Backpacker Radio

The Trek

From the Appalachian Trail to the Pacific Crest and everything in between. Backpacker Radio is a show all about the wonderful world that is thru-hiking and long distance backpacking.

Co-hosts, Zach "Badger" Davis and Juliana "Chaunce" Chauncey muse on the backpacking life and the latest from the trail every other week. Topics include but are not limited to news, trail culture, interviews, gear, advice, and all you can eat buffets.

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Apr 27, 2020 · 2 hr 54 min
#69 | Will "Akuna" Robinson
In episode 69, we are joined by Will Robinson, AKA Akuna. Akuna is an army veteran, the first known African-American male to complete the triple crown, and an all around awesome guy. We talk about his experiences in managing chronic pain, how hiking interfaced with his PTSD, what it's like hiking through rural America as a black man with dreadlocks, and some of the highlights and lowlights of each of his thru-hikes. We also have some listener emails, we learn how people are keeping busy during the apocalypse, and introduce a new segment, Backcountry Matchmaking- our new on-air dating service. Giggity. Interview with Will "Akuna" Robinson Instagram: @AkunaHikes QOTD: "Do dogs know what other dogs are saying when they bark or because they don't "learn" a language does it all just sound like babbling? Save 15% at GossamerGear.com by using code "ATDRINK15" at checkout. Hikerlink! Intro Song: Walking Slow by Animal Years Intro beats: Pauly Boy Shallcross Check out Trail Correspondents Check out The Attempt! [divider] 00:04:30 - Meet Will "Akuna" Robinson and learn how he got started in hiking 00:05:44 - How he ended up on the PCT 00:06:30 - The closest long trail to Akuna in Louisiana 00:07:11 - How did growing up in New Orleans make you resilient? 00:08:42 - How did you end up in the military? 00:11:18 - Did your academic achievements have any bearing on your military experience? 00:12:40 - His Job in the Military (and how that became an electrical engineering degree) 00:14:00 - What was it like coming home from the military? 00:15:30 - Was PTSD treatment helpful? 00:16:20 - What are your injuries from the military? And how does that affect your backpacking? 00:19:00 - Healing through thru-hiking 00:24:50 - Why doesn't the military talk more about mental health? 00:26:40 - Barriers to unorthodox treatments 00:27:37 - People thinking of long-distance backpacking with chronic pain 00:32:45 - Did you have to deal with withdrawals? 00:33:57 - Does backpacking alleviate pain? Or distract from it? 00:34:51 - Having flashbacks on trail 00:38:16 - Does your hiking family know about your flashbacks? Can they help in any way? What is the right way to help? 00:41:45 - How the thru-hiking community deals with mental health issues 00:45:00 - How Akuna Ended up on the PCT 00:49:00 - Tell us about your first PCT hike 00:51:00 - Akuna dislocates his knee on Mt.Whitney 00:54:00 - What was 2017 like on the PCT? 00:56:35 - Triple digit temperatures are no problem for Akuna 00:57:50 - How did you get your trail name on the PCT? 00:59:30 - Tell us about your 2017 Sierra experience 01:06:01 - Do you crave life-fearing moments? 01:10:00 - Akuna Hated the AT (at first) 01:15:19 - What is it like hiking the AT as an African American? 01:22:23 - Did you notice a difference in the way you were treated between the AT, PCT, and CDT? 01:26:00 - How does your trail family react when people are racist? 01:30:30 - Do you have any advice for Afircan Americans thinking about thru-hiking? 01:31:15 - Any advice for how the hiking community can help make thru-hiking more welcoming and inclusive? 01:32:00 - Notable AT moments 01:37:40 - Akuna's AT Merrel Film & Akuna's CDT Merrel Film 01:41:30 - Akuna's CDT Hike 01:46:40 - The brutality of the CDT 01:48:15 - Gnarly weather on the CDT, PCT, and AT 01:50:25 - Falling in the Gila River on the CDT 01:55:05 - Akuna and Undecided almost get arrested 02:00:00 - How does it feel to be the first African American man known to finish the triple crown? 02:04:00 - Akuna's postponed North Country Trail thru-hike 02:11:30 - Any plans for later this year if things clear up? 02:15:30 - Where to find Akuna: @AkunaHikes 02:17:11 - NZ borders closed for an entire year. SEGMENTS 02:18:10 - The Trek Propaganda: Clay Bonnyman Evans reviews Chaunce's Book 02:19:00 - Mail Bag! 02:20:00 - Things people are doing to stay sane during quarantine 02:26:30 - Akuna weighs in on if Carol Baskin killed her husband 02:28:07 - Pupdates from Chuance: Harper is Getting Crate Trained 02:36:38 - Five Star Reviews: Poop Stories and Horse Facts (& Impromptu Gear Reviews) 02:45:00 - Backcountry Matchmaking: Zach "Beta" Terpstra, Emily Mydlowski, Erica "Spitfire" [divider] Have any praise, questions, praise, comments, praise or praise for Backpacker Radio? Reach out to podcast@thetrek.co. Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Stitcher and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Christopher Marshburn (who got us that awesome Katahdin sign from TrailSigns), ineedcoffee 17, S11N, Sawyer Products, and Thomas Fullner A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: dcnerdlet, Jacob Norhtrup, Jeff LaFranier, Mark Snook, Peter, Peter Ellenberg, Zoe Jenkins. Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio, and Chaunce on Facebook. Follow The Trek on Twitter and sign up for our newsletter.
