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Climbing legends are forged through flirtations with mortality, tests of human resolve, and a perpetual quest to redefine limits. Yet, sometimes, the most significant challenges lie beyond the mountain.
What happens when the man who conquered El Capitan without ropes faces the ultimate balancing act—family life?
My guest today is Alex Honnold, the iconic climber whose ropeless ascent of El Capitan was immortalized in the Oscar-winning documentary “Free Solo”—an achievement that captivated the world and established Alex as one of the most extraordinary athletes of our time. As a global ambassador for the sport and an environmental activist, Alex returns to the podcast (episodes 351 and 591) with a new perspective shaped by fatherhood.
Fresh from a 2,600-mile expedition to Alaska’s Devil’s Thumb, Alex unpacks this epic journey, a forthcoming National Geographic documentary titled, “The Devil’s Climb” (Coming to Disney+ and Hulu October 17th). Beyond climbing, it tells a tale of friendship and environmental awareness, as Alex and longtime climbing partner Tommy Caldwell push their limits and deepen their bond.
“Rock climbing is always uncomfortable. Effort is effort. You have to try hard if you want to do hard things.”
– ALEX HONNOLD
Today, we explore a range of topics, from climate change’s sobering realities to his evolving views on fear, risk, and living well. Alex shares insights into the Honnold Foundation’s work, illustrating how solar power can transform remote Indigenous communities.
He reflects on the transformative power of parenthood. With his underappreciated dry wit—an often overlooked, but delightful aspect of his personality—and refreshing honesty, he talks about his lifelong passion for climbing and his new role as a father.
Alex also spends time answering listener questions—covering everything from his favorite climbing movies, music, confectionery delights, thoughts on speed climbing, climbing philosophy, and much more.
For those who prefer a visual experience, the conversation is available on YouTube. As always, the audio version streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of Alex’s death-defying feats, a parent grappling with your risk calculations, or simply someone curious about the limits of human potential, this episode offers a wealth of insights and inspiration.
Peace + Plants,
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- Connect with Alex: Website | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube
- National Geographic: The Devil’s Climb (Premiering Oct 17th)
- Podcast: Climbing Gold
- YouTube: Dave And Alex Honnold Go Climbing | Letterman
- Honnold Foundation: Supporting solar energy for a more equitable world
- Free Solo: Watch
- Outside: Can Alex Honnold Convince Americans to Care About Greenland?
- Outside: Will Alex Honnold Ever Tackle Mount Everest? We Asked Him.
- Outside: Alex Honnold Just Smashed a Speed Record on El Capitan. Here’s What to Know.
- Gripped: A Tour of Alex Honnold’s Home Climbing Gym
- Gripped: Honnold and Caldwell Smash Devil’s Thumb Traverse
- Fatherly: Alex Honnold, The World’s Boldest Climber, Just Became A Dad. Now What?
- Sports Illustrated: ‘Free Solo’ Rock Climbing Legend Alex Honnold Goes Ice
- RedBull: Climber Alex Honnold on the life lessons that followed Free Solo
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Thank The Team: I do not do this alone. Send your love to Jason Camiolo for audio engineering, production, show notes and interstitial music; with additional audio engineering by Cale Curtis and additional music by Moby; Blake Curtis & Dan Drake for video, & editing; graphics by Jessica Miranda & Daniel Solis; portraits by Davy Greenberg, Grayson Wilder & Gizelle Peters; Devil’s Climb photos by National Geographic, Taylor Shaffer, Matt Pycroft, & Renan Ozturk; copywriting by Ben Pryor; and theme music by Tyler Piatt, Trapper Piatt & Hari Mathis.
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