Advertise on podcast: Climbing Business Journal Podcasts

The Impact Driver Podcast has featured routesetters who are also gym directors, competition chiefs, nonprofit founders and industry veterans. This episode features its own host. After more than three years of putting guests in the hot seat, Holly Chen finally sat down in it herself, getting interviewed by Head Routesetter of the Spot Max Donovan. Chen works a dual career of both routesetter and writer/journalist. She sets at the Spot Climbing Gyms in Colorado, where she was among the founding setters of Death Moth, a competition set by and for women, nonbinary and gender nonconforming climbers. As a journalist, she reports on the intersection between adventure sports, health, culture and technology. Her bylines have appeared in Alpinist Magazine, Climbing, the Himalayan Journal, Desire Lines Collective and Climbing Business Journal. Chen’s writing has also been shortlisted by the International Sports Press Association. In this episode, Chen talks about pattern recognition, compositional decision making, the ceiling of the routesetting industry, and what it actually takes to stick around in a profession that gives you plenty of reasons to leave. General Topics Covered The unlikely overlap between reading, writing and routesetting: why pattern recognition is a skill that connects all three How literary structure maps onto competition and commercial setting, and why you should understand the rules before you consider breaking some Why competition setting feels more like journalism and commercial setting feels more like fiction writing Where to experiment and where not to: the case for taking risks in commercial setting before bringing ideas into a comp The ceiling of the routesetting industry—how low it actually is, and why the industry being relatively young is both a limitation and an opportunity Adjacent careers in the climbing world and why the most interesting paths are often the ones nobody has walked yet What many former competitive climbers bring to setting and what they don't How to build a more diverse setting team and why intention moves the needle Why camaraderie might be the most underrated retention tool in the industry Setting pet peeves, the editor-headsetter analogy, and why being direct is a skill worth cultivating Show Notes Find Holly Chen on Instagram and more of Holly’s work The Spot Gyms and the Spot Routesetting Death Moth The hero’s journey story structure Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World Climbing Business Journal Gym Map Lessons From the Sharp End of Modern Setting – CBJ Podcast with Mike Bockino Put a Drop in the Bucket When You Can – CBJ Podcast with Taylor Fragomeni You Can Strip My Boulder – CBJ Podcast with Blake Green Closing Notes If you’d like to nominate someone as a guest next guest, have a topic you want to see us tackle or have questions, we’d love for you to reach out. You can find our pitch form here. The Impact Driver Podcast is a production of the Climbing Business Journal. Today’s episode is sponsored by Rungne, Cascade Speciality, Trango, the Climbing Wall Association and Walltopia. It was edited and produced by Holly Yu Tung Chen, Megan Cheek, Scott Rennak and Joe Robinson, and our theme music is by Devin Dabney.

Most climbing gyms have youth climbers, whether they’re a part of recreational clubs, elite climbing teams, or hanging around with their parents. Most setters will set for youth climbers one way or another. What happens when a coach turned routesetter decides to merge the two professions? What can one reveal about the other? On this episode of the Impact Driver Podcast, host Holly Chen talks with Cate Beebe—a Bend, Oregon-based routesetter and coach—about what happens when setting and coaching are practiced as a shared profession. Cate came to climbing from a gym in Burlington, Vermont, before moving west in 2022 to set at Bend Rock Gym and coach for Bend Endurance Academy. She holds a USAC Level 3 certification and has set across QEs, regionals and divisionals, with a focus almost entirely on youth competition setting. She coaches athletes ranging from elementary schoolers to the Oregon State University collegiate climbing team, and she has built her philosophy around a simple conviction: that sport should be a place where kids feel powerful, heard and accepted. In this episode, Cate and Holly get into what it looks like to wear two hats at once, why children are not small forerunners, and what setters might be missing by not spending more time on the ground. General Topics Covered Coach first, setter second: how Cate's identity in the industry was shaped by the order in which she came to each discipline What success looks like as a coach across a wide developmental range, from toddler climbers to collegiate athletes Why the foundation of Cate's coaching philosophy has nothing to do with climbing grades The two-hats framework: how Cate moves between setter mode and coach mode on any given day, and why keeping them distinct matters How understanding the way different bodies and brains see movement changes what you put on the wall What coaching has taught Cate about movement that setting alone couldn't, and vice versa Why setters who coach tend to give away the beta too soon What setting education could look like if coaching fundamentals were part of setting certifications Shenanigans as a professional philosophy: why playfulness is not optional in either a setting environment or a coaching one Advice for setters who want to think more like coaches, and coaches who want to think more like setters Show Notes Find Cate Beebe on Instagram and learn more about Cate’s work Bend Endurance Academy USA Climbing Youth Series Understanding Constants Over Time – Impact Drive Podcast with Claire Gordon Balancing Art and Functionality in Hold Shaping – CBJ Podcast with Joey Jannsen Other youth-specific climbing gyms: Rock City, ABC Kids Climbing Closing Notes If you’d like to nominate someone as a next guest, have a topic you want to see us tackle or have questions, we’d love for you to reach out. You can find our pitch form here. The Impact Driver Podcast is a production of the Climbing Business Journal. Today’s episode is sponsored by Rúngne, Cascade Specialty, Trango, the Climbing Wall Association and Walltopia. It was edited and produced by Holly Yu Tung Chen, Megan Cheek, Scott Rennak and Joe Robinson, and our theme music is by Devin Dabney. All photos below are courtesy of Cate Beebe.

