Podcasts about First ascent

What if your biggest career breakthrough came from breaking your own rules about what “success” is supposed to look like? On this episode of Legendary Leaders, Cathleen O'Sullivan sits down with serial entrepreneur Joe Zentmyer for an honest, wide-ranging exploration of pivots, reinvention, and leading with genuine passion.   With over two decades of experience spanning Fortune 500 sales, food manufacturing, rock climbing gyms, and now a thriving aquarium supply business, Joe's unconventional story is living proof that authentic curiosity and adaptability trump following “the script.” If you've ever held yourself back from a new opportunity because it didn't fit the usual definition of success, this episode is for you.   Cathleen and Joe unpack the mindset shifts, resilience, and hard-won lessons that come with building (and sometimes rebuilding) teams and businesses from scratch. From learning the art of self-awareness and dealing with rapid change, to rebuilding after a crisis and keeping the entrepreneurial spark alive, this conversation will inspire you to take bold steps even (or especially) when the path is unconventional.   Episode Timeline Highlights: 06:36 From corporate life to becoming a climbing entrepreneur 13:21 Entrepreneurial life - you need to embrace the unknown 16:55 Performance problems are often leadership issues, not just HR 25:18 Climbing gym staff protests 31:01 Leaders can lack perspective in the midst of a crisis 33:22 Overcoming work overload: Need to find balance 40:46 Rediscovering leadership passion, post-Covid lockdowns 46:26 Passion-driven marketing and staffing 54:26 Hiring challenges for small businesses 01:01:40 Entrepreneurs need to embrace long-term optimism   Key Takeaways: True success in leadership and business is not one-size-fits-all; embracing your own curiosity and passion is the best guide. Building great teams starts with self-awareness, clear expectations, and prioritising attitude over technical skills. Crisis reveals character: resilience, honest communication, and willingness to learn from setbacks will define your leadership. Entrepreneurship isn't for everyone the risks and rewards are real. Understand your motivations, know your limits, and be willing to reflect and reset. Protect your passion by delegating, innovating, and making time for self-reflection—don't let the business become all-consuming. ABOUT Joe Zentmyer: As a serial entrepreneur with more than 20 years of experience, Joe builds businesses by developing business managers along with systems that support those managers. He's very proud of the many young professionals he has mentored during his career. Joe's diverse business experience from food manufacturing to rock climbing gyms, gives him a unique perspective and ability to creatively assess every opportunity. He loves the process of creating a business and turning a concept into a profitable reality. Before launching Snaggletooth Goby, Joe c-ofounded First Ascent, a Chicago-based climbing and fitness chain. From 2013 to 2022, his partners, investors, and himself grew the business to seven locations in multiple markets. Each location was 20,000 to 50,000 square feet in size. They achieved this rapid growth by partnering with lenders, landlords and key vendors to identify and develop only the best locations.   Connect with Joe: Website: snaggletoothgoby.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-zentmyer/  Connect: 
  Find | Cathleen O'Sullivan  Business: cathleenmerkel.com   Email: cmc@cathleenmerkelcoaching.com  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathleen-merkel/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/legendary_leaders_cathleenos/     FOLLOW LEGENDARY LEADERS ON APPLE, SPOTIFY OR WHEREVER YOU LISTEN TO YOUR PODCASTS.  

Oh how the tables have turned! Jim Lawyer takes the interviewer's mic and turns the spotlight onto Jay in an interview that will give you more insight into our host than ever before. You'll learn about how Jay became obsessed with climbing, what brought him to New Hampshire, the first ascent he felt was worth ‘risking a friendship over', the number one thing he'd like to change about climbing culture, and even his feelings about being a rare and shunned ‘gates in' climber. First Ascent is going into summer mode! Starting now, we'll begin releasing episodes every other week to more fully enjoy the best part of the climbing season. If you're craving more First Ascent during that time, join the First Ascent Patreon! For $5, $7 or $10 a month, you'll get access to wide ranging bonus content from greats like Mark Hudon, Scott Stevenson and an ever growing library of Jay's musings. Plus you'll get exclusive beta, route info, and more. Check it out here:  https://www.patreon.com/FirstAscentPodcastDo you have a listener question or a topic idea? Let us know at @firstascentpod on Instagram! Jay can be found at @jayknower. Disclaimer: The information expressed in this episode is for entertainment purposes only, and is not intended as, nor should it be interpreted as, informational or instructional.

Oh how the tables have turned! Jim Lawyer takes the interviewer's mic and turns the spotlight onto Jay in an interview that will give you more insight into our host than ever before. You'll learn about how Jay became obsessed with climbing, what brought him to New Hampshire, the first ascent he felt was worth ‘risking a friendship over', the number one thing he'd like to change about climbing culture, and even his feelings about being a rare and shunned ‘gates in' climber. First Ascent is going into summer mode! Starting now, we'll begin releasing episodes every other week to more fully enjoy the best part of the climbing season. If you're craving more First Ascent during that time, join the First Ascent Patreon! For $5, $7 or $10 a month, you'll get access to wide ranging bonus content from greats like Mark Hudon, Scott Stevenson and an ever growing library of Jay's musings. Plus you'll get exclusive beta, route info, and more. Check it out here:  https://www.patreon.com/FirstAscentPodcastDo you have a listener question or a topic idea? Let us know at @firstascentpod on Instagram! Jay can be found at @jayknower. Disclaimer: The information expressed in this episode is for entertainment purposes only, and is not intended as, nor should it be interpreted as, informational or instructional.

Send us a textIn this powerful episode of Adulting with Autism, I'm joined by Clain Udy—corporate leader, autism dad, speaker, and author of Rebranding Autism. Clain shares how a strengths-based approach transformed his own son's path and sparked the creation of First Ascent, a groundbreaking 12-week program helping autistic young adults align their careers with who they really are.

Today at First Ascent we honor the incredible Lee Hansche on the one year anniversary of his passing. So many of us are missing Lee today, so we have compiled a highlight reel featuring some of Lee's best moments from the 96 episodes that he co-hosted on The First Ascent Podcast. You'll hear clips that reflect Lee's wisdom, humor, relationships, love of life, and even his fashion sense. We miss you, Lee! Disclaimer: The information expressed in this episode is for entertainment purposes only, and is not intended as, nor should it be interpreted as, informational or instructional.

Brian O'Leary just did the first ascent of the hardest mixed climb in New England: Middle Child, an M-13 at the mica mine. We'll talk about his process for sending the route and what M-13 means in the mixed climbing world. Then, we'll discuss the complicated ethics that arise when developing on choss. Plus, Jay helps Brian choose his first 5.13 sport climb to tackle! Brian is co-founder and owner of Forecast Climbing Equipment. Check out their awesome line of products here.  Join us over on the First Ascent Patreon. For $5, $7 or $10 a month, you'll get access to wide ranging bonus content from greats like Mark Hudon, Scott Stevenson and many more. Plus you'll get a Discord chat, exclusive beta, route info, and more. Check it out here:  https://www.patreon.com/FirstAscentPodcastDo you have a listener question or a topic idea? Let us know at @firstascentpod on Instagram! Jay can be found at @jayknower. Disclaimer: The information expressed in this episode is for entertainment purposes only, and is not intended as, nor should it be interpreted as, informational or instructional.

