Enormocast 284: Emma Twyford – Getting on With It

Right Photo by Ray Wood
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On Episode 284 of the Enormocast, we connect across the pond to North Wales in the U.K. and into the living room of Emma Twyford. Emma is a pioneering woman in that rarified air of hard, desperate trad that only the old country can serve up. She is the first British woman to climb 9a with her ascent of Big Bang (3rd ascent overall), has established 8b+ with Deux Mauvais Melons – the hardest FA ever by a British woman, and was the second woman to climb E9 with an ascent of Rare Lichen. We talk about the mentorship from her dad, moving through the hot bed of Sheffield but ending up in North Wales, and we even try to figure out the E grades to almost no avail. Emma also shares her struggles with fear and motivation after a close friend nearly loses her life in a car accident. Emma has made it to her late 30s despite some close calls and finds time to reflect on her current motivations including the daunting idea of starting a family.

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On Episode 213, I sit down through a computer screen with Chelsea Murn of Lady Beta Coaching. Chelsea’s coaching business caters exclusively to women and women’s climbing performance. Chelsea brings a deep holistic approach to her craft. On this episode, we talk about how impediments to climbing performance can be deep seeded in the emotional and mental health of the participant. We also tread into that landmine laden world of gender differences. But in the end, its an examination of how we all approach climbing and climbing performance for better and worse.

Episode 119: Brette Harrington – Go Your Own Way

On Episode 119 of the Enormocast, I sit down in Grand Junction, in the landing pad of Mayan Smith-Gobat, to interview young alpinist and free climber, Brette Harrington. Oft mistaken for a Canadian because of her ties to Squamish, this young American climber has been lighting up in climbing media with tales of audacious solos and big wall climbs. Brette explains that she has always gone her own way and found climbing after a path toward freeride skiing took her to New Hampshire. Now only 24, and already an experienced expedition and wall climber, the whole world is at her command. Oh, and she is not related to climber Emily Harrington, though she wouldn’t mind it if she was.

Evening Sends Profile of Brette