Apr 15, 2020 · 1 hr 32 min
#68 | Jean Muenchrath on Her Near Death Experience in the High Sierra
Today we are joined by Jean Muenchrath, mountaineer, escaper of death, author, and spiritual being. Simply put, Jean's story is remarkable. Jean gives us a play by play of the time she nearly died after catastrophic fall near Mt Whitney in winter conditions. She walks us through not only this harrowing tale, but the long process to physical, emotional, and spiritual recovery, the subject of her book If I Live Until Morning: A True Story of Adventure, Tragedy and Transformation. Chaunce and Badger wrap up the show with some listener emails, Poop Stories, and a new segment One Line Movie Reviews. This is our last in-person podcast until the apocalypse blows over, so please do savor the flavor of this one. Interview with Jean Muenchrath Her book: If I Live Until Morning: A True Story of Adventure, Tragedy and Transformation QOTD: What is your least favorite animal? Save 10% at AppalachianGearCompany.com by using code "BACKPACKERRADIO" at checkout. Save 5% at Zpacks.com by using code "THANKSZACH" at checkout. Hikerlink! Intro Song: Walking Slow by Animal Years Intro beats: Pauly Boy Shallcross Check out Trail Correspondents Check out The Attempt! [divider] Interview with Jean Muenchrath 00:03:14 - QOTD: What is your least favorite animal? 00:05:18 - Intro to Jean (backpacking, mountaineering, and skiing background) 00:08:50 - The Cross Country John Muir Trail Ski Expedition 00:10:16 - Muenchrath's Backpacking Experience 00:11:12 - How did Ken and Jean meet? 00:14:14 - How many miles were you doing per day (during the XC JMT Ski Expedition)? 00:15:10 - Going up Mt.Whitney 00:18:22 - Ken goes sledding down the mountain all of a sudden 00:24:00 - The Fall on Mt.Whitney 00:30:00 - Jean's Extensive Injuries 00:32:40 - After the Fall (Jean Woke Up The Next Morning) 00:34:25 - A Detailed List of Jean's Injuries 00:36:40 - Getting Out 00:39:40 - Getting a Ride to the Hospital 00:42:00 Jean Had a Bad Feeling Before Leaving 00:43:40 - If you could do it again, would you? 00:49:00 - Jean's Journal 00:51:25 - How did Jean and Paul meet? 00:53:00 - The Second Half of Jean's Book 00:54:00 - The Himalayas 00:58:20 - Returning to Asia 00:59:30 - Have you always been a spiritual person? 01:02:40 - Jean's Spiritual Transition 01:05:00 - Opioid Withdrawals 01:12:45 - Getting Started with Meditation 01:14:10 - Final Thoughts? SEGMENTS: 01:17:00 - Sign up for Hikerlink! 01:17:40 - Trek propaganda - Kelly Floro - How to Choose the Proper Rain Gear For Your Hike 01:18:20 - One sentence movie plots 01:26:00 - Mail Bag 01:29:37 - Buy Chaunce's book (on her website or from Amazon)!! [divider] Have any praise, questions, praise, comments, praise or praise for Backpacker Radio? Reach out to podcast@thetrek.co. Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Stitcher and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Cristopher Marshburn, ineedcoffee17, S11N, Sawyer Products, and Thomas Fullner A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: dcnerdlet, Jacob Norhtrup, Jeff LaFranier, Mark Snook, Peter, Peter Ellenberg, Zoe Jenkins. Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio, and Chaunce on Facebook. Follow The Trek on Twitter and sign up for our newsletter.
Apr 9, 2020 · 2 hr 4 min
#67 | When Can We Backpack Again? A Chat with Public Health Experts + 2020 NOGO Thru-Hikers
In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are once again flipping the script. This episode is dedicated to all things COVID-19. We chat with a pair of experts on infectious disease and epidemiology. Dr. Amesh Adalja is an infectious disease specialist at the Johns Hopkins University Center for Health Security. And Jagdish Khubchandani is a Professor of Health Science at Ball State University with a PhD in Health Education and Epidemiology. Both of our experts share their opinion on the latest data surrounding this virus, including the million dollar question of when they think it will be safe to resume our backpacking ways. We also are joined by a pair of 2020 NOBO turned NOGO thru-hikers (and Trek contributors), one from the AT, one from the PCT, to share their experiences of how this pandemic played out from their perspectives. Taylor Frint had only been on trail for two days before making the decision to get off, while John Mecklin was a few hundred miles into his hike when shit really started hitting the fan. Also---it's worth stating here---after today's episode, we will likely drop the coronavirus subject for a while. There's plenty of information out there regarding this virus, and although we're not about to pretend like it isn't impacting everything, we're hoping to provide a venue where you can go to escape the firehose of doomsday information. The reason for today's episode is that we wanted to provide some expertise on this subject and how it pertains to backpacking along with shine a spotlight on those who made the difficult decision to hit the indefinite pause button on their hikes. In this episode: Specialist Dr.Amesh Adalja Twitter Specialist Dr.Jagdish Khubchandani Twitter Hiker: Taylor Frint The Trek Vlogger Hiker: John Mecklin The Trek Blooger Save 5% at Zpacks.com by using code "ThanksZach" at checkout. Save 10% at AppalachianGearCompany.com by using code "BACKPACKERRADIO" at checkout. Hikerlink! Intro Song: Walking Slow by Animal Years Intro beats: Pauly Boy Shallcross Check out Trail Correspondents Check out The Attempt! [divider] Interview with Dr.Amesh Adalja 00:04:00 - Intro of Dr.Amesh Adalja 00:05:26 - What is Dr.Adalja optimistic about (in regards to COVID-19)? 00:06:30 - Fatality estimate rates (is it overstated?) 00:08:26 - Why is antibody testing important? Are there any areas already doing this? 00:10:31 - What percentage of people do you think could get this and be asymptomatic? 00:12:00 - Do you have a rough estimate for when we will resume normalcy? 00:13:24 - Potential relaxation in May 00:16:40 - If you were running a municipality, what metrics would you be looking for in regards to COVID-19 regulation? 00:18:00 - How far away do you think we are from a vaccine? 00:19:00 - How long until people with existing conditions (asthma, etc.) can expect to resume normal life? 00:20:00 - Will we all have to get COVID-19 eventually? 00:21:20 - Are there any promising treatments you are seeing happen? 00:22:14 - Should we be hiking with masks on? 00:24:10 - Is there fear mongering going on? What is serious about this virus? 00:25:50 - Where do we get more info from Dr.Amesh Adjala? Interview with Jagdish Khubchandani 00:26:44 - Intro to Dr.Khubchandani 00:28:00 - How long does the virus live on surfaces (like wood, etc.)? 00:29:30 - Concerns for Trail Towns 00:31:00 - Vitamin D Deficiencies 00:32:00 - How long will we be self-quarantined? When will travel return to normal? 00:33:18 - Will there be a second peak when we all start going out and travelling again? 00:33:58 - Another Peak in September 00:34:15 - Will there be another self-quarantine? 00:34:48 - What's your take on countries who have taken more severe measures on quarantine? 00:37:00 - Thoughts on the current state of the Coronavirus vaccine? 00:38:25 - What are your thoughts in terms of immunity with this virus? 00:40:00 - Should people be able to live their life normally after they are infected? 00:41:00 - What is the risk of reinfection? 00:42:17 - Do you have hope for any treatments in the pipeline? 00:43:25 - Testing! 00:44:00 - What are the right kinds of sanitizers to kill COVID-19? Hydrogen Peroxide, Rubbing Alcohol, Bleach 00:45:00 - Who's at a higher risk for COVID-19? 00:46:00 - What kind of symptoms should people be on the lookout for? 00:47:30 - How many people are infected, realistically? 00:48:30 - What's the difference between all the buzz words being thrown around right now (social distancing, socially irresponsible, self-quarantine)? 00:50:00 - When will groups of friends be able to get back together? 00:51:20 - Thoughts on making your own hand sanitizer? 00:52:45 - Do you have to leave your groceries in the car? 00:55:50 - What is one thing you'd convey to BPR listeners? Interview with Taylor Frint: The Trek Design Intern, The Trek Vlogger, 2020 PCT hiker who had to get off a few days into her hike due to COVID-19. 00:59:58 - Start from the Top 01:02:00 - What did you have to put on hold or sacrifice for the hike? 01:03:00 - Walk us through the days leading up to your thru-hike! 01:04:00- What was it like when you got to the southern terminus? 01:07:10 - Did you know what it would take for you to get off trail? 01:08:27 - What were the opinions of people already on trail as far as getting off once the PCTA announced? 01:10:26 - Had you already made friends? 01:11:51 - how did you feel when you decided to get off trail? 01:13:11 - What was the mood like in the airport when going home? 01:14:23 - How does your age impact your fear of the virus? 01:16:00 - Where did you end up when you went home? 01:18:23 - Thoughts about people still on trail? 01:22:45 - Do you have plans to try again? 01:23:41- Southbound hike? 01:28:50 - How are you feeling now? Interview with John Mecklin: The Trek Blogger, Left trail 1 month into his thru-hike of the AT due to COVID-19 01:33:25 - Intro / How did you decide to thru-hike? 01:34:59 - What was the financial situation like leading up to your hike? 01:35:00 - When did you first start hearing about the coronavirus? 01:36:50 - When did you start being really concerned about the virus? 01:38:00 - Did behavior change on the trail because of the virus? 01:38:50 - What was the first moment that it started to feel real? 01:41:00 - When did you make the decision to get off trail? 01:42:48 - Did your hiking group stay on trail or get off? 01:42:18 - Are people you were hiking with still on trail? 01:44:20 - Why do you think people are still on trail? 01:48:45 - Was the trail experience living up to what you wanted it to be? 01:49:20 - In what ways do you think you became a better person while on trail? 01:51:30 - What is Memphis like right now? 01:55:43 - What are your plans for thru-hiking? 01:57:20 - How do you feel about having to get off trail? How are you feeling overall? 01:59:00 - What are you going to school for? 02:01:20 - Zach is proud of John and the thru-hikers who have gotten off this year. [divider] Have any praise, questions, praise, comments, praise or praise for Backpacker Radio? Reach out to podcast@thetrek.co. Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Stitcher and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Cristopher Marshburn, ineedcoffee17, S11N, Sawyer Products, and Thomas Fullner A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: dcnerdlet, Jacob Norhtrup, Jeff LaFranier, Mark Snook, Peter, Peter Ellenberg, Zoe Jenkins. Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio, and Chaunce on Facebook. Follow The Trek on Twitter and sign up for our newsletter.
