EP 280: Stevie Hochbaum — Sending Germany’s First V16, The Toll of Obsessive Projecting, and Transformation Through Climbing

The Nugget Climbing Podcast

Stevie Hochbaum is an elite boulderer who established the first V16, Obsidian, in Germany. We talked about nearly losing his finger to an infection, how he became obsessed with the project, what it feels like to spend 50+ sessions on a boulder, supportive friends, learning patience, training on the project, how losing weight affected his mental health, pacing and breathing, what’s next for Stevie, and much more.

Mad Rock (Shoes & Crash Pads)

madrock.com

Use code “NUGGET10” at checkout for 10% off your next order.

NADS (Organic Cotton Underwear)

Use code STEVEN for 15% off

Rúngne (Chalk & Apparel)

rungne.info/nugget

Use code “NUGGET” for 10% off storewide, and use code “SHIPPINGNUGGETS” for free shipping.

Chilipad (Don’t Lose Sleep this Summer)

Get 20% off any Chilipad sleep system

Become a Patron:

patreon.com/thenuggetclimbing

Show Notes:

thenuggetclimbing.com/episodes/stevie-hochbaum

Nuggets:

(00:00:00) – Intro

(00:02:01) – Nicknames

(00:04:58) – Swollen finger

(00:12:24) – The process begins

(00:20:47) – Investing everything

(00:28:57) – What happens after 15 sessions

(00:45:17) – Sending, disorientation, & celebrating

(00:52:10) – Supportive friends & learning patience

(01:04:16) – The unexpected send

(01:09:46) – Training on the project

(01:16:32) – Pacing & breathing

(01:24:24) – Taking breaks

(01:27:35) – Calorie deficit & mental health

(01:33:13) – Bodyweight & small crimps

(01:41:06) – Veganism

(01:49:01) – Choosing our reality

(01:53:00) – Inheritance

(01:54:26) – What’s next for Stevie

(01:57:14) – Dream trips