HikeStrong Podcast

Most travelers walk away from a guided trip thinking, “That was amazing”—but they have no idea what it actually took to make it feel that way.

In Part 2 of my conversation with former REI Guide of the Year Chris Anderson, we go behind the curtain to uncover what guides really do:

• How REI tried to flip the script and treat guiding as a real career—and why that model didn’t survive
• The long hours, behind-the-scenes prep, and emotional labor that guests never see
• The broken tipping culture—and why it puts guides in a tough, awkward position
• What it really means to serve 10+ guests for 14+ hours a day with zero margin for error
• How underprepared guests affect group dynamics, safety, and morale
• The impossible math behind seasonal contracts, no PTO, and $100 day rates
• Why the best guides make you feel like the trip ran itself—and how much effort that actually takes

If you’ve ever been on a guided trip—or plan to—this episode will change how you see your guide forever.

🎧 Start listening now—and maybe rethink that tip envelope.

Check out the LinkedIn post from Chris that sparked this two-part series…

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When REI announced it was shutting down its Experiences Division, the internet exploded with outrage. For many, it felt like the company was abandoning one of the most meaningful things it offered - a way to actually get people outside, not just sell them the gear.

In this episode, I sit down with Chris Anderson, Former director of Risk Management & Guide Training at REI - a key leader behind the Experiences Division - to unpack what really happened behind the scenes.

We cover:

• Why REI acquired Arizona Outback Adventures (AOA) in 2019
• The original vision for Experiences and how it aligned with REI’s mission
• Internal data that showed Experiences boosted member spending and loyalty
• What changed after the pandemic—and why even a successful program can get cut
• Why REI’s commitment to paying guides fairly may have made long-term profitability an uphill battle

Chris brings a rare perspective—both operational and deeply personal—to a story that’s about much more than one company. It’s about the gap between mission and margin in the outdoor industry.

🎧 If you’ve ever taken a guided trip and had no idea what went on behind the scenes - Part 2 will change the way you see the entire experience. 

That’s where we go behind the curtain: exploring the emotional labor of guides, the broken tipping culture, and what needs to change to make this industry sustainable - for

Check out the LinkedIn post from Chris that sparked this two-part series…

HikeStrong mobile App: https://hikestrongapp.com/

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In this exhilarating episode, I talk with Alex Harz, creator and star of the captivating documentary "The Quest Everest." Alex shares incredible behind-the-scenes stories of his meticulous year-long training regimen, intense mental preparation, and unforgettable experiences climbing from Lukla to the summit of Mount Everest.

Listen in as Alex reveals:

• The surprising challenges he faced, including unexpected toe injuries and the infamous "Khumbu cough."
• The reality of the Everest climb—navigating treacherous ladders, repeated ascents through the Khumbu Icefall, and life at extreme altitudes.
• Insights on the Sherpa community and the cultural significance of the Everest region.
• Valuable advice on physical and mental preparation for Everest Base Camp and high-altitude trekking.

This episode isn't about encouraging listeners to summit Everest themselves. Instead, it's an opportunity to experience thrilling moments vicariously—through gripping anecdotes and vivid storytelling from someone who's been there. Listeners will gain rare insights into extraordinary situations they'll likely never face firsthand, from navigating treacherous ladders above crevasses to confronting the raw intensity of the death zone. Ultimately, it's about stepping into the climber's boots, absorbing the awe-inspiring drama, and using that inspiration to conquer the mountains in their own lives.

Whether you're dreaming of Everest Base Camp or inspired to conquer your personal Everest, Alex's story will motivate you to push past your self-imposed limits.

Key Highlights:

• How Alex prepared physically and mentally for 52 intense days on Everest.
• Stories of overcoming mental barriers at crucial moments.
• The profound cultural experiences in the Khumbu Valley.
• Tips for aspiring Everest Base Camp trekkers.

