Almost There Adventure Podcast

By almostthereSports Wilderness

Almost There Adventure Podcast episodes

August 01, 2023Episode 89: Josh McNair on Capturing California and More Through His Lens
On this episode: California, Texas BBQ, fame, road trips, and negative YouTube comments. We’re talking with Josh McNair of California Through My Lens.
Josh started out mainly blogging and sharing his photography, and while he still does all of that, today his focus is on his two YouTube channels. This is a great episode for anyone who loves a good road trip and finding hidden gems.
In this Episode
Climbing Mount Shasta – Josh and Jeff climbed together
The Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge – How Josh first learned about Jeff
California Through My Lens – YouTube –
Through My Lens
Mile, Mile & a Half – A film about the John Muir Trail
Huell Howser and California Gold
Episode 50 – Scott Jones and the Unexpected Joys of Travel Quests
Connect with Josh McNair
You can learn more about Josh on his website: California Through My Lens, where you’ll also find links to his YouTube channels and other social media.
Become a Patron
The Almost There Adventure Podcast is and will always be free. If you’d like to help us keep the lights on, we are now on Patreon, where you can support our work with a bus or two (or more) each month. Send us some green and help us keep the pod rolling!
Connect with us!
Like Almost There on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/almostthereadventurepodcast/
Follow Almost There on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/almostthere_ap/
Send us a voice message! https://www.speakpipe.com/AlmostThere
Our Co-hosts
Jason Fitzpatrick – IG: @themuirproject
Saveria Tilden – IG: @adventuruswomen web: AdventurUsWomen.com
Jeff Hester – IG: @thesocalhiker web: SoCalHiker.net
Theme song by Opus Orange. Courtesy of Emoto Music.
The Almost There Adventure Podcast is a celebration of outdoor activities both local and epic. Discussing the big topics and talking to adventurers, artists, legends and activists within the outdoor community.
1 hr 3 min
July 11, 2023Episode 88: Greg Sakowicz - Fat Man on a Little Trail
On this episode: post-hike lunch, dividends, and getting off the couch. We’re talking with Greg Sakowicz — Colorado resident, hiker, traveler and creator of FatManLittleTrail.com.
Greg started hiking after an injury got him thinking about his mental and physical health, and found a love for exploring trails and outdoor spaces well beyond his home in Colorado.
In this Episode
Summer update from Jeff, Saveria and Jason (or “Why episodes have been slow to go live?”).
Coast to Coast Walk – 192 miles across England
Adventurus Women events, 3,500 mile roadtrip, Angel’s Landing, The Loneliest Highway and the Kodachrome Basin.
And… work!
The Fat Man Little Trail origin story
Becoming a hiking newbie during the pandemic
The good (and bad) of AllTrails
Knowing your limits and remembering “the mountains will always be there.”
Post-hike meals, or “How to avoid a caloric deficit.”
REI dividends
Pro tip: Take photos (“I’m not resting… I’m taking a photo!”)
Volunteering with the Indian Peaks Wilderness Alliance
The 52 Hike Challenge
Connect with Greg Sakowicz
You can learn more about Greg on his website: fatmanlittletrail.com
Find Greg on Instagram @fatmanlittletrail
Become a Patron
The Almost There Adventure Podcast is and will always be free. If you’d like to help us keep the lights on, we are now on Patreon, where you can support our work with a bus or two (or more) each month. Send us some green and help us keep the pod rolling!
Connect with us!
Like Almost There on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/almostthereadventurepodcast/
Follow Almost There on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/almostthere_ap/
Send us a voice message! https://www.speakpipe.com/AlmostThere
Our Co-hosts
Jason Fitzpatrick – IG: @themuirproject
Saveria Tilden – IG: @adventuruswomen web: AdventurUsWomen.com
Jeff Hester – IG: @thesocalhiker web: SoCalHiker.net
Theme song by Opus Orange. Courtesy of Emoto Music.
The Almost There Adventure Podcast is a celebration of outdoor activities both local and epic. Discussing the big topics and talking to adventurers, artists, legends and activists within the outdoor community.
