Alex Honnold: A Soul Freed

On June 3, 2017, Alex Honnold became the first person to climb the 3,000-vertical-foot granite face of Yosemite’s El Capitan, alone, without ropes, a feat that was chronicled in the Academy Award-winning documentary, Free Solo. In his New York Times op-ed column, Bret Stephens wrote that with that act, “Honnold gave an extraordinary gift to everyone who believes that the limit of human achievement is far from being reached.” The climber and journalist explore questions like: How do you manage fear? What's the line between daring and recklessness? What should we sacrifice in the pursuit of excellence? And what is the connection between freedom and happiness?

[@LimitedCapacity]

I don’t know what about this guy that makes him so likeable but I do enjoy listening to him. I think it’s that he’s so humble and honest.

[@jonathonayala4691]

Exactly! It makes me want to be a better person but also it's nice that he does this because not all of us have this chance to live on the edge going as extreme as he does while also giving back to the world.

[@answersquestioned]

He seems incapable of lying or representing himself in a disingenuous way. It makes for a sincerity that wins me over every time.

[@arindamsharma8641]

I absolutely concur

[@wisdom6437]

Agree, I love hearing him. Can't get tired of it. He's so humble and offers any info.

[@Mazwell96]

has an incredible outlook on life and is amazingly sincere.

[@dannyg2197]

Alex is actually hilarious. You don't expect it at all but he's got a great sense of humor

[@kenadams5504]

That Free Solo climb is the single most incredible feat of Human fearlessness and true self belief that I have ever witnessed .

[@someoneout-there2165]

I agree.

[@billphipps453]

or, just plumb crazy...

[@brentwalker3300]

This is the best interview/conversation I've seen with Alex. The chemistry is perfect for a profound yet hilarious talk. Alex: "I prefer silence if what I'm doing really matters". Respect.

[@moocow7191]

Agree most others are jokey or wierd. His questions seemed to bring out alex, like "does it limit or expand your freedom?"

[@lowellmiller6663]

I would love to see him pursue comedy as a side gig. He is hilarious!

[@rara58524]

Agreed so much. I was gonna comment about that on one of the Alex Honnold videos. The guy has the perfect talent for comedy that is found in the classic fathers of the film genre like Buster Keaton or Charlie Chaplin. He can create humorous situations out of nothing, by the slightest move or facial expression. He does it with such simplicity and ease that's very rare to find nowadays.

[@someoneout-there2165]

He is hilarious and unique. I loved seeing him eat his meal directly off a skillet or drinking his coffee from a huge pot.

[@Spencer-vq7se]

He actually did start doing comedy. Look up "Nathan for You"

[@cspace1234nz]

Alex Honnold, an uncluttered mind.

[@jamesbarris6477]

He's so unaffected and grounded. Truly a remarkable man. I'm not a climber but greatly appreciate his demonstrations of mind over matter.

[@mhobie1]

Well put.

[@alwayslookingatself]

Doctors have studied his brain and say it is wired differently. He doesn't experience fear like the rest of us.

[@kirkjohnson9353]

@@alwayslookingatself That is interesting. He is different but it in no way impairs his judgement or he would be dead by now. People who cannot feel pain are debilitated -his apparent lack of fear seems to have no down side. He himself says he does feel fear I guess it just gets processed or evaluated differently. He is very special in some way.

[@mulhol43]

alwayslookingatself its not true if you listen to the whole interview he tells you that everything is a same! he just not that scared of scarry pictures! His brain wired just like ours but he has different life experiences that makes him getting use to scarry situations...

[@beerjug339]

@@kirkjohnson9353 If you have seen Free Solo you can see the brain scan they gave him. Shows exactly that his fear gland doesn´t work like a normal human, under the questions the doctor was asking him. It´s not about what he said. It´s the medical scan he went thru in the Free Solo Doc, basicly proves he doesn´t feel "the same fear" as a normal human. His gland doesn´t release as much adrenaline as a normal person.

[@desertbowhunter]

Q: Why did you free solo a 2,000ft wall? A: I didn't own that much rope.

[@leeorrphotography]

Stop cutting Alex off with your questions. Good interviewing is a fading art.

