Interviews

Meet Louis McConnell Creator Of American Oak Hand Salve

December 14, 2015 by Jason Clements

Meet Louis McConnell Creator Of American Oak Hand Salve

Many of us know Louis from the Kansas City Climbing Community. He may have even helped you gear up when he worked at Moosejaw on the Plaza. Well, did you know that Louis is a rock climber AND a body builder AND Crossfitter! He is also a brand new entrepreneur. Louis is the owner of the American Oak Hand Salve Company.

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And now, get to know Louis McConnell in 15 seconds:

The exercise I hate the most is Jerks because I have terrible overhead strength.

You will hear me scream like a Howler Monkey when (google that, it is hilarious), anyway,
what would make you howl like that? When a new vegan restaurant is opening in Kansas City.

The last good book I read was: The Man Who Quit Money.

The last show I binge watched was: Dexter and Breaking Bad at the same time.

On my days off from my diet, I splurge on: Pizza and dark beer, but that’s every day right?

HCRB: Alright, Louis, what is American Oak Hand Salve?

Louis: AO (American Oak) is something I created when I was climbing. My fingertips were always extremely raw and it hurt like hell to climb–as much as I was climbing. Not to mention, having my hands covered in chalk drys them out a ton.

All the commercial lotions are designed to “soften” hands. That was never appealing to me because I wanted hard tough skin when I was slapping a tiny crimp.

I researched oils, butters, and herbs and used the best of each of those items to create AO. Fast forward a few years, my hands were taking the same abuse now from Olympic style weightlifting, instead of climbing. I revamped the recipe and saw some interest in the community and launched! [Read more…] about Meet Louis McConnell Creator Of American Oak Hand Salve

Meet Richard Lonski: Rock Climber, Martial Artist, CFO of DGS Games

October 21, 2015 by Jason Clements

Richard Lonski has one of the biggest, kindest, warmest hearts I know. Dude is solid.

Richard started rock climbing when he was in his 40’s and dropped 50 pounds! Talk about being an inspiration. He is the CFO of DGS Games. And, he knows how to kick ass–is one of only a few teachers of a martial art called Shinwa Taido.

Ladies and Gentlemen, meet Richard Lonski.

Get to know Richard in 15 seconds:

Scariest situation you’ve ever been in – doesn’t have to be climbing related:

• Wow….things got real fast. It was a situation I don’t think I’ve ever told anyone about. I was in high school and was sexually assaulted by a much larger/older co-worker.

[Please, if you or someone you know needs help: Call 800.656.HOPE (4673)]

If you were only allowed one specific type and brand of alcohol / cocktail for one year, what would you choose?

• Easy….whiskey. Pretty much all I drink now. Bourbon or Scotch neat. There is nothing better on a cold night around a campfire.

What are three things you eat on a regular basis?

• Spinach, hummus and peanut butter

The last good book you read was:

• That’s hard, I don’t read nearly as much as I used to…..so, how about the book that had the most impact on my life. The Tao of Physics by Fritjof Capra. I’ve owned it 3 times and given them all away. Been meaning to buy my 4th copy.

What music or a song you listen to over and over right now?

• While I have about a dozen Pandora stations, I keep coming back to Cake, Walk off the Earth and Billie Holiday depending on my mood.

If space tourism become available in our lifetime, are you going to the Moon or Mars? Why?

• Easy. Mars. I wrote a research paper on the feasibility of colonizing Mars in High school. I have always been a nerd; and that created a bit of a fascination with the planet and the possibilities it represents.

HCRB: How did you get involved in climbing? [Read more…] about Meet Richard Lonski: Rock Climber, Martial Artist, CFO of DGS Games

Meet Renan Ozturk: Artist, Storyteller, Cinematographer

September 30, 2015 by Jason Clements

This is a short interview.

Renan said to ask him 2 or 3 really good questions. I replied: “Here’s to hoping your words inspire many to enjoy a more vibrant and adventurous life!”

At the end of this interview, I’ll link to two of my favorite movies that Renan has made. Spend a few minutes watching to see to what degree you are inspired.

I had the privilege of meeting Renan Ozturk a few years ago. He is, by far, one of the kindest, most easy-going guys I have ever met.

That he took the time to create a unique mountain-scape when he signed his poster shows you what kind of human being he is. And what he wrote on that poster for my kids still speaks volumes even to me:

Follow your dreams !!!