Today I sit down with Maximilian Barlerin. You might have first heard his name back in October when Corey Buhay wrote what Max humbly calls “a fluff piece” about his staggering 14-pitch, 5.13 big wall first ascent in the Wind River Range—Children of the Sun. The article described an "everyman" 5.14 climber balancing family, two jobs, a fledgling business, and an impressive list of first ascents. This is the first time Maximilian has spoken publicly about his life.Max isn't just a climber…He works as a climbing ranger and search-and-rescue responder in Rocky Mountain National Park. His career put him face-to-face with some of the harshest realities of the mountains, forcing him to reconcile the risks we take as climbers with the consequences he's witnessed firsthand. Through years of SAR work, close calls, and deep self-reflection, he's developed a rare perspective on climbing, risk, and the ever-evolving relationship we have with danger.Just days before this episode launch, I learned that Max and his entire team of rangers had been laid off due to recent federal budget cuts—a devastating blow, especially for those who relied on the job not just for income, but for housing. The outdoor community is certainly hurting right now, and my heart goes out to everyone affected. Max reminds us that this is not a good year to get injured in the mountains—there just might not be anyone there to rescue you.After we unpack the highs and lows of his time as a climbing ranger..we dive into four of his most notable first ascents in Patagonia, Zion, and the Wind River Range—covering the vision, the process, and the lessons he's learned along the way.Maximilian is a soft-spoken, humble climber with an astonishing depth of experience and achievement, and I'm psyched to share his story.----HELP KEEP THIS PODCAST AD FREE! | For a little as $3/mo!----Don't forget to check out our full video episodes on Youtube!The TCM movement is growing but we need your help to spread the word! Please share this podcast with your friends and family. Word of mouth is one of the best ways to support the show. If you enjoyed the show we'd appreciate it if you could rate and review us on your favorite podcatcher.We are always looking for new guests. If you or someone you know would be a great fit for the show please don't hesitate to reach out. You can reach us on IG or email us directly @ theclimbingmajoritypodcast@gmail.com---ResourcesMaximilian's IGFirst Ascent in Patagonia "Colorado Route" (5.11c 45 Degrees, 500m)Climbing Magazine Article about "Children of The Sun" (IV 5.13-; 1500ft)

In September, three young American climbers—August Franzen, Dane Steadman, and Cody Winckler—completed the first ascent of Yashkuk Sar I in northwest Pakistan. The 2,000-meter north pillar took five days to climb and descend, with challenges including precarious bivouacs, avalanches that forced them to find a new route in the middle of the climb, and crux mixed climbing at over 6,200 meters. For this episode, host Jim Aikman conducted an extensive interview with Wyoming climber Dane Steadman about this impressive ascent. Plus, alpinists Kelly Cordes and Graham Zimmerman, along with AAJ editor Dougald MacDonald, offer their perspectives on the unique challenges and attractions of climbing in the Karakoram.

Today Colin and Justin break down some recent headlines to come out of the outdoor adventure community.First up is the news that Black Diamond is partnering with Rainier Mountaineering, Inc to help with their product development. This is a reunion between BD president Neil Fiske and RMI owner Peter Whittaker who teamed up at Eddie Bauer to create First Ascent.Next the boys make a stop at Housman's House to talk about Justin's story covering the efforts to get single use plastics out of our National Parks.Then they talk about the reports that the world's largest glacier could potentially collide with South Georgia Island. Lastly they of course wrap things up with The Parting Shot!Check out hundreds of wildly cool products by visiting and shopping at Garage Grown Gear!Help those who have been impacted by the Los Angeles wildfires by clicking here.Thanks for listening! The Rock Fight is a production of Rock Fight, LLC. Sign up for NEWS FROM THE FRONT, Rock Fight's weekly newsletter by heading to www.rockfight.co and clicking Join The Mailing List.Please follow and subscribe to The Rock Fight and give us a 5 star rating and a written review wherever you get your podcasts.Want to pick a fight with The Rock Fight? Send your feedback, questions, and comments to myrockfight@gmail.com.

Roger Strong made his catch king crab fishing so he could ski and climb the rest of the year. His life was forged by sea and steel, commercial fishing hardening him for both alpinism and captainship.As he says, it was some of the best and worst times.But to continue the metaphor, the metallurgy of life also requires tempering, annealing, and healing too. In this episode, we chat about:

Today, we continue our conversation with the legendary Paul Ramsden. If you missed Part 1, hit pause and go back to the last episode—it's essential listening. In this episode, we pick up with the second of Paul's FIVE Piolet d'Or-winning climbs: The Prow of Shiva. From there, we journey through each climb, exploring the lessons, challenges, and reflections that have shaped his remarkable career. We close with Paul's insights on life, climbing philosophy, and advice for anyone daring to follow in his path.As we wrap up this incredible conversation, I want to send a huge thank you to Paul for trusting me to share his story. If this episode resonated with you, don't hesitate to reach out—I'll gladly pass along your messages to him. ----Don't forget to check out our full video episodes on Youtube!The TCM movement is growing but we need your help to spread the word! Please share this podcast with your friends and family. Word of mouth is one of the best ways to support the show. If you enjoyed the show we'd appreciate it if you could rate and review us on your favorite podcatcher.We are always looking for new guests. If you or someone you know would be a great fit for the show please don't hesitate to reach out. You can reach us on IG or email us directly @ theclimbingmajoritypodcast@gmail.com---Piolets d'Or Award Winning Climbs#1 North Face of Siguniang, China (2003) w/ Mick Fowler#2 Prow of Shiva, India (2013) w/ Mick Fowler#3 Gave Ding, Nepal (2016) w/ Mick Fowler#4 North Buttress of Nyainqentangla South East, Tibet (2016) w/ Nick Bullock#5 Phantom Line on Jugal Spire, Nepal (2023) w/ Tim Miller

We'll be taking a break from the podcast for the holidays, but in the meantime, enjoy this special compilation episode celebrating all of the amazing guests who have joined us on First Ascent since the reboot. Thank you so much for supporting the show, especially as I've navigated a reboot after we all lost Lee. Have a wonderful holiday season, and enjoy this best of episode! If you're in need of more First Ascent throughout the holidays, now is an amazing time to join the First Ascent Patreon! For $5, $7 or $10 a month, you'll get access to wide ranging bonus content from greats like Mark Hudon, Scott Stevenson and dozens more. Plus you'll get a Discord chat, exclusive beta, route info, and more. Check it out here:  https://www.patreon.com/FirstAscentPodcastDo you have a listener question or a topic idea? Let us know at @firstascentpod on Instagram! Jay can be found at @jayknower. Disclaimer: The information expressed in this episode is for entertainment purposes only, and is not intended as, nor should it be interpreted as, informational or instructional.

Today, I'm beyond excited to share a truly rare and special opportunity: a conversation with UK climbing legend Paul Ramsden. The Piolets d'Or—often called the Oscars of mountaineering—is the highest honor in alpine climbing, awarded to only those who demonstrate the pinnacle of style and commitment in the mountains. With past recipients like David Lama, Mick Fowler, and Hayden Kennedy, the award emphasizes ascents done in ‘alpine style'—no bolts, no portaledges, no siege tactics. Just you, your partner, and what you can carry on your back as you tackle an unclimbed wall on an unclimbed mountain. And Paul Ramsden? He holds five Piolets d'Or—the most of any climber in history.For Paul, style isn't just about the ethics—it's the heart of his climbing philosophy. His unwavering commitment to ‘alpine style' is how he authentically experiences the mountains. It's a pure test of his ability to move efficiently, confidently, and quickly over technical terrain in extreme high-altitude environments.What makes Paul even more unique is his aversion to the spotlight. Despite his unparalleled achievements, he has stayed largely out of the public eye. Beyond the write-ups he and his partners have contributed to the American Alpine Journal, there's almost no available information about him. In fact, this might very well be the first time Paul has spoken openly about his life, his climbs, and his distinct approach to the climbing world. It's truly an honor to have the chance to share his story.This conversation is split into two parts. In Part I, we'll get to know Paul—where he came from, what shaped him, and how he became the climber he is today. Then in Part II, we'll dive into the specifics of each of the five individual climbs that earned him the Piolets d'Or. So, get ready for 2 and a half hours of stories, lessons, insights, and life lessons with the legendary Paul Ramsden.----Don't forget to check out our full video episodes on Youtube!The TCM movement is growing but we need your help to spread the word! Please share this podcast with your friends and family. Word of mouth is one of the best ways to support the show. If you enjoyed the show we'd appreciate it if you could rate and review us on your favorite podcatcher.We are always looking for new guests. If you or someone you know would be a great fit for the show please don't hesitate to reach out. You can reach us on IG or email us directly @ theclimbingmajoritypodcast@gmail.com---ResourcesGOOGLE Paul Ramsden

