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December 23, 2024 57 mins

There’s nobody better than Bill Ramsey to discuss the impact that Alan Watts had on climbing. Not only is he a philosophy professor, but he was born in the same hospital as Alan, just a few hours later. Their fathers climbed together at Smith Rock, their mothers shared a recovery room, and together they found a love of climbing that helped bring Smith Rock into the future. 

We discuss:

  • Bill and Alan’s early climbing.
  • What contributed to changing ethics at Smith Rock. 
  • What Alan saw in Smith Rock that Bill didn’t. 
  • Alan’s forward thinking and selflessness. 
  • What Alan Watts means to climbing history.

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Season Two is generously supported by Rab

This episode is supported by Tension Climbing. Use code WRITTEN15 at checkout.

This episode is supported by our research partner, NOLS: The National Outdoor Leadership School.

Written in Stone is co-created with Power Company Climbing.

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