“Five decades of climbing will humble you… but you keep going. Not to chase grades, but to stay connected to who you are.”
I sat down with Russ recently, and our conversation felt like listening to the quiet heartbeat of climbing across half a century.
We talked about:
• What it meant to grow up in the Gunks before modern sport climbing
• His unexpected trip to compete in Cold War Russia
• The brief era of those “untold free solos” in the 80s
• And how he’s still performing — and still in love with climbing — at 66
Nothing flashy.
Nothing myth-making.
Just real stories, perspective, and a lifetime of showing up for the sport.
Russ’s book The Lifer is excellent, and this episode is very much in that spirit — reflective, grounded, and full of the kind of wisdom that only comes from decades on rock.
🎧 Episode link in bio
Pic 2: @amy_pickering
And Russ — thanks again for sharing your time, your stories, and your honesty.
Massive ep! ⚡️This week we’re talking about Fire Party… with Fire Party!
Formed in 1986 by Amy Pickering, Natalie Avery, Kate Samworth, and Nicky Thomas, Fire Party were a crucial part of the 80s DC scene.
We sat down with all four founding members to talk about their early days at dc space, recording their self-titled debut at Inner Ear Studios with Don Zientara and Ian MacKaye, and more
Listen now wherever you get your podcasts.
#DCRockHistory #FireParty #DischordRecords #DCPunk #punkrockhistory
Dervish Monastery built at the water’s exit from the mountainside. Waterfall ensues. (I’m sure there is a better term for this type of waterfall…). Millions of birds live in the cavern and cliffside.
She’s a crusher! Happy Birthday to this amazing woman! May your coming year be full of new exploration and discovery, and I hope many should have the gift—as I have— of experiencing your kindness, intellect, drive, and unfettered joy!
Each of these photos reminds me of incredible times and the vast expanse of your love and loyalty. Love you, Mayv!
#fieldhockey🏑 #golf #kilimanjaro #reader @diane_clunemolinaro@russ_clune_lifer@maura_kistler@kurtsays_hi@_hannah_bond #family #pasta @mohonkmountainhouse@mohonkpreserve
After 15 hours in the car, bathed in enraging and crushing news, and gasping as the Evil Idiot Clown who has calls himself our ” leader”—bullied and disrespected another head of state, further crushing all hopes of civility (at the very least) …after such ugliness, the planet reminded me of the beauty that still surrounds us.
As the baristo at the coffee shop quoted: Everyting is either a victory or a lesson.
And I will try, as Kamala said to “Bring the joy.”
#harshtimes #evilidiotclown #victoryvslesson #rockclimbing #naturesaves #wisebaristi @newshour@kamalaharris