Renan is on Facebook. He has a constant stream of beautiful images and breath-taking cinematography that often give me great pause. Here is a man who lives his life full of adventure. Oh, that we may all be inspired!

Ladies and Gentlemen, please meet Renan Ozturk. He is an artist, storyteller, cinematographer. You can get to know Renan at little bit better, right here, in 15 seconds:

The last good book I read was… Buddha’s Warriors: The Story of the CIA-Backed Tibetan Freedom Fighters, the Chinese Communist Invasion, and the Ultimate Fall of Tibet by Mikel Dunham

The last adventure film I saw that inspired me was… Line Across the Sky with Honnold and Tommy, part of the Reel Rock Tour this year. [Read more…] about Meet Renan Ozturk: Artist, Storyteller, Cinematographer

Into The Mind Of Amanda Smith and Her First Ascent of Enchiridion V8/V9

September 29, 2015 by Jason Clements

Enchiridion V8 / V9 is the hardest established problem by a female in the state of Arkansas and has yet to be repeated.

So, what does it take to climb your hardest? What does it take to climb a problem that has never been climbed before?

What do you think? Is it perseverance? Dedication? Strength? Long-term vision? Luck? Fortitude? Grit? What lessons can you take away from Amanda to apply to your project at the gym or the crag?

What lessons can you take away from Amanda that you can apply to something outside of climbing?

Let’s enter into the mind of Amanda Smith and find out how she made the first ascent of Enchiridion V8 / V9 in Pilot’s Knob, Arkansas.

When you start dreaming the moves of your project, it’s time to send – Amanda Smith

Enchiridion was a big project!

Chad Watkins (Amanda’s husband) showed me the line this past winter and it seemed impossible. I’ve been looking at it for two years but never thought it would go. He worked it a couple of years ago and had some complicated beta just to climb the first five feet of it. [Read more…] about Into The Mind Of Amanda Smith and Her First Ascent of Enchiridion V8/V9

Meet Amanda Smith: Owner of Elevate Sports Gym

September 16, 2015 by Jason Clements

A new gym is opening in Harrison, Arkansas. This gym will be all about the art of movement: Bouldering (indoor rock climbing), American Ninja Warrior training, parkour training. It is Elevate Sports Gym. Amanda Smith is the brains and the brawn behind all of it. Ladies and Gentlemen, please meet Amanda Smith: owner of Elevate Sports Gym.

Get to know Amanda in 15 seconds:

After a hard climbing sesh, I relax by watching the sunset, enjoying a cold beer, and/or a nice chill Netflix session.

My favorite ice cream is chocolate for life.

If I could tame a wild animal and have it as a pet, I would have a Galapagos tortoise. They are pretty tame and low maintenance. I would want something that lives long enough to be a burden to others once I pass on.

There is no way I will ever eat veal.

The last good book I read was Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.

If a rock climbing brand/company offered me 1 million dollar to tattoo their logo on both shoulders, I would be proud to display Organic Climbing.

I love their products and love the fact that they are made in the USA. Josh Helke’s story of small town innovation and helping ex-factory workers create again is inspiring. I grew up in a town that had a huge sewing industry background and when jobs went overseas, it hurt the livelihoods of many local families. The toll of that is still evident in my small hometown where more people are on welfare or disability and can’t make the income they had before.

HCRB: How long have you been climbing? [Read more…] about Meet Amanda Smith: Owner of Elevate Sports Gym

Meet Craig Muderlak: Artist and Outdoor Enthusiast

September 1, 2015 by Jason Clements

Meet Craig Muderlak. He is an artist. He is an outdoor enthusiast. If you read Alpinist Magazine, you will see him in this most recent Issue 51. This article is an interview and a gallery. I hope you enjoy his visually spectacular art as much as I do. Visit his website to view more of his artwork.

HCRB: How long have you been a climber?

Craig: I have been a climber for about 18 years, since I was 18 years old.

HCRB: Where are you originally from?

Craig: I’m originally from Wisconsin, born and raised. I was first introduced to climbing in high school but really began climbing when I went to college in Colorado.

HCRB: You heard that calling to the mountains at a young age. Describe…

Craig: I remember growing up with a bug for adventure. I was obsessed with snow and would sometimes build snow caves in my backyard and spend the night in them when I was a kid. I associated mountains with adventure and knew that when I grew up that I would move west. [Read more…] about Meet Craig Muderlak: Artist and Outdoor Enthusiast