Mentioned in the Episode:

• Follow Alex: The Quest Series Instagram
• Virtual Reality Experience: Quest Everest VR
• Documentary: The Quest Everest

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Tia Banks never laced up hiking boots until her mid-30s—after a career as a pro basketball and flag-football athlete was cut short by a Grade 5 cartilage tear in her right knee. In this 41-minute episode, we explore:

• Reinventing yourself after injury: How she pivoted from court and field into totally unfamiliar trails, rediscovered her identity and went on to summit Kilimanjaro while battling illness, whipping winds and half the oxygen she was used to.
• Why “too late” is a myth: How a total novice built high-altitude endurance with pre-dawn weighted walks, stair-climb marathons and expert breath-work coaching.
• The power of your tribe: How one voice on a dark summit night turned “I want to quit” into “I will keep going,” and why Tia now pairs every hiker with a dedicated “partner in climb.”
• Unconventional training secrets: The mindset tools—optimism, “keep deciding” and resilience practices—that outlast raw talent on any trail.
• Mind Over Mountains: A deep dive into Tia’s interactive book and coaching platform, where you map your personal “life mountains” and transform setbacks into stepping-stones.
• From summit to spotlight: How Tia turned her late-start passion into a full-time calling—leading treks to Guadalupe Peak (Texas), Pico de Orizaba (Mexico) and beyond, and bringing mountain-born lessons into schools and boardrooms.

Whether you’re gearing up for your first day hike or facing an Everest-sized challenge at home, Tia’s journey proves it’s never too late to start—and you don’t climb alone.

Get started at tiabanks.com —grab the book, join a group trek, or book her for your next resilience workshop.

HikeStrong mobile App: https://hikestrongapp.com/

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I’ll never forget the email that landed in my inbox last November. “Failure isn’t an option,” Trudy wrote. “How do I get in tip-top shape for a 30-day Upper Dolpo trek?”

Fast-forward five months: Trudy—67 years young and 88 pounds lighter—had logged almost 275 miles and 94,000 feet of elevation gain training, half of it on real stairs and mountain trails, the rest on treadmills between deadlifts and trap-bar sessions. She showed up in Nepal ready for twelve high passes (six over 16,500 ft, topping out at 18,250 ft) and the cultural immersion she’d been craving since her Peace Corps days.

In this episode, I pull back the curtain on the program we built together: how we ramped weekly goals from 12 miles/3,000 ft to 18 miles/4,000 ft, why a 25-pound training pack and forty-lap stair grinds became her secret weapon, and how she toed the line between over-training and optimal conditioning.

Trudy joins me to share the human side, chatting with curious neighbors during two-and-a-half-hour staircase sessions, balancing powerlifting meets with summit prep, and using Diamox along with smart acclimatization days to keep altitude sickness at bay.

If you’re eyeing Everest Base Camp, Kilimanjaro, or your own backyard epic hike, Trudy’s journey proves that meticulous prep and a rock-solid mindset trump age, altitude, and doubt every time.

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I’ve been a fitness partner with Thomson Safaris since 2009. So when I finally got the chance to interview someone from their team, I didn’t waste time on the usual fluff—no “best time to go,” no “how high is the mountain,” and no softball questions to promote their brand. We went straight to the real issue that every Kilimanjaro trekker talks about: altitude.

Carolyn Hardy, Senior Safari & Kilimanjaro Consultant at Thomson Safaris, joined me for a candid, behind-the-scenes conversation about what it really takes to get to the top of Kilimanjaro—and why confidence, preparation, and the right team matter more than anything.

This episode will provide you with the information and confidence you need to choose the right route, prepare mentally and physically, and understand how world-class guides help you succeed, even when altitude strikes.

What We Cover in This Episode:
- The truth about altitude sickness—why almost everyone feels it and what to expect
- How Thomson Safaris’ guides monitor, support, and adapt to help trekkers summit successfully
- Carolyn’s personal altitude experience on Kilimanjaro—and how the guides kept her safe
- What makes Thomson’s guides different (hint: it’s not just the certifications)
- How guides build trust, manage group dynamics, and keep morale high
- Why fitness is your job—and the rest is the guide’s job
- A full breakdown of the four main routes to the summit, including:

• Grand Traverse: Best for first-timers, longer acclimatization, upgraded tents
• Western Approach: Most popular, good balance of challenge and cost
• Umbwe Route: Most physically demanding—only for experienced trekkers
• Machame Route: Budget-friendly, but crowded and fast-paced

- How to choose your route based on budget, fitness level, experience, scenery, solitude, and even knee issues
- Thoughts on Diamox—who takes it, how it’s prescribed, and when to start
- The difference between mental vs. physical preparedness, and why both matter
- What’s not in the pre-departure packet—but probably should be
- Extra gear tips: boots vs. trail runners, paracord for drying clothes, and more
- How Thomson treats its porters, and why their ethics matter when choosing an operator

ThomsonTreks.com / ThomsonSafaris.com

Carolyn Hardy: [email protected]

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On today’s episode of the Hike Strong Podcast, I'm talking with Matthew, who shares his inspiring journey from feeling unhealthy and unmotivated to successfully completing a Kilimanjaro summit—his very first multi-day trek.

