The Average Climber Podcast

By Plug Tone Audio | The Average Climber Podcast

What's The Average Climber Podcast about?

A podcast for the average rock climber featuring the training and nutrition information the everyday climber needs to know. Hosted by Lauren Abernathy, Head Coach and Founder of Good Spray Climbing, and Certified Nutrition Specialist, Caitlin Holmes.

Come to learn about climbing, stay for the goofy antics. You’re in for a good time.

Download our free app to listen on your phone

The Average Climber Podcast episodes:

05.18.2024
BONUS: What does a climbing coach do [behind the scenes]
BONUS TIME. Whether you're a coach looking for some pointers or an athlete who's curious about what it looks like to work with a professional coach, this episode is for you. Get the behind the scenes on what goes into training...
05.16.2024
Ep 57: Good vs. great training and nutrition, "from 'meh' to kickass!"
The great news about pursuing excellence in your training and nutrition? "Great" doesn't have to mean complicated or time consuming. If you're ready to take your training and nutrition from "just ok" to totally awesome, strap in, we're about to tell...
05.09.2024
SB: Top 3 time management pitfalls of busy climbers
Having an awesome training program to follow is great, but you won't get much in the way of results if you don't actually do it. And that's where time management comes in. So you can ✅ get to the gym when...
05.08.2024
Training Q&A: tackling fear on lead, comp style climbing, and balancing multiple hobbies
Answering YOUR listener questions. We're covering- a quick + dirty strategy to work through a fear of lead climbing- ramping back into climbing post-ski season- combining climbing + running- getting into bouldering as a sport climberand more! MEGA BETA BAG: www.getmegabeta.comRESOURCES: Video...
05.08.2024
Ep 55: What climbers get wrong about power
Power is one of the most misunderstood training concepts in climbing. And in this episode we're breaking down- the movement skills climbers confuse for a power deficit- the difference between strength and power- how to avoid common power development pitfallsIf...
05.02.2024
Ep 56: What to do when you aren't improving, "use facts not vibes"
In this episode we're covering- the difference between FEELING like you're plateaued and actually being in one- the low hanging fruit you might be missing if you truly aren't making progress despite your best effortsMEGABETA BAG: www.getmegabeta.com RESOURCES: Sign up for the...
04.11.2024
Nutrition Q&A: Collagen, Creatine, and How long to "bulk"
We love serving up answers to your questions, so tune in for some listener nutrition Q&A. In this episode, we discuss: - the truth about collagen research- what a bulking phase is, and how long you can reasonably do it for- the...
04.04.2024
Ep 54: Does your nutrition approach feel fuzzy? "It's time for a vibe check"
For something as simple as eating, the amount of conflicting (and scientifically unfounded) advice out there is astounding. In a quick Google search, you could find 5001 things in your diet that are "going to kill you" or "give you...
03.28.2024
SNACK BREAK: How to *actually* help your friend who just started climbing
If you have a friend who just started climbing, you probably want to help them out. You want to give them pointers and teach them what you wish you'd have known when YOU started climbing.But sometimes, the "help" you're giving...
03.21.2024
Episode 53: Know the difference between sports nutrition and basic nutrition, “carbs are king”
Food is food, right? Sure. But before you go jumping into drinking tart cherry juice and dry scooping creatine - let's make sure you have your base nutrition covered. In this episode we're diving into ✅ the difference between basic and sports...
03.14.2024
SNACK BREAK: Eat the rainbow! Our top three tips for eating more veggies
We all know that veggies are good for you, and that eating enough of them is important for your health and wellbeing. So why is it so hard to eat enough of them? In this episode we cover✅ why eating vegetables is...
03.07.2024
Episode 52: Overtraining vs. Under-recovering and physical therapy red flags, "not just a shark" with Dr. Parker Farabee
