In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, Badger is joined by Anne Baker.  In addition to being an experienced long distance backpacker and gear nerd, Anne has a PhD, is a licensed therapist, scientist, and someone who has done a good deal of research on post trail depression.  Anne breaks down precisely what is happening when someone experiences post trail depression and offers some tips for how to avoid it or at least lessen its impact. Anne also details what 2020 NOGO thru-hikers went through this year and how their grief was tied to a loss of identity.  I found the subject matter of today's show super interesting, and I think you will too. We close out the show with a triple crown of trails we have not yet hiked, highlight some standout day hikes in the Salt Lake City area, and give Martin his much deserved 15 seconds of fame. Gossamer Gear discount code: Use code: PoopStory for 15% off your entire cart at gossamergear.com.  Backcountry discount code: Use code: Backpacker15 for 15% off your first purchase at backcountry.com/backpackerradio. [divider] The Trek's Pledge to Do Better BACKPACKER RADIO MERCH Interview with Dr.Anne Baker Instagram: ennakrek Anne's articles for The Trek  QOTD: What small thing is irrationally annoying to you?  Hikerlink! Intro Song: Walking Slow by Animal Years Intro beats: Pauly Boy Shallcross Check out Trail Correspondents Check out The Attempt!  [divider] 00:04:49 - QOTD: What small thing is irrationally annoying to you?  00:06:45 - Pitch a Podcast! 00:07:00 - Intro to Anne Baker 00:07:40 - Why are you here?  00:08:15 - Can you tell us about your educational and professional background?  00:10:19 - Can you talk about the intersection of pain and emotion? 00:11:30 - Can you alter your perception of pain by changing your vocabulary around it?  00:13:52 - Advice for someone with chronic lyme disease dealing with pain?  00:16:29 - Will you walk us through the process of getting a PhD.?  00:20:10 - Will you walk us through your backpacking resume?  00:24:54 - Thoughts on section hiking?  00:29:15 - Do you struggle to make a trail family when section hiking?  00:30:49 - What is your go-to big 5 (for gear)?  00:34:24 - Anything in the gear pipeline we should be excited about? 00:36:19 - Can you tell us about Post-Trail Depression and walk us through your approach to the project you did on it?  00:38:15 - Can you talk about the identity aspect of post-trail depression? 00:39:40 - Did you ask how people felt about their lives before the trail? 00:40:00 - What kind of habits can you maintain to keep your trail self alive?  00:44:43 - Will you walk us through your coined acronym “SPACE”? 00:46:00 - How would someone experience these on trail?  01:00:08 - So a history of mental health issues didn’t translate to being more likely to suffer from post-trail depression? 01:01:58 - How does a person’s job play into their post-trail depression?  01:05:26 - Do you have any tips to mitigate post-trail depression?  01:08:51 - How did the pandemic influence your second article about post-trail depression (specifically how deciding whether or not to hike during the pandemic affected people)? 01:10:57 - Why don’t you like labels of mental illness?  01:14:19 - What aspects of grief show up a lot for people who did not get to thru-hike? 01:14:48 - What common bargaining tactics showed up? 01:15:51 - Do you have any other major takeaways from your interviews with thru-hikers?  01:17:43 - Can you talk a little bit about what was happening on social media in regards to whether or not people should thru-hike this year?  01:20:04 - Have you noticed any difference in the hiking community now vs. when you were interviewing people in March and April?  01:22:02 - Do you have any advice for someone who is experiencing grief due to not being able to thru-hike?  01:25:16 - Do you have advice for people who are struggling specifically during COVID, when typical resources are not available to us? 01:27:20 - Do you meditate?  01:28:17 - Anything else you want to touch on? 01:29:02 - Any backpacking or outdoor adventures coming up?  01:30:08 - Where should people go to see your stuff? Anne’s articles for the trek can be found here.   SEGMENTS Best Day, Weekend, and Long-Distance Hikes in Wyoming and Utah Triple Crown of Trails We Haven’t Hiked Mail Bag  5 Star Reviews  [divider] Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)!  Find us on Spotify, 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: Paul Packman Sealy, Jason Lawrence, Janelle L., Austen McDaniel, Andrew, Thomas Fullner, Christopher Marshburn, S11N, and Sawyer Products A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Emily Brown, Jeffrey Miller, Mitchell, Zoe Jenkins, dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Mark Snook, Peter Ellenberg, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and  Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

