Socked In, known off trail as Rebecca Sperry, was focused last year on her goal of Red-Lining, or Tracing, all the trails of The Whites within 12 months. And then in August, she received a breast cancer diagnosis and life as she knew it completely changed. In this episode, we talk about those months of diagnosis and early treatment, how hiking prepared her for cancer treatment and how cancer has taught her to stay present with everything in her life, coming home to the trails again and doing what makes you happy.

Socked In, known off trail as Rebecca Sperry, was focused last year on her goal of Red-Lining, or Tracing, all the trails of The Whites within 12 months. And then in August, she received a breast cancer diagnosis and life as she knew it completely changed. In this episode, we talk about those months of diagnosis and early treatment, how hiking prepared her for cancer treatment and how cancer has taught her to stay present with everything in her life, coming home to the trails again and doing what makes you happy.

REBECCA SPERRY aka SOCKED IN 

Prometheus

Prometheus &amp; Not A Minor, known off trail as Andrew &amp; Lora McIvor, arrived at Campo looking like two British tourists and walked into Manning State Park as pure Hiker Trash. The Pacific Crest Trail 2019 was quite a trip...quite THE trip. Missed miles due to circumstance led to a finish personifying the adage "Smiles over miles." In this episode, we relive the five days of trail magic, walking toward home, fathoming the scale of it &amp; finishing those miles.

Prometheus &amp; Not A Minor, known off trail as Andrew &amp; Lora McIvor, arrived at Campo looking like two British tourists and walked into Manning State Park as pure Hiker Trash. The Pacific Crest Trail 2019 was quite a trip...quite THE trip. Missed miles due to circumstance led to a finish personifying the adage "Smiles over miles." In this episode, we relive the five days of trail magic, walking toward home, fathoming the scale of it &amp; finishing those miles.

ANDREW & LORA McIVOR aka PROMETHEUS & NOT A MINOR

Ashley Manning

YardSale, known off trail as Ashley Manning, has been chasing adventure for a long time. Whether its white water raft guiding or hiking the AT, she's ready for it whether you think she should or not. In this episode, we talk about the importance of normalizing all body-types on the trail and how @UnlikelyHikers has helped, how her habit of dumping out her backpack led to her trail name, the early struggle to get on and stay on the trail and the difficulty of finding safety gear and apparel that fits.

YardSale, known off trail as Ashley Manning, has been chasing adventure for a long time. Whether its white water raft guiding or hiking the AT, she's ready for it whether you think she should or not. In this episode, we talk about the importance of normalizing all body-types on the trail and how @UnlikelyHikers has helped, how her habit of dumping out her backpack led to her trail name, the early struggle to get on and stay on the trail and the difficulty of finding safety gear and apparel that fits.

ASHLEY MANNING aka YARDSALE 

Michele Scott

Geeky Girl, known off trail as Michele Scott, got put through the wringer in 2019 on the PCT and wrote about the experience in her book "A 100 Mile Journey Plus A Few Extra". As you can probably guess, it didn't go quite according to plan. In this episode, we talk about the things you need to think about when you're 50 hiking the trail, the costs to everyone of the dream, the importance of remembering to be where you are, her changing relationship with the trail...and a few photobombing cats.

Geeky Girl, known off trail as Michele Scott, got put through the wringer in 2019 on the PCT and wrote about the experience in her book "A 100 Mile Journey Plus A Few Extra". As you can probably guess, it didn't go quite according to plan. In this episode, we talk about the things you need to think about when you're 50 hiking the trail, the costs to everyone of the dream, the importance of remembering to be where you are, her changing relationship with the trail...and a few photobombing cats.

MICHELE SCOTT aka GEEKY GIRL

Emily Ford

Emily On Trail, known off trail as Emily Ford, with her trusty companion Diggins just finished a winter hike on the Ice Age Trail. It started out as a way to get her hike on without leaving her job, but became so much bigger as people began to follow her journey. In this episode, we talk about that crazy, beautiful adventure, advice for any future Ice Age Trail winter hikers, the documentary being done about her hike called "Breaking Trail",  and just how loud nature can be.

