June 9, 2025

#162 Jonathan Siegrist — What It Takes To Send At Your Limit, Different Climbing Cultures Around The World, and Having Longevity As a Professional In Climbing

#162 Jonathan Siegrist — What It Takes To Send At Your Limit, Different Climbing Cultures Around The World, and Having Longevity As a Professional In Climbing

Jonathan Siegrist , aka J-Star, is one of the top sport climbers in the world, and he has been for at least a decade(s?). He recently sent another 9b in Italy, called Erebor . This wasn’t his in his typical style and he shares how he trained for months before the trip specifically for this line.

Jonathan is one of the most experienced and knowledgeable climbers in the game right now and he shares SO much in this chat. Both in how to reach your potential now, and how to be successful over the long haul.

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00:00 - Intro

07:13 - Italy / Arco Back In The Limelight?

11:20 - What Makes The Climbing In Spain, France, & Italy Special And Unique

19:44 - Why Jonathan Still Love Having The US As His Homebase

29:46 - Setting His Sights On Erebor [9b]

39:16 - The Different Climbing Culture In Spain, France, & Italy

47:12 - How To Decide When To Just Try Harder Vs Refine Beta

51:48 - 2 Tips For Climbing Things Faster

58:36 - How Jonathan Trained For Erebor [9b]

01:07:47 - Sending Erebor 'Came Down To The Wire'

01:13:00 - What It Means To Push The Your Limits

01:16:28 - What He's Learned As Climber Now That He's Getting Older

01:20:40 - What Josh Has Learned [Now That He's Getting Older Too]

01:24:20 - The Importance Of Improving 1%

01:30:12 - His Role As The Climb Team Captain At Arcteryx

01:35:04 - What Was Being a Professional Climber Like In 2008?

01:39:37 - Advice To Ambitious Young Climbers Who Want To Turn Pro

01:52:08 - Careers Within Climbing After Being a Professional Climber?

02:00:24 - What Climbing Jonathan Is Planning For This Year

02:05:17 - Is China The Next Frontier For Sport Climbing?

02:07:41 - How Do You Go From Good To Great?