Backpacker Radio

#80 | Dr. Anne Baker on Post-Trail Depression

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio, presented by The Trek, brought to you by Backcountry.com, we are joined by Mac of Halfwayanywhere.com. Mac gives us the full tour through his short, but very dense adventuring career, including his 1 and a half PCT thru-hikes, his time in Japan, his multiple trips through the Himalayas, bikepacking across Australia, and the list goes on and on. We touch on why the Arizona Trail is game off for the remainder of 2020, a one minute gear review, a point counter point on quilts vs. sleeping bags, and our last Backcountry Matchmaking for a hot minute.     Greenbelly discount code: Use code: Trek2020 for 10% off sitewide at greenbelly.co. Backcountry.com discount code: Use code: Backpacker15 for 15% off your first purchase at backcountry.com/backpackerradio. [divider] Please fill out this survey if you’d like to help BPR! The Trek's Pledge to Do Better BACKPACKER RADIO MERCH Interview with Mac from Halfway Anywhere HalfwayAnywhere.com @HalfwayAnywhere on Instagram  QOTD: What was your favorite (or weirdest) celebrity encounter?  Hikerlink! Intro Song: Walking Slow by Animal Years Intro beats: Pauly Boy Shallcross Check out Trail Correspondents Check out The Attempt!  [divider] 00:07:49 - Take our survey, please! 00:09:25 - Applications for Vlogging and Blogging for The Trek in 2021 are open!  00:09:56 - Intro to Mac from HalfwayAnywhere.com 00:11:00 - Do you hate the word moist?  00:11:55 - What is your backpacking/adventuring background?  00:12:55 - Do you remember where you discovered the PCT? 00:13:25 - Did you know you might be in over your head starting the PCT?  00:14:00 - When did the website (Halfway Anywhere) start?  00:17:16 - What kind of content were you putting out on your blog?  00:18:30 - Do you think it was an advantage going into your hike without prior research (when it came to writing)? 00:20:02 - Stand out moments from your PCT hike?  00:22:26 - What were the biggest differences you noticed between the PCT your first time and when you did it recently?  00:26:09 - Were you using paper maps or Half Mile?  00:27:18 - How did your most recent PCT hike go?  00:28:00 - Which version of the Sierra do you like better (snow or no snow)?  00:28:41 - Are the views better with or without the snow?  00:29:24 - What came after your 2013 PCT hike?  00:32:52- How did you find your job in Japan?  00:33:21 - What do you do for fun in Japan?  00:34:31 - How did you find hikes in Japan? 00:37:44 - How long were you in Japan? What came next?  00:40:00 - You hiked to Everest Base Camp? 00:40:34 - What did you learn about the altitude on the first trip?  00:42:16 - Did you do Whitney on the PCT ‘13?  00:43:55 - What’s the difference in the attire for different elevations?  00:45:06 - Do you have Sherpas/a guide in the Himalaya? 00:46:00 - Is there a language barrier in Nepal? 00:47:10 - Are there ethical reasons for sourcing Sherpas?  00:50:00 - Should you hire a guide for EBC?  00:51:00 - Can you tell us about the Three Passes Trek? 00:54:24 - What is the distance of the Three Passes Trek and how long did it take you?  00:58:00 - How often were you sleeping inside?  01:00:00 - What do you pay per night/day on an Everest Base Camp or Three Pass Trek loop? 01:01:00 - How is it navigating transportation? 01:02:45 - Do you have a standout Nepalese  meal?  01:04:32 - Tell us about your Australia bikepacking trip! 01:05:30 - Where did you get water?  01:08:22 - Did you arrive with your bikepacking setup or did you buy it there?  01:09:25 - How long did the whole bike trip take you? 01:10:21 - Do you have any words of wisdom when it comes to fiscal responsibility? 01:11:44 - What was it like working in a bar in Australia?  01:14:30 - What did you do in 2017? 01:15:30 - What kind of hiking is in Tasmania?  01:17:00 - How did you choose Tasmania?  01:18:00 - How long are the hikes you are doing in Tasmania?  01:18:57 - What were the Rio Olympics like?  01:19:22 - How many languages do you speak?  01:20:05 - Were you doing this with friends?  01:20:36 - Are you doing most of your adventures solo?  01:21:09 - Has it been an adjustment to be in a relationship? 01:21:55 - How old are you?  01:21:14 - Is your fire for adventure still as strong as ever? 01:22:41 - How does your relationship work with adventures?  01:24:32 - Starting the CDT 01:25:55 - How would you compare the San Juans in 2017 to the Sierra in 2013?  01:30:42 - Comparison of the PCT to the CDT?  01:32:36 - Fuck, Marry, Kill: Sierra, Winds, Himalayas?  01:36:45 - Should you hike the PCT or the CDT? 01:38:48 - Do you ever get burnt out from traveling?  01:39:42 - What did you do next?  01:40:44 - How much time do you dedicate to the website amidst traveling?  01:43:10 - So you went back to Nepal?  01:43:38 - Why was the Annapurna Circuit your least favorite trek in Nepal?  01:46:14 - What was after the Annapurna Circuit?  01:47:54 - How long did Island Peak take?  01:49:10 - Do you feel safe in Nepal?  01:50:36 - Do you have more Nepal treks on your list?  01:52:05 - Tell us about the Japanese Alps? 01:54:05 - Why don’t you want to hike Mt.Fuji?  01:55:49 - Does the traverse of the Japanese Alps involve route finding?  01:56:50 - Is the ridgeline hiking there technical at all?  01:57:30 - And you sprinkled in the Camino De Santiago? 01:58:21 - Do you still enjoy that style of adventure?  01:59:06 - Do you have a stats background?  02:00:13 - What was your track before the Appalachian Trail?  02:02:08 - What’s in the future for Mac?  02:02:56 - Where did you get the trail name Mac?  02:05:00 - Where should people find your stuff?  HalfwayAnywhere.com @HalfwayAnywhere on Instagram    SEGMENTS Arizona Trail Association Discourages 2020 SOBO AZT Thru-Hikes and Thru-Rides Mail Bag / 5 Star Review Hybrid Section    1- Minute Gear Reviews Zach: Kataydyn Befree Filter Chaunce: Custom Thrupack   Point/Counterpoint: Quilts vs. Sleeping Bags   Backcountry Matchmaking  Molly Rhoads (Sharktooth) | insta: @mollieamazing Greg (My Best Friend) | insta: @mybestfriendatx Jordan Reynolds (Outdoor Rebel) | insta: @outdoorebel  [divider] Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)!  Find us on Spotify, 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: Paul Packman Sealy, Jason Lawrence, Janelle L., Austen McDaniel, Andrew, Thomas Fullner, Christopher Marshburn, S11N, and Sawyer Products A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Emily Brown, Jeffrey Miller, Mitchell, Zoe Jenkins, dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Mark Snook, Peter Ellenberg, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and  Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