Emily On Trail, known off trail as Emily Ford, with her trusty companion Diggins just finished a winter hike on the Ice Age Trail. It started out as a way to get her hike on without leaving her job, but became so much bigger as people began to follow her journey. In this episode, we talk about that crazy, beautiful adventure, advice for any future Ice Age Trail winter hikers, the documentary being done about her hike called "Breaking Trail", and just how loud nature can be.

EMILY FORD aka EMILY ON TRAIL

Space Jam, known off trail as Kevin Grooman, came to thru hiking from the side...a story he totally tells in this episode. He also fell in love just as he began the Triple Crown adventure, which greatly colored his entire journey. And even led him to hike the PCT with his partner, Sea Lion. In this episode, we talk the eternal struggle between earning money and living your best life, pro tips and hiker hacks, the dozen dip challenge, and the Appalachian Pine Mixer.

Space Jam, known off trail as Kevin Grooman, came to thru hiking from the side...a story he totally tells in this episode. He also fell in love just as he began the Triple Crown adventure, which greatly colored his entire journey. And even led him to hike the PCT with his partner, Sea Lion. In this episode, we talk the eternal struggle between earning money and living your best life, pro tips and hiker hacks, the dozen dip challenge, and the Appalachian Pine Mixer.

KEVIN GROOMAN aka SPACE JAM

Jonathan Maidment

Money Maker, known off trail as Jonathan Maidment, has raised $250k through Hikes For a Cure for the Alpha-1 Foundation. Along the path to his Triple Crown he lost the trail many times, started way too early and even took a couple unwelcome helicopter rides. But he also grew up on the trail, learned to make hard decisions and trust his gut. In this episode, we dig into adulting trail style, why the PCT might be holding a grudge, showing that a slow guy can hike the AT,  and the old adage "do as I say not as I do".

Money Maker, known off trail as Jonathan Maidment, has raised $250k through Hikes For a Cure for the Alpha-1 Foundation. Along the path to his Triple Crown he lost the trail many times, started way too early and even took a couple unwelcome helicopter rides. But he also grew up on the trail, learned to make hard decisions and trust his gut. In this episode, we dig into adulting trail style, why the PCT might be holding a grudge, showing that a slow guy can hike the AT, and the old adage "do as I say not as I do".

JONATHAN MAIDMENT aka MONEY MAKER

Sochi, known off trail as Megan Harmon, had a dream. To be the first above knee amputee to thru hike the Pacific Crest Trail. And for 600 miles in 2019 she was on target, until the desert heat and her "last nerve" made it impossible...This time! In this episode, we talk about the ways her prosthetic adjusts the nature of the hike, what she will do for pizza, rattlesnakes on trail, and the Uinta 2020 redemption hike.

Sochi, known off trail as Megan Harmon, had a dream. To be the first above knee amputee to thru hike the Pacific Crest Trail. And for 600 miles in 2019 she was on target, until the desert heat and her "last nerve" made it impossible...This time! In this episode, we talk about the ways her prosthetic adjusts the nature of the hike, what she will do for pizza, rattlesnakes on trail, and the Uinta 2020 redemption hike.

MEGAN HARMON aka SOCHI

Tails, known off trail as Daniel Vorster, came from South Africa to hike the PCT last year. Having started in mid-March, he was already on the trail when the lockdown happened. In this episode, we talk about how the experience of thru hiking changed because of the pandemic, from an easier time finding camp sites to the way he chose to share the experience on social media and along the way he regales me with a few trail stories and what was lost, and found during those 6 months and three days.

Tails, known off trail as Daniel Vorster, came from South Africa to hike the PCT last year. Having started in mid-March, he was already on the trail when the lockdown happened. In this episode, we talk about how the experience of thru hiking changed because of the pandemic, from an easier time finding camp sites to the way he chose to share the experience on social media and along the way he regales me with a few trail stories and what was lost, and found during those 6 months and three days.

