In this episode of the Smooth Saw Podcast, Jeff and Evan break down the newest 2026 ISA ITCC rule book updates ahead of the 50th anniversary International Tree Climbing Championship in St. Louis, Missouri. They walk through the key changes, including protest procedures, competition eligibility, hitch cord rules, extended stand clear language, rescue event timing, sequestration, throw line audibles, and scoring updates.

Along the way, they share practical insight on how these changes may affect competitors, judges, and volunteers — plus a few stories from the field, training, travel, and life in the middle of a packed summer season.

If you’re competing, judging, volunteering, or just following the sport, this episode is a helpful and timely guide to what’s changing and why it matters.

Listen in, get informed, and get ready for ITCC 2026.

Brand Shoutout:

Atmos Tree for planting two trees for this podcast

Courant Vertical Living for ropes and sweet new bags

Arbsession for always having the latest and greatest kit for arbs.

Followship the Band for the intro tunes.

Zack Darling for the funky mash up beats that play in the background.

Most climbers chase hard skills — but what if the secret to peak performance is silent, subtle, and deeply rooted in mindset? Meet Anna Sonnenfeld, our 2026 North American tree climbing champion, who proves that with intentional focus and calm presence, you can climb to the top of the sport.

Anna’s story is a demonstration of slow, deliberate growth, mental clarity, and harnessing flow state to perform under pressure. In this episode, we dive into Anna’s journey from Nebraska farm kid to reigning champion, revealing the behind-the-scenes secrets of her rapid rise in the competitive tree climbing scene. We break down how her deliberate training routines, mental visualization practices, and even her breathing techniques keep her focused amidst chaos — insights applicable whether you’re climbing a tree or tackling everyday challenges.

Anna also shares stories from her first competitions, her favorite moments, and how she’s learned to lean into discomfort to grow stronger—both physically and mentally. You'll discover: the importance of quiet focus over loud effort, how to cultivate flow and avoid burnout by balancing intense practice with enjoyable hobbies, and practical tips for managing nerves in high-stakes moments. We break down specific tactics Anna uses like bilateral stimulation and visualizations that help her keep her cool and climb with confidence. Plus, she shares how her experience in the sport has transformed her approach to safety, leadership, and even her life outside the trees.

If you’re a tree worker craving more mental clarity, a competitor looking to level up, or simply in search of inspiration to stay calm under pressure, this episode is your blueprint for mastering the art of focused performance.

Anna’s journey reminds us all—regardless of experience—that success is often about mindset, patience, and your ability to stay present when it matters most.

#TreeClimbingChampion #MindfulClimbing #FocusAndFlow #PeakPerformance #ChampionMindset

Music:

Followship the Band

Brands:

Arbsession @arbsession

Courant Vertical Living @couranttreecare

Atmos Tree @atmostreeorg

1st Phorm @1stphorm

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Most of us never imagined how deeply the world of tree climbing, rope access, and industrial rigging would evolve—and the stories behind that transformation are mind-blowing.

In this captivating episode, Jeff and Evan sit down with legendary innovator Rich Hattier, a true pioneer whose impact reverberates across multiple disciplines. From the high-tech rescue missions in wind turbines to the cutting-edge competition scenes, Rich’s story is a masterclass in passion, innovation, and relentless pursuit of excellence.

Rich shares how a career rooted in the military, rock climbing, and arboriculture transformed into a trailblazing journey of technical breakthroughs—including the famous Anchor Bridge and the evolving standards of safety and efficiency in the industry. You'll discover how decades of experience, some controversial debates, and a drive for continuous improvement have shaped the way professionals climb, rig, and rescue in the most challenging environments.

Rich’s reflections on safeguarding lives, pushing boundaries, and fostering industry collaborations reveal the unseen layers of progress that often go unrecognized. You'll hear about the historical evolution of competitions, the importance of safety over speed, and the vital role of community and mentorship that propels this industry forward. Amidst stories of legendary climbs, cultural exchanges in Japan, and industry-shaping innovations, Rich’s perspective on building relationships and advocating for progress offers invaluable lessons for every tech rescue technician, arborist, or climber looking to elevate their craft.

This episode isn’t just a walk through Rich’s incredible career—it's a call to action for all of us to embrace options, foster relationships, and contribute to a legacy of safety, innovation, and shared knowledge. Whether you're climbing trees, working on turbines, or climbing toward your own personal best, this conversation will challenge your mindset and inspire you to keep pushing the limits.

Prepare for an episode packed with legendary stories, groundbreaking ideas, and the kind of insight that only comes from a life dedicated to these disciplines. If you're passionate about safety, technical mastery, and industry evolution, this is your must-listen. And a soft reminder—sometimes, the best way to reach new heights is to look back at the giants on whose shoulders we stand.

Music by Followship the Band

Brand shoutout to:

@arbsesseion

@couranttreecare

@atmostreeorg

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