Ep. 159: Brittany Leavitt | Listen + Teach
Sometimes I have these conversations because I’ve long followed a story and its arc and want to know what that person has learned. And then other times, like this one, I just have a sense that a person has something to say, and I want to hear it. That they have so much to teach me, and that I owe them, at the very least, my undivided attention.
Brittany Leavitt is an educator. By profession, by passion, and by choice. It’s a choice I appreciate. She’s also a listener, though maybe that goes hand in hand with being an educator. Brittany has worked or is working with Brown Girls Climb, Outdoor Afro, Color the Crag, and the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. In 2018 she was part of the first all black US team to summit Kilimanjaro. She does A LOT. She recently went on a roadtrip sponsored by Patagonia, on which she asked 3 important questions to the people she met - I wanted to know how she would answer those same questions.
Melissa Ruiz has been climbing and competing for six years and recently started climbing outside. To put it lightly, she is stoked.
Allyson Gunsallus is a mom, climber, and director of an upcoming film series that will uncover the issues faced by climbers who are parents.
The Red River Gorge Climber’s Coalition could use our help.
Don’t be fooled by Patty Law’s small frame and soft-spoken demeanor – she’s a fierce climber, mother, entrepreneur, and community cultivator.
Kris talks with Amy Skinner and Joan Chase about how the founding of Wild Iris Mountain Sports is inextricably linked to the rise of climbing in Lander, Wyoming.
During the 8th annual Joe’s Valley Festival, Kris sat down to talk to local legend and longtime crusher Steven Jeffery.
Prerna’s biggest goal of all — and the one she’s certainly dedicating the most to — is to continue building an empowered community of female climbers in India.
Building community is better business.
Aman Anderson is opening doors to climbing with the BFL Combine.
TCI is working towards the development of climbing worldwide.
Andy Leung believes in setting for growth of the community.
Friends and activists Devin and Briana are doing the work in a social media world.
Brandon Belcher loves cats, slopers, and choosing his words carefully, words which often carry an important impact that we need to better understand.
Joslynn Corredor is helping women rediscover their athletic identity.
Genevive Walker is unapologetic. She knows that it takes all types to make change, and she has the unique ability to be many of those types all at once.
Brittany Leavitt is an educator. By profession, by passion, and by choice.
A room full of superheroes in Australia’s climbing epicenter.
Building a gym is all about building a community.
Some say that mentorship is dying. I'm not sure that's true, although mentors are definitely outnumbered by new climbers these days.
Recorded live at the 2018 CWA Summit, a discussion about diversity and inclusion in the climbing industry.
Brown Girls Climb aims to promote and increase visibility of diversity in climbing by establishing community, encouraging leadership, and creating inclusive opportunities.
Ryan Gagnon brings data-driven research and infectious enthusiasm to his programs built to introduce and engage minority youth in climbing.
We sit down in Hueco Tanks with bouldering pioneer John Sherman to discuss California Condors, his lengthy list of accomplishments, and his most infamous creation: the V scale.
Russ Clune has climbed in more places than you.
At a time when we're seeing a whole new generation of young crushers becoming adults, the role of the parent has become more and more important.
"Flash Foxy" founder Shelma Jun is an unapologetic force to be reckoned with.
Lantien Chu is the coach of a high school swim team that has won 21 consecutive state titles.
Kris and Alex discuss coaching vs. training, the evolution of training for climbing and the limits of human possibilty.
Lauren Abernathy, coach and owner of Good Spray Climbing, works hard to help her clients – and herself – become better climbers.
Look, it’s important to not let things get overcomplicated. Hunting for elegant answers keeps us from getting bogged down with minutia. But when we take it too far, we lose sight of the bigger picture.
The difficulties of a task should be such that they help the learner translate the skill to performance.
You’re watching your client, student, partner, or bestie struggle. And you want to help. But how? It entirely depends on the goal.
A climber since 1994, Kris was a traddie for 12 years before he discovered the gymnastic movement inherent in sport climbing and bouldering. Through dedicated training and practice, he eventually built to ascents of 5.14 and V11.
Kris started Power Company Climbing in 2006 as a place to share training info with his friends, and still specializes in working with full time "regular" folks. He's always available for coaching sessions and training workshops.
Three athletes share their unique and ongoing journeys with vision loss and how climbing provides support.