Theresa Morris has practically spent her life on the rock, ever since she started as a kid climbing the Flatirons above Boulder with her uncle before climbing gyms existed. That early love of climbing followed her into a 30-year teaching career at Cherry Creek School District, where she built outdoor education programs, and that work eventually led her to found what would become the American Scholastic Climbing League. In this episode, Theresa walks through the ASCL's journey from a three-kid experiment at a single gym to a nonprofit spanning multiple states. She unpacks the operational realities behind running a scholastic league—insurance, membership fees, regional structures, and what it actually takes to start a new region from the ground up. Theresa and Scott dig into how the league serves as both an on-ramp for recreational climbers and a feeder system for more competitive athletes, and why she believes climbing offers something increasingly rare for kids: an in-person, phone-free community built around personal growth rather than just winning. General Topics Covered Theresa's climbing path, from childhood experiences through a career in education How a chance climbing competition in Amsterdam sparked the idea for a scholastic climbing league back home The origins as the Colorado High School Climbing League Why the group formalized into the ASCL nonprofit in 2018 How membership fees fund the league's infrastructure The ASCL's mission: connecting kids to climbing and to a supportive community, beyond just competition and rankings How schools recognize climbing teams and the push toward broader athletic recognition What it takes for a gym or region to get involved Theresa's vision for the ASCL's growth and expansion into new states and regions Show Notes American Scholastic Climbing League website Thank you Rúngne, Walltopia, Cascade Specialty, Climbing Wall Association and Kilter Grips for your support! And thank you Devin Dabney for your music!

Routesetters spend years developing an instinct for what works and what doesn’t. Today’s guest of The Impact Driver Podcast has developed a framework to explain why it works. On this episode of The Impact Driver Podcast, host Holly Chen talks with Salt Lake City-based routesetter and Momentum Climbing Director of Setting Kenny Benson about what it actually means to set with intention. Kenny explains routesetting through five distinct lenses and how they can transform the way a setter approaches their craft. Kenny has been setting for nearly fourteen years, starting in Houston before working his way through North Carolina and the Bay Area before ultimately landing at Momentum, where he has spent the last nine years. He holds a USAC Level 4 certification and has become one of the more prominent voices in paraclimbing setting, having set at multiple Para Nationals and Para World Cups. Outside the gym, he is a devoted music listener, a former skateboarder, and an occasional painter. General Topics Covered Kenny's five-lens framework for intentional setting: aesthetics, physical, cognitive, emotional and cultural Aesthetics as the first impression What a climb communicates before anyone pulls on a hold, and why form and function don't have to compete The physical lens: grade consistency, and equitability in sizing Creating experiences that work differently for different bodies without shutting anyone out The cognitive lens: how routesetters build a movement encyclopedia for climbers Why moderate climbers deserve as much creative investment as anyone else The emotional lens: designing for confidence, frustration and progression The difference between making someone feel challenged versus making someone feel lost The cultural lens: how setting programs shape not just what people climb What the industry risks by optimizing for digestibility over development What gets lost as gyms scale? How to bring a higher-stakes mindset to a commercial setting day without burning out Show Notes Find Kenny Benson on Instagram Momentum Climbing Gyms The Nugget Climbing Episode 40: Tonde Katiyo (Part 1) The Capital “R” Routesetter – The Impact Driver Podcast with Rylan Marshall-Meistrich Fundamentals of Paraclimbing and Parasetting – The Impact Driver Podcast with Mia DePaolis & Nat Vorel Bouldering Project Grading System B-Pump Climbing Gym Closing Notes If you’d like to nominate someone as a next guest, have a topic you want to see us tackle or have questions, we’d love for you to reach out. You can find our pitch form here. The Impact Driver Podcast is a production of the Climbing Business Journal. Today’s episode is sponsored by Rúngne, Cascade Specialty, Trango, the Climbing Wall Association and Rock Gym Pro. It was edited and produced by Holly Yu Tung Chen, Megan Cheek, Scott Rennak and Joe Robinson, and our theme music is by Devin Dabney.

