Episode 11: Timmy O'Neill-The Top and Bottom Equals Love

Stories From the Trailer with your host Chipper Bro

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Timmy O’Neill and I worked together at Patagonia. I worked, and he traveled the world as the funniest, most whimsical climbing ambassador I had ever met. Timmy would visit with me at the Patagonia’s front desk, fielding calls from around the world. It was like we were a comedic team with headsets on! Some callers thought they had reached the wrong number.
Timmy O'Neill is a professional rock climber, first ascensionist, public speaker, guide, and comedian. Originally from East Lansdowne, Pennsylvania, Timmy discovered his passion for climbing after kayaking as a child. His teenage years saw him scaling the cables of the Brooklyn Bridge and exploring the heights of Yellowstone. He even left Temple University after just one semester to work at the Old Faithful Gift Shop in Yellowstone and later in Yosemite.
Following early speed ascents of Yosemite's 3,000 foot El Capitan, O’Neill has dedicated his time to a life of international exploration and giving back through ‘adventure impact’ - the combination of outdoor adventure and social impact.

Here are some of his legendary climbing highlights:

1. Speed Climbing Record: In 2001, alongside Dean Potter, Timmy set the then-speed record for the iconic “Nose” climb on El Capitan in Yosemite National Park, conquering it in an impressive three hours and twenty-four minutes.

2. Film Appearances: He’s been featured in several climbing films, including Return2Sender, Front Range Freaks, and most recently, 180 Degrees South.

3. Comedy and Adventure: Timmy’s humorous side shines through in his non-fiction comedy, Across the Atlas, which recounts an adventure in Morocco. His alter ego, “Dr. Steven ‘Death Zone’ Clark” is portrayed in his theatrical performance, Mallory Revisited. And Captain Under Pants

4. Timmy co-founded Paradox Sports, a nonprofit organization for disabled outdoor sport athletes,

Additional Notable Accomplishments:

· Lived for 60 days in a cave at Joshua Tree National Park, CA

· Speed ascent (3:42) of The Nose route, El Capitan, Yosemite, CA

· Climbed three Grade VI routes in 24-hours (the Northwest Face of Half Dome South Face of Mt Watkins and the Nose on El Capitan, Yosemite, CA

· First alpine ascent of Torre Egger, Patagonia

· Seven-day ascent of El Capitan with older brother, Sean, a T-12 paraplegic

· Co-founded the non-profit Paradox Sports

· Timmy O’Neill’s zest for life extends beyond climbing. He’s a father, husband, and currently serves as the executive director of the Yosemite Climbing Association. His infectious laughter and adventurous spirit continue to inspire me. I hope this episode inspires you!

Chipper Bro - raconteur, pioneer, instigator, entrepreneur, will enlighten, inspire, and woo you with his genuine and touching enthusiastic tales and interviews. Some so touching and poignant you will want to listen to them over and over.
Stay tuned to Stories from the Trailer to learn about his good friends who relive the most interesting and amazing stories from around the world. These episodes include inventive force for good business leaders, swell busting surfers, fine edged skateboarders, activist artists, Pro Frisbee Players, earth moving musicians, and global direct action environmentalists and so much more.