Russell Max Simon: climber, marketer, post-nomad

Russell Max Simon is a 42-year-old climber, marketer, and “post-nomad” who splits his time between a derelict house in Spain and an old farmhouse in New Hampshire. (russellmaxsimon.com)

After living many years as a digital nomad, Russell settled down in New Hampshire during the pandemic and rediscovered the virtues of place and community. Now he owns (and constantly renovates) two old properties, each strategically located next to prime climbing areas, where he plays host to the dirtbag climbers who reliably arrive each season.

We discuss Russell’s early career in Washington, D.C., his work in politics and environmental advocacy, and his gradual loss of community and purpose. Now his days consist of reading and writing in the mornings, climbing and building in the afternoons, and spending time with friends and family in the evenings. To pay the bills, Russell does 5-10 hours of content marketing per week.

Although he no longer seeks meaning from his paid work, Russell appreciates the clarity and honesty of his freelance gigs and how they empower him to do what he loves, be close to his people, and support the climbing community. He explains why he’s careful to not earn too much, how he says “no” to his clients, and why he doesn’t try to expand his business.

Russell emphasizes how digital nomads consistently “over-index on freedom” and neglect the importance of deeper friendships and relationships. He shares how the climbing and kitesurfing communities offer such depth to him, and how merging one’s love life with an activity group presents both threats and delights. Russell is also the father of a 14-year-old son, and we discuss how his dual-continent, climbing-focused life intersects with his role as a co-parent.

Finally, Russell shares one of the big reasons he adores southern Europe: sitting outside with friends at a cafe or bar for multiple hours is completely normal.

Russell’s excellent newsletter is Post-Nomad.

Full transcript: dirtbagrich.com/russell