In the climbing industry, we talk a lot about diversifying setting teams. Less often do we talk about what it actually takes to lead one with humility and empathy. On this episode of the Impact Driver Podcast, host Holy Chen chats with Altana Elings-Haynie (she/they)—Assistant Routesetting Director at Movement Philadelphia—about team dynamics, leadership, and what it really means to build a setting program that supports the people in it. Altana has been climbing most of her life, starting outside in the Gunks before finding her way into gyms as a teenager. She has been setting commercially for six years across Chicago and Philadelphia. Altana currently holds a USAC Level 2 certification, has set for over 10 championship events, and has international setting experience in Norway. She is looking forward to chiefing the upcoming Midwest Mayhem competition. General Topics Covered What changes when you move from setter to manager How to manage working styles on a diverse team and why differences in personality, background and approach can make for better setting Dominant personalities in the room: when a strong presence lifts the team and when it starts to derail the process Introverts in an extroverted profession: practical tips on helping quieter and newer setters shine How to handle disagreements and conflicts on a diverse team and how to find resolution without making it personal Grading, ego, and the old boys club dynamic How to keep forerunning conversations objective and why ability-based dismissal should have no place in setting The case for structured mentorship and layered leadership in setting programs How leaders can keep the spark of curiosity alive Show Notes Find Altana on Instagram Movement Philadelphia Midwest Mayhem: A bouldering competition series based in the Midwest aimed at celebrating women, trans and nonbinary climbers and routesetters. Nor’Easter Bouldering Series Bolt & Revolt Setting Coalition Closing Notes If you’d like to nominate someone as a next guest, have a topic you want to see us tackle or have questions, we’d love for you to reach out. You can find our pitch form here. The Impact Driver Podcast is a production of the Climbing Business Journal. Today’s episode is sponsored by Rúngne, Cascade Specialty, Trango, the Climbing Wall Association and Walltopia. It was edited and produced by Holly Yu Tung Chen, Megan Cheek, Scott Rennak and Joe Robinson, and our theme music is by Devin Dabney. All photos below are by Avery Shandelman (@aves.eyes).

Alice Kao is the CEO, co-founder and driving force behind Sender One, a Southern California climbing gym chain, which she has led over 13 years from a single location in Santa Ana to six gyms—with more on the way. Her path to the climbing industry was anything but conventional: A first-generation immigrant who interned at Lehman Brothers, worked in international toy sales, and discovered climbing while navigating heartbreak in London, Alice launched Sender One from savings, SBA loans, and checks from family and friends—eventually bringing on a marquee investor in pro climber Chris Sharma. She has since become a respected voice in the broader climbing business community, championing women's leadership through her involvement at CWA, and serving on the USA Climbing board of directors before a principled exit. In this conversation with Scott Rennak, Alice opens up about what it really took to build Sender One—the years of not paying herself, the leap from side hustle to full-time commitment, and the management mistakes she had to unlearn. She also discusses an innovative funding model—a partnership with an impact investment firm to purchase her LAX flagship location—as well as her complicated but ultimately collegial departure from the USA Climbing board. With the 2028 Olympics arriving in LA and her gym sitting eight minutes from the competition venue, she's having more fun running the business than ever before. General Topics Covered Turning Passion into a Sustainable Business Taking Calculated Risks as an Entrepreneur Scaling a Climbing Gym Brand Leadership, Growth, and Founder Evolution Creative Approaches to Financing Expansion Navigating Industry Politics and Governance The Future of Climbing and the Olympic Opportunity Show Notes Alice Kao on Linkedin Sender One website Interview discussing Alice’s childhood and being a “parachute kid” Details about the Impact Fund that purchased LAX location property Alice’s resignation letter from USA Climbing board of directors Thank you Climbing Wall Association, Rúngne, Walltopia, Cascade Specialty, and Rock Gym Pro for your support! And thank you Devin Dabney for your music!