Nobody knows what it takes to scale to the top like GEOWealth's strategic advisor Scott MacKillop —he's climbed literal mountains AND built some of the most successful TAMPS in the game.In this Episode, Scott and Stacy discuss: His backstory: From dreaming of following his father's footsteps as a lawyer and practicing corporate and securities law to leaping into asset managementHis journey to founding and scaling First Ascent to over $1.5B in assets and his recent sale to GeoWealth.What mountain climbing taught him about raising venture capital Why he's a firm believer in the power of a personal brandMore about Scott MacKillop:Scott MacKillop served as CEO of First Ascent Asset Management until its acquisition by GeoWealth, LLC. He now serves as Strategic Advisor to GeoWealth and a champion for independent-minded financial advisors. He is an ambassador for the Institute for the Fiduciary Standard and a 47-year veteran of the financial services industry, having served at the helm of five Turnkey Asset Management Platforms (TAMPs).Scott is a writer and commentator on the investment management and fintech industries. He brings his unique viewpoints to industry publications, speaking on the topics of fiduciary responsibilities, practice management, and client education. An avid hiker, Scott has summited thirty “14ers,” having hiked extensively in the U.S. and internationally. He also plays lead guitar for the band at his church.Want More Help With Storytelling?  +  Subscribe to my newsletter to get a weekly email that helps you use your words to power your growth: https://www.stacyhavener.com/subscribe  - - -Make The Boutique Investment Collective part of your Billion Dollar Backstory. Gain access to invaluable resources, expert coaches, and a supportive community of other boutique founders, fund managers, and investment pros. Join Havener Capital's exclusive membership - - -Make The Boutique Investment Collective part of your Billion Dollar Backstory. Gain access to invaluable resources, expert coaches, and a supportive community of other boutique founders, fund managers, and investment pros. Join Havener Capital's exclusive membership

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia.   Today is Friday, Oct. 18, 2024. The former Parkersburg CVB building has been repurposed to support arts in the community…coworking spaces provide resources and meeting space for remote workers…and a proposed hiking trail in Mercer County was once used by Civil War troops…on today's daily304. #1 – From NEWS & SENTINEL – Artsbridge has purchased the former Convention and Visitors Bureau building to be its new headquarters. “A new location still in downtown Parkersburg means Artsbridge continues its long partnership with other arts, entertainment and service organizations in the Mid-Ohio Valley,”  said Karen Waller, Artsbridge board member. The new facility, located at 350 Seventh St., represents an investment not only in the organization but in the very fabric of the community. With this building, Artsbridge will have the capacity to enhance its programs, host more events and create a welcoming space for collaboration and support. Meanwhile, the Greater Parkersburg Convention & Visitors Bureau has relocated its welcome center to 113 Ann Street. Read more: https://www.newsandsentinel.com/news/business/2024/10/artsbridge-buys-former-cvb-building-to-serve-as-new-headquarters/   #2 – From FIRST ASCENT – Before the rise of remote and hybrid work, young professionals were restricted to confining cubicles and old-school office environments. Even so, some remote workers yearn to be in a structured, professional environment away from productivity-draining distractions at home. Enter local coworking spaces—shared office spaces where remote workers from different companies and industries can work alongside one another as if they are in the office for the day. These spaces, with their modern, open floor plans, typically offer amenities that professionals crave, such as secure Wi-Fi, printing stations, and private rooms for meetings. Base Camp, First Ascent and Ascend WV's coworking space in Morgantown, for example, even offers standing desks for members to stretch their legs, and a kitchenette to prepare snacks and lunch.  Are you a West Virginia grad who has a remote or hybrid position? First Ascent, the program specifically designed to help young professionals launch their careers in the mountains of West Virginia, offers coworking benefits through free access to its six Base Camp locations across the state.  Learn more: https://firstascentwv.com/blog/2024/10/09/are-coworking-spaces-the-new-workplace-norm   #3 – From BLUEFIELD DAILY TELEGRAPH –  A proposed hiking trail in Mercer County would give visitors and residents alike not only opportunities to enjoy the area's scenic beauty, but also experience its history by taking a route Civil War troops used over a century ago as they marched into battle. This hiking/bicycle trail would stretch from the vicinity of Camp Creek State Park to the Bluestone River on the former Bluestone Land & Lumber Company logging railroad along Camp Creek.  A grant of over $360,000 from the West Virginia Division of Highways Recreational Trails Project with a 20% county match is funding the project, according to Mercer County Commission President Bill Archer.  Civil War scholars say the trail is likely part of the path taken by officers and troops of the 23rd Ohio Volunteer Infantry to the Battle of Princeton in May 1862, he added. Read more: https://www.bdtonline.com/news/proposed-hiking-trail-once-used-by-civil-war-troops/article_ba77f6d0-8193-11ef-ba0a-bf7f04e4feae.html   Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304. The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo.  That's all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.  

Today The Impact Driver host Holly Chen meets with Claire Gordon, a former competitive youth athlete turned coach and gym owner. Claire has a bachelor's degree in psychology with an emphasis on development psychology, and her coaching spans from coast to coast; from First Ascent in Chicago to Planet Granite Portland (now Movement), ABC Kids Climbing in Boulder, and finally starting her own independent team, PinkPoint Training in 2023. At PinkPoint, Claire does everything from coaching to administration to sponsorships, and, of course, routesetting. If asked what her proudest climbing accomplishments are, Claire will say it's her kids. Her athletes have gone to youth nationals, youth worlds, and are shaped into lifelong lovers of the sport. In the summer of 2024, Claire achieved a lifelong dream of opening her own climbing gym and began The Campus Climbing in North Boulder, due to open in early 2025. In this conversation, Claire and Holly talk about routesetting for a targeted, specific audience: elite youth athletes. They also talk about the unique structure of independent youth teams, what comp climbing really is, and how unpredictable it can be for climbers and coaches during comp day. They get into the weeds about coaching movement techniques and handling emotional pressure. And with Claire's extensive experience coaching with commercial gyms, they cover how to translate her tailored routesetting and coaching skills to commercial gyms. Last but not least, they talk about the old school routesetting mindset of forcing movement and how that can be a disservice to not just youth athletes, but the community at large. We hope you enjoy this episode of the Impact Driver Podcast! Thank you Approach and Kilter for your support! And thank you Devin Dabney for your music!

In this episode of the Lattice Training Podcast, host Teresa sits down with British climber and coach Jen Wood, who recently made history with her impressive ascents at Kilnsey and Water Cum Jolly in the UK. Jen also opens up about her toughest first ascent yet—Vela Stivina in Croatia—sharing how the unique climbing style there pushed her both mentally and physically to new limits.Jen discusses her journey, from projecting challenging routes in different climates to her preference for climbing in warmer weather, which has become a key part of her training philosophy. As someone who stepped back from competition climbing, Jen offers a candid reflection on how this shift has reshaped her approach to coaching and outdoor adventures.Key Takeaways:Consistency is Key: Regular time on the rock is essential for building both skill and confidence.Weather Matters: Jen's preference for warmer conditions shows how the right environment can elevate performance and enjoyment.Stepping Back to Move Forward: Taking a break from competitions gave Jen a fresh perspective, allowing her to refocus on her passion for outdoor climbing.Training Smarter: Jen highlights the differences between preparing for competitions and training for outdoor climbs, emphasising the need to adapt strategies.Balance is Crucial: Rest and recovery are essential for staying at peak performance while pursuing a variety of climbing goals.Climbing Pitfalls: Jen shares common mistakes climbers make when trying to progress to higher grades and offers tips for overcoming these hurdles.Mental Fortitude: Breaking complex moves into smaller, achievable goals is key to pushing your limits.Embracing New Challenges: Success doesn't always come in the form of initial goals, but personal achievements along the way can be just as rewarding.Expanding Comfort Zones: Exploring different climbing styles and routes helps climbers grow and tackle fresh challenges with renewed confidence.Jen's story is a reminder of how taking on new challenges—whether it's a first ascent or switching focus from competition to outdoor climbing—can lead to remarkable achievements. This episode is filled with insights to inspire climbers of all levels, offering practical tips and an inside look at Jen's unique approach to climbing and coaching.Stay tuned for more from Jen as she sets her sights on new adventures, including a potential first ascent in Kalymnos! The Lattice jingle is brought to you by Devin Dabney, music producer of the outdoor industry who also hosts the American Climbing Project.

