The Struggle Climbing Show

By Ryan DevlinSports Health & Fitness Wilderness

Favorites
29
Followers
Typical duration
78 min
per episode

Based on Podcast App listening data

The Struggle Climbing Show episodes

August 20, 2025Neely Quinn: How to Deal with Perfectionism and our Inner Critic as Climbers (and Humans)
Join The Struggle’s Patreon community to get 100+ hours of Bonus Episodes, Pro Clinics, Uncut Videos, and Submit Questions for Future Guests. FREE TRIAL available!
https://www.patreon.com/thestruggleclimbingshow
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Mindset coach Neely Quinn explores:
Pros and cons of being a perfectionist as a climber
How to embrace perfectionism (and keep it from ruining our climbing experience)
How to quantify the amount of "suffering" we are willing to go through to improve as climbers
Examining my "failed" spring season
Why it's important to celebrate the little things
The three questions to ask oneself after every climbing session
Is too much humility doing us a disservice?
Why we fixate on the one thing that went wrong
Determining whether climbing is a fun outlet or a source of stress
Process over progress and what that really looks like
Why we often send when we least expect to
A practical drill for overcoming fear of falling
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BIG THANKS TO THE AMAZING SPONSORS OF THE STRUGGLE WHO LOVE ROCK CLIMBING AS MUCH AS YOU DO:
Rhino Skin Solutions: Perform, Cleanse, Repair… repeat! Amazing skin care products crafted specifically for climbers, whether you’re pulling hard indoors or out. Use code STRUGGLE to score a whopping 20% off your purchase!
Arc’teryx: Inspired by and tested in the Coast Mountains of BC, Arc’teryx makes gear to go the distance! If you’re out adventuring in the elements, Arc’teryx has got you covered. Shop their full collection at Arcteryx.com
5-Year Training and Performance Journal: The most important climbing tool I use! Takes just a few minutes each day, and yields amazing insights year after year. If you’re psyched on training and performance, this is the journal for you. Log, reflect, send.

And check out ALL the show’s awesome sponsors and exclusive deals at thestruggleclimbingshow.com/deals

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Shoutout to Matt Waltereese for being a Victory Whip supporter on Patreon! So mega.
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Here are some AI generated show notes (hopefully the robots got it right):
00:41 Guest Introduction: Neely Quinn from Training Beta
01:13 The Perfectionism Email and Personal Struggles
02:17 Community Questions and Performance Hacks
05:01 Host's Climbing Journey and Reflections
05:59 Diving into Perfectionism with Neely Quinn
21:37 Exploring the Roots of Perfectionism
29:00 Tools and Strategies for Overcoming Perfectionism
39:47 Validating Emotions and Positive Reflection
43:40 Balancing Pride and Shame in Climbing
44:54 The Evolutionary Basis of Negative Bias
45:41 Reflecting on Gratitude and Success
47:06 The Inner Coach: Self-Talk and Motivation
48:54 Therapy and Climbing: A Surprising Connection
49:40 Dealing with Regression in Climbing Performance
52:58 Setting Realistic Expectations and Goals
57:04 Embracing Process Over Outcome
59:27 Practical Process Goals for Climbers
01:04:46 Overcoming Fear and Building Confidence
01:13:10 Final Thoughts and Listener Questions
01:18:37 Conclusion and Bonus Content
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Follow along on Instagram @thestruggleclimbingshow and YouTube /@thestruggleclimbingshow

Book a session with Neely: https://www.neelyquinncoaching.com/climbing
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The Struggle is carbon-neutral in partnership with The Honnold Foundation, whose mission is to promote solar energy for a more equitable world.
-
This show is produced and hosted by Ryan Devlin, and edited by Glen Walker. The Struggle is a proud member of the Plug Tone Audio Collective, a diverse group of the best, most impactful podcasts in the outdoor industry.
-
The struggle makes us stronger! I hope your training and climbing are going great.
-
And now here are some buzzwords to help the almighty algorithm get this show in front of people who love to climb: rock climbing, rock climber, climbing, climber, bouldering, sport climbing, gym climbing, how to rock climb, donuts are amazing. Okay, whew, that’s done. But hey, if you’re a human that’s actually reading this, and if you love this show (and love to climb) would you think about sharing this episode with a climber friend of yours? And shout it out on your socials? I’ll send you a sticker for doing it. Just shoot me a message on IG – thanks so much!
1 hr 29 min
August 13, 2025Weekend Warrior: Breaking into 5.13 Sport, Rising thru Yosemite Grades, and Beginner Crack School
Join The Struggle’s Patreon community to get 100+ hours of Bonus Episodes, Pro Clinics, Uncut Videos, and Submit Questions for Future Guests. FREE TRIAL available!
https://www.patreon.com/thestruggleclimbingshow