Dr. Parker Farabee is a man of many talents - climbing, ultra-running, and being a kick-ass physical therapist, specializing in outdoor athletes as well as support for athletes with neurological conditions. MEGA BETA BAG: www.getmegabeta.comIn this episode we cover- the difference...
02.22.2024
SNACK BREAK: How to deal with bad body image days
No matter how many self love affirmation meditations you do, there are probably going to be days where you feel less than amazing about the way your body looks. So what can you do in those instances? And how can...
02.15.2024
Episode 51: Six things to look for in a climbing partner + unbelievable venmo requests + listener submitted pet peeves
It's February and love is in the air - and what better time to talk about the most sacred of our relationships: our climbing partnerships.In this episode we're sharing the top six things we look for in our climbing partners....
02.08.2024
SNACK BREAK: How to keep your nutrition goals alive
It's February - which means we're about a month into whatever goal, resolution, or habit you've been trying to pursue since January first. And the question is? Is that ambition still alive? Or did it get left behind last month? Either...
02.01.2024
Episode 50: Using pain to heal, highball bouldering, ego climbing, and dealing with fear. “Don’t tell my mom about this” with Dr. Davis Ngo
In this episode we're doing a tell-all with Dr. Davis Ngo, AKA Rehab Daddy. Maybe you know him from his hysterical climbing reels. Perhaps you've seen his stunning ascents of some of Bishop's spiciest highball boulders. No matter what, you're...
01.25.2024
SNACK BREAK: Sneaky strategies for doing big moves (that you can start using RIGHT NOW)
When the hold feels impossibly far away, or when you keep tapping a hold, but you can't seem to latch it... You just need to try harder, right? Maybe. Maybe not. In this episode we're teaching you our sneakiest strategies...
01.18.2024
Episode 49: training with your humanity in mind and coaching comprehensively, “more than a jiffy” with Dr. Lara Pence
Whether you're a coach who works with climbers, or you're an athlete looking to be a more compassionate self-coach, this episode is a must-listen. We're getting a behind the scenes look into how renowned clinical psychologist Dr. Lara Pence helps...
01.11.2024
SNACK BREAK: Mastering High Feet + Pistol Squat Moves
Do you hate those scrunchy moves where your knee is in your face? Do those pistol squatty moves make you cringe? Well then this this episode is a must-listen. In this snack break we're bringing your our top tips for...
01.04.2024
Episode 48: How to plan a year of climbing (without getting overwhelmed)
Whether you're a "spreadsheet person", or planning gives you the ICK, there's value in having a plan - even if you don't exactly follow it. In this episode we're breaking down how to plan a year of climbing (no pencil-gnawing, hair...
12.28.2023
SNACK BREAK: Your essential year-end nutrition reflection
A major AH-HA! moment is just a few questions away when with this guided nutrition reflection. So before you go diving into 2024, take a step back and consider how your nutrition impacted all areas of your life this year....
12.21.2023
Episode 47: ”Merry Witchmas! Get your Yule log ready!”, what we want you to let go of in the new year
Today we're bringing you some history on the tradition of yule logs - any tying it into your climbing and nutrition goals for the new year. You can always use some inspiration when setting new goals and this is a...
12.14.2023
Episode 46: ”the 30 day rule”, acquiring new skills outside and in the gym with Karly Rager
There's a good chance there's a type of climbing you refer to as an "anti-style".Whether it's slopers, steeps, slabs, or crimps - we'd bet there's a certain type of climbing that feels especially hard for you.So how do you go...
12.07.2023
SNACK BREAK: ”Happy Holidays! do you feel guilty enough yet?” the holiday pep talk you didn’t know you needed
The most wonderful time of the year? In some ways it is. And in other ways it can be the most challenging. Whether you're facing grief, difficult family dynamics, or simply a MOUNTAIN of extra to-dos and social invitations, the...
