The Gnar Stool Podcast

In this episode, we catch up with Jess Shade—a licensed clinical mental health counselor, organizational consultant, and all-around badass climber and ski mountaineer. Jess takes us on her journey from being a science geek to diving headfirst into the world of extreme sports. She talks about everything from experimenting with ketone esters for weight cutting to taking on the gnarly chutes in the W...

Get ready for an epic audio adventure with Kylie Fly! This talented photographer, skier, and rock climber takes us on a journey from her roots in Idaho to exploring the far corners of the globe. Kylie opens up about her passion for capturing the raw beauty of human experiences in stunning landscapes, including her powerful work in Haiti after the earthquake. She also shares how a thrilling intro t...

In this episode of the Gnar Stool podcast, we chat with Cat Widner, former art teacher turned jewelry artist at Honeysuckle Handmade Studio. Cat shares her journey from the classroom to crafting unique jewelry inspired by nature, particularly the desert. They discuss her creative process, the challenges of running a small business, and how the pandemic influenced her career. Tune in for a look at...

This week on the Gnar Stool Crew, Shannon and John are thrilled to welcome talented photographer Re Wikstrom! Join them for an engaging and insightful conversation as they dive into the unique challenges faced by female photographers in a male-dominated industry. They explore how societal norms influence the portrayal of female athletes and the ongoing fight for fair pay and equal opportunities. D...

In this episode of the Gnar Stool Podcast, Alvin Garcia shares his journey from Guatemala to Park City, Utah. He discusses his family's challenges as undocumented immigrants, the cultural shock of moving to a privileged community, and the resilience they showed. Alvin reflects on his childhood in Park City, where he faced discrimination and bullying but found solace in soccer. His story highlights...

Climber and filmmaker, Cody Kaemmerlen is in the Gnar Stool hot seat this week! The crew breaks it all down from Cody’s life-altering climbing accident to his journey of self-discovery and healing. Cody also gets candid about his raw and inspiring story, from writing angry letters to his birth mother to creating the powerful film “Dear Mother”. Tune in for a heartfelt, transformative journey fille...

The latest Gnar Stool Podcast episode is out now! This time, we chat with John Collinson, a big mountain free skier, mountaineer, and all around badass who shares how his parents' adventurous lifestyle prepared him for bigger challenges. He talks about training with professional alpinists and learning a loose yet focused approach to mountain climbing. John reflects on how climbing Everest, a child...

Get ready for a fun and inspiring episode of the Gnar Stool Podcast! We’re joined by the awesome Elsa Jaworski, ultra runner and passionate Alzheimer’s awareness advocate. Elsa takes us on her journey into the wild world of trail running and ultra marathons. From her intense training routines to her favorite snacks and the crazy challenges she’s faced at races like Cocodona and Tahoe 200, this epi...

This week we sat down with with Boone Speed, a legendary climber, mentor, and photographer. Boone delves deep into his journey from a wild rock 'n' roll youth to discovering a passion for climbing that would define his life. He shares insights into his innovative contributions to the sport, the influence of key figures, and how the climbing world has evolved over the decades. Boone's reflections o...

This week we sat down with professional Snowboarder, Rob Roethler for a lively and insightful discussion. From wild party stories and the infamous "Poofart Gamble" at a childhood crush's birthday party to the thrills of snowboarding and the importance of community, this episode covers it all. Rob shares his thoughts on listening to your body, flexibility training, and finding the perfect balance b...

This week we’re psyched to have Sports Registered Dietitian Hayden James in the Gnar Stool hot seat! She came ready to dive into nutrition and body image in sports, disordered eating, the role of education, and the pressures of social media. The crew also tackled extreme diets and the crucial role of coaches in fostering a healthy food relationship. Tune in for a fresh take on athlete well-being a...

In this episode of the Gnar Stool Podcast, Shannon O'Grady and John Perry discuss the importance of perseverance, mental strength, and skill development in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. They are joined by guest Mike Diaz, a fourth-degree Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt, who shares insights on self-defense, training mindset, and the value of building a strong skill set in jiu-jitsu.

This week Shannon and John are joined by Natahly and Ben to shoot the shit discuss the importance of daily supplementation for overall health and performance. We delve into topics such as the benefits of creatine, vitamin D, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids. We cover the impact of supplementation on mood, muscle strength, immune function, and bone health. They share personal experiences with sup...

