79 | Stay Psyched w/ Michael Vaill

Today, we continue our conversation with the legendary Paul Ramsden. If you missed Part 1, hit pause and go back to the last episode—it’s essential listening. In this episode, we pick up with the second of Paul’s FIVE Piolet d’Or-winning climbs: The Prow of Shiva. From there, we journey through each climb, exploring the lessons, challenges, and reflections that have shaped his remarkable career. We close with Paul’s insights on life, climbing philosophy, and advice for anyone daring to follow in his path.As we wrap up this incredible conversation, I want to send a huge thank you to Paul for trusting me to share his story. If this episode resonated with you, don’t hesitate to reach out—I’ll gladly pass along your messages to him. ----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! Please share this podcast with your friends and family. Word of mouth is one of the best ways to support the show. If you enjoyed the show we’d appreciate it if you could rate and review us on your favorite podcatcher.We are always looking for new guests. If you or someone you know would be a great fit for the show please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can reach us on IG or email us directly @ [email protected] d'Or Award Winning Climbs#1 North Face of Siguniang, China (2003) w/ Mick Fowler#2 Prow of Shiva, India (2013) w/ Mick Fowler#3 Gave Ding, Nepal (2016) w/ Mick Fowler#4 North Buttress of Nyainqentangla South East, Tibet (2016) w/ Nick Bullock#5 Phantom Line on Jugal Spire, Nepal (2023) w/ Tim Miller

Today, I’m beyond excited to share a truly rare and special opportunity: a conversation with UK climbing legend Paul Ramsden. The Piolets d’Or—often called the Oscars of mountaineering—is the highest honor in alpine climbing, awarded to only those who demonstrate the pinnacle of style and commitment in the mountains. With past recipients like David Lama, Mick Fowler, and Hayden Kennedy, the award emphasizes ascents done in ‘alpine style’—no bolts, no portaledges, no siege tactics. Just you, your partner, and what you can carry on your back as you tackle an unclimbed wall on an unclimbed mountain. And Paul Ramsden? He holds five Piolets d’Or—the most of any climber in history.For Paul, style isn’t just about the ethics—it’s the heart of his climbing philosophy. His unwavering commitment to ‘alpine style’ is how he authentically experiences the mountains. It’s a pure test of his ability to move efficiently, confidently, and quickly over technical terrain in extreme high-altitude environments.What makes Paul even more unique is his aversion to the spotlight. Despite his unparalleled achievements, he has stayed largely out of the public eye. Beyond the write-ups he and his partners have contributed to the American Alpine Journal, there’s almost no available information about him. In fact, this might very well be the first time Paul has spoken openly about his life, his climbs, and his distinct approach to the climbing world. It’s truly an honor to have the chance to share his story.This conversation is split into two parts. In Part I, we’ll get to know Paul—where he came from, what shaped him, and how he became the climber he is today. Then in Part II, we’ll dive into the specifics of each of the five individual climbs that earned him the Piolets d’Or. So, get ready for 2 and a half hours of stories, lessons, insights, and life lessons with the legendary Paul Ramsden.----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! Please share this podcast with your friends and family. Word of mouth is one of the best ways to support the show. If you enjoyed the show we’d appreciate it if you could rate and review us on your favorite podcatcher.We are always looking for new guests. If you or someone you know would be a great fit for the show please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can reach us on IG or email us directly @ [email protected] Paul Ramsden

Welcome back to the final episode of the TCM triple crown! Today we get the privilege to sit down with both Tanner Wanish and Micheal Vaill to discuss their most recent achievement, the Yosemite Quad. If for some reason you’ve made it here without listening to the two prior episodes I highly consider stopping and checking those out before you continue here, as they give a background to each individual climber’s life. Human nature has us craving novelty, so when we hear about an achievement like ‘The Yosemite Quad,’ it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and headlines and miss the real meaning behind it. Tanner and Michael didn’t create the Quad for publicity, nor were they focused on breaking speed records for the Yosemite Triple Crown. In fact, they didn’t really care about records—it was just a by-product of something much bigger. For these two, the real passion lies in pushing the limits of how much climbing they can pack into 24 hours. ‘The Yosemite Quad’ is simply the latest expression of that vision.It’s also easy to get hyper-focused on the climbers themselves, especially when media tends to spotlight individuals. But after talking to Micheal and Tanner, it’s clear that the Quad wasn’t just about physical endurance. This feat took meticulous planning, logistics, and overwhelming support from their network. These two are especially psyched about this accomplishment because it was truly a team effort. Without the key people who supported them over the 22-hour mission, this achievement wouldn’t have been possible. For them, the real magic lies in the collaboration—the network, friendships, and teamwork they’ve built over the years.During this interview, these two crushers were still buzzing with excitement, having completed the Quad just days before. So I sat back and just let them share what was on their mind.. I hope you enjoy listening to them as much as I did. And now I bring you The Quadfathers.----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! Please share this podcast with your friends and family. Word of mouth is one of the best ways to support the show. If you enjoyed the show we’d appreciate it if you could rate and review us on your favorite podcatcher.We are always looking for new guests. If you or someone you know would be a great fit for the show please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can reach us on IG or email us directly @ [email protected]'s IGTanners IGCover photo taken by Earl Bates

