The Struggle Climbing Show

Ethan Pringle: Common Climber Mistakes, Releasing Mental Baggage, and Finding Better Beta

Join The Struggle’s Patreon community to get 100+ hours of Bonus Episodes, Pro Clinics, Uncut Videos, and Submit Questions for Future Guests. FREE TRIAL available!  https://www.patreon.com/thestruggleclimbingshow [https://thestruggleclimbingshow.com/patreonpodcast] - In this episode, pro climber Ethan Pringle explores: * Dealing with discomfort * Releasing mental baggage * Struggling with self-image * Prioritizing outdoor climbing over indoor training  * What he and Sharma have in common * Going back for unfinished business  * Goals for Meltdown and La Rambla * The benefit of discovering “tired beta” * What the best boulderers do   * There’s always better beta. Always.  * A sport climber's mentality for bouldering  * Managing risk and fear on scary boulders - BIG THANKS TO THE AMAZING SPONSORS OF THE STRUGGLE WHO LOVE ROCK CLIMBING AS MUCH AS YOU DO: * PhysiVantage: [https://thestruggleclimbingshow.com/physivantagepodcast] the official climbing-nutrition sponsor of The Struggle. Use code STRUGGLE15 at checkout for 15% off your full-priced nutrition order. * ForceBoard [https://thestruggleclimbingshow.com/forceboardpodcast2]: A better way to train fingers. Portable, accurate, and created to train finger strength and endurance exactly how YOU need it. Score $10 off and support the show by using code STRUGGLE10 at checkout. * Rúngne [https://thestruggleclimbingshow.com/rungnepodcast2]: Soft threads and high performing chalk! Use Code STRUGGLE for 10% Off Bags, Buckets, Chalk & Apparel from Rúngne! Rungne.com [https://thestruggleclimbingshow.com/rungnepodcast2] * Nature Climbing [http://thestruggleclimbingshow.com/naturepodcast]: Beautifully crafted lifting edges and hangboards that feature real granite edges for improved texture and skin conditioning. Sustainably crafted works of art, I love them so much! Get 20% off everything at natureclimbing.com [http://thestruggleclimbingshow.com/naturepodcast] using code STRUGGLE.  And check out ALL the show’s awesome sponsors and exclusive deals at https://thestruggleclimbingshow.com/dealspodcastthestruggleclimbingshow.com/deals [http://thestruggleclimbingshow.com/deals]   - Shoutout to Matt Waltereese for being a Victory Whip supporter on Patreon! So mega. - Here are some AI generated show notes (hopefully the robots got it right) 00:00 Introduction 01:26 Ethan Pringle's Climbing Achievements 02:49 Deep Dive into Climbing Philosophy 04:25 Interview Begins: Ethan's Background and Struggles 12:03 Mindset and Emotional Challenges in Climbing 56:09 Unlocking Beta: The Key to Climbing Success 57:42 The Philosophy of Constant Refinement 01:00:23 Creative Solutions and Beta Breakthroughs 01:03:37 The Importance of Strategy and Tactics 01:19:11 Managing Fear and Mental Barriers in Climbing - Follow along on Instagram @thestruggleclimbingshow [https://thestruggleclimbingshow.com/podcastinstagram] and YouTube /@thestruggleclimbingshow [https://thestruggleclimbingshow.com/podcastyoutube] - The Struggle is carbon-neutral in partnership with The Honnold Foundation [https://thestruggleclimbingshow.com/honnoldfoundationpodcast], whose mission is to promote solar energy for a more equitable world. - This show is produced and hosted by Ryan Devlin, and edited by Glen Walker. The Struggle is a proud member of the Plug Tone Audio Collective, [https://thestruggleclimbingshow.com/plugtonepodcast] a diverse group of the best, most impactful podcasts in the outdoor industry. - The struggle makes us stronger! I hope your training and climbing are going great.  - And now here are some buzzwords to help the almighty algorithm get this show in front of people who love to climb: rock climbing, rock climber, climbing, climber, bouldering, sport climbing, gym climbing, how to rock climb, donuts are amazing. Okay, whew, that’s done. But hey, if you’re a human that’s actually reading this, and if you love this show (and love to climb) would you think about sharing this episode with a climber friend of yours? And shout it out on your socials? I’ll send you a sticker for doing it. Just shoot me a message on IG – thanks so much!