Matthew used my FREE 12-Week Hiking Training Plans from FitForTrips.com to get fit, lose weight, and build the essential leg strength needed for steep descents, rocky terrain, and intense stair sessions.

You'll hear firsthand how structured, realistic training helped Matthew overcome his doubts, turning his summit day into an enjoyable and empowering experience.

And remember, if you're inspired by Matthew’s story but aren’t confident about training independently, I'm always here to provide personalized coaching support.

Join us and discover what's possible when you have the right preparation and mindset. Access the FREE training plans below for any hiking adventure on your bucket list...

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In today’s episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with Renee—one of my amazing clients living in Montana at the time of her successful summit, now living in Alaska. Even if Kilimanjaro isn’t on your radar, you’ll find plenty of motivation and training nuggets here for anyone who’s ever felt overwhelmed by a big, iconic hike. Renee was 40 when she tackled the 19,341-foot summit of Mount Kilimanjaro and later braved a demanding Alaskan backpacking trip.

I’m Marcus Shapiro, hiking strength and conditioning coach and founder of FitForTrips.com. Join me as I sit down with Renee to explore how she conquered these epic adventures—and how her lessons can help you reach your own hiking goals.

Renee spent four years eyeing Kilimanjaro’s high-altitude summit. When a 20-mile test hike in the Tetons with 4,200 feet of elevation gain showed her she needed a structured training plan, she reached out for my coaching support. You’ll hear how we set her weekly goals, stayed in sync with Sunday-night check-ins, and used strategies like stair climbing to maximize her success. From building confidence to protecting her knees, the payoff was huge—and the summit itself turned out to be far easier than she’d ever imagined.

Stay tuned to the end because, after Kilimanjaro, Renee tapped me again for an Alaskan backpacking adventure. Her experience—and testimonial—on that trip is just as powerful, proving that with the right training, no trail is too big to tackle.

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I sat down once again with Will Burkhart, founder of Badass Adventures, to dive into a new topic: non-technical high-altitude mountaineering. Will was my very first guest on this podcast, and his episode on Rim to Rim hiking is a must-listen for anyone tackling the Grand Canyon in a single day. But today, we’re going even higher!

We define non-technical high-altitude mountaineering as climbing between 14,000 and 19,400 feet without the use of ropes or belaying. Will has created a tiered approach to getting into this type of adventure, starting with Colorado’s Fourteeners (14,000+ feet), then progressing to Everest Base Camp (17,598 feet) and finally Kilimanjaro (19,431 feet). He walks us through the differences and similarities between these experiences, covering topics like:

Trail conditions – From well-groomed paths to rocky ascents

Daily mileage & number of hiking days – How long you’ll be on the trail

Landscape & foliage changes – From lush rainforests to barren alpine environments

Summit day intensity – What makes Kili’s summit push challenging

Cultural immersion – The contrast between the Everest Base Camp trail and Kilimanjaro

Sleeping & eating logistics – Tea houses vs. tents, and what’s on the menu

Acclimatization strategies – How to prepare your body for high altitude

Gear & fitness requirements – The essentials for success and why training matters

If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to step into the world of high-altitude trekking, this episode is the perfect introduction. Whether your goal is to climb your first 14er, stand at Everest Base Camp, or summit Kilimanjaro, Will lays out the path for you.

Get in shape, pick your adventure, and go!

Badass Adventures owner, Will Burkhart:
https://www.badass-adventures.com
Text: 928-274-2424

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In today’s episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with one of my amazing clients from Maryland, John. He was 62 years old at the time he hiked the Tour du Mont Blanc and a one-day Rim to Rim hike within one month of each other.

Our conversation toggles back and forth between TMB and R2R. You’ll learn about John’s hiking training strategies, tips for each of the iconic hikes, fueling strategies, and more. John also discusses his issues dealing with knee pain and how he managed to keep going strong despite that challenge.

And yes, after Covid stifled John’s trip to Kilimanjaro in 2020, he’s now booked it again. Moreover, I am working with his daughter well ahead of their departure to build her hiking base and boost her confidence.

I am grateful to receive his endorsement. Enjoy my conversation with John.

HikeStrong mobile App: https://hikestrongapp.com/

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