The Broad Beta Podcast
The Broad Beta Podcast and BroadBeta.com are spaces to openly share women’s and genderqueer experiences of climbing, skiing, and other mountain adventures, from the ordinary to the heroic. Our contributors tell stories that foster wildness within, and outside, ourselves. Through these stories, we hope to inspire and empower anyone who listens. Cover photo by @nathannorby of co-founder Jeannie Wall.
The Broad Beta Podcast
Treat Your Injuries, Go To Therapy, & Show Up For Others - An Interview with Barb Eastman
The one and only, the legend: Barb Eastman joins us on this episode. We're thrilled to hear her life story - and what a story it is. She began working in outdoor education at a young age, experienced trauma shortly into that career, and went onto become one of the most prolific climbers of her time. While living in Yosemite in the 1970s, she became a big wall specialist, climbing 15 Grade Vs and Grade VIs over a span of about 6 years. She was on the first all female team to climb the Nose on El Capitan - ever! in 1977 - and also one of the first women to work as a Jenny Lake Climbing Ranger in Grand Teton National Park. She won an Award of Valor for a multi-day rescue on the Grand Teton.
Later, Barb moved to Salt Lake City and became a nurse and a mother. She shares with us about that transition and how it shifted her perspective on climbing and steered her toward new adventures. Barb drops some serious wisdom about staying active into her 70's, showing up for others during difficult times, and adaptability throughout different phases in life. We are so inspired by how she has lived her life and continues to prioritize fitness and time outside. Her backcountry canoe trips in NW Alaska (always at least two weeks!) and her big mileage backcountry ski days are goal worthy for anyone of any age.
To see photos from Barb Eastman and Molly Higgins climbing the Nose as the first female party in 1977, check out this awesome article with photos compiled by Lauren DeLaunay Miller on the AAC website: https://americanalpineclub.org/the-molly-higgins-photo-collection
Find Barb on Instagram: @tombarbpaul