On May 21st, First Ascent co-host Lee Hansche passed away while setting routes at the climbing gym while he worked. Today, Jay is releasing the final episode that they recorded together, as it reflects what a great man Lee was and what a joy it was to speak with him about climbing. If you would like to donate in Lee's name, please visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/lee-hansche. The proceeds will be split between the Rumney Climbers Association and the Central New Hampshire Climbers Association, two organizations that support climbing areas that Lee loved so much. In this episode, originally titled Honnold & Midtbø Revisited + Lies on Action Direct, Jay and Lee share their thoughts on recent controversial happenings in the climbing sphere. They'll rehash their opinions about Alex Honnold and Magnus Midtbø's free solo in light of Magnus's reaction video with his girlfriend. (Check out our first episode on that free solo here) Then, they'll break down the controversy surrounding Said Belhaj's claim that he sent Action Directe. And finally, they'll bring it closer to home with a history of the ladder controversy at Waimea, since it has begun to heat up once again. Disclaimer: The information expressed in this episode is for entertainment purposes only, and is not intended as, nor should it be interpreted as, informational or instructional.

While waiting for the newest season launching this fall, we have something special planned for your listening enjoyment. Get ready to revisit some of your favorite Eccles Business Buzz episodes with our timeless reruns.In this episode from season 2, we have Jolly Karungi, a graduate of the David Eccles School of Business and Eccles student of the year in 2020.During her time at the Eccles school, she participated in the Business Scholars and First Ascent programs in addition to a variety of other student organizations on campus. She graduated with a major in Information Systems.Jolly was born in the Republic of Congo and lived in a refugee camp in Uganda for several years before coming to Utah. She shares the struggles she had to endure living in different environments and the difficulties navigating systems without knowing how to speak the language. However, her passion for learning and adapting together with perseverance helped her overcome the challenges.Jolly also tells her plans after graduation, her future goals, and what excites her the most in going back home where her family is. Eccles Business Buzz is a production of the David Eccles School of Business and is produced by University fm.Show Links:LinkedInBusiness Scholars ProgramFirst Ascent Scholars ProgramCotopaxi Foundation

Today, we are continuing our conversation with Evan Wisheropp. If you missed part one, I highly recommend checking it out first. It provides a foundation for understanding who Evan is as a climber and how he achieved the objectives we're discussing today.In this episode, we'll dive into Evan's two main passions: desert offwidth splitters and route development.First, we'll discuss Evan's recent send of The Cleaver, a 13b offwidth roof crack that, as Evan puts it, "contains all the hardest transitions of sizes that offwidth can offer, jumping from a splitter #2 to a #6 in less than 10 feet." We chat about the logistics and skills involved in sending not only this particular climb but all offwidths. We'll also dive into his next offwidth project, an extension to the infamous Belly Full of Bad Berries.Next, we'll explore Evan's passion for route development. Initially, Evan started developing routes because he ran out of 5.12s to climb in his local area. This quest for more climbs turned into a huge passion. Over the last nine years, he has established an impressive 475 routes in the Northwest region of California, investing nearly $60,000 of his own money. Many of these areas remain largely unknown to the public, offering hundreds of cleaned, bolted classic routes up to grade 5.13 with only a handful of ascents.Evan lives near the Redwoods, the largest trees in the world, situated on the Pacific coastline. His local crags are nestled in these magical areas, featuring rocky coastlines and massive Jurassic trees towering hundreds of feet tall. He recently published a guidebook for these areas, which you can check out in the show notes.Our conversation with Evan is a reminder of how much we can take for granted as climbers. We often show up to a climb that has been found, cleaned, and bolted, and leave without a thought of all the work that went into making that happen and who that person was. We feel honored to tell Evan's story and hope to spread some awareness, not only of his accomplishments and significant contributions to the sport of climbing but to route developers everywhere.----Don't forget to check our our full video episodes on Youtube!The TCM movement is growing but we need your help to spread the word! Please share this podcast with your friends and family. Word of mouth is one of the best ways to support the show. If you enjoyed the show we'd really appreciate it if you could rate and review us on your favorite podcatcher.We are always looking for new guests. If you or someone you know would be a great fit for the show please don't hesitate to reach out. You can reach us on IG or email us directly @ theclimbingmajoritypodcast@gmail.com---Cover Photo: @amanda_paintsResourcesThe CleaverEvan's InstagramEvan's YoutubeA Climbers Guide to Northwest CaliforniaEvan's Photography

Mixed climbing was always part of the alpinist's bag of tricks

Hey everyone, thanks for tuning in and for being a part of The Climbing Majority. Today, we're diving into part two of our conversation with Myles Moser. If you missed part one, I highly recommend going back to the previous episode before continuing.This episode is PACKED with stories that will keep you on the edge of your seat. So I will keep this introduction brief. First we explore Myles' incredible experience establishing the first ascent of his route 'Plate Tectonics,' a 21-pitch Grade VI 5.12 C1 on the east face of the North Tower of Torres Del Paine in Patagonia—a 3000ft unclimbed vertical face deemed simply too dangerous by local climbers.. We then discuss his attempt on the Central Tower of Torres del Paine and a climbing accident that left him with a broken ankle 1600 ft off the ground. All I can say after listening to these stories, is that Myles is lucky to be alive and that he is probably one of the most determined and mentally tough men I've ever met. Also, the scale and seriousness of these objectives are almost too intense to truly comprehend. Myles has a Youtube channel and I HIGHLY recommend check it out after this episode to help gain some context to the stories he shares in this episode.Finally, wrap up our conversation by discussing Myles' future objectives and get to reflect on why he chose now to break his seven years of silence…with these remarkable stories of radical first ascents….----Don't forget to check our our full video episodes on Youtube!The TCM movement is growing but we need your help to spread the word! Please share this podcast with your friends and family. Word of mouth is one of the best ways to support the show. If you enjoyed the show we'd really appreciate it if you could rate and review us on your favorite podcatcher.We are always looking for new guests. If you or someone you know would be a great fit for the show please don't hesitate to reach out. You can reach us on IG or email us directly @ theclimbingmajoritypodcast@gmail.com---ResourcesLearn about Plate Tectonics Grade VI 5.12 C1Learn about Una Fina Linea De Locura Grade VII 5.12 A3Myles' Youtube

In this episode of The Privacy Insider Podcast, host Arlo Gilbert and Katharine Tomko, Partner at First Ascent Ventures, dive into AI, how it is changing the data privacy landscape, and how its growth presents new challenges for privacy teams and individuals. Also in this episode: The importance of consent, and why privacy matters more than you think.

In this episode of The Privacy Insider Podcast, host Arlo Gilbert and Katharine Tomko, Partner at First Ascent Ventures, dive into AI, how it is changing the data privacy landscape, and how its growth presents new challenges for privacy teams and individuals. Also in this episode: The importance of consent, and why privacy matters more than you think.

