Episode Details

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Brady Geilenfeldt. Brady, known on trail as Undies, thru-hiked the Colorado Trail this year. What makes Undies story especially interesting is that he is deaf. We learn all about Brady's inspiring story, the incredible technology that is cochlear implants, what challenges a deaf hiker has to overcome, Brady's highlights from the CT, some of the non-obvious benefits of being a deaf hiker, Brady's future trail ambitions, and much more. Brady is an inspiring young man and we think you'll really enjoy this chat.

We wrap the show with things we're convinced people pretend to enjoy, a triple crown of things that are the new black, some new poop news, and we finally have the details for our Denver holiday hiker meetup, and you are invited.

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Darn Tough: Use code "DTLOVE-BACKPACKERRADIO" for 10% off plus free shipping at darntough.com.

Katabatic Gear: Use code "BPR15" for 15% off at katabaticgear.com.

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Interview with Brady Geilenfeldt

• Brady's Instagram

Time stamps & Questions

00:04:52 - Reminders: Join us at Improper City for the Hiker Meetup on December 1st! Apply to be a blogger or the Trek's editorial intern. Check out our merch and support us on Patreon!

00:08:32 - Introducing Brady

00:12:40 - Tell us about your experience with deafness

00:15:10 - How did your mom get CMV?

00:16:50 - Were your parents on high alert knowing your mom had CMV?

00:17:55 - Would you trade being deaf for anything?

00:18:57 - How well does a cochlear implant approximate human hearing?

00:21:04 - How do the implants work?

00:24:10 - Did you ever learn American Sign Language?

00:26:00 - Are your other senses enhanced to make up for the loss of hearing?

00:27:10 - Does it help you sleep at night while backpacking?

00:28:14 - Are the implants comfortable to wear?

00:29:40 - Can you customize the volume based on different environments?

00:31:20 - Is it a satisfying feeling to take them off?

00:32:28 - Do the implants make hiking more interesting?

00:35:32 - What's your hiking background and what made you decide to hike the CT?

00:37:18 - What was your longest backpacking trip prior to the Colorado Trail?

00:37:40 - What do you have to consider when planning for the CT?

00:40:28 - Is it disorienting to have only one implant in?

00:44:14 - Did you have any role models that inspired you beforehand?

00:46:20 - Do you have tips for making hiking more stimulating or being comfortable with yourself?

00:49:10 - Do you have to be concerned about the implants getting wet?

00:52:00 - Discussion about technological features or upgrades

00:53:40 - Do people ever use cochlear implants that aren't deaf?

00:55:05 - Does the implant need to be replaced?

00:57:17