The Hardest Climb Ever: 19 Days on the Dawn Wall

The Hardest Climb Ever: 19 Days on the Dawn Wall

Author: Joe De Sena September 16, 2025 Duration: 22:14
What kind of mindset does it take to train 7 years for one climb? Tommy Caldwell did exactly that before finally conquering the Dawn Wall in a 19-day climb that changed the sport forever. He also survived a kidnapping in Kyrgyzstan that tested his endurance in ways no mountain ever could. Tommy shares the lessons he learned through fear, pain, and grit.
backhand index pointing right Tune in now and learn how to build the mindset to push past your own limits.
 
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
01:27 Meet Tommy Caldwell
01:47 Growing up climbing with his dad
02:33 Free climbing vs. free soloing explained
03:13 Climbing the Dawn Wall
04:50 Seven years of training for one climb
05:43 Physical and mental training routines
06:38 Kidnapping in Kyrgyzstan the full story
10:24 How the climbers escaped captivity
11:19 Losing a finger in a construction accident
11:45 Building "obstacle immunity" through adversity
15:34 Endurance sports and human limits
16:14 What's next for Tommy
17:59 Mindset & finding strength in community
20:52 The Dawn Wall bool & film
 
 
Connect to Tommy:

Joe De Sena, the founder of Spartan Race and a New York Times best-selling author, believes the most rewarding path is rarely the easy one. In his The Hard Way With Joe De Sena podcast, that philosophy comes to life through raw, unscripted conversations. Joe travels the globe, sitting down with a diverse array of guests-from elite athletes and pioneering entrepreneurs to acclaimed authors and visionary CEOs-to dig for the unvarnished truths about resilience and achievement. These aren't just interviews; they're deep dives into the mental frameworks and physical disciplines that define a Spartan mindset. You'll hear stories that challenge conventional wisdom, practical advice forged through real struggle, and surprising moments of humor that come from shared experience. Each episode is designed to provide tangible tools for improving your health, fitness, and overall approach to life's obstacles. By bringing together this panel of extraordinary thinkers and doers, the podcast creates a unique space where the secrets to success in business, wellness, and personal growth are examined without shortcuts. Tune in for a dose of motivation that’s as actionable as it is inspiring.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The Hard Way With Joe De Sena
Podcast Episodes
Set Scary Goals Today and Transform Your Life!! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:55
Tired of falling off the fitness wagon every January? Spartan founder and endurance legend Joe De Sena teams up with triathlon champion Taren Gesell to share the ultimate formula for staying motivated, crushing your goal…
Train Smarter, Recover Faster: Tips from a Triathlon Legend [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:54
In this episode, Mark Allen, the legendary 6-time Ironman World Champion, shares the training strategies, mindset hacks, and recovery techniques that allowed him to push the limits of human performance. How Mark Allen, t…
Conquer Adversity & Master Resilience with Amberly Lago [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:44
In this episode, Joe de Sena talks to Amberly Lago, a resiliency coach who has faced unimaginable challenges - from a devastating motorcycle accident that nearly cost her a leg, to a chronic pain condition that has teste…
The Strength Doctor's Secrets to Building Power! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:15
In this episode, Joe de Sena sits down with the remarkable Dr. Jordan Feigenbaum - a doctor and a powerlifting enthusiast with a passion for helping people transform their lives. Dr. Jordan shares valuable insights on ho…
Get the Best Sleep of Your Life: Actionable Tips You Need! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:22
Struggling with sleepless nights and sluggish days? In this episode, Joe De Sena sits down with sleep expert Andrew Vontz to uncover the science behind truly restful sleep. Learn straightforward, research-backed strategi…
How to Build Strength, Speed & Endurance through Running [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:48
In this episode, running coach Jason Fitzgerald and Joe De Sena dive deep into the transformative power of running. Discover how to push past your limits, build unbreakable mental toughness, and become the athlete you ne…
Raise Healthy & Happy Kids with Smart Parenting Strategies [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:56
Struggling with junk food battles or getting your kids off their screens? In this episode, Joe De Sena and nutrition expert Amelia Phillips tackle the biggest challenges of raising healthy, active kids in today's screen-…
Simple Steps for a Pain-Free Life with Dr. Mike Wasilin [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:26
In this episode, Dr. Mike Wasilisin, a renowned movement expert, reveals the secrets to overcoming pain and achieving peak performance. Hear about his proven methodology that empowers you to take control of your body and…
Why Veteran Suicides Are So High and What to Do About It? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:50
In this episode, Joe De Sena is talking with Rob and Alex, the authors of Warrior to Civilian, on the challenges veterans face after service. They discuss a hidden veteran suicide crisis and why so many veterans struggle…