#79 | Mac from Halfway Anywhere

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by Backcountry.com, we are joined by Delia D'ambra.  Delia is a full-time investigative journalist and the host of Park Predators, a podcast that details some of the most horrific murders that have taken place in national parks.  Needless to say, maybe don't let your kids listen to this one.   We cover the triple crown of Adam Sandler movies, do another round of one minute gear reviews, a point / counterpoint on inflatable vs closed cell foam sleeping pads, and learn about diarrhea inducing gummy bears.     Greenbelly discount code: Use code: Trek2020 for 10% off sitewide at greenbelly.co. Backcountry discount code: Use code: Backpacker15 for 15% off your first purchase at backcountry.com/backpackerradio. Please fill out this survey if you’d like to help BPR! The Trek's Pledge to Do Better BACKPACKER RADIO MERCH Interview with Delia D'Ambra Find Park Predators wherever you listen to podcasts @DeliaDambraTV on Twitter @deliamdambraw on Instagram  @audiochuck on instagram and twitter QOTD: What is your least popular or most controversial opinion? Hikerlink! Intro Song: Walking Slow by Animal Years Intro beats: Pauly Boy Shallcross Check out Trail Correspondents Check out The Attempt!  [divider] 00:04:50 - QOTD: What is your least popular or most controversial opinion? 00:08:46 - Please fill out this 45 second survey! 00:09:17 - New BPR shirts!   00:11:00 - Intro to Delia D’Ambra! 00:11:24 - How did you get involved with investigative journalism? 00:12:26 - How do you decide what stories to tackle? 00:13:45 - When you do episodes for podcasts like Park Predators, how do you go about doing the research for it? 00:15:50 - Have any of your episodes led to new clues?  00:17:40 - Is Adnan Syed guilty?  00:18:50 - Can you talk about the differences between mediums (news vs. podcast vs. broadcast)?00:20:40 - How did you decide to focus your research on National Parks?  00:23:01 - Did you find there was a disproportionate amount of murders in National Parks?  00:24:50 - Does doing this murder research freak you out?  00:26:57 - How do you keep an eye out for murderers in the backcountry? 00:29:50 - Do you hear stories from people who heed your advice?  00:31:00 - Can you give us a summary of the first episode of Park Predators?  00:33:50 - What was Gary Michale Hilton’s victimology?  00:35:30 - Are there things that make you feel empathy for the killers? Is there a theme/commonality to the way they operate? 00:37:29 - Can you give us a taste of episode 3?  00:40:48 - Chaunce’s brush with death  00:41:25 - What do you do if you see someone who looks very suspicious?  00:43:12 - Can you talk about episode 4?  00:48:53 - Do you think going through childhood trauma may have affected him becoming a killer? 00:49:20 - What kind of detail do you go into about the specific murders on Park Predators?  00:50:50 - Can you give us an example of how the women in Yosemite were murdered?  00:53:17 - Did any of these victims have or use mace?  00:53:53 - Can you tell us another story? 00:55:38 - Do these stories ever impact your personal life? Do you ever lose sleep? 00:57:10 - Do you ever worry about the killers reaching out? 00:58:25 - Did Epstein kill himself?  00:58:50 - Is there a season two?  00:59:50 - Find Park Predators wherever you get your podcasts!   Segments Trek Propaganda  Our Favorite Three-Ingredient Backpacking Meals by Maggie Slepian  Triple Crown of Adam Sandler Movies  Movie Club: Don’t Mess with the Zohan  1-Minute Gear Reviews Chaunce: Cotopaxi Windbreaker—POCKETS! Zach: Anker Powercore with dual-input port (charges the battery twice as fast)  Point - Counterpoint: Inflatable sleeping pad vs. closed-cell foam pads  Pupdate! Mail Bag  5-Star Review  Comment ________ to win a sticker! Amazon Reviews for Sugar-Free Haribo Gummy Bears (Poop Stuff) [divider] Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)!  Find us on Spotify, 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: Paul Packman Sealy, Jason Lawrence, Janelle L., Austen McDaniel, Andrew, Thomas Fullner, Christopher Marshburn, S11N, and Sawyer Products A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Emily Brown, Jeffrey Miller, Mitchell, Zoe Jenkins, dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Mark Snook, Peter Ellenberg, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and  Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

#78 | Delia D'Ambra of Park Predators

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek we are joined yet again by famed Trail Angel, triple crowner, and author, Barney Scout Mann.  This convo focuses largely on Scout's new book, "Journeys North", Scout's beautiful account of his and Frodo's 2007 PCT thru-hike.  We learn what went into this immense research project, how he and Frodo fended off a bear with a two-part harmony, and we're blessed with a short reading from the book. We have another one-minute gear review, introduce a new segment- point / counter point, a triple crown of summer foods, and once again start to lose our minds at the show's close.  This one is a full boat. [divider] Listen Download this episode. [divider] Zpacks discount code:Use code: HEXAMIDBPR for $25 discount at Zpacks.com Greenbelly discount code: Use code: Trek2020 for 10% off sitewide at greenbelly.co. [divider] Apply to be The Trek's Full-Time Content + Marketing Specialist The Trek's Pledge to Do Better BACKPACKER RADIO MERCH Interview with Scout (Barney  Mann) Listen to Scout’s previous episode here.  Order his book here! QOTD: You get one wish but 70% of the population also gets what you wish for—what is your wish? 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 - QOTD:  You get one wish but 70% of the population also gets what you wish for—what is your wish? 00:08:33 - Can you give us an intro into how you got started with backpacking?  00:10:19 - Can you tell us the story of doing the PCT?  00:12:19 - Do you regret going SOBO on the AT? 00:14:30 - Scout’s involvement in the GAOA (Great American Outdoors Act)  00:15:30 - What do your neighbors think about the hikers you host?  00:16:30 - Scout and Frodo’s nightly after-dinner talk and stream crossing safety. 00:18:30 - Can you tell us about your career (after your Boy Scout days)?  00:19:30 - Are you a lawyer because you’re a good writer or are you a good writer because you’re a lawyer? 00:20:05 - What kind of lawyer were you? 00:21:54 - What was Scout thinking when he was retiring?  00:22:20 - Listen to Episode 26! (Scout’s previous episode) 00:22:45 - Where did the inspiration for “Journeys North” come from?  00:27:57 - What was the research process for gathering intel on your trail family?  00:30:10 - What does it really mean when Scout asks to write about you?  00:32:15 - Scout saved a man’s life.  00:34:09 - Scout reads an excerpt from the book. 00:36:28 - Is Scout reading his audiobook?  00:39:36 - Were you anticipating a trail family being such a huge part of your hike?  00:41:48 - What is the secret to a long and happy marriage?  00:42:48 - Can you give an example of a tough time you talked about in the book?  00:47:55 - Were you shocked by what you gathered in your research and interviews of your hiking family vs. what you saw on trail?  00:54:25 - Can you share other stories that had to be cut from the book?  00:58:58 - Can we get a two-part harmony? 01:02:20 - Can you talk about Rainy Pass?  01:09:44 - Where should people go to purchase your book? Amazon helps Scout the most. 01:10:22 - Are Scout and Frodo going to host hikers in 2021?  Segments Trek Propaganda Biggest Similarities (and Differences) Between Backpacking and Bikepacking by Maggie Slepian Applications for Bloggers and Vloggers for 2021 Hot Takes for 2020 (and beyond?) 1-Minute Gear Reviews SAXX Men’s Boxer Briefs Montbell Rain Pants Send us Cinnamon Court Debates Point - Counterpoint: How you store water on the trail. Triple Crown of Summer Foods What season do deviled eggs belong to? Mail Bag 5 Star Reviews Pupdates Comment ______ to win a sticker! Backcountry Matchmaking Hayden (LLC) - @hayden.cox2@gmail.com, @haydenstuartcox Legs - @kbrookshire Tree - @jefftreezus The Gossamer Gear Crotch Pot & it’s review on The Trek [divider] Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)!  Find us on Spotify, 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, Janelle L, Paul Packman Sealy, S11N, Sawyer Products, and Thomas Fullner A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Dcnerdlet, Jacob Northrup, Jason Lawrence, Jeff LaFranier, Jeffrey Miller, Mark Snook, Mitchell, Peter, Peter Ellenberg, and Zoe Jenkins Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and  Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

#77 | Barney "Scout" Mann on his New PCT Book, "Journeys North"

