The Climbing Majority

• 102 | Surviving the Goliath Traverse w/ Michael Vaill & Tanner Wanish

  Today we once again have the honor of sitting down with The Quad Fathers—Michael Vaill and Tanner Wanish. The last time I spoke with them, they had just wrapped up their legendary Yosemite Quad. But little did we know, on the descent from Half Dome they were already scheming their next big objective: The Goliath Traverse. To give you a sense of scale, let’s break this thing down. The Goliath Traverse is a south-to-north, ridge link-up of two of the biggest traverses in the Sierra Nevada.The first is The Full Monty—a notoriously difficult 16-mile traverse of technical rock and mountaineering terrain. It involves 5.10 climbing, horrendous rock quality, immense exposure, and extreme endurance. It extends the already burly Full Palisade Traverse and by itself is a career-defining objective.The second half is The Full Evolution Crest, running from Bishop Pass to Piute Pass it involves miles of alpine rock, climbing up to 5.10, countless peaks over 13,000 feet, endless elevation gain and loss, and complex route-finding. First completed over eight days in 2008 by Scott McCook and Kyle Sox.Now imagine linking both of those together; that’s The Goliath Traverse. At 32 miles of climbing, more than 60 summits, nearly 50,000 feet of vertical gain, it is considered the longest technical ridge traverse in the Western Hemisphere. It was first completed in 2021 by Vitaliy Musiyenko in a solo, unsupported, alpine-style push over just eight days—no caches, no partners, no support. Just Vitaliy, his mind, and the mountains.In today’s conversation, we begin with a harrowing story from Tanner and Michael’s preparation trip to the Alps—a reminder of just how dangerous and unpredictable the mountains can be. When I say these two are lucky to be alive, it’s no exaggeration. At moments, it felt like I was talking to ghosts of fallen mountain athletes.We then dive into their successful second ascent of The Goliath, and how the experience has reshaped the way they’re setting goals in the mountains—at least for now.After his first ascent in 2021, Vitaliy reflected, “It didn’t feel like I had conquered Goliath…I had merely survived him.” As you’ll hear, Tanner and Michael would come to understand just how accurate that statement really was.Watch The Climbing Majority on Youtube---Thanks to our sponsor!LIVSN DesignsCheckout their Ecotrek Overalls HEREUse Code "TCM15" At Checkout for 15% OFF Your Order---Get Access to Exclusive Episodes, Unlock Ad-Free Podcast, & MORE!---ResourcesTanner's IGMichael's IGVitaly's FA Goliath Write Up---We were recently rated #3 Top Climbing Podcast! Check it Out!

  --------  

  2:29:17

  --------

  2:29:17
• 101 | A New Era Of Journalism w/ Michael Levy

  My guest today is Michael Levy: recreational alpinist, rock climber, journalist and the owner and editor of The Summit Journal. Originally founded in 1955 by Jean Crenshaw and Helen Kilness, The Summit Journal was the first climbing-focused print publication in the U.S.—with Royal Robbins as its main editor. For decades it thrived, reaching over 10,000 subscribers, before being discontinued in 1996. After purchasing the rights to the name, Micheal has since revitalized it into a thriving, subscriber-based, print-only publication.Let me tell you—before this interview I read the most of the recent issue, and it is beautiful. Matte finish, incredible imagery, it even smells good. It’s artfully put together, and most importantly, it’s filled with some of the most unique, compelling, and engaging climbing stories. While it does highlight big names, Michael has made it a priority to also feature stories from the majority—the everyday climbers who make up the backbone of this community.In our conversation, we explore who Michael is as a climber, how his passion for journalism developed, and ultimately use that as a lens to discuss the state of climbing media today. We dive into what true journalism really means, how to curate compelling stories, how the internet has reshaped the landscape, and how Michael plans to navigate those waters while leaning fully into his print-only vision: The Summit Journal.I highly recommend heading over to The Summit Journal's website to learn more about this publication..and if you're interested pick up a copy of your own The first 15 listeners that sign up for an annual subscription to The Summit Journal get a free hat….Go to summitjournal.com and use the code TCM at checkout.----HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW, GET ACCESS TO EXCLUSIVE EPISODES!  For a little as $5/mo!----Don’t forget to check out our full video episodes on Youtube!---The TCM movement is growing but we need your help to spread the word! Word of mouth is one of the best ways to support the show. Share an episode with a friend.Post about the show on social media.Jump into Reddit threads or Mountain Project forums and tell people what you’re listening to.Tag the show, tag your favorite guests, help spread the word.Please rate and review us on your favorite podcatcher.---ResourcesGet The Summit Journal HEREMicheal Levy's InstagramSummit Journal's Instagram

