Show notes
Ben is a climber on Team USA and hold shaper for Pusher holds! In this episode we’ll get some insight into the grades of world cup boulders, how depression, anxiety, and ADHD shapes his relationship with climbing, how he balances working as a routesetter with training, and get his thoughts on hold shaping.Guest links:Ben’s InstagramReference links:Seoul World Champs Boulder SemisThe Boss holdThank you Mad Rock for sponsoring this episode! Use code 'notrealclimber' for 10% off your ENTIRE order, even if you're a returning customer! https://madrock.com/Learn more about the podcast at www.thatsnotrealclimbingpodcast.comFollow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/thatsnotrealclimbingpodcastJoin the FREE community in Discord! https://discord.gg/QTa668g8zpJoin Patreon for a welcome gift, deleted scenes, and question priority: www.patreon.com/thatsnotrealclimbingpodcastTimestamps of discussion topics0:00 - Intro1:10 - Mad Rock Shoutout!!1:53 - World champs experience11:51 - Difficulty of semis boulders at world cups18:33 - Getting into climbing and competing22:36 - Climbing as self-medication for ADHD30:20 - Training routine...or lack thereof38:44 - Actually a lead climber45:21 - MORE power boulders!51:55 - Competitiveness with Colin55:11 - Becoming a hold shaper59:00 - Good holds vs bad holds1:09:54 - Thoughts on no tex1:20:05 - 2026 goals1:21:56 - AUDIENCE Q: Did you really start climbing at 2?1:26:19 - AUDIENCE Q: What kept you motivated to keep trying after failures at nationals1:30:53 - AUDIENCE Q: What local climbers helped you growing up?1:33:51 - Shoutouts + where to find Ben
