Enormocast 328: Matt Cornell – The Right Reasons

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On Episode 328 of the Enormocast, we sit down with alpinist and Michigander, Matt Cornell. That’s right, one of the world’s best alpinists grew up in the mountain-less upper Midwest dreaming of vertical playgrounds beyond his home State’s borders. Despite the pressures of modern suburban expectations, Matt moved into his hatchback and become a climbing bum post high school. But it was a suggestion of a mentor that convinced Matt to move to Bozeman and become an ice climber. After a season or two of bumbling his way into the hard-nose and hard-knock scene in Hyalite Canyon, Matt’s fuse was lit and the greater ranges beckoned. An epic or two later, Matt’s burgeoning skills finally started to knab him first ascents and coalesced a crew of like minded climbers around Cornell. Epically, but not finally, Cornell, Jackson Marvell, and Alan Rousseau did what some would say is the finest alpine style ascent of all time on the North Face of Jannu in 2023.

Enormocast 211: Drew Smith – Willing to Work for It.

On Episode 211 of the Enormocast, I connect with climber and photographer, Drew Smith. After growing up in Eastern Montana, Drew Smith set out on a life of adventure and work in his late teens. A snowboarding accident lead him to discover the relatively impact free world of climbing in his early twenties. Coupling climbing obsession with a passion for photography lead Drew to career as a freelancer and contract photographer for Patagonia. Along the way, Drew has gained a reputation for being a solid partner and documentarian that never shies away from the work it takes to get the shot.

A Young Man’s Road