[@jeff_t_matsuda]

Agree!

[@epimeno9146]

I feel like it was more of a conversation than an interview, I mean Alex was cutting him off as well. It's sort of just how conversations are sometimes

[@illuminati.official]

Bret Stephens is the same dweeb who quit Twitter after somebody called him a bedbug and he tried snitching to their boss about it. It's fair to assume he starts with a slight deficit of people skills.

[@xMochaPuffx]

truly -.- let them talk!

[@user-vc5rp7nf8f]

ikr

[@twstf8905]

His honesty is what makes him so endearing. I keep finding myself stuck in Alex Honnold KZbin video rabbit holes lol chores be DAMNED. 😇👍 Edit; (Oh, and DRINK 🍷🍹🍺🥂🥃 every time Alex says, "But, ummmm... ")

[@douglasmckay6026]

So true, seems such an unassuming guy, which is totally at odds with his utter genius/talent/bravery. So good to see he’s true to himself and isn’t drowning in the ‘fame’.

[@timmunro7313]

Been binge watching since I discovered Alex a week ago. I’ve had to take occasional breaks, when I get freaked out, only to return an hour later. You are loved and respected Alex!!!!

[@bilvotel3119]

The moment when he describes overwhelming fear with "oh no"

[@MagratheaLegend]

Hahahaha

[@ilyanikitin6248]

or, "Oh Jeez!"

[@ThePinkDino78]

23:45 "while climbing a thing in Patagonia *moving finger up and down*" the first ascent of Fitz Roy Traverse an almost impossible feat. He's so humble it's crazy.

[@enricomahoney6617]

Le Cul Du Chien And that’s why he excels so much in free solo. Let him be, let him live life how he wants.

[@kos_m824]

@@leculduchien1386 Everyone dies. I'd rather die doing something that really brings me happiness rather than at 80 or 90 barely being able to move my body

[@AaronDavison]

I saw Free Solo on a flight recently and found it riveting. Something about watching the film from 35,000 feet in the sky made it even more thrilling! I was convinced that if Alex didn't make the climb that the plane would crash. Fortunately Alex made it and so did my plane.

[@normnielsen]

I like the added stress of watching this in a plane (I'm jealous). As it was, watching this film, my couch felt more dangerous than any flight I've ever taken. :)

[@OMGWTFLOLSMH]

This movie deserves to be watched on a big screen, like 8'-10', or larger. Imax would be good. To watch this on a 10" airplane screen or a tablet is an injustice.

[@dychui]

Love the way you described your reaction ! Totally identify with that

[@jazz19101]

This guy is amazing. He comes across as articulate, intelligent and thoughtful. He might not have a formal education but he is very well self-taught. He also has a great sense of humor.

[@morecokeplllllllz335]

wtf the dude dropped out of UCB right?

[@nikolaandric3200]

@@morecokeplllllllz335 yea lmao he graduated high school with a 4.7 gpa

[@lestergreen6489]

Formal education is largely brainwashing in modern universities

[@PF-Fly]

Alex didn’t waste $150,000 on an education he could get for a $1.50 in late charges at the local library.

[@s.h.6100]

@@nikolaandric3200 What does having a 4.7 gpa mean? (just a curious european ;))

[@victoriaprekate4300]

How amazingly humble! He praised his fellow climbers many times and didn't get carried away by the flattering comments. Down to earth, honest about things most people would not talk about (like lack of friendship) and wasn't afraid of using a little humour about his mistakes. Now that's truly inspiring!

[@Si-ew3ff]

I've watched some of Alex's climbing online, before seeing any interviews. It's terrifying to watch as we probably all agree, even though our brains know that he must have succeeded, and not fell and died, it still causes much anxiety and sweaty palms. it's so powerful, the fear and anxiety hijacks the part of the brain that is screaming "there's nothing to fear, he survives this. What are you worried about?" Now that I've watched this interview, and he is so likeable, I think it will add another layer of fear and empathy, as if I am watching my brother or best friend on the precipice between life and death.