Mar 30, 2020 · 2 hr 19 min
#66 | Drunk Q&A
Backpacker Radio is making good on their promise to get weird. Today we bring you a drunk Q&A. Backpacker Radio's new intern, Elise Ott, navigates us through a series of questions, including COVID-19, how we're handling the self-quarantining, a lot of poop related subjects, thru-hiking purism, and much more. At the top of the show, one of Chaunce's friends gives us the poop story to end all poop stories. This one is our most feral podcasts to date. Because that's what you do during an apocalypse. [divider] Drunk Q&A with Badger & Chaunce Save 10% at Greenbelly.co by using code "TREK2020" at checkout. Save 15% at Gossamergear.com by using code "ATDRINK15" at checkout. Save 10% at AppalachianGearCompany.com by using code "BACKPACKERRADIO" at checkout. Hikerlink! Intro Song: Walking Slow by Animal Years Intro beats: Pauly Boy Shallcross Check out Trail Correspondents Check out The Attempt! [divider] Drunk Q&A 0:03:52 - Intro, Welcome to BPR (long-distance style) 0:05:00 - Elise Ott Introduction (new BPR intern), articles on the Trek 0:05:50 - Casey's Poop Story to End All Poop Stories 0:24:30 - We Meet Harper (after she pees on the floor) 0:26:44 - What are your favorite TP substitutes? 0:30:00 - What would you do if you were on trail right now? Even if you were 400 miles in? 0:41:43 - What international long hikes are Chaunce and Zach hiking or dreaming about? 0:45:00 - Only ramen for an entire trail or only mashed potatoes? 0:47:17 - If you ran out of toilet paper during your quarantine, what would you use to wipe? 0:54:22 - If you had to drink one celeb's bath water whose would it be? 0:56:00 - If you had to pick another sport besides hiking to invest your time, energy, and money into, what would it be? And why? 1:00:00 - Is it okay to day hike right now? 1:09:00 - Ad break! Save 10% at AppalachianGearCompany.com by using code "BACKPACKERRADIO" at checkout. 1:17:45 - If you had to shelter in place would you use a tent or build a shelter? What food would you bring? 1:28:28 - What kind of mud is Chaunce using to build her hut? 1:32:00 - The question, "what is your most memorable road walk?" turns into a discussion on thru-hiking purity. 1:50:09 - Are people as mean on the trail as they are on facebook? 1:55:09 - The Final Question (there are two): If you could name a pet or child after a place on trail? 1:58:15 - The Final Question (the second one): Could you do a major thru-hike backwards? And if you did, what gear adjustments would you make? 2:02:00 - Actually The Final Question: Will Chaunce take Harper on a thru-hike? 02:12:55 - Follow us on social media! (Chaunce's Instagram, YouTube, Facebook | Badger's Instagram, Elise's Instagram) [divider] Have any praise, questions, praise, comments, praise or praise for Backpacker Radio? Reach out to podcast@thetrek.co. Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Stitcher and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Cristopher Marshburn, S11N, Sawyer Products, Thomas Fullner, and Travis Smith. A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Gregory Gardner, Jacob Northrup, Jeff LaFranier, Mark Snook, Michelle Pugh, Peter Leven, Peter Ellenberg. Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio, and Chaunce on Facebook. Follow The Trek on Twitter and sign up for our newsletter.
Mar 25, 2020 · 42 min
#65 | Sandi Marra on Why The ATC is Asking People to Avoid the Appalachian Trail
We're joined by Sandi Marra, the president and CEO at the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. As noted in our previous podcast, the news and guidelines around COVID-19 and the trail system has been evolving rapidly. At the time of the previous recording, the ATC asked people to postpone their thru-hikes. Since that recording, the ATC has increased the severity of their recommendations- urging people to avoid the Appalachian Trail altogether, even for day hikes. Today's interview will largely center around that subject, including how the ATC arrived to this decision, when Sandi predicts that the trail will be safe to hike and backpack again, amongst many other Coronavirus related questions. Sandi Marra of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy Why was this decision reached to ask all people to stay off the Appalachian Trail? Both in the context of backpacking and day hiking. What does she have to say to those who are still on the trail? What guidance does she have for those who want to get off but are having trouble finding resources? When does she foresee the trail reopening? Her thoughts on hiking in general right now? The Trek will be helping to put together a resource for those who are looking for a ride from the trail in the near future. Save 10% at Greenbelly.co by using code "TREK2020" at checkout. Save 15% at Gossamergear.com by using code "ATDRINK15" at checkout. Save 10% at AppalachianGearCompany.com by using code "BACKPACKERRAD10" at checkout. Hikerlink! Intro Song: Walking Slow by Animal Years Check out The Attempt! [divider] Have any praise, questions, praise, comments, praise or praise for Backpacker Radio? Reach out to podcast@thetrek.co. Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Stitcher and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Christopher Marshburn, ineedcoffee17, S11N, Sawyer Products, and Thomas Fullner A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: dcnerdlet, Jacob Northrup, Jeff LaFranier, Mark Snook, Michelle Pugh, Peter Leven, Peter Ellenberg, and Zoe Jenkins Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio, and Chaunce on Facebook. Follow The Trek on Twitter and sign up for our newsletter.
