In this episode, Kevin Roet sits down with Siebe Vanhee for a deep conversation that goes far beyond training routines and summit shots. Siebe is known for his hard ascents on big walls and commitment to pushing personal limits. He opens up about the psychological, and emotional layers of climbing—and life.

Together, they explore the unique mental challenges that come with climbing at an elite level. Big wall climbing, as Siebe describes, is as much a test of the mind as it is of the body. It demands mental endurance, emotional resilience, and a keen awareness of your own mindset. But for Siebe, climbing has also become a mirror—one that reflects not just strengths, but personal struggles, behavioural patterns, and deep-rooted beliefs.

Siebe shares his personal experience with depression and the hidden pressures of being a sponsored athlete. He challenges the glossy image often presented on social media, speaking candidly about the toll that curated perfection and constant performance expectations can take on one’s mental health. The pressure to always be “on” doesn’t just come from brands or followers—it can also come from within.

They also dive into the complex relationship climbers have with failure. Siebe talks about how difficult it can be to truly embrace failure in a society that equates worth with results. Yet, for him, failure has become a necessary companion in the pursuit of growth.

This episode is a powerful reminder that success in climbing—and in life—is not just about reaching the top. It’s about staying grounded, being honest with yourself, and learning to navigate the mental terrain with as much care as the physical one.

Tune in to hear Siebe’s story—raw, real, and refreshingly human.