My Training Plog: November 2025

Casually reflecting on my training, performance, and experimentation for the month, including: * Recap of November goals (hits and misses) * Learnings from my second 12c * What being "board strong" has meant for my route climbing  * What it took to send 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d in the past 6 weeks * My first session on Bulldog boulder (V6 / V8) * How I'm adjusting my training during this performance window * The fear factor of trying higher moves on a boulder * Patron questions * December goals Thank you so much for supporting me. I love hearing what you're up to, so feel free to hit me up on IG. Have an awesome month!

Coach Tom Randall: Training Strength for Endurance, How to Self-Assess Weaknesses, Max Hang Testing, Crack 101, and other Listener Questions

Join The Struggle’s Patreon community to get 100+ hours of Bonus Episodes, Pro Clinics, Uncut Videos, and Submit Questions for Future Guests. FREE TRIAL available!  https://www.patreon.com/thestruggleclimbingshow [https://thestruggleclimbingshow.com/patreonpodcast]   In this special Listener Q&A episode, Coach Tom Randall explores: * Improving endurance by getting stronger  * How to self assess weaknesses  * Is there such thing as “active rest”? * Developing beginner crack skills  * Periodization for gym climbers  * Which crack size is the best to train  * What standard tests should climbers do * How often should we test finger strength * Building a cheap crack trainer at home * Correlation between finger strength and climbing grade  Plus a bonus episode about free soloing buildings, and the mega building Alex Honnold will be soloing in January! - BIG THANKS TO THE AMAZING SPONSORS OF THE STRUGGLE WHO LOVE ROCK CLIMBING AS MUCH AS YOU DO: * PhysiVantage: [https://thestruggleclimbingshow.com/physivantagepodcast] the official climbing-nutrition sponsor of The Struggle. Use code STRUGGLE15 at checkout for 15% off your full-priced nutrition order. * Rúngne [https://thestruggleclimbingshow.com/rungnepodcast2]: Soft threads and high performing chalk! Use Code STRUGGLE for 10% Off Bags, Buckets, Chalk & Apparel from Rúngne! * ForceBoard [https://thestruggleclimbingshow.com/forceboardpodcast2]: A better way to train fingers. Portable, accurate, and created to train finger strength and endurance exactly how YOU need it. Score $10 off and support the show by using code STRUGGLE10 at checkout. * Nature Climbing [http://thestruggleclimbingshow.com/naturepodcast]: Beautifully crafted lifting edges and hangboards that feature real granite edges for improved texture and skin conditioning. Sustainably crafted works of art, I love them so much! Get 20% off everything at natureclimbing.com [http://thestruggleclimbingshow.com/naturepodcast] using code STRUGGLE.   And check out ALL the show’s awesome sponsors and exclusive deals at https://thestruggleclimbingshow.com/dealspodcastthestruggleclimbingshow.com/deals [http://thestruggleclimbingshow.com/deals] - Here are some AI generated show notes (hopefully the robots got it right) 00:42 Listener Questions Overview 02:20 Personal Climbing Journey 03:22 Reconnecting with Tom Randall 04:36 Tom Randall's Training Insights 15:21 Self-Assessing Climbing Weaknesses 25:37 Active Rest and Recovery Tips 30:31 Learning Crack Climbing 36:54 Periodization for Gym Climbers 39:05 Adapting to Training and Periodization 42:03 Indoor vs. Outdoor Climbing 45:09 Crack Climbing Techniques and Training 47:46 Testing Metrics and Their Importance 53:52 Urban Crack Climbing and Unique Locations 55:30 Listener Q&A: Training and Climbing Insights 01:07:49 Encouraging Gyms to Set Crack Boulders 01:11:18 Conclusion and Bonus Content Announcement   - Shoutout to Matt Waltereese for being a Victory Whip supporter on Patreon! So mega. - Follow along on Instagram [http://www.instagram.com/thestruggleclimbingshow] and YouTube [http://youtube.com/@thestruggleclimbingshow]: @thestruggleclimbingshow  - This show is produced and hosted by Ryan Devlin, and edited by Glen Walker. The Struggle is carbon-neutral in partnership with The Honnold Foundation and is a proud member of the Plug Tone Audio Collective, a diverse group of the best, most impactful podcasts in the outdoor industry. And now here are some buzzwords to help the almighty algorithm get this show in front of people who love to climb: rock climbing, rock climber, climbing, climber, bouldering, sport climbing, gym climbing, how to rock climb, donuts are amazing. Okay, whew, that’s done. But hey, if you’re a human that’s actually reading this, and if you love this show (and love to climb) would you think about sharing this episode with a climber friend of yours? And shout it out on your socials? I’ll send you a sticker for doing it. Just shoot me a message on IG – thanks so much!

