The Nugget Climbing Podcast
EP 121: Carol Simpson — Being a Girl in the South in the 1950s, Yoga as the Fountain of Youth, and Ageism in Climbing
06 Jun 2022
Carol Simpson is a 77-year-old rock climber and yoga instructor from Lone Pine, CA. We talked about growing up in the South in the 1950s, identifying as a “tomboy”, feeling pressure to be feminine as a teenager, embracing athletics in her 30s, discovering climbing at age 42, sending her first 5.12a at age 53, yoga as the fountain of youth, and ageism in climbing. *I loved this conversation. If you enjoy exploring different perspectives from your own, and hearing about others’ lived experiences, don’t skip this episode.Check out Athletic Greens!athleticgreens.com/NUGGETUse this link to get a free year supply of vitamin D + 5 travel packs!Check out Crimpd!crimpd.comOr download the Crimpd app! (Available for iOS and Android)Check out PhysiVantage!physivantage.com (link includes 15% off coupon)Use code "NUGGET15" at checkout for 15% off your next order!We are supported by these amazing BIG GIVERS:Leo Franchi, Michael Roy, David Lahaie, Robert Freehill, Jeremiah Johnson, Scott Donahue, Eli Conlee, Skyler Maxwell, and Craig LeeBecome a Patron:patreon.com/thenuggetclimbingShow Notes: thenuggetclimbing.com/episodes/carol-simpsonNuggets:0:06:50 – A day in the life of Carol Simpson, and her home in Lone Pine0:10:27 – Moving from Vegas to Lone Pine, having different chapters in our lives, and becoming apathetic about the beauty around you0:13:23 – Being born in 19440:14:43 – Growing up in the South in the 50s as a “tomboy”, and feeling pressure to be more traditionally feminine0:19:28 – Being raised to believe that women get married and have kids, and finding feminism0:22:08 – Our adult life begins at 300:23:46 – Not being able to get a loan for a car without a man to sign for the loan0:25:11 – Going back to school in her 30s with two kids, and starting to play tennis and running and trying other sports0:30:30 – More about being a teenager in the 50s and 60s0:32:58 – How the culture continues to change for women, and Carol’s daughters and granddaughters0:37:45 – Discovering climbing at age 42, and how climbing completely changed her life0:42:31 – Hitting the road to climb in her 40s, and early climbing training books0:46:00 – Art, studying interior design in college, and working in the big city0:52:04 – Scrambling a 4th class route, and getting a hard time for being a mountain goat0:56:04 – John0:59:58 – The book Lying by Sam Harriss, being honest with your partner, and some of Carol’s favorite climbing trips1:04:25 – How Carol and John navigate their political differences1:10:03 – What Carol appreciates most about John1:12:39 – “You can’t get off of the bus.” - Mark Twight1:16:36 – Redpoint climbing shop near Smith Rock, and redpointing Latin Lover 5.12a at age 531:24:29 – Question from Taylor: What are the things when it comes to aging as an athlete that people don’t think about?1:31:22 – Practicing yoga since 19681:34:26 – Carol’s current yoga practice, and the yin and the yang1:39:38 – The time commitment to see improvement through yoga, and taking care of your health1:44:35 – Working with Chris Heilman, and expanding her comfort zone1:53:59 – How Carol keeps her wits sharp, and how to remember names1:58:40 – 80% of life is showing up2:01:32 – Ageism, and showing respect for our elders2:08:59 – No limits
No persons identified in this episode.
This episode hasn't been transcribed yet
Help us prioritize this episode for transcription by upvoting it.
Popular episodes get transcribed faster
Other recent transcribed episodes
Transcribed and ready to explore now
Before the Crisis: How You and Your Relatives Can Prepare for Financial Caregiving
06 Dec 2025
Motley Fool Money
OpenAI's Code Red, Sacks vs New York Times, New Poverty Line?
06 Dec 2025
All-In with Chamath, Jason, Sacks & Friedberg
OpenAI's Code Red, Sacks vs New York Times, New Poverty Line?
06 Dec 2025
All-In with Chamath, Jason, Sacks & Friedberg
Anthropic Finds AI Answers with Interviewer
05 Dec 2025
The Daily AI Show
#2423 - John Cena
05 Dec 2025
The Joe Rogan Experience
Warehouse to wellness: Bob Mauch on modern pharmaceutical distribution
05 Dec 2025
McKinsey on Healthcare