The Average Climber Podcast
Episodes
A call for questions - help us help you đź’›
02 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Many of the concepts we taught you this season are best learned by example. And who better to provide us with examples than, well, you? If you have ...
Ep. 8: Supplement Speed Dating
26 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Who's a major hottie and who's not all they're cracked up to be? From sleep and recovery to short-term energy support, we're taking you on a few speed...
Ep 7: Consistency's Best Friend
19 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
If you want to consistency to be your long-time friend, you'll need to become BFFs with this girl as well. So pop this episode into your ears - you're...
Ep. 6: How to make work capacity work for you
12 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The ultimate performance marker of energized climbers: work capacity. From what it means, how to build it, and how to know if you need more of it -...
Ep 5: How to get off the energy rollercoaster
05 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
If your nutrition looks good on paper but you're still feeling "blah" - this episode is for you. We're digging into why "eating enough" doesn't alw...
Ep 4: The top 10 ways you're wasting energy on the wall
26 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Let's get technical AND tactical - this week we're breaking down the most common ways climbers waste energy on the wall. From footwork faux pas to tac...
Ep. 3: The top 10 ways climbers sabotage their recovery
19 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
You don't get better at climbing while you train - you get better when you leave the gym and start recovering. However, it's possible that your recove...
Ep. 2: Why your mind is tiring your body
12 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Ever heard someone say "you thoughts become your actions"? Well this week we're bringing you the research to back that up. Episode 2 is all about t...
How to Be and Energized Climber Episode 1: Are you energized?
05 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to episode 1 of the first ever FULL SEASON of The Average Climber Podcast. This season we have one simple goal in mind: helping you become the...
ANNOUCEMENT: How to be an Energized Climber [NEW PODCAST SEASON!]
30 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
WE'RE BA-AAAACK. And doing something we've never done before: The first ever SEASON of The Average Climber Podcast. For our inaugural voyage into...
Signing Off for Our Holiday Deload
04 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to the one episode of the year where we officially prescribe doing less. Join us for a very Average year-in-review, complete with triumphs, wh...
Top Three Holiday Nutrition Tips
20 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What if your holiday season was free of nutrition drama? That's what we want for you, so we're bringing you our top tips on nutrition - holiday season...
Ep 85: Ski Training 101 with Coach Shannon Smith
13 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Yep. You read that right - we're covering SKI TRAINING on this week's episode. Because we know that for some of you, part of being an average climber ...
Top 3 Holiday Training Tips
06 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
For many climbers - the holiday season means more on our plates. More gatherings, more to-dos, more hosting, perhaps more tough feelings, and less t...
Ep. 84: The Rules you Can Break in your Training and Nutrition
30 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Rules can make decisions easier. Rules can keep you safe. But rules can also be so rigid that you leave progress on the table. In this episode we're s...
Four Signs it's Time to Pivot
23 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If climbing has been feeling a like a box cheez-its that have been in the pantry too long - this episode is for you. Because having a stale relationsh...
Ep 83: All things granite with Kris Hampton, "granite is a rental car"
16 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Granite has shaped climbing history — from Yosemite to crags around the world. In this episode, we’re joined by coach Kris Hampton of the Power Co...
Stop Bonking: Using Micro-fueling for Steady Energy
09 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If eating a whole meal at the crag isn't your style, or you feel like energy during big climbing sessions really starts to slip, then you need to list...
Ep 82: How to Solo Boulder Outside with Chelsea Murn
02 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Chelsea Murn is no stranger to solo bouldering. In fact, she was alone in the woods for many of the hardest boulders she's ever done (and she's racked...
CASE STUDY: Climbing V9 through Chronic Illness
25 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We've got a NEW episode style for you - case studies! Where we talk about real clients making real progress. This week we're talking about Caitlin's c...
ep 81. Weekend Warrior Survival Guide - part 2.
18 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to part 2 of the weekend warrior survival guide. We're bringing you more nutrition planning tips that will blow your mind AND discussing the t...
