Tommy Caldwell: podcast appearances and interviews

Tommy Caldwell, born on August 11, 1978, is an American rock climber known for his achievements across various disciplines including sport climbing, traditional climbing, and big-wall climbing. He has established records by making the first free ascents of several major routes on El Capitan in Yosemite National Park. Caldwell also pioneered the first ascents of some of the most challenging sport climbing routes in the United States, notably Kryptonite at 5.14d (9a) in 1999 and Flex Luthor at 9a+ (5.15a) in 2003, both located at the Fortress of Solitude in Colorado. In January 2015, Caldwell and Kevin Jorgeson completed the first free ascent of The Dawn Wall on El Capitan. This feat, completed over a span of 19 days, marked the first time a big wall climb was performed entirely free at a difficulty of 9a (5.14d), representing a significant milestone in the sport. His accomplishments have garnered widespread recognition, and in 2015, National Geographic described Caldwell as 'arguably the best all-around rock climber on the planet,' highlighting his importance in the history of climbing.