Hiker Sessions

Welcome back to Hiker Sessions. It’s hard to believe, but we’ve reached the season finale of Season 2.

This season has taken us across rugged miles, into unforgettable stories, and deep into the heart of what it means to hike not just the trails, but the journeys that shape us. From early morning starts to hard-earned summits, from quiet moments in the woods to powerful conversations with those who live this lifestyle every day, it’s all led us here.

In this final episode, we’re taking a moment to reflect, to celebrate, and to look ahead to what’s next. Whether you’ve been with us since the beginning or just joined along the way, we’re glad you’re here for this one.

Let’s hit the trail one more time this season.

#hikersessions #applachiantrail

Season Two of Hiker Sessions is wrapping up! Check out our favorite highlights and wisdom from the past six months of interviews. Don’t miss the season finale next week, where I'll share my thoughts on Season 2, the show moving forward, and reveal an exciting announcement. Tune in for the best moments!

#appalachiantrail #hikersesssions #sloggyhikes #traillife #thruhikng

Kimberly and Jarrod Hester, known on the trail as Hippie Chick and Poet, are the current owners of Shaw's Hiker Hostel in Monson, Maine, located about 2 miles from the Appalachian Trail. Together they thru-hiked the AT from Georgia to Maine in 2008. After working as schoolteachers for a few years they decided to change their lifestyle for the betterment of their family and purchased Shaw’s in 2015.We sat down with them to discuss their thoughts as they approached the 10-year anniversary of owning Shaw's. They discuss their future goals, how they have integrated their family and lifestyle into the hostel, how they get excited as another hiking season rolls around, and what they still love about it even 10 years later.@shawshikerhostel #shawshikerhostel #at2026 #atnobo2026 #atclassof2008 #monsonmaine #trailtown #100milewilderness #poetsgearemporium #applachiantrail #hikemaine #hostellife #pancakecairn #hikersessions #senchidesigns #thruhiking #thruhike #sloggyhikes

Uncover the transformative power of hiking—beyond just miles—and discover how a city-dweller turned trailblazer is redefining community after the trail. Cheer's story of hiking her way to the Triple Crown sparks inspiration as she reveals the surprising mental and emotional shifts that happen when you step into nature’s wild. From her rocky start feeling unfulfilled in finance to embracing the trail as her sanctuary, her journey is a testament to how adventure can heal and reshape your life. We hope you enjoy the episode!

#CDTclassof2022 #atclassof2023 #pctclassof2019 #appalachiantrail #thruhiking #thru-r #hiking #hikersessions #baxterstatepark #katahdin #triplecrown #cheer

THRU-r Website: thru-r.com

The Thru-Hiking Podcast: thru-r.com/the-thru-hiking-podcast

Cheer's Instagram: instagram.com/carollcoyne

THRU-r Instagram: instagram.com/thru_r

Dirtbag Ceramics: etsy.com/shop/DirtbagCeramics

Join us on this episode of "Hiker Sessions" as we welcome back seasoned thru-hikers Steve and Olivia, affectionately known on the trail as Econoline and Dixon. Having conquered the Pacific Crest Trail in 2022 and the Appalachian Trail in 2024, they are now gearing up for the Continental Divide Trail to complete their Triple Crown. Tune in as they share insights on preparation, gear, and the mental fortitude required for such epic adventures. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or just starting out, their journey offers inspiration and practical advice for all.

#CDT #CDTclassof2026 #appalachiantrail #thruhiking #hiking #hikersessions #baxterstatepark #katahdin #mtwashington #sloggyhikes #optoutside #econoline#dixon #sooke #continentaldividetrail #triplecrown

On this week’s episode of “Hiker Sessions” we chat with seasoned hikers Mike Hansen and Bryan Davis about their recent thru-hike of the Pinhoti Trail. I met Mike in the middle of the 100 Wilderness almost 4 years ago now, and since then, he’s introduced me to Bryan. In January of 2024 the three of us, along with other friends and family, summited Mount Kilimanjaro, and just last July we hiked the 137 mile Maine section of the International Appalachian Trail. We’re going to discuss their 350-mile trek through Alabama and Georgia and hear firsthand accounts of the challenges and beauty they encountered along the way. I hope you enjoy the episode!#appalachiantrail #thruhiking #hiking #hikersessions #baxterstatepark #katahdin #mtwashington #sloggyhike #optoutside #PinhotiTrail #Pinhoti #BamaToBaxter #PinhotiForever #AlabamaHiking#GeorgiaHiking #AppalachianTrail #TrailLife #HikingAdventures @flymarla @blazedog72 @bryandavis1964

