EP 7: Luke Mehall: The Dirtbag Dream is Not Enough

Today I’m happy to welcome climber, author, and founder of the Climbing Zine, Luke Mehall. Luke is the kind of climber I thought I would never reach with a platform focused on saving, investing, and financial wellness. Luke existed for many years as a self-proclaimed hand-to-mouth dirtbag. He lived on the road for months at a time, barely making ends meet. But as Luke puts it, “the dirtbag dream is not enough.”

At a low point in his life, Luke started publishing stories about the climbing life that didn’t have a home in the major publications. The Climbing Zine was born, which has now grown into a thriving business and paved a path for Luke’s personal and creative freedom. Now he’s turning his focus to expanding the business and facing all the real-life adult stuff so many of us will find familiar: buying a home, saving for the future, and generally evolving with the roller coaster ride that is the modern world.

Topics Discussed

  • Luke’s realization that the dirtbag dream was not enough for long-term happiness
  • Early introduction to writing and the roots of the Climbing Zine
  • Marketing your work and securing sponsorship deals
  • Evolving with the times and growing a business
  • Navigating social media as a content creator
  • Trying to own a home in high cost-of-living western towns

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Luke Mehall in a former life as the Dish Dog. (Photo: Luke Mehall Collection)
Luke Mehall in a former life as the Dish Dog. (Photo: Luke Mehall Collection)
American Climber, by Luke Mehall
American Climber, by Luke Mehall

Get in Touch with Luke Mehall

The Climbing Zine: The World’s Creative Climbing Publication

The Dirtbag State of Mind Podcast

Climbing Zine on Instagram

Luke Mehall’s Books

Luke’s Enormocast Podcast Episode

Housing Links

Relocation: A Guide to Moving and Housing Affordability

Housing Affordability: This Isn’t Normal

Previous Interviews Mentioned

Kris Hampton: Popping Your Comfort Bubble


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Thanks guys, see you next week.

What say you friend?