1 hr 13 min
May 30, 2023Episode 87: Nicole Antoinette on Writing, Hiking, and Self-Awareness
On this episode: paralysis of analysis, burning your gear, and giving up social media. We’re talking with Nicole Antoinette— author, thru-hiker, former van lifer, and reformed indoor kid.
Nicole is a recent Massachusetts resident, new puppy owner, PCT thru-hiker, and author of a new book How to be Alone – An 800-mile Hike on the Arizona Trail.
In this Episode
Thru-Hiking Will Break Your Heart – by Carrot Quinn, our guest on episode 44.
The Arizona Trail – the hike which became the subject of Nicole’s book.
Connect with Nicole Antoinette
You can learn more about Nicole on her website: www.nicoleantoinette.com
Check out her Wild Letters newsletter on Substack.
Become a Patron
The Almost There Adventure Podcast is and will always be free. If you’d like to help us keep the lights on, we are now on Patreon, where you can support our work with a bus or two (or more) each month. Send us some green and help us keep the pod rolling!
Connect with us!
Like Almost There on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/almostthereadventurepodcast/
Follow Almost There on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/almostthere_ap/
Send us a voice message! https://www.speakpipe.com/AlmostThere
Our Co-hosts
Jason Fitzpatrick – IG: @themuirproject
Saveria Tilden – IG: @adventuruswomen web: AdventurUsWomen.com
Jeff Hester – IG: @thesocalhiker web: SoCalHiker.net
Theme song by Opus Orange. Courtesy of Emoto Music.
The Almost There Adventure Podcast is a celebration of outdoor activities both local and epic. Discussing the big topics and talking to adventurers, artists, legends and activists within the outdoor community.
1 hr 10 min
May 16, 2023Episode 86: Carol ”Cheer” Coyne on Thru-Hiking and Community
On this episode: the Triple Crown, ceramics, corporate finance, and hot chocolate shots. We’re talking with Carol “Cheer” Coyne, thru-hiker and founder of THRU-r.com – a community for thru-hikers, trail angels, and those who would like to be.
Carol got hooked by the Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge in 2017, and has since gone on to thru-hike the Pacific Crest Trail, the Continental Divide Trail, and is currently finishing her Triple Crown on the Appalachian Trail.
In this Episode
Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge – rekindled her love of hiking adventures
THRU-r.com – the hiker community founded by Carol
ADZPCTKO – the now-defunct “kick-off” event for the Pacific Crest Trail
Goat Haunt Ranger Station – where they check your passport before you head south on the CDT
Connect with Carol Coyne
You can find Carol on Instagram @carollcoyne or on YouTube @cheeronthetrail where she currently posting from her AT thru-hike.
Be sure to check out her hiker community at THRU-r.com and her hike-inspired ceramics at Dirtbag Ceramics. And if you’re interested, you can give her Hike Turnt playlist on Spotify a spin.
Become a Patron
The Almost There Adventure Podcast is and will always be free. If you’d like to help us keep the lights on, we are now on Patreon, where you can support our work with a bus or two (or more) each month. Send us some green and help us keep the pod rolling!
Connect with us!
Like Almost There on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/almostthereadventurepodcast/
Follow Almost There on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/almostthere_ap/
Send us a voice message! https://www.speakpipe.com/AlmostThere
Our Co-hosts
Jason Fitzpatrick – IG: @themuirproject
Saveria Tilden – IG: @adventuruswomen web: AdventurUsWomen.com
Jeff Hester – IG: @thesocalhiker web: SoCalHiker.net
Theme song by Opus Orange. Courtesy of Emoto Music.
The Almost There Adventure Podcast is a celebration of outdoor activities both local and epic. Discussing the big topics and talking to adventurers, artists, legends and activists within the outdoor community.
1 hr 5 min
April 29, 2023Episode 85: Benny Braden on Backpacking, Photography and Responsible Stewardship
On this episode: the Smokies 900-Miler, being a documentary star, and picking up litter and being a good steward. We’re talking with avid backpacker and public lands advocate Benny Braden.
Benny is the founder and CEO of Responsible Stewardship, Inc., a 501(c)3 all volunteer, action based nonprofit organization that is dedicated to restoring public lands, outdoor spaces and communities that’s been affected by illegal dump site and litter irresponsibly left behind by others.
