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A Climber’s Mind with Mat Wright

Mat Wright

I’m Mat Wright - a climbing coach focused on real outdoor performance.

A Climber’s Mind explores what actually drives progression on rock - beyond generic training advice.

Through personal stories from my own climbing, and lessons from coaching, I break down the mental, technical, and tactical factors that separate effort from real results.

This isn’t about doing more. It’s about working on the right things, at the right time.

Each episode gives you practical insights you can apply immediately to your own climbing, whether you’re projecting your first 7a or pushing into your hardest routes.

If you’re interested in working with me, you can find more at matwrightcoaching.com

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16 episodes
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Avg 31 min
English

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S1 · E16
August 19 · 1 hr 19 min
Steve McClure: Rainman, Trying Well & Life at the Limit
In this episode of A Climber’s Mind, I’m joined by Steve McClure - one of Britain’s most accomplished and influential climbers. Steve takes us inside the long process behind the first ascent of Rainman, Britain’s first 9b. We explore what it really means to project at your absolute limit, how he continued learning from the route over many years, and why success depends on far more than simply trying harder. We also discuss the difference between trying hard and learning to try well: managing effort, refining movement, making better decisions and finding a way to perform when the opportunity finally arrives. Beyond the climbing itself, Steve shares his thoughts on sustaining ambition alongside family life, work and the everyday responsibilities that sit behind a long-term project. We talk about how his relationship with climbing has evolved, what keeps him motivated, and how to pursue extraordinary goals without allowing them to consume everything else. Steve has been a huge inspiration throughout my own climbing career, so it was surreal to have this conversation with him - not only as one of Britain’s greatest climbers, but also as a friend. Thanks for listening. I hope you enjoy the conversation.
S1 · E15
July 1 · 16 min
When Obsession Stops Working
I’ve always believed that obsession can be one of the most powerful tools in hard climbing. Visualising daily, thinking deeply about a project, and keeping it alive in your mind can create clarity, direction and belief. But this week, a conversation with my friend John made me question whether obsession is always useful. John told me that with his own project, Sufferance, he reached a point where he had to mentally distance himself from it completely. He stopped visualising, stepped away, and almost forgot the route existed for a month. As soon as he suggested I might need to do the same with Free at Last, something clicked. In this episode, I talk through the difference between commitment and attachment, why caring deeply can sometimes turn into pressure, and why stepping away from a project isn’t the same as giving up. Sometimes the thing that helped you progress can become the thing that keeps you stuck. Maybe the answer isn’t always to stay more obsessed. Maybe sometimes, you climb better when you let something go for a while.
S1 · E14
June 24 · 14 min
Determination, Grades & Why We Choose Hard Things
In this solo episode, I reflect on the last few weeks of A Climber’s Mind - including why there’s been a short break from the podcast, what I took from my recent conversation with Conrad Caddy, and how my North Wales trip made me think more deeply about determination, grades, pressure and priorities. The episode starts with an honest update on why the podcast had to take a back seat for a couple of weeks. Between a climbing trip and some personal life stresses, I needed to make space for the things that had to come first - which, in many ways, connects directly to the themes of this episode. I then look back on my conversation with Conrad Caddy, who climbed 8B within around three years of climbing. That conversation made me reflect on my own early years, because I also reached 8B within roughly my first three years. More than the grade itself, what interested me was the mindset underneath it: determination, obsession, pressure, identity, and what actually drives someone to keep showing up for something difficult. From there, I explore the question: why do some people seem to have huge determination, while others don’t? I don’t think determination is just discipline or talent. I think it’s built from meaning, belief, feedback, identity, emotional tolerance and life circumstances. It can come from love, curiosity and purpose - but it can also come from insecurity, comparison and the need to prove yourself. I also talk about my relationship with grades, which has been both motivating and volatile. Grades can be a brilliant tool for measuring progress, choosing challenges and focusing ambition - but they can become dangerous when they turn into measures of self-worth. My current view is that grades are useful servants, but terrible masters. The episode also includes reflections from my recent trip to North Wales, where I climbed Prisoners of the Sun at Rhoscolyn. That experience made me think about hard trad climbing, clear decision-making, and how the best headspace on serious routes is often quiet rather than dramatic. For me, the lesson was about separating commitment from attachment: still caring deeply, but trying not to lose myself every time the outcome is uncertain. Finally, I look ahead to a potential upcoming conversation with Steve McClure. If confirmed, I’m incredibly excited to speak to Steve about projecting, Rainman, Rainshadow, long-term motivation, and what draws someone to invest so much into one piece of rock over so many years. This episode is really about one central question: What makes us keep choosing hard things? Determination is powerful, but it needs direction. Grades are useful, but they need perspective. Ambition is valuable, but it has to sit inside a life that can actually support it.