Mar 18, 2020 · 2 hr 59 min
#64 | Erik Schlimmer on the Trans-Adirondack Route, Peak Bagging in the Northeast, Toponyms, and Being a Professional Bird Catcher
In today's episode of Backpacker Radio, presented by The Trek, we are joined by Erik Schlimmer. Erik might be the hiker's edition of Forest Gump, in that he's somehow squeezed five lifetimes worth of events into his four plus decades on this earth. If you're a fan of the Adirondack, you are in luck, because Erik is not only one of the most experienced hikers in this region, but also a historian of the range at large. We also learn all about toponyms, including, what that word means, and he offers some truly fascinating examples. Erik also shares about his time as a Coach on the show MTV Made, his time as a paratrooper, and his thriving career as a bird catcher. Prepare to be filled with entertainment and knowledge. We also dive into the history of peak bagging in the northeast, introduce a new segment- Fox News, learn about ultralight vibrators, how to ask an employer for time off to thru-hike, and wrap it up with a listener poop story. Also, at the top of the show, Badger offers his two cents on the latest with the Coronavirus pandemic and how it relates to thru-hikers. [divider] Listen [divider] Erik Schlimmer Personal Instagram Trans Adirondack Route Instagram Trans-Adirondack Route Website Beechwood Books The Trek Articles Save 10% at Greenbelly.co by using code "TREK2020" at checkout. Save 15% at Gossamergear.com by using code "ATDRINK15" at checkout. Save 10% at AppalachianGearCompany.com by using code "BACKPACKERRAD10" at checkout. Hikerlink! QOTD: What is something you are terrible at but wish you could do well? Interview with Erik Schlimmer Intro Song: Walking Slow by Animal Years Intro beats: Pauly Boy Shallcross Check out Trail Correspondents Check out The Attempt! [divider] Interview with Erik Schlimmer 00:00:00 - Erik Schlimmer Intro 00:00:55 - Gossamer Gear discount code: ATDRINK15 for 15% off 00:02:10 - Green Belly discount code: trek2020 for 15% off 00:04:08 - Hikerlink is out! 00:05:30 - QOTD: What is something you are terrible at but wish you could do well? 00:07:09 - Erik's Cliff Notes Background. 00:08:20 - How Erik Ended Up on His 2002 Thru-Hike of the Florida Trail (via the 100 tallest Adirondack Peaks) 00:10:45 - Erik's Educational Background 00:11:45 - Erik's Adirondack Expertise 00:13:05 - Erik's Specialty: Onomastics, Specifically Toponyms 00:14:30 - The Trans-Adirondack Route (Establishment, Completion Rates, Best Seasons, etc.) 00:21:40 - Getting a Handshake Deal so Hikers Can Cross Through Private Land 00:22:30 - What keeps thru-hikers from finishing the Trans-Adirondack route? 00:24:50 - How long does a Trans-Adirondack hike take? 00:26:20 - Resupply on the Trans-Adirondack Route 00:31:07 - The Difficulties of the Trans-Adirondack Route (and How it Compares to the Long Trail/The Whites in New Hampshire) 00:32:00 - Sustainable Trail Building 00:38:30 - Becoming a BackCountry Ranger (How do you get into it? Where do you start?) 00:40:40 - Recurring Themes of Rescues by SAR 00:42:34 - Erik Wants To See a Winter Thru-Hike of the Trans-Adirondack Route 00:43:40 - Where To Get Erik's Book ( Trans-Adirondack Route & His Publishing Company - Beechwood Books) 00:44:28 - What are the concerns of a winter thru of the Trans-Adirondack Route? 00:49:20 - The History of Peak Bagging in the North East Part 1 & Part 2 00:50:49 - What about names that came from Native Americans? 00:54:20 - Talking about Toponym Work 01:03:26 - Calamity Pond and Naming Repeats 01:05:30 - Catamount Mountain 01:07:03 - Are there mountain lions in the North East? 01:09:40 - The Northville-Placid Trail 01:12:30 - Wildlife on the Northville-Placid Trail 01:18:00 - Deer Ticks? 01:19:44 - Erik's 2,000 Summits 01:25:55 - Erik's First Adirondack Mountain 01:27:53 - How Erik Went From a Master's in Social Work to Being a Professional Bird Catcher 01:34:00 - Commercial Break: Appalachian Gear Company - Use Code: BACKPACKERRADIO for 10% off 1:35:43 - Erik's Time in the Military (Earning His Wings, Staying Awake in the Woods for Days on End, and 90 Pound Packs) 01:41:35 - Parachute Landing Falls 01:44:00 - Getting Tangled While Parachuting 01:48:30 - Why did Erik want a Masters in Social Work? 01:49:50 - Hiking and Mental Health 01:54:00 - Erik Was a MTV Made Coach 02:08:58 - Erik's Trek Articles, Trans-Adirondack Route, Beechwood Books, Instagram accounts: @us_mountains, @transADK SEGMENTS 02:10:00 - Trek Propaganda - The History of Peak Bagging in the North East Part 1 & Part 2, Trail Correspondents Season 3 02:20:44 - FOX NEWS (News About Foxes) 02:23:29 - Mail Bag (Vibrator Suggestions, Taryns That Love Chaunce, Taking Time Off to Thru-Hike) 02:43:18 - Listener Poop Story 02:46:30 - 5 Star Reviews [divider] Have any praise, questions, praise, comments, praise or praise for Backpacker Radio? Reach out to podcast@thetrek.co. Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Stitcher and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Cristopher Marshburn, S11N, Sawyer Products, Thomas Fullner, and Travis Smith. A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Gregory Gardner, Jacob Northrup, Jeff LaFranier, Mark Snook, Michelle Pugh, Peter Leven, Peter Ellenberg. Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio, and Chaunce on Facebook. Follow The Trek on Twitter and sign up for our newsletter.
Mar 11, 2020 · 2 hr 11 min
#63 | Courtney Dauwalter on Ultra-Running, Temporary Blindness, and Ultra Puke Culture
The Cinnamon Connection is joined by ultra running legend, Courtney Dauwalter. For those who might not be into the ultra-running scene, Courtney is an absolute powerhouse long distance runner, with a young race resume that's hard to fathom, including wins at the Moab 240 (which the 2nd place finisher was more than 10 hours behind her), the Javelina Jundred 100K, Run Rabbit Run 100-mile race *twice*, Western States 100, Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc- referred to as the super bowl of ultramarathons, amongst others. Courtney is incredibly humble, Chaunce and Badger had to act as her hype team throughout the episode, a blast to chat with, and a fellow Goldenite. There are some gems in this conversation, including when Chaunce told Courtney her poop story (like a good movie, it's even better the second time), how Courtney sees giraffes and flying eels on trail, that time she went blind, and how she continues to chisel away at her pain cave. Chaunce and Badger wrap up the episode with a triple crown of spring things that make us tingle, we plan a soon to be thru-hiker's going away party, and of course, another listener poop story.
