Outside the Vacuum

About Outside the Vacuum

Climbing, Training, and Real Conversations.

Publisher

Climb Strong

Category

sports

Language

en

Explicit

Yes

First episode

24 Jan 2026

Latest episode

31 Aug 2026

Latest episodes

10 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   31 Aug 2026

   Episode 8: Matt and Carter Chat Principles

   Outside the Vacuum is a climbing performance podcast brought to you by the team at Climb Strong.Hosted by Climb Strong coach Carter Smith, each episode brings together CS coaches and guests for candid, minimally edited conversations about training, performance, and the broader ideas that shape how we climb. Instead of chasing perfect systems or one-size-fits-all answers, Outside the Vacuum looks at what actually works in the real world with messy schedules, injuries, motivation swings, social media noise, and all.This Episode's guest is Matt Nunes. Matt is a North Carolina based climber, coach and personal trainer. He is studying to become a physical therapist.Links:https://www.mattnunescoach.com/ (https://www.mattnunescoach.com/)https://www.instagram.com/verticalperformancecoach/ (https://www.instagram.com/verticalperformancecoach/)https://www.instagram.com/climb.strong/ (https://www.instagram.com/climb.strong/)Email Questions to: Carter@ClimbStrong.Com (mailto:Carter@ClimbStrong.Com)

2. 

   10 Aug 2026

   Episode 7: John and Carter talk Mastery (among other things)

   Outside the Vacuum is a climbing performance podcast brought to you by the team at Climb Strong.Hosted by Climb Strong coach Carter Smith, each episode brings together CS coaches and guests for candid, minimally edited conversations about training, performance, and the broader ideas that shape how we climb. Instead of chasing perfect systems or one-size-fits-all answers, Outside the Vacuum looks at what actually works in the real world with messy schedules, injuries, motivation swings, social media noise, and all.This Episode's guest is the one and only John Kettle!Links:https://www.instagram.com/verticalperformancecoach/ (https://www.instagram.com/verticalperformancecoach/)https://www.instagram.com/john_kettle_climbing/ (https://www.instagram.com/john_kettle_climbing/)https://www.instagram.com/performance.climbing.coach/ (https://www.instagram.com/performance.climbing.coach/)https://www.instagram.com/sequence_app/ (https://www.instagram.com/sequence_app/)https://www.instagram.com/climb.strong/ (https://www.instagram.com/climb.strong/)Email Questions to: Carter@ClimbStrong.Com

3. 

   19 Jul 2026

   Side Quest 1: brushing during comps

   Outside the Vacuum: Side Quest #1: Carter and Charlie chat brushing during comps.For more things like this, listen to Outside The Vacuum Climbing Podcast. Season 1 is sponsored by Climb Strong, Performance Climbing Coach, and Sequence.

4. 

   1 Jul 2026

   Episode 6: Amity and Carter talk about nutrition (mostly)

   Outside the Vacuum is a climbing performance podcast brought to you by the team at Climb Strong.Please Note Conversations in this episode could be troubling to some listeners. If nutrition, weight, or body image are challenging topics for you to hear: please skip this episode!All opinions in this episode belong to the hosts and guests alone and not their sponsors, employers, or collogues unless noted otherwise.Hosted by Climb Strong coach Carter Smith, each monthly episode brings together CS coaches and guests for candid, minimally edited conversations about training, performance, and the broader ideas that shape how we climb. Instead of chasing perfect systems or one-size-fits-all answers, Outside the Vacuum looks at what actually works in the real world with messy schedules, injuries, motivation swings, social media noise, and all.This Episode's guest is the one and only Amity Warme!Amity has established herself as one of the strongest trad and big wall climbers in the world, with ascents including Freerider, Golden Gate, El Corazón, El Niño, to name just a few. She lives on the road in her van, chasing climbing objectives across North America while helping athletes perform at their best through evidence-based sports nutrition.A quick thank you to our sponsors.  In addition to our Title Sponsor, Climb Strong, this episode is brought to you by the Performance Climbing Coach, our additional sponsor for Episode 6. PCC is dedicated to raising the standard of climbing coach education through practical, evidence-based training for coaches and climbers alike.Links:https://www.instagram.com/verticalperformancecoach/ (https://www.instagram.com/verticalperformancecoach/)https://www.instagram.com/amityclimbs/ (https://www.instagram.com/amityclimbs/)https://www.instagram.com/climb.strong/ (https://www.instagram.com/climb.strong/)https://useful.coach/ (https://useful.coach/)https://performanceclimbingcoach.com/about-pcc/ (https://performanceclimbingcoach.com/about-pcc/)Email Questions to: mailto:Carter@climbstrong.com (mailto:Carter@climbstrong.com)

5. 

