The Soul of Free Solo Climbing: Alex Honnold

Alex Honnold is a renowned professional adventure rock climber whose audacious free-solo ascents of America’s biggest cliffs have made him one of the most masterful and compelling athletes of our generation.
This is a conversation about adventure, fear, risk, curiosity, focus and preparation. It’s about mindset. And it's about the why behind Alex’s preternatural pursuits.
Enjoy!
✌🏼🌱 - Rich
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NEW TO ME?
Hi I'm Rich Roll. I'm a vegan ultra-endurance athlete and podcaster. I write books and travel the world giving talks. But mainly I'm a dad of four. My wife Julie is much better at stuff than me. She is a yogi, musician, mom, and vegan chef & cookbook author. She makes amazing nut cheese. If you want to know more, the NY Times wrote a couple things about us:
bit.ly/otillonyt
bit.ly/vegansglam

[@Omar-bustos1997]

This guy is so fukin basic, so simple, so intelligent, no fuss, no stupid philosophies...just drive...and discipline and desire to live an awesome life...I bow down man

[@mawortz]

basic sounds kind of bad to me haha, I would say that he understands the beauty of having a "simple" life close to nature and doing what he loves.

[@MA-zg2pz]

Well you’ve seen some interviews but you don’t know the dude.

[@NubOzoneMA]

alex is the representation of how we should all go about our lives - slow and steady and methodical - because in a way arent we all climbing a face of a mountain with no rope surrounded but beautiful landscapes and the potential for our sheer doom

[@studio3ten]

like literally can every human being be THIS humble ?! it is SO refreshing in a day of ME ME ME ME ME and did you see ME ?????

[@jeremyharris4021]

I've been bingeing everything Alex Honnald and this is the best interview yet. Excellent deep dive.

[@taggartblake]

Joe Rogan interview is good

[@cathiecaccia427]

I was just thinking the same thing!!!!

[@ezradaiquiri11311]

He's so much more enthusiastic to talk to rich roll than he is to joe rogan. And rich actually did his homework on alex.👏

[@Thesdlefty1]

Agree 100 percent. Like minded dudes.

[@phenning2477]

@@taggartblake disagree

[@abraoleary5544]

His comfort with death is inspiring... he's so logical, confident... yet realistic and honest.

[@Sirmellowman]

hes so sharp and articulate when he talks and gives interviews, its really interesting to listen to him.

[@taylorhorne6645]

Alex seems to spend a lot of time in interviews clearing up misunderstandings. His view is very grounded. He seems to see things as they are, without any fluff, speculation, fantasy, etc. That's pretty cool.

[@iforgotmyname3374]

"oh here we are we are having this nice experience" - Alex Hannold 5:25 I love this guy. One of the most humble monumental people of our time.

[@fernharmon4092]

I'm so impressed with the normalcy of Alex, yes whip smart, bad ass, etc. but he just comes across as a kid with some real common sense and I find that so under represented these days. That said there is nothing normal about what Alex has accomplished on rock and big walls, how he can remain so "un-elitist" despite those accomplishments and the accouterments that followed is what makes me a fan for life. As always an excellent interview Rich. Thanks for sharing.

[@billycollins6005]

Alex "no blink" Honnold....such a fantastic interview. Honnold is simultaneously so mellow yet so intense. Props to Rich for asking the questions that Alex really wanted to talk about.

[@lauren4434]

mopping up humanity's fear of death by his life . . . . whether he's conscious of this or not. We don't live for ourselves alone, we're all one. I'm so grateful to him, for breaking down that wall of fear.... may I live my life likewise.

[@gorohit]

I have respect, and nothing but respect for him. What more can I say? The Jimmy Kimmel interview was a real disaster - on Jimmy Kimmel's part. This one is pretty much spot on! Probably because Rich understands the scale of Alex's achievements. This was a real good interview. This is the third time I'm watching this.

[@stevenfrito]

Rohit Gowaikar unfair criticism of Jimmy Kimmel. His show is entertainment based, geared to a regular non climbing audience. It was in no way an in-depth interview. I’m sure Alex was thrilled to appear on main stream large audience Television. I ‘m sure Alex’s sponsors were happy.

[@rupman27isback]

I saw that interview too! Kimmel sounded like an idiot.

[@michaelb1761]

@@rupman27isback Watch Joe Rogan's interview - or actually don't - it made Kimmel look knowledgable.