In today's world, where social media, technology, and commercialism are at the forefront of our minds, the reasons why we climb can sometimes get a bit confusing. Professional climbers often need an “audience” for brands to market their products to, and climbers everywhere, myself included, share videos and photos of our recent ascents. It makes you wonder… why do we climb? Is it truly for personal satisfaction, or are we chasing clout and recognition for our achievements?For Myles, this era of “clout chasing” and immediately posting about our climbing is completely against his ethos. He climbs for himself, for his personal exploration as both a climber and a creator. Over the last seven years Myles has even turned down pro contracts in order to dedicate his life to his personal goals of putting up countless dangerous, massive alpine multi-pitch first ascents in the Whitney Portal area and in Patagonia. Most of these routes have never been repeated,and never shared with anyone. For some of them this is the first time the world is hearing about them.. The seriousness and complexity of these routes can't be overstated—one even got him nominated for the Piolets d'Or, one of the most prestigious international mountaineering awards. Myles has built a successful contracting business, allowing him to self-fund his objectives and first ascents. He doesn't feel pressure from brands or the need to monetize his climbing in any way and instead relies on his own skills, his partners, and a lot of luck to pull off these truly inspiring and bold new routes. Today, we're opening up Myles' black book of climbing topos and breaking his seven years of silence. We get to discuss what he's been up to, the routes he's developed, and the incredible stories from these years of establishing some of the gnarliest routes the climbing world has seen. Myles also shares a refreshing narrative that reminds us to reflect on the reasons why we climb, how we choose our routes, and how much danger we put ourselves in. Are we climbing for ourselves or for recognition from others?----Don't forget to check our our full video episodes on Youtube!The TCM movement is growing but we need your help to spread the word! Please share this podcast with your friends and family. Word of mouth is one of the best ways to support the show. If you enjoyed the show we'd really appreciate it if you could rate and review us on your favorite podcatcher.We are always looking for new guests. If you or someone you know would be a great fit for the show please don't hesitate to reach out. You can reach us on IG or email us directly @ theclimbingmajoritypodcast@gmail.com---

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia.   Today is Friday, March 22, 2024.   East Coast Metal Systems work with #YesWV to foster their growth. WV holds a strategic advantage in the metals industry with AISTech. And First Ascent offers incentives for recent graduates to stay and WV and work remotely…on today's daily304. #1 – From WV COMMERCE – East Coast Metal Systems serves as a trusted partner for all architectural metal and exterior envelope system needs. As a full-service fabricator, the company possesses the expertise, resources, and capabilities necessary to guide projects from concept to completion seamlessly. Learn why East Coast Metal says #YesWV.  Watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZQJVQvxKh0    #2 – From WV ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT – West Virginia is poised as a strategic hub in the metals industry, boasting an abundance of primary and fabricated metals, machinery, and essential components crucial for metalworking and machinery product manufacturing.  The state's location is central to over 4,000 regional suppliers, providing a comprehensive network of materials vital for the industry. Additionally, West Virginia is home to a skilled workforce, making it a fertile ground for growth and innovation in the metals sector. Association for Iron and Steel Technology (AISTech) stands as North America's premier annual gathering in the iron and steel technology arena, offering an unparalleled platform for professionals from around the globe to explore cutting-edge technologies and strategies. At AISTech, West Virginia and its partners—Advantage Valley, Huntington Area Development Council, Putnam County Development Authority, the Regional Economic Development Partnership based in Wheeling, and Wood County Economic Development—present a united front, showcasing the state's robust metals industry and its significant role in the global market.  The West Virginia Department of Economic Development invites AISTech attendees to engage with us, explore the vast opportunities within West Virginia's metals industry, and discover how our state continues to be a fertile ground for technological advancements, economic development, and industry-leading practices.  Learn more: https://westvirginia.gov/west-virginias-strategic-advantage-in-the-metals-industry-at-aistech/ #3 – From FIRST ASCENT – Just finished college and now you're looking for work? Thanks to a new program, you can enjoy the benefits of low-cost living in the beautiful Mountain State while working remotely companies anywhere in the world. First Ascent is a two-year program designed to help you launch your professional career through the power of hybrid and remote work while maximizing work-life balance and building community. If you're a recent West Virginia University or Marshall University graduate with goals for a full-time, flexible career, you're eligible to apply for First Ascent! Your university's career specialists can help you accelerate your search for a full-time hybrid, remote, or remote-first career opportunity. Learn more: https://firstascentwv.com/   Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304. The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo.  That's all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.  

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia.   Today is Thursday, Feb. 1  It's big news for WV State as the university launches its first doctorate program starting in May. A nonprofit instrument manufacturer works to support Appalachians in need. And the Wing 2 Wing Foundation celebrates a year of successes in #YesWV…on today's daily304. #1 – From WVU STATE –  West Virginia State University is launching its first doctorate degree program in May, a new Doctorate of Education in Leadership Studies. The fully online, two-year program is the first doctorate degree in the history of WVSU and is designed for working professionals from a variety of fields such as education, the nonprofit sector and government.  The inaugural cohort will enroll in May 2024. The program emphasizes fairness, diversity, and social justice with threads related to these concepts embedded in the content coursework.  “This is truly a historic moment in the 133-year history of our university,” said WVSU President Ericke S. Cage. “This Doctorate of Education in Leadership Studies program will serve a vital need for the workforce in West Virginia by providing executive level education that will allow organizational leaders to continue to grow in their professional careers.” For more information about the Doctorate of Education in Leadership Studies visit the program website here, or contact Dr. Emily Waugh at (304) 766-5192 or ewaugh@wvstateu.edu. Read more: https://www.wvstateu.edu/campusnews/2024/january/west-virginia-state-university-launches-first-doct.aspx #2 – From WV PUBCAST –  In the mountains of Eastern Kentucky, jobs are scarce, and an opioid crisis continues to inflict pain throughout this region of Appalachia, including West Virginia. But where many see hopelessness, Doug Naselroad, a master luthier from Hindman, Kentucky, sees an opportunity to help those in need. Naselroad founded a nonprofit instrument manufacturer, The Troublesome Creek Stringed Instrument Company, to train and employ people in recovery, helping them find purpose and belonging as they work their way through recovery. The Troublesome Creek Stringed Instrument Company strives to make beautiful handcrafted instruments, including dulcimers, guitars and mandolins.   Interested in becoming part of the Troublesome Creek family of dealers? Visit www.troublesomecreekguitars.com   Watch the Folkways video: https://wvpublic.org/troublesome-creek-building-instruments-as-a-form-of-recovery/   #3 – From BRAD D SMITH – Since its 2019 inception, the Wing 2 Wing Foundation has worked to level the playing field of opportunity in Appalachia.  Acting on its three guiding pillars (education, entrepreneurship and environment), Wing 2 Wing has worked to support West Virginia's dreamers and doers by prioritizing access to education, advancing entrepreneurial interests, and conserving and championing the region's natural assets.  In 2023, Wing 2 Wing celebrated the introduction of new ventures and programs created to further aid Appalachians. The organization's work included supporting the First Annual Almost Heaven Classic golf tournament. Wing 2 Wing co-founder Alys Smith led the Inaugural Women Warriors Summit to empower women's voices.  The foundation also expanded on its popular Ascend WV remote worker program by launching a spinoff program named First Ascent that encourages recent graduates of Marshall University and West Virginia University to stay in the state after completing their studies. Learn more: https://braddsmith.com/blog/wing-2-wing-2023-recap/   Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304. The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo.  That's all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia.   Today is Tuesday, Jan. 16  Country Roads Angel Network looks forward to its new leadership. Recent college grads: Stay in WV and find remote work through First Ascent WV. And Berkeley County's Cider Press Restaurant brings farm-fresh food to the table…on today's daily304. #1 – From WV BUSINESSLINK – The start-up business picture in West Virginia became even brighter  with the announcement from Country Roads Angel Network that it was naming Morgantown businessman Frank Vitale as its president. Vitale has more than two decades of experience in banking, entrepreneurship and government service. He currently leads Forge Business Solutions as president and CEO and will continue in that role in addition to serving as president of CRAN.  Recognized as the Mountain State's first accredited angel network, CRAN was launched in late 2019, and now will have Vitale at the helm with a focus on doubling CRAN's current investor roster over the next two years and generating millions of dollars of investments for WV start-up businesses. “West Virginia is poised for tremendous investment and growth in the start-up and early stage space. Rest assured that CRAN will be a lightning rod for this,” he said. Over a three-year period beginning in December 2020, CRAN has made direct investments of $1.2 million in entrepreneurs and those angel funds have been complemented by matching capital dollars approaching $10 million. Read more: https://wvbusinesslink.com/2024/01/10/morgantown-businessman-frank-vitale-named-president-of-country-roads-angel-network/ #2 – From FIRST ASCENT WV – Hybrid and remote work are more than just buzzwords-they're practical options which can bring more agility to a company and allow diverse workers to maximize their potential. Brought to the forefront of the public's awareness during the pandemic, these types of employment have been building for decades and are predicted to maintain momentum for the future.  As noted by Global Workplace Analytics and Fortune, letting employees work remotely even just 2-3 days per week can save companies nearly $11,000 per employee by reducing expenses associated overhead costs like office space and utilities. Along with money, time and energy can be saved with hybrid and remote work, bringing us to another positive factor for the bottom line: increased productivity. Hybrid and remote workers can choose interruption-free spaces, including home offices and co-working spaces, to enhance concentration and focus, allowing them to complete tasks more efficiently. Through the power of community, purpose, and the outdoors, First Ascent is transforming the professional landscape of West Virginia by cultivating a hub for remote and hybrid workers to thrive. If you're a recent or prospective graduate of Marshall University or West Virginia University, check out what First Ascent has to offer.  Read more: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/hybrid-remote-work-beyond-traditional-workspaces-first-ascent-wv-n4swe/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_ios&utm_campaign=share_via   #3 – From BERKELEY CO DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY – The Cider Press Restaurant, located inside Taylor's Farm Market in Inwood, is co-owned by Ryan and Robert Taylor, a father-son duo that are lifelong residents of the area. They have a mission to bring farm fresh food straight to the table for the residents of Berkeley County.  Taylor Farms was founded in the 1970s by Robert Taylor and has now expanded to house 2,500 acres of crops. In 2016, with a significant amount of extra space and a successful Farmer's Market, the Taylor family opted to open a restaurant that would source as many local, seasonal items as possible, including their own harvests from Taylor Farms.  Ryan Taylor believes one of the greatest benefits of doing business in Berkeley County is the direct access to major roadways, recognizing the impact of the continuous travelers on I-81 and nearby I-70. He is grateful to the local community as well for their encouragement and reliability and his staff for their constant efforts stating, “I have a great team of people-if it wasn't for them, we couldn't do what we do.” Read more: https://www.developmentauthority.com/2023/05/17/cider-press-restaurant-taylors-farm-market/   Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304. The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo.  That's all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.

