Long-form adventurous conversations with experts in mindset, resilience, sport psychology, fear management, presence, attention, distraction, flow-state, performance psychology, well-being and more with professional climber and coach Hazel Findlay.
Rethinking Bravery – Strong Mind Session with Hazel and Angus
What does it really mean to have a strong mind? And what does it actually mean to be brave?
In climbing, bravery is usually praised and celebrated—but when we look more closely, it’s far more nuanced than the simple definitions we tend to rely on. In this episode, Hazel and Angus explore how bravery has traditionally been viewed in climbing, unpack common misconceptions, and examine the many layers that sit beneath our usual assumptions.
They discuss ego, status, vulnerability, and how having a strong mind is not the same as simply “being brave.” This conversation invites climbers to rethink what courage really looks like—on and off the wall.
We’re also preparing to launch our most comprehensive fear management course yet: The Strong Mind Program. 👉 Join the waitlist (https://go.strongmindclimbing.com/waitlist) (launch date 6th January 2026)
And don’t forget to check out our newsletter: Thought of the Week (http://courses.strongmindclimbing.com/newsletter), for regular insights on mindset, fear, and performance in climbing.
If you’d like an insight into the work we do, check out what our students say on Trustpilot (https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/strongmindclimbing.com).
Timestamps
00:00:14 – Introduction
00:01:21 – Common misconceptions about bravery in climbing
00:12:48 – Different types of bravery
00:20:21 – Ego and status in climbing
00:28:46 – Defining bravery
00:39:08 – Strong-mindedness vs bravery
00:50:16 – Vulnerability and gender in climbing
13 Aug 2025
Can You Climb Without Ego? Zen Lessons from Francis Sanzaro
Hazel sits down with climber, philosopher, and author Francis Sanzaro for a deep dive on the ego—what it is, how it shows up in climbing and life, and how Zen philosophy offers tools to loosen its grip. From ambition, status, and self-worth to the joy (and traps) of goal-setting, Francis draws on decades of climbing experience and insights from Zen and philosophy. Along the way, they explore how the ego shapes who we are and what it means to have a mind that’s truly free.
If you’d like help working on your mindset, check out our free mindset workbook and guided reflection. Link (https://go.strongmindclimbing.com/download)
Sign up to our thought of the week here! Link (https://courses.strongmindclimbing.com/newsletter)
Timestamps
00:00:10 - Intro
00:02:40 - Who is Francis Sanzaro, and how did philosophy meet climbing?
00:06:22 - What is Zen, really—religion or self-inquiry?
00:00:10 - intro00:09:09 - What does a Zen life look like day to day?
00:12:46 - What is the ego, and how does it show up in climbing?
00:16:54 - Are we constantly trading ego like currency in social spaces?
00:21:13 - Is striving for success draining the joy from climbing?
00:24:48 - Does the ego drive our extrinsic motivations?
00:30:34 - Can we set goals without becoming attached to outcomes? Can ego be a tool for greatness or is it a trap?
00:37:38 - Are top athletes good examples—or cautionary tales?
00:44:26 - How does the climbing community shape our sense of worth?
00:49:21 - Can we protect ourselves from external judgment and status pressure?
00:56:02 - What simple practices can help us observe without reacting?
01:01:58 - Should we feel pride—or let it go like any other attachment?
01:05:51 - Does letting go of ego mean feeling less—or feeling more?
01:08:24 - Would humanity still strive for greatness without ego?
01:12:27 - How does it feel to climb with ego versus without it? What does it mean to have a mind that’s truly free?
22 Jul 2025
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.
Sign up for our thought of the week here! Link
Time stamps
00:00:10 – 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?
Who has been a guest on Strong Mind
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Aldo Kane
Matt Pycroft
Shauna Coxsey
Barbara Zangler
Jacopo Larcher
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
16,463
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
4.9 / 5
13 ratings
Spotify
4.9 / 5
81 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 40 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
29
Social presence
0
YouTube
76
Engagement
51
Contact Strong Mind
Guest appearances
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