Today we are joined by Luke Kloberdanz, the director of philanthropy at the Ice Age Trail Alliance.  As you may have guessed, we geek out very much about all things Wisconsin, so much so, that Chaunce is convinced to make this the destination of Backpacker Radio's next road trip.  We talk about Luke's own thru-hike, the wonderful tradition that is the Wisconsin Fish Fry, the history of this trail, and why it might be the ideal trek during a pandemic. We address why Chaunce's face matches her hair, get sucked down a Taco Bell Vortex, announce a new full-time opening at The Trek, and just generally lose our minds toward the end of this episode.  I highly recommend having a PBR handy for this one.     [divider] Listen   Download this episode. [divider] Backcountry.com discount code: Use code: Backpacker15 to save 15% on your first purchase from Backcountry.com/backpackerradio Zpacks discount code:Use code: HEXAMIDBPR for $25 discount at Zpacks.com Greenbelly discount code: Use code: Trek2020 for 10% off sitewide at greenbelly.co. [divider] Apply to be The Trek's Full-Time Content + Marketing Specialist The Trek's Pledge to Do Better BACKPACKER RADIO MERCH Interview with Luke Kloberdanz from the Ice Age Trail Alliance Ice Age Trail Alliance  Contact Luke: Luke@iceagetrail.org QOTD: What color is Chaunce's face? Hikerlink! Intro Song: Walking Slow by Animal Years Intro beats: Pauly Boy Shallcross Check out Trail Correspondents Check out The Attempt!  [divider] 00:04:38 - QOTD: What color is Chaunce’s face?  00:07:38 - Can Zach say Luke’s name?  00:08:13 - How did Luke get involved with the Ice Age Trail? 00:10:06 - How long is the Ice Age Trail? Can you tell us more about it? 00:10:53 - Where does the money to purchase land for the trail come from?  00:11:41 - Why does the IAT go where it goes?  00:12:54 - Is the IAT constructed that way because of aesthetics or historical reasons?  00:16:52 - How was your thru-hike?  00:19:16 - You were the 11th person to thru-hike the IAT? 00:20:44 - What was the trail like when you hiked (single track vs. road walking)?  00:20:54 - Is there an official road walk for the portions that aren’t single track?  00:21:58 - What percentage of days could someone eat a fish fry while thru-hiking the IAT? 00:22:47 - Do you go through a lot of towns on the IAT?  00:23:33- Is there a traditional route on the IAT (west to east vs. east to west)?  00:24:25 - Was Spotted Cow a thing during your thru-hike?  00:25:10 - Can you explain the fish fry?  00:28:14 - Do you emphasize the cultural aspect of the IAT?  00:30:30 - Has Chaunce had a fried cheese curd before? 00:30:54 - Can you explain the importance of the squeakiness of a cheese curd?  00:32:45 - Backpacker Radio Merch 00:33:25 - Does the trail go through Madison? 00:34:30 - What are the campsites like on the IAT?  00:36:34 - What are the water sources like on the IAT? 00:37:56 - What is the recommended season to hike the IAT? And what is the typical pace?  00:41:08 - What’s the elevation change like on the IAT?  00:42:24 - What’s the practicality of hiking the IAT during coronavirus?  00:45:22 - How does someone get involved with the IAT?  00:46:40 - What kind of wildlife will people see on the IAT?  00:47:54 - What does someone do if they encounter a wolf?  00:49:32 - What is the traditional garnish for a Wisconsin Bloody Mary? 00:52:10 - Are there specific highlights of the IAT? Section hikes you’d recommend?  00:56:37 - The IAT is for_______? 00:59:14 - Luke@iceagetrail.org call the IATA office, etc.   SEGMENTS The Trek Propaganda : The Trek is Hiring A Full-Time Content + Marketing Specialist   Mail Bag / Backcountry Matchmaking combo  Tess Bjorgen - tess_bjorgen@hotmail.com Linda - instagram: @lindasince1987 James “Medicine Man” Marsh -  @venture_into_adventure  Yiran “Clax” - @yiranhikes  5 Star Reviews  Doug Laher’s Episode  How to Eat Vegetarian at Taco Bell and How to Eat Vegan at Taco Bell Pupdate 1 Minute Gear Reviews Chaunce: Her buff / Thermarest Mondo  Zach: Big Agnes Tiger Wall 3  Comment _______ to win a sticker! [divider] Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)!  Find us on Spotify, 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, Janelle L, Paul Packman Sealy, S11N, Sawyer Products, and Thomas Fullner A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Dcnerdlet, Jacob Northrup, Jason Lawrence, Jeff LaFranier, Jeffrey Miller, Mark Snook, Mitchell, Peter, Peter Ellenberg, and Zoe Jenkins Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and  Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

#76 | The Ice Age Trail (Luke Kloberdanz from the Ice Age Trail Alliance)

