The Struggle Climbing Show

Latest Episodes:

LIVE from Rocktoberfest with Emily Harrington, Kai Lightner, and Anna Hazelnutt Oct 15, 2025

Show notes

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

Emily Harrington, Kai Lightner, and Anna Hazelnutt team up for a live podcast from iconic Miguel's Pizza to kick off Rocktoberfest! We grab a slice and a beer, then dive into:

Memories from first trip to the Red
How to work through the mental discomfort of pump
Fear of falling and how the pros handle it
What solidified climbing as their passion in life
USA Climbing's ban on trans athlete competitors
How becoming a parent impacts climbing performance and adventures
How to become a professional climber
Climbing pet peeves

BIG THANKS TO THESE SPONSORS FOR SUPPORTING ROCKTOBERFEST AND BRINGING YOU THIS EPISODE AD-FREE:

PhysiVantage: the official climbing-nutrition sponsor of The Struggle. Use code STRUGGLE15 at checkout for 15% off your full-priced nutrition order.
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!

And a huge shoutout to the RRGCC for making Rocktoberfest happen. Please support their work with a monthly donation like I do, if you can!

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!

Hamish McArthur: Sending V17 Fast, Breakthrough Finger Training, One-Touch Technique, and a Burden Flash Attempt Oct 08, 2025

Show notes

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 interview, elite climber Hamish McArthur shares:

Why he now seeks to avoid struggle
How he got better when he stopped training
The new grip position he learned from Daniel woods that took his performance to new levels
Boards vs spray walls for his training
An argument against training up weaknesses
The nemesis Kilter climb he has yet to do
How he sent Megatron (V17/9A) in 5 days
How he sent No One Mourns the Wicked (V17/9A) second or third go
Utilizing “One touch” climbing to send hard things fast
Creative outlets and passions beyond climbing
Attempting to flash Burden of Dreams

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!
Nature Climbing: Beautifully crafted lifting edges and hangboards that feature real granite edges for improved texture and skin conditioning. Sustainably crafted works of art, I love them so much! Get 20% off everything at natureclimbing.com using code STRUGGLE

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)

01:10 Hamish's Climbing Achievements 01:45 Mindset and Techniques 02:54 Climbing Philosophy and Goals 04:27 Interview with Hamish McArthur 11:57 Training and Climbing Techniques 22:53 Finger Strength and Training Insights 43:21 Recovery and Nutrition 50:13 Project Strategy and Mental Game 51:05 Discussing the Kilter Board Climb 53:01 Projecting Megatron and Other Boulders 55:56 Fueling Climbing Gains with Fizzy Vantage 57:21 The Mental Game of Climbing 01:01:56 Achieving Success on Hard Projects 01:06:03 Reflecting on Climbing Accomplishments 01:25:22 Future Climbing Plans and Personal Interests 01:31:49 Conclusion and Bonus Episode Teaser

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.

The struggle makes us stronger! I hope your training and climbing are going great.

A Climber's Guide to the Red River Gorge Oct 01, 2025

Show notes

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 Climber's Guide to the Red River Gorge, Eric Hörst and Kris Hampton explore:

When to visit
Where to stay (on all budgets)
Where to eat (on all budgets)
How to train for the pump
Tactics to perform at your best
How to 'protect the send'
Favorite routes from 5.9 to 5.14

Here's a list of our favorite routes: https://www.thestruggleclimbingshow.com/RRGlist Join me at Rocktoberfest on October 8th for a live podcast, then stick around for the incredible weekend of programs, clinics, and stoke! https://rrgcc.org/rocktoberfest/ Get $25 off the Red River Pump Prep program from Power Company by using code STRUGGLEPUMP at https://www.powercompanyclimbing.com/trip-prep#rrg-trip-prep Get 15% off SendureX and other Physivantage staples by using code Struggle15 at http://www.physivantage.com/discount/STRUGGLE15 Get 20% off Rhino Skin Solutions by using code STRUGGLE at https://rhinoskinsolutions.com/discount/STRUGGLE

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!
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

Here are some AI generated show notes (hopefully the robots got it right)

04:24 Interview with Eric Horst and Kris Hampton

05:43 Kris Hampton's Climbing Journey

09:36 Eric Horst's Climbing Journey

18:14 Best Seasons to Climb at the Red

24:31 Where to Stay at the Red River Gorge

34:10 Where to Eat at the Red River Gorge

36:54 Training for the Red River Gorge

38:31 Understanding Endurance Climbing

39:25 Training for the Red River Gorge

43:05 Aerobic vs. Anaerobic Training

47:49 The Importance of Year-Round Training

49:43 Mental and Physical Adaptations

57:53 Tactics for a Successful Climbing Trip

01:15:52 Favorite Routes at the Red River Gorge

01:18:52 Discussing Favorite Climbing Routes

01:20:30 Exploring 5.10 Climbing Routes

01:22:50 Diving into 5.11 Climbing Routes

01:28:12 Highlighting 5.12 Climbing Routes

01:33:31 Exploring 5.13 Climbing Routes

01:37:40 Discussing 5.14 and Beyond

01:41:18 Wrapping Up and Future Plans

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.