Happy New Year, First Ascent listeners! We're back from our break and ready for 2024. Today we're starting the year off with an episode all about New Year's resolutions. We're sharing ours, reading submissions from our listeners, and judging each resolution as we go. Plus, we discuss a hot topic: how important is it to be truthful about your climbing experiences? Links: Cold Fear Podcast. Ep #17 - Social Authenticity Race to the Summit on Netflix What are your new year's resolutions? Let us know @firstascentpod on Instagram! Jay and Lee can be found at @jayknower and @xxleeweexx Join us over on the First Ascent Patreon! For only $5 a month, you'll get access to wide ranging bonus content from greats like Mark Hudon, Scott Stevenson and many more. Plus you'll get a Discord chat, exclusive beta, route info, and more. Check it out here:  https://www.patreon.com/FirstAscentPodcastWhat are your new year's resolutions? Let us know @firstascentpod on Instagram! Jay and Lee can be found at @jayknower and @xxleeweexx Disclaimer: The information expressed in this episode is for entertainment purposes only, and is not intended as, nor should it be interpreted as, informational or instructional.

For our final episode of the 2023 season, we're heading to Kishtwar in northern India, an area of very dramatic granite peaks, most of which have only been climbed by one or two routes. One of these mountains is White Sapphire, a peak of 6,040 meters or just under 20,000 feet, that had only been climbed twice. Pete Takeda, the interviewer for this episode, had shared photos of an unclimbed big wall on White Sapphire with a young friend named Christian Black. In time, Christian recruited his friends Hayden Wyatt and Vitaliy Musiyenko as partners. They won a grant from the American Alpine Club, and in September they all headed to India. Two of the three climbers had never been to the Himalaya, and this interview captures their wide-eyed enthusiasm, as well as their ability to go with the flow—a critical element for success in the Greater Ranges. And success they had, with a challenging new route up White Sapphire from the north: Brilliant Blue (850m, AI3, 80°, M7+). The Cutting Edge is presented by Hilleberg the Tentmaker (hilleberg.com), with additional support from Blue Ice and Bivouac Coffee. This podcast is produced by the American Alpine Club.

It's been an amazing year on the podcast! Incredible guests, fascinating conversations and more than a few bloopers have been had. In order to celebrate the end of the year, we've compiled a compilation of some of our favorite moments, plus a few of those bloopers. We'll be taking our very first break over the holiday season, but be sure to tune back in in the new year for new episodes. In the meantime, join our Patreon community! For only $5 a month, you'll get access to wide ranging bonus content from greats like Mark Hudon, Scott Stevenson and many more. Plus you'll get a Discord chat, exclusive beta, route info, and more. Check it out here:  https://www.patreon.com/FirstAscentPodcastDo you have a listener question or a topic idea? Let us know at @firstascentpod on Instagram! Jay and Lee can be found at @jayknower and @xxleeweexx Disclaimer: The information expressed in this episode is for entertainment purposes only, and is not intended as, nor should it be interpreted as, informational or instructional.

Ice and mixed climber extraordinaire Pat Cooke is back on the pod to help us usher in a new season of ice climbing! Jay had the pleasure of joining Pat on a mixed climb of Fafnir on Cannon Cliff recently and today they're here to talk all about the experience. The guys talk about how gear can make all the difference in an ice climb, the mantras and mental exercises they use in challenging moments, and the ephemeral nature of making plans for the winter season.Plus! We finally get an ice climber to share his ice climbing goals! For a great intro to ice climbing, check out our first episode with Pat Cooke.  Follow along with First Ascent on Instagram at  @firstascentpod. Jay and Lee can be found at @jayknower and @xxleeweexx Disclaimer: The information expressed in this episode is for entertainment purposes only, and is not intended as, nor should it be interpreted as, informational or instructional.

Marc McMenamin talks to Peter Hillary, son of Edmund Hillary, about his father's historic ascent of Everest 70 years ago

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia.   Today is Monday, Oct. 9 Plan a fall trout fishing getaway to a WV state park…Applications begin rolling in for WVU and Marshall's new First Ascent program…and fall fire season is here! Keep our beautiful hills safe and observe burning laws…on today's daily304. #1 – From WV STATE PARKS – As cooler temperatures and autumn color descends on West Virginia's beautiful hills, fall is a great time to cast a line into its peaceful lakes and streams.  From Oct. 16-23, The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources will be stocking trout in lakes and streams around the state, including several state parks and forests Consider  Blackwater Falls State Park. Known for its iconic waterfalls and stunning vistas, the park also has some incredible trout fishing waters in Pendleton Lake and Blackwater River. Watoga State Park is enjoying newfound fame as an internationally recognized Dark Sky Park, but this park's starry waters are also a great place to fish. Watoga Lake is stocked in October.  Visit wvstateparks.com to learn more about fall trout fishing and which parks and forests you'll want to check out. You can even book your lodging online! Read more: https://wvstateparks.com/6-wv-state-parks-to-visit-this-fall-if-you-want-to-catch-a-trout/   #2 – From WVU – Applications have begun rolling in for First Ascent. West Virginia University and Marshall University have combined their resources and expertise to offer this two-year program designed to help graduates launch their professional careers through the power of remote and hybrid work, all while maximizing work-life balance, enjoying outdoor recreation, building community and driving purpose-centered collaborations.  Six vibrant communities will be home to First Ascent members: Morgantown Area, Huntington Area, Eastern Panhandle, New River Gorge, Greater Elkins and Greenbrier Valley.  The program also creates opportunities to network with seasoned professionals, explore how to best integrate work and personal endeavors via outdoor recreation, and provides the building blocks for emerging community leaders through service and connection.  Visit www.firstascentwv.com/ to learn more about the program. Read more: https://enews.wvu.edu/articles/2023/10/03/applications-rolling-in-for-first-ascent   #3 – From WV NEWS – Fall fire season began Oct. 1 and continues through Dec. 31. The West Virginia Division of Forestry reminds residents to confine their outdoor burning to 5 p.m. to 7 a.m. Fires set during that time must be put out before 7 a.m. “We are asking everyone to please help us safeguard our forests from the threat of wildfire by following burning laws,” said Jeremy Jones, state forester and director of the West Virginia Division of Forestry. Debris burning is West Virginia's most common cause of wildfires, averaging more than 35% of all wildfires over the past ten years. A summary of forest fire laws and safe fire practices can be found on the state Division of Forestry website. Read more: https://www.wvnews.com/news/wvnews/fall-fire-season-in-west-virginia-runs-from-sunday-through-dec-31/article_c650771e-5ecd-11ee-bc9e-477cf8e2d37e.html   Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304. The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo.  That's all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.  

