Author Archives: Rock Rose Blog, LLC

III of VI    In the US we have two entities that really control policy surrounding chemical exposure: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Federal Drug Administration (FDA). Through OSHA we will look at worker interactions with specifically the chemical formaldehyde, which is found in many hair relaxing products. As a note: formaldehyde isContinueContinue reading “Black Hair in Climbing, Continued Part III”

II of VI    In my particular case, I was never truly cared for in general, but especially in the context of my hair. No one took the time to learn about my hair or get me resources. Yes this was back when the internet was still not super popular; especially with the people attempting toContinueContinue reading “Black Hair in Climbing, Continued Part II”

This article available as a podcast here I of VI My mind is a weapon And my body is a battlefield And I know my soul’s intentions To know what is, to know what’s real I don’t need armor, I’m more than brave Gotta go harder, I will not be a slave Armor by Iniko1ContinueContinue reading “Black Hair in Climbing, Continued Part I”

Climb Malawi Fundraiser-Seattle March 2025 Host and speakers of the panel Host: Crystal Hudelson (Rock Rose Blog, LLC and the Washington Climbers Coalition) Speakers: Sof Petros (Out in the Wild and Edge Outdoors) Eric Ballentine (Minority Veterans of America) Kasim Carter (Outdoor Afro) Phillip Henderson (Full Circle Expeditions, Inc.) Chevon Powell (Golden Bricks Events andContinueContinue reading “Black Organizers of the Pacific Northwest Panel”

A chat with Mel Fernandes of A Higher Calling PNW where we talk about the Reel Rock petition and the work she does in the survivor of sexual assault advocacy work in the outdoors and climbing. Mel expands on the topics of The Reel Deal on this podcast, so it is suggested to finish thatContinueContinue reading “The Reel Deal Chat with Mel”

Available as a Podcast here Part V of V ***Content warning: “Indian boarding schools”, rape, assault, violence***    It’s Part V! I had no intention of continuing this series so soon, however, the unfortunate news of famous climber and snowboarder Lonnie Kauk’s violent behavior1 toward his girlfriend came on the heels of the release of thisContinueContinue reading “The Reel Deal: Women, Policy, and Autonomy”

Available as a Podcast here Part IV of V **Content warning for rape and sexual assault**    “A federal judge Tuesday sentenced a professional rock climber to life in prison after his conviction for aggravated sexual abuse and abusive sexual contact that occurred in 2016 at Yosemite National Park. Charles Barrett, 40, raped a woman threeContinueContinue reading “The Reel Deal: Women, Policy, and Autonomy”

Available as a Podcast here Part III of V **Content warning for bullying and harassment**    “…professional climber Joe Kinder was booted by his sponsors, Black Diamond and La Sportiva after he admitted to cyber harassing Sasha DiGiulian – very much a mainstream name thanks to a World Championship in sport climbing and success transferring thatContinueContinue reading “The Reel Deal: Women, Policy, and Autonomy”

Available as a Podcast here Part II of V    Of course, as times change so does policy. There has been a lot of talk by politicians about making sure non citizens are unable to vote (which  I am confident they are not). And so came about the proposed policy to require voters to have theirContinueContinue reading “The Reel Deal: Women, Policy, and Autonomy”

Available as a Podcast here Part I of V “Why do men feel threatened by women?” I asked a male friend of mine. – – So this male friend of mine, who does by the way exist, conveniently entered into the following dialogue. “I mean,” I said, “men are bigger, most of the time, theyContinueContinue reading “The Reel Deal: Women, Policy, and Autonomy”