Our 4 Favorite Climbing Podcasts
Check out these four climbing-themed podcasts to help pass the time during your next road trip, airplane ride, or training session.
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Chalk Talk
Started in 2014 by John Blomquist, a routesetter at Basecamp Climbing Gym in Reno, Nevada, with nine years of experience working in the climbing world, this interview-based podcast features conversations with athletes, coaches, route-setters, gym owners, and climbing companies that shed light on current goings-on and the state of the industry. He’s also done two “World Cup Roundups” with professional setter Jackie Hueftle in which they analyze the latest IFSC Bouldering World Cup events.
Check out: Episode 63, Jason Kehl: Cryptochild to Climbing Wall Creation
Bad Beta Podcast
Toronto climbers and van dwellers Matthew Sapiecha, Anna Pirko, Steve Andrew, and regular guest Alisha Nachman mix the humorous with the controversial and have an open discussion about current events in the climbing world, things witnessed at the crag, and climbing trivia. As of press time, this newer podcast had just four episodes, but the casual, funny conversations from the people behind the infamous Wesley Summers (of the Rock Climbing Life blog) are well worth a listen.
Check out: Episode 4, Dating a Climber Using the Bouldr App
Training Beta
Colorado climber/nutritionist/coach Neely Quinn started the Training Beta website in 2014 to focus on training for climbing: how people get stronger, how to stay injury free, and performance nutrition. Her podcast includes interviews with climbing trainers Steve Bechtel and Mike and Mark Anderson, physical therapist Esther Smith, orthopedic surgeon Tom Hackett, and professional athletes like Daniel Woods, Beth Rodden, and Alex Puccio.
Check out: Episode 21: Alex Puccio on Training, Bodyweight, and Crowdfunding
The Enormocast
Started in 2011 by veteran Colorado climber Chris Kalous, the Enormocast has dropped over 131 episodes featuring everyone from Stacey Bare to Alex Honnold. Through a virtual campfire, Kalous aims to “demystify climbing while simultaneously building its mythology.” From conversations about chopping bolts on Cerro Torre’s Compressor Route to slandering the old ladies who always win the Carbondale Mountain Fair Pie Baking competition with Climbing Associate Editor James “Peaches” Lucas, Kalous adds humor and an authentic voice to the podcast scene.