[@yvonnedavies9693]

I sometimes stop listening to challenging discussions, especially where there is lots of swearing. The best ones are with sports people, probably because he can empathise more.

[@mkedan6741]

Rohit, check out the Lynsey Dyer podcast with Alex, pretty good.

[@robertogomez2012]

Shows this guys humility. When after almost every sentence he hedges his bets and says "I don't know"

[@Test-eb9bj]

This is the 3rd time I have watched this. I needed to see somebody so smart, analytical, yet humble and „normal“ (nothing is really normal about him & what he does) today when the world seems to be mad.

[@andytom1846]

I've listened to a lot of Alex Honnold interviews and this one certainly stands out, Rich has a way of getting the best out of his guests. Also the video format is awesome!

[@richroll]

Thanks Andy!

[@johntriplett3188]

Andy Tom way better than Graham Bensinger, this was actually entertaining. I feel most interviewers are intimidated by him and the questions they’re supposed to ask.

[@BootsORiley]

well, to be fair, Honnold can be a pretty tough interview. kind of like the Maynard James Keenan of the climbing world. it's obvious to me that he respects Rich Roll, and that's why this is a smooth interview, great questions aside.

[@Blaine.W.A]

Andy Tom Yeah man you can tell they’re really comfortable with each other and it makes the conversation authentic and flow along easily

[@highlyfavored2434]

Agreed!! Excellent interview, gave us much more insight on who Alex really is. Kinda jealous of his gf that she gets to live in that van, travel and be with such a fit cool guy

[@amanatkamwar3426]

Alex is one of most inspiring human of all time... I have nothing but respect for this guy.

[@almamujezinovic1033]

I really enjoyed this conversation. He is a very smart guy, he is also very calming to listen to.

[@StarshipTroooper]

I agree. Something about this guy is grounding.

[@annewillmott3091]

That was ‘the’ Master Class in interviewing and being interviewed I’ve had the pleasure to watch. Thank you both for the inspiration you both bring so openly, directly in such an accepting way. A lesson in creating relationship through genuine interest in one another and an eagerness to understand. “The world needs a leader” …….. lead on…..

[@MrStarchild3001]

Alex Honnold is such an analytic thinker! He's so smart & logical. This comes across in each one of his interviews. If he weren't a rock climber, he would probably become a... math professor? :)

[@karlbe8414]

By far the best interview of Alex!! Trust me, I have watched quite a few lately.

[@jencaligal6345]

Alex is truly an amazing person and I love that he “visualized” El Cap and what he could do... all things that could happened... but he had an amazing “mind set” in his goal- and his dream as he thought about El Cap for years... his passion to climb El Cap was/ seemed to be instilled in him... of course he trained for years prior to his El Cap - Free Solo climb... but the VISION ... the Vision was the key.... My take away... as I’m not a climber... Vision of what you want to achieve... to me, is a key aspect. Create your Vision aligned with your passion of what you love... and as Alex says- no fear- just do it. ❤️🙌🏻❤️

[@alexwalkie]

Just found Rich’s channel and wow. His interview style is 10x better than 99% of people I’ve seen. Will be bingeing plenty of episodes

[@hermannschmidt9788]

I am new to this channel and I already love it. Rich does not actually interview in a stiff Q&A style, he is having a good conversation with his guests like friends would have when they talk about their lives. Apart from that, I never get tired of Alex Honnold.

[@romuloambay9624]

his humility and simplicity is so captivating . .his eyes speaks more of it. . when one becomes great it's hard to be simple yet here's a guy proving an exception. .

[@badtoro9923]

Alex Hannold will become a legend! humbleness is incredible he just thinks like a machine and does not add his ego... just on of a kind that's why is the is ONLY ONE that can free solo EL CAP!

[@sylvandespres7654]

i'm still yrying to process how he does what he does.that is way,way,way beyond incredible. i mean,the risks are so gigantic...any shadow of a doubt while climbing signify death...how he can have access to such strenght and the memory of where are the passages,and the moves and holds he must perform to climb up such impossible walls...all this for more than 4 hours straight....this is really out of this world.i picture alex like a spider living in a human body.

[@adhst]

I know it’s been said a billion times before, bit this interview is amazing. Thank you for doing such an amazing job, it is very much appreciated. Alex is such an intelligent person and listening him explain his views, where he’s coming from, his logic, it’s just so inspiring.

[@dougmoring7321]

Even when I watch him scaling vertical sides of mountains, I can't believe it's real. Just amazing.