Weekend Warrior, Doug Hartman, joins the show to share:
How to schedule workouts as a busy dad and ER doctor
What worked (and didn't) on his road to 5.13a
Comparing his hangboard numbers to mine
What to do when a plateau hits
How he broke through a hangboard plateau
Why climbing fast isn't always best
How gratitude helped him send his hardest route
Going from noob to proficient Yosemite climber
His four "rules" for crack climbing
One simple tip to advance way faster in the Valley
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BIG THANKS TO THE AMAZING SPONSORS OF THE STRUGGLE WHO LOVE ROCK CLIMBING AS MUCH AS YOU DO:
PhysiVantage: the official climbing-nutrition sponsor of The Struggle. Use code STRUGGLE15 at checkout for 15% off your full-priced nutrition order.
Rhino Skin Solutions: Perform, Cleanse, Repair… repeat! Amazing skin care products crafted specifically for climbers, whether you’re pulling hard indoors or out. Use code STRUGGLE to score a whopping 20% off your purchase!

And check out ALL the show’s awesome sponsors and exclusive deals at thestruggleclimbingshow.com/deals
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Here are some AI generated show notes (hopefully the robots got it right)
00:00 Introduction to the Weekend Warrior Series
01:08 Meet Doug Hartman: The ER Doctor and Climber
01:38 Doug's Journey to Climbing 5.13a
02:15 Trad Climbing in Yosemite
03:43 Upcoming Events and Personal Updates
06:22 Doug's Climbing Background and Early Experiences
14:07 Training Strategies and Overcoming Plateaus
32:14 The Importance of Rest and Mental Strategies
44:24 Training for the Crux
45:13 Project Duration and Effort
46:54 Realizations and Training Adjustments
48:41 Fueling Gains with Fizzy Vantage Nutrition
50:05 Introduction to Trad Climbing
51:15 Four Realms of Trad Climbing
52:06 Crack Climbing Techniques
01:01:16 Mental Aspects of Trad Climbing
01:08:58 Final Thoughts and Goals
01:11:26 Yosemite Climbing Insights
01:17:25 Weekend Warrior Wrap-Up

-
Shoutout to Matt Waltereese for being a Victory Whip supporter on Patreon! So mega.
-
Follow along on Instagram and YouTube: @thestruggleclimbingshow
-

This show is produced and hosted by Ryan Devlin, and edited by Glen Walker. The Struggle is carbon-neutral in partnership with The Honnold Foundation and is a proud member of the Plug Tone Audio Collective, a diverse group of the best, most impactful podcasts in the outdoor industry.
And now here are some buzzwords to help the almighty algorithm get this show in front of people who love to climb: rock climbing, rock climber, climbing, climber, bouldering, sport climbing, gym climbing, how to rock climb, donuts are amazing. Okay, whew, that’s done. But hey, if you’re a human that’s actually reading this, and if you love this show (and love to climb) would you think about sharing this episode with a climber friend of yours? And shout it out on your socials? I’ll send you a sticker for doing it. Just shoot me a message on IG – thanks so much!
1 hr 22 min
August 06, 2025Jonathan Hörst: Training Tips for Sport Performance and Unlocking Higher Potential through Nutrition
Join The Struggle’s Patreon community to get 100+ hours of Bonus Episodes, Pro Clinics, Uncut Videos, and Submit Questions for Future Guests. FREE TRIAL available!
https://www.patreon.com/thestruggleclimbingshow
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Elite climber Jonathan Hörst explores:
How to train hard when your gym lacks options
His favorite way to build bulletproof endurance
The undervalued skill of learning on to rest on route
To run or not to run
Was his the heaviest 9a send ever?
Bodyweight and composition for various climbing goals
The snack he eats 30 mins prior to a send go
Carbs, fat, protein, micronutrients... and how to time them
His goal of becoming a 'climbing decathlete'
Overcoming low-confidence just before sending his hardest climb to date
The epic new crag he's developing at the Red
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BIG THANKS TO THE AMAZING SPONSORS OF THE STRUGGLE WHO LOVE ROCK CLIMBING AS MUCH AS YOU DO:
PhysiVantage: Get your nutrition dialed! Use code STRUGGLE15 at checkout for 15% off your full-priced nutrition order.
Rúngne: Soft threads and high performing chalk! Use Code STRUGGLE for 10% Off Bags, Buckets, Chalk & Apparel from Rúngne! Rungne.com
Arc’teryx: Inspired by and tested in the Coast Mountains of BC, Arc’teryx makes gear to go the distance! If you’re out adventuring in the elements, Arc’teryx has got you covered. Shop their full collection at Arcteryx.com

