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The Ground Up Podcast

The Ground Up
Climbing
Horseshoe Hell
North Carolina
Rock Climbing
Trad Climbing
Red River Gorge
New River Gorge
Climbing Techniques
24 Hours Of Horseshoe Hell
Climbing Competitions
Yosemite
Outdoor Recreation
Sport Climbing
Community
Carolina Climbers Coalition
Rumbling Bald
Jasper, Arkansas
Record Breaking
Vasya Vorotnikov
Rob D'anastasio

Stories From the Steep | Climbing conversations with local legends and unsung crushers from hometown crags around the country.

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes36Founded2 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
WildernessSportsSociety & CultureDocumentary

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Artwork for The Ground Up Podcast

Latest Episodes

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 ... more

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 ... more

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 ne... more

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 l... more

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Recent Guests

Wilson Cutbirth
Rigger by trade and first ascensionist, ground-up big-wall climber
Southern Utah climber/rigger
Episode: 33: Big Wall Chronicles with Wilson Cutbirth
Andrew Leich
Local West Virginia climber, first ascensionist, guidebook author
West Virginia climbing community
Episode: 32: Andrew Leich - Rattlesnake Redemption
Mike Reardon
Executive Director of the Carolina Climbers Coalition
Carolina Climbers Coalition
Episode: 31: Resurrecting Ghost Town with Mike Reardon & the CCC
Kathy Karlo
Executive Director of the No Man's Land Film Festival, Southeast trad climber
No Man's Land Film Festival
Episode: 30: Kathy Karlo - No Man's Land
Tal Wanish
Climber and under the radar route developer
Episode: 29: Welcome to Wonderland - New Age Development with Tal Wanish
Nadya Vorotnikova
Record holder for the women's points at Horseshoe Hell 2024
Episode: Ground Up 28: Record-Setting Do's and Don'ts of Horseshoe Hell with Nadya Vorotnikova & Sean Vallefuoco
Sean Vallefuoco
Climbing partner of Nadya Vorotnikova at Horseshoe Hell 2024
Episode: Ground Up 28: Record-Setting Do's and Don'ts of Horseshoe Hell with Nadya Vorotnikova & Sean Vallefuoco
Dick Dower
A veteran climber and competitor at every Horseshoe Hell since its inception.
Episode: Ground Up 27: 24HHH Veterans Leather & Lace
Natalie Dower
A veteran climber and competitor at every Horseshoe Hell since its inception.
Episode: Ground Up 27: 24HHH Veterans Leather & Lace

Hosts

Robert
Co-host of the show who engages with guests in discussions about climbing culture and personal journeys in the sport.
Ari
Co-host known for his in-depth interviews with climbing legends, sharing their stories and insights.

Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars from 98 ratings
  • 🤌

    A truly great podcast! Keep it up!!!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    3rt7899877
    United Statesa year ago
  • God

    Enjoy the content. Consider leveling out the dynamics for better listening experience.

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    DanielParkerson
    United States2 years ago
  • Great Podcast with Mike Palmer

    Your inaugural episode with Michael Palmer was epic! I heard of his first Yosemite Half Dome climb over a camp fire in the Minnesota BWCA wilderness. He is definitely a stud! Still can’t believe he was up for 40+ hours and still got to class at Cal Poly. Awesome to know that he is still at it in NC now.

    Keep up the good work with the podcast - you guys are rock stars 🪨⭐️!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Teddy Helberg
    United States2 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Some feedback suggests that the audio quality could be improved for a better listening experience.
The dynamic between the hosts is often highlighted, as it contributes to a lively and relatable atmosphere.
Listeners appreciate the engaging and authentic conversations with guests who share inspiring climbing stories.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#183
Italy/Sports/Wilderness
Apple Podcasts
#44
Taiwan/Sports/Wilderness
Apple Podcasts
#195
Belgium/Sports/Wilderness

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

33: Big Wall Chronicles with Wilson Cutbirth
Q: What drew you to the winds and the big-wall Traverse mindset?
The guest describes a fascination with big adventures from the start, the pull to climb large walls, and the appeal of ground-up routes that test every skill from logistics to free climbing, while seeking continuous new challenges.
Ground Up 26: Dream Destinations with the Climbing Backpackers
Q: What do typical accommodations look like during your travels?
Accommodations varied, often found locally via word of mouth and sometimes quite basic, but they were generally clean.
Ground Up 26: Dream Destinations with the Climbing Backpackers
Q: What food was a staple for you while traveling?
Typical meals looked like chicken and rice and vegetables, focusing on quantity over quality while staying within budget.
Ground Up 23: Breaking Barriers in the Valley with Kate Kelleghan and Laura Pineau
Q: How did their partnership contribute to their success?
Laura explained how they relied on each other's strengths and kept each other's spirits high, especially during the grueling final sections of their climb.
Ground Up 23: Breaking Barriers in the Valley with Kate Kelleghan and Laura Pineau
Q: What were some of the unique challenges faced during the ascent?
Kate discussed the unpredictability of weather and the physical toll of climbing non-stop for hours, including how they managed dehydration and fatigue.

Audience Metrics

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Frequently Asked Questions About The Ground Up Podcast

What is The Ground Up Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

This podcast showcases personal stories and insights from the climbing community, featuring a variety of guests who range from local legends to rising stars. Episodes often focus on unique climbing challenges, experiences in various climbing locations, and the camaraderie found within the climbing culture. Themes include personal achievements, the emotional and physical aspects of climbing, and the importance of mentorship and community support. What sets this podcast apart is its emphasis on both the technical side of climbing and the heartfelt narratives that illustrate the journey of climbers through their challenges and triumphs.

Where can I find podcast stats for The Ground Up Podcast?

Rephonic provides a wide range of podcast stats for The Ground Up Podcast. We scanned the web and collated all of the information that we could find in our comprehensive podcast database. See how many people listen to The Ground Up Podcast and access YouTube viewership numbers, download stats, audience demographics, chart rankings, ratings, reviews and more.

How many listeners does The Ground Up Podcast get?

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How many subscribers and views does The Ground Up Podcast have?

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Which podcasts are similar to The Ground Up Podcast?

These podcasts share a similar audience with The Ground Up Podcast:

1. The RunOut Podcast
2. The Enormocast: the climbing podcast
3. The Struggle Climbing Show
4. Climbing Gold
5. The Testpiece Podcast

How many episodes of The Ground Up Podcast are there?

The Ground Up Podcast launched 2 years ago and published 36 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact The Ground Up Podcast?

Our systems regularly scour the web to find email addresses and social media links for this podcast. We scanned the web and collated all of the contact information that we could find in our podcast database. But in the unlikely event that you can't find what you're looking for, our concierge service lets you request our research team to source better contacts for you.

Where can I see ratings and reviews for The Ground Up Podcast?

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What guests have appeared on The Ground Up Podcast?

Recent guests on The Ground Up Podcast include:

1. Wilson Cutbirth
2. Andrew Leich
3. Mike Reardon
4. Kathy Karlo
5. Tal Wanish
6. Nadya Vorotnikova
7. Sean Vallefuoco
8. Dick Dower

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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