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.
Running Blind
Why Do We Stay?
The Right to Complain
Introducing the Atlas Obscura Podcast
When You Close Your Eyes
The Confidence to Thrive
The Stories We Carry
Exiled from Ranch Country
Common Ground
The Three-Year-Old Thru-Hiker
8 Miles in NYC
Nice Guys Can Finish First
Better Than Fun
Back to the Real World
After Getting Sober
Passing
Changemakers
The Motherload
Conservation 2.0
An Unlikely Family
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
Australian Hiker
Off Track
Outside Podcast
Outside/In
The Dirtbag Diaries