And check out ALL the show’s awesome sponsors and exclusive deals at thestruggleclimbingshow.com/deals

-
Shoutout to Matt Waltereese for being a Victory Whip supporter on Patreon! So mega.
-
Here are some AI generated chapters:
07:50 STRUGGLE
16:28 TRAINING
38:34 NUTRITION
56:47 TACTICS
01:10:14 MENTAL GAME

-
Follow along on Instagram @thestruggleclimbingshow and YouTube /@thestruggleclimbingshow
-
The Struggle is carbon-neutral in partnership with The Honnold Foundation, whose mission is to promote solar energy for a more equitable world.
-
This show is produced and hosted by Ryan Devlin, and edited by Glen Walker. The Struggle is a proud member of the Plug Tone Audio Collective, a diverse group of the best, most impactful podcasts in the outdoor industry.
-
The struggle makes us stronger! I hope your training and climbing are going great.
-

And now here are some buzzwords to help the almighty algorithm get this show in front of people who love to climb: rock climbing, rock climber, climbing, climber, bouldering, sport climbing, gym climbing, how to rock climb, donuts are amazing. Okay, whew, that’s done. But hey, if you’re a human that’s actually reading this, and if you love this show (and love to climb) would you think about sharing this episode with a climber friend of yours? And shout it out on your socials? I’ll send you a sticker for doing it. Just shoot me a message on IG – thanks so much!
1 hr 31 min
July 30, 2025Pro Clinic: Dr. Lindsay Shaw (Olympic Sport Psychologist) on Optimizing Sleep for Improved Performance and Recovery for Climbers
Join The Struggle’s Patreon community to get 100+ hours of Bonus Episodes, Pro Clinics, Uncut Videos, and Submit Questions for Future Guests. FREE TRIAL available!
https://www.patreon.com/thestruggleclimbingshow

In this Pro Clinic, Dr. Lindsay Shaw explores:
How to up- and down-regulate the nervous system to perform when it counts
Dealing with the inner critic
Music, breath work, and movie clips to control your stimulation level
The massive connection between sleep and performance
How to implement sleep extension intervention
Relaxation techniques to improve rest and recovery
Supplements to improve sleep
Choosing between more sleep or more time to exercise
Jet lag planning
Foods that help us to get better sleep
How to manage caffeine for performance and sleep
Effect of alcohol, THC, CBD, and Ambien on sleep quality
To learn more about Dr. Shaw's work or to get in touch with her, check out her website: https://www.drlindsayshaw.com/
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Gain instant access to the FULL Pro Clinic by supporting the show as a Patron (you can even check it out for FREE with a 7-day trial):
https://www.patreon.com/thestruggleclimbingshow

