In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by LMNT, we are joined by acclaimed author, marriage therapist, and speaker, Michele Weiner-Davis, known in my household simply as "mom". 

Being our Valentine's Day episode, this one is meant to equip you with the knowledge necessary to make your relationship flourish. We cover a range of questions, both general tips on how to improve your relationships, but also thru-hiking specific scenarios, including how to navigate when one partner is on the trail and the other is back home, encountering challenges when hiking together, and how to get buy in from nervous parents (a subject in which my mother is overqualified to speak on). Chaunce also attempts to get Badger to blush by asking embarrassing questions about his past. 

We wrap the show with some sobering news about how listeners can help a past guest in her fight against cancer; Chaunce and her fiance, Garrett, air out their pettiest fights; and we search for the perfect word for that post-massive dump feeling.

LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at drinklmnt.com/trek.

Gossamer Gear: Use code “BACKPACKER20” for 20% off packs at gossamergear.com. 

[divider]

Interview with Michele Weiner-Davis

• Michele's Website

Time stamps & Questions

00:05:15 - Reminders: Join us for our live show in Austin, listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon, and apply to blog for the Trek!

00:09:00 - Introducing Michele

00:09:50 - What are you most proud of professionally?

00:12:15 - What’s the crossover between saving marriages and raising children?

00:13:27 - How does your work influence your own marriage?

00:14:35 - What is it like being mother to Zach Davis?

00:16:10 - What’s the dumbest thing you’ve ever seen Zach do?

00:19:22 - Describe why Zach is called the feral child

00:21:28 - What is something about Zach you don’t think the listeners would know?

00:22:45 - What was your advice to Zach when he was engaged and about to hike the PCT?

00:24:48 - How did you get into this work in the first place?

00:29:30 - In what other ways is your angle different from the average therapist?

00:31:00 - Should marriages always be saved?

00:33:18 - Where are the key areas where relationships go wrong?

00:36:50 - How can someone hiking make their partner at home feel valued?

00:43:50 - Discussion about parents reacting to their children's thru-hikes

00:47:30 - How long did it take you to feel comfortable with Zach being on the AT?

00:49:00 - How would you handle a situation where the person at home feels jealous?

00:54:25 - “I love hiking but my wife doesn't. She's short (under 5ft) so how big a backpack would I need to kidnap, I mean, carry her in? Seriously she hates camping and nothing I've tried works. We've been married for almost thirty years. Any suggestions?”

00:55:25 - “If a marriage is already rocky, do you think that sharing a thru-hike is more likely or less likely to help fix a relationship?”

00:58:38 - “So I’m single and not only am I getting into long distance backpacking but I also work in film where we could be hired for a project that has us traveling for months at a time within a week of being hired. I often find myself hesitant to get into a relationship with someone who has a more stable 9-5 lifestyle. How can I approach the initial conversation to set expectations of these long gaps in availability? Should I just stick to dating people in my industry/ people with less traditional lifestyles? Thanks!”

01:00:50 - How would you advise a child to get their parent’s sign off for a hike?

01:07:37 - “My partner supported me initially with my desire to do multi day backpacking trips. However, he's now made comments about how he hopes I'm not planning to make this a regular thing (I've gone away twice for ~2.5 weeks). I realize it's a lot to ask when you are a parent, even though our kids are teens, but I do want to be able to continue to enjoy these trips (he's not interested). How would you approach this situation to avoid resentment building on both sides?”

01:11:33 - “Do couples who make it through a thru-hike together really stay together?”

01:16:22 - What kind of conversations can people have prior to the end of the trail?

01:18:07 - “One of the most difficult parts of a thru hike for my wife and I is the time away from each other, but once we get over that and the trail is finished the next hardest thing for both of us is just getting used to being around each other again, we both have basically lived separate lives for the past few months and have become used to our own routines and now we’re stuck with each other again. Any tips for making that transition back into “normal” married  life any easier.”

01:21:38 - “I’m considering a thru-hike during a career break. My husband doesn’t have the same time off work so I would be hiking without him. He’s very supportive of my hiking plans but I worry about what it will do to our marriage if I have this transformational experience without him. Any advice on managing this?”

01:26:55 - “How do I deal with the guilt of leaving a spouse at home while I’m hiking like a happy forest fairy?”

01:28:10 - “Do we outgrow people and stagnate our own growth, or is this a misconception?”

01:32:42 - How much of a good relationship is meeting your soulmate and how much is working towards it?

01:33:45 - Do you think anyone can make a relationship work with anyone?

01:35:45 - Stay Salty Question: What is your hottest take in the world of relationships?

01:40:40 - Is there a book you’d recommend for thru-hikers?

Segments

Trek Propaganda

• Fundraiser to Support Renee "She-Ra" Patrick
• The Ultimate Guide to Making Coffee on Trail by JT Simmons

QOTD: What word describes that sweet relieving feeling after taking a big dump?

Triple Crown of petty things you’ve fought over

Mail Bag

5 Star Review

[divider]

Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.

Leave us a voicemail!

Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)!  Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.

Advertise on Backpacker Radio

Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.

Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok. 

Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years.

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Ben Love, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Derek Koch, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Greg McDaniel, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Liz Seger, Mud Tom, Patrick Cianciolo, Rebecca Brave, Sawyer Products, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, Tracy ‘Trigger’ Fawns

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Bonnie Ackerman, Chris Pyle, David, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Katharine Rudzitis, Lauren Cain, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, Ruth S, and Spencer Hinson.