Today, we’re continuing The Climbing Majority’s ‘Triple Crown’ series with Michael Vaill, one of the two climbers who recently broke the Yosemite Triple Crown speed record and, just a week later, made history with the monumental Yosemite Quad. If you missed yesterday’s conversation with his partner, Tanner Wanish, I highly recommend giving it a listen after this episode.If I had to describe Michael Vaill in one word, it would be 'psyched.' His passion is tangible, infectious, and truly motivating. But for Michael, 'psyche' is more than just a climbing mindset—it’s a way of life. Even before discovering climbing, he nurtured this relentless drive while studying and achieving a PhD in Cell Biology. After graduating, he redirected his focus entirely to climbing in Yosemite, where he could fully embrace this life of passion and challenge.Michael chooses to live a minimalist, flexible life in order to fully immerse himself in climbing. Life in a van allows him to spend every day pursuing what excites him the most. As he says, if he’s “psyched,” then he’ll keep doing it forever.While his love for climbing runs deep, Michael takes safety and caution seriously. He speaks about the importance of mentorship, learning to place reliable protection, and respecting the skills required to climb at your limit safely…. Even as he tackles routes as serious and dangerous as the legendary Bachar-Yerian, a 5.11 X testpiece, his approach is careful and calculated. He’s also dedicated to helping newer climbers, giving them a safe space to learn and experience the joy of climbing.Michael is here. Right now…living in the present…., and aims to continue like that for the foreseeable future., And with his recent achievements in the climbing world, I’d say it's working out for him pretty well.... His journey is a reminder to stay psyched, push limits thoughtfully, and savor the fulfillment that climbing brings to our lives.----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! Please share this podcast with your friends and family. Word of mouth is one of the best ways to support the show. If you enjoyed the show we’d appreciate it if you could rate and review us on your favorite podcatcher.We are always looking for new guests. If you or someone you know would be a great fit for the show please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can reach us on IG or email us directly @ [email protected]'s IGCover photo taken by Connor Brown

I first reached out to Tanner back in March, right after he and his climbing partner, Michael Vaill, had completed the Red Rock Triple in an impressive 12 hours and 35 minutes. I was stoked to share their story, but little did I know it would take six months to get the chance to sit down with them. Looking back, I couldn’t be happier it turned out that way. Just days after our initial interviews, Tanner and Michael made waves by setting the speed record for the Yosemite Triple Crown. And as if that wasn’t enough, last week they pushed the boundaries even further, making history with the most ambitious link-up Yosemite has ever seen—the Yosemite Quad. Last week, these two crushers linked Mount Watkins, El Cap, the South Face of Washington Column, and Half Dome in a mind-blowing 21 hours and 50 minutes.So, this week, I’m thrilled to introduce The Climbing Majority’s own 'Triple Crown'. Over the next three days I will be posting three separate full length episodes.' Today, we sit down with Tanner Wanish. Tomorrow, you’ll hear from his climbing partner, Michael Vaill. And on the final day, we’ll sit down with both of them for an insider’s look at their recent, groundbreaking feat in Yosemite. Get psyched for an epic week of stories, insights, a deep look into the lives of these two athletes. Today, we dive into the journey of Tanner Wanish. Tanner’s story begins with a military background, though not in the way you might expect. After years of service, he found himself in what he describes as the darkest days of his life, having realized that the trajectory he was on in the military was no longer the path he wanted. Sensing Tanner’s struggles from overseas, his brother—a prominent developer on the Front Range—sent him a hard drive packed with climbing films. And so began Tanner’s passion for climbing, igniting a pursuit that would lead him, four and a half years later, to literally etch his name into the walls of Yosemite.Our conversation with Tanner reveals a climber who has woven the sport into every aspect of his life. He’s taken climbing beyond just an outlet for adventure and fulfillment—it’s become his way to live, grow, and connect deeply with others. Tanner also embraces what he calls 'manufactured adversity,' seeing the immense value of challenge and struggle for personal growth. For him, climbing is the ultimate vehicle for this kind of development.Tanner’s journey is a powerful reminder that climbing is more than a sport. It’s a medium for growth, connection, and self-discovery. His story shows us the value of resilience, adventure, and the balance between passion and purpose. Buckle up for an inspiring conversation with Tanner Wanish.----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! Please share this podcast with your friends and family. Word of mouth is one of the best ways to support the show. If you enjoyed the show we’d appreciate it if you could rate and review us on your favorite podcatcher.We are always looking for new guests. If you or someone you know would be a great fit for the show please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can reach us on IG or email us directly @ [email protected]'s IGAthlete Write UpCrux Non-Profit