-
Shoutout to Matt Waltereese for being a Victory Whip supporter on Patreon! So mega.
-
Follow along on Instagram and YouTube: @thestruggleclimbingshow
-
This show is produced and hosted by Ryan Devlin, and edited by Glen Walker. The Struggle is carbon-neutral in partnership with The Honnold Foundation and is a proud member of the Plug Tone Audio Collective, a diverse group of the best, most impactful podcasts in the outdoor industry.
-
The struggle makes us stronger! Let's get out there and try hard. Thanks for supporting the show, y'all.
-
And now here are some buzzwords to help the almighty algorithm get this show in front of people who love to climb: rock climbing, rock climber, climbing, climber, bouldering, sport climbing, gym climbing, how to rock climb, donuts are amazing. Okay, whew, that’s done. But hey, if you’re a human that’s actually reading this, and if you love this show (and love to climb) would you think about sharing this episode with a climber friend of yours? And shout it out on your socials? I’ll send you a sticker for doing it. Just shoot me a message on IG – thanks so much!
39 min
July 23, 2025Eric Hörst, Kris Hampton, & Chris Kalous: Climbing Pet Peeves and Community, Live from ICF
Join The Struggle’s Patreon community to get 100+ hours of Bonus Episodes, Pro Clinics, Uncut Videos, and Submit Questions for Future Guests. FREE TRIAL available!
https://www.patreon.com/thestruggleclimbingshow
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It's a podcast of podcasters! Live from Climber's Fest in Lander, WY, we crack a beer with the stoked festival goers and explore:
What makes ICF and Wild Iris so special
How a noob (like me) can best enjoy the festival and local climbing
Climbing pet peeves
The "blah blah blah"
Dangerous crag practices
Expanding vocabulary beyond "Let's goooooo!"
Crag dogs, crag cats... and crag monkeys?
What makes the climbing community so dang special
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BIG THANKS TO WYOCLIMBERS AND ICF FOR PUTTING ON SUCH AN AMAZING EVENT! Also, shoutout to these sponsors for hooking festival goers up with some rad swag:
PhysiVantage: the official climbing-nutrition sponsor of The Struggle. Use code STRUGGLE15 at checkout for 15% off your full-priced nutrition order.
ForceBoard: A better way to train fingers. Portable, accurate, and created to train finger strength and endurance exactly how YOU need it. Score $10 off and support the show by using code STRUGGLE10 at checkout.
Rúngne: Soft threads and high performing chalk! Use Code STRUGGLE for 10% Off Bags, Buckets, Chalk & Apparel from Rúngne! Rungne.com
SCARPA: The best climbing shoes, trail runners, and hikers in the game! Score yourself a free SCARPA x STRUGGLE hat when you use code STRUGGLE at checkout at SCARPA.com. SCARPA, No Place Too Far.
Petzl: The best and most reliable helmets, harnesses, draws, and gear that'll help you to Access the Inaccessible. Find Petzl at your local gear shop, and learn more at Petzl.com
Rhino Skin Solutions: Perform, Cleanse, Repair… repeat! Amazing skin care products crafted specifically for climbers, whether you’re pulling hard indoors or out. Use code STRUGGLE to score a whopping 20% off your purchase!
-
Shoutout to Matt Waltereese for being a Victory Whip supporter on Patreon! So mega.
-
Follow along on Instagram @thestruggleclimbingshow and YouTube /@thestruggleclimbingshow
-
The Struggle is carbon-neutral in partnership with The Honnold Foundation, whose mission is to promote solar energy for a more equitable world.
-
This show is produced and hosted by Ryan Devlin, and edited by Glen Walker. The Struggle is a proud member of the Plug Tone Audio Collective, a diverse group of the best, most impactful podcasts in the outdoor industry.
-
The struggle makes us stronger! I hope your training and climbing are going great.
-
And now here are some buzzwords to help the almighty algorithm get this show in front of people who love to climb: rock climbing, rock climber, climbing, climber, bouldering, sport climbing, gym climbing, how to rock climb, donuts are amazing. Okay, whew, that’s done. But hey, if you’re a human that’s actually reading this, and if you love this show (and love to climb) would you think about sharing this episode with a climber friend of yours? And shout it out on your socials? I’ll send you a sticker for doing it. Just shoot me a message on IG – thanks so much!
51 min
July 16, 2025Coach Be Fuller: Mastering the Basics, Vertical Dance Theory, and Climbing Out Of Depression
Join The Struggle’s Patreon community to get 100+ hours of Bonus Episodes, Pro Clinics, Uncut Videos, and Submit Questions for Future Guests. FREE TRIAL available!
https://www.patreon.com/thestruggleclimbingshow

In this episode, climbing coach Be Fuller explores:
Vertical Dance theory
Why climbing is not about the hands
Unlocking rock overs, drop-knees, and flags
Mastering the mysterious inside-edge flag
Specific drills to help you get better TODAY
The brain-body connection
How to increase our climbing IQ (not just our grade)
Optimizing fun while also improving performance
Dealing with our inner critics
Climbing Out Of Depression, and how the climbing community can help save lives
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BIG THANKS TO THE AMAZING SPONSORS OF THE STRUGGLE WHO LOVE ROCK CLIMBING AS MUCH AS YOU DO:
PhysiVantage: the official climbing-nutrition sponsor of The Struggle. Use code STRUGGLE15 at checkout for 15% off your full-priced nutrition order.
Rhino Skin Solutions: Perform, Cleanse, Repair… repeat! Amazing skin care products crafted specifically for climbers, whether you’re pulling hard indoors or out. Use code STRUGGLE to score a whopping 20% off your purchase!