[@annamelanie5151]

Such a joy listening to this outstanding interview. Rich is the most prepared, insightful, organized interviewer of Alex I have ever heard.

[@danielr.7137]

Hey Rich, this video has boosted my respect for Alex once again. What a great conversation. Thanks man.

[@rknewell9547]

Alex "NO BIG DEAL" Honnold .....'nuff said

[@richroll]

As always, you can learn more about Alex & this episode - plus lots of resources and links to everything and everyone mentioned, on the episode page on my site: bit.ly/richroll351 Thanks for tuning in!

[@jangobango2847]

Rich Roll saw you on JRE first and love your interview style, thanks a bunch!

[@JK-vc7ie]

It’s unfortunate to hear you guys bring in partisan politics into the discussion. It’s your show and you do what you like, but sad to see that a different viewpoint is never offered, considered or even remotely respected. Lack of diversity is glaring for a dude who kind of puts him self out there as being open minded.

[@mamcauley]

So glad for this, I've admired who Alex is and how he lives for a long time. I hope you will consider interviewing Steph Davis as well. She pursues the same type of lifestyle in many ways, and carries on with her pursuits even though both her husband and ex-husband lost their lives doing similar. Really a fascinating woman, and a vegan as well.

[@garrettf4435]

Great interview Rich, Thanks for how much time and effort you put into all these. This was fascinating. Congrats Alex!

[@mayniu1214]

Rich, thank you so much for this amazing interview! Saw a couple of popular interviews here and there, but none of them hit the spot! So happy this one delivers in all aspects!!! Thank you!!

[@taylorhorne6645]

Thank you for this interview, Rich.You seem more grounded in this than most of the other interviewers I've seen talking to Alex, and it's a treat to get to hear this conversation unfold in a more relaxed manner.

[@user-zt4ku1ny4d]

Great interview. Love the humility and respect both the guys show throughout the whole thing.

[@adventuresarbitrary]

I have been WAITING! for you to interview him. Thank you!

[@wiebkegrunther2559]

thank you so much for sharing these conversations!been following the podcast about a year now and everey convo has been so inspiring!! keep up the good work!

[@JamesScottGuitar]

What blows my mind with Free Climbers, and specifically Alex, is their center of gravity...their ability to center themselves while in all of these crazy positions and heights. 💥😳💥

[@skobird2732]

They won an Oscar! Wooooo Go Alex and production team !

[@Vegathlete]

Alex seems to be a most grounded climber as his demeanor dictates he will be grounded no matter what elevation, evidenced somewhat by the amygdala MRI results, but even more so by listening to him speak his mind. Great dig here.

[@jbatlanta]

Two super intelligent guys...a pleasure to listen to.

[@lauradejaegher1142]

What a wicked way to spend 1 hour and 42 minutes. Thank you

[@kriatapzliepishh6829]

be cautious of the words you use

[@jencaligal6345]

@@kriatapzliepishh6829 what do You mean by what you just said ?

[@kogniscent]

i love when he finishes answering a question and he gives that shrug like yea thats the answer whats next?

[@pudwal]

Your interview did a great job of showing how the mind of a Master works. Thank you!

[@rolloblevins3323]

Alex's center of gravity is so rock-solid and his life perspective so anchored and stabile, celebrity will wash over him like a mild summer breeze.

[@SnowingYCART]

Such a great talk! Enjoyed it so much! Thanks

[@moonbeaches]

RichRpll I am sooo addicted to your listening skills. Freak Rich ❗️❗️❗️teach ALL mankind this art skill & desire!!!!! Masterpiece! BRAVO 👏 👏👏

[@johnbailey2024]

He's an amazing person, he reminds me of my brother, my brother has a mild form of ashbergers syndrome, he has the same make up as Alex, he uses his extreme focus, and logic to block out unnecessary, impeding emotions, I honestly think Alex has ashbergers aswell, but without the depression or social anxiety, and dread some suffer, I think this component helps Alex achieve the amazing things he had

[@icecreamforcrowhurst]

That’s an interesting perspective. Clearly he is wired differently from most people and is able to channel that difference into extraordinary feats.

[@kwebst1]

This the best interview. I’ve watched so much about AH and for me this is the most relaxed and unguarded I’ve seen him.

[@teslah2997]

I so totally LOVED this discussion.....both guys wonderful......Alex Honnold is such an AMAZING person! So glad I found this on youtube

[@captaindrew8692]

I got sweaty palms and chills just thinking of heights. How a talk of this intensity can make me nervous (even scared) is a testament to the level and insight of the talk. Honnold is a special breed of person.