Today marks a significant turning point for The Climbing Majority. After three years and 76 episodes, my co-host and partner, Max Carrier, has made the difficult decision to step away from the show to dedicate more time to his educational pursuits, mountaineering, and his personal goals. This episode is dedicated to Max—both in celebration of everything we’ve accomplished together and as a send-off as he embarks on the next chapter of his life.We start by diving into Max’s current life as a full-time student and where he envisions his educational career taking him. We reflect on the moments that have defined our time as co-hosts and the meaning this partnership—and this podcast—has brought to both of us.Finally we talk about one of Max’s greatest passions—mountaineering. Discussing his upcoming trip to Aconcagua and the excitement and challenges that come with such an ambitious objective.As I take the helm of The Climbing Majority moving forward, I’m heading into uncharted territory. I won’t be bringing on another co-host—at least for now—and I plan to carry on what we’ve started, staying true to the core mission of this podcast: giving a larger voice to the majority. I’ve got some exciting interviews lined up in the coming weeks, and I’m eager to continue building this community and sharing the untold stories of climbers from around the world.While I’m confident in the direction of the podcast, Max’s humor, reflections, and personality will be missed. He’s been a huge part of this journey, and I wish him nothing but success in his future endeavors, both personally and in the mountains.----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! Please share this podcast with your friends and family. Word of mouth is one of the best ways to support the show. If you enjoyed the show we’d appreciate it if you could rate and review us on your favorite podcatcher.We are always looking for new guests. If you or someone you know would be a great fit for the show please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can reach us on IG or email us directly @ [email protected] Out To MaxMax's [email protected]

Welcome to Part II of our conversation with Tyler Karow. If you missed Part I, I highly recommend checking it out before continuing here.Tyler Karow has built a highly engaged following on YouTube and Instagram, to the point where many might label him as an influencer. While his impact on the climbing community is undeniable, Tyler is quick to distance himself from the typical “influencer” role. Constantly promoting products or leaning into that stereotype is the furthest thing from his goals. He believes that his ability to capture the raw adventure and authentic connections he experiences during his climbs is what ultimately draws people to his content . Tyler takes pride in sharing these stories and feels grateful that they resonate deeply with so many.For Tyler, adventure is the core of his content, but that doesn’t always mean taking more risks. He emphasizes that adventure can be found anywhere—whether its a beginner tackling their first 5.7 or a group questing out to rarely accessed boulder fields. It's about pushing beyond your comfort zone into the unknown. For Tyler, these moments are critical to living a fulfilled life—fueling self-improvement, self-discovery, and happiness.We wrap up our conversation with Tyler’s future plans to return to Patagonia. With bold objectives like Cerro Torre on his list, he's gearing up for another chapter of wild adventure and plans to bring us all along for the ride.----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! Please share this podcast with your friends and family. Word of mouth is one of the best ways to support the show. If you enjoyed the show we’d appreciate it if you could rate and review us on your favorite podcatcher.We are always looking for new guests. If you or someone you know would be a great fit for the show please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can reach us on IG or email us directly @ [email protected]'s WebsiteTyler's Youtube ChannelTyler's InstagramGastronomic Big Wall Climbing in Patagonia