[@answersquestioned]

Though Honnold to some extent takes pride in his achievements (who wouldn't?), bragging about them seems foreign to him. Nor is he embellishing his stories with any heroism or romanticism for that matter. To relate his expereriences as truthful as possible to his audience makes him a great speaker.

[@ahoward3819]

The complete lack of arrogance in someone who is probably one of the very few that I would completely say they have earned the right to be so makes Alex a person I am in awe of. What a genuinely nice guy I could listen to for hours. It feels like he shares his confidence with you and makes you feel like if he can do what he has then surely I can do whatever I set my mind to (albeit on a much smaller scale!).

[@ZacBLive]

Alex is one of the most captivating people I’ve ever experienced. He cares about real answers. That’s so rare.

[@WilliamSurles]

Alex is the biggest bad ass, but also like the most humble and least attached to his image of any great climber. Makes him a great ambassador for the sport. I don't know that any other major free soloist could do it like him.

[@hamdighezal8064]

on every interview he keeps repeating saying he climbed it 100 times so he know he is very capable doing it without a rope, feels like he need to convince ppl that its achievable and he is not a superhuman, that's how humble is this guy! man you re so inspiring..and yes you are a superhuman..

[@shLSS]

For someone to have grown up as a very shy boy he sure has transformed into an incredible entertainer. Serious and funny :-)

[@DD-d6d3]

He might have been shy as a child, but definitely wasn't in high school.

[@Ethan-uv1br]

Free Solo 2: Honnold goes knitting

[@timmunro7313]

lololol 😂😂😂

[@k..r3]

The way Alex starts smiling at 49:33 from hearing a new question is heart warming

[@Mdjagg]

If they ever release the full four hour climb, it'd be the top rated screen saver download of all time. Pretty please!

[@alfreddelatourquipenche8287]

It's four (4) hours.

[@47fortyseven47]

@@alfreddelatourquipenche8287 I would watch it start to finish

[@alfreddelatourquipenche8287]

@@47fortyseven47 shame on you! ought to be growing the GDP and shit, not wanking to long-format climbing porn.

[@JimmyXI]

Alex is a humble and ground to earth personality. I like everything about him. he is immune to fear of heights n higher altitudes.

[@luisablonk2510]

So cute as well..his eyes..so pure without like any "noise"..He is really special.

[@_CARKENT]

“It’s because they ski” LOL

[@caitlin.hardee]

I could watch Honnold talk forever. Beyond his astonishing feats, he's just got an incredibly chill vibe and seems like a genuinely lovely human. Makes him an immensely sympathetic protagonist.

[@J10thRplanetE]

His hands are trying to climb the mic

[@bitfinesse]

As someone who’s learning something very difficult that appears to be a science at first glance but later reveals itself to be an art, I’m inspired by the most important decision Alex has made. This is very critical. This decision is deciding whether what he’s attempting to do is worth the preparation that will be required to find out if he can do it or not - to find out if he’s right or wrong. This train of thought is a very critical one as many/most people encounter insane mental resistance when confronted with the reality of what is required to achieve an artful objective. So most people will take on something difficult and fail quickly because they want to do the least amount of preparation with which they think they can get away. There’s no glory in preparation is how most people probably think of these types of things. Deciding an objective is worth the preparation and doing the hard preparation and waiting until every ounce of the preparation has been completed is the greatest outward display of what makes Alex great. It’s not his super-strong fingers, it’s not his climbing skills, it’s not living in the van or being on a whole-food diet. It’s being honest with himself about what will be required and deciding for himself that the long span of preparation will be worth finding out if he’s wrong. Also, if he is wrong, he’ll fall to his death. I’d argue this reality makes it easier to not want to skimp on the preparation. But making the decision that finding out if he can do this is worth the journey and effort is what’s great about his story. And Alex talks about it here and there - risk management. This is what life is all about. Whether you’re a climber, trader, musician, supplier, grower or whatever. Taking on something very difficult requires risk management, otherwise, you’ll never try or (even worse) you’ll try without putting in the required effort and fail catastrophically. You’ll lose all your money or maybe, as for Alex’s position, fall to your death. Alex made the decision to trade a couple years of his time for all the other things he could have done with that time to prepare for an objective to find out if he’s right or wrong. I’m glad he was right but he has been rewarded far far less than he should have been, in my opinion. Making this type of trade takes real balls because time is the ultimate fixed-supply asset. And the objective is very likely to prove him wrong. This is a very very big trade. He realized this, he realized the danger and decided to take it on carefully, methodically, scientifically, artfully, conservatively, consciously and concisely. These types of trades only end in two ways: you either succeed outrageously or you fail outrageously. Either way, the outcome of these types of trades are life-changing. You’ll never hear it from Alex’s mouth, but this decision is what separates an ordinary person from those who decide to become great. This is the closest to god-mode a human be. We should all aspire to make the decision to take something on that will either make or break you. How well can you manage the risk? Can you understand the scope of the risks involved and spend the time to account for the risks to the degree that you can enter the journey, stick with it, and come out the other side whether you succeed or fail. I haven’t seen the film (yet) but I won’t be surprised if this critical point is not the focal point of the film. But it should be. Because this speaks to all of us. This is what we all have in common. We all will encounter a point where we have to decide if something is worth the time you’ll have to spend to find out if you’re wrong. His super-strong fingers are pretty impressive, though. Way to go, Alex. You’re an inspiration to every human and an outrageous display of what creating an existence worth living is all about. Thank you. Love this guy. He’s making the world a better place.

