Live Beyond Fear: Jimmy Chin & Chai Vasarhelyi on 'Free Solo' | Rich Roll Podcast

Jimmy Chin & Chai Vasarhelyi are the filmmaking duo behind 'Free Solo' - - a riveting portrait of Alex Honnold as he prepares to achieve his lifelong dream to free solo the world’s most famous rock - the 3,200 face of El Capitan in Yosemite -- without a rope. It's an accomplishment the NYT called “one of the greatest athletic feats of any kind ever.” This is their story.
Enjoy!
✌🏼🌱 - Rich
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JIMMY & CHAI
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MY PODCAST WITH ALEX HONNOLD
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Hi I'm Rich Roll. I'm a vegan ultra-endurance athlete, author, podcaster, public speaker & wellness evangelist at large. But mainly I'm a dad of four. If you want to know more, the NY Times wrote some nice things"
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[@adamiklo2110]

Thank you, Rich, for your really meaningful, extensive and in depth interviews. Tired of sarcastic, commercial and superficial late night show type of talks. Authentic and intentional communication is rare on screen nowadays.

[@puranthapa7533]

,, n

[@marcsierrabreezwalker1288]

El Cap was a dream for a lad of 18 back in 1980. Unfortunately, never to be realized, but nonetheless, I was able to enjoy and fall in love with the dance upon Yosemite’s unsurpassed Granite walls for an epic season of my youth. Soon thereafter I gracefully floated to earth as a Paratrooper with America’s Guard of Honor the 82nd Airborne Division. Tomorrow I turn 57 and this interview took me back and I’m living a daydream of yesteryear. I’m ever so grateful for this exquisite interview that felt far more like a modern version of a fireside chat with friends. Rock on 🤘 Well done 👍

[@charliemike13]

Marc SierraBreez Walker one thousand, two thousand, three thousand four!

[@caitlin.hardee]

Genuine pleasure to watch someone who is so good at interviewing. Jimmy, Chai and Alex are always interesting but interviews with them run the gamut from delightful to cringe, depending on who is asking the questions. This one, and Rich's talks with Alex, are perfection. So enjoyable and fascinating!

[@sferguson1130]

I agree, that Rich does a wonderful job, at guiding these thoughtful, insightful, inspiring, deep and fascinating conversations. He delves way beneath the surface level questions. My one bit of constructive criticism, is throughout his interviews, I think he’s too quick to interject at times. This interview specifically, there were moments, where I felt like Jimmy and Alex had more to give, had Rich paused, and let what they said, breathe for a second. It’s just my opinion, though, and I still think he’s a fantastic host.

[@lauren4434]

I saw the movie yesterday. What I took away from it was, that to live beyond fear, is to engage with my own El Cap, my own fear-of-death wall. Out loud, by just sharing my life, but mostly in-loud, meaning, it comes with huge sensations. For me the greatest skill is being able to bear bigger and bigger sensations with love, without fight or flight. I got from the story that they don't want us to simply watch this amazing guy's feat, but to let this story open out our own engagement with the deeply personal wall that is holding us back. Rich's book Finding Ultra has had the same effect.

[@ScreenPlaywright]

Beautifully articulated, Lauren. Thank you! 💜 I haven't seen it yet, but knew in my gut I wanted to. Now, I know why! What you wrote resonates with me on such a profound level. I have been on a mission to confront, to engage, with my own fear-of-success wall. I am determined to scale this wall, once and for all, and summit. There is no rope either. But I know if I never try to climb it, I might die anyway, quietly... inside.

[@scoore233]

I have watched free solo about 4 times now and everytime i watch it it still gives me butterflies

[@candicebithell]

Rich is such a good interviewer. His questions are well thought out and his back and forth is always so good, the time seems to go by so quickly! Loved this one, I'm a climber in Utah and a big fan of these guys and Alex. Well done.

[@sethc.art.wright]

God, this was so good. Just as good as watching a full length movie just sitting here watching and listening to them talk.

[@borahai]

Now an Oscar Winner : Free Solo 💛🙌🏼

[@arslors]

Really disgusting how Chai almost ignored Alex in the acceptance speech. "Oh yeah, thanks to Alex too I guess."

[@slowdownadventures]

@@arslors if you re-watch the speech, this is absolutely not how it went. The music was starting to play and she was clearly running out of time before she was able to say some words about Alex - but this is not what she said!

[@John_on_the_mountain]

@@slowdownadventures her speech was an insult

[@Ja_youtube_Ja]

so what

[@samih.4975]

Jimmy and Chai are both excellent individuals, great characters.