[@icecreamforcrowhurst]

Straight edge.

[@BritOverboard]

I've been obsessively watching Alex interviews and this was by far the best one.

[@studio3ten]

I am in the pocket right now I cannot get enought

[@julesybethmedlini]

Agreed

[@OneMoreDiscovery]

I've never heard of this guy, but (as always) these interviews are just so fascinating - for me the RRP is the best podcast available! Big fan of the chats being filmed. I look forward to the new content every week :D

[@julesybethmedlini]

You should watch “free solo”

[@LPJMagicmusic]

Finally a great interview with Alex, kudos to Rich!

[@BackroomDisaster]

This is by far the best interview I've seen with Alex

[@piotr803]

Yup. Someone who finally understand him gets to interview him.

[@sr-mp2bv]

Won’t be the last one. The guy is very smart.

[@mariamperishvili6853]

Quite hard to come across interview of Alex that is actually insightful, so thank you for this, was equally inspired by both sides of the conversation

[@thehandleiwantedwasntavailable]

I’m a happily heterosexual man who is married with kids. But I can proudly report that I have a man-crush on Alex. He is such a Super Dude, in every regard.

[@MarsLonsen]

pfft GAyyy

[@saturnociris2724]

Don't sweat the Idiots brother. He is the coolest dude alive ,however I cannot skip mentioning the other two that fill in my top 3. Elon Musk and Daniel Day-Lewis. Trust me when I tell you my rear end is exit only, but those dudes f****** rule!

[@dr.indianajones9558]

@@saturnociris2724lol Elon satan musk And daniel the uk jew

[@champ8605]

I don't understand the need for people to say they're not gay when they respect someone.

[@Gonzo4Ever]

It sounds like you are bi to me 😊

[@garretteckley3515]

Amazing interview, this is by far better than any interviews I’ve ever seen about Alex.

[@ryanfoley7325]

Such a well prepared interview. The questions you asked were very in depth and well thought out. It really gives us an inside perspective more so than a lot of people that interview Alex, they are so busy freaking out over the thought of it all they don't end up going in depth.

[@munkymunk9053]

i love watching anything with Alex in it, what a guy!

[@rodjames5771]

Humanity needs a Leader! - what a statement! This interview was wonderful - thank you so much Rich for taking the time for this one

[@IldebrandoAires]

So cool, took this on my long run this week. Thanks so much you two, greatest podcast ever!!!

[@lucaslothbrook5388]

Wow wow wow wow. Wasn't expecting something this cool. 10mins in and I'm more into this than the Rogan episode.

[@jerroldsipocz8454]

This is a great podcast. I actually watched the documentary "Free Solo" a while ago but I feel that I learned so much in this podcast.

[@thetransformationnow]

Awesome interview and talk. Thank You for Posting.

[@BigToeify]

Not sure how I missed this one but superb interview with one of the most inspiring humans alive today. Thanks Rich. Beyond enjoyed this!

[@MrTobitobitobitobi]

Great interview! Even though they mostly touch already answered questions from other of honnolds media stuff the interviewer really does a great job creating a very interesting and fluent conversation!

[@marcbelair978]

Great interview of Alex Honnold, kudos to Rich Roll for having him get out of his shell so much. Great insightful conversation!

[@wingedzebraofjustice6088]

Wow, props to the interviewer - great voice and excellent questions. I like!

[@raybergstrom]

This is the best interview I've seen with Alex. Thank you!

[@alexl7278]

I saw Free Solo last Monday and it was stunning! Alex Honnold is the first suggested search at the moment hah. Thanks for putting out this interview; definitely the best one I've seen

[@OttoCruz787]

Palms are sweating just listening... Top of the Badass's.

[@lambspeedpainting8307]

op, there goes rabbit...

[@XX-gy7ue]

I love this conversation sooooooooo much !!!! but to call what was done - sport - is really understating !!!!

[@EricCKeys]

Great interview, about the best conversation with Alex and the most information I've seen from him.

[@El_krux]

Thanks for a great interview. Really good content!

[@bretstevens262]

Love this interview Rich! You get to interview the best people. Thank you for everything that you have done!

[@yvonnealexander9724]

What a brilliant interview - such context and insights and the authentic exchange and purpose of these humans builds hope and warms the soul! It is especially interesting to hear it today - as a circle back to the success and motivation Free Solo created! Go Alex and go Holland Foundation and go Rich! Will follow your other interviews now! Thank you!