11.30.2023
INTRODUCING WRITTEN IN STONE: Lynn Hill reaches Critical Mass
Hey there Average Climber - our crew is taking a break this week! We'll be back for more next week, in the meantime, check out episode one of Written in Stone. If you like the Average Climber Podcast, we can...
11.24.2023
SNACK BREAK: Lauren + Caitlin’s Black Friday Extravaganza
If you're like us, you LOVE bragging to your friends about what a great deal you got on something. So allow us to give you the opportunity to get some extravagantly generous deals on your nutrition and training needs.This Snack...
11.16.2023
Episode 45: ”the feel bad yoyo”, ten signs you need to take your training + nutrition more seriously
If you've ever thought "gosh I wish I could send that grade faster, there's so many climbs I could do." or you've pondered what it would be like to step up to those cool, hard looking boulders in your gym....
11.16.2023
SNACK BREAK: How to climb more dynamically (and stop climbing like a sloth all the time)
Do big moves have you stumped? Do you get stuck when you have to huck yourself around on an overhang? Is static, balance-ey climbing your only happy place?If this sounds familiar, it's high time you start expanding your dynamic climbing...
11.02.2023
Episode 44: Six nutrition struggles you’ll face when starting a new training program, ”serial killers eat candy corn”
You start a new training plan. You're so excited. You're ready to buckle down. Everything is going to be great! And then, some unexpected roadblocks pop up - like low energy, muscle soreness, being so hungry all the time. Instead of pressing...
10.27.2023
Plug Tone Presents: Written in Stone [TRAILER]
We have a special treat for you on our feed today - a trailer for Plug Tone's newest show, Written In Stone, climbing's most important ascents. Here's a word from the show's creator, Kris Hampton"I’m making what I wish was out...
10.26.2023
SNACK BREAK: Caitlin’s Big Reveal
Caitlin has some big news to share with us, and you're going to have to listen to find out because we're not telling you what it is in the show notes!LINKS: Send Lauren an email so you can get a sticker...
10.19.2023
Episode 43: ”Bangs are an adult haircut”, 10 things we wish we knew one year into climbing
We're throwing it back to the start of our climbing careers. From the way we trained, to our attitudes, to our haircuts - there is a LOT that we've learned since our first year of climbing. In this episode, we're...
10.05.2023
SNACK BREAK: Solving 8 of your most frustrating footwork struggles
Whether the foot holds are too high, too low, too slippery, or challenging in other ways, footwork can pose a variety of challenges in climbing. In this snack break, we're breaking down eight of the most common footwork struggles climbers...
09.28.2023
Episode 42: ”Do you need to go full wumbo?”, impacts on athletic performance, a climber’s take on intermittent fasting [pt. 2]
In part one of our series on intermittent fasting, we looked at the pros and cons of time restricted eating for general health. However, general health is not the only thing we want you to understand. We also want you...
09.21.2023
SNACK BREAK: Should climbers use creatine?
Did you know that creatine is one of the most studied supplements? Or that it can help increase your capacity for high power activity *ahem, rock climbing*. Well, now you know. In this episode we're discussing the upsides and downsides of...
09.14.2023
Episode 41: ”I’m not playing dodgeball on an empty stomach”, a climber’s take on intermittent fasting [pt. 1]
The information around intermittent fasting is as voluminous as it is confusing. Some health professionals tout it as a Holy Grail for health and longevity. But is it all it's cracked up to be? And is this nutrition strategy helpful...
09.07.2023
Snack Break: avoiding tick list overwhelm, a guided exercise for planning your next climbing trip
So little time so many climbs. The ever-present struggle when you find yourself on a climbing trip. Add in that your friends probably don't want to do the exact same climbs as you, and you've got yourself a real pickle. In...
08.30.2023