Tom and Ruth Van Orden’s journey began with a high school hike and grew into a lifelong commitment to raising their family outdoors. After their youngest daughter Sarah was diagnosed with a terminal genetic condition, the Van Orden’s became determined to make every moment count—finding creative ways to keep hiking and exploring together. From local trails to 19 national parks, their story is a powerful testament to resilience, love, and the belief that the outdoors should be accessible to everyone.Sarah’s Instagram: @teenninjadwarf#appalachiantrail #thruhiking #hiking #hikersessions #14statechallenge #baxterstatepark #katahdin #mtwashington #sloggyhikes #senchidesigns #morquiosyndrome @teenninjadwarf #inspiration #family #optoutside

Join Sloggy as he delves into the fascinating world of wildlife with Maine moose biologist Lee Kantar. Discover how Lee's Appalachian Trail thru-hike in 1988 shaped his life and path,leading to a long career studying, tracking, and working to conserve the state of Maine’s moose populations. This episode blends personal hiking tales with professional insights into moose management and Maine's outdoor culture.

#appalachiantrail #thruhiking #hyperlitemountaingear #atnobo #nobo1988 #hiking #hikersessions #ATThruHike #ThruHiker #ATClassof1988 #moose #baxterstatepark #katahdin #mtwashington #hikersessions #senchidesigns #hyperlitemountaingear #100milewilderness #mainemoose #MEDIFW #statebiologist

This conversation explores Turbo's transformative journey through hiking, particularly his experience on the Appalachian Trail. He shares his background, struggles with self-destructive behavior, and how hiking became a source of healing and balance in his life. The discussion highlights the importance of community among hikers, the challenges faced on the trail, and the profound life lessons learned through perseverance and connection with nature.

#appalachiantrail #thruhiking #hyperlitemountaingear #atnobo #nobo2024 #hiking #hikersessions #ATThruHike #ThruHiker #ATClassof2024 #baxterstatepark #katahdin #mtwashington #hikersessions #lifecahnge #senchidesigns #hyperlitemountaingear #100milewilderness

Approximately a year before commencing my northboundAppalachian Trail (AT) thru-hike, I was introduced to the Mighty Blue on the Appalachian Trail." podcast. Instantly captivated, I was drawn to Steve Adams' genuine enthusiasm and passion for the Appalachian Trail and its community. Since then, I have been a dedicated listener and fan, with the honorof being featured on his podcast multiple times. Steve is a distinguished podcaster with over 2.5 million downloads of his renowned show. He is also the founder of the Hiking Radio Network, which offers a platform for other aspiring podcasters to share their hiking-themed content with a wider audience. Steve has successfully completed two northbound thru hikes of the Appalachian Trail in 2014 and 2019, as well as the Camino De Santiago trail in 2018 and 2025. In about3 weeks he will be headed to Springer mountain where he will attempt his 3rd northbound thru hike of the AT, I wish him the best of luck and ill be waiting with trial magic when he reaches the 100 mile wilderness, I hope you enjoy theepisode.

 Check out Mighty Blue's Hiking Radio Network here:https://www.hikingradionetwork.com/

#appalachiantrail #at2024 #at2025#backpacking #atnobo2024 #atnobo2025 #thruhiking #hyperlitemountaingear#seatosummit #atnobo #nobo2024 #bigsurbar #faroutguides #hikemaine #hike#hiking #hikinggearreview @senchidesigns #hikersessions #originalmaine #TheTrek#TrektheAT #ATThruHike #ThruHiker #ATClassof2024 #ATClassof2025#baxterstatepark #katahdin #mtwashington #hikersessions #senchidesigns#hyperlitemountaingear #100milewilderness #mightyblue#mightyblueontheappalachiantrail