To kick off this special collaborative podcast project, we’ve got a conversation with two undeniable pillars of the adaptive climbing community, Ronnie Dickson, and Maureen, better known as Mo, Beck. We're talking about the annual Adaptive Climbers Festival. The festival was started by a whole rowdy crew of climbers and allies -- Ronnie and Mo are two of the current organizers.

Ronnie is based out of Chattanooga and leads the group, Prosthetic and Orthotic Associates of Tennessee specializing in custom prosthetics. He was also the first American above the knee amputee to send a V10 and climb 5.13c.

Mo has served as an athlete ambassador or representative for organizations including with the American Alpine Club, USA Climbing, and Paradox Sports. She was also named National Geographic's "Adventurer of the Year" in 2019.

Host, Emily Chen-Newton produced a documentary style segment about the Adaptive Climbers Festival in 2023 for the show, Inside Appalachia. You can listen here.