Listen to “Mountain Hollow Dreams” Dirtbag Diaries Podcast Episode
Illustration: Walker Cahall
“I’d built it up in my head a lot—being a professional climber. This felt like the consummation of those dreams. I found the valley, I envisioned the trip, I got the funding, made it happen, stood at the base, picked the line, climbed it, sent, we were at the top and it wasn’t feeling the way I wanted it to feel,” says Chris Kalman.
Chris, Austin Siadak and Miranda Oakley got to go on what should have been a climber’s dream trip—fully funded first ascents of granite big walls in the Coast Range of British Columbia, helicopter transport in and out, minimal struggles and good team dynamics. But, by the end, Chris realized that this dream trip left him feeling a little hollow and he needed to redefine how he pursues meaningful adventures.
Want to hear more from Chris? Listen to his Shorts, “Vanlife” and “The Journey Within,” check out his website, ChrisKalman.com or order a copy of his book “As Above, So Below: A Climbing Story”
Visit dirtbagdiaries.com for links to past episodes, music credits and to pledge your support. You can subscribe to the podcast via iTunes, SoundCloud, Stitcher and DoggCatcher, or connect with the Dirtbag Diaries community on Facebook. The Dirtbag Diaries is a Duct Tape Then Beer production.
