In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by LMNT, we are joined by Jeremy Phoenix aka Smitty Werbenjagermanjensen, aka Javos, a Navajo-born, Amish-country-raised, REI-employed, grave-digging, Princeton-attending thru-hiker who completed the Colorado Trail in 15 days on his first ever backpacking trip and has been making up for lost time ever since.

In this one, Smitty walks us through completing the 24-hour challenge three separate times on the PCT, a free solo fall from 35 feet- that he just kind of walked off, getting stalked by a mountain lion, surviving shin splints for almost the full PCT, and a harrowing midnight ice traverse below Mount Whitney with no traction. He also shares what it means to be Navajo in America, including having code talker grandparents and introducing himself to the land before every new section of trail.

We wrap the show with a tribute to longtime Patreon supporter Bill Jensen, who recently passed away on the CDT, the biggest thru-hiking preparation mistake- according to Peg Leg, addressing the question of which direction people predominantly face in the shower, and the triple crown of things you can easily live without but nonetheless should be free for everyone.

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

Gossamer Gear: Use code "BACKPACKERRADIO" for $20 off LT5 Trekking Poles at gossamergear.com.

Shady Rays: Use code "TREK" for 40% off two or more pairs of sunglasses at shadyrays.com.

[divider]

Interview with Jeremy Barney aka Smitty Werbenjagermanjensen

• Jeremy's Instagram
• Jeremy's Youtube

Time stamps & Questions

00:06:30 - Reminders: Sign up for the Trek's newsletter, subscribe to Trail Correspondents, and listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon!

00:09:18 - Introducing Smitty

00:10:34 - Tell us about the 24 hour challenges you've done on the PCT

00:13:00 - How did you get your trail name?

00:16:25 - Tell us about the commercial you did with Alex Hannold

00:22:30 - Tell us about working at REI

00:29:50 - Tell us about growing up Navajo in Pennsylvania

00:35:30 - How did you get started with backpacking?

00:39:00 - Discussion about Smitty's climbing experience and falls

00:42:50 - What is your bucket list of jobs?

00:50:50 - Discussion about Smitty's job as a gravedigger

00:54:15 - How did you decide to hike the Colorado Trail?

01:03:00 - Tell us about the backpacks you've tried

01:08:35 - Discussion about what Smitty sent home from the PCT

01:15:00 - What other gear compromises did you have to make when switching packs?

01:28:55 - What kind of discounts do you get at REI?

01:34:50 - Tell us about meeting Jabba

01:39:00 - Discussion about footwear and injuries

01:41:30 - What was your scariest day on trail?

01:51:40 - Do you have any advice for aspiring thru-hikers?

01:58:00 - Stay Salty Question: What's your hottest take in the world of backpacking?

Segments

Tribute to Bill Jensen

Trek Propaganda: After 22,000 Miles of Thru-Hiking, This Is One of the Biggest Mistakes I See Beginners Make by Peg Leg

QOTD: Do people face the shower head when they shower?

Triple Crown of things you can easily live without, but nonetheless should be free for everyone

Mail Bag

5 Star Review

[divider]

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

Sign up for the Trek's newsletter

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 Bob Peoples Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Bill Jensen, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Bret Mullins aka Cruizy, Bryan Alsop, Carl Lobstah Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Clint Sitler, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Jackson Storm, JaredNotFromSubway, Jason Kiser, Jason "The Snail" Snailer, Luke Netjes, Matty in AZ, Patrick Cianciolo, Randy Sutherland, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, The Saint Louis Shaman, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ackerman, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, Dakota J, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Denise Krekeler, Jack Greene, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Lloyd Harris, Merle Watkins, Peter, Quenten Jones, Ruth S, Salt Stain, Sloan Alberhasky, and Tyler Powers.

Segments

Tiger Facts

Trek Propaganda: Timberline Lodge Ends Breakfast Buffet Popular With Generations of PCT Hikers by James Townsend

QOTD: Do poop pees count as full pees?

