Chris Kalous

July 24, 2024July 24, 2024

Enormocast 289: Smith Curry – A Climber Boy Can Survive

On Episode 289 of the Enormocast, I connect to Nashville, TN to talk to climber and musician Smith Curry. Smith is one of the busiest session players in Music City on dobro and pedal steel. He also happens to be a veteran climber with big walls, first ascents, and alpine gnar under his harness-belt. Smith was introduced to climbing as a kid on a trip to Yosemite when Wayne Merry gave him a lesson at the Church Bowl. Then the next 15 years saw Smith on two paths: climbing and music. Music edged ahead as an obsession after he saw a young Jerry Douglas on Dobro. Then Smith ended up in Nashville and a 30 year career which lead him to play on over 20k songs, record for or with over 200 signed musicians including Willie Nelson and Dolly Parton. All the while, Smith snuck in his climbing with ascents from Canada to Peru, Yosemite, the Southeast and everywhere in between. Smith is still on a session recording hot streak with the current Hot 100 #1, The Bar Song (Tipsy), and his climbing is still going strong.

Smith’s Website

T- Swift with Smith

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July 10, 2024July 10, 2024

Enormocast 288: Don McGrath – The Vertical Mind Returns

On Episode 288 of the Enormocast, I reunite with Don McGrath, the author of the book Vertical Mind. Don appeared nearly a decade ago on the podcast, and his book on the mindset of climbing has never left the conversion. Don has spent the last 10 years learning even more about overcoming the hurdles our brains set up for us on the wall. He’s helped thousands of climbers make steps to improve their climbing and their enjoyment of climbing. Now in his 60s, Don is also learning what it takes to perform as you age and stay in the mix. Overall, a fun and enlightening conversion with an OG training guru.

The Vertical Mind Show

The Vertical Mind Podcast

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June 21, 2024June 21, 2024

Enormocast 287: Mo Beck – A Certain Version of Fine

On Episode 287 of the Enormocast, I connect with Paraclimbing champion, Mo Beck. Mo was born with one hand, and her parents were determined to make sure she was ready for challenges of life like any other kid. When Mo ran into a camp counselor that told her that she didn’t HAVE TO climb if she wanted to sit it out, her life’s course was set. Mo went on to several gold medals in paraclimbing, a starring role in Cedar Wright’s film, Stumped, a Nat Geo Adventurer of the Year award, and a life as a pro climber. Mo also founded the Adaptive Climbers Festival. Representation of disabled climbers is her game, and she dreams of big expeditions to the greater ranges, but whatever you do, don’t call her an inspiration.