Setting Outdoor Climbing Goals (No Grade Chasing Required)
11 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
You don't have to have a mega-proj and break into a new grade every season. You can have different goals. You can have goals for your nutrition. In th...
ep. 80: The Weekend Warrior's Survival Guide - part 1
04 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
THE BITCHES ARE BACK. 🎉 We are so excited to kick off September with you - and we know you've got crunchy leaves and crispy temps on the brain. It...
SENDTEMBER EP 4: "Hold the rope"
31 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
🚨 SPECIAL RELEASE 🚨 LAUREN HERE: Last September I created a limited release podcast that only went out to about 100 people. I got a lot of gre...
SENDTEMBER EP 3: "He'll start at his shoe for an hour"
24 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
🚨 SPECIAL RELEASE 🚨 LAUREN HERE: Last September I created a limited release podcast that only went out to about 100 people. I got a lot of gre...
SENDTEMBER EP 2: "Do not hang your heads"
17 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
🚨 SPECIAL RELEASE 🚨 LAUREN HERE: Last September I created a limited release podcast that only went out to about 100 people. I got a lot of gre...
SENDTEMBER EP 1: What it takes to win a game
10 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
🚨 SPECIAL RELEASE 🚨 LAUREN HERE: Last September I created a limited release podcast that only went out to about 100 people. I got a lot of gre...
Sends and Suffers: Ep 85 Coaching Youth Insights and Experience Sharing with Mario Stanley and Dru Stulb
03 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We're on break but that doesn't mean we don't have things we want to share with you. This week we're highlighting a fellow PlugToner, Mario Stanley. ...
SUMMER BREAK + CREW ANNOUNCEMENT
26 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We're taking a break! See you back here in August! EPISODE TOPIC REQUEST FORM https://forms.gle/GAinnha1sG8EveUB9 Â LEARN MORE ABOUT THE CREW www.g...
Battling the pump, combining physical and mental training
12 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
"If I train my endurance enough, I'll never get pumped and I'll never fall" If that's the way you're approaching your endurance training, this episo...
ep 79: SIX KILLER TIPS, how we've changed our minds about habit formation, behavior change and goal setting
05 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Want to eat better? You have to change your behavior. Follow a training plan? Gotta change your behavior. Stick to a stretching routine? You guessed i...
What Climbers get wrong about core training with Evan Ingerson DPT
22 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Evan Ingerson is back and this time we're tackling CORE TRAINING FOR CLIMBERS. Get the perspective of a physical therapist (Evan) and a coach (Lau...
Ep 78: Should you climb with pain? How to do it and when to get help with DPT Evan Ingerson
15 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Should you take a week off or keep climbing on that tweaky finger? If a move makes your shoulder hurt a LOT but it feels fine 5 minutes later, what do...
How to rescue an off-track afternoon (and still get your training done)
08 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you're someone who trains in the evenings after a long day of work - we see you, we feel you, and we know that some afternoons get totally off tra...
Ep 77: Trail Running Race Week - how Caitlin got Lauren ready and fueled for her 16 mile trail race
01 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This episode features some b roll that we recorded for the hell of it. For those of you looking for some nutrition help when you're thinking about big...
Fontainebleau, France: Caitlin’s trip reflection and travel tips
24 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ever wondered what it's like to boulder in France? What if your rest days could be a day trip to Paris? In this episode Caitlin is giving us all the d...
Ep 76: Should you change your beta or try harder? 6 tips to help you decide
17 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
With the limitless options for how you can climb something, it's understandable that you might be looking over your shoulder every now and again for b...
Our Top 10 Favorite Outdoor Snacks
10 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this snack break, we're talking about - you guessed it: SNACKS. Our top 10 favorite snacks to eat outside and why. If you're looking for some inspo...
Q&A: fall practice on "easy mode", burnout, the deal with caloric deficits, short but effective route sessions, pain with board climbing and more!
03 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today we have a big, bad listener Q&A episode covering topics like: - how to start from square one when it comes to fear management - what to do ...
SOS! What to do about muscle soreness
27 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you feel as stiff as a board and it sucks to walk down the stairs, we need to talk. In this episode we're tackling the topic of delayed onset muscl...