We're climbing to the top of the world and visiting the Himalayas to discover plumbing. Find out what to do with the little spade in a Tibetan toilet. Learn the story of the hidden hero of the first successful Everest expedition. And discover one naughty Lama's remarkable secret.   Chapters: 00:00 Intro 01:44 Orientation to the Himalayas 17:16 History of the Himalayas 23:46 What is Plumbing? 30:14 Drop Toilet 36:36 Plumbing at 26,000ft 49:47 Son of a plumber! 57:14 Spook-o-later! 59:53 Outro   Links:  - Tibetan Music (https://rb.gy/gng86)  - Himalayas | Stewart Copeland | Ricky Kej | Divine Tides (https://rb.gy/h6nng)  - Everest, The First Ascent – the story of Griffith Pugh: (https://rb.gy/tmil9)  - Himalaya a human history: (https://rb.gy/nbbm2)  - Shadow Tibet blog: (https://rb.gy/ost9k)   Contact: https://linktr.ee/hhepodcast http://hhepodcast.com

Kayte and Torie are back on the First Ascent mics for their second Wifecast! Today's episode gets philosophical as Kayte and Torie talk about how climbing is a metaphor for taking risks in life. Plus, hear their takes on being their own climbers while being married to strong climbers, having grace with their bodies and minds during hormonal changes, and banishing the shame out of top roping. Enjoy this conversation and remember: Get out there with no expectations and slow down and smell the rock! Join us over on the First Ascent Patreon! For only $5 a month, you'll get access to wide ranging bonus content from greats like Mark Hudon, Scott Stevenson and many more. Plus you'll get a Discord chat, exclusive beta, route info, and more. Check it out here:  https://www.patreon.com/FirstAscentPodcastDo you have a listener question or a topic idea? Let us know at @firstascentpod on Instagram! Jay and Lee can be found at @jayknower and @xxleeweexx 

In this episode with Patrick Cooke, we talk about progressing in ice climbing with longevity in mind, mental tricks and training, and balancing mentorship with figuring things out for yourself.Patrick is based in the Northeast and has been climbing for nearly 20 years. During that time he has ticked hard classics all over New England, the Canadian Rockies, Québec, Scotland, and Hyalite Canyon. Some of his proud sends include Call of the Wild at Lake Willoughby in Vermont. Omega at Cannon Cliff in New Hampshire, and he was part of the first free ascent team for The Resistance, a 5-pitch M10 on Mount Washington in New Hampshire.Patrick is especially drawn to thin technical routes, weird mixed lines, and has begun to embrace more sport-styled mixed climbing over the past few years. In his coaching, he focuses especially on head game strategies... Resources and links:During the episode, we talk about Patrick teaming up with Jon Nicolodi on two first ascents during the winter of 2022: The Resistance and the upper pitches of Across the Great Divide, both in New Hampshire. You can read more about these climbs in this article on Alpinist online.You can connect with Patrick on Instagram @pgcooke or at Project Direct Coaching at projectdirectcoaching.com. Find the rest of the notes, timestamps, resources, and more on the episode page. Credits:Episode cover photo provided by Patrick.Intro music by Hannah Noelle Enomoto (thanks, sis!). Patreon:For the price of a beer per month, you can help us produce episodes like this and much, much more. If you've been enjoying the podcast this season, consider supporting us on Patreon. 

Who can forget Didier Berthod from his attempts on Cobra Crack in 2007's smash video, First Ascent. The Swiss-born crack maestro's life sure has taken some turns since then. Find out all.

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia.   Today is Monday, Sept. 4  A Kanawha library's new nutritional literacy initiative honors Chef Otis Laury…WVU and Marshall team up for First Ascent -- a program to encourage graduates to remain in the state…and, want to see Tyler Childers? Single-day tickets are now available for the Healing Appalachia fundraiser…on today's daily304. #1 – From THE GAZETTE-MAIL –  A few years ago, as word began to spread about just who had moved into the house on the corner, Will Ellis hopped off the school bus, spotted his new South Hills neighbor working in the yard and promptly seized the moment. “I asked if I could help him in the garden in exchange for some cooking lessons,” said Ellis, now 14 and an incoming freshman at George Washington High School. The man next door is Otis Laury, West Virginia's unofficial chef to the stars, who's served as executive chef under three governors here and has catered parties for some of the region's most prominent families for decades. It was a win-win for both: Ellis points to dozens of photos of sophisticated dishes he's learned to prepare, and Laury's garden is a work of art.  The Kanawha Valley is also set to pick up a win: The main branch of the county's Public Library is poised to open its Otis Laury Center this fall, a nutritional literacy initiative with books, resources, recipes, and -- perhaps best of all -- an area for culinary lessons, presentations and demos by some of the best chefs around. Including Otis himself. Read more: https://www.wvgazettemail.com/life/food_and_dining/from-forbidden-to-forever-new-kanawha-library-center-to-honor-otis-laury/article_5c7d084c-e97a-51f7-aef3-18fe2d095c28.html   #2 – From METRO NEWS –  Leaders of West Virginia University and Marshall University have teamed up to introduce a new initiative designed to keep West Virginia college graduates working and prospering here in the Mountain State. The new initiative is called First Ascent and is built on the foundation of Ascend WV, said Danny Twilley, WVU's assistant vice president of economic, community and asset development for the Brad and Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative, which is tied to Ascend WV. First Ascent provides multiple pathways for 1,000 WVU and Marshall graduates to stay here and work remotely, work a hybrid format, or start or expand a business, he said. They can live in one of six locations: the five Ascend WV locales – greater Morgantown, Greenbrier Valley, the Eastern Panhandle, greater Elkins or the New River Gorge — or in the Huntington area close to Marshall. The program offers success coaching, mentorship, networking, an outdoor recreation package, co-working spaces, organized social activities and support for those who want to start or scale a business. Its estimated 1,000 participants could have a $317 million economic impact and create 941 new jobs. Read more: https://wvmetronews.com/2023/08/30/university-leaders-want-more-college-graduates-staying-in-the-mountain-state-for-work/   #3 – From WBOY-TV – If you were overwhelmed by the price of three-day tickets for the Healing Appalachia fundraising concert happening in Lewisburg, the single-day tickets are now available. Tickets for the full event, which includes entry for Thursday, Sept. 21 through Saturday, Sept. 23 and a camping pass, are $174 each. But if you just want to see certain acts, you can now buy tickets for just one day. Thursday's headliner is Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit. Friday features Gov't Mule. And Saturday features Tyler Childers. Tickets for Thursday and Friday's shows are now available for $60 plus fees, and tickets for Saturday's show are available for $90 plus fees. Camping passes for each day are also available. For detail, visit Healing Appalachia on Facebook. Read more: https://www.wboy.com/news/west-virginia/single-day-tickets-for-west-virginias-healing-appalachia-concert-featuring-tyler-childers-now-on-sale/ Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304. The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo.  That's all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.  

If you've ever wondered what we mean by ‘bonus content' when we talk about all of the great perks you get inside the First Ascent Patreon, today's your chance to find out! Last week, Eric Zschiesche joined us on the podcast for a great talk, and we continued on for some insider-only Patreon chat. That conversation is what you'll hear today! Eric goes deeper on his thoughts about the importance of ego and attitude for climbers, weighs in on popular First Ascent topics like retrobolting, safety, and Devil's Lake, and tells more of his classic climbing tales. By joining the First Ascent Patreon for only $5 a month, you'll get access to wide ranging bonus content like this from greats like Mark Hudon, Scott Stevenson and many more. Plus you'll get a Discord chat, exclusive beta, route info, and more. Check it out here:  https://www.patreon.com/FirstAscentPodcastIn addition to climbing, Eric is a fantastic landscape painter. Check out his painting and climbing here: https://www.instagram.com/ericzschiesche00/?hl=enDo you have a listener question or a topic idea? Let us know at @firstascentpod on Instagram! Jay and Lee can be found at @jayknower and @xxleeweexx Disclaimer: The information expressed in this episode is for entertainment purposes only, and is not intended as, nor should it be interpreted as, informational or instructional.

