Jan Conn: Catching Pinecones

Jan Conn: Catching Pinecones

August 21, 2026 · 48 min · Season 9 · Episode 17

About this episode

The episode explores the contributions of Jan Conn and Herb Conn to the climbing community and their radical approach to following passions in the 1940s.

Who was the first dirtbag? In collaboration with filmmakers Chad Heddleston and Parker Michels-Boyce, we go back in time to meet Jan Conn. Jan and Herb Conn took what might have been the first climbing road trip, created one of the first climbing magazines and films and pioneered first ascents across the country. Their greatest contribution to our sport though might be their commitment to utilizing their time to follow their passions. In 1945, that was about as radical as it gets.  Catching Pinecones Trailer Chad's Roanoke Star Climb Watch Climbing Gold on YouTube Thanks to our sponsors The North Face Check out Summit Series at thenorthface.com  Kodiak Cakes Find Kodiak products at your local grocery store, they're the ones with the bear on the box or learn more at Kodiakcakes.com Turtlebox Take your music anywhere turtleboxaudio.com Factor Eat smart at FactorMeals.com/ClimbingGold50OFF and use code CLIMBINGGOLD50OFF to get 50% off and free daily greens per box LMNT Get your free LMNT Sample Pack with any purchase at www.drinklmnt.com/climbinggold  Want Climbing Gold ad free? Check out ⁠Unroped

People in this episode

Guest: Jan Conn

Topics covered

Sponsors

The North Face, Kodiak Cakes, Turtlebox, Factor, LMNT

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