[@HighCarbVeganAdventurer]

Wow I really admire Alex Honnold. Not only his braveness and connection to nature and extreme climbing, but also a drive to change the world, adopting a plant based diet and inspiring many people. I was just yesterday in Patagonia free soloing some route that would look like a hike to Alex, but then I remembered Alex did the whole Fitz Roy massive on one go, which made my adventure look like nothing. Definitely a great inspiration, looking forward to him promoting a plant based diets to climbers and adventurers.

[@coryl8837]

"which made my adventure look like nothing" What adventure did you do?

[@HighCarbVeganAdventurer]

SeeCory Climb we did a 2 day hike from el chalten to laguna de los tres, camped at Poincenot campground and next day we hiked to Laguna torre and then back to chalten

[@stanleybeachboy]

Healthy Vegan Adventures Also he is very humble and modest, always.

[@elmoblatch9787]

Just hiking in Patagonia is not necessarily a day in the park.

[@crawfordcockers]

Hands down the best interview with Alex

[@floewqua]

It's refreshing to see a recent video with Alex Honnold, pretty much all the big videos are more than a year old.

[@awrichards9]

Great episode. Two inspirational, well-adjusted dudes talking a lot of sense.

[@chippenyc]

Fantastic interview. Thank you!

[@ChrisProuse]

Great interview Rich - thanks for sharing!

[@marcos89baires]

Its like the 4th time I listen to this. Thanks for this awesome interview!

[@faithp8395]

having just returned from an epic trek through Patagonia, led by a climber, and with some climbers on the trek, this was amazing to listen to. I absolutely love your interviews, and the subjects you interact with: many lessons. Thank you so much for your example, and being so generous with your path.

[@lifecamerakaran]

How did you arrange the trek - through a company or with friends? I badly want to go.

[@krishgreenlife1315]

You both are really inspiring.

[@kateburton8183]

What a great conversation and I just love what Alex Honnold stands for. To climb El Capitan without ropes or a harness is just remarkable. What a total legend. Bravo guys

[@lauren4434]

the sensations that accompany fear of death are the "Guardian at the threshold". ~~ are the thing to face and open to........ Such intensely huge sensations. To grow in the capacity to bear these sensations .. . . . feels like the deepest growth...... Thanks so much for this interview.....

[@Who_Am_I_d.i.y.ryanpanana1349]

Keep the interviews coming Alex.🔝

[@triple_gem_shining]

wow so cool. Alex is amazing! cant wait to see more no this expedition!

[@cpcnw]

"On a long enough timeline the survival rate for everyone drops to zero" - the discussion around mortality has been echoing round my head for a few days now. A freak cycle accident stopped my training / life for over 9 months with zero use of my left arm for 3 months. I didn't realise just how much I depended on it :) During that time I did a lot of thinking about perspective. Campaigners on some of the really big issues often only become that passionate because the issue has affected them personally. Mostly though we all just carry on with our individual bubble lives and its hard to see a bigger picture let alone be part of it unless life's circumstances comes calling. I am sure Alex thinks about death a lot more than the average office worker however I still don't believe that he thinks he is going to die. In fact quite the opposite. His believe system is strong enough, convincing enough to tell his consciousness that he can do something that for 99.99% of people is actually impossible and means certain death in no uncertain terms. He has a huge amounts of self belief. So much so that it cancels out all rational / logical thought and survival instincts. He has an almost blind altered state of reality. So much so that his mind says he can climb these walls and is not going to die. Therefore I think he thinks about living much more than he thinks about dying. Obviously 20+ years off gnarly extreme climbing changes ones perspective...

[@alanmooney3120]

Alex, someday I would love to just shake your hand. I'm an hour outside of Yosemite and up there all the time. You are one incredible human being...

[@dannyjames118]

THE BEST INTERVIEWER IN HISTORY

[@tt4570]

Super cool guy. Very well spoken and thoughtful.

[@sarahv1468]

Love these guys🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀

[@xXAnthony619Xx]

Alex Honnold commentating on 2020 Olympics would be astronomically awesome!

[@tareksobhy]

Thank you so much for doing this interview Rich! Loving it so far. It would be sweet if you interviewed Jimmy Chin actually, that'd be cool.

[@sowutsurpoint]

Can I ask about that beautiful photo? That place looks magical

[@laurenrobinson4547]

Loved it!!

[@mindw0rking]

Rich, awesome work on the interview