  --------  

  1:53:01

  --------

  1:53:01
• 100 | TCM Legacy: Accidents, Mentorship, and First Ascents w/ Joshua Reinig

  Today, we’re doing something a little different. For the first time ever, I’m releasing a TCM Legacy Episode—diving back into one of the show’s earliest conversations, this one with Joshua Reinig.It’s been over three years since this episode first aired, and a lot has changed since then. For some of you, you’ll hear a familiar voice—my previous co-host, Max Carrier. But the biggest changes are in Josh’s own life, and those changes are exactly why I’m bringing you this newly remastered version of our conversation.I first met Josh over a decade ago, during my very first year of climbing, when he invited me—a complete gumby—out to one of his first ascent projects. Whether he realized it or not, that simple act of kindness shaped me as a climber, and I’m still grateful for it today. I also know I’m not the only one he’s impacted in that way.Since then, Josh and I have become close friends, following each other’s life stories closely. Over the course of his climbing career, Josh has put up more than 2,000 first ascents and currently sits in the top 20 Mountain Project contributors. His routes often focus on safe, moderate climbing that everyone can enjoy. He’s an AMGA apprentice rock and alpine guide with over 6,000 guided trips under his belt. It’s safe to say he’s dedicated a huge portion of his life to serving the climbing community.One of the main reasons for revisiting this conversation is some exciting news—Josh has just published the most comprehensive guidebook to the Alabama Hills climbing area. This 300-page book features over 700 routes, more than 100 of which are his own first ascents. It’s packed with detailed route descriptions, maps, and photos, the product of more than five years of work and documentation. With Alabama Hills now federally recognized as a scenic wildlife area, Josh also includes important guidance on how we can all respect and preserve this fragile place.For Josh, this guidebook is just another extension of what he’s always done—sharing climbing with others. He gives huge thanks to Marty and Sharon for mentoring him through the process, and to his wife, Melissa, who played a major role in the documentation and creative work.When I first heard about the guidebook, I offered to have Josh back on the show in person. But unfortunately, Josh has recently been diagnosed with thyroid cancer. The details of his prognosis are still unfolding, but he faces a difficult road ahead—one that may include surgery, chemo, and all the challenges that come with fighting cancer. The location of the cancer has already made speaking difficult, so joining me for a new conversation just wasn’t possible.As someone who has spent his life supporting the climbing community, Josh now needs our support. The best way to help is to purchase his Alabama Hills guidebook—link in the show notes. You can also donate directly via his GoFundMe, like I have. And if nothing else, please take a moment to send Josh your thoughts, prayers, or positive energy during this time.----HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW & GET ACCESS TO EXCLUSIVE EPISODES!  For a little as $5/mo!----Don’t forget to check out our full video episodes on Youtube!---ResourcesBuy The Alabama Hills GuidebookSupport Joshua on his Go Fund Me PageJoshua Reinig's Mountain Project Profile