Ep 75: Which one are you missing? Introducing the Forgotten Five
20 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Should we be sharing Lauren's signature coaching framework on air for all to hear? Top chefs would tell us to keep the secret recipe under-wraps. But,...
Three nutrition skills every climber needs
13 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If we could wave a magic wand and give every climber three nutrition skills - this is what we'd pick. Tune in to hear all about them. Do you have thes...
Ep 74: "How will my body change when I upgrade my training and nutrition?"
06 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
When you start training - you expect to see shifts in the weights you can lift, what edge you can hang on, and the amount that you can climb. Maybe yo...
Make stretching a habit with these 5 tips
27 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In terms of things climbers say they "should" be doing - mobility work is top of mind. If you've been pondering becoming someone who stretches regular...
Ep 73: The top 6 hardest pills to swallow in your climbing and nutrition
20 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We don't want to ruffle your feathers, but we do want you to get better at climbing, improve your nutrition, and have an enjoyable time while you do i...
Reviewing a Chat GPT Climbing Nutrition Plan
13 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you ask Chat GPT for nutrition advice - will you get the guidance you need? Or are you entering the danger zone. This week, Caitlin is reviewing a ...
Ep 72: How to eat the rainbow (and why you should)
07 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Everyone loves to talk about macros - so we decided it was high time the micronutrients get some love. In this episode we're teaching you about the co...
ChatGPT: Write Me a Training Plan
30 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week we decided to figure out if Lauren is going to be out of a job soon. We asked Chat GPT to write us a training program - specifically focusin...
Ep 71: Finding the right partners, and building a community you want to be a part of
28 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
During our holiday hiatus - we got a question that really stuck out to us. "It feels like my climbing partners don't always fit with the way I want to...
Caitlin's Big Reveal: Authenticity in a Social Media World
16 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Lauren here. I'm writing a special note about my dear friend and co-host, Caitlin. I'm so proud to call this woman my friend and I am THRILLED for the...
Ep 70: Audience Q&A, slab climbing, saturated fats, preventing elbow tendinitis + more!
09 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ask and you shall receive. In this episode we're answering questions submitted by climbers just like you. We're talking.... 👉🏻 what to do if yo...
HOLIDAY HIATUS: "We've got good news and bad news "
10 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We're taking a little break, but don't worry - we'll be back on January 9th. In the meantime, make sure to fill out this short survey and let us know...
Ep 69: Our top 6 training + nutrition tips for indoor focused climbers
05 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This is one of the MOST requested episode topics and we are finally getting it done: an episode specifically for the indoor focused climber. Whether y...
Three quick tips for climbing video review
28 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ever look at videos of yourself climbing and feel unsure about what to do with it? Whether you're trying to figure out why you keep falling on a cert...
Ep 68: The top 10 things our most successful clients do
21 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
With a combination of 9+ years of working with clients, we've seen a thing or two. In this episode we're sharing the top 10 things our most successful...
Three signs your gut needs some TLC
14 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
If weird stomach aches and other gastro issues have you down, this episode is a must-listen. We're talking you through the top three signs that your g...
Ep 67: What is maintenance and how do you do it? in training AND nutrition
07 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
As we head into the holiday season, you might be feeling the pressure. Family gatherings, travel, putting lights on the house - you name it. For many ...
Halloween: Fact or Fiction?
31 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode we're discussing the truth around some common Halloween candy tropes, and Caitlin has to weigh in on if she thinks it's fact or fictio...
Ep 66: What you THINK is your problem vs. what actually is
24 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This episode is all about misconceptions in training and nutrition. We're giving you the top 10 things climbers assume they're struggling with (and wh...
Three ways to strengthen your immune system this fall (with food!)
23 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Cold and flu season are upon us. And you know what will stop you from crushing faster than anything else? GETTING SICK. It sucks. So this week we're b...
Ep 65: The three types of outdoor climber: their struggles + what they need to work on
15 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What type of outdoor climber are you? You're about to find out. In this episode we're discussing the three ways that climbers most commonly interact ...