In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by Topo Athletic, we are A’in your Q’s, with our pal and yours, the lightly bearded Jabba aka The Real Hiking Viking.

In today’s question and answer we dive into a host of nitty gritty backpacking details, including what exactly is in our first aid kit, electronics bag (down to the cords), and our stuff sac systems, including some specific product recommendations. We also chat about our least favorite backpacking trips, our thought process in choosing socks for a backpacking trip, and what we deem as the biggest misuse of money when on a thru-hike. Jabba also updates us on what life has been like sans-beard, the fallout with his girlfriend, and if he plans to bring it back.

We wrap the show with our go to movie theater orders, why corn maintains its shape when shat, the triple crown of cities we'd add an NFL team and what their mascots would be, and we once again dive down the rabbit hole of how often peepee happens during poopoo. Another very mature episode for the archive.

Topo Athletic: Use code “THETREK15” at topoathletic.com.

Gossamer Gear: Use code “BACKPACKER20” for 20% off packs at gossamergear.com. 

AG1: Get your free $79 gift at drinkag1.com/backpacker.

Timeline: Get 33% off your first order at timeline.com/backpacker33.

[divider]

Interview with Viking

• Jabba's Instagram

Time stamps & Questions

00:11:45 - Reminders: Join us for our live show in Austin, listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon, and apply to blog for the Trek!

00:15:05 - Re-introducing Jabba

00:18:57 - What’s life been like since you shaved the beard?

00:26:15 - How long have you been a Joe Pesci impersonator?

00:26:58 - Will you grow the beard back?

00:30:25 - What is in your first aid kit?

00:49:00 - What’s your favorite planet?

00:52:00 - What is your full electronics kit?

01:01:25 - If you had to have an inside/desk job, what would it be?

01:02:45 - What was that in the Orange Bowl?

01:03:26 - What features of the Zerk did you have strong opinions about?

01:15:15 - What’s your least favorite trail over 50 miles?

01:32:35 - Does the carpet match the drapes?

01:33:45 - What is the biggest misuse of money on trail?

01:44:40 - How much thought do you put into your hiking socks?

01:52:00 - Who’s the biggest asshole you’ve ever met on trail?

01:53:17 - How many stuff sacks do you use?

02:08:44 - How old do you think your kids will be for their first backpacking trip?

02:10:45 - What is being married going to do to your thru-hiking career?

02:15:00 - Peak Performance Question: What is your top performance enhancing hack?

Segments

Trek Propaganda: Biden’s Final, Controversial Push for America’s Public Lands by Katie Jackson

QOTD: What is your movie theater order?

QOTD 2: Why does corn come out the same shape as corn?

Triple Crown of cities you’d add an NFL team to

Mail Bag

5 Star Review

[divider]

Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.

Leave us a voicemail!

Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)!  Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.

Advertise on Backpacker Radio

Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.

Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok. 

Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years.

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Ben Love, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Derek Koch, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Greg McDaniel, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Liz Seger, Mud Tom, Patrick Cianciolo, Rebecca Brave, Sawyer Products, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, Tracy ‘Trigger’ Fawns

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Bonnie Ackerman, Chris Pyle, David, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Katharine Rudzitis, Lauren Cain, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, Ruth S, and Spencer Hinson.

In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by LMNT, we are joined by Demetri Coupounas, aka Coup, the founder of GoLite and MyTrail Company. Coup might just be the most interesting man in the world. This conversation takes us through his incredible journey, from his work balancing the federal budget in the '80s and '90s to becoming the first person to complete unsupported hikes of the Colorado Trail and the Long Trail, and how he stumbled upon the once underground world of ultralight backpacking. 

We also dive into the history of GoLite, from its role in popularizing Ray Jardine’s ultralight designs to its meteoric rise with more than 20 retail stores nationwide—without taking any investor money—and its eventual downfall, leading to bankruptcy just a few years later. Coup shares the story of MyTrail Co, his follow-up venture, and how he applied the lessons learned from GoLite while stripping away what didn’t work, and how that eventually failed to achieve launch. 

This episode is an insightful history lesson on GoLite and the world of ultralight backpacking, as well as a fascinating case study on business successes and failures. 

We wrap up the show with a new 2-ounce device that could replace your Garmin InReach, what we consider a satisfactory number of steps in a typical day, and the ultimate Triple Crown of best smells.

LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at drinklmnt.com/trek.

Gossamer Gear: Use code “BACKPACKER20” for 20% off packs at gossamergear.com. 

[divider]

Interview with Demetri “Coup” Coupounas

• Coup's Instagram

Time stamps & Questions

00:10:20 - Reminders: Join us for our live show in Austin, listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon, and apply to vlog for the Trek!

00:12:40 - Introducing Coup

00:15:15 - What are your favorite backpacking Youtube channels?

00:16:25 - How did you get into politics?

00:28:10 - How fucked are we currently and what’s your take on DOGE?

00:34:44 - How did you get into backpacking?

00:42:00 - How would you walk a first time hiker through packing their backpack?

00:51:22 - Do you think fun correlates directly with the weight on your back?

00:53:40 - Why did you take on unsupported hikes?

