111 | Taylor Martin: Alone on Big Walls - Five New First Ascents, Trauma Recovery, & Trans Identity

After being literally run over by a school bus in Atlanta, climber Taylor Martin rebuilt her life through big mountain pursuits and solo aid climbing. This episode dives deep into Taylor's five new Yosemite first ascents established in a single season, including several big and technical aid routes in Yosemite. We explore her 70-hour Hardrock 100 ski traverse with only one hour of sleep, advanced aid climbing techniques like back-looping and daisy soloing, and the psychological toll of spending days alone on big walls. Taylor opens up about navigating trans identity in competitive climbing and record-keeping, the traumatic recovery from devastating injuries, and why partnerships rank above performance despite climbing mostly solo. Topics include: A3/A4 aid climbing, traumatic brain injury recovery, solo endurance objectives, new route development in Yosemite, mental challenges of solitary big wall pushes, modern speed climbing ethics, and finding meaning beyond grades in mountain sports.Watch the full episode on Youtube#routedevelopment #aidclimbing #firstascents #trauma #bigwallclimbing---Thanks to our sponsors!LIVSN DesignsCheckout their Ecotrek Trail Pants HereUse Code "TCM15" At Checkout for an extra 15% OFF Your OrderGet Access to Exclusive Episodes, Unlock Ad-Free Podcast, & MORE!---ResourcesTaylor's IGYoutube Video of HummingbirdMust Watch Video on Taylor's History