Chris Kalous

April 8, 2024September 16, 2024

Enormocast 283: Clint Helander – To Live in Hearts We Leave Behind

Left foreground subject: Jess Roskelly. Photos: Clint Helander, Charlie Renfro, Andres Marin

On Episode 283 of the Enormocast, I sit down in a hotel in Munising, Michigan at the Michigan Icefest with Alaska-based alpinist, Clint Helander. What with the Chris Kalous Dance Party and the last call nightcap(s) at a bar literally called Whisky Dick’s, it had been a long night and an early morning for both of us. The vibe is set and Clint opens with a remembrance of his lost buddy, Jess Roskelley, then tales from life as an Anchorage-based climber. From a fifteen years of climbing in the Revelation Mountains, to all parts of the Alaska Range, Clint has become one of the most experienced Alaska climbers in the biz. An ascent in 2022 of Golgotha with Andres Marin crowned, for now, a two decade career in the alpine. For mostly better, and sometimes worse, Clint Helander has seen it all in the Alaska arena.

Clint on Instagram (and the post-avalanche vid)

More about Golgotha and Hunter

Clint’s Photography

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March 21, 2024September 16, 2024

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

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March 16, 2024September 16, 2024

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.