Author: Chris Kalous

On Episode 269 of the Enormocast, I catch up with the elusive and prolific climber, Tyler Karow. Though Tyler has a popular presence on Youtube and Instagram, he still remained, for me, an enigma of sorts. Tyler burst on the national scene with a ground up free ascent of Golden Gate on El Cap (5.13) with Amity Warme – true ground up style being something of a lost Yosemite art. Then he added to his renown with incredible ascents in Patagonia (especially for a relative newb ), the Sierra, and beyond. Tyler has been occasionally supported by climbing companies, but he has avoided any commitment to title sponsors despite his qualifications. Instead, he relies on his Civil Engineering degree and love of building to fund his Rock And Roll Lifestyle.

Tyler and Amity on Golden Gate

Hawaii Relief Fund

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On Episode 268, I connect across the northern border with former climber and current therapist, Lincoln Stoller. Lincoln came up climbing in the 70s, and his wide ranging career in climbing found him partnered with the likes of Fred Beckey, Dougal Haston, George Lowe, and John Stannard. When his interest in climbing waned, he found himself face to face with quantum physics, earning a PhD under some of the greats of the field. Then it was on to a myriad of pursuits including psychology, finance, psychedelics, and ultimately (for now) counseling. In the outdoors, Lincoln specialized in solo climbs, solo treks, solo travels, and after climbing, he found scuba, para-gliding, snowboarding, and became a soarplane pilot. Lincoln has written six books on the working of the mind. He also offers therapy through the American Alpine Club’s Grief Fund.

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On the Episode 267 of the Enormocast, I sit down with alpinist and Exum guide, Mike Gardner. Mike was born to the mountains and a life in guiding with early summers in the Tetons and tagging along on expeditions with his father, George Gardner. But when George was killed in a climbing accident when Mike was 16 years old, Mike’s view of climbing was decidedly shattered. He found therapy in free-skiing for some time and being a “lawless” teenager, but he finally returned to climbing and guiding with encouragement from the wise guides of Exum. In the last few years, Mike and a crew of like-minded and young Alaska climbers have been getting serious about fast and light approaches to big objectives. With a comradery based on joy and having “fun”, they have been blazing up routes like the Slovak Direct in Denali in record times and ideal style.

Mike on Instagram

Up Close: Mike Gardner

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