Originally from Massachusetts, Nicolas Falacci is a true “Gunky” who became a television writer, producer and is the co-creator and executive producer of the CBS show “Numb3rs.” Nick got started climbing over 20 years ago after finishing college at the Tisch School of the Arts at New York University. With no career or girlfriend at the time, he thought it would be a great idea to become a high-altitude mountaineer. But, since he lived in New York City he had to start on the boulders of Central Park and cliffs of the Shawangunks. Nick is also an accomplished photographer and writer; in 2003, he wrote "A Climber's Guide to Popular Manhattan Boulder Problems."  

What was the most significant moment in your life? How?
The most significant moment in my life came when I was climbing Iguana, a 5.11c/d at Stony Point in Los Angeles. That’s where I happened to meet my future wife and writing partner, Cheryl Heuton. That one day of climbing led to a family and a career in television. 

Who's a climber you have respect for? Why?
I really respect Lynn Hill, not just for her groundbreaking climbing accomplishments, but also for the kind of person she is. I met her once on a cold autumn day in the Gunks and she was determined to have fun despite the temperature. She shared runs on top-ropes and was gracious, friendly and entirely unpretentious. It didn’t matter she was hanging out with climbers who climbed several grades below her. She just wanted to climb and hang out. 

Why do you climb?
I climb for a number of reasons. The first and most obvious reason is for the simple physical pleasure of strenuous movement in high places. Another, more emotional, reason is the instant gratification of facing a challenge and succeeding. And lastly, the philosophical reason I climb is that climbing feels like a direct, tactile connection with the universe. When I climb the features on a rock face, it feels like I am discovering and interpreting the organization and structure that arises out of the randomness of the universe. 

What's your favorite: bouldering, sport climbing, traditional climbing, ice climbing, gym climbing, or alpine climbing? Why?
I love all aspects of climbing, but my favorite type of climbing is hard, steep face-climbing. My main focus is enjoying the movement over rock, but ultimately, the most rewarding type of climbing for me is when I’m placing my own gear. On a very basic level, climbing is about adventure and self-reliance. 

What must we pass on to the next generation of climbers?
I think it’s important that the next generation of climbers have a sense of responsibility and community. Responsibility to the natural environment and understanding the impact we climbers have on it. And a sense of community so that we, as climbers, can present ourselves to the non-climbing world in a manner that allows climbers to be taken seriously when it comes to issues such as access.