AMA with Hazel – Climbing, Mindset, Motherhood & More

In this special AMA (Ask Me Anything) episode, Hazel answers listener-submitted questions covering everything from climbing training, risk, and performance, to motherhood, mindset, and identity. Tune in for candid, off-the-cuff responses packed with personal stories, vulnerability, and actionable advice. Check out our newsletter: https://linktr.ee/strong.mindTime stamps00:00:10 – Intro 00:02:03 – How old were you when you started climbing, and when did you realise you wanted to get good? 00:04:49 – What’s been the hardest thing about becoming a mum? 00:06:45 – What’s your favourite cam size? 00:07:23 – What’s the best way to train for outdoor climbing indoors, especially with new-school setting styles? 00:08:59 – If today were your last day climbing, what would you do tomorrow? 00:10:04 – What’s been the most unexpected thing about motherhood? 00:11:40 – What’s the best thing about climbing since becoming a mum? 00:12:45 – What are you most looking forward to next as a climber? 00:13:54 – How have you dealt with being a female athlete in a male-dominated sport? 00:20:08 – What would present Hazel say to past Hazel—and vice versa? 00:22:49 – Does fear show up for you as feelings or thoughts? 00:25:50 – How do you balance hard onsights with the risk of a fall that could set you back? 00:27:58 – Is there a lack of info on how to keep weight on your feet? 00:28:55 – Did fear of performance loss postpone you having a baby? 00:31:07 – If you could only choose trad, sport, or bouldering, which would it be? 00:32:22 – What changes have you seen in climbing in the last 10 years? 00:34:14 – What was it like sharing a tent with Alex Honnold in Greenland? 00:35:33 – Why does climbing bring you so much joy? 00:37:05 – What’s your favourite crag in Scotland? 00:37:59 – What are your daily and weekly routines like? 00:40:13 – Do you adapt your training based on your menstrual cycle? 00:40:44 – What was your first trad lead like, and how old were you? 00:41:12 – Will you go back to climbing in Avon Gorge? 00:42:56 – What was your biggest fear around pregnancy and postpartum climbing? 00:43:41 – What’s the weirdest Euro climbing thing you’ve heard of? 00:43:56 – Has climbing ever become an obsession or addiction for you? 00:45:15 – What are your views on encouraging more minorities in climbing? 00:46:50 – Have you ever felt pressure to perform in your career? 00:50:23 – How can someone start learning trad climbing? 00:51:21 – How has your relationship with risk changed since the “place less gear” interview? 00:52:24 – What challenges have you faced in your climbing career, and how did you overcome them? 00:54:01 – How do you balance climbing and caring for your child? 00:55:03 – How do you balance self-compassion with pushing yourself? 00:57:18 – How do you mentally handle not climbing when your baby needs you? 00:57:53 – When did you realise you were bolder than most climbers? 00:59:53 – What are the biggest mental challenges of being a professional climber that people don’t see? 01:01:21 – How do you think your mindset will evolve as you get older? 01:01:55 – How can I support a bouldering partner who fears falling and being watched? 01:03:15 – How did you change your training during pregnancy? 01:04:27 – How did you pick your daughter’s name? 01:04:55 – How can I support my kids in climbing while also growing myself? 01:06:21 – What are your biggest fears now, and how are you working through them? 01:08:05 – Who was your biggest mentor, and what did they teach you? 01:08:31 – Which country has the best climbing? 01:08:48 – What mental strategies did you learn from recovering from a shoulder injury? 01:09:37 – What sport are you worst at? 01:09:49 – How can I train if I don’t have a partner? 01:10:25 – Did you have rectus diastasis postpartum, and was it an issue for bouldering? 01:12:07 – Does sponsorship of privileged athletes impact confidence in those from less affluent backgrounds?