  --------  

  2:33:24

  --------

  2:33:24
• 99 | Beyond Chasing Grades w/ Tal Wanish Part 2

  We kick things off by diving into the nuances of Totems—what their limitations are, whether they’re as good as everyone says, and whether the mystical powers of the black Totem are fact or fiction. From there, we dig into climbing partnerships: what to look for, what to avoid, and how we can all be better partners. Tal shares two of his closest calls in the mountains and how they shaped his evolving relationship with risk. And then, we shift to Tal’s true passion: Wonderland.A 5 sqmi area southwest of Denver, CO that Tal has been developing for the last three years. While only a handful of first routes were developed in the area back in the 2000s by Jay Vonesh… Tal and his community has now since added well over 200 routes across numerous of the countless rock formations that litter the forested area. While it is a slab climber's paradise. Wonderland has something to offer for just about everyone with cracks, slabs, face climbs, and a variety of high quality bouldering. Expect to find this area littered with raspberries, mushrooms, owl pellets, bones, deer/elk scat, oddly friendly magpies, unnerving signs of big cats, great views, and a lot of solitude.For Tal, developing a climbing area is far more meaningful than any single route. He believes you need to “hear the song” of a place before you can truly develop it. The more intimately familiar you are with the rocks, the plants, the wildlife, the rhythm of the land—the better developer you become. A beautiful, poetic reflection of the depth and care Tal brings to this sport and his community.If you stoked about visiting Wonderland be sure to pick up a copy of the guidebook Tal made for the area. You can do so with the link in the episode show notes. Tal also invites anyone interested in meeting the local community to reach out! You’ll find Tal’s IG link below as well. ----HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW & GET ACCESS TO EXCLUSIVE EPISODES!  For a little as $5/mo!----Don’t forget to check out our full video episodes on Youtube!---The TCM movement is growing but we need your help to spread the word! Word of mouth is one of the best ways to support the show. Share an episode with a friend.Post about the show on social media.Jump into Reddit threads or Mountain Project forums and tell people what you’re listening to.Tag the show, tag your favorite guests, help spread the word.Please rate and review us on your favorite podcatcher.---ResourcesTal's IGBuy The Guidebook to Wonderland

  --------  

  1:29:46

  --------

  1:29:46
• 98 | Beyond Chasing Grades w/ Tal Wanish Part 1

  Today, I sit down with Tal Wanish—rock climber, mentor, prominent route developer in Colorado’s Front Range, and brother of our previous guest, Tanner Wanish. But Tal’s not just a rogue route developer. He’s a deeply involved member of his local climbing community—someone who chooses to play by the rules in order to help foster sustainable growth for future generations.He’s replaced over 600 bolts as an instructor with the Boulder Climbing Community, and today he puts most of his effort into the Pikes Peak Climbers Alliance. There, he serves on the South Platte committee, helps organize clean-ups and fundraisers, and works directly with landowners to ensure new climbing development is legal and sustainable.While Tal is a thriving member of his community today…that wasn’t always the case. Plagued by imposter syndrome and his own crushing expectations to perform as a climber, he found himself quite alone in the world of climbing struggling to find partners and mentors.Everything changed when Tal shifted his focus—from numbers to impact. When he discovered route development and community involvement, climbing took on a new meaning. Since then, he’s helped establish over 160 routes in just the last four years and over a vertical mile of new climbs in just the last 12 months. While the grades no longer define him, he’s also recently broken into the 5.13 range—on his own terms.I really enjoyed this conversation with Tal. He loves climbing, but just as much—he loves sharing climbing with others. And there’s something truly special in that.----HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW & GET ACCESS TO EXCLUSIVE EPISODES!  For a little as $5/mo!----Don’t forget to check out our full video episodes on Youtube!---The TCM movement is growing but we need your help to spread the word! Word of mouth is one of the best ways to support the show. Share an episode with a friend.Post about the show on social media.Jump into Reddit threads or Mountain Project forums and tell people what you’re listening to.Tag the show, tag your favorite guests, help spread the word.Please rate and review us on your favorite podcatcher.---ResourcesTal's IG

  --------  

  1:07:11

  --------

  1:07:11

More Education podcasts

Trending Education podcasts

About The Climbing Majority