Enormocast 234: Siebe Vanhee – The Talisman

On Episode 234 of the Enormocast, I connect via lousy internet with Belgian, Siebe Vanhee. At the moment of recording, Siebe is sitting inside the famous “Caf” in Yosemite valley – the appropriate site of so much spray over the years. Siebe is in the valley with Sebastien Berthe to attempt the Dawn Wall. Siebe first talks of getting somewhat humbled on the first pitches of that storied wall, then we move to his training in the alpine. The film Notes from the Wall, produced by Siebe himself, becomes the cornerstone of a talk about goals, maturity, and relationships. He went from gym rat to bigwall trad climber and the journey has not been without its triumphs and tragedy. And at the posting of this episode, his Dawn Wall attempt is ongoing and in no way a certain success.

Enormocast 233: Bradley “Chum” Carter – Mountains and Music

On Episode 233 of the Enormocast, I sit down with musician and climber, Bradley “Chum” Carter. Chum grew up climbing in Tennessee and the greater Southeast, but did stints in the Northwest and Yosemite and Hueco and beyond. Somewhere in there, he also became an accomplished multi-instrument musician. Then came the difficult task of “balancing” the two. A task at which he mostly failed as the desire and needs of climbing vs. music swung back and forth. These days, Chum can be found in Boulder, Colorado still recording music and trying to reclaim his former glory on the rock.

Chum on Spotify

Chum on Youtube

Music Tracks from the Episode:

  1. Interview intro: Unnamed groove on Instagram
  2. Breaking Up Xmas
  3. Everybody Wants to Rule the World banjo cover
  4. Deep Water Solo
  5. Spread It Around
  6. Brave New Wild
  7. Amen (featuring Jerry Moffat)
  8. Full Nelson

Enormocast 232: Niall Grimes – The Language of Humor

On Episode 232 of the Enormocast, I meet up across the pond with fellow podcaster, Niall Grimes. Niall grew up during “The Troubles” in Northern Ireland and learned to climb on his local crags amid that terrible conflict. But as soon as he knew what was good for him, Niall moved the storied city of Sheffield in England. In Sheffield, Niall fell into the climbing scene like it was his long lost home. Soon he found a need to write about the climbing culture around him often with hilarious satirical results. Somewhere in the mix, Niall also started The Jam Crack Podcast. Now past 50, Niall reflects on his privileged life as a climber and a voice in U.K. climbing culture.

Niall’s Website and Jam Crack Podcast

King of the Crag