Enormocast 278: Thomas Bukowski – A Funny Little Life

Photos: Alison Hathaway, Brian Knowles, Jonathan Adam Guy

On Episode 278 of the Enormocast, I connect with Thomas Bukowski from my home to his van sitting in Yosemite. Thomas had just completed three El Cap routes in three days, and was recovering. His next adventures in Patagonia were just on the horizon. Thomas is an American citizen, but is also half Chinese and grew up in Hong Kong. Decidedly a little too squirrelly for regimented Hong Kong schooling, Thomas eventually found himself in boarding school in Norway where he learned to climb. His climbing aspirations were interrupted for a time when one morning he woke up and realized he was gay. Like, for real gay, and he made the move to San Francisco to explore what that meant. But the path couldn’t diverge for long, and soon he was at the gym, then at Yosemite, and then living in his van pursuing a guiding career and climbing career. Now Thomas, AKA Neodude, spends his time pursuing his own goals, but also representing for the gay community and reaching out to bring the chance to climb to underserved communities.

North Face Athlete Development Program

Enormocast 227: Jordan Cannon – The Full Picture

A5 Traverse Golden Gate, After the send afterglow, Peace. All Photos: Max Buschini

On Episode 227 of the Enormocast, I sit down in a van (his) in Rifle with return guest Jordan Cannon. Jordan’s career continues to flourish since his last appearance on the Enormocast with Mark Hudon and his first appearance back in 2018. The main topic on the table is Jordan’s saga with freeing Golden Gate on El Cap including his one day free ascent last year. We also talk about being a professional climber, Jordan’s evolving relationship with is mentor and best friend Mark, and finally, his recent coming out as gay and how that public revelation has changed his life. Jordan seems to represent a lot of what’s great and noble about climbing and its always fun to hear from him.