DANIEL VORSTER aka TAILS

Tape, known off trail as Joshua Leung, is one half of the 2020 PCT duo from Hong Kong known as Duct Tape. He hit the PCT first in 2019, but ran afoul to a severe case of frostbite. Pledging to return, he came back in 2020 with his girlfriend, Duct ;), to get the job done. In this episode, we talk about wanting to do something totally unforgettable, visas, his severe frostbite adventure and mosquitos in his peanut butter.

Tape, known off trail as Joshua Leung, is one half of the 2020 PCT duo from Hong Kong known as Duct Tape. He hit the PCT first in 2019, but ran afoul to a severe case of frostbite. Pledging to return, he came back in 2020 with his girlfriend, Duct ;), to get the job done. In this episode, we talk about wanting to do something totally unforgettable, visas, his severe frostbite adventure and mosquitos in his peanut butter.

JOSHUA LEUNG aka TAPE

A weekly podcast in which I speak with experienced thru hikers about their stories from the trails and strategies for a successful thru hike.

Always informative, engaging and valuable for people with all levels of thru-hiking experience.

Time Well Spent

Enjoy each weeks podcast.  Educational and inspirational.  Keep up the good work

Excellent

Hiking Thru

Nick Johnson

J-Man, known off trail as Nick Johnson (@nickwenthiking) is a 1st Asst Director and self-described van living hiker person who has completed the John Muir and Pacific Crest Trails. If you hiked the PCT in 2018, you might have seen him in Southern California where he paid it back with a little trail magic.

J-Man, known off trail as Nick Johnson (@nickwenthiking) is a 1st Asst Director and self-described van living hiker person who has completed the John Muir and Pacific Crest Trails. If you hiked the PCT in 2018, you might have seen him in Southern California where he paid it back with a little trail magic.

NICK JOHNSON aka J-MAN

Jeff Oliver

IB TAT, known off trail as Jeff Oliver, found his sobriety in the mountains. His instagram handle SavedByMtns is quite literal and thru hiking has become his new drug of choice. This episode was recorded shortly after he came off the PCT in late October. So we of course talk about the conditions in the north Cascades that late in the year. And coffee is a must... if you've watched his vlog you'll understand.

IB TAT, known off trail as Jeff Oliver, found his sobriety in the mountains. His instagram handle SavedByMtns is quite literal and thru hiking has become his new drug of choice. This episode was recorded shortly after he came off the PCT in late October. So we of course talk about the conditions in the north Cascades that late in the year. And coffee is a must... if you've watched his vlog you'll understand.

JEFF OLIVER aka IB TAT

Devin Everett

Jukebox, known off trail as Devin Everett, started her thru hiking adventures on the Appalachian Trail in 2018.  In this episode, she reminisces about hiking with lyme disease, crazy food cravings which inadvertently started a black market in Honey Stingers and stokes a bit of gear anxiety as she prepares for the PCT, which she literally started this first week of May.  Say "HI" if you stumble upon her.

Jukebox, known off trail as Devin Everett, started her thru hiking adventures on the Appalachian Trail in 2018.  In this episode, she reminisces about hiking with lyme disease, crazy food cravings which inadvertently started a black market in Honey Stingers and stokes a bit of gear anxiety as she prepares for the PCT, which she literally started this first week of May.  Say "HI" if you stumble upon her.

DEVIN EVERETT aka JUKEBOX

Andrew Glenn

Peanut, known off trail as Andrew Glenn, was fresh off the trail when we spoke and still processing his experience from this summer.  He went big, connecting the CDT and Canada’s Great Divide Trail.  A total of over 3,700 miles with the final 10 days hiked without seeing another person.  So sit right back and you’ll hear a tale, a tale of a fateful hike.  That started as a project and ended up capturing his heart.

Peanut, known off trail as Andrew Glenn, was fresh off the trail when we spoke and still processing his experience from this summer. He went big, connecting the CDT and Canada’s Great Divide Trail. A total of over 3,700 miles with the final 10 days hiked without seeing another person. So sit right back and you’ll hear a tale, a tale of a fateful hike. That started as a project and ended up capturing his heart.

