#137 | Andrew Skurka 3.0

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, Andrew Skurka returns!  Again.  In studio.  Not that you need any convincing to continue listening, but this chat starts normal and devolves into Chaunce tricking him into saying that he'll do sexual things a bug.  We also talk about the new normal of backpacking in the West, we learn about the Skurka Scholarship, and we get a detailed overview of the backcountry bidet butt cleaning technique.  This one has it all. We do a triple crown of reality tv shows, share the sad news of the passing of a beloved PCT trail angel, and give a last call for our internship application.  [divider] LISTEN Download this episode. [divider] Good To-Go: Use code “BPR25” HERE to save 25% on your next order. Free shipping on orders over $100.  Enlightened Equipment: Save 10% off Enlightened Equipment’s Stock Revelation Quilt or Torrid Jacket with code “ultralight10” here.  Hike the International Appalachian Trail, Ulster-Ireland: Go to www.iatulsterireland.com to learn more about this beautiful hike!  [divider] Interview with Andrew Skurka  Time stamps & Questions 00:04:41 - QOTD: What is everyone binging on Netflix right now?  00:12:24 - Reminders: Internship opportunity  00:14:16 - Introducing Andrew Skurka  00:14:57 - What has changed for you since 2021?  00:17:20 - How many minutes a mile do you average? 00:17:58 - How does your passion for running compare to your thru-hiking? 00:19:18 - What does your off season look like?  00:19:50 - Are you wrecked after one of these marathons? 00:21:05 - How many miles are you averaging a week?  00:21:42 - How do you break up your miles throughout the week?  00:22:23 - Why do you prefer road running? 00:22:58 - Has running dulled your excitement for long distance hiking?  00:25:51 - Do you use the van on guiding trips?  00:27:00 - The Guiding Business  00:28:52 - Is there a limit to your trips?  00:30:37 - What makes a good guide?  00:31:40 - What becomes stressful during the trips?  00:33:11 - What happened in 2014?  00:36:42 - Tell us about the guiding services you offer  00:37:30 - What’s the most difficult aspect of a guiding business? 00:38:27 - What does the Olympic Mountains trip have that others don’t?  00:41:21 - What factors do you take into account for trip cancellations?  00:42:54 - Do you think forest closures will becomes more and more common?  00:44:50 - Do you think strict fire-starting rules will be put into place?  00:45:40 - How do you feel about the condition of the West?  00:47:00 - Where are you house hunting?  00:49:42 - What’s your advice for CDT and PCT SOBOs? 00:51:45 - Do you think hikers need to strengthen snow skills?  00:52:24 - Which of your new trips are you most excited about?  00:53:11 - What do you look for when you scout out a new trip?  00:53:48 - Do you plan bailouts?  00:54:19 - What are the deadlines for applying for your trips?  00:54:45 - How many applications do you commonly receive?  00:55:36 - Do you use waitlists? 00:57:17 - How do you weed out applicants?  00:59:50 - Guide Hiring  01:02:21- What got you interested in birding?  01:04:32 - Skurka Scholarship  01:05:43 - Diversity of guiding trips  01:09:13 - Skurka Scholarship deadline - Feb 21st  01:10:48 - Thoughts on gear innovation  01:16:30 - What are your thoughts on inReach Mini 2?  01:22:22 - What other categories have innovation opportunities?  01:24:26 - What’s your least favorite flying insect?  01:25:24 - Fuck, Marry, Kill: Insect version  01:27:36 - Anything else gear-related? 01:29:45 - State of content-websites  01:32:26 - How do affiliate links?  01:34:45 - What’s the future of content websites?  01:36:49 - Voicemail Listener Questions - Backcountry bidet etiquette  01:46:59 - Listener Question - High Sierra in a high snow year 01:47:18 - Listener Question - High route development 01:48:38 - Listener Question - Who does Skurka follow in the outdoor space?  01:50:48 - Find Andrew Skurka: www.andrewskurka.com  SEGMENTS Trek Propaganda:  (Almost) Every PCT Town, Ranked by Taylor Bell Sympathies to the Jerry Dinsmore family  Triple Crown of reality tv shows  5 Star Reviews  Thank you to our Title Sponsor, Good To-Go, Zach’s favorite meals on trail. Place your order at www.goodto-go.com and use code “BPR25” at checkout for 25% off!  [divider] Check out our sound guy @Paulybooyshallcross. 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. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and  Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.  A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Patrick Cianciolo, and Matt Soukup. A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Liz Seger, Cynthia Voth, Emily Brown, Dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Peter Ellenberg, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven.