I was born just before the age of the Wu-Tang clan,
into a non-climbing and non-outdoorSY family.

Like most kids in the 90’s, I had that one friend who went hunting and camping. I then joined the Boy Scouts, where a lackluster introduction to the outdoors led to a terrible camping trip.

It wasn’t until just before I butted into my twenties that I moved to Texas. I had an opportunity to experience climbing and the outdoors with some amazing friends that are still in my life to this day. After my first climbing trip in Austin, I’ve never looked back. Since then, I’ve climbed all over the world and became a competitive climbing coach, experienced mountain guide, route developer, route setter and instructor, podcast host, personal climbing trainer, and steward to the climbing community.

 

 I have dedicated my life to making climbing accessible & inclusive for anyone who wants to come into the sport.

My mission is to see the world on these walls and routes that I climb, develop, and steward for the community.

“I smoke on the mic like "Smokin' Joe" Frazier
The hell raiser, raisin' hell with the flavor
Terrorize the jam like troops in Pakistan
Swingin' through your town like your neighborhood Spiderman”

— wu-tang’s Protect Ya Neck

Mario PRESS & Media Bio

Mario R. Stanley is a climber, podcast host, coach, route developer, and explorer. Contestant on HBO Max special: The Climb

A Texan through and through. Hailing from the D.C. Metropolitan area, Mario made it to Texas as soon as he could. This is where he discovered climbing and a passion for the outdoors.

Send…or Suffer. Mario is the founder and host of Sends and Suffers podcast, a series of conversations that explores the journey of individuals in the climbing community. Each story showcases personal successes (sends) and challenges (suffers) that are meaningful to anyone who considers themselves an outdoor adventurer. His most recent series, “Why Is Climbing Special”, highlights the role climbing has played in individual’s lives - as seen through the eyes of the people who love it.

Fortune Favors the Bold. Mario believes climbing is an art form. It is an opportunity to explore the unknown worlds that exist within and outside of us. His passion for climbing has brought him to explore all avenues and pursuits worldwide, from the gym to big walls, sport routes to boulders, and everything in between. He is driven by a deep desire to find himself in situations where the only option is to trust the process and carry on…or bail. He believes that it is in these moments, when we are left with no choice but to boldly go forward, that we find growth.

A Coach with the Most. Mario has worked in all avenues of the climbing industry, from front desk gym staff to head coach, route setter, personal trainer, and industry leader. Coaching is a big passion of his. While in Dallas, and not climbing all over the country, Mario coaches and trains adults and youth as Head Coach of Youth Programs for Summit Gyms (Plano) and is co-founder of “Go Beyond Climbing”, an adaptive climbing meetup group. Mario strives to help people reach their goals and desires by creating opportunities for them to see their full potential - both on and off the wall.

See the World on the Wall. Mario aspires to take his background working in urban climbing communities to the next level by creating a holistic approach to outdoor climbing. His personal and professional experiences have led him with aspirations to share this world with others by creating opportunities for individuals and groups at every level of climbing. He hopes to ensure climbing areas are for people of all backgrounds, ages, and abilities by working to develop climbs for a diverse range of skill sets, maintain safe climbing hardware, and actively explore opportunities for accessible outdoor climbing areas in South Texas.

From Mario: “My kids will often say “it’s not that simple.” I believe life is “that simple,” it’s just hard because it requires commitment, and commitment is not easy. Being bold and moving forward is hard, but simple. I believe climbing has the unique ability to train our psyche and mind towards overcoming challenge - which can guide our heart and soul to be the best version of ourselves. Climbing is a medium to practice how to trust the process and thus experience growth along the way.”

 

Quick Facts About Mario

  • 20+ years of experience climbing, guiding and coaching.

  • 12+ years of Route Setting experience

  • Contestant on The Climb, HBO Max special

  • Host of the Sends and Suffers Podcast

  • Youth Program Director at Summit Climbing gyms’ Plano location

  • Co founder of Highpoint Expeditions

  • Co Founding member of Plug Tone Audio

  • NOLS Wilderness First Responder

  • Certified CPR & First Aid instructor

two ROUTEs to mario:

Join Mario Stanley as he interviews the adventurous people that live in our adventure community.

For all inquiries about keynotes, clinics, coaching, and more, please click the link below.