Podcast Episodes

Episode #515 - Jennifer Cole (Indy 5)

This is indeed the season for hearing from successful thru-hikers, and we have another one joining us today. Jennifer Cole, or Indy 5, was looking for a great adventure and a bit of independence. She…

Published on 7 hours ago

Episode #514 - Mike, Molli, and Kayla McCarthy (Blue Pére, Bad Camel, and Popeye)

We've got a family of three on the show today, with Mike, Molli, and Kayla McCarthy sharing their own hiking story. I met Molli and Kayla on my 2014 thru-hike, and found them to be charming company. …

Published on 1 week ago

Episode #513 - Lisa Laidlow (High Viz)

Lisa Laidlow came to the trail when she became an empty-nester. She had always been an outdoor girl–often along with her father–yet it was only fairly recently that she returned to hiking and discove…

Published on 2 weeks ago

Episode #512 - James Dalberto (Nomad)

James Dalberto, or Nomad, joins the podcast today. James has been an RV'er for the past few years, earning a living as a "starving artist" (his words) all over the country. This year, he decided to m…

Published on 3 weeks ago

Episode #511 - The ALDHA Gathering - October 2025

Very limited notes this month, mainly because I'm away and rushing to get this out on Wednesday evening!!

It was an honor to be chosen to present the Saturday evening keynote speech at ALDHA last wee…

Published on 4 weeks ago

Episode #510 - Ken Posner (Barefoot Ken)

We meet an unusual hiker this week. Ken Posner has been a long-distance runner and hiker over the years, yet he has gradually morphed into a barefoot runner and hiker. Ken and I discuss this–to me–bi…

Published on 1 month ago

Episode #509 - Chrissy and Ady Schubert

Chrissy Schubert and her daughter Ady will be attempting a 250-mile section of the Appalachian Trail next year. No big deal, you may think. Think again. Ady is afflicted by profound autism, communica…

Published on 1 month, 1 week ago

Episode #508 - Woods Hole Weekend 2025

This week, we have a little change of pace. I attended the Woods Hole weekend last week as a presenter, and I came away with friendships, more knowledge, and a decent amount of humble pie as I savore…

Published on 1 month, 2 weeks ago

Episode #507 - Glenn Sweitzer (Wanderer)

Glenn Sweitzer, designer and filmmaker, is our guest today. Glenn's fascinating back story takes in working with Disney, designing artwork for Tim McGraw and others, then telling stories through film…

Published on 1 month, 3 weeks ago

Episode #506 - Sandra Katerina Schmelzer Alvarez (Peaches)

Sandra Katerina Schmelzer Alvarez, or Peaches, completed her Appalachian Trail thru-hike last month. She is a single mother who managed her autistic son's reaction to her hike by preparing him for a …

Published on 2 months ago