Sendtember Podcast Ep 1: "what it takes to win a game"
03 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to episode 1 of the Sendtember Podcast. We're kicking off this 4 part series with the foundations of 5.12 climbing. We discuss - physical me...
Ep 64: The difference between running + climbing nutrition, pre-race fueling
26 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
If you're a climber who likes running, this one is for you. Pull up to learn about the differences between nutrition for running and climbing, and com...
Three Send-tember Nutrition Reminders
19 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
As we move into the fall climbing season, you might notice that a few of your outdoor skills are a little rusty. And we bet you're forgetting about th...
Ep 63: The Atomic Elements of Climbing Movement with Kris Hampton
12 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The way we've all been learned about climbing movement feels a little bit like the way you earn badges in the Girl Scouts. You learn a new trick here,...
Using gamification to improve your outdoor climbing
05 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What if you could take what you love about board games... and apply that to your outdoor climbing? In this episode we're teaching you how to gamify yo...
Ep 62: 8 negative thought patterns that are stifling your training progress
22 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
You know that rude voice in your head that talks shit about you sometimes? Yeah, us too. So in this episode, we're guiding you through eight common th...
How to train in a "quirky" climbing gym.
15 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
"Quirky" (read: kinda bad). Every gym can't be a perfect, peaceful training oasis. Sometimes you have to work with what you have - so in this week's e...
Body Composition for Climbers, Caitlin's feature on the Power Company Climbing Podcast
08 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week we're digging into the archives and sharing Caitlin's interview on the Power Company Podcast. Caitlin and Kris discuss:Â Why changing body ...
How to stress-proof your climbing trip, what Caitlin learned in Lander, WY
01 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We've been on quite a few climbing trips in our day and we've experienced the good, the bad, and the ugly. There's been drama, illness, tents getting ...
Ep 61: Should you count calories? Pros, cons and our thoughts on intuitive eating
25 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The phrase "calories in, calories out" gets tossed around like a hacky sack at springtime on a college campus. But is it really that simple? Or is the...
How to do a Sunday training reset, "Planning is HOT"
18 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we're taking you through the process that Lauren uses each week to plan her training and the methods she uses with her athletes as wel...
Ep 60: How to crush at being a short climber with Juliet Hammer, CSCS
11 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Is being a short climber harder? Or are short climbers making it up? This week, we're joined by special guest Juliet Hammer, CSCS to discuss all that ...
Three tips that will change the way you climb slopers
27 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
If you've ever made a self deprecating joke about how you try to full crimp slopers, this episode is for you. Sloper tip video www.loom.com/share/a...
Ep 59: Mastering the art of crag snacking, nutrient timing for outdoor climbing
20 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The way you eat can make or break your outdoor climbing day. In this episode, we're explaining the nutrition strategies that will help you have high e...
How to bust the V4 Plateau
13 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
If you've ever thought to yourself, "damn it feels like I can climb all the V3s in my gym SO FAST, but as soon as I step up to a V4 or V5 I can't even...
Episode 58: Is salt bad for you? "tasty, magic crystals"
30 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
"That has way too much sodium!" "Can you believe how much salt is in that?" If you've ever been to a family gathering in America, you know that SOMEO...
SB: the problem with "earning" your food ft. Caitlin making enemies
23 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Caitlin goes to war with a yoga studio and the girls discuss why she did it.  MEGA BETA BAG: www.getmegabeta.com RESOURCES: Sign up for the F...
BONUS: What does a climbing coach do [behind the scenes]
18 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
BONUS TIME. Whether you're a coach looking for some pointers or an athlete who's curious about what it looks like to work with a professional coach, t...
Ep 57: Good vs. great training and nutrition, "from 'meh' to kickass!"
16 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The great news about pursuing excellence in your training and nutrition? "Great" doesn't have to mean complicated or time consuming. If you're ready...
SB: Top 3 time management pitfalls of busy climbers
09 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Having an awesome training program to follow is great, but you won't get much in the way of results if you don't actually do it. And that's where time...