What does it really mean to push an industry forward without losing sight of the people climbing on your walls? On this episode of the Impact Driver Podcast, host Holly Chen invited Rylan Marshall-Meistrich (he/him) into the studio to hear his answer. Rylan has been climbing since 2004 and setting since 2005, starting out at ROCK’n & JAM’n (now The Spot Thornton), one of Colorado's earliest climbing gyms. He then worked at Planet Granite in San Francisco and a stint in Tahoe before returning to Colorado in 2017 as head setter at Movement Boulder. Now, Rylan is Movement’s Colorado Director of Setting. With nearly two decades of setting experience, Rylan has set at nearly every discipline of USA Climbing nationals and holds a USAC Level 5 certification. Outside the gym, he runs a small recording studio in his basement and has been playing music since middle school—a side of him that shows up more in his setting philosophy than you might expect. General Topics Covered What is a routesetter's job, really?  Setting for your audience: from professional athletes to the birthday party room Setting for yourself: when it can serve the climber and when it only serves yourself The fine line between creativity versus usability The impermanence problem: why routesetting innovation often has to happen slowly and what that means for setters trying to push the envelope  How trends move through the industry and the difference between duplication and emulation  The difference between vertical and lateral career progression in routesetting  The USAC pipeline, online presence, and how setters are building reputations in a more competitive field Where competition bouldering is heading, and an honest reckoning with what experience actually means with a long career Show Notes Movement Gyms Colorado Necessity Breeds Invention – the Impact Driver Podcast with Andy Nelson On Eye-Pro, Ugly Boulders, and Influencers – the Impact Driver Podcast with Kegan Minock Lessons From the Sharp End of Modern Setting – the Impact Driver Podcast with Mike Bockino Steal Like an Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative by Austin Kleon Born from the Climbing Life: Episode 4—Drifter’s Escape—The World’s Hardest Trad Climb Closing Notes If you’d like to nominate someone as a guest next guest, have a topic you want to see us tackle or have questions, we’d love for you to reach out. You can find our pitch form here. The Impact Driver Podcast is a production of the Climbing Business Journal. Today’s episode is sponsored by Rúngne, Cascade Specialty, Trango, the Climbing Wall Association, and Kilter. It was edited and produced by Holly Yu Tung Chen, Megan Cheek, Scott Rennak and Joe Robinson, and our theme music is by Devin Dabney.

In this week’s episode, Scott Rennak interviews Jason Haas, co-founder of G1 Climbing + Fitness. Jason shares his extensive journey in climbing, from his early days on Michigan sandstone and dirtbagging out of a Saturn to climbing on nearly every continent. He reflects on his work as a prolific first ascensionist with over 700 routes, authoring 12 guidebooks, contributing to the early development of the Boulder Climbing Community nonprofit, and replacing aging bolts across Colorado in partnership with organizations like the American Safe Climbing Association. Jason discusses balancing a 15-year teaching career alongside his climbing pursuits, as well, and how that experience shaped his perspective as a gym owner. He dives into the challenges of launching G1, including navigating multiple failed locations, zoning hurdles, and ultimately opening just one week before the COVID-19 shutdown. The conversation also explores Jason’s role in developing the Climb Pass to foster collaboration across the Colorado Front Range, his views on auto belays, gym-to-outdoors stewardship, and his grit-first philosophy on building both a business and a life in climbing. General Topics Covered Jason Haas’s path from climber to gym owner Opening G1 Climbing Gym and overcoming development challenges Navigating COVID-19 as a new gym owner Industry collaboration through the “Climb Pass” initiative Stewardship and involvement with American Safe Climbing Association and Boulder Climbing Community Gym responsibility in safety, education, and community building Show Notes G1 Climbing + Fitness The CLIMB Pass Boulder Climbing Community American Safe Climbing Association Climbing Boulder's Flatirons (Jason's guidebook) Thank you Cascade Specialty, Rúngne, Climbing Wall Association, Essential and Approach for your support! And thank you Devin Dabney for your music!