How to Optimize Your Skin for Peak Climbing Performance

Join The Struggle’s Patreon community to get 100+ hours of Bonus Episodes, Pro Clinics, Uncut Videos, and Submit Questions for Future Guests. FREE TRIAL available!  https://www.patreon.com/thestruggleclimbingshow [https://thestruggleclimbingshow.com/patreonpodcast] - In this skin care masterclass, Mads Bülow Duus from Nature Climbing and Justin Brown from Rhino Skin Solutions cover: * Why skin care can be the difference maker * What bad climbing skin looks like  * What good climbing skin looks like * How to bring skin humidity down * How to to bring skin humidity up * How to condition skin for specific types of rock * When to prep skin (and how) for a big trip * Protocol for using real rock edges and holds in training  * How to treat a split or flapper - Get 20% off at Nature Climbing [https://www.thestruggleclimbingshow.com/naturepodcast] and Rhino Skin Solutions [https://www.thestruggleclimbingshow.com/rhinopodcast] by using code STRUGGLE  - And check out ALL the show’s awesome sponsors and exclusive deals at https://thestruggleclimbingshow.com/dealspodcastthestruggleclimbingshow.com/deals [http://thestruggleclimbingshow.com/deals]   - Shoutout to Matt Waltereese for being a Victory Whip supporter on Patreon! So mega. - Here are some AI generated show notes (hopefully the robots got it right)   00:49 The Importance of Skin in Climbing 01:16 Ryan's Climbing Journey and Podcast 03:09 Meet the Skin Experts: Mads and Justin 06:28 Justin's Background and Rhino Skin Solutions 09:43 Mads' Background and Nature Climbing 11:58 Skin Preparation and Conditioning 18:18 Understanding Skin Types and Their Impact 22:50 Pre-Trip Skin Preparation Protocols 38:53 Managing Dry Skin for Climbers 42:06 Introduction to Spit and Its Ingredients 42:35 Application and Benefits of Spit for Climbers 43:18 Challenges of Climbing in Extreme Conditions 44:10 Skin Conditioning and Pain Tolerance Protocols 44:45 Training and Preparation for Climbing Trips 45:40 Managing Skin Health During Climbing Trips 48:37 Importance of Repair and Performance Creams 49:29 Using Stone Hangers and Warm-Up Techniques 52:12 Handling Skin Splits and Injuries 58:16 Choosing the Right Hang Board and Training Tools 01:03:59 Sustainability and New Products from Rhino and Nature Climbing 01:07:21 Personal Climbing Experiences and Final Thoughts     - Follow along on Instagram @thestruggleclimbingshow [https://thestruggleclimbingshow.com/podcastinstagram] and YouTube /@thestruggleclimbingshow [https://thestruggleclimbingshow.com/podcastyoutube] - The Struggle is carbon-neutral in partnership with The Honnold Foundation [https://thestruggleclimbingshow.com/honnoldfoundationpodcast], whose mission is to promote solar energy for a more equitable world. - This show is produced and hosted by Ryan Devlin, and edited by Glen Walker. The Struggle is a proud member of the Plug Tone Audio Collective, [https://thestruggleclimbingshow.com/plugtonepodcast] a diverse group of the best, most impactful podcasts in the outdoor industry. - The struggle makes us stronger! I hope your training and climbing are going great.  - And now here are some buzzwords to help the almighty algorithm get this show in front of people who love to climb: rock climbing, rock climber, climbing, climber, bouldering, sport climbing, gym climbing, how to rock climb, donuts are amazing. Okay, whew, that’s done. But hey, if you’re a human that’s actually reading this, and if you love this show (and love to climb) would you think about sharing this episode with a climber friend of yours? And shout it out on your socials? I’ll send you a sticker for doing it. Just shoot me a message on IG – thanks so much!