ANDREW GLENN aka PEANUT

Jennifer Mabus

Starburst

Starburst, known off-trail as Jennifer Mabus, solo hiked the PCT in 2018. In this episode, we talk about how and why she maintained her solo-ness on the trail, some challenges with altitude and purposefully facing fears even when (particularly when), a mountain lion seems to be following you.

Starburst, known off-trail as Jennifer Mabus, solo hiked the PCT in 2018. In this episode, we talk about how and why she maintained her solo-ness on the trail, some challenges with altitude and purposefully facing fears even when (particularly when), a mountain lion seems to be following you.

JENNIFER MABUS aka STARBURST 

O.G. (or 'old gear' to the rest of us) is known off trail as Neal Hanlin (@hikerog). He currently works for a green coffee warehouse in Portland having completed his Triple Crown in 2017 by successfully SOBO hiking the Continental Divide Trail. Neal also has a deep background in gear , so we totally geek out during this episode.

O.G. (or 'old gear' to the rest of us) is known off trail as Neal Hanlin (@hikerog). He currently works for a green coffee warehouse in Portland having completed his Triple Crown in 2017 by successfully SOBO hiking the Continental Divide Trail. Neal also has a deep background in gear , so we totally geek out during this episode.

NEAL HANLIN aka OG

LL Cool Juniper or LL for short, known off trail as Caitlin Olson, jumped on the Pacific Crest Trail in 2017 with her friend Indigo. Setting off with limited experience, they quickly got into the thru hiking routine... with daily coffee breaks. Almost getting renamed "too far away to help", she shares the story of how quickly things can change out there.

LL Cool Juniper or LL for short, known off trail as Caitlin Olson, jumped on the Pacific Crest Trail in 2017 with her friend Indigo. Setting off with limited experience, they quickly got into the thru hiking routine... with daily coffee breaks. Almost getting renamed "too far away to help", she shares the story of how quickly things can change out there.

CAITLIN OLSON aka LL COOL JUNIPER

Chardonnay, known off trail as Elsye Walker, completed her Triple Crown in 2018 becoming the first African American Woman to do so.  In this episode we talk about how her time on the trail became the entry to adventures of many shapes and sizes.  We also delve into the dangers of getting locked into your pre-trail plans to the detriment of the overall experience.

Chardonnay, known off trail as Elsye Walker, completed her Triple Crown in 2018 becoming the first African American Woman to do so.  In this episode we talk about how her time on the trail became the entry to adventures of many shapes and sizes.  We also delve into the dangers of getting locked into your pre-trail plans to the detriment of the overall experience.

ELSYE WALKER aka CHARDONNAY

Meg Davis

Beans, known off trail as Meg Davis, started her golden thru hiking adventures on the Pacific Crest Trail. Moving to the Continental Divide Trail, the bloom fell off the adventure. Others have mentioned her exploits... 89 miles without stopping, leaving the trail in Colorado... here she tells the story behind the story.

Beans, known off trail as Meg Davis, started her golden thru hiking adventures on the Pacific Crest Trail. Moving to the Continental Divide Trail, the bloom fell off the adventure. Others have mentioned her exploits... 89 miles without stopping, leaving the trail in Colorado... here she tells the story behind the story.

MEG DAVIS aka BEANS

Nar Nar, known of trail as Kyle O'Grady, got a late start on the Appalachian Trail in 2018. We talk about the pressure to do the mileage and keep to a schedule. With a side trip for an instant coffee jones and hammocking the AT. Coming off the trail, he started the Trail Tales Podcast to stay connected to the trail community.

Nar Nar, known of trail as Kyle O'Grady, got a late start on the Appalachian Trail in 2018. We talk about the pressure to do the mileage and keep to a schedule. With a side trip for an instant coffee jones and hammocking the AT. Coming off the trail, he started the Trail Tales Podcast to stay connected to the trail community.