Today’s episode of the Impact Driver Podcast welcomes Zoey Grinstead (she/they), Los Angeles-based routesetter and Queer Crush founder, to the recording studio. In a sport that prides itself on counter-cultural roots and community values, the gap between that identity and lived reality for many climbers is still very much worth talking about. The question of who belongs in routesetting—and who feels like they don’t—has arguably never been more urgent. Zoey brings a grounded, no-nonsense perspective on identity, community, and creative expression in routesetting to this week’s conversation, as she and Holly Chen discuss all these topics as well as tips for fostering inclusion. Zoey is a routesetter at Touchstone Climbing in Los Angeles, where she has been part of the team for nearly 15 years, starting as a belay staff member before finding her way to the setting closet. With over a decade of setting experience, Zoe has worked in commercial and competition settings alike, including notable events like Death Moth in 2026 and multiple Women Up competitions. She holds a USAC Level 2 certification and is a former president of Queer Crush, a nonprofit dedicated to holding space for the queer community within climbing. Beyond the gym, Zoe is currently a student. General Topics Covered How Zoey found her way into routesetting (from wilderness therapy kid to full-time setter) Queer Crush: what it is, how it started, and why Zoe got involved Affinity spaces in climbing: what they are, why they matter, and what they offer that the broader community doesn't Routesetting as a relative bubble: is our profession more inclusive than the broader climbing world? Tokenization in routesetting: how to recognize it, and how to push through it How setter identity and body type shape the climbing on the wall (and why diverse teams can set better gyms) Practical ways to support marginalized setters and help them feel at home, from offering the fiberglass to donating to affinity organizations The setting bag confessional: what's always in there and never gets used Show Notes Find Zoey Grinstead on Instagram Touchstone Climbing and the Woman Up Climbing Festival Keep Them Sketched Out – Impact Driver Podcast with Claire Kawainui Miller Death Moth Climbing Competition Queer Crush Climbing Routesetting and climbing affinity spaces: Bolt & Revolt Setting Coalition, Brown Girls Climb, Cruxing in Color, Flash Foxy  USAC Routesetting Resources: Path of a Routesetter (updated), Routesetting Level Prerequisites Closing Notes If you’d like to nominate someone as a guest next guest, have a topic you want to see us tackle or have questions, we’d love for you to reach out. You can find our pitch form here. The Impact Driver podcast is a production of the Climbing Business Journal. Today’s episode is sponsored by Rúngne, Climbing Wall Association, Cascade Specialty, Trango and Rock Gym Pro. It was edited and produced by Holly Yu Tung Chen, Megan Cheek, Scott Rennak and Joe Robinson, and our theme music is by Devin Dabney.

In this week’s episode, Scott Rennak sits down with Marc Norman, CEO of USA Climbing, who has been in this role for eight years and came to it with unique credentials. Previously, Marc spent two decades at the Utah Olympic Legacy Foundation, finishing as VP of Sport and Venues—overseeing three Olympic facilities, 300 employees, and the kind of large-scale operations that come with hosting some of the world's biggest sporting events. He was also a competitive athlete and has a lifelong love of climbing that dates back to a Wisconsin crag in the early ‘90s. During their conversation, Marc and Scott dig into some deep topics within competition climbing today. They cover USA Climbing's ambitious National Training Center project in Salt Lake City—including the partnership with Momentum, the community pushback, and how the facility is being designed to serve athletes. They also explore the youth athlete pipeline, how climbing can capitalize on its LA 2028 Olympic moment (including paraclimbing's debut on the Paralympic program), and what it's going to take for the whole industry to convert that exposure into real foot traffic and long-term growth. General Topics Covered Leadership and Background of Marc Norman National Training Center Project in Salt Lake City Industry Partnerships (USA Climbing × Momentum) Community Response and Pushback Youth Athlete Pipeline Development Olympics and Global Exposure (LA 2028 and paraclimbing) Converting Awareness Into Gym Growth Show Notes USA Climbing USAC National Training Center USAC Strategic Planning Climbing at LA28 Marc Norman on Linkedin Thank you Cascade Specialty, Climbing Wall Association, Rúngne, Rock Gym Pro and Kilter for your support! And thank you Devin Dabney for your music!