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio, presented by The Trek, we are joined by Daniel White, known on trail as The Blackalachian.  We learn all about The Blackalachian's life before he became a full-time adventurer, including his days as a rapper and his time in prison, how thru-hiking was put on his map, his experiences with racism on the AT, his thru-bike of the Underground Railroad Route, His hikes of The Great Outdoors Challenge in Scotland and Camino del Norte in Spain, and what the future has in store for him.  This conversation is both heavy and hilarious, informative and fun; we hope you enjoy it as much as we did. We wrap up the show with the Triple Crown of Summer Wins, we learn what a thunderbox is, a fan indulges my undying love for the 90s Bulls, and we have a Backcountry Matchmaking.  This one has it all.   [divider] Backcountry.com discount code: Use code: Backpacker15 to save 15% on your first purchase from Backcountry.com/backpackerradio Zpacks discount code:Use code: HEXAMIDBPR for $25 discount at Zpacks.com [divider] The Trek's Pledge to Do Better BACKPACKER RADIO MERCH Interview with Daniel White "The Blackalachian" YouTube Instagram QOTD: Is wearing a t-shirt with your podcast’s name on it the same as being in a band and wearing your own band t-shirt? Hikerlink! Intro Song: Walking Slow by Animal Years Intro beats: Pauly Boy Shallcross Check out Trail Correspondents Check out The Attempt!  [divider]  00:03:23 – QOTD: Is wearing a t-shirt with your podcast’s name on it the same as being in a band and wearing your own band t-shirt? 00:07:10 – What was life like for the Blackalachian before he was the Blackalachian? 00:08:33 – Can you tell us about your rapping career? Soundcloud: Logo704 00:09:54 – Can you tell us what prison was like? 00:11:00 – Any overlaps between prison and thru-hiking? 00:11:50 – Did prison push you toward backpacking? 00:13:40 – Thoughts on your boss that said not to follow your dreams? 00:14:50 –  Since you made the decision to thru-hike so quickly, did you have the gear you needed to start the AT? 00:17:17 – How has your gear evolved since then? 00:17:58 – where was the Blackalachian inspired? 00:20:20 – Did you get shakedowns? 00:20:45 – Did you plan your resupplies around fishing? 00:21:30 – Can you give us fishing tips? 00:21:53 – Were you YouTubing your thru-hike from the get-go? 00:23:08 - Have you gotten feedback from other Black hikers who were inspired by you? 00:23:27 – What are the more common questions and feedback that you get? 00:24:00 – Were you nervous about smaller towns in the Appalachians? 00:24:40 – What is the reality of being on trail like vs. your expectations? 00:26:00 – What were your expectations of racism on trail? What was it like on trail? 00:28:09 – Were towns better or worse than thru-hikers? 00:29:00 – Have you ever encountered someone and changed their perception? 00:30:03 – Can you give us an example of microagressions? 00:33:07 – Can you tell us how you came to your motto of “love and light”? 00:37:05 - Do you have any specific highlights from your AT hike? 00:39:30 – Flipping on the AT? 00:40:13 – Did you get that “Rocky Mountain” feeling in the Presidentials? 00:40:48 – Have you considered the PCT? 00:42:50 – Tell us about the Underground Railroad Bike Route! 00:46:30 – Could you stay in the same places people did when they were on the Underground Railroad? 00:47:07 – Does the UGRR have anything like Guthook? 00:47:49 – Did you see any other thru-bikers? Did you YouTube this journey? 00:49:37 – Can you compare thru-hiking to thru-biking? 00:51:05 – How long did it take to thru-bike the UGRR? 00:51:25 – Did you take special precautions to protect your bike? 00:52:19 – Were you able to leverage your YouTube channel to get sponsorships? 00:53:21 – What was your “bike first aid kit”? 00:54:44 – How long does it take for your ass to adjust to biking for that long? 00:56:35 – Any advice for someone who has never bike packed before? 00:59:41 – Tell us about The Great Outdoors Challenge! 01:01:00 – How was your reception in Scotland vs. the Appalachians? 01:02:29 – Did you see a lot of gingers? 01:02:40 – Tell us about the pub scene! 01:03:09 – How long were you in Scotland? 01:04:49 – If you had to pick between adventurer and thru-hiker what would it be? 01:08:39 – Can you give us some Camino Norte highlights? 01:11:20 – Is it true that your admission to hostels covers wine as well? 01:11:46 – Did you do the Camino solo? 01:12:31 – Preference for hiking in the US vs. internationally? 01:13:40 – How does walking through places with a lot of history impact you or your hike? 01:15:00 – What hikes are next on your radar? 01:18:20 – Can you tell us about the Groundskeepers program? 01:20:15 – Pointers on getting sponsorships? 01:21:40 – Paying for fathers to get pedicures?  01:23:59 - Differentiating between content for YouTube and Instagram?  01:25:55 - Can you talk about how recent shifts have affected you? Any advice for thru-hikers? 01:28:37 - Your pants?  01:31:10 - When are you going to buy a bunch of land and start a commune?  01:33:33 - Best Poke Stop on the AT? 01:34:41 - Favorite food on trail? What will you never eat again?  01:35:43 - How often do people reach out from the internet to meet up? 01:37:33 - Parting words?  Segments The Trek Propaganda  "Senate Passes Great American Outdoors Act" by Maggie Slepian  Triple Crown of Summer Wins Mail Bag  5 Star Reviews  Backcountry Matchmaking  Jessika “Taps” | @tapsandtrail Eric “Rocketman” | @rustyrushton @rocketman_pct_2019 Sierra “Sudsie” | @sudsie.p New Shirts? Here are the old ones.  What segments do you like?  [divider] 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, Janelle L, Paul Packman Sealy, S11N, Sawyer Products, and Thomas Fullner A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Dcnerdlet, Jacob Northrup, Jason Lawrence, Jeff LaFranier, Jeffrey Miller, Mark Snook, Mitchell, Peter, Peter Ellenberg, and Zoe Jenkins Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, Elise and  Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow The Trek, Chaunce  and Elise on YouTube.

