Media

#399 - We Are Melissa Strong Climbing Through to New Heights After a Near-Fatal Electrocution

October 15, 2026 • Season 10 • Episode 30

Interview at the Lock in RMNP with Lisa Foster

After years of ‘climbing through,’ Melissa Strong prepares for the next chapter

In an interview with KUNC’s Erin O’Toole, the Bird & Jim founder reflects on climbing, survival, healing, and letting

go

After a devastating accident, this Estes Park rock climber moved forward using lessons she’d learned from the sport

Book reviews: 1:44 -- Estes Park restaurateur’s true story of triumph

After electrocution, Melissa Strong climbs again

1018 | Climbing Strong Through The Hard Times with Melissa Strong

In this episode, Marsha speaks with Melissa Strong, a rock climber and restaurateur based in Estes Park, Colorado, and El Paso, Texas. She and her husband own Wagon Wheel Co-op, a guiding concession in Hueco Tanks State Park. She is the founder and owner of two acclaimed restaurants in Estes Park, Bird & Jim and The Bird’s Nest. A sponsored climber, Melissa has travelled the world pursuing her passion while inspiring others through speaking engagements, writing, and advocacy for outdoor access.

Interview with Melissa on Fox 31 Denver

Melissa Strong on surviving electrocution, getting back into rock climbing | Colorado Conversations

From Near-Death to Rock Climbing Again: Melissa Strong on Injury, Recovery Tools, and Writing a Memoir | See Her Outside Podcast

Sign up for Grit Lit Book Club. Melissa's book will included soon! HERE

444: She Was Electrocuted, Frozen in Place… Fully Awake—And Somehow Survived

Listen to the song, Found My Home with Bird & Jim  HERE

#166: Melissa Strong: Grit, Healing, and Second Chances

Ep. 1200: Climbing to Overcome with Melissa Strong

EP 294: Melissa Strong