Episode 193: George Lowe III – A Fortunate Man.

George high on North Twin. Photo: Chris Jones

On Episode 193, I sit down with American alpine legend, George Lowe. George grew up in Ogden, Utah, among an extended family of climbers, skiers, river runners that included his equally legendary cousin, Jeff. A self-described dork, George found a home among the small counter culture of climbing and began using his problem solving skills on the granite of the Wasatch and the Tetons at a fairly early age. Decades later at 75, Lowe’s resumé rivals any American mountaineer with winter ascents in the Tetons, first ascents of many “last great problem” type routes throughout the Canadian Rockies and Alaska and finally the Himalayas. Despite his maniacal effort to downplay his achievements, this episode solidifies what we already know: George Lowe is one of the best to ever climb – and also may or may not have helped with denuclearization.

Slideshow images courtesy of Michael Kennedy.

Episode 192: Jenny Fischer – Love and Logic.

On Episode 192 of the Enormocast, I sit down in the Access Fund offices late night with Jenny Fischer. Jenny grew up and lived in the small city of Port Huron, Michigan until she was 30. Then she blew up her rather preordained life and lit out after a dream she’d had since she was a littler girl: explore and climb in the Great American West. Being a somewhat late in life climber, Jenny made up for lost time by diving in with everything she had and cutting her teeth with big whippers and scary near misses until coming up for air and mellowing out a bit before her luck ran out. Now, Jenny has created a life around climbing and just set out on a world tour.

Episode 191: Dakota Walz – From Catch Outs to Runouts.

On Episode 191 of the Enormocast, I sit down with climber, author, and avid urban adventurer, Dakota Walz. Dakota grew up in the Midwest, Fargo and Kansas City, but longed for adventure beyond the confines of the flat lands. First finding adventure in urban climbing and train hopping and then turning to climbing, Dakota eventually found that all that crazy, aimless seeking was a dead end. Each trip and each adrenaline high was only masking a deep feeling of dread and disembodiment inside. Finally, Dakota found a level of balance in the love and security of a wife and a home, but is still running and gunning as an EMT in Denver, Colorado, and a manic first ascensionist.

Shred All Fear

Dakota’s Book: Everything I Loved More