00:56:35 - Are you pursuing novel experiences or challenging experiences?

00:59:30 - How do you decide what food to bring?

01:05:20 - Tell us about the early days of GoLite

01:10:30 - Did you ever make your own gear?

01:12:02 - Did you have a personal relationship with Ray Jardine?

01:14:55 - Was Ray an owner in the business?

01:17:17 - What were the biggest initial sellers?

01:21:15 - How much effort was involved in convincing people to go lighter?

01:27:02 - What were the first 12 products?

01:38:15 - What did your typical customer look like?

01:46:00 - What was the process of scaling GoLite?

01:55:00 - Why didn’t selling direct work well?

02:01:20 - What happened in 2013 and 2014?

02:10:00 - Why didn’t you seek investors when money was running out?

02:17:00 - Discussion about the transition to My Trail Co

02:20:24 - What do you keep from the business when going through bankruptcy?

02:26:12 - What is My Trail Co and did you raise as much money as you expected?

02:30:02 - How many products did you offer?

02:32:31 - When did My Trail Co go out of business?

02:38:16 - Why didn’t My Trail work?

02:42:45 - Did My Trail investors earn dividends?

02:45:00 - How much of the growth of the cottage industry was to blame?

02:53:07 - What are your plans for the future?

03:01:50 - Stay Salty Question: What is your hottest take in the backpacking world?

Segments

Trek Propaganda: Could This 2-Ounce Device Replace Your Garmin inReach? By Katie Jackson

QOTD:  What is a satisfactory number of steps for your average day?

Mail Bag

5 Star Review

[divider]

Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.

Leave us a voicemail!

Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)!  Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.

Advertise on Backpacker Radio

Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.

Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok. 

Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years.

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Ben Love, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Derek Koch, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Greg McDaniel, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Liz Seger, Mud Tom, Patrick Cianciolo, Rebecca Brave, Sawyer Products, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, Tracy ‘Trigger’ Fawns

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Bonnie Ackerman, Chris Pyle, David, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Katharine Rudzitis, Lauren Cain, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, Ruth S, and Spencer Hinson.

In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio, presented by The Trek and brought to you by Topo Athletic, we are joined by Sarah “Mellow” Berkeley, founder of Symbiosis Gear, a pack-making company designed specifically for people with boobs. Sarah shares insights into her unique upbringing in a small log cabin in rural Colorado, her adventures on the Long Trail, PCT, Colorado Trail, and half of the CDT, and her journey to creating a backpack tailored for primarily women. We dive into the inspiration behind her patented S-shaped shoulder strap, the challenges of starting a business with no prior industry experience, the help she’s received from fellow members of the cottage industry, her plans for future expansion, and much more. 

We wrap the show with the announcement of the 2025 Badger Sponsorship, news of a hiker found dead near Mt. Whitney, a debate on when poop officially starts to smell like poop, and the Triple Crown of middle-aged happiness.

Topo Athletic: Use code “TREKWINTER15” at topoathletic.com.

Gossamer Gear: Use code “BACKPACKER20” for 20% off packs at gossamergear.com. 

[divider]

Interview with Sarah Berkeley

• New Symbiosis Gear Survey
• Symbiosis Gear on Instagram
• Symbiosis Gear Website

Time stamps & Questions

00:05:15 - Reminders: Apply for the 2025 Badger Sponsorship, join us for our live show in Austin, apply to blog for the Trek, and listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon!

00:09:07 - Introducing Sarah

00:10:33 - What’s your trail name origin story?

00:11:32 - Tell us about building a log cabin with your family

00:16:27 - How did you end up on the Long Trail?

00:17:50 - Did you bring any simple recipes from the wood stove to backpacking?

00:18:30 - Are you happy your parents created that experience for you?

00:20:30 - Was it psychologically easy for you to adjust to backpacking?

00:22:30 - What was the motivation to move to Leadville?

00:26:20 - Walk us through the early stages of getting into backpacking

00:29:35 - How did you manage the Long Trail with a dog?

00:31:45 - What caused you to stick with thru-hiking?

00:34:35 - Did you solve any gear problems going from the Long Trail to the PCT?

00:37:06 - Were you crafty at that point?

00:40:15 - What do you customize for your packs?

00:43:55 - What does the S-strap do?

00:47:15 - Is chafing a common issue?

00:50:00 - Discussion about the pack design

00:52:27 - Are other brands making female-specific packs?

00:56:10 - What are some common sizing questions?

00:58:45 - Who is your ideal customer?

01:04:30 - What do you see as the next way to open up the product offering?

01:08:00 - Discussion about Chaunce’s bags

01:12:00 - When did the lightbulb for this pack go off for you?

01:14:28 - What’s been the most intimidating part of this effort to tackle?

01:17:05 - What is the fabric on the pack?

01:18:05 - What’s it like to go from being new to having some reviews to support the product?

01:20:00 - Did you hike with Double Dip?

01:21:54 - Did you have other CDT hikers using your pack?

01:23:30 - Are the packs coming from a manufacturer?

01:26:05 - Have you connected with other manufacturers in the cottage industry?

01:27:30 - Do you have investors?

01:28:40 - What other frustrations do you have with female gear?

01:31:35 - Peak Performance Question: What is your top performance enhancing hack?

