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The Ground Up Podcast: Daily Summaries Delivered
by The Ground Up
Stories From the Steep | Climbing conversations with local legends and unsung crushers from hometown crags around the country.
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- 3 days ago1h 29m
37: The Good, The Bad, & David Sharratt
David Sharratt is one of the East Coast's great underground crushers. From bold headpoints at Moon Rocks, pushing the boundaries of free climbing at Looking Glass, to the legendary Good, Bad, and Ugly at Ghost Town, David has spent decades establishing and repeating some of North Carolina and the Southeast's hardest and most serious routes. In this episode, we talk about the aesthetic pull of lines that seem barely possible—routes with just enough holds, just enough gear, and just enough mystery to demand attention. David shares how hard sport climbing and bold trad became the foundation for free climbing and first ascents around the world, leading to expeditions in Peru, Patagonia, China, Malaysia's Dragon's Horn, and the Indian Himalaya. This conversation is a deep dive into bold climbing, expedition objectives, aesthetic obsession, and a lifetime spent chasing the kinds of routes that leave a lasting mark long after the ascent is over. - Follow the David on Instagram: @davidosharratt Check out David's Vimeo Channel Read about David's expedition to the Indian Himalaya - Get access to exclusive and ad-free content by becoming a Patreon Follow along on Instagram: @listentogroundup Check out our new website: https://www.thegrounduppodcast.com/ Sign up for the Mailing List!
- 2 weeks ago1h 37m
36: Mademoiselle Fissure - Laura Pineau
Fresh off the world premiere of Queen Swing, return guest Laura Pineau is back on the podcast—this time stepping away from the Yosemite speed climbing stories to dive deeper into the experiences and climbing that shaped her. We talk about Laura’s unconventional introduction to climbing through deep water soloing along the sea cliffs of southern France, how those early days falling into the Mediterranean built both her love for climbing and her tolerance for exposure, and the path that eventually led her toward trad and crack climbing. Laura shares the steep learning curve of transitioning from limestone sport climbing to granite big walls, the mentorship and partnerships that accelerated her progression, and how she became obsessed with the craft of crack climbing. We also dive into her groundbreaking ascent of Wet Lycra Nightmare (13d) on Leaning Tower in Yosemite, becoming the first woman to free climb the route, and the mental and physical process behind taking on one of the Valley’s most intimidating testpieces. Beyond Yosemite, Laura talks about her recent adventure with Elsa Ponzo to climb the “100 Most Beautiful Multi-Pitches” in the South of France in just 50 days—a massive endurance project filled with long days, logistics, partnership dynamics, and some of the best (and worst) rock in Europe. - Follow the Laura on Instagram: @laurapineau Check out Laura's YouTube Channel: @Laura-Pineau Read the Planet Mountain's article on Laura's FFA of Wet Lycra Nightmare See the breakdown of the 100 multipitch routes in Provence on Planet Mountain Get the latest information of tour dates for the Queen Swing, part of the Mountains on Stage film tour - Additional Links 100 Most Beautiful Multipitches Guidebook - Camp to Camp Deepwater Soloing Une araignée au plafond Mello Blocco Bouldering Festival - Get access to exclusive and ad-free content by becoming a Patreon Follow along on Instagram: @listentogroundup Check out our new website: https://www.thegrounduppodcast.com/ Sign up for the Mailing List!
- May 5, 20261h 33m
35: You Asked, We Rambled
We're switching things up a bit this week with our first ever listener questions driven episode! Instead of our usual format interviewing guests, it’s just us this time—riffing on climbing films, hot topics, and however many listener submitted questions we can get through. We start by getting into some recent films we’ve been watching (and working on), swap thoughts on storytelling in climbing media, and dive into a pretty deep debate on grading—what it means, where it falls short, and what a “perfect” system might actually look like. We also tackle a few listener-submitted questions, ranging from thoughtful to slightly ridiculous, and let the conversation wander into everything from ethics to personal preferences on the rock. This is a more off-the-cuff, unfiltered side of the podcast—and a bit of an experiment. Let us know what you think and if you like it, we’ll keep them coming more often. - Check out all the films we mentioned: Dias de la Gloria Queen Swing IAN Learn more about the SAR on the Naked Edge - Get access to exclusive and ad-free content by becoming a Patreon Follow along on Instagram: @listentogroundup Check out our new website: https://www.thegrounduppodcast.com/ Sign up for the Mailing List!