Mar 2, 2020 · 2 hr 10 min
#62 | The Strawbridge Family: Thru-Hiking the PCT as a Family of Six
In today's episode of Backpacker Radio, presented by The Trek, we are joined by five sixths of the Strawbridge Family. The Strawbridges successfully thru-hiked the PCT SOBO in 2018 with four kids in tow- ages 11, 13, 14, and 17. We chat about everything you can dream of regarding hiking as a family, including how they handled school, gear, their pace, everyone's emotional and physical well being, and so on. Vince and Monica, aka mom and dad, are fact checked by Georgie, Henry, and June, the youngest three of the four kids. This is a fun interview, Chaunce and I laughed in excess, and hopefully serves as inspiration for young families looking to inject more adventure into their lives. We close out the show with a triple crown of ways to pass time on trail and of course, more listener poop stories. Save 10% at Greenbelly.co by using code "TREK2020" at checkout. Save 5% at Zpacks.com by using code "THANKSZACH" at checkout. Code expires on 3/31. Hikerlink! Backpacker Radio Internship Application QOTD: What was your relationship with hiking as a kid? Interview with Vince, Monica, Georgie, Henry, and June Strawbridge Intro Song: Walking Slow by Animal Years Intro beats: Pauly Boy Shallcross Check out Trail Correspondents Check out The Attempt! Have any praise, questions, praise, comments, praise or praise for Backpacker Radio? Reach out to podcast@thetrek.co. Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Stitcher and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Cristopher Marshburn, S11N, Sawyer Products, Thomas Fullner, and Travis Smith. A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Gregory Gardner, Jacob Northrup, Jeff LaFranier, Mark Snook, Michelle Pugh, Peter Leven, Peter Ellenberg. Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio, and Chaunce on Facebook. Follow The Trek on Twitter and sign up for our newsletter.
Feb 12, 2020 · 2 hr 33 min
#61 | Grace and Steven "Twinkle" Shattuck on Their 15 Month Dirtbagging Adventure
In today's episode of Backpacker Radio, presented by The Trek, we are joined by repeat guest Steven Shattuck aka Twinkle, along with his lovely wife, Grace. This is our third annual Valentine's Day episode, and I am telling you, this one will give you all kinds of hashtag relationship goals vibes. They detail their year-long adventure beginning with a traverse of The Hayduke- followed by some very serious globetrotting, including backpacking trips in the UK, Scandinavia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Morocco, Thailand, and Nepal. If you're prone to FOMO, you might want to skip this episode. Just kidding, definitely do NOT skip this episode. We wrap-up the show with our first ever edition of The Newlywed Game and explanation of how cranes work from an emailer, with some impromptu horse facts. Featuring: Steven Twinkle Shattuck Grace Shatuck Save 10% at Greenbelly.co by using code "TREK2020" at checkout. Save 5% at Zpacks.com by using code "THANKSZACH" at checkout. Code expires on 3/31. Backpacker Radio Internship Application QOTD: What's one interesting thing you've learned in the last month? Interview with Steven and Grace Shattuck Intro Song: Walking Slow by Animal Years Intro beats: Pauly Boy Shallcross Check out Trail Correspondents Check out The Attempt! Have any praise, questions, praise, comments, praise or praise for Backpacker Radio? Reach out to podcast@thetrek.co. Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Stitcher and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Cristopher Marshburn, S11N, Sawyer Products, Thomas Fullner, and Travis Smith. A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Gregory Gardner, Jacob Northrup, Jeff LaFranier, Mark Snook, Michelle Pugh, Peter Leven, Peter Ellenberg. Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio, and Chaunce on Facebook. Follow The Trek on Twitter and sign up for our newsletter.
Feb 10, 2020 · 2 hr 49 min
#60 | Girl Stuff: Periods, Pee Rags, Safety, Birth Control, Masturbation, Sports Bras, Creepy Guys, and More
In today's episode of Backpacker Radio, presented by The Trek, we are changing things up a bit. Today's show is dedicated to all things girl stuff. We've kicked aside the segments and dove straight into everything to do with thru-hiking as a woman. In addition to Chaunce, we are joined in studio by former guest, guest co-host, and listener favorite, Weezer, along with Chaunce's AT buddy and Trek Vlogger, Fireball. These badass backcountry gals enlighten us on everything from managing periods on trail, to dealing with creepy guys, how they dealt with dangers- including the anticipation of danger vs. what the experience on trail, birth control, sex, hygiene, pee rags, and so on. This turned into a marathon episode, and I think this will be a fun and informative listen for everyone, though especially our lady listeners. Featuring: Juliana Chauncey aka Chaunce Stephanie Lotus aka Weezer Margaret Mims aka Fireball Save 10% at Greenbelly.co by using code "TREK2020" at checkout. Save 5% at Zpacks.com by using code "THANKSZACH" at checkout. Code expires on 3/31. Backpacker Radio Internship Application QOTD: What is a dog's heart rate? Girls Stuff Gender dynamics Body issues Dealing with family / loved ones Hair Periods Birth Control Pee rags Sex and hygiene Birth Control Intro Song: Walking Slow by Animal Years Intro beats: Pauly Boy Shallcross Check out Trail Correspondents Check out The Attempt Podcast! Have any praise, questions, praise, comments, praise or praise for Backpacker Radio? Reach out to podcast@thetrek.co. Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Download this podcast. Find us on Stitcher and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Cristopher Marshburn, S11N, Sawyer Products, Thomas Fullner, and Travis Smith. A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Gregory Gardner, Jacob Northrup, Jeff LaFranier, Mark Snook, Michelle Pugh, Peter Leven, Peter Ellenberg. Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio, and Chaunce on Facebook. Follow The Trek on Twitter and sign up for our newsletter.
Feb 5, 2020 · 1 hr 27 min
#59 | Naps on Thru-Hiking the PCT with a Dog, Murphy's Law, and The Sunshine Coast Trail
Today the Cinnamon Connection is joined by Wild Amanda aka Naps. Naps is the only person I've met who's hiked the entire PCT with her dog, Frank. We go down the rabbit hole on what it takes to thru-hike the PCT with a dog, including recommended gear, how she handled Frank's food and water, how she curtailed her hiking schedule to best suit Franks needs, and more. Naps' PCT thru-hike was the ultimate display of Murphy's Law, as she dealt with a broken nose, plantar fasciitis, food poisoning, hiking induced heartburn, trench foot, heat rash, altitude sickness, and of course, some very solid poop stories, figuratively speaking. We wrap up the show with the triple crown of Ben and Jerry's flavors, chips worth going to prison for, and another listener poop story. Save 10% at Greenbelly.co by using code "TREK2020" at checkout. Save 5% at Zpacks.com by using code "THANKSZACH" at checkout. Code expires on 3/31. Backpacker Radio Internship Application QOTD: What is one conviction you held during your first long distance backpacking trip which you now feel differently about? Interview with Wild Amanda aka Naps Thru-Hiking the PCT with a Dog Why she thru-hiked SOBO Murphy's Law Breaking her nose Hiking induced heartburn Trench foot Heat rash Plantar fasciitis Food poisoning Altitude Sickness Instagram: @tidelinetoalpine Facebook: facebook.com/tidelinetoalpne Website: www.tidelinetoalpine.com Podcast: WALK9 RADIO Trek Propaganda / Interview Follow-Up When Hiking a Long-Distance Trail Is the Road to Recovery by Pony Checkout Pony's BPR episode 10 Things I Learned From a Failed Thru-Hike by Anna Kulinkski How to Get a Free Trip to the Moon! The Triple Crown of Ben and Jerry's Flavors Chips Worth Going to Prison For podcast@thetrek.co Listener Poop Stories Submission via @meredith_snyder 5-star iTunes Reviews Intro Song: Walking Slow by Animal Years Intro beats: Pauly Boy Shallcross Check out Trail Correspondents Have any praise, questions, praise, comments, praise or praise for Backpacker Radio? Reach out to podcast@thetrek.co. Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Download this podcast. Find us on Stitcher and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Cristopher Marshburn, S11N, Sawyer Products, Thomas Fullner, and Travis Smith. A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Gregory Gardner, Jacob Northrup, Jeff LaFranier, Mark Snook, Michelle Pugh, Peter Leven, Peter Ellenberg. Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio, and Chaunce on Facebook. Follow The Trek on Twitter and sign up for our newsletter.