[@chefjonsf]

Not a very simple man anymore I am. I see Chin, Honnold, Vasarhelyi, Anker, Ozturk or etc. I click.

[@kencornia3333]

Total respect and admiration for the discipline and integrity you demand of yourselves in producing such phenomenal films. 🙏

[@Joe-hq9xc]

Saw this on Thanksgiving weekend out of state. Was a little bummed that it was in sort of a stage theater on a smaller screen. I couldn't find a theater near me that played it. But what a movie. Both of my shirt sleeves were soaked with palm sweat by the end. I think it might be the most inspirational movie I've ever seen. I love all of the people involved with this. Alex, Jimmy, Chai, and probably the whole crew if I knew them. So humble and professional. Since then I'm watching all these online interviews and have seen "Meru". I also just found out that my brother, who saw "Free Solo" with me, is also watching a bunch of rock climbing videos as well. I'm not even really into rock climbing either. I'm just drawn to these incredible stories of human potential. If Alex or any of the crew reads this, thanks for the great movies and inspiration! Best wishes.

[@nequals151]

'not into rock climbing'... Yet.....

[@MJCain-ye1uo]

They both should continue to pat themselves on the back. What he did, had to be captured the right way and thats exactly what they did. As a writer, your film was beautiful. What alex did, i describe it as, was like seeing an angel cry, you just dont see that. It was beautiful. I was gripped, but all of your hearts are in the right place and all of it together made me shed a tear. Thankyou!! A perfect climb a perfect film, a perfect moment. I respect all of you.

[@joemaxie4468]

GREAT INTERVIEW Rich Chai, Jimmy....what an epic achievement & to have the honor of experiencing the greatest athletic accomplishment ....best, most exciting, beautiful, emotional....this movie has it all...Thank you for sharing this amazing story

[@DennisMahaffey]

What a wonderful interview with some wonderful people. I have watched many youTube videos about Jimmy but none with Chai. What a great team they are.

[@desertrat5543]

Loved hearing Chai's insights. Very interesting and well-spoken person.

[@Palahume]

Of course you did... Cause you only care about hearing women. Feminism much? 🤔

[@desertrat5543]

@@Palahume ok, snowflake

[@Palahume]

@@desertrat5543 Triggered much? Lol. I will say though, you are super cute in that profile pic 🤪😘

[@user-op6vy3gg2b]

Alex showed us and demonstrated what human potential is.

[@debbiemeyer4504]

Halfway through, and this is just really good. It’s like I’m sitting at the table and listening to you all chat away. Bravo!!!!

[@JohnADuerk]

Vasarhelyi and Chin are master filmmakers. Excellent work. And this is a great interview.

[@italianfranca]

The Man...The Legend...Alex Honnold!

[@Strengthside]

Great talk. Thanks for the realness.

[@jasonvest507]

Bueno, thanks for this interview. What I love about this interview most is I found myself questioning how fully I am engaging in life and reaching towards my goals. I think anything you experience that allows you to step back and question how you approach life is so valuable...with that, thanks Rich

[@njg5942]

The achievement was supernatural. The movie is sensational (Meru also). But this interview, have to say, did justice to these standards. Made me laugh and cry while learning a lot. Three very talented, very aware, very alive people. Thanks!

[@johnguzman8637]

Why did u cry?

[@pugradMBA]

Mr. Roll, this was wonderful ... one of the smartest and entertaining conversations I've ever watched. You are so natural and smart in your interaction with them. Thank you.

[@shanghaiffgg]

So happy I found this interview. The climb was probably the most inspirational thing I have ever seen. Jimmy brings a great perspective to what it actually took and Chai a wonderful humanity that gelled it all together. Congratulations to everyone associated with this project. It was quite a thing, thank you all very much.

[@igniteyourpurpose1115]

Oh mY Freaking .......... This will 100% no doubt be an epic conversation...... I'll be saving this for some ME time, no driving, no disturbances nada..... Thanks Rich,

[@jamesfleming1155]

I was getting so tired with the horrible interviews surrounding this movie. You truly did this interview and the one with Alex justice. Absolutely amazing interviews. You were so prepared and had great questions and insights. Thanks so much for these man!

[@crista3543]

Saw the movie in LA today and the entire theater broke out clapping throughout the movie.

[@user-ve5ux6my5x]

Great interviewer, great guests, awesome documentary. Magnificent overall.

