Enormocast 282: Natalia Grossman – The Tyranny of Expectations

Photos: Lena Drapella, Christian Adam, Christian Adam. All courtesy of Black Diamond

On Episode 282 of the Enormocast, I sit down with US Olympic qualifier, Natalia Grossman. That’s right, Natalia is headed to Paris to represent the US in Lead and Boulder combined (speed is separate this time around). But this moment was caught during a bit of down time for Natalia as she ramps up for Spring comp season to ready for the Olympics in July. Natalia explains her beginnings and the over-the-top support of her folks, how the pandemic fit into her rise, and why her success lead to overtraining and burnout. Finally, Natalia vows to keep the pressure of her Olympic debut in perfect perspective as she shuns expectations and just wants to have a great experience and enjoy herself…and…you know, maybe win the gold…if it works out…would be cool.

Natalia on Instagram

Smile and Fight

Enormocast Tweener: Harvey Wright Returns with Patio Pacifica

On this in-between episode of the Enormocast, Harvey Wright from Episode 222 returns to discuss his ongoing treatment and recovery for addiction. But more importantly, Harvey is here to talk about his new album, Patio Pacifica, written almost entirely while in a Vancouver treatment facility. Also, we talk about the rough and dirty years since Harvey’s last appearance on the podcast, what it took to reenter treatment, and where climbing fits for him now. Harvey also plays some of his music from Patio Pacifica. All in all, another message of grace from this imperfect warrior.

Ponytails videos and Patio Pacifica Documentary on Youtube

Patio Pacifica on Apple Music

Follow on Instagram: @ponytailsband @harveyharvey

Enormocast 281: Jon Hawk and Tye Liggins of Memphis Rox – Peace Above All

On Episode 281 of the Enormocast, Jon Hawk and Tye Liggins from Memphis Rox join to discuss the mission of the famous pay-what-you-can gym, Memphis Rox, in the inner-city of Memphis, TN. Jon is director of operations, and Tye went from walk-in to head coach and course-setter. Memphis Rox, founded by Tom Shadyac in 2018, is a nonprofit climbing gym, but as we find out from Jon and Tye, it is so much more: food center, voting center, work training center, health center, and more. Since its founding, the gym has used its experience to grow and remake itself to serve the community around it. Most importantly, its fostered a diverse and supportive climbing community in the unlikeliest of places.

Tye’s Rox story

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