Not Your Typical Climber

Palestinian climber Asia shares how she fell in love with sport and explains the challenges of accessing outdoor climbing in Palestine. She opens up about how climbing provides an escape from the restrictions and hardships of living under occupation. We discuss how Asia uses her creative skills to shed light on the reality of life in Palestine and to challenge misconceptions. And we get excited about her work on inclusive outdoor fashion.
Asia Zughaiar is a climber, writer, adventure enthusiast, and filmmaker. Asia creates content about climbing and her passion for the outdoors, as well as on the experiences of living in Palestine and witnessing the genocide in Gaza. She explores the experience of climbing in Palestine amidst occupation, and the complexity of how that feels, in honest and open videos on her Instagram page. She also works at a family-owned clothes factory alongside her father in Palestine. Asia is developing her own outdoor brand, which will be the first Palestinian outdoor brand of its kind.

Links

https://eveningsends.com/author/asiazughaier/

https://www.instagram.com/asia.zughaiar/

Donations:
Medical Aid for Palestinians - https://www.map.org.uk
Palestine Solidarity Campaign -donate.palestinecampaign.org

notyourtypicalclimberpodcast.uk
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About your host:
Mel Reeve is an experienced writer, casual climber and enthusiast, bringing her knowledge and passion to the podcast. With a background in writing, copywriting and content creation, Mel is dedicated to sharing the diverse stories and perspectives that shape the climbing community.

Rock climbing and adventure photographer Irene Yee shares how she became a successful photographer focusing on representation in outdoor activities, including climbing. Irene and Mel discuss the impact of her photography, why she’s committed to creating diverse content, and the transformative power of climbing. We cover developing the skill of self-reflection, how to handle mansplaining at the crag, taking up space on and off the wall, and falling in and out of love with climbing.

notyourtypicalclimberpodcast.uk
Follow us on Instagram
About your host:
Mel Reeve is an experienced writer, casual climber and enthusiast, bringing her knowledge and passion to the podcast. With a background in writing, copywriting and content creation, Mel is dedicated to sharing the diverse stories and perspectives that shape the climbing community.

Prominent British climber Emma Twyford shares her journey to becoming the first British woman to send a 9a route. She reveals the challenges she's faced, including overcoming glandular fever and the transition from competition climbing to personal enjoyment. We also explore her efforts to empower women in the climbing industry through route-setting workshops.
Chapters:

00:00
Introduction

01:56
From Outdoor to Indoor

03:50
Overcoming Challenges: Glandular Fever and Climbing

10:08
The Transition from Competition to Personal Enjoyment

15:08
Achieving Milestones: First British Woman to Send 9A

19:54
The Importance of Self-Belief and Representation in Climbing

27:08
Route Setting: Empowering Women in the Industry

34:03
Personal Life and Hobbies Outside of Climbing

notyourtypicalclimberpodcast.uk
Follow us on Instagram
About your host:
Mel Reeve is an experienced writer, casual climber and enthusiast, bringing her knowledge and passion to the podcast. With a background in writing, copywriting and content creation, Mel is dedicated to sharing the diverse stories and perspectives that shape the climbing community.

Charmian is the Climbing Lead at Wanderers of Colour, she tells host Mel Reeve about her journey into climbing, the challenges of climbing while pregnant, and the importance of building a community for people of colour in outdoor activities.
She also discusses the founding of Wanderers of Colour, its mission to create inclusive spaces for climbers, and the significance of representation in the climbing community.

Chapters:
00:00
Introduction

00:55
Climbing Preferences and Favorite Locations

03:27
Climbing with Family and Pregnancy Journey

07:57
Representation in Climbing and Community Support

09:54
Wanderers of Colour: Origins and Growth

14:12
Climbing Festival: Planning and Execution

18:50
Personal Reflections on Community

21:09
Future Goals and Climbing Opportunities

23:13
Encouragement for New Climbers and Community Involvement

notyourtypicalclimberpodcast.uk
Follow us on Instagram
About your host:
Mel Reeve is an experienced writer, casual climber and enthusiast, bringing her knowledge and passion to the podcast. With a background in writing, copywriting and content creation, Mel is dedicated to sharing the diverse stories and perspectives that shape the climbing community.

Amruta Wyssmann shares how she went from a new climber to proud member of the Swiss paraclimbing team. She tells Mel about the importance of community in climbing and her training plans. Amy also shares her aspirations for the future - including hopes for the 2028 Paralympics - her newfound passion for ice climbing, and her hobbies outside of climbing including cooking and reading fantasy novels.

NOTE: apologies, the audio quality for the final moments of the episode is slightly less than optimal - no, it's not just your headphones!

Chapters:

00:00
Introduction

02:51
The Community and Competition in Climbing

05:46
Training Regimens and Overcoming Challenges

09:04
Route Setting and Adaptations in Para Climbing

11:58
Future Aspirations and the Paralympics

15:08
Exploring Ice Climbing

17:57
Hobbies Beyond Climbing

notyourtypicalclimberpodcast.uk
Follow us on Instagram
About your host:
Mel Reeve is an experienced writer, casual climber and enthusiast, bringing her knowledge and passion to the podcast. With a background in writing, copywriting and content creation, Mel is dedicated to sharing the diverse stories and perspectives that shape the climbing community.