100 Hikes

An excellent leadership episode on the challenge of a high altitude hike and the importance of being on “both sides of the stage”, two perspectives but the same experience. When do you do the popular hits and when do you try the new material and take a risk?

This is “Jam Band Leadership” with my great friend and 30 year education veteran, Tim Long.

Location: High Amazon Rainforest, Napo, Ecuador

Why do we need to speak multiple languages and what does that actually mean based on latest research? ...or do we need to just stop talking, start listening and start playing.

Some thoughts on the research of Dr. Jim Cummings, translanguaging, the tie in with Daniel Coyle's the Culture Code, and what a couple of kids in the rainforest think about what's important and what is meaningful.

Location: High Amazon Rainforest, Napo, Ecuador

Ever had a chance to hear generational wisdom from the rainforest?

This is my second hang with community leader, educator, and Shaman, Jose, who is kind enough to let me stay with him and his family during the educational work done from Fundacion Pachaysana, and support from my work at El Sauce School with their school.

The hike is around 30min followed by some field recordings at various times of the day, and ending with a music lesson...I'll have to put it in the master mixtape playlist when I learn some tunes before my next trip.

*This episode is in Spanish, which is the second language for both of us (Jose's native language is Kichwa).

Location: Parque Metropolitano, Quito

An unscripted and unfiltered conversation with a great friend, musician, educator, and activist, Santi Jimenez.

We've known each other for over 20 years, first person I ever hired, first person to take me on some crazy gigs in Quito. What is "chemistry" when it comes to relationships and trust...in every sense.

100 Hike Master Mixtape

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2s2hmoLVJc10b6jfifwVXY?si=fMt-GDQPR5mNFDtCL2fbuw

Featured Tracks:

* Mr. Clean - Freddie Hubbard (Roy Hargrove version)*Pobre Corazon – trad. San Juanito

* Chameleon - Herbie Hancock

Location: Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

How do you deal with the insecurity of rejection ? Why do I consider my self a social millionaire and what does that have to do with "no"?

From a mule deer, to the Stockdale Paradox, to my great friend Pepe saying "dude? C'mon!", perhaps some of these anecdotes ring true for you as well. I recorded this over the summer of 2026 while visiting my son at the beautiful YMCA of the Rockies.

100 Hike Master Mixtape

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2s2hmoLVJc10b6jfifwVXY?si=fMt-GDQPR5mNFDtCL2fbuw

Featured Tracks:

* A Love Supreme – John Coltrane

* Betece – Africando All Stars

* Let Your Soul Be Your Pilot – Sting

*Camaleon - Ruben Blades

Location: The extinct volcano of Ilaló, Ecuador

Why do schools and businesses desire innovation, yet resist the very people qualified to build it?

From The Lord of the Rings to Top Gun, let's explore why organizations need disruptors to thrive, yet creates chaos, and why compliance causes stagnation, yet stability, especially in leadership. When do you push the envelope versus when to stay on baseline.

100 Hike Master Mixtape

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2s2hmoLVJc10b6jfifwVXY?si=fMt-GDQPR5mNFDtCL2fbuw

Featured Tracks:

* The Shire – Howard Shore

* Take Five – The Dave Brubeck Quartet

* Won't Get Fooled Again – The Who

Location: Pappallacta, Ecuador.

Neuroscience and "The One Thing Strategy"

How to sustain "flow" for high level learning cultures.

Do you use learning loops?

What do marimba ensembles have to do with the "Talent Code" and "The Culture Code" by Daniel Coyle?

Join me for a hike in the Andes at the gateway to the Amazon river basin at over 10,000ft.

(if you want to skip right to the comparison, it's at 09:30)

Spotify Master Mixtape

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2s2hmoLVJc10b6jfifwVXY?si=WIM1WAItTiuFlFj0hlWn9g&utm_source=copy-link&pi=Cy5vyIDARM-Ka

Apple Music Master mixtape

https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/100-hikes-the-master-mixtape/pl.u-JVLmC1GWko

Location: Chaquinan Portal Pinsha, Ecuador

How did I get to Ecuador?

Is it really necessary to set professional goals?

What awesome tunes go along with this episode?

Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2s2hmoLVJc10b6jfifwVXY?si=HOd1pP9SSViKyJ6iCC8bfQ

Apple Music

https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/100-hikes-the-master-mixtape/pl.u-JVLmC1GWko

Stories, leadership insights, and survival tips through my first 25 years in education, music, and on the trail. Grab your shoes and let's Inspire.Change!