And check out ALL the show’s awesome sponsors and exclusive deals at thestruggleclimbingshow.com/deals
-
Get coached by Be: https: https://www.beclimbing.co.uk/

Support the wonderful work of Climbing Out of Depression: https://cood.org.uk/donate/

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Follow along on Instagram and YouTube: @thestruggleclimbingshow
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Here are some AI generated show notes (hopefully the robots got it right)
00:37 Recap of the International Climbers Festival
01:17 Upcoming Live Podcast Episode
01:44 Introduction to Coach Belinda Fuller
02:22 Coach Be's Climbing Philosophy
04:08 Coach Be's Journey and Teaching Approach
07:28 Vertical Dance Theory Explained
08:55 Common Climbing Techniques and Mistakes
18:14 Inside Edge Flag Technique
35:12 Importance of Hips in Climbing
37:52 Engaging the Glutes: The Coin Visualization
39:43 Lazy Butt Climbing: Pros and Cons
40:54 Relaxation Techniques for Climbers
45:10 Mental and Psychological Aspects of Climbing
46:31 Climbing Drills and Techniques
51:27 The Deeper Why: Understanding Climbing Motivation
58:03 Climbing Out of Depression: A Personal Journey
01:07:37 Supporting the Climbing Community
01:09:56 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

-
This show is produced and hosted by Ryan Devlin, and edited by Glen Walker. The Struggle is carbon-neutral in partnership with The Honnold Foundation and is a proud member of the Plug Tone Audio Collective, a diverse group of the best, most impactful podcasts in the outdoor industry.
-
The struggle makes us stronger! Let's get out there and try hard.

And now here are some buzzwords to help the almighty algorithm get this show in front of people who love to climb: rock climbing, rock climber, climbing, climber, bouldering, sport climbing, gym climbing, how to rock climb, donuts are amazing. Okay, whew, that’s done. But hey, if you’re a human that’s actually reading this, and if you love this show (and love to climb) would you think about sharing this episode with a climber friend of yours? And shout it out on your socials? I’ll send you a sticker for doing it. Just shoot me a message on IG – thanks so much!
1 hr 18 min
July 09, 2025Weekend Warrior: V9 at 200 lbs, Not Finger Training, and How to Improve Without Getting Stronger
Join The Struggle’s Patreon community to get 100+ hours of Bonus Episodes, Pro Clinics, Uncut Videos, and Submit Questions for Future Guests. FREE TRIAL available!
https://www.patreon.com/thestruggleclimbingshow

In this episode, we connect with Weekend Warrior Stephen Conti to explore:
Going from beginner to V9
Transitioning from gym to crag
Climbing hard at 200 lbs
The key to steady progress
Specific technique drills that yielded fast improvements
Why finger training wasn't producing results
Setting a goal for 50 days outside... and what it did to his climbing
The surprising benefit of a spray wall
The effects of gaining and losing 30 lbs
His road to V11
-
BIG THANKS TO THE AMAZING SPONSORS OF THE STRUGGLE WHO LOVE ROCK CLIMBING AS MUCH AS YOU DO:
PhysiVantage: the official climbing-nutrition sponsor of The Struggle. Use code STRUGGLE15 at checkout for 15% off your full-priced nutrition order.
Rúngne: The softest, most durable, and highest performing pants I've ever worn (on or off the rock). Check out my faves, the Harness Utility, and use code STRUGGLEPANTS for free shipping on any pair of pants!

