In this first episode of The Hangout, I sit down with climber & friend Harry O’Brien to explore what happens when you step onto the edge - physically and mentally.

From climbing in Tasmania to the unique headspace of deep water soloing, they unpack how fear shows up on the wall, how calm is trained, and why breath can be the difference between holding on and letting go.

Instagram: @hazzardous_adventures

Chapters

00:00 The Meeting of Climbers

03:13 Climbing Adventures in Vietnam

05:58 Deep Water Soloing Experience

09:04 The Unique Climbing in Vietnam

11:57 The Journey to Butterfly Valley

14:55 The Climbing Experience in Butterfly Valley

17:58 The Beast Within: Climbing Mentality

20:55 The Duality of Calm and Tenacity

24:09 The Importance of Breath in Climbing

27:05 The Journey of Progress in Climbing

30:12 The Influence of Youth on Climbing

32:57 The Challenges of Climbing in Tasmania

35:58 The Epic Climbing Adventures in Tasmania

01:08:11 Planning for Peak Experiences

01:11:56 Trust and Communication in Climbing

01:12:52 Problem Solving in Climbing

01:14:49 International Climbing Adventures

01:18:38 Differences in Climbing Styles

01:21:29 The Joy of Onsighting

01:24:21 The Evolution of Climbing Passion

01:30:08 Overcoming Fear in Climbing

01:34:26 The Drive to Climb

01:37:15 Training and Cross-Training for Climbers

01:42:19 The Balance of Climbing and Life

01:51:40 Filling the Cup: Energy Restoration

01:55:34 The Power of Journaling

02:01:03 Meditation and Mindfulness in Climbing

02:06:18 Dream Climbs and Future Aspirations

In this introductory episode of The Hangout, host Tom shares his vision for the podcast, aiming to connect the Australian climbing community through shared stories and experiences. He emphasizes the importance of long-form conversations in understanding climbing culture and history, and how these discussions can foster personal growth and community connection. Tom expresses excitement for future episodes and the journey ahead, inviting listeners to join him around the metaphorical campfire to share in the stories of climbers.