KYLE O'GRADY aka NAR NAR

Michael Ivey

Grizzly, known off trail as Michael Ivey, comes to you from the side of the road outside Sierra City. Going the extra mile, literally, to get reception. In this episode, we talk about the challenges of the PCT this year. Focusing heavily on the Sierras, which he just completed, and what adjustments he made to accommodate for the conditions. Due to those conditions, deadlines now loom begging a conversation about staying flexible with your plans out there.

Grizzly, known off trail as Michael Ivey, comes to you from the side of the road outside Sierra City. Going the extra mile, literally, to get reception. In this episode, we talk about the challenges of the PCT this year. Focusing heavily on the Sierras, which he just completed, and what adjustments he made to accommodate for the conditions. Due to those conditions, deadlines now loom begging a conversation about staying flexible with your plans out there.

MICHAEL IVEY aka GRIZZLY

Derick Lugo

Mr Fabulous, known off trail as Derick Lugo, went from never having hiked before to AT thru hiker in a matter of weeks. In this episode, he regales me with stories of the adventures and misadventures of walking from Georgia to Maine. And how these stories became his new book "The Unlikely Thru Hiker".

Mr Fabulous, known off trail as Derick Lugo, went from never having hiked before to AT thru hiker in a matter of weeks. In this episode, he regales me with stories of the adventures and misadventures of walking from Georgia to Maine. And how these stories became his new book "The Unlikely Thru Hiker".

DERICK LUGO aka MR. FABULOUS

Jeff Garmire

Legend, known off trail as Jeff Garmire, took a break from college in 2011 to hike the PCT and figure out his life with gear that his family would bring on weekend hikes. A 50 pound pack and quite impressive list of just in case gear redundancies on his back, he was off to great places. Fast forward, he has since completed the Calendar Year Triple Crown and the Great Western Loop, as well as Fastest Known Times on a number of trails. In this episode, he shares the lessons he’s learned as well as a few of the misadventures.

Legend, known off trail as Jeff Garmire, took a break from college in 2011 to hike the PCT and figure out his life with gear that his family would bring on weekend hikes. A 50 pound pack and quite impressive list of just in case gear redundancies on his back, he was off to great places. Fast forward, he has since completed the Calendar Year Triple Crown and the Great Western Loop, as well as Fastest Known Times on a number of trails. In this episode, he shares the lessons he’s learned as well as a few of the misadventures.

JEFF GARMIRE aka LEGEND

Slider, known off trail as Amy Hunsucker, traveled the Appalachian Trail in 2018 with the Northbound Horde... and a plastic trombone.  In this episode she talks about thru hiking with the Horde and strategies they used to keep such a large group together.  And why learning to "Embrace the suck" is crucial!!!

Slider, known off trail as Amy Hunsucker, traveled the Appalachian Trail in 2018 with the Northbound Horde... and a plastic trombone.  In this episode she talks about thru hiking with the Horde and strategies they used to keep such a large group together.  And why learning to "Embrace the suck" is crucial!!!

AMY HUNSUCKER aka SLIDER

Karma, known off trail as Nichole Young, thru hike of the AT in 2016 and attempt at the Mini Triple Crown in 2017 had to be coordinated around A LOT of life events.  A very relatable problem.  In this episode, we talk about being flexible &amp; realistic about how those things inter-relate, how being a planned solo hiker mixes with finding a tramily on the first day, expectations vs reality and how she hopes her adventures will inspire her new daughter as she grows up.

Karma, known off trail as Nichole Young, thru hike of the AT in 2016 and attempt at the Mini Triple Crown in 2017 had to be coordinated around A LOT of life events. A very relatable problem. In this episode, we talk about being flexible &amp; realistic about how those things inter-relate, how being a planned solo hiker mixes with finding a tramily on the first day, expectations vs reality and how she hopes her adventures will inspire her new daughter as she grows up.

NICHOLE YOUNG aka KARMA

Akuna (Akuna Matata), known off trail as Will Robinson, completed his Triple Crown this summer with the Continental Divide Trail, becoming the first African American Man to do so. In this episode, we go back to the beginning. To PTSD and extremely dark places. To WILD and Reese Witherspoon and Monster. To the Pacific Crest Trail in 2016 and new friends who found their way back to him on each of the trails. And a turning point in Kennedy Meadows' trail journal where he wrote “Today and from now on, I will be known as Akuna the Great”.

