Dierdre Wolownick is the oldest woman to have climbed El Capitan in Yosemite National Park. She’s also a teacher, a musician, a marathon runner — and the mother of renowned rock climber Alex Honnold.
On this episode, we talk with Dierdre about what it was like raising a kid like Alex.
We discuss her efforts to keep Alex safe as a child, without stifling his love for climbing. We talk about the difference between risk and consequence. And we explore Dierdre’s own journey to becoming a climber, and how learning about her son’s passion changed their relationship.
High on Failure
Pedaling and Paddling
The Instinct to Kill
Too Poor to Dream?
Selfless Acts
Blue Dive
Failure in Success
Moral Compass
Nature's Nostalgia
Adult-Onset Hunting
Beach Bum
Introducing Not Lost
Never Enough
Measuring Up
Escape
Pamper Your Brain
Climate Language
America's Best Idea?
Pandemic Sundays
Indoor Kid
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
Australian Hiker
Off Track
Outside Podcast
Outside/In
The Dirtbag Diaries