On this episode I have LA based trekker, peak bagger, community leader, comedy magician, runner, and the founder of the 5AM Crew, Omar Covarubbias aka The Great Omar, join me on the show.

We chatted about Omar’s wild first hiking memory, his evolution from being a professional magician to becoming a hiking leader, the formation and growth of the 5AM Crew in Griffith Park, his top trails in California, hiking hacks and outdoor tips, The Mt Baldy 5000 & Camp Baldy summer experience, his challenging ascent of Mt Whitney with Vamos Hiking Crew, and the one outdoor experience he would relive all over again. Omar shares valuable insights into leadership, community building, and the power of nature. This captivating episode highlights the inspiring journey of a man dedicated to elevating the well-being of his community through consistent early morning, sunrise hikes.

Follow the 5AM Crew on http://instagram.com/the.5amcrew

Follow The Great Omar on https://www.instagram.com/thegreatomar1/#

Learn more about 5AM Crew on https://the5amcrew.com/

Book The Great Omar for magic on https://thegreatomar.com/

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Shop Just Trek merch on ⁠⁠https://www.justtrek.net/shop⁠⁠

Listen to more podcast episodes on ⁠⁠https://www.justtrek.net⁠⁠

Want to send me a message? Email me at ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠ or DM on Instagram @just.trek

In this gripping episode of the Trails & Tribulation series, I welcome Missy Martinez, a fellow SoCal trekker, as she recounts her terrifying solo hike + trail run on San Gorgonio mountain - the tallest mountain in Southern California. During an adventurous descent, Missy loses her footing and slides down the side of the mountain, resulting in a dramatic fall and a night spent lost in a burn zone. Despite being unprepared, she miraculously self-rescues, traversing over 60 miles and into a different county before encountering her saviors. Drawing strength from memories of her late father, Missy's story is a powerful testament to resilience and the critical importance of preparation, as she highlights the essential gear that could have made a significant difference. Tune in for a tale of survival, the kindness of strangers, and the lessons learned from the wild.

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Have you ever experienced a survival moment or learned a tough lesson on the trail? Maybe you got lost, faced sudden weather, encountered wildlife, or found yourself pushed to your limits in ways you didn’t expect. Trails & Tribulations is the space where those stories come to life, inspiring and connecting the outdoor community. If any of these resonates with you, we'd love to hear YOUR story!

Submit your story on https://tinyurl.com/47jdbvau for a chance to be featured or send us an email on [email protected]

The 10 Essentials Resources: https://tinyurl.com/4sxdny9u -- https://americanhiking.org/10essentials/

Follow Missy on https://www.instagram.com/missymar17

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Support Just Trek on Patreon ⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/justtrek⁠⁠

Shop Just Trek merch on ⁠⁠https://www.justtrek.net/shop⁠⁠

Listen to more podcast episodes on ⁠⁠https://www.justtrek.net⁠⁠

Want to send me a message? Email me at ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠ or DM on Instagram @just.trek

On this episode, I have SoCal based trekker, backpacker, doctor, and all around adventure enthusiast, Dr. Shreya Reddy, join me on the show.

For this show, we dove into Shreya’s recent trekking accomplishments — summiting Mt. Whitney and completing the SoCal Six Pack of Peaks Challenge. We unpack what inspired her to take on Mt. Whitney, the challenges she faced along the way — from altitude sickness and fatigue to freezing temperatures — and the deep personal reflections she had at the summit. We discussed which peaks she tackled in the Six Pack of Peaks Challenge and which one pushed her the most. Plus we even took a moment to reminisce about how we first met during an unforgettable full moon group hike adventure.

Watch Youtube video version on https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSdD0PMkU6w

Follow Shreya on https://www.instagram.com/drreddyforabreak

Follow Just Trek on https://www.instagram.com/just.trek/

Support Just Trek on Patreon ⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/justtrek⁠⁠

Shop Just Trek merch on ⁠⁠https://www.justtrek.net/shop⁠⁠

Listen to more podcast episodes on ⁠⁠https://www.justtrek.net⁠⁠

Want to send me a message? Email me at ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠ or DM on Instagram @just.trek

On this episode, we kick off Volume 1 of the Trails & Tribulations series! This trail tale dives into Marlee's unforgettable water canyoneering expedition through one of LA’s best-kept adventure secrets — Eaton Canyon and Falls. But we’re not talking about the popular trail to the waterfall. This story takes you above the falls, into a hidden & rugged canyon that’s tough to access and only for experienced canyoneers.