Fallon Rowe: Escaping an Abusive Climbing Relationship, Finding Freedom, and Rekindling the Stoke Sep 24, 2025

Show notes

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 Fallon Rowe, climber and author of Pay No Mind, explores:

How she fell into a charismatic climbing relationship that turned very dark, controlling, and abusive
The manipulative tricks her partner used to keep her under his control
Power imbalances that can occur in some climbing relationships
Her harrowing escape
The evidence based therapy (EMDR) that she used to process and recover from the trauma
Stoic philosophy
Why she feels more deeply connected to climbing and mastery everyday
Struggling with chronic health conditions and how she manages them
Being psyched on sport multi-pitch and FAs
How to identify red flags in your relationship or belaytionship
Being mentored by John Long

Order a copy of Pay No Mind, it's a gripping read: https://www.diangelopublications.com/shop/p/pay-no-mind -

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)

00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:37 Introducing Fallon Rowe and Her Story 01:19 Fallon's Book: Pay No Mind 01:45 A Different Kind of Episode 04:00 Starting the Conversation with Fallon 05:12 Fallon's Journey and Writing Process 07:53 The Abusive Relationship Unfolds 11:12 Climbing and Control 33:32 The Final Escape 37:47 Healing and Moving Forward 49:23 The Downward Spiral of a Friend 50:12 Rediscovering the Joy of Climbing 52:03 Living with Chronic Illness 55:28 Navigating Climbing with Health Conditions 01:01:32 Addressing Abuse in Climbing Relationships 01:08:44 The Impact of Sharing Personal Stories 01:11:39 Fallon's Future and Stoic Philosophy 01:22:06 Final Thoughts and Acknowledgements

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.

The struggle makes us stronger! I hope your training and climbing are going great.

Weekend Warrior: Shorty Bouldering Skills, Drills, and Mindset Sep 17, 2025

Show notes

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 Gentil Nguyen shares insights including:

How she sent ten V10s in her first two years outside
Challenges (and advantages!) of being 4'11"
Why indoor climbs can be harder than outdoors for short climbers
Climbing 3 days per week and doing very little other training
Why her first season was so magical, and her second season a struggle
Dealing with send pressure
The importance of releasing expectations
Separating self-worth from climbing performance
Flexibility and finger strength tips to "climb taller"

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!
Petzl: Check out the CONNECT ADJUST at your local gear shop, and learn more at Petzl.com. I love this PAS, it's so easy to use.
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

Here are some AI generated show notes (hopefully the robots got it right)

02:11 Gentil's Climbing Background and Achievements 02:48 Host's Recent Outdoor Climbing Experience 19:40 Gentil's Climbing Philosophy and Training Routine 27:26 Gentil's Transition to Outdoor Climbing 33:43 Planning Bouldering Trips 34:48 Setting Expectations and Priorities 36:28 Researching and Identifying Boulders 37:18 Inspiration and Community Impact 37:54 Safety Gear Spotlight: Petzl Connect Adjust 39:41 Challenges of Short Climbers 41:58 Mental Journey and Training Blocks 46:43 Balancing Performance and Enjoyment 54:07 Future Goals and Outdoor Climbing 55:52 Indoor Climbing and Personal Growth 56:40 Tips for Short Climbers 01:00:10 Red Rock Bouldering Recommendations 01:04:15 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

Pro Clinic: Top 10 Bouldering Questions with Coach Jesse Firestone (FREE) Sep 10, 2025

Show notes

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, coach Jesse Firestone answers lisnters' top bouldering questions in his characteristic thoughtful manner. Topics include:

How to access maximal effort and power on the first move
Visualization techniques to get amped
The value of limiting attempts on a boulder
Are grades necessary for motivation and progression
Loss aversion theory
The importance of skills over grades
Managing fear of falling
A guaranteed way to get better at scary top outs
Dealing with injuries
How to let go of the things we can’t control
Overcoming biases to refresh our training and performance
How to improve at technique if we don’t have a coach
Using video for self technique review
When testing various strength metrics is helpful vs a waste of time
Building capacity for better bouldering sessions

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

Here are some AI generated show notes (hopefully the robots got it right)

00:00 Introduction to Strength Training 00:22 Welcome to the Struggle Climbing Show 00:41 Top 10 Bouldering Questions 01:34 Jesse Firestone's Coaching Insights 02:46 Personal Climbing Journeys 03:28 Parenting and Climbing 05:54 Q&A Session Begins 07:32 Maximal Effort Tips 08:21 Visualization Techniques 10:07 Creating Aggression for Climbing 12:22 Strength Training and Plyometrics 15:25 Session Constraints and Final Tips 16:25 Corey's Perspective on Grades 17:18 Understanding Loss Aversion in Climbing 19:26 Skills Over Grades: A Coaching Approach 22:58 The Value of Attempting the Impossible 29:51 Fear of Falling in Outdoor Bouldering 31:27 Conclusion and Further Insights

Shoutout to Matt Waltereese for being a Victory Whip supporter on Patreon! So mega.