[@Bern-a-hot-sandwich]

As a climber, it’s interesting to see all of this in the limelight. Our alternative dirtbag sport is now, more than ever, very mainstream. I wonder what will happen to the sport in the coming years... If you are considering taking up climbing (most likely not free soloing) find a great mentor to help guide you. Peace! (Thanks Rich for another great one!)

[@niamhwhite1135]

One of the best climbing films ever. These guys make a great team

[@barbaracohen2856]

Fabulous interview, fabulous film...have seen it twice!!! Many Thanks to all of you!!!

[@swim2kill]

I love Chai and Jimmy. Power couple

[@Banksydog]

Chai is so pretentious, sorry 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@phucdoitoanable]

I think all she got are from her husband, all the footages and hard works were done by Jimmy. And she acted like she was important and contributed so much. love Jimmy though.

[@MrMobi007]

@@Banksydog totally, x1000. she 100% lost me after "HER" acceptance speech. Jimmy is the man though.

[@drewe9514]

She's a 15-20+ year filmmaker, nothing wrong with her talking with authority

[@Ja_youtube_Ja]

oh yeah? How?

[@Myworldimagined]

Really wonderful discourse and interview. Interesting questions that felt 5 steps more researched and thought out than any of the other interviews I've watched. Bravo!

[@lorigillach4362]

Loved every minute of this conversation! I don’t know anything about climbing but am now so excited to see Free Solo this weekend!! Thank you for the wonderful work you do Rich!⭐️

[@btsdancestudio5691]

Thanks Rich: This interview answered a lot of questions my students had on the filmmaking background of this incredible film! Thanks.Rich.!

[@sebrichter]

I never ever comment on KZbin, but this was an excellent interview. Inspiring people around a table and simply a very good conversation about an amazing project. Cannot wait to see this film open in France or Germany. Cheers from Strasbourg!

[@katherinepeterson9742]

So good. I watched the whole thing. It’s an incredible documentary but also I loved listening to how intentional these two were with how they wanted the film to articulate different aspects of what was really happening. A far contrast from how I originally imagined Alex and what he did and why. In fact I’m changed and inspired by the way Alex chooses to look at and live his life!

[@Jim-be8sj]

This is a great interview which compliments Free Solo nicely. I found this every bit as engaging as the subject movie itself. Well done. Thank you.

[@suedillon502]

I saw the Free Solo movie and then saw Rich's interview with Alex. Thank you for rounding out the story with the film makers. The story and the character have me fascinated. Having the back story makes it even more intriguing. Thank you for your fine work!

[@Melavi101]

This was one of my favorite podcasts. Inspiring in so many ways! Thank you

[@skarha1]

Great interview!! I hadn't fully appreciated the commitment and skill of these film-makers in capturing this amazing accomplishment!!

[@EricDBruce]

I usually play podcasts in the background, this was too enthralling. Thank you for the video format.

[@burd0108]

These two and there rock star Alex are the most lovable people! I can't wait to see the film!

[@Anna-yj5jo]

WHAT an interview. Thank you so much.

[@justinmaurice9697]

Great job Rich Roll, as always. Loved hearing these two speak about an amazing movie!

[@caseypdx503]

Am I the only one who thought Meru was at least equally as good as Free Solo?

[@district5rookie]

Casey Cushing no

[@ryanjensen4232]

I loved Meru. More than free solo.

[@lidarman2]

Both are amazing. A testament to these two documentarians. They are leaps ahead in documentary adventure documentary.

[@caseypdx503]

@@Jj-gi2uv Very well said, couldn't agree more. I love the WWII analogy, and is 100% true. Meru was very immersive, because the first-hand participants are also the filmmakers, where as in Free Solo they are completely separate entities. I totally agree that there should have been more climbing focused footage in Free Solo, and less of the emotional relationship human story. At the same time though, that is what brought the film way further into the mainstream than Meru could ever go, and that is obviously good for the outdoor adventure documentary genre as a whole.

[@lorethehobbit]

definitely! Meru was an excellent film.

[@rockon21ful]

Late to the party but by far the most amazing interview, Followed Jimmy's career as a Climber and feel that he & Chai are Soulmates that got the best out of Alex & what he really does on and off the rock! Watched the movie before this interview but was still amazed to hear the story again and thought you did a stunning job of interviewer! Free Solo made my cry, laugh and everything in between! I'm in my mid 50's and not a mountain climber or extreme athlete but everything about the movie was so awesome and happy for all that it did win the Oscar for Best Documentary.

