EP 121: Carol Simpson
June 6, 2022
Photo by Brittany Griffith
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.
Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts
Check out other episodes with Carol:
EP 288: Carol Simpson Returns (Dec 1, 2025)
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Show Notes:
Other Related Podcasts:
Carol’s Article:
Books Mentioned:
The Women’s Room by Marilyn French
How to Climb 5.12 by Eric Horst
Performance Rock Climbing by Dale Goddard and Udo Neumann
Dr. Chris Heilman:
Carol’s Links:
Carol’s Personal Instagram (@carolsimpsonclimbing)
Carol’s Yoga Studio Instagram (@yogainthecourtyard)
Climbs Mentioned:
‘Latin Lover’ 5.12a (7a+), Smith Rock, OR
‘Toxic’ 5.11b (6c), Smith Rock, OR
‘Take a Powder’ 5.12a (7a+), Smith Rock, OR
‘Illusion Dweller’ 5.10b (6a), Joshua Tree
‘Whatley’s Revenge’ 5.11b (6c), Smith Rock, OR
‘Ring of Fire’ 5.11d (7a), Smith Rock, OR
Want a Guide at Smith Rock?
Nuggets:
0:06:50 – A day in the life of Carol Simpson, and her home in Lone Pine
0:10:27 – Moving from Vegas to Lone Pine, having different chapters in our lives, and becoming apathetic about the beauty around you
0:13:23 – Being born in 1944
0:14:43 – Growing up in the South in the 50s as a “tomboy”, and feeling pressure to be more traditionally feminine
0:19:28 – Being raised to believe that women get married and have kids, and finding feminism
0:22:08 – Our adult life begins at 30
0:23:46 – Not being able to get a loan for a car without a man to sign for the loan
0:25:11 – Going back to school in her 30s with two kids, and starting to play tennis and running and trying other sports
0:30:30 – More about being a teenager in the 50s and 60s
0:32:58 – How the culture continues to change for women, and Carol’s daughters and granddaughters
0:37:45 – Discovering climbing at age 42, and how climbing completely changed her life
0:42:31 – Hitting the road to climb in her 40s, and early climbing training books
0:46:00 – Art, studying interior design in college, and working in the big city
0:52:04 – Scrambling a 4th class route, and getting a hard time for being a mountain goat
0:56:04 – John
0:59:58 – The book Lying by Sam Harriss, being honest with your partner, and some of Carol’s favorite climbing trips
1:04:25 – How Carol and John navigate their political differences
1:10:03 – What Carol appreciates most about John
1:12:39 – “You can’t get off of the bus.” - Mark Twight
1:16:36 – Redpoint climbing shop near Smith Rock, and redpointing Latin Lover 5.12a at age 53
1:24:29 – 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 1968
1:34:26 – Carol’s current yoga practice, and the yin and the yang
1:39:38 – The time commitment to see improvement through yoga, and taking care of your health
1:44:35 – Working with Chris Heilman, and expanding her comfort zone
1:53:59 – How Carol keeps her wits sharp, and how to remember names
1:58:40 – 80% of life is showing up
2:01:32 – Ageism, and showing respect for our elders
2:08:59 – No limits