[@ravisanku9195]

Well written! Thanks.

[@FelipeGonzalez-le5jv]

Thank you for what you wrote. You were able to articulate all of my thoughts about him perfectly. I learned an important lesson from what you wrote.

[@codysteevis9536]

I needed to read this today. I've been learning one of the most difficult piano pieces this last year, and find myself only playing the parts I know instead of learning the rest. The work required is not as fun as just playing what I know. Tommorow I'll be practicing all day:)

[@bitfinesse]

@@codysteevis9536 hell yeah. Proud of you! Seems like the fun stuff tends to hinder our progress. I try to ask myself, “do I really want the next level?” If so, go for it. Go for it HARD. But don’t forget to rejuvenate your soul by having fun with what you already know from time to time. Keep going 🤗

[@shrutik9673]

What is this that you are learning

[@eme.261]

That such a courageous human has the beautiful, soft eyes of an innocent fawn, is incredibly incongruous.

[@HandlewithcareVibes]

no homo or anything but I love this guy, marvelous eyes very bright; he surely is a wonderful person

[@timmunro7313]

Same Same

[@dangerouswater]

58:05 I love the fact that amongst this whole adulation he is still trying to get his friends laid! (By the way after just complimenting him about his strong fingers...)

[@alanluscombe8a553]

My car broke down and i had a 7 mile walk home and i listened to this and it made the walk not bad lol

[@charlesbromberick4247]

He is a man living his dreams, and maybe that´s why he seems so well-centered.

[@lbft100]

Alex would make a great professor

[@GME_Patriot]

Why does the interviewer feel the need to interrupt and interject so often? He stops Alex from finishing his thoughts far too often.

[@user-vc5rp7nf8f]

shitty interviewers always feel the need to 'moderate' the discussion

[@profd65]

Fanboys always bitch about the interviewer.

[@AdamOfWindsor]

It's a tough job. Whilst he want's the interviewee to get through their stories etc there's still a schedule of things he needs to get through.

[@themandalorian7352]

@@AdamOfWindsor if the interviewer is also the host and the owner of the show it maybe a bit better. But most interviewers just do their jobs as asked I guessed. As in here we can clearly see that the guy keeps track of his questions needed to be asked.

[@Avixia]

At the part where the interviewer said to Honnold "I apologize, may I interrupt you" (paraphrasing), you can see Honnold's relief while he replied "of course!". It's possible at times Alex ends up over-talking and he feels this, similarly to people who talk a lot when they are nervous.

[@paulob3418]

The love I have for this man is unexplainable I do very little climbing but I adore him and his personality and his passion for what he does .. I watched free solo way after I was a honnold fan I met him in Northern Ireland where he solod and to say watching him climb gave me chills .. I pray for him and hope he lives a long and fantastic life this was an amazing interview and it's new to me so this is brilliant listening thanks for the upload 😘 love from Dublin Ireland

[@joshuagharis9017]

Definitely the best interview yet, so funny, so open too. Thanks to Alex, all involved, crew, janitors, everyone and audience 😊

[@almaguapa-sailboatliveaboa440]

Alex is a beautiful soul.