Today’s guest is Zuoyi (pronounced: Zoe) Phang, a routesetter based in Durham, North Carolina, and a member of the setting team at Triangle Rock Club. Zuoyi began climbing in 2018 after a friend invited her to a gym birthday party and she quickly “fell down the rabbit hold,” climbing nearly every day while balancing long shifts in the service industry. Not long after, she was recruited into routesetting and has been building her experience ever since, working across multiple Triangle Rock Club locations and setting USA Climbing events across the Southeast. Notably, Zuoyi has also set for Siege the Southeast. Zuoyi is a USA Climbing Level 2 routesetter with plans to step into her first chief roles in the near future. In this episode, Zuoyi and host Holly Chen dive into the human side of routesetting: the emotions that come with creative work, the role ego plays in the craft, and how team members can support each other through the inevitable frictions of collaborative setting. General Topics Covered Why routesetting can be more emotional than people expect Managing frustration, feedback and vulnerability when sharing climbs with the public How ego shows up in routesetting, and the difference between healthy pride and destructive ego Using curiosity and communication to navigate disagreements about grades, movement and style How body types, strengths, and climbing backgrounds shape setters’ perspectives Recognizing when a teammate is struggling and how crews can support each other during a tough day The role of leadership and crew dynamics in diffusing tension on a setting team Balancing innovation and practicality when testing new ideas on the wall What an ideal routesetting team culture can look like, and the importance of staying serious about the craft but lighthearted enough to enjoy the process Show Notes Find Zuoyi Phang on Instagram Triangle Rock Club Siege Climbing An Episode of Affirmations: Battling Imposter Syndrome with Ethan Paris Closing Notes If you’d like to nominate someone as a guest next guest, have a topic you want to see us tackle or have questions, we’d love for you to reach out. You can find our pitch form here. The Impact Driver Podcast is a production of the Climbing Business Journal. Today’s episode is sponsored by Rúngne, Cascade Specialty, Trango, Approach and Onsite. It was edited and produced by Holly Yu Tung Chen, Megan Cheek, Scott Rennak and Joe Robinson, and our theme music is by Devin Dabney.

In this episode, Scott Rennak interviews Brett Jessen, the Head of Climbing Environments at Bouldering Project. Brett talks about his extensive journey in the climbing industry, from his early days as a climber and routesetter in the ‘90s to his current role in building cutting-edge climbing gyms. He discusses the evolution of climbing gyms, the design and construction process, and the importance of community and culture in climbing. Brett also offers valuable advice for aspiring gym owners and reflects on the future of the climbing industry. General Topics Covered Brett’s path to his current role Collaboration between architects and engineers during the design process Advice for aspiring gym owners on understanding a market and building requirements The significant planning and budgeting that comes with constructing a gym Challenges of working with historical buildings Importance of educating climbers about outdoor ethics Show Notes Bouldering Project CBJ article about St. Paul BP Thank you Rúngne, Approach, Essential, Flashed, and OnSite for your support! And thank you Devin Dabney for your music!