Weekend Warrior: Breaking into V7 and 5.12 on Just 3 Hrs per Week at the Gym

Join The Struggle’s Patreon community to get 100+ hours of Bonus Episodes, Pro Clinics, Uncut Videos, and Submit Questions for Future Guests. FREE TRIAL available!  https://www.patreon.com/thestruggleclimbingshow [https://thestruggleclimbingshow.com/patreonpodcast]   In this episode of the Weekend Warrior series, busy-dad climber Joey Churchman joins to discuss: * How he broke into new grades on just 3 hours per week at the gym * Tall-climber struggles (he's 6' 6.5") * Big gains using a training app to stay focused and efficient  * From avoiding system boards to training almost exclusively on them * How he programs his gym sessions and home training for optimal results  * Picking the right project to break into V7 and 5.12a * Top-roping tactics for faster sends  * Using video to accelerate progress  - BIG THANKS TO THE AMAZING SPONSORS OF THE STRUGGLE WHO LOVE ROCK CLIMBING AS MUCH AS YOU DO: * PhysiVantage: [https://thestruggleclimbingshow.com/physivantagepodcast] the official climbing-nutrition sponsor of The Struggle. Use code STRUGGLE15 at checkout for 15% off your full-priced nutrition order. * Rúngne [https://thestruggleclimbingshow.com/rungnepodcast2]: Soft threads and high performing chalk! Use Code STRUGGLE for 10% Off Bags, Buckets, Chalk & Apparel from Rúngne! * SCARPA [https://thestruggleclimbingshow.com/scarpapodcast]: The best climbing shoes, trail runners, and hikers in the game! Score yourself a free SCARPA x STRUGGLE hat when you use code STRUGGLE at checkout at SCARPA.com [https://scarpa.com]. [http://www.thestruggleclimbingshow.com/scarpapodcast] SCARPA, No Place Too Far. * Petzl [https://thestruggleclimbingshow.com/petzlpodcast]: The best and most reliable helmets, harnesses, draws, and gear that'll help you to Access the Inaccessible. Find Petzl at your local gear shop, and learn more at Petzl.com   And check out ALL the show’s awesome sponsors and exclusive deals at https://thestruggleclimbingshow.com/dealspodcastthestruggleclimbingshow.com/deals [http://thestruggleclimbingshow.com/deals] - Here are some AI generated show notes (hopefully the robots got it right) 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:25 Meet Joey Churchman: The Weekend Warrior 01:45 Balancing Climbing with Family and Work 03:03 Ryan's Personal Climbing Update 03:56 Joey's Climbing Background and Challenges 06:59 Training and Progression 14:44 Board Climbing Journey 20:27 Efficient Training Strategies 34:28 The Benefits of Running for Climbers 35:59 Balancing Fitness and Family 36:12 Running and Strength Conditioning Routine 37:38 Translating Training to Rock Climbing 39:38 Breaking into 5.12 Grades 47:16 Mental Strategies and Visualization 55:06 Bouldering with Family 59:06 Efficient Training and Video Analysis 01:04:07 Future Goals and Reflections 01:07:24 Host's Personal Climbing Update   - Shoutout to Matt Waltereese for being a Victory Whip supporter on Patreon! So mega. - Follow along on Instagram [http://www.instagram.com/thestruggleclimbingshow] and YouTube [http://youtube.com/@thestruggleclimbingshow]: @thestruggleclimbingshow  - This show is produced and hosted by Ryan Devlin, and edited by Glen Walker. The Struggle is carbon-neutral in partnership with The Honnold Foundation and is a proud member of the Plug Tone Audio Collective, a diverse group of the best, most impactful podcasts in the outdoor industry. And now here are some buzzwords to help the almighty algorithm get this show in front of people who love to climb: rock climbing, rock climber, climbing, climber, bouldering, sport climbing, gym climbing, how to rock climb, donuts are amazing. Okay, whew, that’s done. But hey, if you’re a human that’s actually reading this, and if you love this show (and love to climb) would you think about sharing this episode with a climber friend of yours? And shout it out on your socials? I’ll send you a sticker for doing it. Just shoot me a message on IG – thanks so much!