Policy Rx with the Rock Doc

Climbers and anglers have more in common than you might think, especially when it comes to protecting public lands. In this episode of Policy Rx , The Rock Doc sits down with Trout Unlimited President and CEO Chris Wood, who helped develop the Roadless Rule while working for the U.S. Forest Service more than 25 years ago. Chris takes us inside the creation of the landmark rule, why protecting roadless areas mattered then, and why it still matters today. As the US Forest Service moves to rescind the rule, he breaks down why the Roadless Rule benefits the US Forest Service budget, and what could be at stake for climbing, fishing, wildlife, clean water, and the wild landscapes these communities share. Plus, hear how climbers, anglers, hunters, and other recreationists have emerged as a powerful voice for public lands, and why Chris believes speaking up now can help shape their future. Access Fund action alert: https://www.accessfund.org/action-alerts/roadless-rule Trout Unlimited action alert: https://www.tu.org/conservation/action-center/

Climbing is more than the routes we climb—it’s the stories, art, community, and experiences that shape its culture. In this episode of Policy Rx , The Rock Doc sits down with Luke Mehall, publisher of The Climbing Zine and host of the Dirtbag State of Mind podcast, to talk about the intersection of climbing, art, and advocacy—from the importance of authentic storytelling and creating space for the next generation to how Luke’s own perspective has evolved over a lifetime of climbing. Plus, hear why Luke sees stewardship as one of the most tangible ways climbers can make a positive impact—and how replacing bolts, building trails, and passing knowledge on to younger climbers are just as much a part of climbing culture as the climbing itself.

When the Protecting America's Rock Climbing (PARC) Act became law in 2025, it marked a historic win for climbers. Now comes the next step: the draft climbing management guidance that will put the law into practice. In this episode of Policy Rx , The Rock Doc sits down with Access Fund's Senior Policy Advisor, Jason Keith, to break down what these long-awaited proposals mean for climbers, why climbing management matters, and how you can help shape the final policies during the public comment period. Plus, learn why it's important for climbers to know what type of land they’re climbing on—pro tip: roadside crags can be designated wilderness and remote alpine towers can be non-wilderness.

Professional climber Beth Rodden joins the Rock Doc for a reflective conversation about her lifelong relationship with climbing, from serving on the Access Fund board early in her career to pushing the limits of traditional climbing with her first ascent of Meltdown (5.14c) in Yosemite. In this episode of Policy Rx, Beth and Erik explore how climbing has changed over the past few decades, the policies and infrastructure that make modern climbing possible, and what today’s trends, including advanced training and evolving stewardship practices, might mean for the next generation of climbers.

Professional climber and adaptive athlete Quinn Brett joins the Rock Doc for a candid conversation about how her life-altering injury reshaped her relationship with the outdoors—and ignited her advocacy for disability access in wild places. In this episode of Policy Rx, Quinn and Erik dig into why mobility devices like offroad wheelchairs and handcycles belong in Wilderness, how outdated perceptions limit access, and the role the climbing community can play in pushing for a more inclusive future outdoors.

Professional climber, filmmaker, and OG dirtbag Cedar Wright joins the Rock Doc to unpack what it really means to be a dirtbag—then and now—from sleeping in caves in Yosemite to building a fund that helps the next generation keep their climbing dreams alive. From dumpster-diving days on the road to founding the Dirtbag Fund, Cedar reflects on how dirtbagism has evolved alongside the sport, why access and opportunity still matter, and what it takes to sustain climbing’s counterculture in 2025. In this episode of Policy Rx , Cedar and Erik explore the past, present, and future of dirtbag climbing—and how supporting climbers on the margins helps protect the soul of the sport itself.