Segments

Trek Propaganda: 

• Missing Hiker Found Dead on Mount Whitney by Katie Jackson
• REI Announces Mass Layoffs and an End to a Beloved Program by Katie Jackson
• The Best Backpacking Tents for Thru-Hiking in 2025 by the Editors

QOTD:  At what point does poop actually start smelling like shit?

Triple Crown of middle aged happiness

Mail Bag

5 Star Review

[divider]

Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.

Leave us a voicemail!

Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)!  Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.

Advertise on Backpacker Radio

Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.

Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok. 

Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years.

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Ben Love, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Derek Koch, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Greg McDaniel, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Liz Seger, Mud Tom, Patrick Cianciolo, Rebecca Brave, Sawyer Products, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, Tracy ‘Trigger’ Fawns

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Bonnie Ackerman, Chris Pyle, David, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Katharine Rudzitis, Lauren Cain, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, Ruth S, and Spencer Hinson.

In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by LMNT, we are joined by Jared “Snackbox” Champion. Snackbox is s a hiker, father, and Youtuber who, in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Colorado Trail, hiked it almost exclusively with 50 year old gear. 

We talk about the process of sourcing this gear, the hardest items to acquire, the least backpacker-friendly items of the bunch, which gear hasn’t advanced as much, and how his appreciation for gear has changed in light of this experience. Jared also shares the story of bonding with his now-wife over their shared love of the Colorado Trail, life as a professor, managing ADHD on trail, and much more. 

We wrap the show with a last call for Trek Vlogger applications, Chaunce and I share our take on cowboy (and cowgirl) camping, how thin a pancake can be before it's a crepe, and the triple crown of things we've changed our minds on.

LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at drinklmnt.com/trek.

Gossamer Gear: Use code “BACKPACKER20” for 20% off packs at gossamergear.com. 

Timeline: Get 33% off your first order at timeline.com/backpacker33.

[divider]

Interview with Jared “Snackbox” Champion

• Jared's Instagram
• Jared's Youtube

Time stamps & Questions

00:05:10 - Reminders: Support us on Patreon, get tickets to our live show in Austin on April 17, and apply to vlog for the Trek!

00:07:45 - Introducing Jared

00:08:15 - What’s your trail name origin story?

00:09:50 - What’s your favorite dad joke?

00:10:14 - Tell us about your hiking resume

00:11:45 - Tell us about meeting your wife on trail

00:16:34 - Tell us about hiking the Dodson Loop in Big Bend

00:18:33 - Sell Zach on the Collegiate Loop

00:21:50 - Where did this CT hike idea come from?

00:24:30 - Discussion about being a professor

00:27:00 - Discussion about finding sponsors

00:30:55 - Discussion about choosing the shoes

00:32:30 - What pack did you use?

00:35:40 - What tent did you use?

00:38:00 - How did you determine what gear you could cheat on a bit?

00:41:30 - What sleeping bag did you use?

00:44:37 - What did you bring for apparel?

00:45:50 - What was the weight of your pack and how did your mileage change?

00:48:50 - What’s your overarching thesis about the hike?

00:52:45 - Do you appreciate ultralight gear more now?

00:55:12 - When does the documentary come out?

00:56:50 - How does ADHD interface with your backpacking experience?

01:03:07 - What fun Colorado Trail history facts do you have?

01:05:02 - Do you know what your next project will be?

01:07:30 - Do you think thru-hiking has curbed any negative symptoms of ADHD?

01:08:40 - Stay Salty Question: What’s your hottest take in the world of backpacking?

Segments

Trek Propaganda

• Be Honest. Do Any of You Actually Like Cowboy Camping? By Kelly Floro
• 12,000 Miles and Counting: Peg Leg’s Backpacking Gear That Survived the Triple Crown and Beyond by Peg Leg

QOTD: How thin can a pancake be before it becomes a crepe?

Triple Crown of things you’ve changed your mind on

Mail Bag

5 Star Review

[divider]

Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.

Leave us a voicemail!

Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)!  Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.

Advertise on Backpacker Radio

Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.

Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok. 

Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years.

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Ben Love, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Derek Koch, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Greg McDaniel, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Liz Seger, Mud Tom, Patrick Cianciolo, Rebecca Brave, Sawyer Products, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, Tracy ‘Trigger’ Fawns

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Bonnie Ackerman, Chris Pyle, David, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Katharine Rudzitis, Lauren Cain, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, Ruth S, and Spencer Hinson.

In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio, presented by The Trek and brought to you by Topo Athletic, we are joined by Vince and Georgie Strawbridge, one-third of the six-person thru-hiking family. We last caught up with the Strawbridges in early 2020, when they were freshly off their hike of the PCT. Since, they’ve conquered both the CDT and the AT, completing the Triple Crown as a full family. 

We dive into the high and lowlights of these treks from the perspectives of Vince (dad) and Georgie (the youngest in the family). They share insights on navigating the CDT during COVID, overcoming multiple bouts of hypothermia, how one Strawbridge daughter managed to hike the CDT despite being severely anemic, why the AT ranked as their least favorite of the Triple Crown trails, hiking the AT as a group of seven (adding another kiddo for this one), some especially serendipitous instances of trail magic, and Vince’s unconventional—and hilarious—efforts to convince his wife, Monica, to take on another thru-hike, including a group therapy session with their friends. 