Sun Hoodie Review: Fjällräven Abisko Wool Hoodie

Triple Crown of words for penis

Mail Bag

5 Star Review

[divider]

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

Sign up for the Trek's newsletter

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 Bob Peoples Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Bill Jensen, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Bret Mullins aka Cruizy, Bryan Alsop, Carl Lobstah Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Clint Sitler, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Jackson Storm, JaredNotFromSubway, Jason Kiser, Jason "The Snail" Snailer, Luke Netjes, Matty in AZ, Patrick Cianciolo, Randy Sutherland, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, The Saint Louis Shaman, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ackerman, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, Dakota J, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Denise Krekeler, Jack Greene, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Lloyd Harris, Merle Watkins, Peter, Quenten Jones, Ruth S, Salt Stain, Sloan Alberhasky, and Tyler Powers.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by Topo Athletic, we are joined by Matthew Hengst, aka Masochist, an IT-professional-turned-full-time-adventurer who over the past eight-plus years has racked up 20,000 miles hiked, nearly 3,000 miles paddled, 2.5 million feet of elevation climbed, and somewhere north of 300 diving sessions across multiple continents.

Masochist walks us through canoeing 2,400 miles down the Mississippi, the time he fell 25 feet in a remote part of the Sierra and laid there for 15 hours waiting for a helicopter, catching COVID and norovirus back to back at 12,000 feet on the CDT, navigating stealth camping across rural America, terrifying encounters with dogs, and his favorite parts of the Eastern Continental Trail. Matthew also makes a strong case for why the Florida Trail and the Condor Trail are two of the most underrated long trails, and explains why he has no plans to stop adventuring anytime soon.

We wrap the show with the devastating news that Timberline Lodge has ended its breakfast buffet, debating whether poop pees count as full pees, a sun hoodie review on a product that's maybe not a sun hoodie, the triple crown of words for penis (with Chaunce publicly soliciting micropenis photos), and the best way to move legos across the country.

Topo Athletic: Use code "TREK15TOPO" at topoathletic.com.

Gossamer Gear: Use code "BACKPACKERRADIO" for $20 off LT5 Trekking Poles at gossamergear.com.

OnX Backcountry: Use code "TREK70" for 70% off at onxmaps.com

[divider]

Interview with Matthew "Masochist" Hengst

• Matthew's Youtube
• Matthew's Instagram
• Matthew's Website

Time stamps & Questions

00:05:45 - Reminders: Apply to vlog or blog for the Trek, subscribe to The Trek's Youtube, join us for Chaunce's live podcast sendoff, and listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon!

00:11:15 - Introducing Masochist

00:13:10 - Tell us about your life prior to backpacking

00:19:00 - Tell us about your spreadsheets

00:23:14 - Did you grow up in the outdoors?

00:24:40 - Tell us about your relationship

00:30:00 - Tell us about your major injuries

00:36:32 - What's the closest you've ever been to death?

00:38:45 - How do you describe yourself?

00:40:00 - What adventure have you done that gets people the most excited?

00:42:00 - Discussion about paddling the Mississippi River

00:48:20 - What's the elevator pitch on floating the Mississippi River?

00:53:30 - How do you decide what your next trip should be?

00:55:30 - Tell us about the Theodore Solomons Trail

00:59:00 - What's the Desert Trail Border?

01:00:50 - Tell us about the Condor Trail

01:03:00 - What are your tips for stealth camping?

01:06:40 - Did Florida put a bad taste in your mouth when starting the ECT?

01:11:20 - Discussion about bad water in eastern Colorado

01:15:20 - Is there more to why you liked the Florida Trail?

01:18:55 - Tell us about the ECT after Katahdin

01:26:00 - Discussion about dog attacks while thru-hiking

01:30:30 - Why'd you hike the Lone Star Trail?

01:34:25 - Are there any underrated trails you're excited about?

01:37:30 - What are some singletrack loops in California?

01:42:20 - What's your elevator pitch on the San Diego Trans County Trail?

01:44:20 - Did the CDT feel easy?

01:48:00 - What are your go to animal encounter stories?

01:55:20 - Tell us about hiking through extreme weather

01:56:30 - How do you maintain the fun element through all of your hikes?

02:02:40 - Give us your highlights and lowlights from the American Discovery Trail

02:10:50 - Tell us about your health issues in 2025

02:15:55 - Do you ever take time off trail to recover and rest?

02:20:30 - How did you pick the Australian trails you've done this year?

02:28:00 - Have you ever considered bikepacking?

