Welcome back to the final episode of the TCM triple crown! Today we get the privilege to sit down with both Tanner Wanish and Micheal Vaill to discuss their most recent achievement, the Yosemite Quad. If for some reason you’ve made it here without listening to the two prior episodes I highly consider stopping and checking those out before you continue here, as they give a background to each individual climber’s life.

Human nature has us craving novelty, so when we hear about an achievement like ‘The Yosemite Quad,’ it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and headlines and miss the real meaning behind it. Tanner and Michael didn’t create the Quad for publicity, nor were they focused on breaking speed records for the Yosemite Triple Crown. In fact, they didn’t really care about records—it was just a by-product of something much bigger. For these two, the real passion lies in pushing the limits of how much climbing they can pack into 24 hours. ‘The Yosemite Quad’ is simply the latest expression of that vision.

It’s also easy to get hyper-focused on the climbers themselves, especially when media tends to spotlight individuals. But after talking to Micheal and Tanner, it’s clear that the Quad wasn’t just about physical endurance. This feat took meticulous planning, logistics, and overwhelming support from their network. These two are especially psyched about this accomplishment because it was truly a team effort. Without the key people who supported them over the 22-hour mission, this achievement wouldn’t have been possible. For them, the real magic lies in the collaboration—the network, friendships, and teamwork they’ve built over the years.

During this interview, these two crushers were still buzzing with excitement, having completed the Quad just days before. So I sat back and just let them share what was on their mind.. I hope you enjoy listening to them as much as I did. And now I bring you The Quadfathers.

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Don’t forget to check out our full video episodes on Youtube!

The TCM movement is growing but we need your help to spread the word! Please share this podcast with your friends and family. Word of mouth is one of the best ways to support the show. If you enjoyed the show we’d appreciate it if you could rate and review us on your favorite podcatcher.

We are always looking for new guests. If you or someone you know would be a great fit for the show please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can reach us on IG or email us directly @ theclimbingmajoritypodcast@gmail.com

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Resources

Michael's IG

Tanners IG

Cover photo taken by Earl Bates

Today, we’re continuing The Climbing Majority’s ‘Triple Crown’ series with Michael Vaill, one of the two climbers who recently broke the Yosemite Triple Crown speed record and, just a week later, made history with the monumental Yosemite Quad. If you missed yesterday’s conversation with his partner, Tanner Wanish, I highly recommend giving it a listen after this episode.

If I had to describe Michael Vaill in one word, it would be 'psyched.' His passion is tangible, infectious, and truly motivating. But for Michael, 'psyche' is more than just a climbing mindset—it’s a way of life. Even before discovering climbing, he nurtured this relentless drive while studying and achieving a PhD in Cell Biology. After graduating, he redirected his focus entirely to climbing in Yosemite, where he could fully embrace this life of passion and challenge.

Michael chooses to live a minimalist, flexible life in order to fully immerse himself in climbing. Life in a van allows him to spend every day pursuing what excites him the most. As he says, if he’s “psyched,” then he’ll keep doing it forever.

While his love for climbing runs deep, Michael takes safety and caution seriously. He speaks about the importance of mentorship, learning to place reliable protection, and respecting the skills required to climb at your limit safely…. Even as he tackles routes as serious and dangerous as the legendary Bachar-Yerian, a 5.11 X testpiece, his approach is careful and calculated. He’s also dedicated to helping newer climbers, giving them a safe space to learn and experience the joy of climbing.

Michael is here. Right now…living in the present…., and aims to continue like that for the foreseeable future., And with his recent achievements in the climbing world, I’d say it's working out for him pretty well.... His journey is a reminder to stay psyched, push limits thoughtfully, and savor the fulfillment that climbing brings to our lives.

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Don’t forget to check out our full video episodes on Youtube!

The TCM movement is growing but we need your help to spread the word! Please share this podcast with your friends and family. Word of mouth is one of the best ways to support the show. If you enjoyed the show we’d appreciate it if you could rate and review us on your favorite podcatcher.

We are always looking for new guests. If you or someone you know would be a great fit for the show please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can reach us on IG or email us directly @ theclimbingmajoritypodcast@gmail.com

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Resources

Michael's IG

Cover photo taken by Connor Brown

I first reached out to Tanner back in March, right after he and his climbing partner, Michael Vaill, had completed the Red Rock Triple in an impressive 12 hours and 35 minutes. I was stoked to share their story, but little did I know it would take six months to get the chance to sit down with them. Looking back, I couldn’t be happier it turned out that way. Just days after our initial interviews, Tanner and Michael made waves by setting the speed record for the Yosemite Triple Crown. And as if that wasn’t enough, last week they pushed the boundaries even further, making history with the most ambitious link-up Yosemite has ever seen—the Yosemite Quad. Last week, these two crushers linked Mount Watkins, El Cap, the South Face of Washington Column, and Half Dome in a mind-blowing 21 hours and 50 minutes.

So, this week, I’m thrilled to introduce The Climbing Majority’s own 'Triple Crown'. Over the next three days I will be posting three separate full length episodes.' Today, we sit down with Tanner Wanish. Tomorrow, you’ll hear from his climbing partner, Michael Vaill. And on the final day, we’ll sit down with both of them for an insider’s look at their recent, groundbreaking feat in Yosemite. Get psyched for an epic week of stories, insights, a deep look into the lives of these two athletes.

Today, we dive into the journey of Tanner Wanish. Tanner’s story begins with a military background, though not in the way you might expect. After years of service, he found himself in what he describes as the darkest days of his life, having realized that the trajectory he was on in the military was no longer the path he wanted. Sensing Tanner’s struggles from overseas, his brother—a prominent developer on the Front Range—sent him a hard drive packed with climbing films. And so began Tanner’s passion for climbing, igniting a pursuit that would lead him, four and a half years later, to literally etch his name into the walls of Yosemite.

Our conversation with Tanner reveals a climber who has woven the sport into every aspect of his life. He’s taken climbing beyond just an outlet for adventure and fulfillment—it’s become his way to live, grow, and connect deeply with others. Tanner also embraces what he calls 'manufactured adversity,' seeing the immense value of challenge and struggle for personal growth. For him, climbing is the ultimate vehicle for this kind of development.

Tanner’s journey is a powerful reminder that climbing is more than a sport. It’s a medium for growth, connection, and self-discovery. His story shows us the value of resilience, adventure, and the balance between passion and purpose. Buckle up for an inspiring conversation with Tanner Wanish.

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Don’t forget to check out our full video episodes on Youtube!

The TCM movement is growing but we need your help to spread the word! Please share this podcast with your friends and family. Word of mouth is one of the best ways to support the show. If you enjoyed the show we’d appreciate it if you could rate and review us on your favorite podcatcher.

We are always looking for new guests. If you or someone you know would be a great fit for the show please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can reach us on IG or email us directly @ theclimbingmajoritypodcast@gmail.com

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Resources

Tanner's IG

Athlete Write Up

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