Inner Fire Climbing Podcast

Hilary Sherman is scientist, climbing advocate, and local legend in the Northeast climbing scene.  Over a decade ago, she suffered a life changing injury while climbing. On today's episode, Hilary shares her story of resilience and her return to climbing at her peak form.

Thanks patrons for the questions this month! 
Become a patron: https://www.patreon.com/innerfireclimbing
0:02:50 - Cian - What makes a good guidebook?0:09:05 - Daniel - Process for setting problems for oneself on a board0:13:30 - Jantina - Thoughts on Janja's ascent of Bibliographie?0:19:05 - Daniel - Best mobility exercises?0:25:30 - Anthony - Would you move a boulder to make a problem harder? (hypothetical)0:31:05 - Jishnu - How should weekend warriors think about in season training?0:35:35 - Cameron - Do you need to train off the wall to progress as a climber?0:40:00 - Sam - How does climbing progress when we reward people for following similar paths? 

Andy McVittie is a physiotherapist and climbing coach based in the UK. He is currently working towards building research-based guidelines for youth athletic development. On this episode, we talk about his personal climbing journey of over 30 years, what youth climbing needs right now, and pursuing fulfillment as a climber.

Thanks patrons for the questions this month! 
Become a patron: https://www.patreon.com/innerfireclimbing
0:01:41 - Anthony - Balancing outdoor climbing with training
0:07:40 - Rob - Pacing, breathing, and mantras
0:13:25 - Cian - How different grading systems affect peoples' conceptions of their climbing
0:18:33 - Jantina - How often to chalk up
0:22:10 - Steven - Finding partners
0:27:18 - Instagram Q - Keeping stoke while injured
0:29:30 - Instagram Q - How has coaching changed my views on climbing
0:31:40 - Instagram Q - Is visualization necessary for limit climbing?

Henry Davis is a professional routesetter and coach based in Austin, TX. He coached and set for Team Texas, set for multiple training centers, and is one of the founders of the future climbing gym, The Workshop. On this episode, we talk about route setting, comp climbing, paths to skill development, and much more. 

Thanks patrons for the questions this month! 
Become a patron: https://www.patreon.com/innerfireclimbing
0:01:30 Ethan – Strength and finger training after an outdoor session
0:05:05 Josh – Improving high step ability and hip mobility
0:09:50 Jantina – Utility of off-the-wall balance exercises
0:13:05 Sam – Responsibility in developing climbing areas
0:19:25 Foo – What is “good form”?
0:22:50 Cian – Helmet when bouldering
0:25:20 Matthew – When to go for send attempts
0:31:00 Brian – Brushing ethics
0:36:15 Anthony – Crag dog etiquette

Karly Rager is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), an AMGA Single Pitch Instructor (SPI), and has over 13 years of climbing experience. Karly is the founder and head coach for Project Direct Coaching. On this episode, we talk about her multi-pitch first ascent in Mexico, her strategies for hard projecting, her coaching focus, and much more.

Dr. Juliana Merighi is a Doctor of Physical Therapy, a Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist, and a Board Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. She offers a pelvic physical therapy and orthopedic physical therapy based in Golden, Colorado and remotely as well. On this episode of the podcast, we cover everything at the intersection of climbing, pregnancy, and pelvic floor health.
Citations:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10831648/ (diastasis and core function)https://csep.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/CSEP-PATH_GAQ_PP_Guidelines.pdf (questionnaire for return to exercise postpartum)https://journals.lww.com/acsm-msse/abstract/9900/high_load_resistance_training_in_the_first.999.aspx (high load resistance training in 1st trimester)https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40551058/ (elite climbers during pregnancy)https://www.flowstateclimbing.com/ (contact me!)

Thanks patrons for the questions this month! 
Become a patron: https://www.patreon.com/innerfireclimbing
00:01:02 Anthony - Managing fatigue / autoregulation with self-coaching
00:05:49 Josh - Body recomp
00:09:08 Greg - How to progress on the Moonboard
00:11:55 Instagram - Questions about boulder development
00:17:08 Marcel - V10-12 compression demands analysis
00:25:36 Angel - Deadlift alternatives 
00:28:25 Jantina - Why don't pros wear helmets?
00:33:31 Cian - Strategies I employed on my bouldering trip with an infant

Rocco Bocchicchio is one of the OG developers of Joe's Valley and has been climbing for 28 years. He has spent much of his climbing career on the road and is currently based near Joe's where he continues to develop boulders and also crafts handmade wooden climbing holds. In this episode, Rocco shares his wisdom on a huge range of topics, from personal ethics to the evolution of bouldering and aging as a climber.