It was Marlee’s first long water canyoneering trip, packed with cliff jumps, endless rope rappels, icy plunge pools, and sheer drops that tested every ounce of courage she had. What started as an epic group adventure quickly turned into a battle against fear, fatigue, and the raw power of nature.

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Have you ever experienced a survival moment or learned a tough lesson on the trail? Maybe you got lost, faced sudden weather, encountered wildlife, or found yourself pushed to your limits in ways you didn’t expect. Trails & Tribulations is the space where those stories come to life, inspiring and connecting the outdoor community. If any of these resonates with you, we'd love to hear YOUR story!

Submit your story on https://tinyurl.com/47jdbvau for a chance to be featured or send us an email on [email protected]

Follow Marlee on https://www.instagram.com/littlemarrmaid

Follow Just Trek on IG https://www.instagram.com/just.trek/

Support Just Trek on Patreon ⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/justtrek⁠⁠

Shop Just Trek merch on ⁠⁠https://www.justtrek.net/shop⁠⁠

Listen to more podcast episodes on ⁠⁠https://www.justtrek.net⁠⁠

Want to send me a message? Email me at ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠ or DM on Instagram @just.trek

On this episode I have LA based trekker, backpacker, fisher, hiking lead, Mountain House ambassador, and outdoor content creator, Exploring with Vee, join me on the show.

We chat about her first hiking memories, what inspired her to host group treks, her top trails in California, how the outdoors played a major role in her healing journey from a toxic relationship, her first solo backpacking experience in the Sierras, adventuring with her dog Bella, her absolute joy for fishing and the one outdoor experience she would relive all over again. 

Watch Youtube video version on https://youtu.be/-JtkBNvICY8

Follow Exploring with Vee on https://www.instagram.com/exploringwithvee

Follow Just Trek on IG https://www.instagram.com/just.trek/

Support Just Trek on Patreon ⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/justtrek⁠⁠

Shop Just Trek merch on ⁠⁠https://www.justtrek.net/shop⁠⁠

Listen to more podcast episodes on ⁠⁠https://www.justtrek.net⁠⁠

Want to send me a message? Email me at ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠ or DM on Instagram @just.trek

Big news, Just Trek community! On this episode, I’m thrilled to announce the launch of a brand-new series called Trails & Tribulations. This series will spotlight everyday outdoor adventurers and trail enthusiasts as they share their raw, real stories of close calls, hard-earned lessons, and the resilience it takes to face the wild. I dive into the inspiration behind the new series and kick things off by reliving my harrowing experience surviving a thunder and lightning storm atop Southern California’s tallest peak.

Have you ever experienced a survival moment or learned a tough lesson on the trail? Maybe you got lost, faced sudden weather, encountered wildlife, or found yourself pushed to your limits in ways you didn’t expect. Trails & Tribulations is the space where those stories come to life, inspiring and connecting the outdoor community.

If so, we want to hear YOUR story!

Submit your story on https://tinyurl.com/47jdbvau for a chance to be featured or send us an email on [email protected]

Follow Just Trek on IG https://www.instagram.com/just.trek/

Support Just Trek on Patreon ⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/justtrek⁠⁠

Shop Just Trek merch on ⁠⁠https://www.justtrek.net/shop⁠⁠

Listen to more podcast episodes on ⁠⁠https://www.justtrek.net⁠⁠

Want to send me a message? Email me at ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠ or DM on Instagram @just.trek

On this episode I have Pacific Northwest based trekker, climber, photographer, videographer, mountaineer, and OG member of the Just Trek Crew, Francis Ngo, join me on the show.

We chatted about Francis’s incredible achievement of summiting the iconic 14,000-foot  Mount Rainier in Washington State. We dove into what inspired him to take on this bucket-list climb, the challenges of his first attempt when he and his team had to turn back, and the highs and lows of his successful summit — from the emotions of reaching the peak to the grueling descent. We also chatted about his life in Seattle & the Pacific Northwest and how Francis and myself have shared tons of trail memories together. What made this recording extra memorable is that we captured it in person inside Mount Rainier National Park, with the mountain itself as our breathtaking backdrop.