Episode 40: ”The red holds are universally hated”, our thoughts, tips, and strategies for climbing better on the Moonboard
If the moonboard were in the cast of Mean Girls - no questions asked, it'd be Regina George. People love it. People hate it. People are obsessed with it. People want to be around it. People want to be as...
08.24.2023
SNACK BREAK: How to warm up at a crag that doesn’t have warm-ups
Whether you're projecting the easiest route on the wall, or you're headed to a boulder that's far away from all the other ones, sometimes you don't always have access to the warm-up climbs you want. So what do you do...
08.17.2023
Episode 39: ”Take me to Kelsee Church”, the intersection of mental health and climbing with licensed therapist, Kelsee Keitel
Like it or not, your mental health impacts your climbing in more ways than you know. From how you deal with failure, to the ways you compare yourself to others, to managing your motivation levels - keeping your mental health...
07.27.2023
SNACK BREAK: Five things you need for a minimal and effective at-home strength set-up
Fitting strength training in around climbing can be tough. You know what makes it tougher? A commute to the gym. That's why, this episode will teach you about our five favorite pieces of equipment to help you build an effective strength...
07.20.2023
Episode 38: ”muscle building muggles”, the top three ways you’re hindering muscle growth with Emily Smith, CNS
Forget what those tabloids might say about "too much strength training making you bulky!" The truth is, gaining muscle doesn't happen by accident. It takes work – a lot of it. So don't freak out about getting "too big". Instead, consider...
07.13.2023
Snack Break: Camp Cooking Listener Q&A
This episode we're taking the time to help you with your questions and give you some tips to help with the woes of eating while camping. From non-perishable protein sources, to master online order schemes, to our top food planning...
07.06.2023
Episode 37: the ultimate camping and climbing guide, 8 tips to climb your best and fuel well on camping trips, ”I’m gonna laminate some checklists”
Weekend climbing trips can be in-tents...... heh? get it? So in this episode, we're breaking down our top eight tips for maximizing your camping and climbing endeavors. From Caitlin's best food prep tips, to tactics for weekend climbing, to our...
06.29.2023
Snack Break: Good, better, best. A training strategy for chaos.
In training you can get into virtuous cycles or vicious ones... And one of the most insidious cycles happens when you have an all or nothing mindset towards training "if it isn't perfect and I can't do it all, I'm...
06.22.2023
Episode 36: Top 8 travel struggles of nutrition and training, ”how to survive a continental breakfast”
When you're going on a trip (a non-climbing trip, that is) - whether it's a beachy getaway, a work conference, or you're headed to a family reunion; the way you approach training and nutrition probably has to change. So do...
06.15.2023
SNACK BREAK: What you never learned about heel hooks
Heel hooking: there's more to it than meets the eye - well, the foot? Whatever. In this episode, you'll have your mind blown by the sneaking ways you're biffing your heel hooks. Let's fix it, shall we? If building your climbing skills...
06.08.2023
Episode 35: The trap of perfect nutrition, embracing food freedom, and ”nutrition nihilism”
You might think you have a liberated mindset towards food, but do you? Do you really? In this episode we unpack the sneaky ways diet culture might be influencing your relationship with food (that you might not even think about)....
06.01.2023
Snack Break: Planning Your Nutrition around a Performance Objective
If you started training two weeks before a climbing trip, we'd probably look at you a little funny... You might be surprised to know that you should look at your approach to nutrition in a similar way. In this Snack Break...
05.25.2023
Episode 34: Flexible programming to fit your life, ”Non-linear means ’I love you’ in rock climbing”
Being a climber isn’t the same as being a competitive weight lifter. Or a marathon runner. So why would we train like it is? In this episode we’re taking a look at periodization - or the way we intentionally manipulate...

