Thirty Years on the Wall with Sonnie Trotter

In this episode of the Overheard Podcast, we sit down with legendary Canadian climber Sonnie Trotter — one of the most influential voices in modern rock climbing. From his early days learning to climb in a grain silo in southern Ontario to conquering some of the hardest routes on the planet, including Cobra Crack, The Path, and Rhapsody, Sonnie has spent thirty years pushing the limits of what’s possible on rock. Now, with his new book Uplifted, Sonnie turns his focus inward — reflecting on the lessons, relationships, and moments that have shaped his life in the vertical world. He speaks candidly about balancing ambition with family, risk with purpose, and how the act of writing gave him a new perspective on his lifelong passion for climbing. Recorded live during the Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival, this conversation explores the art of storytelling, the evolution of adventure, and the mindset required to stay inspired after decades at the top of your sport. If you love climbing, outdoor storytelling, or simply hearing from someone who’s dedicated his life to living with purpose, this is an episode you won’t want to miss!!