And check out ALL the show’s awesome sponsors and exclusive deals at thestruggleclimbingshow.com/deals
-
Here are some AI generated show notes (hopefully the robots got it right)
01:41 Host's Personal Climbing Experience
03:47 Upcoming Events and Announcements
04:52 Interview with Stephen Conti Begins
06:44 Stephen's Climbing Background
09:02 Training and Progression Insights
18:33 Skill Development and Drills
35:44 Memorizing Sequences for Climbing
37:47 Setting and Tracking Climbing Goals
39:24 Climbing in Challenging Conditions
43:24 Balancing Indoor and Outdoor Climbing
51:46 Managing Weight and Performance
01:11:22 Future Climbing Goals and Coaching
01:13:47 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
-
Shoutout to Matt Waltereese for being a Victory Whip supporter on Patreon! So mega.
-
Follow along on Instagram and YouTube: @thestruggleclimbingshow
-

This show is produced and hosted by Ryan Devlin, and edited by Glen Walker. The Struggle is carbon-neutral in partnership with The Honnold Foundation and is a proud member of the Plug Tone Audio Collective, a diverse group of the best, most impactful podcasts in the outdoor industry.
And now here are some buzzwords to help the almighty algorithm get this show in front of people who love to climb: rock climbing, rock climber, climbing, climber, bouldering, sport climbing, gym climbing, how to rock climb, donuts are amazing. Okay, whew, that’s done. But hey, if you’re a human that’s actually reading this, and if you love this show (and love to climb) would you think about sharing this episode with a climber friend of yours? And shout it out on your socials? I’ll send you a sticker for doing it. Just shoot me a message on IG – thanks so much!
1 hr 16 min
July 02, 2025Sonnie Trotter: Training for 5.15, Movement Mastery, and Reflecting on a Life of Adventures
Join The Struggle’s Patreon community to get 100+ hours of Bonus Episodes, Pro Clinics, Uncut Videos, and Submit Questions for Future Guests. FREE TRIAL available!
https://www.patreon.com/thestruggleclimbingshow
-
In this episode, elite climber Sonnie Trotter explores:
The 5.15a he’s training for, and what he’s specifically doing
The visualization trick he uses to get better at climbing (while at home)
Climbers who can do V14 on a board but not 5.10a outside
Training power vs endurance
Dreamcatcher dreams
Dealing with fitness setbacks due to sickness or injury
Board climbing for peak power
How to improve footwork using hard gym climbs
Managing fear on bold climbs and free solos
Getting the kids into climbing
His new book Uplifted
-
BIG THANKS TO THE AMAZING SPONSORS OF THE STRUGGLE WHO LOVE ROCK CLIMBING AS MUCH AS YOU DO:
PhysiVantage: the official climbing-nutrition sponsor of The Struggle. Use code STRUGGLE15 at checkout for 15% off your full-priced nutrition order.
Rúngne: Soft threads and high performing chalk! Use Code STRUGGLE for 10% Off Bags, Buckets, Chalk & Apparel from Rúngne! Rungne.com
SCARPA: Whether you’re a climber, trail runner, skier, or hiker, SCARPA offers an array of adventure footwear for the adventure seeker in you. with a commitment to sustainability. Shop the whole collection at SCARPA.com. SCARPA, No Place Too Far.
Arc’teryx: Inspired by and tested in the Coast Mountains of BC, Arc’teryx makes gear to go the distance! If you’re out adventuring in the elements, Arc’teryx has got you covered. Shop their full collection at Arcteryx.com

And check out ALL the show’s awesome sponsors and exclusive deals at thestruggleclimbingshow.com/deals

-
Shoutout to Matt Waltereese for being a Victory Whip supporter on Patreon! So mega.
-
Here are some AI generated show notes (hopefully the robots got it right)
00:51 Journey in Rock Climbing
01:30 Balancing Family and Climbing
02:02 Training and Rest Strategies
02:57 Current Projects and Fitness Regimen
04:10 The Legendary Cobra Crack
05:12 Mental Aspects of Climbing
06:05 Conversation with Sonnie Trotter Begins
07:03 Pivotal Moments in Climbing
14:10 Sonnie's Climbing Heroes and Influences
19:53 Nutritional Adjustments and Insights
33:19 Balancing Professional Climbing and Family Life
38:49 Sonnie's Current and Future Projects
39:27 Navigating Risk and Fear in Climbing
42:19 Reflections on Climbing Legacy
43:49 Coaching and parenting in Climbing
47:06 The Journey to Writing Uplifted
51:43 Stories and Reflections from the Book
59:50 Reflections on Climbing Legacy
01:02:45 Sonnie's Future Goals
01:08:48 Listener Questions and Final Thoughts
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Check out Sonnie's wonderful book, Uplifted, available on Patagonia, Amazon, etc.
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Meet me at ICF in Lander! https://www.climbersfestival.org/
-
Follow along on Instagram @thestruggleclimbingshow and YouTube /@thestruggleclimbingshow
-
The Struggle is carbon-neutral in partnership with The Honnold Foundation, whose mission is to promote solar energy for a more equitable world.
-
This show is produced and hosted by Ryan Devlin, and edited by Glen Walker. The Struggle is a proud member of the Plug Tone Audio Collective, a diverse group of the best, most impactful podcasts in the outdoor industry.
-
The struggle makes us stronger! I hope your training and climbing are going great.
-
And now here are some buzzwords to help the almighty algorithm get this show in front of people who love to climb: rock climbing, rock climber, climbing, climber, bouldering, sport climbing, gym climbing, how to rock climb, donuts are amazing. Okay, whew, that’s done. But hey, if you’re a human that’s actually reading this, and if you love this show (and love to climb) would you think about sharing this episode with a climber friend of yours? And shout it out on your socials? I’ll send you a sticker for doing it. Just shoot me a message on IG – thanks so much!
1 hr 36 min
June 25, 2025Road to V8: Why I'm Putting In a Kilter Board at Home
Join The Struggle’s Patreon community to get 100+ hours of Bonus Episodes, Pro Clinics, Uncut Videos, and Submit Questions for Future Guests. FREE TRIAL available!
https://www.patreon.com/thestruggleclimbingshow