In 2017 Benny set the fastest known time (FKT) for the Smokies 900-Miler. He actually did this twice in the same year. His fastest mileage and time set was 924 miles in 43 days. He still holds the record for the most efficient miles for the Smokies 900-Miler.
Benny has around 9,000 miles under his belt with expeditions all over the world. From hiking coast to coast across Scotland to hiking 90 miles along the coast of the Black Sea in Turkey. He’s also thru-hiked the Benton McKaye Trail, John Muir Trail, High Sierra Trail, Uinta Highline Trail, Long Trail, Resurrection Pass Trail, Ocean To Lake Trail, and many more.
He also was featured in the documentary HIGHLINE. A 2020 documentary featuring five friends who hike the Uinta Highline Trail and share their personal story as to why they hike. Benny shares his story as a retired EMT/Firefighter/Rescue Dive who struggles with Post Traumatic Stress (PTS).
In this Episode
Smokies 900-Miler – where Benny set an FKT
MILE, MILE & A HALF – inspired Benny to hike the John Muir Trail
HIGHLINE – a documentary with Benny and others
The Great Outdoor Challenge – an annual “choose-your-own-adventure” hiking challenge across Scotland
Highlander Adventure – Benny participated in their Big Bear event in 2022
Save Our Smokies
Kudzu – an invasive non-native vine found in the south
Connect with Benny Braden
You can find Benny on Instagram @therealbennybraden
You can learn more about Responsible Stewardship, Inc and the amazing work they do at: https://www.responsiblestewardship.org/ and on IG @responsiblestewardship.
Become a Patron
The Almost There Adventure Podcast is and will always be free. If you’d like to help us keep the lights on, we are now on Patreon, where you can support our work with a bus or two (or more) each month. Send us some green and help us keep the pod rolling!
Connect with us!
Like Almost There on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/almostthereadventurepodcast/
Follow Almost There on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/almostthere_ap/
Send us a voice message! https://www.speakpipe.com/AlmostThere
Our Co-hosts
Jason Fitzpatrick – IG: @themuirproject
Saveria Tilden – IG: @adventuruswomen web: AdventurUsWomen.com
Jeff Hester – IG: @thesocalhiker web: SoCalHiker.net
Theme song by Opus Orange. Courtesy of Emoto Music.
The Almost There Adventure Podcast is a celebration of outdoor activities both local and epic. Discussing the big topics and talking to adventurers, artists, legends and activists within the outdoor community.
1 hr 1 min
April 14, 2023Episode 84: Brook Hopper on Sustainable Packaging and the Outdoor Industry
On this episode: Earth Month, wishcycling, ocean pollution, and sustainable packaging. We’re talking with Brook Hopper from A New Earth Project about something any of us who have purchased outdoor gear is familiar with: packaging… and how we can do so much better.
In this Episode
A New Earth Project – Sustainable packaging solutions. You can also follow them on Instagram @anewearthproject and check out their YouTube series.
Wishcycling – “hoping” that item you put in the recycling bin is recyclable, and actually does get recycled. Many items marked recyclable are not curb-side recyclable.
Connect with Brook Hopper
You can find Brook at brookhopper.com and learn more about sustainable packaging at A New Earth Project.
Become a Patron
The Almost There Adventure Podcast is and will always be free. If you’d like to help us keep the lights on, we are now on Patreon, where you can support our work with a bus or two (or more) each month. Send us some green and help us keep the pod rolling!
Connect with us!
Like Almost There on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/almostthereadventurepodcast/
Follow Almost There on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/almostthere_ap/
Send us a voice message! https://www.speakpipe.com/AlmostThere
Our Co-hosts
Jason Fitzpatrick – IG: @themuirproject
Saveria Tilden – IG: @adventuruswomen web: AdventurUsWomen.com
Jeff Hester – IG: @thesocalhiker web: SoCalHiker.net
Theme song by Opus Orange. Courtesy of Emoto Music.
The Almost There Adventure Podcast is a celebration of outdoor activities both local and epic. Discussing the big topics and talking to adventurers, artists, legends and activists within the outdoor community.