Jan 28, 2020 · 12 min
Introducing "The Attempt" Podcast | Episode 1: "I'm attempting it. I'm attempting it."
We interrupt your normally scheduled Backpacker Radio content to bring you a sneak peak of a brand new podcast launched by The Trek in partnership with BadCat Media, called, The Attempt. The Attempt follows Benjamin Drachman during his *attempted* SOBO thru-hike of the PCT in 2019. The show is produced by Julia Drachman- and no that last name is not a coincidence, Julia is Ben's older sister. What may shock you about this show is its production value. And by that, I mean, it has production value. We're all about trying new things here at The Trek. In other words, if This American Life and Trail Correspondents had a baby, this podcast would be that baby. Instead of further explaining what this show is, let's give you a Costco sample size for you to chew on. As soon as I shut the hell up, you'll get the first episode of this show. If you like what you hear, I encourage you to head to the thetrek.co/theattempt to find more episodes (the first three are already out) or simply search for "The Attempt" in your preferred podcast platform. GET ALL OF THE EPISODES HERE THE ATTEMPT on iTunes THE ATTEMPT on Google Play THE ATTEMPT on Stitcher
Jan 21, 2020 · 1 hr 58 min
#58 | Donna L-Rod Saufley of Hiker Heaven on Her 20+ Years as a PCT Trail Angel
We are joined by legendary PCT trail angel, Donna, L-Rod Saufley of Hiker Heaven. Donna comes by her trail name, L-Rod, short for lightning rod, very honestly. She's exceptionally outspoken, a ball of energy, and has a deep passion for the Pacific Crest Trail and its community. We hear all about her time serving as a trail angel to PCT hikers for more than two decades. This conversation is fun, engaging, educational, and we dip our toe into some controversial subjects. Chaunce and I wrap-up the show with an update on the latest from Hiker Heaven, how you can get a free trip to the moon in a likely very prostitute-y way, a triple crown of stereotypes you meet on trail, and we are blessed with another listener poop story. Backpacker Radio SoCal Road Trip Presented by Sawyer! Use code "ATDrink15" at GossamerGear.com to save 15% Gossamer Gear The One Gossamer Gear Gorilla Gossamer Gear Liteflex Umbrella Sawyer Picaridin Packets Last chance to apply for The Trek's 2020 Ambassador Program Backpacker Radio Internship Application Interview with Donna "L-Rod" Saufley of Hiker Heaven Donna's favorite moments as a trail angel Donna's section hikes of the PCT Her advice to aspiring thru-hikers QOTD: If you could swap one trait with the opposite sex what would it be and why? Trek Propaganda / Interview Follow-Up Update on the Future of Hiker Heaven by Sam Olthof How to Get a Free Trip to the Moon! The Triple Crown of Stereotypes You Meet on Trail Listener Poop Stories 5-star iTunes Reviews Intro Song: Walking Slow by Animal Years Intro beats: Pauly Boy Shallcross Check out Trail Correspondents Have any praise, questions, praise, comments, praise or praise for Backpacker Radio? Reach out to podcast@thetrek.co. Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Download this podcast. Find us on Stitcher and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Cristopher Marshburn, S11N, Sawyer Products, Thomas Fullner, and Travis Smith. A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Gregory Gardner, Jacob Northrup, Jeff LaFranier, Mark Snook, Michelle Pugh, Peter Leven, Peter Ellenberg. Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio, and Chaunce on Facebook. Follow The Trek on Twitter and sign up for our newsletter.
Jan 8, 2020 · 2 hr 16 min
#57 | Crazy Jack Northam on Summiting Whitney ~200 Times, Listener Poop Stories, and The Top Tents on the Appalachian Trail
We are joined by "Crazy Jack" Northam. Crazy Jack has earned his name by summiting Mt. Whitney (the highest peak in the United States' lower 48) nearly 200 times, an endeavor he didn't begin until the ripe age of 50 years. Today, jack now 72 years old and still going strong. He regales us with tales of his many ascents up his favorite mountain, why he chooses to summit the same peak, his yo-yo hikes on Whitney, his climbs beginning at the nearby town of Lone Pine, and how he stumbled into some seriously historic butter. Chaunce and I close out the show by highlighting the top shelters on the Appalachian Trail, give an official ruling on the best Dorito flavor, do the Triple Crown of food items remaining in your bag when get to town, and get into a new recurring segment, Listener Poop Stories. Backpacker Radio SoCal Road Trip Presented by Sawyer! Use code "ATDrink15" at GossamerGear.com to save 15% Gossamer Gear The One Gossamer Gear Gorilla Gossamer Gear Liteflex Umbrella Sawyer Picaridin Packets We've surpassed 1,000,000 downloads! We <3 our listeners very much. 2020 Trail Correspondents Application 2020 Trek Ambassador Program The 2020 Badger Sponsorship QOTD: How do you tie your trail runners for backpacking? How to tie your shoes with a heel lock Interview with Crazy Jack Northam How he got his trail name Why he continues to hike the same peak over and again His yo-yo hikes of Mt. Whitney Search and rescue missions on Mt. Whitney Jack's time in the Marine Corps Advice for older hikers Trek Propaganda The Top Tents on the Appalachian Trail: 2019 AT Thru-Hiker Survey by Mariposa Triple Crown of food left in your bag when you get to town. Cinnamon Court (Jury Edition): Cool Ranch vs. Nacho Cheese Doritos Mailbag: How to convince your boss to give you five weeks off. Listener Poop Stories 5-star iTunes Reviews Intro Song: Walking Slow by Animal Years Intro beats: Pauly Boy Shallcross Check out Trail Correspondents Have any praise, questions, praise, comments, praise or praise for Backpacker Radio? Reach out to podcast@thetrek.co. Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Download this podcast. Find us on Stitcher and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Cristopher Marshburn, Lance Whitley, S11N, Sawyer Products, Thomas Fullner, and Travis Smith. A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Gregory Gardner, Jacob Northrup, Jeff LaFranier, Mark Snook, Michelle Pugh, Peter Leven, and Peter Ellenberg Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio, and Chaunce on Facebook. Follow The Trek on Twitter and sign up for our newsletter.