Follow along on Instagram and YouTube: @thestruggleclimbingshow

The struggle makes us stronger! Let's get out there and try hard. Thanks for supporting the show, y'all.

Road to V8: My Climbing Assessment, Strengths, Weaknesses, and Plan Sep 03, 2025

Show notes

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

Coach Kevin Cuckovich from Kilter joins to go over my recent climbing assessment on the board, including:

What my assessment entailed
My strengths and weaknesses
The two main things I need to work on right now
Specific drills and exercises for me to implement
Why he doesn’t want me to cut feet
The benefit of imposed scarcity for attempts
The importance of not 'cheating' climbs
Why some of my sport climbing instincts are working against me as a boulderer
Embracing unstable positions
Off-the-wall training to support my climbing
How to schedule climbing and conditioning for best gains and recovery
When I’ll try my first V8 on the board

BIG THANKS TO THE AMAZING SPONSORS OF THE STRUGGLE WHO LOVE ROCK CLIMBING AS MUCH AS YOU DO:

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 up to $1000 off plus a free gift pack let’s goooo!
Altitude Climbing: Join legends Chris Sharma and Magnus Midtbø for an unforgettable deep water soloing retreat in Mallorca, where all of the logistics (food, lodging, boat guides, etc.) are taken care of for you. Dream trip! Visit altitudeclimbing.com/events to learn more and apply today.

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)

00:00 Introduction and Welcome Back 00:24 Ryan's Squamish Adventure 02:16 Training on the Kilter Board 02:50 Assessment with Coach Kevin 03:28 Identifying Weaknesses and Strengths 06:18 Training Strategies and Adjustments 16:28 The Importance of Precision and Familiarity 22:37 Kilter Board Endorsement and Benefits 26:10 Final Thoughts and Training Philosophy 32:15 Footwork and Climbing Techniques 34:42 Challenges and Observations 41:29 Training Plan and Adjustments 44:10 Balancing Climbing and Conditioning 51:35 Preparing for Squamish and Future Goals 57:53 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Shoutout to Matt Waltereese for being a Victory Whip supporter on Patreon! So mega.

Follow along on Instagram and YouTube: @thestruggleclimbingshow

Chris Sharma: His 5.16 Project, Offering Cash for Hard Sends, and How He Balances Power Vs. Endurance Aug 27, 2025

Show notes

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

Elite climber Chris Sharma explores:

A wild idea to offer cash incentives for sending hard outdoor climbs
What happens when comp climbers get psyched on rock
Why being a busy dad has improved certain aspects of his climbing
Details on his super steep next level 5.16 (??) project
Knowing when to walk away from a project
Being motivated by grades can be good sometimes
The art of not giving a f*ck
How he alleviates send pressure
The intensely beautiful and unique experience of DWS
How YOU can climb with him and Magnus Midtbø

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: 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.
Altitude Climbing: Join legends Chris Sharma and Magnus Midtbø for an unforgettable deep water soloing retreat in Mallorca, where all of the logistics (food, lodging, boat guides, etc.) are taken care of for you. Dream trip! Visit altitudeclimbing.com/events to learn more and apply today.

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)

00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:45 Guest Introduction: Chris Sharma 01:17 Chris Sharma's Current Projects 01:42 Deep Water Soloing and Retreats 02:27 Host's Personal Update 03:35 Chris Sharma's Climbing History 04:19 Discussion on Climbing Routes and Challenges 08:52 Competitive Climbing vs. Rock Climbing 20:06 Balancing Climbing and Family Life 27:03 Maintaining Climbing Fitness and Strength 31:12 Exploring the Appeal of Bouldering 31:36 The Steep Cave Project 32:15 Inspiration and Progression in Climbing 33:51 Switching Gears and New Challenges 35:34 The Physicality of Santa Ana 37:14 Balancing Fun and Hard Work 39:08 The Role of Inspiration in Climbing 40:29 Fizzy Vantage Nutrition 41:53 Personal Climbing Goals and Reflections 51:03 Climbing as a Profession 54:51 The Joy of Deep Water Soloing 01:02:49 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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.

The struggle makes us stronger! I hope your training and climbing are going great.

Neely Quinn: How to Deal with Perfectionism and our Inner Critic as Climbers (and Humans) Aug 20, 2025

Show notes

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

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

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

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):

00:41 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

Follow along on Instagram @thestruggleclimbingshow and YouTube /@thestruggleclimbingshow

Book a session with Neely: https://www.neelyquinncoaching.com/climbing

The Struggle is carbon-neutral in partnership with The Honnold Foundation, whose mission is to promote solar energy for a more equitable world.

The struggle makes us stronger! I hope your training and climbing are going great.

Weekend Warrior: Breaking into 5.13 Sport, Rising thru Yosemite Grades, and Beginner Crack School Aug 13, 2025

Show notes

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

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

Here are some AI generated show notes (hopefully the robots got it right)