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
Lauren Smith - Sunset in Chamonix
Lauren Smith is an accomplished climber hailing from Bellingham, Washington, and now based in Bozeman, Montana. She grew up hiking, skiing, and biking with her family in the Pacific Northwest. She moved to Arizona for a year to pursue aeronautical science in hope of becoming a commercial pilot; that plan drastically changed when she was introduced to climbing. She moved back to Bellingham to pursue mountain guiding and travel in her van to broaden her climbing skill set. Since then, she has fully immersed herself in ice and mixed climbing with the goal of applying those skills to big mountains. She currently works as an instructor and guide for the American Alpine Institute.
In this story, Lauren shares how she and her best friend, Tali, took their climbing partnership to the next level by climbing Cosmiques Arete in Chamonix for their first alpine adventure together outside of guiding and AMGA courses. Lauren reminds us how important patient, safe, and supportive partners are when the going gets rough.
Check out beautiful photos of Lauren and Tali's alpine pursuits on the story's page on the Broad Beta website. Follow Lauren on Instagram at @lauren.olivia.smith.
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Hosted and produced by Cat Coe
Story read by India Maxwell
Intro music by Holizna Radio
Conclusion music by Rocky Marsiano