#75 | The Blackalachian

In today's episode -we are back to recording in person(!)- and joined by Jamey Mossengren, also known as The Unicycling Unicorn.  Jamey traded in his cushy 9-5 job to pursue the glamorous lifestyle of a street performer, and hasn't looked back since.  Not only does Jamey make a living by putting on unicycle shows, he's also unicycled both the Colorado Trail and Arizona Trail!   We talk about these very unique trips, his thru-hikes of the AT and Camino del Norte, and what goes into being a successful street performer- for which, we got a personal show after the interview. We also talk about the return of AT thru-hikes in 2020 (maybe), we introduce a new segment- Hiker's Horoscopes, and close out the show with another edition of Backcountry Matchmaking.  [divider] Backcountry.com discount code: Use code: Backpacker15 to save 15% on your first purchase from Backcountry.com/backpackerradio Zpacks discount code:Use code: HEXAMIDBPR for $25 discount at Zpacks.com [divider] The Trek's Pledge to Do Better BACKPACKER RADIO MERCH Interview with Jamey Mossengren "The Unicycling Unicorn Website Instagram Twitter Youtube QOTD: How are your summer backpacking plans shaping up? Hikerlink! Intro Song: Walking Slow by Animal Years Intro beats: Pauly Boy Shallcross Check out Trail Correspondents Check out The Attempt!  The Trek's store [divider] 00:00:00 – Intro to Jamey Mossengren – The Unicycling Unicorn 00:04:00 – Backpacker Radio is back in person and it is _________ 00:06:00 – QOTD: How are your summer backpacking plans shaping up? 00:10:00 – Jamey, the Unicycling Unicorn 00:10:31 – Do you know how many people make a living on a unicycle? 00:12:20 – Did competing with your brother motivate you to be better at unicycling? 00:12:40 – How did you make unicycling a career? 00:15:00 – What goes into the performing side of a street performance? 00:15:45 – Examples of what does and doesn’t work in street performing? 00:16:20 – Do you do a lot of crowd work? 00:16:48 – Have you thought about doing a show at protests? 00:17:40 – Did you pick other performer’s brains to see what they were doing? 00:18:17 – Do you write out sets? 00:18:38 – What encompasses/started the Unicorn? 00:19:45 – What are the costume pieces of the Unicycling Unicorn? 00:20:44 – What was your first long outdoors feat? 00:21:35 – How do you mountain unicycle the Colorado Trail?? 00:22:21 – Do you ride or walk up big climbs? 00:23:26 – Backpacker Radio crossed paths with Jamey Mossengren? 00:24:51 – How long did it take to mountain unicycle the Colorado Trail? 00:25:00 – How much did your gear weigh? 00:25:40 – Did you get a lot of media attention for the hike? 00:26:00 – Did the backcountry give you good ideas for your act? 00:26:28 – What was your next trail? 00:28:18 – Did you have any nasty falls? 00:29:40 – How does the comfort of a unicycle compare to a bike? 00:30:25 – Are there any standard unicycle issues? 00:30:50 – How did you like hiking (on the SHT) compared to unicycling? 00:31:34 – How long is the Superior Hiking Trail? 00:32:00 – how did you pick the Superior Hiking Trail? 00:33:41 – What’s next? Arizona Trial on a unicycle? 00:34:04 – Where do you meet other unicyclists to thru-unicycle the Arizona Trail? 00:35:00 – What is it like unicycling in a group? 00:35:30 – Differences between unicycling the Colorado and Arizona Trail? 00:36:00 – How much does your unicycle weigh? 00:40:00 – Does your performance experience help when trespassing? 00:41:00 – What is the argument for a unicycle being considered a pedestrian? 00:42:05 – What’s next? Appalachian Trail? 00:42:45 – Why another hiking trail and not a unicycling trail? 00:44:30 – Any AT highlights? 00:48:15 – What about lowlights? 00:51:23 – Shitting? 00:53:25 – Burned down bar? 00:56:23 – Hiker meet up at a Cracker Barrel? 00:58:30 – Sex on the Camino del Norte? 00:59:20 – Any good trail sex stories? 01:01:00 – Untapped 5,000 beers? 01:03:01 – Your next muni-pack? 01:04:05 – Preparation for the Oregon Timber Trail? 01:05:30 – In which direction of the PCT is the OTT? 01:08:40 – Are you less afraid of rattlesnakes on a unicycle? 01:09:45 – How long have you been doing van life? 01:10:14 – Tell us about doing your performances in different continents? 01:11:11 – You perform in Australia as well? 01:11:44 – Do you build the vans out yourself? 01:12:25 – Have you thought about doing stuff on Tik Tok? 01:16:30 – Do you think you could chug a beer while riding your unicycle and juggling two other beers? 01:17:08- Do you ever aspire to snag unicycling records? 01:18:25 – Have you ever unicycled on a tight rope? 01:19:14 – What are the fan favorite tricks? 01:21:11 – Unicycling Unicorn – he’s single, find him on the socials   Segments The Trek Propaganda! ATC is likely to recommend AT thru-hikes soon, by Hugh Owen CDTC article Virtually Hiking the AT: Hitting Some Snafus Pupdate! Episode Horoscopes: Know Your Stars Mail Bag 5 Star Reviews Backcountry Matchmaking Paige Pasquini | Instagram: @paigepasquini Cris “Indiana Bones” | Instagram: @cris.on.a.boat, email: cristopher.macdonald@gmail.com Taryn | Instagram: @Tarynwem, Facebook: Taryn Wem [divider] 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, Janelle L, Paul Packman Sealy, S11N, Sawyer Products, and Thomas Fullner A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Dcnerdlet, Jacob Northrup, Jason Lawrence, Jeff LaFranier, Jeffrey Miller, Mark Snook, Mitchell, Peter, 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. Buy Chaunce's Book on Amazon. Get a free account at Hikerlink.

#74 | Jamey Mossengren aka "The Unicycling Unicorn"

Today, we are joined by Doug Laher, the father of Trevor Laher, the hiker who tragically passed near Apache Peak on the Pacific Crest Trail earlier this year. Doug reads his beautiful tribute to Trevor, we talk about what lessons are to be learned from Trevors passing, and what can be done to prevent further tragedy on this dangerous stretch of the PCT. We also chat with Kaitlyn Purington, a volunteer and the PR rep at the Riverside Mountain Rescue Unit, a rescue non-profit based in Riverside County.  She walks us through what the organization does exactly, requirements for getting involved, and some examples of standout rescue missions from the last couple of years. We close out the show with some Trek Propaganda, how to check your bung for deer ticks, and our favorite creature comforts. Backcountry.com discount code: Use code: Backpacker15 to save 15% on your first purchase from Backcountry.com/backpackerradio Zpacks discount code:Use code: HEXAMIDBPR for $25 discount at Zpacks.com [divider] The Trek's Pledge to Do Better BACKPACKER RADIO MERCH Interview with Doug  Laher, Trevor Laher's Father  and  Kaitlyn Purington  from  Riverside  Mountain  Rescue  Unit Trevor's Eternal Trail  Riverside Mountain Rescue Unit  Hikerlink! Intro Song: Walking Slow by Animal Years Intro beats: Pauly Boy Shallcross Check out Trail Correspondents Check out The Attempt!  [divider] Doug Laher, father of late Trevor Laher 00:03:55 – Doug reads his article about Trevor 00:26:40 – The Article was written six weeks ago, what has happened since then? 00:28:00 – The intentions behind telling Trevor’s story 00:29:20 – How are you doing now? 00:31:34 – What do you want people to take away from Trevor’s story? How do we carry on his legacy? 00:35:25 – Any advice or words of wisdom for parents of aspiring thru-hikers? 00:38:30 – Possibility of reworking the trail at Apache Peak? 00:39:30 – Guthook put a warning in Trevor’s honor 00:46:10 – Can you tell us about the fundraiser you did with RMRU? 00:49:00 – The Trek readers donated roughly $5,000 to RMRU 00:50:30 – You can donate to RMRU here 00:55:20 – Circus and Snapshot made a memorial to Trevor 01:00:26 – Two rescuers retrieved all of Trevor’s belongings 01:07:40 – “You’ve got one fucking life, you better live that shit.” - IBTAT   Kaitlyn Perington of RMRU 01:11:00  – Can you tell us about RMRU? 01:12:20 – Is there an area that requires the majority of RMRU’s rescue missions? 01:12:55 – Is there a busier season? 01:13:26 – How many calls do you usually get from PCT hikers? 01:13:44 – How did you specifically get involved with RMRU? 01:14:35 – What was the process like for becoming a volunteer? 01:16:30 - Are there specific requirements for joining the unit? 01:18:00 – What skills/training/certifications are people required to have? 01:19:30 – How does a shift work? 01:20:30 – Is there a certain number of people you need for a mission? 01:21:50 – How has coronavirus impacted SAR? 01:23:49 – Would you still do mouth-to-mouth during COVID? 01:24:34 – How many missions do you do per year? 01:24:56 – Is there one mission you were involved with that stands out to you? 01:29:17 – Does it frustrate you when people are unprepared? 01:13:51 – Do you ever get frequent callers? 01:33:30 – If you keep getting repeat places you’re called back to, can you put a sign in a specific spot? 01:34:30 – What kind of funds are required to keep RMRU going? 01:37:10 – Aside from monetary donations are there things RMRU could use gear wise? 01:38:20 – donate at RMRU.org SEGMENTS Trek Propaganda – Effie Drew’s “Changing the Narrative and Amplifying Voices: Resources for Education and Inclusivity in the Outdoor Industry” Mail Bag Favorite lightweight entertainment / creature comforts on trail [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, Janelle L, Paul Packman Sealy, S11N, Sawyer Products, and Thomas Fullner A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Dcnerdlet, Jacob Northrup, Jason Lawrence, Jeff LaFranier, Jeffrey Miller, Mark Snook, Mitchell, Peter, 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. Buy Chaunce's Book on Amazon. Get a free account at Hikerlink.