02:29:30 - Peak Performance Question: What is your top performance-enhancing or backpacking hack?

Segments

Trek Propaganda: Timberline Lodge Ends Breakfast Buffet Popular With Generations of PCT Hikers by James Townsend

QOTD: Do poop pees count as full pees?

Sun Hoodie Review: Fjällräven Abisko Wool Hoodie

Triple Crown of words for penis

Mail Bag

5 Star Review

[divider]

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

Sign up for the Trek's newsletter

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 Bob Peoples Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Bill Jensen, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Bret Mullins aka Cruizy, Bryan Alsop, Carl Lobstah Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Clint Sitler, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Jackson Storm, JaredNotFromSubway, Jason Kiser, Jason "The Snail" Snailer, Luke Netjes, Matty in AZ, Patrick Cianciolo, Randy Sutherland, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, The Saint Louis Shaman, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ackerman, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, Dakota J, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Denise Krekeler, Jack Greene, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Lloyd Harris, Merle Watkins, Peter, Quenten Jones, Ruth S, Salt Stain, Sloan Alberhasky, and Tyler Powers.

Segments

Lyme Disease Update

Trek Propaganda: 2026 Hiking Gear Trends, And Whether I Think They're Actually Worth It by Livvy Weld

QOTD: Would you rather have one raccoon know all your secrets and occasionally hint at them or one goose publicly overreact to everything you do?

Stupid Thing of the Week

Triple Crown of gear you can find that's girly

Mail Bag

5 Star Review

[divider]

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

Sign up for the Trek's newsletter

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 Bob Peoples Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Bill Jensen, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Bret Mullins aka Cruizy, Bryan Alsop, Carl Lobstah Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Clint Sitler, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Jackson Storm, JaredNotFromSubway, Jason Kiser, Jason "The Snail" Snailer, Luke Netjes, Matty in AZ, Patrick Cianciolo, Randy Sutherland, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, The Saint Louis Shaman, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ackerman, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, Dakota J, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Denise Krekeler, Jack Greene, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Lloyd Harris, Merle Watkins, Peter, Quenten Jones, Ruth S, Salt Stain, Sloan Alberhasky, and Tyler Powers.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by LMNT, we are joined by our pal Elise Ott, aka Sauce, who gives us a play by play of her recent hike on Portuguese Camino coastal route along with her parents.

SOS walks us through doing the Camino as a tribute to her late brother Curtis, who passed away in February of 2025 after years of living with schizoaffective disorder. She shares his story with honesty and humor, including the time he stole a county parks truck in a three-piece suit, drove it across state lines, and complimented the cop who tackled him, and gets into what it's like to love someone whose illness made them impossible to help, why she doesn't know exactly how he died, and what it meant to scatter his ashes along the coast of Portugal with her parents.

Elise also shares what the Portuguese Camino coastal route is actually like, the food situation (and why it was mas o menos), how it was to hike the trail through a tour operator, navigating language barriers with limited Spanish, and what it's like to hike 13 days with your parents and come out closer on the other side.

We wrap the show with 2026 hiking trends and whether they're actually worth it, debating the classic debate of raccoon-who-knows-your-secrets versus the goose-who-overreacts-to-everything, the triple crown of girly gear, I am very dumb and pulled my hamstring, and we cover a mailbag about wearing contacts on trail.

Warning: this episode contains candid discussion of mental illness, substance abuse, family trauma, and the death of a loved one.

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

Gossamer Gear: Use code "BACKPACKERRADIO" for $20 off LT5 Trekking Poles at gossamergear.com.

OnX Backcountry: Use code "TREK70" for 70% off at onxmaps.com

Shady Rays: Use code "TREK" for 40% off two or more pairs of sunglasses at shadyrays.com.

[divider]

Interview with Elise "SOS" Ott

• Elise's Instagram
• Elise's Website
• Elise's Youtube

Time stamps & Questions

00:05:35 - Reminders: Join us for Chaunce's live podcast sendoff, submit your favorite Chaunce moments or a voicemail for Chaunce, calling all CDT hikers - suggest yourself as a guest, sign up for the Trek's newsletter, and listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon!

00:12:30 - Introducing Elise

00:14:00 - What does a running coach do?