S1 · E13
June 17 · 1 hr 53 min
Conrad Caddy: Obsession, Pressure and Climbing 8B in 3 Years
In this episode, I’m joined by Conrad Caddy to explore the deeper story behind his rapid progression in climbing, including his recent ascent of Superman 8B after only around three years in the sport. Rather than reducing the conversation to talent, strength or genetics, we dig into what that kind of progression actually feels like from the inside: obsession, pressure, identity, movement learning, failure, social media, and the emotional cost of improving quickly. We also talk about how Conrad approaches hard moves, micro-beta, frustration, consistency, and what climbers can learn from his process without simply trying to copy the outcome.
S1 · E12
May 27 · 14 min
I'm Not Anti-Training
In this episode, I reflect on my recent conversation with Mike Boyd and use it as a starting point to clarify something important about my coaching philosophy. I think some climbers may have interpreted my message as being against physical training - but that isn’t the point at all. Physical training is absolutely crucial if you want to peak. At some point, you have to raise the ceiling, get stronger, and build the physical qualities required for the climbs you want to do. But for many climbers, physical capacity isn’t the only thing holding them back - and often, it isn’t the biggest thing either. A lot of climbers are already leaving huge amounts of performance on the table through poor tactics, rushed projecting, fear, pressure, lack of clarity, poor recovery, lifestyle stress, emotional attachment to outcomes, and an inability to properly express the ability they already have. So this episode is not anti-training. It’s anti-blind training. It’s about understanding the full picture before deciding what the next intervention should be. Sometimes the answer is physical training. Sometimes it’s tactics. Sometimes it’s technique. Sometimes it’s mindset. Sometimes it’s rest, recovery, or a better relationship with the process. As always, diagnosis comes first. Then the right intervention at the right time.
S1 · E11
May 20 · 1 hr 52 min
Mike Boyd: Fatherhood, Stress & Climbing Performance
In this episode of A Climber’s Mind, I sit down with Mike Boyd for a very honest conversation about climbing, having a newborn baby, career pressure, identity, stress, relationships, money, and what performance looks like when life changes dramatically. We use the conversation almost like a live coaching/diagnostic session. Mike initially felt like endurance might be one of the main things holding his climbing back, but as we dug deeper, the bigger bottleneck seemed to be stress, life load, and the effect this can have on the nervous system. One of the biggest themes in this episode is that a physical symptom does not always mean a physical cause. You might feel pumped, tense or inefficient on the wall, but the deeper issue might be stress, pressure, poor recovery, fear, identity, or simply the reality of trying to perform while life is demanding more from you. This is a conversation about balancing passion with real life, managing ambition, and learning to diagnose what is actually limiting your performance. New episodes every Wednesday.
S1 · E10
May 13 · 30 min
Climbing Feels Different Now
Over the last couple of months, a lot has changed in my life. I’ve been balancing the start of this podcast alongside a fairly structured training phase, whilst also trying to organise my life and coaching in a much more deliberate way. In the process, I’ve realised how much low-level pressure and friction I’d been carrying around for years without fully noticing it. In this episode, I speak more openly about where I’m currently at psychologically with climbing, performance, identity and motivation. I talk about: why climbing feels different to me right now the relationship between attention and performance how organisation changed my mindset more than I expected insecurity, pressure and emotional attachment to climbing why I no longer feel threatened by stronger climbers and where I want to take the podcast moving forwards This episode is also a transition point for the podcast itself. The first 10 episodes were a chance for me to explore ideas, learn how to record/edit and slowly find my voice. The next phase will involve more collaborative and exploratory conversations with other climbers - looking deeper into the psychology, identity, fear, obsession and motivations behind performance. I’m really excited to see where it goes from here.
S1 · E9
May 6 · 13 min
Fear of Falling Isn’t the Problem
Fear of falling is often treated like a bravery problem. Most climbers think they just need to commit harder, take more practice falls, or become mentally tougher. But in many cases, fear isn’t actually the problem. It’s the symptom. In this episode, I break down why fear of falling is often rooted in poor clarity rather than a lack of courage - and why uncertainty, poor decision-making, bad experiences, ego, and a lack of familiarity can all contribute to fear responses on the wall. I also share my own experiences with fear of falling, from struggling to commit on limestone sport routes in the Peak District… to eventually onsighting serious routes like Dalriada on Ben Arthur. Topics covered include: Why fear is often a symptom of poor clarity Rational vs “irrational” fear How uncertainty affects climbing performance Why projecting can help build confidence The difference between onsighting and redpointing Fear of falling vs fear of failure The importance of good belayers and safe catches Ego, identity, and performance pressure Fight or flight responses in climbing Why confidence is familiarity built over time How to systematically expand your comfort zone Fear isn’t something you need to remove. You just need to understand it. If you enjoy the episode, I’d massively appreciate it if you shared it with a friend, left a rating, or posted it on your Instagram story and tagged me. Thank you for listening. Mat Wright A Climber’s Mind