#73 | Dough Laher and Riverside Mountain Rescue Unit (RMRU)

Today we are joined by Luke “Strider” Jordan.  Strider has a couple of very impressive treks on his resume including the North Country Trail (NCT), which is more than twice the length of the Appalachian Trail, as well as the 3,100 mile Great Plains Trail (GPT), which runs from Texas to North Dakota.  We also discover the wild world of naked pooping, a fan-submitted poop paradise on the John Muir Trail, and another edition of Backcountry Matchmaking.   [divider] Listen   Download this episode. [divider] The Trek's Pledge to Do Better BACKPACKER RADIO MERCH Interview with Luke Jordan "Strider" Facebook  North Country Trail  Great Plains Trail QOTD: “What is the proper poop dress code?" Hikerlink! Intro Song: Walking Slow by Animal Years Intro beats: Pauly Boy Shallcross Check out Trail Correspondents Check out The Attempt!  [divider] 00:02:00 – Gardening Updates! 00:04:18 – QOTD: What is the proper poop dress code? 00:10:00 – BPR Merch! 00:12:11 – Intro to Strider (Has hiked the North Country Trail and the Great Plains Trail) 00:12:47 – Where does your interest in backpacking come from? 00:17:30 – Did you have any mentors that told you how crazy it was to start with the NCT? 00:19:24 – How road walks affect the NCT. 00:20:40 – Where the NCT goes! 00:21:30 – Mosquitoes in the upper peninsula 00:27:09 – Support for the North Dakota section 00:30:15 – Inspiration from Andrew Skurka and Nimblewill Nomad 00:31:15 – “We Build Trail in Low Places” – NCT music video on vimeo 00:32:59 – Did Strider meet all 8 people who live in North Dakota? 00:34:40 – Is Strider affiliated with the NCT? 00:36:15 – How big is the non-profit team at the NCT? 00:38:08 – Plans to move the road walks to trail? 00:41:40 – Snow in Minnesota 00:49:39 – Patent Pending: A Dinner Knife that Attaches to Your Shoe to Make Ice Skates 00:58:18 – Any issues with deer ticks/ticks in general? 01:02:45 – What's it like having celebrity status as a thru-hiker on a less travelled trail? 01:07:30 – Ohio and the Buckeye Trail 01:15:00 – Blazes in the NCT Backcountry 01:17:13 – Hiking with maps instead of a smart phone 01:17:40 – How many people have thru-hiked the NCT? 01:19:00 – Stopping his trans-Ozark trail 01:22:00 – Hundreds of tiny ticks in Strider’s ankles 01:28:11 – How is New York? 01:31:30 – Could you do the Finger Lakes section as a wine hike? 01:40:08 – Strider met Ron Strickland 01:44:00 – James Lunning did 5 scenic trails back to back 01:46:10 – Is Strider the only person to have thru-hiked the Great Plains Trail? 01:54:00 – Starting in the desert was a new experience 01:57:30 – You need a support crew to get through New Mexico 01:59:00 – What is there to look forward to walking through Kansas? 02:00:00 – What is the wind like? 02:06:00 – Have you done the cave tours in Wind Cave National Park? 02:23:30 – If you want ______ you should hike the Great Plains Trail 02:25:00 – Where should people go to help out with the NCT or GPT? SEGMENTS Trek Propaganda: The Ultimate Guide to Backpacking Sleeping Bags and Quilts by Kelly Floro A Complete Guide to Resupply on the John Muir Trail by Inga Aksamit Pupdate: Harper is Huge and Misbehaving Triple Crown of Things That Make You Uneasy (?) Mail Bag! 5 Star Review Backcountry Matchmaking: Jeff aka "Chef Boy R.D.": @Pieceof_jake Kate "Stickerz": @katieb3th11 Buckeye: @therealjyoungs Buy Chaunce's book! Find Strider on Facebook: @StriderNCT   [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, Janelle L, S11N, Sawyer Products, and Thomas Fullner A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Dcnerdwallet, Jacob Northrup, Jason Lawrence, Jeff LaFranier, Jeffrey Miller, Mark Snook, Mitchell, 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.