00:19:01 - How do you handle the social pressure of running on Strava?

00:23:09 - How did you end up choosing the Portuguese Camino Coastal Route?

00:26:06 - What are the daily miles, pace, and logistics like on the Camino?

00:29:04 - What was the food like in Portugal and Spain?

00:35:05 - What was the cost of using a tour service, and was it worth it?

00:38:59 - What are the highlights of the towns along the route?

00:45:00 - Discussion about Curtis and the reason for the hike

00:46:18 - What is schizoaffective disorder, and how did Curtis's illness develop?

00:55:51 - What's the story of Curtis stealing the county truck in a three-piece suit?

01:03:10 - Were rehab stints ever helpful for Curtis?

01:18:39 - What was it like fearing for your parents' safety?

01:28:35 - How are your parents doing, and was the hike a positive grieving exercise?

01:32:13 - What do you know about how Curtis died?

01:41:12 - What advice do you have for people loving someone with severe mental illness?

01:45:15 - What were the highlights and best moments of the Camino?

01:46:53 - How did you navigate language barriers in Portugal and Spain?

01:48:24 - What are the funniest parent quirks you discovered on the hike?

01:57:03 - What gear do you recommend for the Camino?

02:07:15 - What was the funniest thing that happened on the trail?

02:10:01 - What is it like managing sleep apnea with a CPAP while backpacking?

02:23:04 - What are your top recovery tips for ultrarunning?

02:27:54 - Discussion about 2026 hiking trends: sleeping pad inflators and Alpha Direct

Segments

Trek Propaganda: 2026 Hiking Gear Trends, And Whether I Think They're Actually Worth It by Livvy Weld

QOTD: Would you rather have one raccoon know all your secrets and occasionally hint at them or one goose publicly overreact to everything you do?

Stupid Thing of the Week

Triple Crown of gear you can find that's girly

Mail Bag

5 Star Review

[divider]

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

Sign up for the Trek's newsletter

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, Bill Jensen, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Bret Mullins aka Cruizy, Bryan Alsop, Carl Lobstah Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Clint Sitler, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Jackson Storm, JaredNotFromSubway, Jason Kiser, Jason "The Snail" Snailer, Luke Netjes, Matty in AZ, Patrick Cianciolo, Randy Sutherland, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, The Saint Louis Shaman, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ackerman, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, Dakota J, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Denise Krekeler, Jack Greene, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Lloyd Harris, Merle Watkins, Peter, Quenten Jones, Ruth S, Salt Stain, Sloan Alberhasky, and Tyler Powers.

Segments

The Tallest Unclimbed Mountains

Trek Propaganda: Roundup Is Being Sprayed in National Forests. Here's What PCT Hikers Should Know by Kelly Floro

QOTD: Would you rather give up sauces or kissing?

Triple Crown of Ways NOT to die

Mail Bag

5 Star Review

[divider]

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

Sign up for the Trek's newsletter

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, Bill Jensen, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Bret Mullins aka Cruizy, Bryan Alsop, Carl Lobstah Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Clint Sitler, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Jackson Storm, JaredNotFromSubway, Jason Kiser, Jason "The Snail" Snailer, Luke Netjes, Matty in AZ, Patrick Cianciolo, Randy Sutherland, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, The Saint Louis Shaman, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ackerman, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, Dakota J, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Denise Krekeler, Jack Greene, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Lloyd Harris, Merle Watkins, Peter, Quenten Jones, Ruth S, Salt Stain, Sloan Alberhasky, and Tyler Powers

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by Topo Athletic, we are bringing you the rare Chaunce and Zach solo pod.

In this one, we tell the full origin story of Backpacker Radio, from the unofficial co-host audition at a hiker meetup, to Chaunce showing up at the wrong restaurant on day one, to almost not making it past the early episodes. We get into how our interviewing dynamic has evolved over eight years, the technical disasters of the early days, the team that quietly makes this whole thing work, our all-time favorite guests, the ones we never aired, the dream guests we still haven't landed, and answer a slew of listener questions.

We wrap the show with a triple crown of worst ways to die, share the news that apparently Roundup is being sprayed in our national forests, opine on whether we'd rather give up sauces or kissing (and debate whether butter is a sauce), and give an overview on how to negotiate a thru-hiking sabbatical from your employer.