We wrap the show with new of a job opening at Backpacker Radio, we ponder how far from a star you should be before it’s safe to stare, a FMK of places to get wet, a breakdown of how much more expensive it is to hike the AT these days, and the Triple Crown of human names that sound like they could double as state names.

Topo Athletic: Use code “TREKWINTER15” at topoathletic.com.

Gossamer Gear: Use code “BACKPACKER20” for 20% off packs at gossamergear.com. 

[divider]

Interview with Vince & Georgie Strawbridge

• Strawbridge Instagram
• Strawbridge Youtube
• Pretty Good at Walking by Vince Strawbridge

Time stamps & Questions

00:05:34 - Reminders: Apply to join the BPR team or vlog for the Trek, get tickets to our live show in Austin on April 17, and support us on Patreon!

00:11:20 - Introducing Vince & Georgie Strawbridge

00:12:12 - How did Georgie break her leg?

00:13:18 - How old are all the kids now?

00:15:00 - How has your interest in hiking changed since you were last on the podcast?

00:16:06 - How do you feel about hiking as a kid?

00:18:49 - How did you find time to write the book?

00:25:25 - What did you learn through writing the book?

00:28:20 - Did Zach & Chaunce find parallels between hiking and writing?

00:32:20 - Now that you’re older, have you noticed hiking feeling different?

00:33:50 - How did you decide on the CDT next?

00:39:27 - How should Zach get his kids to like hiking?

00:43:40 - What was the result of the group referee sessions?

00:45:45 - What are some highlights of the first part of the trail?

00:48:35 - How did you manage the logistics after the first 400 miles?

00:51:00 - What was your dog encounter?

00:52:50 - How did you manage schooling on trail?

00:54:53 - What were some cool stories that overlapped with the trail?

00:59:40 - How does your homeschooling curriculum interact with applying to college?

01:03:10 - What do you want to do when you grow up?

01:04:10 - Tell us about the time you took too much Benadryl

01:07:35 - What was the tent breakup on the CDT?

01:09:22 - What was your level of enjoyment on the CDT?

01:10:30 - Did you notice your own growth between the trails?

01:11:27 - What’s the dynamic between you and your siblings?

01:14:20 - Tell us about the September storm

01:20:20 - Do you ever have meetings without Vince?

01:24:00 - Discussion about finding out June was anemic

01:26:50 - Were you hesitant to have June join you on the AT?

01:27:52 - How did you decide to go northbound on the AT?

01:29:17 - What was it like going from the CDT during covid to the AT northbound?

01:34:00 - How did you weigh the pros and cons of hiking as a large group?

01:38:20 - Did you get any negative comments online?

01:43:26 - Did it feel like you were in easy mode on the AT?

01:47:30 - Story about running out of food

01:49:50 - What was it like getting your first real trail magic experience?

01:54:40 - Did someone get trench foot on this hike?

01:55:30 - What was it like to reach the sign on Katahdin?

01:57:45 - How has the Triple Crown experience changed your kids?

02:01:30 - Would you want to be homeschooled again?

02:04:45 - Give us the highlights of the Great Divide Trail

02:08:15 - Who handles cold water better?

02:09:13 - What was it like navigating the fire season?

02:13:18 - Is the hitching culture different in Canada?

02:14:10 - Tell us about your plans for 2025?

02:16:39 - Peak Performance Question: What’s your top performance enhancing hack?

Segments

Trek Propaganda

• Is It Getting More Expensive To Thru-Hike the Appalachian Trail? by Kelly Floro
• Thru-Hiking With Eczema (and How My Body Surprised Me Along the Way) by Amanda Campbell

QOTD: How far from a star must you be to be safe to stare?

Triple Crown of (human) names that sound like they could be names of states

Fuck Marry Kill: Places to get wet

Mail Bag

5 Star Review

[divider]

Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.

Leave us a voicemail!

Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)!  Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.

Advertise on Backpacker Radio

Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.

Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

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Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years.

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Derek Koch, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Greg McDaniel, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Liz Seger, Mud Tom, Patrick Cianciolo, Rebecca Brave, Sawyer Products, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, Tracy ‘Trigger’ Fawns

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Bonnie Ackerman, Brett A, Chris Pyle, David, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Jack Greene, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Katharine Rudzitis, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, Ruth S, and Spencer Hinson.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by LMNT, we are joined yet again by Kyle O’Grady of Kyle Hates Hiking for our 2nd live podcast, recorded at the Skylark Lounge in Denver. This episode is action-packed. We kick off the episode by shaving Viking’s beard. The beard shaving is the ultimate entertainment,  we encourage you to check this one out on YouTube. 

Kyle then shares an exclusive trail mystery about a local Colorado man who disappeared while pursuing another man who also vanished under mysterious circumstances. We also talk shop about YouTube, discussing how Kyle has grown his channel to over half a million subscribers, and he breaks down some of the most intriguing mysteries he’s covered in the past year. And we take some questions from the audience. 

We wrap the show by debating the largest animal we could take in a fight, the Triple Crown of Euphemisms for Masturbating, acknowledging the ceiling’s butt plugs, and much more.

LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at drinklmnt.com/trek.

Gossamer Gear: Use code “SNUGGLEBUG” for 20% off shelters at gossamergear.com. 

Sierra Club Outings: Use code “BACKPACKER” for $100 off at outings.sierraclub.org.