Today’s guest is Jeremy Ho, who many  know as JHo, one of the most recognizable names in the U.S. setting community. Jeremy has worked in the climbing industry since 2007, primarily as a routesetter, and has been a National Routesetter with USA Climbing since 2012. He now serves as USAC's National Routesetting Program Manager, helping shape education, pathways, and standards across the country. Previously, Jeremy was Director of Routesetting at Touchstone Climbing and Sportrock Climbing Centers, and he has set events ranging from USAC Team Trials and Open Bouldering Nationals to Bouldering World Cups and North American Cup Series competitions. Jeremy and host Holly Chen dive into leadership, development, and the realities of building a sustainable national routesetting pipeline in this episode. General Topics Covered Leading a national routesetting program and stepping into a national leadership role Clearer USA Climbing pathways and clinic structure Representation, access, and underrepresented setter initiatives New prerequisites and partnerships (PRS clinics) to better prepare setters before entering USA Climbing clinics Youth competition difficulty and long-term athlete retention Bottlenecks and what really moves setters forward in the USAC pipeline Crew selection, team cohesion, and why soft skills matter at high-level events Show Notes Find Jeremy Ho on Instagram  USA Climbing Routesetter Resources  USA Climbing Routesetter Pathway Amy Stone Foundation Closing Notes If you’d like to nominate someone as a guest next guest, have a topic you want to see us tackle or have questions, we’d love for you to reach out. You can find our pitch form here. The Impact Driver podcast is a production of the Climbing Business Journal. Today’s episode is sponsored by Rúngne, Approach, Essential, Onsite and Flashed. It was edited and produced by Holly Yu Tung Chen, Megan Cheek, Scott Rennak and Joe Robinson, and our theme music is by Devin Dabney.

Today’s episode is a rare interview with Anne-Worley Moelter, one of the most accomplished and experienced professionals in the climbing industry. Currently she serves as CEO of Movement Climbing Gyms, the largest chain of climbing gyms in the world. But her start in our industry began over 25 years ago in Colorado, when she was a manager at Boulder’s first full climbing gym. She later co-founded the first Movement location with her husband Mike Moelter, after spending half a decade as USA Climbing’s first Executive Director. She’s also currently a Vice President of World Climbing, formerly the International Federation of Sport Climbing. Through her wealth of experience, Anne-Worley has learned a lot about our industry, careers, personal and professional motivations for climbing, and much more. In this episode she sits down with Scott to share her insights, from leadership wisdom to stewardship guidance and beyond. General Topics Covered Anne-Worley’s background Perspectives on climbing industry career development Leadership culture to nurture careers Unionization at Movement How private equity can affect a business Differentiation, competition and saturation Stewardship of outdoor climbing spaces Show Notes Movement Climbing Gyms Movement Instagram CBJ Article with Anne-Worley Moelter Thank you Rúngne, Rock Gym Pro, Kilter, Strati Climbing and Trango for your support! And thank you Devin Dabney for your music!

Today’s guest brings us back full circle to our first-ever episode of the Impact Driver Podcast, as we welcome Sierra McMurry (they/them) back to the show after two years. Sierra has been climbing for over a decade and routesetting for nearly as long, working at commercial gyms and competitions as a contract setter while balancing life as a PhD candidate in wildlife biology at North Carolina State University. Frequently traveling between the East and West, Sierra brings a wide range of setting styles and team experiences into every room they enter. They are a USAC Level 2 routesetter, with a growing focus on competition setting, education, and building safer, more inclusive pathways into the profession. Sierra and Holly dive into all those topics and more on CBJ’s first video podcast episode. General Topics Covered The anatomy of an ideal setting day (hint: good coffee) Why competition boulders belong in commercial gyms From “rose-colored glasses” to clearer instincts: spotting supportive crews, avoiding tokenism and building confidence through community True inclusion versus performative allyship in routesetting Soft skills as the make-or-break factor USA Climbing pathways, changing rules and unintended “walls”: how language, requirements and culture can discourage emerging setters Aesthetics, Instagram and the “before/after” boulder Show Notes Find Sierra McMurry on Instagram and their Ph.D Portfolio The first Impact Driver Podcast episode: Sierra McMurry – Routesetting on Common and Uncommon Ground  Routesetting Tips and Workflow feat. Sierra McMurry Closing Notes If you’d like to nominate someone as a guest next guest, have a topic you want to see us tackle or have questions, we’d love for you to reach out. You can find our pitch form here. The Impact Driver Podcast is a production of the Climbing Business Journal. Today’s episode is sponsored by Rungne, Trango, Rock Gym Pro, Flashed and Onsite. It was edited and produced by Holly Yu Tung Chen, Megan Cheek, Scott Rennak and Joe Robinson, and our theme music is by Devin Dabney.