[@doyouevennaturebro4593]

Wow! So pumped for this one. Rich, you turned me onto this world with Conrad Anker and Meru. I’ve followed Jimmy and Chai ever since then. Man, I can’t wait to watch this!

[@lindaw7502]

I am asking my husband to get the documentary Free Solo now!!! Awesome episode Amazing couple!

[@boogermcphearson5338]

i cried at the end of meru such a beautiful film can't wait to see free solo!

[@dimitarkostov3728]

BIG THANKS FOR THIS ONE! Much waited podcast! I admire the work of both of your guests and I hope I'd have the chance to see the movie in Bulgaria!!!

[@district5rookie]

I’ve seen it twice and it’s fantastic. Great work by these two.

[@PaulCarterArt]

Great insight and interview on so many levels🗝 Thank you each for sharing the inside story of making this film. This is one to watch before seeing the movie🎬

[@yudishvarjangbhay2499]

Their character and their stories as directors is too interesting . I think this is one of my most engaging podcast listening experiences. i mean it was too good that for the whole video i didn't notice the white stain on Jimmy's blue shirt which is quite visible. Call it a flaw or a misplaced thing but i think realizing that made me think a lot about this experience im having as a listener. Rich is a very Interviewer as well. He has progressed soo much in this art , the art of interviewing and making characters shine . Through this he is able to create sources of inspiration and beauty for people like us , listeners who also want to improve and progress in life . Thanks again Rich and Thank the universe for KZbin and s0o many things .

[@bretstevens262]

Enjoyed this interview almost as much as "Free Solo", which was a lot. Great job Rich!

[@JoalHarding]

Your RRPs are always a gift and so illuminating. Thank you Rich and team! :-)

[@naturejelisabeth]

This is one of my most fave episodes! It FINALLY has helped me process the movie 'freesolo' when first watching it 😅I've re-watched it a few times - there is so much strength and inspiration and honest emotion in it, I find. Truly inspiring and am taking smthg new with me, everytime I watch and listen and observe.

[@cgbach]

Thank you Chai for letting Jimmy speak

[@ukuleleEXPLODE]

I'm not the only one who notices how suffocating she is to him ...

[@emilyjaneheath]

Thanks Rich for this interview. It has thoroughly enriched what I've taken away from the film, and helped answer some questions I had about filmmakers’ challenges and intentions. And also given me further understanding and appreciation of Alex’s motivation and efforts. I was searching podcasts for more insight on the film that I was so blown away by, and I found it here. I'm not a climber or athlete, hadn't heard of your podcast before, but I will take a look at your other content after this.

[@pablo_elizalde]

Man, I wish I were able to watch that right now. Excellent podcast as usual.

[@phatwebex]

I saw the film at an IMAX theatre last night in San Jose. WOW... My palms are still sweating!

[@JonRawlinson]

absolutely brilliant talk. incredible filmmakers. fantastic questions. unique and compelling insights. wonderful! I need to see free solo again! Great work Rich. Subscribed!

[@MANIAKRA]

Really engaging interview with very respectfully worded questions. Saw Free Solo in IMAX last night and your point at 24:52 really resonates with me too - thought I knew what I was getting in to and pretty quickly realized things were way more articulate than that. Fantastic doc, hope it wins every award it's nominated for because I was equally blown away that they managed to capture some of those shots.

[@jbatlanta]

Wonderful intelligent interview. Everything and everybody associated with Free Solo are fantastically great beyond words.

[@ADowneyBear9]

Such an incredible movie. See it while its in theatres, its a experience you won't soon forget. I wish I brought a towel, my hands were sweating so much.

[@tristatetuners]

Great interview! Live Jimmy and Chai, and hearing so much about the process. Excellent interviewing also, Rich - interesting, thoughtful questions. First time watching your content but will be back for more, you’re great 👍🏻

[@mcsdj2]

Bravo! Thanks for sharing. I got my ticket to see this masterpiece in a week here in Quebec, Canada.

[@Pretendship]

wow watching a fascinating 90 minute discussion between 3 talented, good-looking, smart, successful people can be really catastrophic for your ego

[@Yosef9438]

Crush your ego. Move beyond it.

[@davemckay4359]

It's about not looking back, and keep moving forward, and not getting hung up on things, and controlling your fate even when the consequences are huge.

[@suesbent]

One of your best Rich. Last interview I enjoyed as much was way back with Tramposo. Awe and respect for Chai Jimmy and Alex.