Timeline: Get 33% off your first order at timeline.com/backpacker33.

[divider]

Interview with Kyle O’Grady

• Kyle's Instagram
• Kyle's Youtube

Time stamps & Questions

00:07:00 - The Shaving of the Beard

00:19:20 - Reminders: Subscribe to our newsletter, get tickets to our live show in Austin on April 17, and support us on Patreon!

00:20:53 - Introducing Kyle

00:23:30 - What has led to the growth in your channel over the past year?

00:26:55 - Kyle’s new outdoors mystery

00:56:15 - How many trail mysteries have you covered thus far? What are the themes?

01:01:28 - What are the meanest things people say about you?

01:03:15 - Discussion about Youtube thumbnails and strategy

01:05:55 - Do you really hate hiking?

01:11:20 - A second trail story from Kyle!

01:21:25 - When are you hiking the CDT?

01:23:10 - How long does each portion of a Youtube video take?

01:27:30 - How did your PCT miles go this year?

01:31:55 - Should hikers prepare their own missing posters?

01:35:10 - What are your favorite ultralight jerk pro tips?

01:40:28 - What inspired you to start your Youtube channel?

01:45:00 - What’s your most popular video and why do you think that is?

01:46:35 - What is your most overrated ultralight luxury?

01:48:05 - Are you planning to hike the AZT?

01:49:35 - Discussion about desert hiking

01:52:25 - How do you keep your hobby separate from your job?

01:55:50 - Stay Salty Question: What’s your hottest take in the world of backpacking?

Segments

QOTD: What’s the largest animal you could beat in a fight?

Triple Crown of euphemisms for masturbating

Mail Bag

5 Star Review

[divider]

Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.

Leave us a voicemail!

Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)!  Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.

Advertise on Backpacker Radio

Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.

Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok. 

Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years.

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Ben Love, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Derek Koch, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg McDaniel may he bring honor to his name, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Liz Seger, Mud Tom, Patrick Cianciolo, Rebecca Brave, Sawyer Products, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, Tracy ‘Trigger’ Fawns

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Bonnie Ackerman, Chris Pyle, David, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Katharine Rudzitis, Lauren Cain, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, Ruth S, and Spencer Hinson.

In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio, presented by The Trek, we’re joined by Patrice and Justin La Vigne. Over the past decade-plus, Patrice and Justin have traded their corporate grind for, in their words, “a life less ordinary.” From their first thru-hike of the AT in 2011 (drink), to managing a hostel, embarking on multiple van tours to spread the thru-hiking gospel, thru-hiking the TA in New Zealand, and now living in a 300-square-foot cabin on the outskirts of Denali National Park in Alaska—they’ve done it all. 

We dive into how they restructured their lives around adventure, what it’s really like living in a tiny cabin in remote Alaska, why moose are jerks, the challenges of thru-hiking with Crohn’s, and much more.

We wrap the show with the story of a man accused of staging a bear attack to cover up a murder, what the funniest sounding fart is (and introducing Chaunce to the world of covering your farts), and the triple crown of New Year's Resolutions. 

Gossamer Gear: Use code “SNUGGLEBUG” for 20% off shelters at gossamergear.com. 

CTDC: Donate $35 or more or sign up for monthly donations at cdtcoalition.org.

PATH Projects: Use code “THETREK10”  for 10% off at pathprojects.com/thetrek.

[divider]

Interview with Patrice & Justin La Vigne

• Patrice & Justin's Website
• Patrice & Justin's Instagram

Time stamps & Questions

00:03:30 - Reminders: Support us on Patreon for exclusive bonus content AND ad-free episodes and apply to be a 2025 blogger OR vlogger! And grab a ticket to our live show in Austin on April 17!

00:10:00 - Introducing Patrice and Justin La Vigne

00:11:00 - What was the inspiration to hike the AT in 2011?

00:14:25 - What’s the school experience like at ASU and Disney University?

00:19:53 - Tell us about your shakedown hike on the Long Trail

00:23:30 - Why did you decide to go southbound?

00:28:00 - What was your standout insect story on the AT?

00:31:37 - How did the AT lead to your “life less ordinary”?

00:34:20 - What other Disney skills did you carry over to running a hostel?

00:37:46 - At what point did you decide not to return to your careers?

00:48:17 - Which is more glamorous, the van or the hostel?

00:53:00 - How did you end up on the Te Araroa?

00:57:40 - What stood out about the people and culture of New Zealand?

01:01:10 - How long were you in New Zealand?

01:02:37 - What did you between the TA and your van tour?

01:07:30 - Is it more rewarding to travel around doing education than selling gear?

01:10:25 - Tell us about moving to a dry cabin in Alaska

01:18:04 - How do you handle not having running water?

01:22:10 - How do you manage the outhouse?

01:23:20 - What is the town like?

01:25:29 - What is the winter like?

01:29:10 - How do you prevent getting cabin fever in the winter?

01:31:00 - How do you get internet?

01:34:30 - Discussion about the yurt and Alaska amenities

01:35:40 - Have you climbed Denali?

01:44:00 - Discussion about Justin’s Crohn’s disease

01:46:02 - Tell us more about Crohn’s disease on the AT

01:48:32 - Discussion about carrying everything out on Denali

01:52:02 - Do you foresee returning to the corporate lifestyle?