#72 | Luke "Strider" Jordan on the North Country Trail and Great Plains Trail

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio, presented by The Trek, we are joined by Sarah Jones Decker, author of the new gorgeous photobook "The Appalachian Trail: Backcountry Shelters, Lean-tos, and Huts".  We learn what goes into a project as massive as doing a photo essay of all of the AT's shelters, Sarah's personal favorites, the history of these structures, which have the best privies, and much more.  Sarah is also the co-owner of Root Bottom Farms, an organic farm based in North Carolina, and we selfishly pick her brain on how to suck less as plants.   We close out the show with a triple crown of things that start with "W", a pupdate, some suggestions for using trail runners on rocky terrain, and another edition of Backcountry Matchmaking.  BACKPACKER RADIO MERCH Interview with Sarah Jones Decker "Harvest"  Website Rottbottom Farm Website AT Shelter Book Instagram QOTD: “Why is it so hard to keep houseplants alive?"  Save 15% at GossamerGear.com by using code "ATDRINK15" at checkout. Save 5% at Zpacks.com by using code “THANKSZACH” at checkout. Hikerlink! Backpacker Radio Merch! Intro Song: Walking Slow by Animal Years Intro beats: Pauly Boy Shallcross Check out Trail Correspondents Check out The Attempt!    [divider] 00:03:00 - Sarah’s Backpacking Resume  00:04:00 - Sarah has hiked the AT twice! 00:05:15 - Differences on the AT in 2008 vs. 2018-2019? 00:07:37 - What was your inspiration to thru-hike the AT? 00:08:25 - Are thru-hikers now the same as when you were 16?  00:08:50 - What is your educational background? 00:10:37 - Give us the intro to your AT Shelters book! 00:13:00 - Have you always been into history? 00:14:00 - How did you document while hiking?  00:14:38 - What are the most inconvenient shelters to get to?  00:18:40 - Is breastfeeding ever an issue on trail?  00:19:30 - When did the initial shelter book idea come to you?  00:20:00 - Did you fall into any type of routine? 00:21:00 - Additional contributors  00:23:00 - Elevator Pitch of AT shelters 00:26:34 - How many shelters can you get pizza delivered to?  00:31:00 - Camera Gear Setup 00:32:55 - What’s your favorite shelter?  00:37:47 - What’s the most underrated shelter?  00:40:00 - Double Shelters 00:45:00 - What shelter has the most history?  00:47:00 - What is it like to release a book during a pandemic?  00:48:00 - How many events did you have to cancel?  00:49:15 - What is the oldest shelter? 00:54:09 - What’s the biggest shelter?  00:54:54 - Which shelter has the best view?  00:57:00 - Conflicting Information 00:58:50 - Best Privy on the AT?  01:07:20 - One shelter you wouldn’t sleep in?01:11:57 - What shelter has the best water source? 01:14:33 - What is the Priest shelter?  01:15:03 - Top tips for trail shelter etiquette  01:17:27 -  The Shelter Graveyard 01:18:20 - The Only Shelter That Was Ever Stolen  01:19:20 - Tips for people who want to pitch a book to the ATC?  01:30:12 - Someone had a baby in her house and lied about it  01:33:18 - What tips do you have for starting photographers? 01:36:30 - You are a mom?  01:37:50 - Carrying a baby  01:39:54 - How does hiking change with a child? 01:41:38 - What about Falling with a baby?  01:43:17 - Advice for hiking with a baby?  01:45:17 - How do you manage diapers while hiking?  01:46:29 - Tell us about your poster of 444 different AT signs?  01:47:35 - The AT poster 01:50:25 - Can we talk about gardening? Introduction to Rootbottom Farm. 01:54:20 - What’s killing our plants?? 01:56:30 - Tricks for a Fiddle Leaf Fig?  02:01:03 - Which plants are friends?  02:02:30 - 101 for starting a raised bed garden? 02:07:33 - Can you tell us about microgreens? 02:16:00 - Where to find Sarah?   SEGMENTS   02:17:00 - Triple Crown of things that start with W. 02:23:42 - Pupdates 02:31:20 - Did Chaunce watch the Last Dance?  02:32:50 - Mail Bag 02:37:28 - 5 Star Review  02:39:29 - Stickers?  02:40:26 - Backcountry Matchmaking Katie, @katiecoryell Ross, @Ross_Berry Debi, Email: debirodriguez4@gmail.com Instagram: @Bluemoonrising2021,  or Facebook: Debi Rodriguez (BlueMoon). 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, ineedcoffee 17, S11N, Sawyer Products, and Thomas Fullner. A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Dcnerdwallet, Jacob Northrup, Jason Lawrence, Jeff LaFranier, Jeffrey Miller, Mark Snook, Mitchell, 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.

#71 | Sarah Jones Decker on Appalachian Trail Shelters

Today we are joined by Shug Emery.  In addition to being a hammock enthusiast, with almost 100,000 YouTube subscribers, Shug's previous profession was as a circus clown for Barnum and Bailey.  We obviously go way down the traveling circus rabbit hole, and we promise you his stories do not disappoint.  Shug also shares his top tips for beginning hammockers, what his setup looks like, and what goes into making a successful YouTube channel. We close out the show with some Trek propaganda, a triple crown of things we will no longer take for granted, and, another edition of backcountry matchmaking. Interview with Sean "Shug" Emery YouTube: ShugEmery QOTD: “What's the one thing you've learned about yourself during this pandemic?"  Save 15% at GossamerGear.com by using code "ATDRINK15" 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] 00:03:00 - Chaunce is BORED 00:08:45 - Zach doesn’t like pandemics. 00:09:06 - Interview with (and intro of) Shug (Sean Emery)! 00:10:42 - How Shug got started as a clown 00:12:20 - Clown College is competitive! 00:18:08 - Clown College Know-It-Alls 00:20:10 - Stories from the Circus  00:25:40 - How many days a week is the circus? Do you get time off?  00:28:06 - Spotlight guys always know where the good weed and food is! 00:28:48 - Is there a hierarchy in the circus?  00:33:20 - Why do people get into clowning? It’s not for the pay, so what’s the draw?  00:41:30 - What was your clown name?  00:43:20 - Where did the name Shug come from?  00:48:55 - What are the top skills for becoming a great clown? 00:53:08 - You went on to do a solo clown show?  00:59:00 - At the end of Clown College you get selected for contracts, and not everyone goes! 01:07:20 - Any circus secrets you can reveal?  01:14:10 - Why do you hammock?  01:16:07 - What is your backpacking background?  01:23:11 - If someone had a free week, what would you recommend for the Boundary Waters?   01:26:22 - Why hammock over tenting?  01:29:51 - What should someone look for in a good hammock?  01:35:16 - What is a good hammock hang vs. a bad hammock hang? 01:45:26 - Is Minnesota a wet state? 1:46:30 - What’s your setup on a -40 night?  01:48:28 - Advice from someone in your age range (early 60’s) who wants to start backpacking?  01:52:30 - Shug does art, too! 01:59:08 - Putting out content is hard! 2:00:20 - Any parting advice?  02:15:00 - Find Shug on YouTube   SEGMENTS 02:18:30 - Trek Propaganda 02:19:30 - Triple Crown of Things We Took For Granted! 02:30:22 - Did Chaunce watch the last dance?  02:31:57 - Things that aren’t Coronavirus  02:33:15 - Zach has never heard of cookie cake??  02:37:00 - Pupdates (also a poop story)  02:44:50 - Mail Bag  02:48:08 - Backcountry Matchmaking! Contestants:  Kyle "Birdman"'s Instagram: @kylecwicks Lauren's Instagram: @xlaurenx04 Joe's Email: rebelweather@gmail.com  02:57:11 - 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, 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.

#70 | Sean "Shug" Emery on Hammock Camping and Life as a Circus Clown and

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.

#69 | Will "Akuna" Robinson

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.

#68 | Jean Muenchrath on Her Near Death Experience in the High Sierra

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.

#67 | When Can We Backpack Again? A Chat with Public Health Experts + 2020 NOGO Thru-Hikers

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.

#66 | Drunk Q&A + An Absurd Poop Story

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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