[@johanwedin4669]

Thank you, this is the best film ever, full stop! Seen it three times but will see it again more than once. Also, i am following Alex with great joy. Johan

[@Gyuzelhon]

I like the message that filming is about the meaning and inspiration that gives you purpose. Beautiful insights.

[@UlliMueller]

Great interview & conversation, thank you!

[@derektheodore3032]

What a great couple/team

[@JackKinross]

Great interview. Fascinating to get those insights from such pros about their incredible film. Perfect questions asked.

[@chriscrossinthrulife6415]

I just love these two. The truly inspire me.

[@henggaocai8276]

This year has been fantastic for documentaries. Free Solo is a beautiful film

[@twstf8905]

I just had to get on my Disney + and watch the last half hour of Free Solo again, for probably the 100th time by now, (lol) and here I am, back on KZbin watching every video or clip I can find about it. Im actually surprised Free Solo grossed less than $30 million worldwide in its theatrical run, only. I couldn't get enough. 👍🤪 Edit; BTW, who else kept trying to wipe off whatever that white little speck is on Jimmy's shoulder from their screens lol it seriously got me a couple times! 🤣

[@lauren4434]

I get almost a religious feeling when I hear about Alex. Religious in the true sense, a different kind of saint. Saint of the Wall. Thank you Rich for this one. It helps me come to greater intimacy with my Wall.

[@lauren4434]

or maybe rather, Zen Master of the Wall. Thank you Alex.

[@polymathematics_]

Yes so happy to hear about their work on Tompkins

[@miriamha970]

Wow! So incredible for me to see this documentary. Glad I stumbled on this.

[@VedJoshi..]

As a climber/trekker, seeing Jimmy anywhere makes me tremble a little.... a goddam legend

[@Yosef9438]

He's a beast. Unbelievable how mentally and physically strong he is.

[@hsy2455]

Great job with this Rich. Awesome, sincere, and interesting questions that gave a lot of insight to who Chai and Jimmy are, their motivations for not only the movie, but what drives them as human beings with professions and a passion. The pace was great, and the only complaint I have is that there wasn't more time. Kudos.

[@angelajohnson8802]

What a great interview. Rich, I'm so impressed! You're so prepared that your engagement is seamless. Really, really rare form. You're like the Jimmy Chin of interviewing! (I went to college with Jimmy and saw him free climb the building next to my dorm. Imagine you were an interviewing standout at same age!)

[@IntegralMind]

Absolutely great interview

[@Apochocolate]

His relationship to death is what allows him to live life in technicolor -- wow what an amazing interview, thanks Rich!

[@andysPARK]

I'm gateful for this interview/discussion. It really furthers an outstanding documentary movie. Thank you guys for sharing.

[@MelanieUseldinger]

That was such an amazing interview. Eloquent to say the lease and riveting like the movie was!

[@m1r333]

incredible, absolutely incredible!

[@quixoteyeah]

What a fantastic interview. Thanks. :)

[@tomasr64]

Its so funny, I am so much like Alex H. I'm like his older brother. In Sacramento, climbing gyms were not invented yet. I learned in Tolumne with the legends in 84'. We went to the same high school, Mira Loma. We had similar moms. I ended up buildling a climbing gym. We never met. But I sure cried in those big cliff moments. I remember hearing about the solo through the climber boards that same day. It was the one hour marathon had been run.

[@Senki207]

So, Chai's last name, Vasarhelyi is actually an adjective in Hungarian (my mother tongue), which means "from Vásárhely". Vásárhely or Targu Mures is a city in Romania, and incidentally, it is where I happen to live.

[@sanjacvetko694]

love your interviews, Rich. so heartfelt. genuine. 😊

[@sanjacvetko694]

especially re-watching it after oscars and emmys.

[@griffith500tvr]

Great interview, best one I have seen with Jimmy and Chai.

[@paul1x1]

If you haven't seen this movie you can't understand how incredibly dangerous this is I don't really like movies this is worth every second of your time

[@jordywilliams]

Excited to see free solo in the cinema next Tuesday

[@wasabiginger6993]

Such a delight when one encounters a great interviewer! Thanks for this one as it’s just as fascinating as their documentaries … just not as scary … 😂

[@slickrgl]

First podcast i saw from this channel and i find really good. nice flow, well researched. goodluck. Free Solo was amazing btw. good job Rich.

[@crispybacon9523]

Went to the screening last night in the UK. Debating when to see it again, as a non climber it completely blew my mind