Training Q&A: tackling fear on lead, comp style climbing, and balancing multiple hobbies
08 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Answering YOUR listener questions. We're covering - a quick + dirty strategy to work through a fear of lead climbing - ramping back into climbing post...
Ep 55: What climbers get wrong about power
08 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Power is one of the most misunderstood training concepts in climbing. And in this episode we're breaking down - the movement skills climbers confuse f...
Ep 56: What to do when you aren't improving, "use facts not vibes"
02 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we're covering - the difference between FEELING like you're plateaued and actually being in one - the low hanging fruit you might be m...
Nutrition Q&A: Collagen, Creatine, and How long to "bulk"
11 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We love serving up answers to your questions, so tune in for some listener nutrition Q&A. In this episode, we discuss: - the truth about collagen ...
Ep 54: Does your nutrition approach feel fuzzy? "It's time for a vibe check"
04 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
For something as simple as eating, the amount of conflicting (and scientifically unfounded) advice out there is astounding. In a quick Google search, ...
SNACK BREAK: How to *actually* help your friend who just started climbing
28 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
If you have a friend who just started climbing, you probably want to help them out. You want to give them pointers and teach them what you wish you'd ...
Episode 53: Know the difference between sports nutrition and basic nutrition, “carbs are king”
21 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Food is food, right? Sure. But before you go jumping into drinking tart cherry juice and dry scooping creatine - let's make sure you have your base nu...
SNACK BREAK: Eat the rainbow! Our top three tips for eating more veggies
14 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We all know that veggies are good for you, and that eating enough of them is important for your health and wellbeing. So why is it so hard to eat eno...
Episode 52: Overtraining vs. Under-recovering and physical therapy red flags, "not just a shark" with Dr. Parker Farabee
07 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Parker Farabee is a man of many talents - climbing, ultra-running, and being a kick-ass physical therapist, specializing in outdoor athletes as we...
SNACK BREAK: How to deal with bad body image days
22 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
No matter how many self love affirmation meditations you do, there are probably going to be days where you feel less than amazing about the way your b...
Episode 51: Six things to look for in a climbing partner + unbelievable venmo requests + listener submitted pet peeves
15 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It's February and love is in the air - and what better time to talk about the most sacred of our relationships: our climbing partnerships. In this ep...
SNACK BREAK: How to keep your nutrition goals alive
08 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It's February - which means we're about a month into whatever goal, resolution, or habit you've been trying to pursue since January first. And the que...
Episode 50: Using pain to heal, highball bouldering, ego climbing, and dealing with fear. “Don’t tell my mom about this” with Dr. Davis Ngo
01 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we're doing a tell-all with Dr. Davis Ngo, AKA Rehab Daddy. Maybe you know him from his hysterical climbing reels. Perhaps you've seen...
SNACK BREAK: Sneaky strategies for doing big moves (that you can start using RIGHT NOW)
25 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
When the hold feels impossibly far away, or when you keep tapping a hold, but you can't seem to latch it... You just need to try harder, right? Mayb...
Episode 49: training with your humanity in mind and coaching comprehensively, “more than a jiffy” with Dr. Lara Pence
18 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Whether you're a coach who works with climbers, or you're an athlete looking to be a more compassionate self-coach, this episode is a must-listen. We'...
SNACK BREAK: Mastering High Feet + Pistol Squat Moves
11 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Do you hate those scrunchy moves where your knee is in your face? Do those pistol squatty moves make you cringe? Well then this this episode is a must...
Episode 48: How to plan a year of climbing (without getting overwhelmed)
04 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Whether you're a "spreadsheet person", or planning gives you the ICK, there's value in having a plan - even if you don't exactly follow it. In this ep...
SNACK BREAK: Your essential year-end nutrition reflection
28 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
A major AH-HA! moment is just a few questions away when with this guided nutrition reflection. So before you go diving into 2024, take a step back and...
Episode 47: ”Merry Witchmas! Get your Yule log ready!”, what we want you to let go of in the new year
21 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today we're bringing you some history on the tradition of yule logs - any tying it into your climbing and nutrition goals for the new year. You can al...