Dec 30, 2019 · 1 hr 30 min
#56 | Scott Turner on the Best Hikes in San Diego County, 2020 Predictions, and The Top Footwear on the AT
Today the Cinnamon Connection is joined by Scott Turner. Scott is *the* go-to resource for all things hiking in Southern California. He's the co-author of the latest version of "Afoot and Afield: San Diego County", known as San Diego's hiking bible. Scott shares his favorite hikes in San Diego county, including the best short trails, long trails, the best ecological diversity, the best history, and much more. We also cover the top footwear on the Appalachian Trail in 2019, our predictions for 2020, more horse facts, and Chaunce has a mini-meltdown. [divider] Backpacker Radio SoCal Road Trip Presented by Sawyer! Use code "ATDrink15" at GossamerGear.com to save 15% Gossamer Gear The One Gossamer Gear Gorilla Gossamer Gear Liteflex Umbrella Sawyer Picaridin Packets The 2020 Badger Sponsorship QOTD: Most Type II Fun Moment of 2019? Interview with Scott Turner Afoot and Afield: San Diego County: 282 Spectacular Outings Along the Coast, Foothills, Mountains, and Desert The best hikes in San Diego county Favorite short hikes in San Diego County Favorite long day hike in SD County If Scott could only hike one trail in San Diego for the rest of your life The hike with the most ecological diversity Which hike or region in SD is the most interesting from a historical perspective What are some SoCal-specific considerations someone visiting from out of town should make? The interplay between therapy, mental health, and hiking Hike the Parks: Joshua Tree National Park: Best Day Hikes, Walks, and Sights Trek Propaganda The Top Footwear on the Appalachian Trail: 2019 AT Thru-Hiker Survey by Mariposa Nostradavis and The Chaunce's Almanac: 2020 Predictions HORSE FACTS 5-star iTunes Reviews Intro Song: Walking Slow by Animal Years Intro beats: Pauly Boy Shallcross Check out Trail Correspondents Have any praise, questions, praise, comments, praise or praise for Backpacker Radio? Reach out to podcast@thetrek.co. Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Download this podcast. Find us on Stitcher and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Cristopher Marshburn S11N, Sawyer Products, Thomas Fullner, and Travis Smith A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Gregory Gardner, Jacob Northrup, Mark Snook, Peter Leven, Peter Ellenberg Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio, and Chaunce on Facebook. Follow The Trek on Twitter and sign up for our newsletter.
Dec 19, 2019 · 1 hr 34 min
#55 | Kevin Nealon
Today we are joined by comedy legend, Kevin Nealon. In case you've been living under a rock for for the last 30 years, Kevin Nealon is famous for his years on Saturday Night Live, his character on Weeds, he's a popular standup comedian, he's been in a slew of movies, and he's now the host of his own YouTube show, Hiking with Kevin. Kevin insisted that we do the interview in the back of our camper van, and he regales us with tales from his time at SNL, how one of his popular sketches almost turned into a musical produced by Arnold Schwarzenegger, his favorite Chris Farley story, that time he helped deliver his son, along with his favorite hiking spots around Los Angeles. Chaunce and I also get into the dumbest items we've carried on a thru-hike, which way to wipe, we have a triple crown of music to get you through a miserable climb, and get some much needed horse facts. [divider] Backpacker Radio SoCal Road Trip Presented by Sawyer! Use code "backpacker10" at publiclandscoffee.com Use code "ATDrink15" at GossamerGear.com to save 15% Gossamer Gear The One Gossamer Gear Gorilla Gossamer Gear Liteflex Umbrella Gossamer Gear Giveaway on Instagram Sawyer Picaridin Packets The 2020 Badger Sponsorship QOTD: The stupidest thing we've carried on a thru-hike. KEVIN NEALON! Hiking with Kevin on YouTube Who was in the best hiking shape? Who had the least appropriate hiking attire? Who was the person who drew the most celebrity fanfare from other people on the trail? Who would you most like to interview that you haven't already? If you could interview any of your former characters- whether TV or movies, who would you choose and why? Hans and Franz almost turned into a movie. Favorite Chris Farley story How Kevin embraces the evolution of media When he helped to deliver his son His favorite memories as a collegiate quarterback Being on Johnny Carson's Tonight Show Trek Propaganda Appalachian Trail Thru-Hiker Survey: General Results by Mariposa Triple Crown of Music to Get You Up a Miserable Climb Mailbag: HORSE FACTS 5-star iTunes Reviews Intro Song: Walking Slow by Animal Years Intro beats: Pauly Boy Shallcross Check out Trail Correspondents Have any praise, questions, praise, comments, praise or praise for Backpacker Radio? Reach out to podcast@thetrek.co. Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Stitcher and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Cristopher Mashburn, Lance Whitley, S11N, Sawyer Products, Thomas Fullner A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Gregory Gardner, Jacob Northrup, Mark Snook, Peter Leven, Peter Ellenberg Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio, and Chaunce on Facebook. Follow The Trek on Twitter and sign up for our newsletter.
Dec 11, 2019 · 1 hr 28 min
#54 | The Trans-Catalina Trail
In today's episode of Backpacker Radio, presented by The Trek, the Cinnamon Connection talk all things Trans Catalina Trail (TCT), which Chaunce and Badger thru-hiked a month(ish) ago. We give a day-by-day rundown of the hike, including that time Chaunce hid in a bear locker when a bison stampeded through our camp, how we pirated our way onto a sailboat, and give some non-obvious tips on hiking the TCT. We also talk about the dumbest things we've forgotten to pack on a backpacking trip, debate the joy of Christmas music, how flashing your bunghole to the sun is good for your health, and answer some common gear questions. Backpacker Radio SoCal Road Trip Presented by Sawyer! Use code "backpacker10" at publiclandscoffee.com Use code "enlightened10" Enlightened Equipment for 10% at enlightenedequipment.com. Use code "ATDrink15" at GossamerGear.com to save 15% Gossamer Gear The One Gossamer Gear Gorilla Gossamer Gear Liteflex Umbrella Gossamer Gear Giveaway on Instagram Sawyer Picaridin Packets QOTD: What's the dumbest gear / item you forgot to pack for a backpacking trip? Perineum sunning The Trans-Catalina Trail An overview Terrain, terminuses, wildlife, how to get there, campsites, resupply, gear advice, water, navigation, wine. Our daily itinerary and highlights A bison stampedes through our camp and Chaunce hides in a bear locker. Lots of beach camping. The video recap Trek Propaganda 10 Thru-Hiking Tips to Reduce Environmental Impact by Katie Kommer The Backpacker's Sustainable Gear Guide Unpopular Opinion Christmas music sucks. Mailbag 5-star iTunes Reviews Intro Song: Walking Slow by Animal Years Intro beats: Pauly Boy Shallcross Check out Trail Correspondents Have any praise, questions, praise, comments, praise or praise for Backpacker Radio? Reach out to podcast@thetrek.co. Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Stitcher and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Cristopher Mashburn, Lance Whitley, S11N, Sawyer Products, Thomas Fullner A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Gregory Gardner, Jacob Northrup, Mark Snook, Peter Leven, Peter Ellenberg Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio, and Chaunce on Facebook. Follow The Trek on Twitter and sign up for our newsletter.