Watch Youtube video version: https://youtu.be/5Fqh66KAN1U

Follow Francis on https://www.instagram.com/wheresfrancis

Follow Just Trek on IG https://www.instagram.com/just.trek/

Support Just Trek on Patreon ⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/justtrek⁠⁠

Shop Just Trek merch on ⁠⁠https://www.justtrek.net/shop⁠⁠

Listen to more podcast episodes on ⁠⁠https://www.justtrek.net⁠⁠

Want to send me a message? Email me at ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠ or DM on Instagram @just.trek

On this episode I have LA based adventure enthusiast, SoCal trekker,  outdoor accessibility advocate and founder of the non-profit Accessible Off-Road, Austin Nicassio, join me on the show.

We chatted about Austin's first meaningful memories out in nature, his debilitating chronic illness diagnosis, his personal journey of managing this life altering event, what inspired him to create Accessible Off-Road, promoting outdoor equity for the disabled community, introducing electric off-road wheelchairs to public parks, his growing partnership with California State Parks and Trails LA County, his top trails in California, his background working in the space industry to now running his own non-profit, a dramatic survival story in the San Gabriel mountains, and the one outdoor experience he would relive all over again.

Watch Youtube video version: https://youtu.be/lAgA7ZEzDhw

Donate to Accessible Off-Road on https://www.accessibleoffroad.org/

Follow Austin & Accessible Off-Road on https://www.instagram.com/accessibleoffroad/

Follow Just Trek on IG https://www.instagram.com/just.trek/

Support Just Trek on Patreon ⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/justtrek⁠⁠

Shop Just Trek merch on ⁠⁠https://www.justtrek.net/shop⁠⁠

Listen to more podcast episodes on ⁠⁠https://www.justtrek.net⁠⁠

Want to send me a message? Email me at ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠ or DM on Instagram @just.trek

On this episode I have SoCal based trekker, peak bagger, backpacker, solo world traveler, outdoor content creator, and founder of Vamos Hiking Crew, Luis aka MrTraveler, join me on the show. 

We chatted about Luis’ first meaningful memories out in nature, his spiritual awakening on Mount Whitney, the origin story to creating Vamos Hiking Crew and celebrating 3 years on Cucamonga Peak, his top international trails, our HIGHLANDER Big Bear lake hiking + backpacking festival experience, travel tips and hiking hacks, the Inca Trail and what Peru means to him, and the one outdoor experience he would relive all over again.

Watch Youtube video version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HoDSpZw2N6Y

Follow MrTraveler on http://instagram.com/mrtraveler.me

Follow Vamos Hiking Crew on https://www.instagram.com/vamoshikingcrew/

Follow Just Trek on IG https://www.instagram.com/just.trek/

Support Just Trek on Patreon ⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/justtrek⁠⁠

Shop Just Trek merch on ⁠⁠https://www.justtrek.net/shop⁠⁠

Listen to more podcast episodes on ⁠⁠https://www.justtrek.net⁠⁠

Want to send me a message? Email me at ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠ or DM on Instagram @just.trek

On this episode I have Christian and Katie Surprise - an adventurous power couple. Both are California based outdoor enthusiasts, peak baggers, backpackers, climbers, and are adventure photographers & videographers. 

During our roadsurfer roadtrip to Eastern Yosemite and the Eastern Sierra, we got to meetup with them and record in the otherworldly Alabama Hills landscape. We chatted about their journey from Tennessee to Los Angeles and settling down in Lone Pine, their experience attending my birthday + podcast anniversary group hike at Sandstone Peak and how they discovered the show, the pros and cons of small town mountain living, embracing outdoor community, their top trails in the Eastern Sierra both personally and as a couple, tips for exploring the Sierra mountains, and what it’s like to meet adventurers daily from all over the country and world at their outdoor jobs. 

Christian and Katie Surprise exemplify the adventurous spirit that draws so many to the Eastern Sierras. Their journey from Tennessee to these majestic mountains demonstrates their profound appreciation for nature, exploration, and community.

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Rent your own camper van on ⁠https://link.roadsurfer.com/JUSTTREK and use our promo code “JUSTTREK” for 11% off your next roadtrip adventure and experience the freedom of van life, your way. 

Watch Youtube version on https://youtu.be/nzKp5sIYlSg

Follow Christian on http://instagram.com/christiansurprise

Follow Katie on https://www.instagram.com/katsurprise/

Follow Just Trek on IG https://www.instagram.com/just.trek/

Support Just Trek on Patreon ⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/justtrek⁠⁠

Shop Just Trek merch on ⁠⁠https://www.justtrek.net/shop⁠⁠

Listen to more podcast episodes on ⁠⁠https://www.justtrek.net⁠⁠

Want to send me a message? Email me at ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠ or DM on Instagram @just.trek