Jackie Hueftle and Kevin Cuckovich from Kilter join the pod to chat through our exciting partnership, including:
The history and current landscape of system boards
Where Kilter fits compared to the Moon Board and others
Why adjustability and a dense variety of hold types matters
Kevin's assessment of me as a boulderer
Route climber pitfalls when we turn our sights to bouldering
My current strengths and weaknesses
Grades, and why they differ indoors, outdoors, and on boards
A look ahead at my training journey
The impact of endurance training on strength adaptations
The surprising benefit of setting problems on the board
How to get stronger fingers using larger holds
-
BIG THANKS TO THE AMAZING SPONSORS OF THE STRUGGLE WHO LOVE ROCK CLIMBING AS MUCH AS YOU DO:
Rúngne: Soft threads and high performing chalk! Use Code STRUGGLE for 10% Off Bags, Buckets, Chalk & Apparel from Rúngne!
Kilter: Award winning, adjustable, light-up board. It’s what I’m training on at home, and if you’re psyched to join me then use code STRUGGLE at checkout when you build your board, and you’ll score a free gift pack plus $500-$1000 off depending on your setup (Fullride, Mainline, and Auxiliary kits) let’s gooooo!

And check out ALL the show’s awesome sponsors and exclusive deals at thestruggleclimbingshow.com/deals
-
Here are some AI generated show notes (hopefully the robots got it right):
00:46 Why Choose the Kilter Board?
01:53 Training and Goals with the Kilter Board
02:59 Meet the Experts: Jackie and Kevin
05:56 Jackie's Journey in Climbing and Route Setting
09:18 Kevin's Climbing and Training Background
12:44 The Evolution and Design of Kilter Boards
16:51 Comparing Kilter with Other Climbing Boards
22:42 Training Strategies and Goals for V8
31:53 Balancing Bouldering and Sport Climbing
33:09 Balancing Strength and Endurance in Climbing
35:07 Learning from Past Climbing Goals
36:04 Maximizing Home Wall Training
38:34 The Importance of Movement and Setting in Climbing
44:17 Consistency and Smart Training
46:30 Avoiding Pitfalls on the Kilter Board
52:05 Mastery and Skill Development in Climbing
55:06 Excitement for the Journey Ahead
59:42 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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Shoutout to Matt Waltereese for being a Victory Whip supporter on Patreon! So mega.
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Follow along on Instagram and YouTube: @thestruggleclimbingshow
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This show is produced and hosted by Ryan Devlin, and edited by Glen Walker. The Struggle is carbon-neutral in partnership with The Honnold Foundation and is a proud member of the Plug Tone Audio Collective, a diverse group of the best, most impactful podcasts in the outdoor industry.
And now here are some buzzwords to help the almighty algorithm get this show in front of people who love to climb: rock climbing, rock climber, climbing, climber, bouldering, sport climbing, gym climbing, how to rock climb, donuts are amazing. Okay, whew, that’s done. But hey, if you’re a human that’s actually reading this, and if you love this show (and love to climb) would you think about sharing this episode with a climber friend of yours? And shout it out on your socials? I’ll send you a sticker for doing it. Just shoot me a message on IG – thanks so much!
1 hr 3 min
June 18, 2025Alan Watts: Cheater, Pariah, Hero. Following Your Heart and Tuning Out the Haters
Join The Struggle’s Patreon community to get 100+ hours of Bonus Episodes, Pro Clinics, Uncut Videos, and Submit Questions for Future Guests. FREE TRIAL available!
https://www.patreon.com/thestruggleclimbingshow
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Meet me at ICF this year, July 10-13! https://www.climbersfestival.org/
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In this episode, legendary climber and developer Alan Watts explores:
How he inadvertently hazed me on my first Smith climb
The joy and fallout of being the father of sport climbing in the U.S.
The stunning Watts route that caused a chain reaction in climbing
The route J.B. Tribout actually stole from him (it wasn't Just Do It)
The wild story of how Just Do It actually came to be bolted
What are the "rules" of climbing anyway?
Putting Smith Rock on the map, and what makes it so rad
Being labeled a cheater by his heroes and peers
Balancing performance, health, and joy as an older climber
How to have more fun as a climber right now
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BIG THANKS TO THE AMAZING SPONSORS OF THE STRUGGLE WHO LOVE ROCK CLIMBING AS MUCH AS YOU DO:
PhysiVantage: the official climbing-nutrition sponsor of The Struggle. Use code STRUGGLE15 at checkout for 15% off your full-priced nutrition order.
Rúngne: Soft threads and high performing chalk! Use Code STRUGGLE for 10% Off Bags, Buckets, Chalk & Apparel from Rúngne! Rungne.com
Rhino Skin Solutions: Perform, Cleanse, Repair… repeat! Amazing skin care products crafted specifically for climbers, whether you’re pulling hard indoors or out. Use code STRUGGLE to score a whopping 20% off your purchase!
Arc’teryx: Inspired by and tested in the Coast Mountains of BC, Arc’teryx makes gear to go the distance! If you’re out adventuring in the elements, Arc’teryx has got you covered. Shop their full collection at Arcteryx.com

And check out ALL the show’s awesome sponsors and exclusive deals at thestruggleclimbingshow.com/deals

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Shoutout to Matt Waltereese for being a Victory Whip supporter on Patreon! So mega.
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Here are some AI generated show notes (hopefully the robots got it right)
00:25 Legendary Guest: Alan Watts
00:51 Memorable Climbing Experiences
01:30 Alan Watts' Impact on Climbing
02:02 The Evolution of Sport Climbing
02:57 Smith Rock: The Birthplace of Sport Climbing
04:10 Personal Stories and Reflections
05:12 Upcoming Events and Announcements
06:05 Conversation with Alan Watts Begins
07:03 Recollections of Climbing at Smith Rock
14:10 Challenges and Struggles in Climbing
19:53 The Evolution of Climbing Ethics and Techniques
33:19 The Iconic Route: Just Do It
38:49 The Turning Point in US Climbing
39:27 The Controversial Route Theft
42:19 Debating the Rules of Climbing
43:49 The Evolution of Climbing Ethics
47:06 Fueling Climbing Gains
51:43 The Joy of Climbing and Community
59:50 Modern Climbing and Gym Culture
01:02:45 Reflections on Climbing Legacy
01:08:48 Concluding Thoughts and Future of Climbing
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Follow along on Instagram @thestruggleclimbingshow and YouTube /@thestruggleclimbingshow
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The Struggle is carbon-neutral in partnership with The Honnold Foundation, whose mission is to promote solar energy for a more equitable world.
-
This show is produced and hosted by Ryan Devlin, and edited by Glen Walker. The Struggle is a proud member of the Plug Tone Audio Collective, a diverse group of the best, most impactful podcasts in the outdoor industry.
-
The struggle makes us stronger! I hope your training and climbing are going great.
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And now here are some buzzwords to help the almighty algorithm get this show in front of people who love to climb: rock climbing, rock climber, climbing, climber, bouldering, sport climbing, gym climbing, how to rock climb, donuts are amazing. Okay, whew, that’s done. But hey, if you’re a human that’s actually reading this, and if you love this show (and love to climb) would you think about sharing this episode with a climber friend of yours? And shout it out on your socials? I’ll send you a sticker for doing it. Just shoot me a message on IG – thanks so much!
1 hr 18 min