“My biggest competition is myself.”We welcome back seasoned musician Nicole Papastavrou from rising bi-coastal progressive metal outfit, Kallias. On the cusp of unleashing their first LP, Nicole sits with us today to talk about the hard-grinding journey leading up to “First Ascent.” From the signing with Jackson Guitars to her passion of being a rock (or ice) climber, and finding a balance between being an established artist and a human being, Nicole opens up about all these undertakings that make up her character. One of the more in-depth discussions we've ever had on IUF, tune in now and be sure to buy and stream the debut album from Kallias, titled “First Ascent,” releasing August 25 via AISA Distribution.Stay connected with Kallias, visit: https://www.kalliasofficial.com/, https://www.facebook.com/kalliasofficial and https://www.instagram.com/kalliasofficial/Stay connected with IUF, visit: https://interviewunderfire.com/

Nicole Papastavrou has been a part of the hardcore/death metal/progessive metal/heavy music community since she was a teenager. She is currently playing guitar and fronting the band Kallias. She has had a pretty wild musical journey that has taken her all across the globe, found her learning how to perform harsh vocals, and writing original music all the while. We had an epic conversation about her musical journey, how her guitar rig has changed over the years, working with Jackson Guitars to develop some entirely new (at the time) concepts and a whole lot more! Kallias is about to release their album The First Ascent on August 25th. Check out more info on their website https://www.kalliasofficial.com/ Give Nicole a follow on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/nicole_papastavrou You can also help out with your gear buying habits by purchasing stuff from Tonemob.com/reverb Tonemob.com/sweetwater or grabbing your guitar/bass strings from Tonemob.com/stringjoy Release your music via DistroKid and save 30% by going to Tonemob.com/distrokid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's guests are Jim Foote, CEO and Noah Berlow, CTO at First Ascent Biomedical. Founded in 2018, First Ascent is a biotech startup with a mission to transform medical oncology through highly individualized, prospective treatment planning technologies that improve survival and advance science. The company have developed a platform that helps patients today through providing individualized cancer treatment plans, accelerates new drugs into the clinic for patients tomorrow, and will reshape cancer treatment for the patients of the future. Jim is an experienced Fortune 250 CIO/CISO who lost his son Trey to bone cancer, which inspired him to set up First Ascent Biomedical. He is also the founder of the Trey Foote Foundation in honor of his son, dedicated to advancing new treatments and cures for osteosarcoma. CTO Noah is a designer/validator of the AI framework and lead author on all AI validation studies. He is also an assistant faculty member at the Children's Cancer Therapy Development Institute. In the episode, Jim and Noah will discuss: The personal story behind the founding of First Ascent Biomedical, The journey of building the company from the ground up, How they are using AI in their platform, Day-to-day life of the team, Upcoming projects they will be working on, What excites them for the future at First Ascent Biomedical

Today Scott Stevenson, the man responsible for some of the most beloved routes at Rumney,  joins Jay and Lee on the pod!  Hear about his first ascent of the iconic route Technosurfing, and more incredible tales about developing Rumney in the 80s when it was just a little known crag off the beaten path. The conversation doesn't stop here! If you want to hear more stories from Scott, join our Patreon for the exclusive continued conversation! For just $5/month you'll get access to great bonus content like this, plus route info, exclusive beta, and a Discord chat. Join us here:  https://www.patreon.com/FirstAscentPodcastDo you have a listener question or a topic idea? Let us know at @firstascentpod on Instagram! Jay and Lee can be found at @jayknower and @xxleeweexx Jay and Lee can be found at @jayknower and @xxleeweexx Disclaimer: The information expressed in this episode is for entertainment purposes only, and is not intended as, nor should it be interpreted as, informational or instructional.

On this day in 1865, British climber Edward Whymper and six companions completed the first ascent of the Matterhorn.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week Jay and Lee celebrate the 50th episode of First Ascent with a whole episode dedicated to listener questions. Hear the guys debate the ins and outs of route grading, sandbagging, the criteria for being considered a local, and more! Do you have a listener question or a topic idea? Let us know at @firstascentpod on Instagram! Jay and Lee can be found at @jayknower and @xxleeweexx You know what you want to do? You want to join our Patreon! Support the First Ascent Podcast for just $5/month and get access to great bonus content like our live talks, route info, and exclusive beta. Learn more here: https://www.patreon.com/FirstAscentPodcastJay and Lee can be found at @jayknower and @xxleeweexx Disclaimer: The information expressed in this episode is for entertainment purposes only, and is not intended as, nor should it be interpreted as, informational or instructional.

Ambie and Crystal discuss a couple games they played recently, including In the Shikoku 1889 and First Ascent. Then, we talk about times when we really don't feel like getting together to play board games (but then we usually still do). 0:00-Intro 0:43-Announcements 1:38-Recent Games - Shikoku 1889 6:24-First Ascent 12:10-Dreading Gaming 25:45-Outro Join our discord Support us at https://ko-fi.com/boardgameblitz This episode was sponsored by Grey Fox Games. Use the code "BGBLITZ2023" to get 10% off your ENTIRE ORDER, including upgrades not available anywhere else! For the full show notes visit our site at http://www.boardgameblitz.com/posts/354

Jay and Lee are patching in from Wyoming this week, and they've come chock full of topics  to chat about! First, Jay asks if the community would accept retrobolting on a route from a classic era. Then, the guys discuss their ideas for managing crowding at Rumney. This week we have a question for you! If you could stack pitches at Rumney to make a fun 5-pitch route, which pitches would you stack? Chime in with your answers on our Instagram @firstascentpod. Our favorite answer will get some First Ascent stickers. You know what you want to do? You want to join our Patreon! Support the First Ascent Podcast for just $5/month and get access to great bonus content like our live talks, route info, and exclusive beta. Learn more here: https://www.patreon.com/FirstAscentPodcastJay and Lee can be found at @jayknower and @xxleeweexx Disclaimer: The information expressed in this episode is for entertainment purposes only, and is not intended as, nor should it be interpreted as, informational or instructional.Check out our sister podcast, Brand New Information!

Last month, Mountain Hardwear athletes, Garrett Madison, Ted Hesser, and their team summited an unnamed, unclimbed peak in Nepal above the village of Khembalung. So we talked with them about how this mission came about; the details and style of the climb; naming the peak; and more.TOPICS & TIMES:Meeting (3:08)Garrett's Background (4:55)Ted's Background (6:47)The Mission (8:18)How did you learn about this peak? (11:24)Preparing (16:17)Securing Permits (22:31)Assembling a team (23:12)The Ascent (24:38)The Style of the Climb (32:14)The Route (39:12)Gear (42:09)The Summit (47:40)The Descent (51:25)Naming the Peak (53:24)This Winter? (54:12)RELATED LINKS:Become a Blister + Spot MemberBlister Summit RegistrationSEE OUR OTHER PODCASTS:CRAFTED Bikes & Big IdeasOff The CouchGEAR:30Happy Hour Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the most remote part of Guyana, plateaus called tepuis—also known as sky islands for poking through the clouds—rise up from the jungle. They're topped by unique ecosystems, filled with plants and animals never before seen by human eyes. That's because getting there is no small feat. Eager to find new species but unable to scale the sheer cliff faces, 80-year-old biologist Bruce Means teamed up with professional climbers and Indigenous people to trek through the jungle and get to the top of an uncharted tepui named Weiassipu in search of frogs and adventure.  For more information on this episode, visit nationalgeographic.com/overheard.   Want More? To learn more about the expedition to the top of Weiassipu, take a look at Mark Synnott's feature story in the upcoming April issue of National Geographic magazine.  And to see these stunning sky islands for yourself, check out the National Geographic special Explorer: The Last Tepui, streaming on Earth Day, April 22, exclusively on Disney+.