Pro climber Connor Herson joins the Rock Doc to explore how access has shaped his career—from bold trad lines to recently becoming the third person in history to free The Nose in a day. Growing up on California’s iconic granite and pushing into some of the most visionary terrain in the sport, Connor has always sought out climbing that demands focus, creativity, and respect for the landscapes that make progression possible. In this episode, he reflects on how secure access creates the space for breakthrough climbing, why protecting these places is essential for the next generation, and what responsibility comes with pushing the boundaries of the sport.

Pro climber Timmy Kang joins the Rock Doc to reflect on the season that reshaped his relationship with climbing by joining Access Fund in Washington, D.C. Fresh off sending some of the Buttermilks’ scariest blocs, Timmy stepped into the world of federal policy, gaining a front-row seat to Access Fund’s advocacy on the Protecting America’s Rock Climbing (PARC) Act. In this episode, he unpacks what it means to move from personal pursuit to public service—how representing climbers in our nation’s capital changed his understanding of access, and why every climber has a role to play in protecting the places we love.

Legendary alpinist Kitty Calhoun joins the Rock Doc to discuss her recent Climbing Magazine op-ed on base jumping in Bears Ears. Drawn by world-class terrain and rooted in deep cultural and spiritual significance, Kitty explores how the very landscapes that captivate climbers and jumpers also demand their respect—unpacking the ethics of high-risk recreation in a sacred place, the importance of listening to Indigenous communities, and how climbers can honor and protect this iconic landscape.

What makes Oak Flat worth fighting for—and worth climbing at? Pro climber Sierra Blair joins the Rock Doc to share why this iconic Arizona destination is so special, from world-class boulders to its deep cultural and spiritual significance. As Sierra’s local haunt, Oak Flat is where she’s grown as a climber—discover why it belongs on your tick list, and how Access Fund is fighting to keep it accessible for generations to come.

In the latest episode of Policy Rx, the Rock Doc sits down with first ascensionist and bouldering extraordinaire: Chris Schulte. Listen as they dive deep into one of climbing's biggest legislative victories—the battle against a proposal that would have banned fixed anchors in Wilderness areas and the creation of the Protecting America's Rock Climbing Act.

In the most recent episode of Policy Rx, the Rock Doc sits down with Kai Lightner to talk climbing advocacy—from his introduction to the political process to founding his nonprofit Climbing for Change. Listen to how Kai is breaking down barriers and creating opportunities to experience our sport, and hear his thoughts on the essential role climbers must play in staying informed on federal policies that directly impact our community.

In his most recent episode of Policy Rx, the Rock Doc sat down with VP of Operations, Fabian Garza and the Advocacy & Sustainability Manager, Jessica Powell at Black Diamond to talk about the current administration's impact on their day-to-day operations, covering everything from tariff implications to proposed public land sales.

Climbing legend Lynn Hill joins the Rock Doc on Policy Rx to reflect on her journey—from bold ascents since the '70s to decades of climbing advocacy—and what today’s climbers need to know.

In this episode of Policy Rx, the Rock Doc sits down with Tommy Caldwell to talk climbing advocacy—from his decades-long fight to protect Bears Ears in Utah to defending Oak Flat in Arizona. These iconic landscapes share stunning beauty—and a looming threat: access is at risk.

In his latest Policy Rx, the Rock Doc sat down with professional ski mountaineer and environmental advocate Caroline Gleich to talk about Caroline's advocacy work, her recent run for the US Senate, and the state of our public lands today.

The Rock Doc sat down with the president of Outdoor Recreation Roundtable, Jessica Turner, to break down what's happening at the policy level regarding government staff reductions, how the EXPLORE Act will be implemented, and what you need to know about the next steps in climbing advocacy.

The Rock Doc sits down with Bob Ratcliffe, who mostly recently served as the Division Chief of Conservation and Outdoor Recreation for the National Park Service, to talk about the recent firings of public servants and how this will affect the future of our national parks, services, and BLM lands.

The Rock Doc sits down with Senior Policy Advisor Jason Keith to discuss what's next for the PARC Act and how we plan on working with the current administration.