I'm sure we've all been there—the dream of living a life solely dedicated to climbing: sponsorships, life on the road, making a living through our passion for the sport. For many, this represents the ultimate freedom. Often, this grand vision captures us in our early climbing years, yet it seldom holds much reality. Attracting sponsors and dedicating your life entirely to climbing requires something truly special. For most of us, this dream starts to feel one-dimensional, perhaps even a little unrealistic. Climbing, as fulfilling as it is, can sometimes no longer be the clear answer to all of life’s questions—because in reality, we have other ambitions, other passions to fulfill, other goals to achieve.But what if you had sponsors and created a thriving climbing YouTube channel? Would you still feel there was something more out there for you, or would you seize the opportunity and dive fully into a life dedicated to climbing?Today, we're sitting down with Tyler Karow, a climber who finds himself at these very crossroads. Despite his success on Youtube and his recently acquired sponsorships, Tyler has chosen to step back from the singular pursuit of climbing to focus on something bigger—a life that balances his passion for climbing with broader ambitions, a life that is truly meaningful and fulfilling for him.For Tyler, climbing has always been about more than just the performance. It's about the adventure, the connection, and the shared experiences that enrich our lives both on and off the rock. From tackling serious alpine routes in Patagonia to bivvying with good food and wine, climbing has fostered deep friendships and unforgettable moments for him. But even with this strong connection to the sport and opportunities most of us could only dream of, he has found himself questioning whether climbing alone is enough. His journey speaks to a broader question that many of us face: How do we balance our love for climbing with our other ambitions, responsibilities, and long-term goals?Tyler’s story is a compelling reminder that climbing doesn’t have to be the only path. He’s finding a way to integrate his passion for the sport with a vision for the future that goes beyond the rock, allowing him to pursue both adventure and purpose in his life.His story also reminds us not to take life or climbing too seriously…because in the end life is short. We might not live tomorrow….so let’s be sure to make the most out of today.----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! Please share this podcast with your friends and family. Word of mouth is one of the best ways to support the show. If you enjoyed the show we’d appreciate it if you could rate and review us on your favorite podcatcher.We are always looking for new guests. If you or someone you know would be a great fit for the show please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can reach us on IG or email us directly @ [email protected]'s WebsiteTyler's Youtube ChannelTyler's InstagramGastronomic Big Wall Climbing in Patagonia

Welcome back to Part II of our conversation with Brant Hysell. Climber, olive mafia boss, and man behind The Gravity Lab YouTube channel. If you missed Part I, I highly recommend checking it out before continuing here.Today, it’s story time with Brant as we dive into three of his most memorable climbs: Freestone, Lurking Fear, and his recent solo ascent of the Salathé. Most of us would spend months, if not years, meticulously planning and training for objectives like these. But for Brant, these climbs were more about stepping into the unknown and leaving room for the unexpected.To me, this reveals two important things about Brant. First, he’s an incredibly strong climber with a solid foundation to fall back on. Second, Brant climbs for the adventure. For him, too much planning, research, and preparation take away from the magic that climbing offers. He’d rather pack the essentials, sans headlamps,  and figure the rest out in the moment. Brant’s approach to climbing is raw and real—creating the chaotic, often messy adventures that truly shape a climber.His mindset challenges the belief that every climb needs to be meticulously planned and perfectly executed. This way of thinking doesn’t just apply to climbing—it’s a lesson in life.Embrace the chaos, trust in your abilities, and honor the legacies that inspire you. In doing so, you’ll find that the most meaningful experiences are often the ones you least expect.Finally we close the conversation with the details surrounding Brants recent solo speed record of the Salathe Wall, a record that stood undefeated for 10 years! While Brant was only able to hold the title briefly…. before Alex Honnold came to the valley and stole the record a few weeks later, he reflects on the experience with humility and pride. . As he puts it; he is proud to have his name up next to one of the greatest climbers in the world…to have your record taken from someone like Alex…honestly feels pretty good”.----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! Please share this podcast with your friends and family. Word of mouth is one of the best ways to support the show. If you enjoyed the show we’d appreciate it if you could rate and review us on your favorite podcatcher.We are always looking for new guests. If you or someone you know would be a great fit for the show please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can reach us on IG or email us directly @ [email protected] Gravity Lab Youtube ChannelBrant's InstagramBrant Hysell's Mt. Project ProfileClimbing Alone on El Cap - A Short Film

In the age of social media and digital platforms like YouTube, creators often develop a "digital persona" that’s shaped by the content they produce. As viewers, it’s easy to make assumptions about who they are and how they live their lives. Today, we have the chance to peel back the layers and break down the digital persona behind The Gravity Lab YouTube channel.At first glance, this channel seems to be run by a pair of climbers living out of a van with endless time to send some of the most epic routes around the world. It’s easy to watch with envy and wonder how it’s all possible. But as it turns out, Gravity Lab is the passion project of a single crusher named Brant Hysell. Brant is just like most of us—he juggles a full-time job, a relationship, and home responsibilities. Where he differs is in his deep passion for climbing and his dedication to making the most of every moment.In part one of our conversation with Brant, we dive into how he supports his climbing lifestyle and the secrets behind balancing a full-time job, running The Gravity Lab YouTube channel, training, and, as he puts it, squeezing fun into every available moment. Brant’s main lesson? Time is precious. It’s easy to waste it by watching TV or endlessly scrolling on social media. Brant encourages us to be intentional with our time and to plan our lives around what makes us happiest—from sunup to sundown.----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! Please share this podcast with your friends and family. Word of mouth is one of the best ways to support the show. If you enjoyed the show we’d appreciate it if you could rate and review us on your favorite podcatcher.We are always looking for new guests. If you or someone you know would be a great fit for the show please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can reach us on IG or email us directly @ [email protected] Gravity Lab Youtube ChannelBrant's InstagramBrant Hysell's Mt. Project Profile