S1 · E8
April 29 · 10 min
The Real Secret to Climbing Your Best (Learn to Try Well)
Most climbers think progress comes from doing more. More sessions. More effort. More training. But the real difference between good climbers and elite climbers isn’t effort. It’s how that effort is applied. In this episode, I break down: Why trying hard isn’t enough What it actually means to “try well” How mental and physical noise limits your performance A simple execution framework you can apply immediately And the lessons I learned from projecting Rhapsody If you’ve ever felt like you’re putting in the work but not getting the results… This episode will help you understand why. And more importantly - what to do about it. If you found this useful, I’d really appreciate you sharing it with someone who might benefit. And if you’re looking for a more structured, diagnosis-led approach to your climbing… You can find more about my coaching here: 👉 matwrightcoaching.com Topics covered: Climbing performance, projecting, mindset, execution, technique, training, focus Photo Credit: Marsha Balaeva
S1 · E7
April 22 · 5 min
Comparison: Ego vs Curiosity (Why It Helps or Holds You Back)
Comparison is something every climber experiences… but very few people understand how to use it properly. In this episode, I break down the difference between ego-driven comparison and curiosity-driven comparison - and why one holds you back, while the other can accelerate your progress. I share my own experiences with comparison throughout my climbing journey, including how it affected me after climbing Hubble, and how a shift in perspective changed the way I approach both climbing and performance. We explore why comparison isn’t actually the problem - and how it can become one of the most powerful tools you have when used correctly. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why comparison isn’t something you need to avoid The difference between ego-driven and curiosity-driven comparison How ego can quietly shift you from learning… to proving something The signs that comparison is negatively affecting your performance How to reset in the moment and return to your process Why comparison often reflects something deeper in your mindset or lifestyle How to use comparison as a tool to improve your climbing Key Takeaway: Comparison isn’t the enemy. Ego-driven comparison creates pressure and pulls you away from the process. Curiosity-driven comparison creates clarity and helps you improve. The goal isn’t to stop comparing - it’s to make sure comparison is working for you, not against you. Coaching: If this episode resonates with you and you want a more structured, diagnosis-led approach to your climbing, I offer Integrated Performance Coaching. We look at your climbing as a whole - physical, technical, tactical, mental, and lifestyle - to identify your real limiter and move performance forward. Get in touch or apply via: 👉 matwrightcoaching.com Podcast: If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review or sharing it with someone who would benefit from it. It really helps the podcast grow and reach more climbers.
S1 · E6
April 15 · 13 min
Why You’re Strong Enough… But Still Not Climbing Harder
Most climbers never actually find their limit. Not because they’re not strong enough… but because they never fully commit to the process required to discover it. In this episode, I break down what it really takes to climb at your limit - and why projecting isn’t just something you do, but a skill you need to learn. I'll cover: Why fear of failure quietly holds people back The difference between commitment and attachment Why many climbers are physically capable of more than they realise How projecting exposes your true limitations The biggest mistakes people make when working routes And how to actually build towards a redpoint with structure and intent I also share my own experiences projecting routes like Rainshadow and Free at Last - including the frustrations, setbacks, and the reality of spending dozens of sessions on something that may or may not go. If you’ve ever felt stuck, unsure whether you’re capable of more, or frustrated with your progress outdoors… this episode will help you understand why. If this episode resonates with you, and you want a more structured and integrated approach to your climbing. I help climbers improve real outdoor performance by looking at the full picture - physical, technical, tactical, mental, and lifestyle - so we can identify what’s actually holding you back. You can also sign up to the newsletter on my website to get a free copy of The Road Map, where I break down the key areas of climbing performance and how to start making progress with more clarity. Matwrightcoaching.com
S1 · E5
April 8 · 16 min
Identity, Ambition, and Losing Yourself in Climbing
In this episode, I talk about one of the most personal and uncomfortable parts of my climbing journey - what happened after I achieved one of my biggest goals. For years, I built a huge part of my identity around climbing Hubble. It was a dream that gave me direction, purpose, and structure. But when I finally did it, what I felt wasn’t fulfilment. It was relief. What followed was burnout, pressure, confusion, and a loss of direction that I kept quiet about for a long time. In this episode, I explore the relationship between identity and performance, why ambition can become unhealthy when your self-worth depends on outcomes, and how fear of failure and the need for external validation can quietly shape the way we climb. I also talk about: why motivation naturally fluctuates how structure reduces cognitive noise and helps create a clearer head how performance anxiety often comes from living too far in the future why success doesn’t always give you what you thought it would and how changing my relationship with climbing helped me find a healthier path forward This is the first time I’ve spoken openly about this part of my journey. If any of this resonates with you, and you feel like your identity has become tangled up in your climbing, this is something I often help clients work through as part of my remote coaching. If you’d like help finding a clearer path forward, feel free to reach out.
