“It’s “produced” with music riffs, sound effects, tag-teaming hosts… And everybody loves Alex Honnold, right? But the show is watered-down. I know that is, in part, by design in order to target larger, less “core” climbing audiences, but every episode leaves me wishing they’d go just a little bit deeper. This is further complicated by the fact that I just have a hard time listening to Honnold who has what comes across as a very childlike, or black-and-white view of climbing, the issues that face climbers, and the world in general. Don’t get me wrong: I have utter respect for his climbing achievements, his lifestyle, and his dedication to his nonprofit, but in terms of his public personality I find him an entertaining novelty more than a podcast host. It just feels like this whole thing is an attempt to capitalize on fame rather than a passion project. This is reinforced by the number of repetitive Honnold-narrated ads you have to fast forward through… no thanks! …but the star power does draw some impressive guests which is fantastic, and at least Honnold knows what he’s talking about. Cahill serves more as the “bridge”, often explaining things in layperson’s terms, but his delivery is also a bit watered-down. Give your audience more credit (even the non-climbers). Go deeper, invite them to think more process what they’re listening to… No need to spoon feed us.”
Josh Janes via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
06/15/21