In this podcast conversation, Kevin Roet sits down with renowned climber Will Gadd, best known for his cutting-edge ascents in mixed and ice climbing. Will reflects on his upbringing in a tight-knit mountaineering community, where the realities of the sport were impossible to ignore. Regularly witnessing the aftermath of accidents and the loss of local alpinists shaped his perspective early on. Both sobering and motivating him to pursue technical climbing over the great alpine routes.

A central theme of the discussion is risk. Will is candid about the inherent uncertainty in the mountains, emphasising that climbers can never fully understand or control all the variables. This unpredictability, he explains, is what makes the pursuit both compelling and dangerous. Rather than ignoring fear, he views it as an essential tool—something that has played a key role in keeping him alive. Fear, when understood and respected, becomes a guide rather than a limitation. He stresses the importance of education and continuous learning in managing risk effectively.

The conversation also explores performance and mindset. Will discusses how to enter a “state of readiness,” whether approaching a difficult climb or stepping onto a stage for public speaking.

The ingredients which have helped him make steady improvements in his climbing career has been the desire to improve, honest self-reflection and always focusing on the process, never the outcome.

Finally, Kevin & Will delve into the idea of building a “try-hard” mindset. Describing it as a trainable skill, much like physical strength, developed over time through effort and intention.

The discussion closes by returning to fear—not as something to eliminate, but as something to understand and manage thoughtfully.

Tune in for an insight into Will Gadd.