Welcome back to Who Are These Guys?—the only podcast where fear of heights and fear of adulthood collide mid-climb. In this episode, we sit down with Erika, a self-proclaimed "part-dirtbag, part-responsible adult," who casually scales 40-foot climbing walls like they’re escalators. Meanwhile, Kurt’s knees are buckling and JK’s already Googling “is there a height limit for excuses?”

We talk rock climbing, fear of failure, how not to belay your ex, the existential dread of parenthood, and why adrenaline therapy might be cheaper (and better) than actual therapy. Erika breaks down the difference between bouldering, lead climbing, and what happens when your gear says “nah, I’m out.” It’s funny, terrifying, weirdly inspirational—and somehow still mostly safe.

If you’ve ever looked at a climbing wall and thought “that looks like a lawsuit,” this episode’s for you.

🎧 Timestamps:

[00:00] Intro

[05:23] "You’re Not an Adult, You Just Pay Bills" — Aging, Adulthood & Feeling Like a Fraud

[12:47] Erika’s Climbing Origin Story & The 40-Foot Revelation

[24:15] Trust Issues, Broken Gear, and Wild Climbing Confessions

[30:55] Outro (with bonus pigeon paranoia)