This podcast is sponsored by Doiter, one of the leading backpack brands that will help you hit the trails with confidence and comfort, but most importantly, your snacks.

Deuter is known for fit, comfort, and ventilation. Stay tuned for a new line of women's climbing packs coming out any day.

I can't tell you which one, but stay tuned for more about Gravity SL line made by women for women.

Deuter has a history of first ascents and alpine roots.

Their head of product development even climbed Everest once in jeans.

Hashtag not fake news.

Founded in 1898, Doiter believes in good fitting backpack so you can focus on way cooler things like puppies, pocket bacon, and getting sandy, whether at the crag or in the alpine.

We're working with better help to connect you to licensed therapists because even though my advice and opinions are free, I am improvising the whole thing.

BetterHelp lets you message a licensed therapist day or night.

They'll match you with the perfect therapist for a fraction of the cost of traditional therapy.

You know who goes to therapy?

Prince Harry, Emma Stone, Jenny Slate, Kesha.

Therapy is beautiful.

Everyone should go to therapy.

Go to betterhelp.com slash climbing to sign up and receive one free week.

It helps support the show and it helps support you.

Well, if that sound makes you think about climbing, you've passed the Pavlovian dog test that you're a climber.

One climber that loves this sport through and through is Alex Wildman.

We had the good fortune to meet years back, stayed in touch.

And then, Alex, just prior to leaving for his life dream, finds out fate has another thing in store for him.

I remember when I first got sick, I couldn't even say the word cancer. You know, I had written a journal entry at one point. I was by myself in a room.

I remember writing down, I have cancer. And to write that down and know what that meant was a heavy thing, I have cancer.

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