   3 Jun 2026

   Episode 5: Carter and Alex Talk Psychology

   Outside the Vacuum is a climbing performance podcast brought to you by the team at Climb Strong.Hosted by Climb Strong coach Carter Smith, each monthly episode brings together CS coaches and guests for candid, minimally edited conversations about training, performance, and the broader ideas that shape how we climb. Instead of chasing perfect systems or one-size-fits-all answers, Outside the Vacuum looks at what actually works in the real world with messy schedules, injuries, motivation swings, social media noise, and all.This Episode's guest is the one and only Alex Bridgewater!Links:https://www.instagram.com/verticalperformancecoach/ (https://www.instagram.com/verticalperformancecoach/)https://www.instagram.com/innersourceperformancepsych/ (https://www.instagram.com/innersourceperformancepsych/)https://www.instagram.com/climb.strong/ (https://www.instagram.com/climb.strong/)Email Questions to: mailto:Carter@climbstrong.com (Carter@climbstrong.com)

6. 

   7 May 2026

   Episode 4: Ty and Carter on Marginal Gains

   Outside the Vacuum is a podcast brought to you by the team at Climb Strong.Hosted by Climb Strong coach Carter Smith, each monthly episode brings together CS coaches and guests for candid, minimally edited conversations about training, performance, and the broader ideas that shape how we climb. Instead of chasing perfect systems or one-size-fits-all answers, Outside the Vacuum looks at what actually works in the real world with messy schedules, injuries, motivation swings, social media noise, and all.This Episode's guest is the Legend Ty Mack!Links:https://www.instagram.com/climb.strong/?hl=en (https://www.instagram.com/climb.strong/?hl=en)https://www.instagram.com/verticalperformancecoach/ (https://www.instagram.com/verticalperformancecoach/)Email Questions to: Carter@climbstrong.com (mailto:Carter@climbstrong.com)

7. 

   1 Apr 2026

   Episode 3: Eric and Carter Talk Aging and Much More

   Outside the Vacuum is a podcast brought to you by the team at Climb Strong.Hosted by Climb Strong coach Carter Smith, each monthly episode brings together CS coaches and guests for candid, minimally edited conversations about training, performance, and the broader ideas that shape how we climb. Instead of chasing perfect systems or one-size-fits-all answers, Outside the Vacuum looks at what actually works in the real world with messy schedules, injuries, motivation swings, social media noise, and all.This Episode's guest is Eric Krumland. A Coach and Boulderer based in the PNW.Links:https://www.instagram.com/climb.strong/?hl=en (https://www.instagram.com/climb.strong/?hl=en)https://www.instagram.com/verticalperformancecoach/ (https://www.instagram.com/verticalperformancecoach/)Eric: https://www.instagram.com/p/DWJ-EzpjQ7V/ (https://www.instagram.com/p/DWJ-EzpjQ7V/)Email Questions to: Carter@climbstrong.com (mailto:Carter@climbstrong.com)

8. 

   27 Feb 2026

   Episode 2: Ken, Sara, and Carter Catch Up

   Outside the Vacuum is a podcast brought to you by the team at Climb Strong, the leading organization specializing in the coaching and training of rock climbers. Climb Strong aims to empower climbers of all abilities to reach the next level with personalized training programs and expert coaching. The podcast will be about climbing, coaching, and everything that doesn’t happen in perfect conditions.Today’s Episode features Ken Klein and Sara McFadden of the Climb Strong Coaching Team. The Nerd Topic is a hypothetical coaching situation.__Hosted by Climb Strong coach Carter Smith, each monthly episode brings together CS coaches and guests for candid, minimally edited conversations about training, performance, and the broader ideas that shape how we climb. Instead of chasing perfect systems or one-size-fits-all answers, Outside the Vacuum looks at what actually works in the real world with messy schedules, injuries, motivation swings, social media noise, and all.The name comes from a simple idea: climbing and coaching don’t happen in a vacuum. Theory is useful, but it only matters when it can be applied to real people, real bodies, and real lives. We’re most interested in sustainable progress; finding approaches you can stick with consistently rather than perfectly.If you’re interested in thoughtful coaching conversations, nuanced takes on training, and a more human approach to performance, check this new show out!Links:https://www.instagram.com/climb.strong/ (https://www.instagram.com/climb.strong/) https://www.instagram.com/verticalperformancecoach/ (https://www.instagram.com/verticalperformancecoach/)https://www.instagram.com/kklein28/ (https://www.instagram.com/kklein28/)https://www.instagram.com/sara.pax (https://www.instagram.com/sara.pax) Email Questions to: Carter@climbstrong.com (mailto:Carter@climbstrong.com)

9. 

