Policy Rx with the Rock Doc

Access Fund
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Policy Rx is a limited series from Access Fund, created by Dr. Erik Murdock, our Deputy Director of Programs, Policy, and Government Affairs. Each episode serves up a digestible dose of the policies shaping climbing, as Erik sits down with insiders, lawmakers, and pro climbers to break it all down.

Episodes

  1. SEP 10

    Risk and Reverence in Bears Ears with Kitty Calhoun

    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.

    21 min

  2. AUG 28

    Why You Shouldn't Sleep on Oak Flat with Sierra Blair

    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.

    8 min

  3. AUG 28

    From the Crag to the Capitol with Chris Schulte

    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.

    24 min
  4. Climbing for Change with Kai Lightner

    AUG 12

    Climbing for Change with Kai Lightner

    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.

    17 min
  5. Tariffs, Trade, and the Cost of Adventure with Black Diamond

    AUG 12

    Tariffs, Trade, and the Cost of Adventure with Black Diamond

    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.

    16 min
  6. Stonemaster to Climbing Advocacy with Lynn Hill

    AUG 12

    Stonemaster to Climbing Advocacy with Lynn Hill

    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.

    10 min
  7. Protecting Public Lands with Tommy Caldwell

    AUG 12

    Protecting Public Lands with Tommy Caldwell

    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.

    23 min
  8. Taking Climate Action to the Summit with Caroline Gleich

    AUG 12

    Taking Climate Action to the Summit with Caroline Gleich

    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.

    19 min
  9. Uniting the Outdoor Industry with Jessica Turner

    AUG 12

    Uniting the Outdoor Industry with Jessica Turner

    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.

    15 min
  10. Inside the National Park Service with Bob Ratcliffe

    AUG 12

    Inside the National Park Service with Bob Ratcliffe

    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.

    13 min
  11. Decoding Public Lands Policy with Jason Keith

    AUG 12

    Decoding Public Lands Policy with Jason Keith

    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.

    10 min
  • 11 Episodes

About

Policy Rx is a limited series from Access Fund, created by Dr. Erik Murdock, our Deputy Director of Programs, Policy, and Government Affairs. Each episode serves up a digestible dose of the policies shaping climbing, as Erik sits down with insiders, lawmakers, and pro climbers to break it all down.

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