Chris Kalous

October 2, 2014April 2, 2020

Epsiode 66: Angela Van Wiemeersch- The Ice Gypsy

On Epsiode 66, I sit down in a dumpy hotel in SLC with Angela Van Wiemeersch. Angela’s story began on the sharp blades of competition skating and came full circle when she strapped on crampons for the first time. In the meantime, we hear about a whirlwind life crisscrossing the US and Canada as a traveling soul, hunkering down in the Yukon winter, and finally getting a lucky date in the Ouray Ice Park. Angela’s entry into the hardcore world of ice climbing belies its fierce reputation. And though she has a lot to learn, swinging picks came as natural as hucking double axels.

Angela on Mt Hayes in Alaska

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September 18, 2014April 12, 2015

Episode 65: Russ Clune- The Lifer.

On Episode 65 of the Enormocast, I sit down in some random hotel room in Salt Lake City for a chat with my good friend Russ Clune. Gunks local, long time hardman, world traveller, Clune fills us in on the beginnings of sport climbing, comp climbing, and the heyday of European free climbing. He participated in some of the earliest comps in the US and Europe and embraced new ethics and methods to push free climbing forward. Russ fills in the murky history of Lycra and makes a plea for the return of Team Motivation‘s trophy. Also, Maria the maid drops by to hand out towels.

Footage from 1988 Snowbird Sport Climbing Comp

Evening Sends: The Day I Sent Balance of Soul by Russ Clune

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September 3, 2014April 12, 2015

Episode 64: Bill Ramsey and Dan Mirsky – The Student Becomes the Master.

screen — Bill trains between 12oz curls while a youthful Dan looks askance at those who have not known crushing failure like he has.

On Episode 64 of the Enormocast, I sit down will friends Bill Ramsey and Dan Mirsky. Bill is a climber who cut his teeth during the pre-sport days at Smith Rock, went on to develop the early hard climbing in the Red, and now tics routes at will in Vegas. Dan is an up and coming sport climber and at times, serious road dog. Together, they form the book ends of 25 years of sport climbing. Dan’s Grasshopper to Bill’s Master Po, the two met a decade ago in Rifle and formed a bond that crossed generations and inspired each other. Mentoring, trying hard, dealing with failure, climbing into old age, and more is covered in this serious climbing conversation. Strap in for deep thoughts and good laughs.