First Ascent Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

We’ll be taking a break from the podcast for the holidays, but in the meantime, enjoy this special compilation episode celebrating all of the amazing guests who have joined us on First Ascent since the reboot. 

Thank you so much for supporting the show, especially as I’ve navigated a reboot after we all lost Lee. Have a wonderful holiday season, and enjoy this best of episode! 

If you’re in need of more First Ascent throughout the holidays, now is an amazing time to join the First Ascent Patreon! For $5, $7 or $10 a month, you’ll get access to wide ranging bonus content from greats like Mark Hudon, Scott Stevenson and dozens more. Plus you’ll get a Discord chat, exclusive beta, route info, and more. Check it out here:  https://www.patreon.com/FirstAscentPodcast

Do you have a listener question or a topic idea? Let us know at @firstascentpod on Instagram! Jay can be found at @jayknower. 

Disclaimer: 

The information expressed in this episode is for entertainment purposes only, and is not intended as, nor should it be interpreted as, informational or instructional.

Devil’s Lake crushers Kenz Hack and Garrett Hopkins join the show today to shine a light on the fantastic climbing community that has popped up at the Lake in recent years. 

You’ll hear about the new zine Dirtbag the Lake, Kenz’s approach to climbing photography, how the current Devil’s Lake climbing community has grown and changed since Jay’s time, plus some awesome climbing tales from Devil’s Lake and beyond. 

Visit www.Kenzhackcreative.com to get your copy of the Dirtbag the Lake zine

Follow Kenz, Garrett and Crimpers of the Purple Wave on Instagram 

Join us over on the First Ascent Patreon. For $5, $7 or $10 a month, you’ll get access to wide ranging bonus content from greats like Mark Hudon, Scott Stevenson and many more. Plus you’ll get a Discord chat, exclusive beta, route info, and more. Check it out here:  https://www.patreon.com/FirstAscentPodcast

Do you have a listener question or a topic idea? Let us know at @firstascentpod on Instagram! Jay can be found at @jayknower. 

Disclaimer: 

The information expressed in this episode is for entertainment purposes only, and is not intended as, nor should it be interpreted as, informational or instructional.

New Hampshire silent crusher Franky Lapatino is on the show today to talk about the completion of his impressive project: ticking every route on the lower parking lot area at Rumney. We’ll talk about what inspired him to take on the project and Franky will share opinions of the underrated and overrated routes he ticked during the project. 

Then, Franky will talk us through how he went about projecting the crack climb 357 (aka Angel) throughout 2022. You can check out a video of his send of 357 here. 

Join us over on the First Ascent Patreon. For $5, $7 or $10 a month, you’ll get access to wide ranging bonus content from greats like Mark Hudon, Scott Stevenson and many more. Plus you’ll get a Discord chat, exclusive beta, route info, and more. Check it out here:  https://www.patreon.com/FirstAscentPodcast

Do you have a listener question or a topic idea? Let us know at @firstascentpod on Instagram! Jay can be found at @jayknower. 

Disclaimer: 

The information expressed in this episode is for entertainment purposes only, and is not intended as, nor should it be interpreted as, informational or instructional.

Our Official Science Correspondent Kathrine Hinkle joins us for the first time today for an in-depth chat about the geological history of the rocks we climb. Learn how the rock faces of New Hampshire were formed, and get her expert insight on how climate change is affecting the climbing season. Plus, Katherine also weighs in on the most  controversial First Ascent Pod topic of all - sunshirts. 

Connect with us at @firstascentpod on Instagram. 

Jay and Lee can be found at @jayknower and @xxleeweexx 

Disclaimer: 

The information expressed in this episode is for entertainment purposes only, and is not intended as, nor should it be interpreted as, informational or instructional.

Today Lee and Jay discuss link-ups and eliminates as Lee poses the question: When (if ever) are link-ups and eliminates worthy of being considered their own separate routes? 

What do you think? Let us know on Instagram at  @firstascentpod. 

Jay and Lee can be found at @jayknower and @xxleeweexx 

Disclaimer: 

The information expressed in this episode is for entertainment purposes only, and is not intended as, nor should it be interpreted as, informational or instructional.

This week Jay and Lee are joined by Pat Cooke, an avid ice climber and regular at Russell Crag during the warm months. Pat has led over 1,000 ice climbs in the last 18 years, so he has a thing or two to share about the sport, including his approach to safety and how to sustain long term enjoyment in the sport. 

Plus, hear Pat’s unvarnished opinions about Jay and Lee’s work on the lines at Russell Crag! 

Follow along with First Ascent on Instagram at  @firstascentpod. Jay and Lee can be found at 

@jayknower and @xxleeweexx 

Disclaimer: 

The information expressed in this episode is for entertainment purposes only, and is not intended as, nor should it be interpreted as, informational or instructional.

Today, Jay and Lee share their thoughts around everyone’s least favorite part of climbing - falling. It's natural to feel a little (or a lot of!) fear around falling, but by knowing how to prepare and process your risk, you can cut a bit of the anxiety and handle it in a graceful way. 

Follow along with First Ascent on Instagram at  @firstascentpod. Jay and Lee can be found at 

@jayknower and @xxleeweexx 

Disclaimer: 

The information expressed in this episode is for entertainment purposes only, and is not intended as, nor should it be interpreted as, informational or instructional.

Today Jay and Lee ask: are the right people making it to the top of the sport? And should we even think about it that way? In a world where social media prowess can heavily influence professional success, some excellent climbers are being left behind. At the same time, some average climbers with savvy social media skills are experiencing financial success beyond their skill level. The guys discuss how this has changed the climbing community as a whole. Plus, should it even matter to everyday climbers?

Follow along with First Ascent on Instagram at  @firstascentpod. Jay and Lee can be found at 

@jayknower and @xxleeweexx 

Each new route is a unique labor of love for its developer; one that takes patience, care and creativity. Today, Lee and Jay share their process for creating new routes, and lay out general things to keep in mind if you plan to develop one yourself. 

Are you interested in learning more about bolting? Check out part one: The Science of Bolting!

Follow along with First Ascent on Instagram at  @firstascentpod. Jay and Lee can be found at 

@jayknower and @xxleeweexx 

Disclaimer: 

The information expressed in this episode is for entertainment purposes only, and is not intended as, nor should it be interpreted as, informational or instructional.

Today’s episode is all about bolts. Jay and Lee share their thoughts on the ins and outs of each type of bolt, red flags to look for when using bolts out on the crag, and how to choose the right anchor for your particular situation. 

Follow along with First Ascent on Instagram at  @firstascentpod. Jay and Lee can be found at 

@jayknower and @xxleeweexx 

Disclaimer: 

The information expressed in this episode is for entertainment purposes only, and is not intended as, nor should it be interpreted as, informational or instructional.