51 min
March 29, 2023Episode 83: Alicia Baker on Exploring Utah, Hiking with Dogs, and Guidebooks
On this episode: favorite overcrowded hikes, booties, and hiking with dogs. We’re talking with Alicia Baker, hiker, trail runner, outdoor blogger and guidebook author currently based in Utah. She’s often seen on the trail with her golden lab therapy dog Charlie, and she’s currently training for her first 50k trail run.
In this Episode
52 Hike Challenge – which led to Alicia writing Salt Lake City’s Best 52 Hikes
Bryce Canyon Ultra
Connect with Alicia Baker
You can find Alicia on her website: girlonahike.com, on Instagram @girlonahike, and on YouTube at (you guessed it) YouTube.com/girlonahike.
You can find her books on Amazon:
Hiking Utah’s County High Points
Salt Lake City’s Best 52 Hikes
Become a Patron
The Almost There Adventure Podcast is and will always be free. If you’d like to help us keep the lights on, we are now on Patreon, where you can support our work with a bus or two (or more) each month. Send us some green and help us keep the pod rolling!
Connect with us!
Like Almost There on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/almostthereadventurepodcast/
Follow Almost There on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/almostthere_ap/
Send us a voice message! https://www.speakpipe.com/AlmostThere
Our Co-hosts
Jason Fitzpatrick – IG: @themuirproject
Saveria Tilden – IG: @adventuruswomen web: AdventurUsWomen.com
Jeff Hester – IG: @thesocalhiker web: SoCalHiker.net
Theme song by Opus Orange. Courtesy of Emoto Music.
The Almost There Adventure Podcast is a celebration of outdoor activities both local and epic. Discussing the big topics and talking to adventurers, artists, legends and activists within the outdoor community.
43 min
March 22, 2023Episode 82: Sage Clegg on Thru-Hiking, Wildlife Biology, and Building an Adventurous Life
On this episode: tortoise helicopters, misplaced vs lost, and names that sound like trail names, but aren’t. We’re talking with adventurer, triple-crown thru-hiker, and wildlife biologist Sage Clegg.
We talk with Sage about her “name-name”, her path to thru-hiking — which also led to her working with desert tortoises — and building a life that allows her to prioritize outdoor adventure.
In this Episode
Grand Enchantment Trail in New Mexico/Arizona
Outward Bound
Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) – Sage hiked southbound (SOBO)
Yogi’s PCT Guide
Continental Divide Trail (CDT)
Appalachian Trail (AT)
The Triple Crown
Learn More About Desert Tortoises
Desert Tortoise Council
Ironwood Consulting sometimes hiring for studies
Become a Patron
The Almost There Adventure Podcast is and will always be free. If you’d like to help us keep the lights on, we are now on Patreon, where you can support our work with a bus or two (or more) each month. Send us some green and help us keep the pod rolling!
Connect with us!
Like Almost There on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/almostthereadventurepodcast/
Follow Almost There on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/almostthere_ap/
Send us a voice message! https://www.speakpipe.com/AlmostThere
Our Co-hosts
Jason Fitzpatrick – IG: @themuirproject
Saveria Tilden – IG: @adventuruswomen web: AdventurUsWomen.com
Jeff Hester – IG: @thesocalhiker web: SoCalHiker.net
Theme song by Opus Orange. Courtesy of Emoto Music.
The Almost There Adventure Podcast is a celebration of outdoor activities both local and epic. Discussing the big topics and talking to adventurers, artists, legends and activists within the outdoor community.
55 min
March 15, 2023Episode 81: Emma Maaranen on Professional MTB Racing, the 80% Rule, and Trail Maintenance
On this episode: mountain bike racing, the 80% rule, and trail maintenance. We’re chatting with professional mountain bike athlete, cycling coach and trail advocate Emma Maaranen.
We talk with her about how she entered the world of professional racing, why she ended up started a new women’s mountain bike racing team, the chaos of a race start, the most important training day of the week, and much more.
