Alex Honnold and Joe Rogan: A Conversation on Free Soloing, Psychedelics, and the Meaning of Life

Alex Honnold is one of the world’s most accomplished free solo climbers. He has climbed some of the most challenging routes in the world, including El Capitan in Yosemite Valley and Half Dome in the Sierra Nevada. Joe Rogan is a comedian, podcaster, and martial artist. He is best known for his podcast, The Joe Rogan Experience, which has featured guests such as Elon Musk, Kanye West, and Bernie Sanders.

In this conversation, Honnold and Rogan discuss Honnold’s free solo climbing career, his use of psychedelics, and his thoughts on the meaning of life.

Rogan: So, Alex, you’re one of the most accomplished free solo climbers in the world. What does it feel like to climb up a sheer rock face with no ropes or protection?

Honnold: It’s a very intense experience. It’s a lot of fun, but it’s also very stressful. You’re constantly aware of the fact that one mistake could be fatal.

Rogan: What goes through your mind when you’re climbing up a wall without any protection?

Honnold: I try to stay focused on the present moment. I don’t think about the past or the future. I just focus on the next move. If I start to think about the consequences of falling, I’ll get scared and I’ll make a mistake.

Rogan: You’ve said that you use psychedelics. How do psychedelics affect your climbing?

Honnold: Psychedelics can help me to see things in a new way. They can help me to be more creative and to push my limits. I’ve found that psychedelics can be a valuable tool for personal growth.

Rogan: What do you think is the meaning of life?

Honnold: I think the meaning of life is whatever you make it. There is no one right answer. For me, the meaning of life is to live each day to the fullest and to make the most of my time on earth.

Rogan: Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Alex. It’s been a pleasure talking to you.