Topo Athletic: Use code "TREK15TOPO" at topoathletic.com.

Gossamer Gear: Use code "BACKPACKERRADIO" for $20 off LT5 Trekking Poles at gossamergear.com.

OnX Backcountry: Use code "TREK70" for 70% off at onxmaps.com

[divider]

Interview with Chaunce

Time stamps & Questions

00:06:15 - Reminders: Support Akuna during his recovery, join us for Chaunce's live podcast sendoff, submit your favorite Chaunce moments or a voicemail for Chaunce, apply to be a co-host, check out our new merch, listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon!

00:15:05 - Introducing Chaunce

00:17:10 - What was Zach's initial idea for the podcast and how you decided you wanted a co-host?

00:25:42 - What were your first impressions of each other

00:27:48 - What were your expectations for the podcast's longevity and success?

00:34:20 - Did you discuss the style of the podcast and interview format you wanted?

00:39:43 - How has your co-interviewing strategy changed over the years?

00:59:25 - How are guests chosen for the show?

01:09:58 - What are some surprising things you've learned about making the podcast?

01:19:13 - How many interviews or segments have had to be cut?

01:24:18 - How long did it take to get over saying something dumb on air?

01:32:46 - How has the other person changed since episode one?

01:35:49 - What phrases or habits have you picked up from each other?

01:36:31 - How is the Mile by Mile project going?

01:45:45 - How have you balanced full-time work with hiking and the podcast?

01:53:18 - Were there any episodes where you were sick or physically unwell?

01:59:44 - Discussion about listener & Instagram questions

02:00:28 - How do you manage a friendship while working together?

02:02:43 - If you could go back to the beginning, what advice would you give yourselves?

02:13:27 - Discussion about highest highs and lowest lows from the podcast

02:20:23 - What are a few all-time favorite guests?

02:26:32 - Which guest were you most nervous to interview?

02:28:53 - What were your "I love my job" moments from the show?

02:31:51 - What will you miss most about interviewing together?

02:35:51 - Discussion about podcast segments that lived and died

02:39:23 - What are the remaining dream guests you haven't landed yet?

02:48:00 - Peak Performance Question: What is your top performance enhancing or backpacking hack?

Segments

Trek Propaganda: Roundup Is Being Sprayed in National Forests. Here's What PCT Hikers Should Know by Kelly Floro

QOTD: Would you rather give up sauces or kissing?

Triple Crown of Ways NOT to die

Mail Bag

5 Star Review

[divider]

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

Sign up for the Trek's newsletter

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, Bill Jensen, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Bret Mullins aka Cruizy, Bryan Alsop, Carl Lobstah Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Clint Sitler, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Jackson Storm, JaredNotFromSubway, Jason Kiser, Jason "The Snail" Snailer, Luke Netjes, Matty in AZ, Patrick Cianciolo, Randy Sutherland, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, The Saint Louis Shaman, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ackerman, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, Dakota J, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Denise Krekeler, Jack Greene, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Lloyd Harris, Merle Watkins, Peter, Quenten Jones, Ruth S, Salt Stain, Sloan Alberhasky, and Tyler Powers.

Segments

Long Trail Trivia

Trek Propaganda: Check out the Trek's Youtube

Processing

QOTD: Everyone on earth takes a private vote by pressing a red or blue button. If more than 50% of people press the blue button, everyone survives. If less than 50% of people press the blue button, only people who pressed the red button survive. Which button would you press?

Sun Hoodie Review - REI Flash Shade

Triple Crown of town food to hike out with

Mail Bag

5 Star Review

[divider]

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

Sign up for the Trek's newsletter

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, Bill Jensen, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Bret Mullins aka Cruizy, Bryan Alsop, Carl Lobstah Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Clint Sitler, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Jackson Storm, JaredNotFromSubway, Jason Kiser, Jason "The Snail" Snailer, Luke Netjes, Matty in AZ, Patrick Cianciolo, Randy Sutherland, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, The Saint Louis Shaman, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ackerman, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, Dakota J, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Denise Krekeler, Jack Greene, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Lloyd Harris, Merle Watkins, Peter, Quenten Jones, Ruth S, Salt Stain, Sloan Alberhasky, and Tyler Powers.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by LMNT, we are bringing you the final on-air fight between Jabba and Chaunce. It is mostly awkward and uncomfortable, with- I think- a dash of closure at the end. Will you enjoy it? I don't know. Maybe not.