Nov 29, 2019 · 35 min
#53 | The Ultimate Backpacker Holiday Gear Wish List
With Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Giveback Tuesday, Where's Waldo Wednesday, Thumbwar Thursday, and all the rest on the horizon, there is no better time to score your 2020 gear purchases than the present. But with a never ending fire-hose of gear roundups coming your way during this holiday season, how do you decide on which items are best suited for you long distance goals? We got you. We reached out to many of Backpacker Radio's previous guests, some of the most esteemed long distance backpackers in the world, to share their favorite gear items - and why - just for you. Below, you'll find all of the gear items mentioned in this show. [divider] Use code "backpacker10" at publiclandscoffee.com Enlightened Equipment 10-15% off sale at enlightenedequipment.com Use code "ATDrink15" at GossamerGear.com to save 15% Gossamer Gear The One Gossamer Gear Gorilla Gossamer Gear Liteflex Umbrella Zach "Badger" Davis Montbell Plasma 1000 Down Parka Lonolife dehydrated bone broth Juliana Chauncey aka Chaunce Montbell Down Booties Montbell Ex Light Down Anorak Clay "Pony" Bonnyman Evans Kindle Paperwhite Therm-a-rest Z Lite Nadia "Furball" Westenburg Patagonia Tropic Cover Sun Hoodie Cocoon Inflatable Pillow Michael "Grizzly" Ivey Pa'lante V2 Katabatic Gear Sawatch Quilt Ryan "Guthook" Linn Montbell Thermawrap Jacket Gossamer Gear Kumo John "Airborne" Schwarze Nitecore NU25 Headlamp Hoka One One Challenger ATR Trail Runners Jennifer "Odyssa" Pharr Davis Sawyer Micro Water Filter Farm to Feet Hiking Socks Astral Junction Hiking Shoes Michael "Kickstand" Papadatos Buff Craghopper Shirt Vargo Outdoors Bot Bottle Pot Matthew "Pretzel" Mason Deuce of Spades Trowel De Feet Duraglove Gloves Western Mountaineering AstraLite Quilt Membership to a local land trust or local land agency! Renee "She-Ra" Patrick GORE-TEX Socks Purple Rain Adventure Skirts Andrew "Reptar" Forestell Enlightened Equipment Convert Custom Darn Tough Socks Stephen "Twinkle" Shattuck Garmin InReach Mini Deuce of Spades Trowel Stephanie "Weezer" Lorenze Icebreaker Socks Heather "Anish" Anderson Gossamer Gear G4-20 Sawyer Squeeze Justin "2 Taps" Helmkamp Montbell Sun Block Umbrella Waterproof Cycling Socks Intro Song: Walking Slow by Animal Years Intro beats: Pauly Boy Shallcross Check out Trail Correspondents Have any praise, questions, praise, comments, praise or praise for Backpacker Radio? Reach out to podcast@thetrek.co. Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Download this podcast. Find us on Stitcher and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen Mcdaniel, Christopher Marshburn, Lance Whitley, S11N, Sawyer Products, Thomas Fullmer A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Douglas Koeneman, Gregory Gardner, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven, Peter Ellenberg Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio, and Chaunce on Facebook. Follow The Trek on Twitter and sign up for our newsletter.
Nov 21, 2019 · 1 hr 55 min
#52 | Anitra Kass of the PCTA
Today we are joined by Anitra Kass, aka Nitro, who's a triple crowner and the PCTA's Southern California Regional Representative. Anitra is a wealth of information on all things PCT and conservation. We talk about the new permitting changes for the Sierra and for southbounders, some of the biggest threats to the trail, how to best get involved as a volunteer for the PCT, CrossFit, and more. Chaunce and Badger give a peek into their first aid kits, we have a new triple crown of segment, and get some advice from a listener on how to ease kids into the backcountry without annoying others. [divider] Backpacker Radio SoCal Road Trip Presented by Sawyer! Use code "backpacker10" at publiclandscoffee.com Enlightened Equipment 10-15% off sale at enlightenedequipment.com Use code "ATDrink15" at GossamerGear.com to save 15% Gossamer Gear The One Gossamer Gear Gorilla Gossamer Gear Liteflex Umbrella Gossamer Gear Giveaway on Instagram Sawyer Picaridin Packets Question of the Day: What's in Badger and Chaunce's Thru-Hiking First Aid Kit? Interview with Anitra Kass, the Southern California Regional Representative at the Pacific Crest Trail Association Volunteer with the PCTA Donate to the PCTA Why the change in the Sierra and SOBO permit system Some more info on the need for the change. TREK PROPAGANDA Post-Trail Depression: It's Not What You Think by Anne Baker The Triple Crown of Chips Mailbag 5-star iTunes Reviews Intro Song: Walking Slow by Animal Years Intro beats: Pauly Boy Shallcross Check out Trail Correspondents Have any praise, questions, praise, comments, praise or praise for Backpacker Radio? Reach out to podcast@thetrek.co. Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Download this podcast. Find us on Stitcher and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen Mcdaniel, Christopher Marshburn, Lance Whitley, S11N, Sawyer Products, Thomas Fullmer A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Douglas Koeneman, Gregory Gardner, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven, Peter Ellenberg Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio, and Chaunce on Facebook. Follow The Trek on Twitter and sign up for our newsletter.
Nov 15, 2019 · 1 hr 35 min
#51 | The Andersons of Casa de Luna
In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by legendary PCT trail angels, Joe and Terrie Anderson of Casa De Luna. Much like the PCT itself, this conversation is fun, winding, long, and you'll still be left wanting more when it's all over. We talk about how they got into trail angeling, some of their favorite stories over the many decades of their running Casa de Luna, why they're closing up shop, and much more. We've also got some suggestions for staying in shape over the winter, some Trek propaganda, and a mailbag in which we give a conclusive answer to "when is a nero a nero?". [divider] Backpacker Radio SoCal Road Trip Presented by Sawyer! Use code "backpacker10" at publiclandscoffee.com Use code "ATDrink15" at GossamerGear.com to save 15% Gossamer Gear The One Gossamer Gear Gorilla Gossamer Gear Liteflex Umbrella Gossamer Gear Giveaway on Instagram Sawyer Picaridin Packets Run down on the SoCal Road Trip How we stay in shape (or don't) over the winter Chaunce will drink Zach will also drink, but use TrainingPeaks.com to beat his friends in a TSS challenge Interview with Terrie and Joe Anderson of Casa de Luna Buy Casa de Luna rocks! Trek Propaganda Here's How 5 Thru-Hikers Figured Out Their Lives After The Trail Mailbag / Unpopular Opinion "When does a nero become a nero?" aka "How long must one hike for it to be considered a nero?" 5-star iTunes Reviews Intro Song: Walking Slow by Animal Years Intro beats: Pauly Boy Shallcross Check out Trail Correspondents Have any praise, questions, praise, comments, praise or praise for Backpacker Radio? Reach out to podcast@thetrek.co. Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Download this podcast. Find us on Stitcher and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen Mcdaniel, Christopher Marshburn, Lance Whitley, S11N, Sawyer Products, Thomas Fullmer A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Douglas Koeneman, Gregory Gardner, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven, Peter Ellenberg Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio, and Chaunce on Facebook. Follow The Trek on Twitter and sign up for our newsletter.