a background in writing, copywriting and content creation, Mel is dedicated to sharing the diverse stories and perspectives that shape the climbing community.

Charmian is the Climbing Lead at Wanderers of Colour, she tells host Mel Reeve about her journey into climbing, the challenges of climbing while pregnant, and the importance of building a community for people of colour in outdoor activities. 

She also discusses the founding of Wanderers of Colour, its mission to create inclusive spaces for climbers, and the significance of representation in the climbing community. 

Chapters:
00:00
Introduction 

00:55
Climbing Preferences and Favorite Locations

03:27
Climbing with Family and Pregnancy Journey

07:57
Representation in Climbing and Community Support

09:54
Wanderers of Colour: Origins and Growth

14:12
Climbing Festival: Planning and Execution

18:50
Personal Reflections on Community

21:09
Future Goals and Climbing Opportunities

23:13
Encouragement for New Climbers and Community Involvement

notyourtypicalclimberpodcast.uk

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About your host:

Mel Reeve is an experienced writer, casual climber and enthusiast, bringing her knowledge and passion to the podcast. With a background in writing, copywriting and content creation, Mel is dedicated to sharing the diverse stories and perspectives that shape the climbing community.