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

Don't forget to please like, share, subscribe and leave a review!

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

Please like, share, subscribe and leave us a review!

Most climbers learn the hard way that pushing their limits requires more than just effort — it demands reflection, humility, and smart training. In this episode, Jeff, Evan, and Jimmy share unforgettable stories from the international scene, diving into the lessons learned from near-disasters, extreme competitions, and the importance of growth over perfection.

Jimmy Prichard, a seasoned climber and multiple-time winner of the renowned Geezers competition, reveals how humility and embracing failure have transformed his approach. From battling bees mid-climb to navigating complex tree setups, he discusses how setbacks push us to be better and how experience shapes resilience. Whether it's a 125-foot-tall Masters tree or a challenging competition limb walk, Jimmy emphasizes that every climb, success or failure, is fueling future mastery.

You'll discover: the secrets of mastering the perfect throw line, innovative climbing techniques like poor-man twin lines, and realistic training strategies tailored to individual growth. We break down how to balance intensity and enjoyment, making training sustainable long-term, and why humility is the ultimate tool in climbing—and in life. This episode challenges you to reflect on your own journey, encouraging a mindset shift from grinding for numbers to focusing on meaningful progress. Perfect for seasoned competitors, aspiring pros, and anyone passionate about elevating their climbing game, this conversation will leave you inspired to train smarter, climb safer, and enjoy the process more than ever.

Jimmy Prichard is a veteran arborist and competitive climber known for his high level of skill, strategic approach, and leadership in the climbing community. His insights stem from decades of experience, countless competitions, and a passion for growth that keeps him pushing boundaries at 55. Whether you're chasing first-place finishes or simply want to climb with more confidence and joy, this episode is packed with practical wisdom and real-world stories that remind us—it's not just about the tree, but about becoming the best version of ourselves in every climb.

Join us to reflect, learn, and be motivated to turn every challenge into an opportunity for growth. Because in the end, the best climber isn't the one who never falls — it's the one who learns to get up faster, wiser, and more passionate each time.

This episode is essential listening for climbers of all levels ready to take their skills to the next stage—because growth, humility, and enjoyment never go out of style.

Music: Followship

Brand Shoutouts: Courant Vertical Living, Arbsession, AtmosTree

Thanks to the fam for our time invested in this. To Jenn, Chinda and Kelse for entertaining our weirdness.

Please like, subscribe and share!

A candid debrief of the ISA North American Tree Climbing Championship held in Kent, Ohio, exploring the event's unique setup, challenges, and opportunities for industry improvement. In this episode, Jeff Inman and Evan Beck analyze the North American Tree Climbing Championship 2026, discussing competition strategies, rule interpretations, and ways to improve the event. They share insights on climbing styles, event organization, and the importance of continuous evolution in the sport.Keywords

Tree Climbing Championship, ISA North American, Industry Improvement, Tree Climbing Events, Competition Debrief Tree Climbing Competition, Rules, Climbing Styles, Event Improvement, Competition Strategy

Key Topics

• Event setup and unique features of the Kent, Ohio competition
• Challenges faced during the event, including rules and judging
• Opportunities for industry improvement and volunteer involvement Competition rules and their interpretation
• Climbing styles and techniques
• Event organization and improvement strategies

Resources

ISA North American Tree Climbing Championship - Events

@isa.climbersBrand Shoutout

Atmos Tree -Atmos Tree @atmostreeorg

Arbsession - Arbsession @arbsession

Courant Vertical Living -

Accueil | MyCourant@couranttreecare

Music

Followship - Music | Followship@followshipband

Most tree climbers and adventure enthusiasts overlook the powerful lessons hiding in everyday moments—and in this episode, you'll learn how a simple road trip, a park ranger encounter, and a backyard climb can shape your mindset and skills for the future. When Evan, Dave and Jeff gather in Ohio before a major competition, they dive into more than just the trees.

From epic drives through foggy West Virginia valleys to unexpected interactions with drone videographers and police, every story reinforces a core truth: success and growth come from embracing the unpredictability and the lessons that come with it. Whether you're a seasoned professional or a curious hobbyist, you'll discover how to turn chaotic moments into opportunities for mastery—both in the trees and in life.We break down:

• The importance of redundancy and preparation in your climbing setup.
• Hidden skills from drone filming to park interactions that refine your safety awareness and social agility.
• The value of perspective, resilience, and curiosity as you navigate competitive tree climbing, training environments, and unexpected challenges.
• How intentional training inside an engineered indoor climb structure prepares you for outside adventures—making complex skills more approachable and safer.
• The power of community and storytelling—sharing the highs and lows openly, like Jose’s GoPro mishap and the epic plane-in-a-tree rescue.

Why does it matter? Because every misstep, surprise, and friendship in this industry can propel you closer to mastery and personal growth. Missing these lessons leaves you unprepared for the unpredictable wilds of the forest—and life. This episode is perfect for anyone hungry for practical insights, inspiring stories, and a reminder that even in chaos, there's a pathway to excellence.

Whether you're new to tree climbing or a seasoned pro, you'll come away motivated to see your skills—and your mindset—through a new lens.

Get ready for real stories, practical tips, and the kind of mindset that turns challenges into opportunities—because the next great leap in your journey starts here.

Music: Followship

Brand shoutout: Courant Vertical Living, Arbsession, AtmosTree

Thanks to Dave for joining us in the fun convo. Big thanks to Jenn and Kelse for entertaining our crazy boy antics.

Please like, subscribe and share!

In this episode, the boys chat through the concept of mastery. A great book by Malcolm Gladwell (Outliers) highlights the concept of mastery and how it takes a person, on average, around ten thousand hours to master something.

The episode starts by having a bit of a jumping in feel. Some technical difficulties lost the first part of the conversation, and the audio is still a bit choppy at times after words, but in the end the main points get across. Hope that you enjoy the episode and that it helps kick off your 2026 on the right foot!

Thanks to those that participate with the podcast:

Followship - Opening tunes

Courant Vertical Living - Ropes, bags, vibes

Arbsession - Supporting the industry and community

AtmosTree.Org - Planting two trees for every episode we release.

Riverside Recording - Recording, editing, savior of time for Jeff

Find us on IG @thesmoothsawpodcast

YouTube - The Smooth Saw

Exciting news and welcome back to the latest episode of The Smooth Saw Podcast!

This episode we debut Evan Beck as the new co-host of the podcast and get into a bit of catch up from the last several months of what these two boys have been up to.

Fun times ahead everyone!