What's The Average Climber Podcast about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

The Average Climber Podcast episodes:

BONUS: What does a climbing coach do [behind the scenes]

Ep 57: Good vs. great training and nutrition, "from 'meh' to kickass!"

SB: Top 3 time management pitfalls of busy climbers

Training Q&A: tackling fear on lead, comp style climbing, and balancing multiple hobbies

Ep 55: What climbers get wrong about power

Ep 56: What to do when you aren't improving, "use facts not vibes"

Nutrition Q&A: Collagen, Creatine, and How long to "bulk"

Ep 54: Does your nutrition approach feel fuzzy? "It's time for a vibe check"

SNACK BREAK: How to *actually* help your friend who just started climbing

Episode 53: Know the difference between sports nutrition and basic nutrition, “carbs are king”

SNACK BREAK: Eat the rainbow! Our top three tips for eating more veggies

Episode 52: Overtraining vs. Under-recovering and physical therapy red flags, "not just a shark" with Dr. Parker Farabee

SNACK BREAK: How to deal with bad body image days

Episode 51: Six things to look for in a climbing partner + unbelievable venmo requests + listener submitted pet peeves

SNACK BREAK: How to keep your nutrition goals alive

Episode 50: Using pain to heal, highball bouldering, ego climbing, and dealing with fear. “Don’t tell my mom about this” with Dr. Davis Ngo

SNACK BREAK: Sneaky strategies for doing big moves (that you can start using RIGHT NOW)

Episode 49: training with your humanity in mind and coaching comprehensively, “more than a jiffy” with Dr. Lara Pence

SNACK BREAK: Mastering High Feet + Pistol Squat Moves

Episode 48: How to plan a year of climbing (without getting overwhelmed)

SNACK BREAK: Your essential year-end nutrition reflection

Episode 47: ”Merry Witchmas! Get your Yule log ready!”, what we want you to let go of in the new year

Episode 46: ”the 30 day rule”, acquiring new skills outside and in the gym with Karly Rager

SNACK BREAK: ”Happy Holidays! do you feel guilty enough yet?” the holiday pep talk you didn’t know you needed

INTRODUCING WRITTEN IN STONE: Lynn Hill reaches Critical Mass

SNACK BREAK: Lauren + Caitlin’s Black Friday Extravaganza

Episode 45: ”the feel bad yoyo”, ten signs you need to take your training + nutrition more seriously

SNACK BREAK: How to climb more dynamically (and stop climbing like a sloth all the time)

Episode 44: Six nutrition struggles you’ll face when starting a new training program, ”serial killers eat candy corn”

Plug Tone Presents: Written in Stone [TRAILER]

SNACK BREAK: Caitlin’s Big Reveal

Episode 43: ”Bangs are an adult haircut”, 10 things we wish we knew one year into climbing

SNACK BREAK: Solving 8 of your most frustrating footwork struggles

Episode 42: ”Do you need to go full wumbo?”, impacts on athletic performance, a climber’s take on intermittent fasting [pt. 2]

SNACK BREAK: Should climbers use creatine?

Episode 41: ”I’m not playing dodgeball on an empty stomach”, a climber’s take on intermittent fasting [pt. 1]

Snack Break: avoiding tick list overwhelm, a guided exercise for planning your next climbing trip

Episode 40: ”The red holds are universally hated”, our thoughts, tips, and strategies for climbing better on the Moonboard

SNACK BREAK: How to warm up at a crag that doesn’t have warm-ups

Episode 39: ”Take me to Kelsee Church”, the intersection of mental health and climbing with licensed therapist, Kelsee Keitel

SNACK BREAK: Five things you need for a minimal and effective at-home strength set-up

Episode 38: ”muscle building muggles”, the top three ways you’re hindering muscle growth with Emily Smith, CNS

Snack Break: Camp Cooking Listener Q&A

Episode 37: the ultimate camping and climbing guide, 8 tips to climb your best and fuel well on camping trips, ”I’m gonna laminate some checklists”

Snack Break: Good, better, best. A training strategy for chaos.

Episode 36: Top 8 travel struggles of nutrition and training, ”how to survive a continental breakfast”

SNACK BREAK: What you never learned about heel hooks

Episode 35: The trap of perfect nutrition, embracing food freedom, and ”nutrition nihilism”

Snack Break: Planning Your Nutrition around a Performance Objective

Episode 34: Flexible programming to fit your life, ”Non-linear means ’I love you’ in rock climbing”

Other shows like The Average Climber Podcast:

SNACK BREAK: How to actually help your friend who just started climbing