- Apr 21, 20261h 34m
34: Arno Ilgner - The Rock Warrior
Today’s guest is none other than mental‑training expert and longtime first‑ascensionist Arno Ilgner. While most climbers know Arno for The Rock Warrior’s Way—his influential book and program on focus, risk, and commitment—his 50‑year climbing career is just as compelling, and ultimately what led him into the world of mental training. In today's episode, we cover Arno's introduction to climbing in the in the limestone bluffs of Tennessee, climbing with a rack of pitons & hip belays. From there, he went on to establish bold first ascents across the country, including major contributions in Fremont Canyon and the intimidating headwall of Whitesides in North Carolina—routes that remain test pieces even today. We then dive into how his climbing sparked a deeper curiosity about the mind—specifically why he felt more comfortable on runout 5.12 trad than on a perfectly safe 5.13 sport route. That question became the foundation for The Rock Warrior’s Way. We explore some of the core techniques behind his program, how climbers can work with fear of falling or fear of failure, and what it means to climb with more presence and self‑awareness. Finally, Arno talks about the next evolution of The Warrior’s Way as he transitions the program into a broader, non‑climbing context, helping people apply the same tools of awareness, courage, and intentional action to the rest of their lives. - Follow the Arno on Instagram: @rockwarriorsway Arno is also on Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube Learn more about the Warrior's Way mental training program by visiting their website. Check out the Warrior's Way Retreats, Personalized Coaching, or sign-up for their email list to stay up to date with the latest news! - Get access to exclusive and ad-free content by becoming a Patreon Follow along on Instagram: @listentogroundup Check out our new website: https://www.thegrounduppodcast.com/ Sign up for the Mailing List!
- Apr 7, 20261h 37m
33: Big Wall Chronicles with Wilson Cutbirth
Wilson Cutbirth is an expedition climber at heart—driven by ground-up style, remote objectives, and first ascents on some of the wildest big walls out there. With a deep background in rigging and rope systems, his approach blends technical precision with a willingness to embrace uncertainty in truly committing terrain. In this episode, we trace Wilson’s unconventional path into climbing—from sharing a single pair of shoes with friends in rural Arizona to putting up bold first ascents on remote big walls across the world, including an expedition to Mount Roraima with Leo Houlding. Along the way, we dive into his early days as a highliner, the transition into climbing, and what drives him to go ground up on some of the worlds biggest cliffs. We also get into some full-value epics: his attempts to set the FKT of the Cirque Tower Traverse, getting absolutely wrecked in a storm on the side of El Cap after taking questionable beta, and a brutally heavy first expedition into Wyoming’s Wind River Range—complete with 100+ pound packs, a massive hail storm, and a whole lot of learning the hard way. This one’s all about progression through experience, embracing the sufferfest, and chasing big objectives in wild places. - Follow the Wislon on Instagram: @wilstone8 Check out Wilson's FKT breakdown for the Cirque Tower Traverse! See the film of Wilson and Leo's ascent of Mount Roraima's northern prow. Check out Wilson's rigging company Gravity Line - Get access to exclusive and ad-free content by becoming a Patreon Follow along on Instagram: @listentogroundup Check out our new website: https://www.thegrounduppodcast.com/ Sign up for the Mailing List!