01:54:02 - What’s the next chapter for you?

01:57:40 - Discussion about grizzly bears and moose

02:04:07 - Do you hear stories of people getting attacked?

02:06:58 - Where can people keep up with you?

Segments

Trek Propaganda: Man Accused of Staging Fake Bear Attack To Cover Up a Murder Has Been Arrested by Kelly Floro

QOTD:  What is the funniest-sounding fart?

Wedding Dress of the Week

Triple Crown of New Year’s resolutions

Mail Bag

5 Star Review

[divider]

Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.

Leave us a voicemail!

Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.

Advertise on Backpacker Radio

Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.

Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok. 

Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years.

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Ben Love, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Derek Koch, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg McDaniel may he bring honor to his name, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Liz Seger, Mud Tom, Patrick Cianciolo, Rebecca Brave, Sawyer Products, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, Tracy ‘Trigger’ Fawns

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Bonnie Ackerman, Chris Pyle, David, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Katharine Rudzitis, Lauren Cain, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, Ruth S, and Spencer Hinson.

In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio, presented by The Trek, we are joined by Carson Oliver, known on trail as Anita. Carson is an accomplished thru-hiker, cyclist, and adventurer. Following up his 2019 PCT thru-hike, Carson completed the Calendar Year Triple Crown in 2023. We of course learn all about this remarkable trek, his circuitous route to make it happen, highlights and lowlights from each trail, and much more. Carson also shares some personal stories, including the tragic loss of his father, who was murdered, and how this has shaped his perspective on life.

We wrap the show with news of the oldest woman to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail and a clarification of what it means to thru-hike the AT, and things we wish were holiday traditions, and the triple crown of cringy holiday moments.

Gossamer Gear: Use code “SNUGGLEBUG” for 20% off shelters at gossamergear.com. 

Holiday Book Bundle: Get Badger & Chaunce’s signed book package here.

CTDC: Donate $35 or more or sign up for monthly donations at cdtcoalition.org.

Duer: Get 20% off your first purchase at shopduer.com/backpacker.

[divider]

Interview with Carson Oliver

• Carson's Instagram

Time stamps & Questions

00:03:30 - Reminders: Support us on Patreon for exclusive bonus content and apply to be a 2025 blogger OR vlogger!

00:06:05 - Introducing Carson

00:08:45 - How would you describe yourself?

00:10:22 - Where did you grow up?

00:14:27 - Where do you suspect your sense of adventure came from?

00:16:15 - Did you ride motorbikes in Vietnam?

00:18:20 - Did you find the north to south journey to be dangerous?

00:20:40 - How did your father’s death influence your future adventures?

00:24:38 - How did the PCT interface with processing your grief?

00:26:00 - Tell us about hitting a deer at 75 miles per hour

00:31:20 - Were you afraid to get back on a bike after the accident?

00:36:36 - Tell us about getting your hiking gear in Vietnam

00:40:30 - What’d you get rid of during your hike?

00:41:12 - What was it like to hike through the Sierra during a high snow year?

00:45:00 - Was it hard to split your group in the Sierras?

00:47:40 - Were you happy or sad to reach the end of the snow?

00:49:30 - Tell us about biking across the country

00:53:00 - Were you nervous to mountain bike after the deer accident?

00:55:40 - How do you assess the risk level of mountain biking vs motorcycles?

00:57:22 - How long did your ride take and what route did you take?

01:01:20 - How did your biking experience compare to the PCT?

01:03:00 - Why’d you stop being vegan?

01:04:02 - What was the inspiration for the Calendar Year Triple Crown?

01:07:35 - When and where did you start the trail?

01:13:00 - Was leaving Vermont the first time Type 1 or Type 2 fun?

01:15:45 - Were you stressed out going through the Whites?

01:18:18 - Tell us about being on Franconia Ridge

01:22:40 - Did you sleep in the huts in the Whites?

01:23:30 - How did southern Maine compare to the Whites?

01:25:30 - How was completing the AT and moving to the next trail?

01:30:30 - Did you hike southbound on the CDT and PCT?

01:33:30 - What stories standout from the CDT?

01:35:50 - Did you use your umbrella more for rain or sun?

01:38:00 - Did you ever get the doldrums during your CYTC?

01:40:45 - Any good poop stories?

01:43:35 - What was it like hiking north on the PCT?

01:44:52 - Were you relieved to complete the Sierras?

01:48:15 - What was the highlight of your year?

01:51:05 - Do you have any advice for someone interested in the CYTC?

01:53:40 - Fuck Marry Kill: PCT, CDT, AT and backpacking, motorbiking, and mountain biking

01:55:15 - Kumo Question: What is your favorite historical period and why?

Segments

Trek Propaganda: Linda “Nana” Vanderloop Just Became the Oldest Woman To Thru-Hike the Appalachian Trail by Kelly Floro

QOTD: What do you wish was a holiday tradition?

Triple Crown of cringy holiday moments

Mail Bag

5 Star Review

[divider]

Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.

Leave us a voicemail!

Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)!  Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.

Advertise on Backpacker Radio

Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.

Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok. 

Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years.

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Ben Love, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Derek Koch, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg McDaniel may he bring honor to his name, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Liz Seger, Mud Tom, Patrick Cianciolo, Rebecca Brave, Sawyer Products, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, Tracy ‘Trigger’ Fawns

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Bonnie Ackerman, Chris Pyle, David, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Katharine Rudzitis, Lauren Cain, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, Ruth S, and Spencer Hinson.