We wrap the show with a question of the day involving button pushing and death, a new sun hoodie review- the REI Flash Shade, the triple crown of food to hike out of town with, we breakdown whether all food can be categorized as a soup, salad, or sandwich, we put out a call for your favorite Chaunce clips, and for your self-nominations as guest co-host of this here podcast.

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

Gossamer Gear: Use code "BACKPACKERRADIO" for $20 off LT5 Trekking Poles at gossamergear.com.

Shady Rays: Use code "TREK" for 40% off two or more pairs of sunglasses at shadyrays.com.

OnX Backcountry: Through Memorial Day, use code "TREK70" for 70% off at onxmaps.com

[divider]

Interview with Jabba

• Jabba's Instagram

Time stamps & Questions

00:07:50 - Reminders: Join us for Chaunce's live podcast sendoff, submit your favorite Chaunce moments or a voicemail for Chaunce, apply to be a co-host, check out our new merch, listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon!

00:18:15 - Jabba, recap your hiking on the Arizona Trail

00:30:20 - How many trails have you quit?

00:36:30 - Rehashing when Chaunce's face was broken

00:44:05 - Describe your first meeting with one another

00:51:55 - Per pound, who's the stronger backpacker?

00:58:45 - How has your friendship changed over time?

01:03:35 - Would Jabba only use a gas station bathroom for a year to get $1 million dollars?

01:07:00 - Jabba vs. Chaunce arm wrestle

01:09:14 - What did Jabba think about people coming to Chaunce's defense after the guy stuff episode?

01:16:30 - Spin the Wheel

01:20:00 - How long of a hike could you do together?

01:34:50 - What is the thing you like the most about the other person?

01:43:40 - What is the thing you dislike most about the other person?

01:50:45 - Chaunce tries to compliment Jabba

02:03:00 - When was the last time Jabba's feelings were hurt?

02:12:10 - Stay Salty Question: What's your hottest take in the world of backpacking?

Segments

Trek Propaganda: Check out the Trek's Youtube

Processing

QOTD: Everyone on earth takes a private vote by pressing a red or blue button. If more than 50% of people press the blue button, everyone survives. If less than 50% of people press the blue button, only people who pressed the red button survive. Which button would you press?

Sun Hoodie Review - REI Flash Shade

Triple Crown of town food to hike out with

Mail Bag

5 Star Review

[divider]

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

Sign up for the Trek's newsletter

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, Bill Jensen, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Bret Mullins aka Cruizy, Bryan Alsop, Carl Lobstah Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Clint Sitler, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Jackson Storm, JaredNotFromSubway, Jason Kiser, Jason "The Snail" Snailer, Luke Netjes, Matty in AZ, Patrick Cianciolo, Randy Sutherland, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, The Saint Louis Shaman, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ackerman, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, Dakota J, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Denise Krekeler, Jack Greene, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Lloyd Harris, Merle Watkins, Peter, Quenten Jones, Ruth S, Salt Stain, Sloan Alberhasky, and Tyler Powers.

Segments

Ways to Die

Trek Propaganda: Hikers Discover Human Remains Near Vermont Appalachian Trail by Kelly Floro

QOTD: What celebrity names can you never remember?

Triple Crown of the worst gifts to give young kids

Parenting Thing of the Week

Sun Hoodie Review

Mail Bag

5 Star Review

[divider]

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

Sign up for the Trek's newsletter

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, Bill Jensen, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Bret Mullins aka Cruizy, Bryan Alsop, Carl Lobstah Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Clint Sitler, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Jackson Storm, JaredNotFromSubway, Jason Kiser, Jason "The Snail" Snailer, Luke Netjes, Matty in AZ, Patrick Cianciolo, Randy Sutherland, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, The Saint Louis Shaman, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ackerman, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, Dakota J, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Denise Krekeler, Jack Greene, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Lloyd Harris, Merle Watkins, Peter, Quenten Jones, Ruth S, Salt Stain, Sloan Alberhasky, and Tyler Powers.