In this episode of The Gnar Stool Podcast, hosts Shannon O'Grady and John Perry sit down with photographer, Bob Plumb, aka Bobby Digital aka The Possum. Bob is a seasoned photographer and photo editor for Slush. With an eclectic range of titles under his belt — from Men's League Soccer superstar to the affectionately coined "Possum" by his family — Bob has immersed himself in the creative world wi...

In this episode of The Gnar Stool Podcast, hosts Shannon O'Grady and John Perry sit down with Ryan Hudson, a professional backcountry snowboarder. Ryan shares his inspiring journey from a challenging childhood to finding his passion for snowboarding through the Outdoor Outreach program. He discusses the impact of mentors and the importance of seizing opportunities. The conversation also touches on...

This week the Gnar Crew is diving into the career and mindset of professional skier Pep Fujas. From his humble beginnings in Oregon to his transition into competitive skiing and freestyle park skiing all the way to his marketing and product development role at @wndr_alpine, Pep shares his journey with authenticity and humor. Get ready to gain insights into his mindset training, visualization techn...

This week we’ve got the one and only, Ted Bezemer! Physical therapist, strength and conditioning coach, and founder of Axis he is a man of much knowledge. In this episode he shares insights from his nearly two-decade career, discussing his journey into physical therapy and his approach to training athletes. Wanna know about the importance of focusing on the nervous system in training or the signif...

Join us this week as we welcome the esteemed Donut King, Dr. Tyler Nelson, to the Gnar Stool! With a background in chiropractic medicine and as a certified strength and conditioning specialist, Tyler is reshaping the landscape of climbing and sports science. He challenges conventional wisdom with his commitment to evidence-based approaches and relentless pursuit of knowledge. Don't miss out on thi...

Get ready to dive into the cutting-edge world of stem cell therapy with none other than Dr. Amy Killen! Once an emergency healthcare whiz, now a leading authority on human performance and longevity, Dr. Killen is here to blow your mind with the wonders of stem cells. We're not just scratching the surface; we're delving deep into how stem cell therapy can work wonders for your skin, hair, and even...

This week we’ve got THE Jeremy Jones in the Gnar Stool hot seat. From his childhood days of ripping around on a skateboard to becoming the local legend of Brighton, Jeremy shares it all. Listen up because Jeremy gets candid about his life altering avalanche incident and shares his perspective about trusting your gut, owning up to your actions, and coming out the other side. Tune in for a deep dive...

Meet Amir Allam: former professor turned Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt who doesn’t hold back on the mats or the microphone. Amir's candid and humorous take on the jiu-jitsu world, along with his experiences in competitions like Quintet, ADCC trials, and more, will keep you engaged and entertained. Don't miss out on this exciting conversation, where he shares his perspective on the sport, training, and the...

Andy Dorais takes a seat on the Gnar Stool this week to give us the low down on his rise to FKT stardom. Andy dives into the evolution of his training methods, nutrition strategies, and how to keep safe while pushing the limits in the mountains. Not only a phenomenal athlete but also an accomplished ER doctor, you’ll be lucky to see Andy whizzing by on a dawn patrol or zipping down the canyon. Sit...

This week we dive in with Jared Campbell and his involvement in the organization RUFA (Running Up For Air). Jared, an ultra runner and founder of RUFA, shares insights into the mission of the organization, which focuses on raising money to support the fight for improved air quality along the Wasatch Front. We explore Jared's journey from being a climber to transitioning into the world of running a...

This week we had the pleasure of sitting down with Deacon Andrews, Army Veteran, MMA Fighter, Jiu Jitsu Brown Belt, and last but not least a father. The crew gets candid and heartfelt with a conversation that delves into the complexities of masculinity, fatherhood, and the ongoing process of self-improvement. Deacon shares his experiences of overcoming physical and emotional challenges, learning t...

Meet Elisabeth Clay, newest member of the Gnarly Athlete Team and the Jiu-Jitsu juggernaut with a knack for knee bars and a penchant for punchlines. She's not just cruising through opponents; she's practically tap-dancing on their dignity. From gymnastics hopeful to grappling sensation, Elisabeth's journey is as wild as an arm bar escape. Born in Texas, hardened in Alaska, polished in California,...