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.

Ben Fitzsimmons from Refugees Rock shares his profound connection to climbing. Ben highlights his work with Refugees Rock, a programme that provides free climbing sessions for asylum seekers. We discuss the importance of access to climbing for diverse groups and the role of community support in enhancing the climbing experience.

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.

Hannah Morris started her YouTube channel as a way to share her love for climbing and as an outlet for anxiety. We discuss mental health, body image, and the pushback she has received as a woman with a prominent climbing platform. Mel and Hannah chat about inclusivity, her collaborations, and her aim to work with climbers pushing the sport in a positive direction. Hannah shares her most memorable experiences from her storied YouTube career.
Links:

instagram.com/_hannahmorris_

hannahmorrisbouldering.com

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.

Pro climber and mental training coach Lor Sabourin shares their journey into climbing and outdoor adventure. Lor reflects on the importance of defining success on their own terms, and their experience as a non-binary climber. They share insights into managing fear while climbing, drawing from their expertise in mental coaching. Mel and Lor interrogate how it felt to be the first openly non-binary climber to conquer a 5.14 route, and Lor offers their perspective on creating inclusive and accessible climbing spaces.

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.

Bennett Rahn, a plus-size rock climber and mountaineer, shares her experiences of being a plus-size climber. Bennett tells host Mel Reeve about the importance of rage confidence, navigating gear accessibility, and the need for more representation in climbing. She reflects on building supportive communities, self-advocacy, and the journey from amateur to professional guiding.

Chapters:
00:00
Introduction

02:54
The Journey to Climbing: Overcoming Insecurities

05:46
Embodiment and Confidence in Climbing

09:01
Navigating Gear and Movement as a Plus-Size Climber

11:52
Representation and Its Impact on the Climbing Community

15:13
Building Resilience and Community in Climbing

18:06
The Role of a Plus-Size Guide in Climbing

29:11
The Journey to Guiding: From Amateur to Professional

34:16
Overcoming Imposter Syndrome in Climbing

53:06
Finding Joy and Balance in 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.