Episode #36: Luke Mehall
The guest for today’s episode is writer, podcaster, and perhaps most notably, the creator of the Climbing Zine, Luke Mehall. Originally hailing from the midwest, Luke was first exposed to climbing in Southern Illinois and at first, he didn’t really take to it. Through the trials and tribulations of being a young adult, Luke truly found his way when he moved to Gunnison, Colorado and began putting pen to paper—and climbing a lot more.
Luke’s pursuits have led him to become a prominent figure in the climbing community. Whether it’s the Climbing Zine, his books, his podcast, his first ascents, or the newly formed Durango Climbers Coalition, his advocacy and love for the sport is exemplary.
Follow along as Luke walks us through some of his early influences, lessons he’s taken from the Zine, Indian Creek, and much more.
Timestamps
5:23- Banter
9:26- Luke’s early influences
13:38- Luke’s intro to climbing
18:21- The evolution of Luke’s writing
24:04- Print media
30:48- Lessons learned from Zine authors
37:27- Indian Creek: not love at first sight
48:18- Changes over the years in Indian Creek
53:56- Rock climbing and native values
58:20- The Dirtbag State of Mind Podcast
1:03:51- Durango Climbers Coalition
1:13:38- Luke’s definition of advocacy