- Mar 24, 20261h 54m
32: Andrew Leich - Rattlesnake Redemption
In this episode, we sit down with West Virginia climber and prolific developer Andrew Leich to trace a climbing journey shaped by obsession, grit, and an almost unthinkable comeback. From his early days at the New River Gorge to developing out of necessity in the Cheat Canyon, Andrew built his reputation on bold ascents—including an onsight* of Moonlight Buttress. Along the way, he also shares the surprisingly simple, yet effective, fingerboard routine that helped him build elite endurance. But everything changed after a near-fatal rattlesnake bite left Andrew with severe nerve damage, forcing him to start over from square one. What followed was a long, uncertain road back, redefining his relationship with climbing and progressing his way back through the grades. That journey ultimately comes full circle with his recent ascent of Green Magic in the Hills (5.14b), a route he bolted years earlier but never sent—until now. We also dive into Andrew’s deep impact on the Cheat Canyon, where he’s developed hundreds of boulders and authored a guidebook that’s helped put the area on the map. - Follow the Andrew on Instagram: @andrew_leich Get a copy of the Cheat Canyon Guidebook! Check out Climbing Magazine's recent article featuring Andrew's comeback! - Get access to exclusive and ad-free content by becoming a Patreon Follow along on Instagram: @listentogroundup Check out our new website: https://www.thegrounduppodcast.com/ Sign up for the Mailing List!
- Mar 3, 20261h 0m
31: Resurrecting Ghost Town with Mike Reardon & the CCC
For decades, Ghost Town stood as one of North Carolina’s most legendary—and inaccessible—cliffs. First climbed in the 1970s and closed for nearly 20 years, its towering crack systems and dramatic position above Hickory Nut Gorge became the stuff of local lore. In this episode, we sit down with the Carolina Climbers Coalition Executive Director, Mike Reardon, to unpack the long journey to bring Ghost Town back to life. Mike shares the behind-the-scenes story of land access, conservation, and the effort to reopen this historic crag to the climbing community. We explore Ghost Town’s rich history, its untapped potential, and what it means to be part of a climbing area’s rebirth—from forgotten first ascents to brand new routes waiting to be discovered. - Follow the CCC on Instagram: @carolinaclimberscoalition Join the Effort - Donate to help ensure Lower Ghost Town stays open. All donations $150 or more will receive an exclusive Ghost Town T-Shirt! Become a member of the CCC to support access to climbing areas all around the Carolinas like Ghost Town! Stay up to date with the latest trail days for Ghost Town! Sign up for the Rumble, a premier boulder and ropes competition put on by the CCC Learn more about the CCC's recent acquisition of Ghost Town! - Get access to exclusive and ad-free content by becoming a Patreon Follow along on Instagram: @listentogroundup Check out our new website: https://www.thegrounduppodcast.com/ Sign up for the Mailing List!
- Feb 24, 20261h 25m
30: Kathy Karlo - No Man's Land
In this episode, we sit down with Kathy Karlo to trace an unconventional climbing trajectory—one that started on ice in Ouray and the steep quartzite horizontals of the Gunks, but has led to a life filled with endless single-pitch perfection on the Sandstone of the Southeast. Kathy reflects on how traveling to places like Indian Creek, the Black Canyon, and Vedauwoo pushed her into uncomfortable styles that made her a stronger, more creative climber—and why, despite all that wandering, she’s continually drawn back to the Southeast to pursue some of the most aesthetic trad lines around. We also dive into two of her biggest accomplishments: becoming the first woman to complete the Tennessee Wall Triple Crown—three 5.12 roof cracks outside Chattanooga—and the Linville Destroyer, a massive link-up that adds six formations and a committing river crossing to the already formidable Linville Crusher in Linville Gorge. Beyond her personal climbing, Kathy serves as the Executive Director of the No Man’s Land Film Festival, where she helps amplify women and gender-nonconforming voices in adventure storytelling while building one of the most impactful film tours in the outdoor community. This episode is about choosing the harder path on purpose, learning to rest when needed, and building a life around climbing—without letting it consume you entirely. - Follow Kathy on Instagram: @inheadlights Get more details about the No Man's Land Film Festival at their website! Follow No Man's Land Film Festival on Instagram: @nomanslandfilmfestival Watch the Stone Locals film featuring Kathy's FFA of the Tennessee Triple Crown - Get access to exclusive and ad-free content by becoming a Patreon Follow along on Instagram: @listentogroundup Check out our new website: https://www.thegrounduppodcast.com/ Sign up for the Mailing List!
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Stories From the Steep | Climbing conversations with local legends and unsung crushers from hometown crags around the country.
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