   29 Jan 2026

   Episode 1: Steve and Carter Talk Squats

   Outside the Vacuum is a podcast brought to you by the team at Climb Strong, the leading organization specializing in the coaching and training of rock climbers. Climb Strong aims to empower climbers of all abilities to reach the next level with personalized training programs and expert coaching. The podcast will be about climbing, coaching, and everything that doesn’t happen in perfect conditions.Today’s Episode features the Founder of Climb Strong, Steve Bechtel.Hosted by Climb Strong coach Carter Smith, each monthly episode brings together CS coaches and guests for candid, minimally edited conversations about training, performance, and the broader ideas that shape how we climb. Instead of chasing perfect systems or one-size-fits-all answers, Outside the Vacuum looks at what actually works in the real world with messy schedules, injuries, motivation swings, social media noise, and all.The name comes from a simple idea: climbing and coaching don’t happen in a vacuum. Theory is useful, but it only matters when it can be applied to real people, real bodies, and real lives. We’re most interested in sustainable progress; finding approaches you can stick with consistently rather than perfectly.If you’re interested in thoughtful coaching conversations, nuanced takes on training, and a more human approach to performance, check this new show out!Links:⁠ (https://www.instagram.com/climb.strong/?hl=en)https://www.instagram.com/climb.strong/?hl=en⁠ (https://www.instagram.com/climb.strong/?hl=en⁠)⁠ (https://www.instagram.com/verticalperformancecoach/)https://www.instagram.com/verticalperformancecoach/⁠ (https://www.instagram.com/verticalperformancecoach/⁠)⁠ (https://substack.com/@stevebechtel)https://substack.com/@stevebechtel⁠ (https://substack.com/@stevebechtel⁠)Email Questions to: ⁠ (mailto:Carter@climbstrong.com)Carter@climbstrong.com (mailto:Carter@climbstrong.com)⁠ (mailto:Carter@climbstrong.com)

10. 

    24 Jan 2026

    Episode 0 - An Introduction

    Outside the Vacuum is a podcast brought to you by the team at Climb Strong, the leading organization specializing in the coaching and training of rock climbers. Climb Strong aims to empower climbers of all abilities to reach the next level with personalized training programs and expert coaching. The podcast will be about climbing, coaching, and everything that doesn’t happen in perfect conditions.Hosted by Climb Strong coach Carter Smith, each monthly episode brings together CS coaches and guests for candid, minimally edited conversations about training, performance, and the broader ideas that shape how we climb. Instead of chasing perfect systems or one-size-fits-all answers, Outside the Vacuum looks at what actually works in the real world with messy schedules, injuries, motivation swings, social media noise, and all.The name comes from a simple idea: climbing and coaching don’t happen in a vacuum. Theory is useful, but it only matters when it can be applied to real people, real bodies, and real lives. We’re most interested in sustainable progress; finding approaches you can stick with consistently rather than perfectly.Episodes typically run about an hour and include:A focused headline or hot-take topic from the climbing worldHonest check-ins on what we’ve been training, climbing, and coaching latelyA deeper “nerd topic” that connects research, philosophy, or systems thinking to climbing, and explores how (and whether) it appliesMedia recommendations, from books and podcasts to music and filmListener questionsOnce per quarter, the format shifts entirely to keep things fresh. If you’re interested in thoughtful coaching conversations, nuanced takes on training, and a more human approach to performance, check this new show out!Links:https://www.instagram.com/climb.strong/?hl=en (https://www.instagram.com/climb.strong/?hl=en)https://www.instagram.com/verticalperformancecoach/ (https://www.instagram.com/verticalperformancecoach/)Email Questions to: Carter@climbstrong.com (mailto:Carter@climbstrong.com)

Pitching Outside the Vacuum

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting pitches.