"Written in Stone" is hands down one of the best podcasts out there for anyone who loves rock climbing and its rich history. Kris Hampton's storytelling is nothing short of masterful—the deep research, compelling narration, and ability to bring climbing’s past to life make every episode a must-listen. The production quality is top-notch, with seamless editing and an incredible soundtrack that perfectly complements the stories being told. Each episode feels cinematic, drawing you in with immersive sound design and well-paced narration that keeps you hooked from start to finish. Beyond just entertainment, Written in Stone sparks amazing conversations at the climbing gym and the crag. The stories of legendary climbers and pivotal moments in climbing history provide a deeper appreciation for the sport and its evolution. Whether you’re a seasoned climber or new to the scene, this podcast offers something for everyone.

This podcast has a great concept, and the execution fully rises to the occasion. Fun and informative and a super refreshing change from the usual training-related climbing podcast fodder. All rippers, no skippers.

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Best storytelling and very interesting climbing history!

This podcast is such an excellent way to relive and relearn some of climbing’s greatest achievements. Kris is a fantastic story teller and weaves in modern takes on history— from the music he uses to subjects he interviews. He brings these stories to life in such a captivating way.

Great show, I just wish Kris would learn how to pronounce Fontainebleau. (Hint: rhymes with plateau, chateau, bureau and Jacques Cousteau).

A climbing history 101. I love the focus by decade and by route with the bonus episodes that take deeper dives into specific stories. Also, Kris is the master of the guest intro. I love listening for how people respond to how Kris introduces them. Kris and the crew have clearly worked their butts off on this. Thanks y’all!

Current favorite podcast. Disproportionally chill.

Kris masterfully weaves together these stories. The Todd Skinner episode was clearly filled with love, it left me nostalgic to a time I didn’t live in.

Written in Stone is a unique podcast in the climbing space: instead of the best hangboarding routine it focuses on climbing history. Each episode is masterfully written and produced, and follow up conversations with climbers connected in some way to the story are priceless. Even a seasoned climber who knows everything there’s to know will surely find some detail or an entire story they were not aware of. Great listen, I am always eagerly awaiting the next episode!

Great stories and in-depth background on iconic climbs and climbers that most climbers at some point have heard or read about. If you like to learn about important milestones in the history of climbing, this is a good resource. The Fred Rouhling episode is outstanding.

Kris is telling the stories that need to be told about our sport. Every episode that has dropped has been a treat to listen to! The stories told have inspired me to sift through the legendary climbing history in my backyard.

Another series of o dub beating it at you in your headphones except this time he tries to tell you he was well known for his clown raps

The latest episode I listened to about Lynn Hill freeing the nose in a day was exceptionally well done, compared to even the rest of this series, which I thoroughly enjoy. I liked it so much, I even downloaded and installed Apple podcast just so I could give this review as Kris requested at the end of the episode. Thanks for the great stories!

Such a great series and I especially loved the episode about Lynn Hill. She’s been a hero of mine for forever 🤩 amazing story telling and important history!

Awesome story telling and content!

I listen to tons of podcasts and other audio stuff and read across many fields. I actually have a (minor and unsuccessful) career trying to persuade other humanities academics to approach history with humility and the sense that we can always learn something from the past, even when it's complicated. I always say that the goal shouldn't be to prove that something is "problematic." That's where we have to begin, and then go from there to clarify and simplify. Kris does this exact kind of work in a way I wish so many other of my colleagues in the humanities would do it. Climbing is just as important a phenomenon as Amazon logistics or church worship styles, friends! And Kris absolutely nails it. Let's all try to approach all aspects of our lives and our history with the same loving respect that Kris treats climbing history here!

Simply the best in terms of climbing entertainment

Best way to learn about the best rock climbing events in the decade of my youth. Rad. Listen to it

This podcast is so well made. We’re a big podcast family so we sample many styles, and this one by far is the most entertaining and well made. Our child is one of those many “young crushers” nowadays, and lacks a good sense of where his favorite sport has come from. Rather than us telling him some facts to educate him, we love that this podcast can do the job for us in a way more entertaining and informative way. We’re learning a ton as well! Thanks for all your hard work!

It’s awesome to get an in-depth look at the history behind some of the most groundbreaking ascent in rock climbing. I’m loving the history lessons. This podcast is amazing!

Best podcast on climbing out there. Very entertaining

Usually don’t listen to climbing podcasts, but I really enjoyed this one!

Love the info. Storytelling is great, but there is a LOT of dead air. Played at 1.25 is much better!!!

Thanks for some enjoyable listening

Well the climbing season is ending here in Colorado and I’m in need of some inspiration to drive my winter training. This podcast is it! With awesome, well-researched stories that dig deep into the sport’s most iconic ascents, it’s the perfect psych engine to get me stoked. Love the stories so far, great host, and excellent production. Can’t wait to hear more!

If you like climbing, or learning about history, or listening to well-produced podcasts, you’ll like this show. And if you like learning about climbing history while listening to a well-produced podcast, you’ll LOVE it!

I don’t know anything about climbing, but I love this! A great listen for climbing pros and novices alike.

The podcast is fantastic :) This is a great format for sharing climbing lore for folks like me who are new enough to the sport to not know all of the storied history of legendary routes and the climbers who’ve pulled on them, but experienced enough to appreciate the ascents. Excellent work and big shoutout to Ryley for her hard work on the research. It’s translated into great story telling! Looking forward to more episodes :)

Seriously the best pod out there!! This biggest issue i have is that i can’t leave more than 5 stars!!

Kris’s apt for storytelling is apparent in Written in Stone, which listens like an old-school radio hour broadcast yet with new-school, thoughtful production and with a modern perspective, reliving tales of the great ascents in climbing’s history. Highly recommend!

I always love hearing Kris’ podcasts. He puts so much effort into them. The music, the info, the guests; it is all very dialed. Learning about some of the iconic and historical moments of climbing all done with style and finesse. I am looking forward to this.

This is gonna be good…real good. If previous Plug Tone podcasts are any indication of how this show is going to be dare I say again that it’s gonna be good…real good.

Can’t wait for the full episodes to launch! This will be a welcomed addition to the climbing podcast world.

Excited to share this with everyone. :)

Sure I can, because I made the podcast I wanted to hear, and I’ve listened to every episode more than everyone else. A lot more. So far. 😂 Psyched for everyone to hear it!

From the research to the sound design to the stories to the guests… this is just the highest quality storytelling in the climbing space. Cannot wait for more!

Let’s get this party started! Can’t wait for these episodes to drop!! #ClimbingHistory

What a great idea for a podcast. Can’t wait air for some stories.

Finally. My two greatest passions, combined! Climbing and listening to dozens of hours of chronological history podcasts while doing the dishes. Excited for Lynn Hill’s free ascent of The Nose!

This show has so much promise. I’m psyched to hear the first season!