Big walls and bedtime stories with Leo Houlding

Hazel sits down with Leo and Jess Houlding and their eldest daughter, Freya. They start with Leo’s legendary adventures, expeditions and first ascents, exploring how his mindset and approach to risk have evolved over the years. Then the focus shifts to family life — from climbing El Cap together to powder skiing in Japan — and what it means to raise resilient, curious, and courageous kids in a world that often prioritises safety above all else.

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00:00:00 – Intro

• 00:05:51 – Why did Leo choose to move back to the UK?

• 00:08:56 – Reflecting on his bold climbing days: how does Leo feel about his past now?

• 00:24:23 – Balancing passion and profession: what motivates Leo today?

• 00:31:17 – What advice would Leo give to people who feel stuck in life?

• 00:35:21 – Leo’s biggest fear for his kids

• 00:38:33 – What have Leo’s kids taught him about fear?

• 00:41:40 – Getting the challenge level right for children

• 00:49:49 – Balancing psychological safety and resilience in parenting

• 00:57:01 – Kids and social media: where do they stand?

• 01:06:40 – What it’s really like having an adventurous family lifestyle

• 01:13:37 – Meet Jess Houlding

• 01:17:25 – Making decisions together as parents: how Leo and Jess navigate it

• 01:24:36 – How has this parenting approach shaped their kids?

• 01:26:48 – What motivated the Houldings’ year-long family trip?

• 01:31:22 – Meet Freya: Freya’s relationship with fear and her favourite part of the trip