In this Episode
Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) – getting a UCI pro license gets you into more races
Bowen Sports Performance – where Emma coaches
Moab Rocks – a 3-day stage race where Emma realized she had been over-training
Sisters Stampede – see the photo gallery
TransRockies Race Series – next up for Emma in 2023
COTA – the Central Oregon Trail Alliance (where Emma pays “rent” on her “office”)
Connect with Renee Patrick
You can find her on Instagram @emmamaaranen and on YouTube also @emmamaaranen
Become a Patron
The Almost There Adventure Podcast is and will always be free. If you’d like to help us keep the lights on, we are now on Patreon, where you can support our work with a bus or two (or more) each month. Send us some green and help us keep the pod rolling!
Connect with us!
Like Almost There on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/almostthereadventurepodcast/
Follow Almost There on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/almostthere_ap/
Send us a voice message! https://www.speakpipe.com/AlmostThere
Our Co-hosts
Jason Fitzpatrick – IG: @themuirproject
Saveria Tilden – IG: @adventuruswomen web: AdventurUsWomen.com
Jeff Hester – IG: @thesocalhiker web: SoCalHiker.net
Theme song by Opus Orange. Courtesy of Emoto Music.
The Almost There Adventure Podcast is a celebration of outdoor activities both local and epic. Discussing the big topics and talking to adventurers, artists, legends and activists within the outdoor community.
1 hr 2 min
March 08, 2023Episode 80: Renee ”She-ra” Patrick on the Value of Long-Distance Hiking
On this episode: the Oregon Desert Trail, hikertrash, the Campmor catalog, and ground-truthing. We’re talking with Renee Patrick, self-identified as hikertrash who has been hiking for decades and is currently coordinator for the Oregon Desert Trail.
Renee is a triple-crown thru-hiker with over 20 years of experience planning, hiking, and improving long-distance trails. She is an environmentalist and passionate outdoor enthusiast who believes that long-distance hiking can deepen our relationship with the landscapes and environmental issues that desperately need more advocates

In this Episode
Oregon Desert Trail – A 750-mile route that traverses some of the most spectacular natural areas of the state’s dry side, including the Oregon Badlands Wilderness, Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge, Steens Mountain, the Pueblo Mountains and the Owyhee Canyonlands.
The Peace Corps (unintentionally) helped prepare Renee for long-distance hiking
Appalachian Trail – Renee’s first thru-hike
Pacific Crest Trail – One of her favorite distance trails
Wonderland Trail
Arizona Trail
Continental Divide Trail – Capped off her Triple Crown
Apps: FarOut Guides and Gaia GPS
Blue Mountains Trail and Renee’s article on the history of the trail.
Ground truthing: the facts that are found when a location shown on a map, air photograph, or satellite image is checked on the ground (i.e. hiked), as validation.
And while the newsprint Campmor catalog may be a memory, the company is still around online.
Connect with Renee Patrick
She-ra Hikes – Her personal website
Renee Patrick – Long Distance Trail Consulting – Renee provides insight and services to help long-distance trail organizations and developers to improve the hiking experience and inspire action on behalf of the environment.
You can find her on Instagram @wearehikertrash
Become a Patron
The Almost There Adventure Podcast is and will always be free. If you’d like to help us keep the lights on, we are now on Patreon, where you can support our work with a bus or two (or more) each month. Send us some green and help us keep the pod rolling!
Connect with us!
Like Almost There on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/almostthereadventurepodcast/
Follow Almost There on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/almostthere_ap/
Send us a voice message! https://www.speakpipe.com/AlmostThere
Our Co-hosts
Jason Fitzpatrick – IG: @themuirproject
Saveria Tilden – IG: @adventuruswomen web: AdventurUsWomen.com
Jeff Hester – IG: @thesocalhiker web: SoCalHiker.net
Theme song by Opus Orange. Courtesy of Emoto Music.
The Almost There Adventure Podcast is a celebration of outdoor activities both local and epic. Discussing the big topics and talking to adventurers, artists, legends and activists within the outdoor community.
50 min

About Almost There Adventure Podcast

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A celebration of outdoor activities both local and epic. Discussing the big topics and sharing conversations adventurers, artists, activists and legends in the outdoor community.