EP 250: Beth Rodden
November 25, 2024
Photo by Ryan Moon
Beth Rodden is one of the best female rock climbers of all time. We talked about her kidnapping in Kyrgyzstan, facing backlash after her divorce, reflections on her climbing career, her history with Magic Line, disconnecting self-worth from achievement, the unwinnable game of climbing, personal evolution, why she loves human stories, and much more. Her new book, A Light Through the Cracks: A Climber’s Story is available now.
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Show Notes:
Related Podcast Episodes:
Beth’s Favorite Memoirs:
Carry On, Warrior by Glennon Doyle
It's Not About the Bike by Lance Armstrong
Buy Beth’s Book:
Beth’s Links:
Nuggets:
00:00:00 – Intro
00:00:54 – Injuries
00:03:28 – Writing her book
00:08:14 – Excavating memories
00:11:05 – Coming around to therapy
00:13:59 – Living in fear
00:16:13 – Kyrgyzstan
00:21:45 – More excavation & therapy
00:27:06 – Putting the book together
00:28:29 – A shared experience
00:37:45 – Being honest
00:44:03 – Not reading Tommy’s book
00:47:39 – Facing backlash
00:56:11 – Reductionism
01:00:55 – Family trips with the Caldwells
01:05:24 – Reflecting on her climbing career
01:10:48 – Magic Line
01:18:53 – Self-worth, achievement, & change
01:29:49 – An unwinnable game
01:36:30 – Evolution & human stories
01:40:18 – Favorite memoirs
01:44:28 – The next level down
01:46:42 – Feedback & criticism
01:51:27 – Her feelings about her book
01:54:10 – Where to buy Beth’s book
01:55:14 – Wrap up & EXTRA teaser