S1 · E4
April 1 · 18 min
What Comes After Diagnosis: How to Turn Clarity into Progress
Most climbers know what they need to improve. But they still don’t progress. In this episode, I break down what actually comes after diagnosis - and why clarity alone isn’t enough. I talk about: How to turn insight into structured progress Why spreading your effort leads to plateaus The role of lifestyle in performance (and why it’s often ignored) Why your goal should expose your limitation The problem with being outcome-focused And why real progress isn’t always enjoyable I also share how I’ve used routes like Rainshadow as a tool to develop weaknesses over time - not just as a goal. If you feel like you understand your climbing but still aren’t improving, this episode will help you bridge that gap.
S1 · E3
March 25 · 20 min
Diagnosis - Symptoms vs Causes
What’s really holding a climber back? In this episode, I talk about diagnosis - the process of identifying the real limiter behind poor performance or slow progress. Very often, the thing that looks like the problem is only the symptom. What feels like a strength issue may actually be a problem with observation, execution, tactics, fear, or familiarity. In this episode, I explore: symptoms vs causes why observation matters how patterns shape performance why climbers often solve the wrong problem when familiarity with a climb matters more than abstract training I also share stories from my own climbing, including lessons from Pleasant Valley Sunday and Serendipity. Instagram: @matwrightclimber Coaching: matwrightcoaching.com
S1 · E2
March 18 · 10 min
Why Climbers Plateau
Why do climbers plateau even when they care deeply and are trying really hard? In this episode of A Climber’s Mind, I explore one of the biggest reasons climbers get stuck: misdiagnosing the real problem. A lot of climbers assume they need more strength, more endurance, or more effort. But often the issue runs deeper. What feels like a physical limitation is often a problem with execution, body position, fear, attention, tactics, or lifestyle. In this episode, I talk about: why climbing gives misleading feedback why trying harder can sometimes make performance worse the difference between effort and execution how visualisation improves clarity and confidence why fear of falling is often more about control and uncertainty how lifestyle affects not just recovery, but your ability to learn why progress depends less on doing more, and more on understanding more I also share some lessons from my own climbing, including things I’ve learned on Rainshadow about body position, thumb use, breathing, and turning control into a strength rather than a weakness. If you’re plateauing and wondering what’s actually holding you back, this episode is for you. Mat Wright Coaching I also offer personalised coaching for climbers looking to improve their outdoor performance through better training, technique, mindset, and self-awareness. Visit: www.matwrightcoaching.com/enquire-about-coaching
S1 · E1
March 10 · 8 min
Who I Am, My Climbing Journey, and Why I Started This Podcast
Episode 1 – Introduction | A Climber’s Mind In the first episode of A Climber’s Mind, I introduce myself, my journey in climbing, and the ideas behind this podcast. Climbing is often presented as a highlight reel of success, but the reality is very different. Behind every hard ascent are moments of doubt, frustration, reflection and learning. The mental process behind climbing performance is something I’ve always found fascinating, and this podcast is an opportunity to explore that in more depth. In this episode I talk about: • My early experiences discovering climbing in the South Wales Valleys • How projecting difficult climbs taught me the importance of reflection and observation • The mental battle that comes with climbing near your limit • Why physical strength alone isn’t enough to reach your true potential • How mental, technical and tactical skills influence climbing performance I also share a story from working on Rhapsody (E11) at Dumbarton Rock, where managing the pressure and noise inside my head became just as important as the physical challenge of the climb itself. This podcast will explore the mental side of climbing through stories, lessons from my own experiences, and conversations with other climbers. Future episodes will cover: • Projecting strategies • Mental approaches to redpointing • Lessons from famous routes • Training mistakes and what they taught me • Conversations with other climbers about performance and mindset Free Resource If you’d like a clearer understanding of the factors that influence climbing performance, you can download my free guide: The Road Map – A framework for diagnosing climbing performance This resource explores the five key areas that influence progress: • Observation • Training • Technique • Mental blocks • Lifestyle You can download it here: https://www.matwrightcoaching.com/free-the-roadmap Connect If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following and sharing it with other climbers. You can also follow my climbing and coaching work here: Instagram: @matwrightclimber Website: https://www.matwrightcoaching.com/ Podcast A Climber’s Mind explores the psychology and process behind climbing hard, helping climbers understand the mental, technical and physical factors that shape performance.

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