In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio, presented by The Trek, we’re joined by Alison Kondler, an Audubon Master Birder—or as we like to call it, a certified bird guru. Alison wows us with her eerily accurate bird calls and shares her immense birding knowledge. We chat about the rarest birds you can spot in Colorado, the best apps for bird identification, why the American Ornithological Society (AOS) is renaming North American birds that are named after people, how to squirrel-proof your bird feeder, tips for turning your yard into a borderline bird sanctuary, and she finally settles the debate on whether birds are in fact government drones. If you’re a bird lover—or even bird curious—this episode is for you.

We wrap the show with a lively debate about whether thru-hiking belongs in the Olympics, the triple crown of underrated wildlife, a former guest obliterating the Arizona Trail FKT, and a generous dose of shameless self-promotion.

Gossamer Gear: Use code “SNUGGLEBUG” for 20% off shelters at gossamergear.com. 

Holiday Book Bundle: Get Badger & Chaunce’s signed book package here.

Sierra Club Outings: Use code “BACKPACKER” for $100 off at outings.sierraclub.org.

LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at drinklmnt.com/trek.

[divider]

Interview with Alison Kondler

• Alison's Instagram
• Alison's Facebook
• Alison's TikTok
• Alison's Youtube
• Alison's LinkedIn

Time stamps & Questions

00:03:30 - Reminders: Support us on Patreon for exclusive bonus content and apply to be a 2025 blogger OR vlogger!

00:11:14 - Introducing Alison

00:11:50 - What is an Audubon Master Birder?

00:13:45 - What does someone do with this certification?

00:15:10 - Was your family very into birds?

00:16:07 - When did you first interact with birds?

00:17:10 - What’s the outcome of interacting with birds?

00:20:30 - How long did it take you for your calls to be indistinguishable from birds?

00:22:20 - Can you make other animal sounds?

00:25:19 - What are the most common birds you’ll hear in Colorado?

00:27:45 - What are the rarest birds you’ll hear in Colorado?

00:29:40 - Discussion about the common ages of birders

00:30:37 - What’s your take on the movie The Big Ear?

00:31:50 - How do you prove that you’ve seen all the birds you claim?

00:32:57 - What Colorado birds would people travel from out of state to see?

00:33:50 - What’s your take on pet birds?

00:34:17 - Which birds are the asshole birds?

00:35:44 - What’s the easiest bird call to teach to others?

00:37:40 - How do you pick the right bird feeder for your yard?

00:39:35 - On a scale of 1 to 10, where do you stand on squirrels?

00:41:45 - What is the prettiest bird call?

00:43:20 - Bird call trivia

00:45:35 - How do you get rid of woodpeckers on your house?

00:47:40 - What’s your view on crows?

00:49:30 - Are you familiar with bird folklore?

00:51:05 - Bird call trivia round 2

00:53:05 - Why is the American Ornithological Society changing the names of many birds?

00:57:55 - What’s some hot gossip in the bird world?

00:59:20 - What makes a good area to go birding?

01:00:45 - What are some fun facts about ducks?

01:02:10 - Fuck Marry Kill: Ducks, geese, swans

01:03:50 - Aside from Colorado, where else do you love to watch birds?

01:05:00 - What’s your best bird story?

01:07:00 - Discussion about rescuing birds

01:08:55 - What’s the best birding app?

01:10:30 - Are there any endangered birds in Colorado?

01:11:50 - Are there any organizations dedicated to preserving birds?

01:12:48 - Do you think there’s more to owls than meets the eye?

01:13:40 - Do you think birds might be drones?

01:15:10 - What makes the best bird ecosystem in your backyard?

01:16:47 - Discussion about European starlings

01:19:16 - What bird product is a total scam?

01:21:45 - Any good tips for hummingbird feeders?

01:23:58 - If you could pick one bird to fill the world with, which one would you pick?

01:24:20 - Do you have a strong stance on wind turbines?

01:25:30 - How can people minimize harm to birds in their yard?

01:26:30 - Tell us about your social media following

01:27:53 - What are the best flowers for hummingbirds?

01:29:20 - What are the most common questions you get on social media?

01:31:01 - Kumo Question: What is the strangest dream you’ve ever had?

01:32:32 - What upcoming events are you hosting?

Segments

Trek Propaganda

• Nick Fowler Decimates Fastest Known Time on the Arizona Trail by Katie Jackson
• The Backpacker and Hiker Gift Guide: Under $50 by the Editors

QOTD: Should thru-hiking be an Olympic sport?

Triple Crown of underrated wildlife

Mail Bag (Wade’s Adventures)

5 Star Review

[divider]

Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.

Leave us a voicemail!

Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)!  Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.

Advertise on Backpacker Radio

Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.

Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok. 

Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years.

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Ben Love, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Derek Koch, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg McDaniel may he bring honor to his name, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Liz Seger, Mud Tom, Patrick Cianciolo, Rebecca Brave, Sawyer Products, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, Tracy ‘Trigger’ Fawns

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Bonnie Ackerman, Chris Pyle, David, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Katharine Rudzitis, Lauren Cain, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, Ruth S, and Spencer Hinson.