[@joshuagharis9017]

Alex, after watching Artic Ascent, Id say that was a HUGE thing. Epic. Meaningful. Genuine. Great man

[@Android480]

This interviewer doesn't really jive with Alex's snarky humor

[@yardmanAD]

It get's really obvious during the questions

[@mekan0001]

What can you expect from a bedbug?

[@Banshee88TK]

NYT company man interviews vagabond. Whodathunk

[@SW-tj7rp]

Agreed. Defiantly not a Howard Stern.

[@DrewDubious]

a bit out of his depth but hey.

[@manuelarpafo57]

Intelligent, humble, forthright and has a great sense of humor. Very likeable guy.

[@muthukumaranl]

One of the tricks i see him employ for keeping it grounded is to not let any praise get absorbed...u can see it in 37:34 to 37:40..he just mentally almost dodges praise like dodging bullets in the matrix..:-)

[@wisdom6437]

I love how humble Alex is, and he offers all the info, holding back none. And yet sooooo talented

[@merisolii8008]

Alex's mind is as intriguing as his accomplishment of free soloing El Cap. Love listening to his perspective on life.

[@thatsalligot2say]

He's so unique... whether he means to be or not he's hilarious

[@beauferguson9535]

Alex is quite possibly the greatest extreme athlete ever & he comes across as the cool guy at the mall food court.

[@AnHebrewChild]

I've listened to tons of Alex Honnold interviews. This one tho, so far, is the very best I've heard. Great vibe here....

[@emilisemilis85]

I think if he ever falls his own reaction to that would be just "oh no" and thats it.He is the calmest and most racional human doing his passion.

[@larungbatojutsu2427]

Hearing this guy telling his journey is a humbling moment. This man names should belong to the greatest of the world

[@diegogiroleti3906]

One of the best conversations with Alex! Great job!

[@adamm7840]

It's great listening to someone who is articulate, insightful, engaging and exceptional in their field. It's a rare combination. I've never climbed in my life and I thoroughly enjoy listening to Alex talk.

[@Flukey_1970]

I hope Alex keeps doing what he’s doing what ever that is and NEVER feels forced into doing anything to keep the public happy

[@aceqbaceq777]

this is THE VERY BEst interview with Alex. definetely.

[@CreativeLifeMemories]

We just hiked up to the base of Free Rider last week, looking up is awe inspiring.

[@Red-pv7kx]

Creative Life Memories that’s awesome

[@Bobcdn]

Captivating individual! The palms of my hands were literally sweating while watching Free Solo!

[@ericpmoss]

The refrigerator shopping scene was a comic masterpiece.

[@joapps8135]

the one he picked out... every girl's dream frig 😜

[@jakeglazier9698]

I have a wife and 2 kids and bought the same fridge 5 years ago. My wife gave me the funniest look during that scene in the movie.

[@DaVeganZombie]

Alex is a pure delight. Period.

[@Dominiqueuqinimod]

Hiking in Zion is one of my fondest memories. I agree, Alex! It’s beautiful!

[@MartinClimbs]

Waiting for "Still Solo". HYPE

[@Lalala-fz2ci]

Wow an impressive, amazing guy!! Lovable and inspirational in every way 🥰

[@MeanGeneSanDiego]

Alex; "Raise your hands if you SKI...because that's WAY more dangerous."👍🤣

[@taylor.douthit]

Such a great closing message from Alex

[@bdixmusic]

"Anything you wanna say before we go?" "Death is coming". "Okay thanks Alex."

[@tag4894]

Absolutely amazing!!! my number 1 life inspiration! Alex is such a beautiful human-being.

[@colindante5164]

Thankyou for uploading this. It's always such a pleasure to hear Alex. )))

[@maxgonzalez214]

This guy is super genuine and likable, his answers are child-like in their honesty.

[@bloodstriper3649]

I like how Alex swivels his head around and eye-fucks the audience, like, "You better be listening...I have better shit to do."

[@DannyLee-bx1tp]

All do respect M.J. TIGER , BRADY, LEBRON, BIRD, MAYS , KOUFAX. THIS GUY HAS TO RANK AS ONE OF THE IF NOT THE GREATEST ATHLETE OF ALL TIME.( WITHOUT THE HEADLINES)

[@pembridgehouse]

I have just read the Push by Tommy Caldwell and loved it. Alex is in that story too so had to watch this. Very good considered answers and much spontaneous humour..I couldn't see any problems with the interviewer as some have said. I think he did a good job.Well done Alex.

[@deter3]

The Best interview with Alex

[@stephaniebarrett8057]

Watched the movie and was TOTALLY blown away!!!

[@justinlemieux5189]

I really like alex. He is super reasonable and logical, he takes his time to articulate his answers and he is totally honest with himself. What a cool guy, what an amazing career he has had. One of the most remarkable athletes ever.

[@Yumicpcake]

"The whole relationship " Lmfao, Alex, you are hilarious!

[@pampaul4442]

Love Alex....such a grounded and chill guy.

[@joshellison1974]

​@rant404 Good thing he hasn't fallen then!

[@joshellison1974]

@rant404 Like the man himself says "Nobody ever died pushing the limits of free soloing." Better to die young living your life well then die slowly over 40 years in a cubicle.

[@asonei3531]

​@rant404 i guess what the quote means is that if you die you didn't push the limits because you didn't reach the summit (i.e. because you took too much risk, which is not the idea behind free soloing)

[@andysPARK]

I think free solo was a genuine pinnacle of athletic risk. Pushing Alex to top it doesn't seem right or fair. He's done the bravest, most disciplined and scary climb way beyond what a athlete could be expected to attempt. Beyond remarkable. And it was real, he's not an actor and its not a game.

[@tested123]

the world needs these people. without this personality type we would never progress.

[@anthonyx3576]

Alex, brilliant, you do not have to make a free solo 2. Overtime, that you're still alive as the legend, it will carve it's own way for you. And, the relationship in free solo was beautiful. Don't listen to these trolls 😎

[@alanhelton]

You sir are a climbing comedian! You are a true treasure.

[@ashishkiift]

Good interview .. Alex is outrageously funny !

[@richardsmith9918]

I had to chimney up passed to sets of 4'x3' air duct to get up and run the feeders for the mcv 3rd floor renovation. Had a dust mask, dust suit which I took my shirt off to keep cool and shot hangers pulled wire for the whole renovation while they continued to care for patients. Makes me feel good.

[@00godlovesus]

Alex you're a legend:)

[@Ematched]

You can feel an undertone of anxiety in all of Bret's question. *Am I or am I not a bedbug?*

[@michaelb1761]

When the interviewer asks if he will ever stop climbing, it reminded me of Fred Beckey who never really stopped.

[@someoneout-there2165]

Haha.. I love him so much. So talented and brilliant.

[@iainrae6159]

Brilliant guy and an inspirational speaker.

[@crankykong5946]

Love this man.

[@allancrow134]

Alex Honnold's free solo climb of El Cap is the greatest athletic achievement of the century perhaps of all time. There is nowhere to go. Enjoy your foundation and retirement Alex. :)

[@tmjmccormack]

I wholeheartedly agree with this

[@ericphalen7109]

It was very educational to learn about his experience climbing

[@anders-ganderson8715]

Sat watching with tension in my being. Great to see.

[@WahlgrenProductions]

Great mood, truly a fun watch.

[@PJmusica]

What a cool dude. Super legit and inspirational.

[@HarshaSuranjith]

I just like how original he is :)

[@joeyricefried9621]

He is so relatable and humble.

[@brettrobbins]

The most likable person on earth?

[@sherrylock7376]

...you may just be right on that one LT

[@user-re2bj9iu9u]

Thank you Alex , I’m glad I know you and you kinda know me❤❤❤🦋🙏🏻

[@Sp1rak0Ss]

He goes such long periods without blinking, which indicate a tremendous concentration and focus