Akuna (Akuna Matata), known off trail as Will Robinson, completed his Triple Crown this summer with the Continental Divide Trail, becoming the first African American Man to do so. In this episode, we go back to the beginning. To PTSD and extremely dark places. To WILD and Reese Witherspoon and Monster. To the Pacific Crest Trail in 2016 and new friends who found their way back to him on each of the trails. And a turning point in Kennedy Meadows' trail journal where he wrote “Today and from now on, I will be known as Akuna the Great”.

WILL ROBINSON aka  AKUNA MATATA

Carrot Quinn

Carrot, known off trail as Carrot Quinn, started this crazy adventure life with a thru hike of the PCT in 2013. Since then she's taken another spin on the PCT, hit the CDT and Hayduke trails and completed a number of the shorter trails as well. In this episode we talk about the disordered eating that is long distance hiking, why she doesn't worry about the extra weight of her luxury items anymore and cowboy camping with the bugs.

Carrot, known off trail as Carrot Quinn, started this crazy adventure life with a thru hike of the PCT in 2013. Since then she's taken another spin on the PCT, hit the CDT and Hayduke trails and completed a number of the shorter trails as well. In this episode we talk about the disordered eating that is long distance hiking, why she doesn't worry about the extra weight of her luxury items anymore and cowboy camping with the bugs.

CARROT QUINN aka CARROT

Craig Fowler

Scatman, known off trail as Craig Fowler, fulfilled a 30 year dream when he completed his Triple Crown in 2015. But that was just the beginning. Under the banner of his One of Seven Project, he then went on to complete the Bike Packing Triple Crown and is currently planning for a Calendar Year Triple Crown. In this episode we talk details... the planning, the mental, the miles. And how you have to be open to what the trail is telling you.

Scatman, known off trail as Craig Fowler, fulfilled a 30 year dream when he completed his Triple Crown in 2015. But that was just the beginning. Under the banner of his One of Seven Project, he then went on to complete the Bike Packing Triple Crown and is currently planning for a Calendar Year Triple Crown. In this episode we talk details... the planning, the mental, the miles. And how you have to be open to what the trail is telling you.

CRAIG FOWLER aka SCATMAN

Sarah Williams

Tough, known off trail as Sarah Williams, set out in 2017 to hike the Appalachian Trail in 100 days. Vlogging daily, she recorded honestly the entire journey - the glorious, the difficult and everything in-between. In this episode we talk about the many challenges - overcoming hiker hunger, staying on track when the miles don't seem to add up, remaining grateful... Just the little things!

Tough, known off trail as Sarah Williams, set out in 2017 to hike the Appalachian Trail in 100 days. Vlogging daily, she recorded honestly the entire journey - the glorious, the difficult and everything in-between. In this episode we talk about the many challenges - overcoming hiker hunger, staying on track when the miles don't seem to add up, remaining grateful... Just the little things!

SARAH WILLIAMS aka TOUGH

Cheesebeard, known off trail as Josh Tippett, has styled his life around thru hiking since stepping on the Appalachian Trail in 2015. Upon completing the Continental Divide Trail in 2017, he became a Triple Crowner as well. Discovering his love of photography during the miles and months on the trails. In 2018, he and Oilcan, whom you will meet in a few weeks, collaborated to create and hike the Greater Yellowstone Traverse (GYT).

Cheesebeard, known off trail as Josh Tippett, has styled his life around thru hiking since stepping on the Appalachian Trail in 2015. Upon completing the Continental Divide Trail in 2017, he became a Triple Crowner as well. Discovering his love of photography during the miles and months on the trails. In 2018, he and Oilcan, whom you will meet in a few weeks, collaborated to create and hike the Greater Yellowstone Traverse (GYT).

JOSH TIPPETT aka CHEESEBEARD 

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