In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by LMNT, we are joined by author, backpacker, and our resident alien expert, Mike Clelland. We made an honest attempt to discuss ultralight backpacking during this one, and although we do touch on the subject some, the bulk of this conversation is dedicated to owls, aliens, and all things paranormal activity. Mike has become the preeminent expert of the interplay between owls and UFO citings, which may not sound like a thing, however Mike has accrued a lifetime of stories from folks who have experiences that say that it is. If owls and aliens don't sound like your jam, we encourage you to give this one a shot, as Mike's long standing intense passion for these subjects turns out to be awfully contagious; Chaunce and I are thoroughly entertained. We also discuss the pros and cons of traditional vs. self-publishing, which Mike has done both, but really this is mostly aliens and owls. 

Warning: This episode includes discussions of rape, death, and child loss in the context of aliens. If any of these topics are triggering, we encourage you to skip this interview.

We wrap the show with the news that the Backpacker Radio crew is headed to AT Trail Days, news of a woman who set the overall FKT on the Florida Trail, Knorr Side recipe recommendations, the shortest roast in the history of roasts, what animal we'd train to be our hiking companion, the triple crown of memes, dog's cornchip paws, and more.

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. 

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Interview with Mike Clelland

• Mike's Instagram
• Mike's Website
• The Unseen, by Mike Clelland
• Mike's Podcast

Time stamps & Questions

00:09:15 - Reminders: Sign up for the Trek’s newsletter, join us for our live show in Austin, listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon, and apply to blog for the Trek!

00:13:19 - Introducing Mike

00:14:05 - What have you been up to since we last had you on?

00:17:00 - Fuck Marry Kill: Podcasting, Writing Books, and Illustrating

00:21:23 - What are the pros and cons of self-publishing?

00:26:16 - Give us the primer on why you think owls are special

00:31:35 - What are the general trends of people’s owl sightings?

00:37:24 - Have you noticed commonalities between the people?

00:41:04 - Owl + UFO story

00:47:20 - In your opinion, what are aliens?

00:49:18 - What do you personally believe?

00:57:25 - What do you believe in terms of these common alien theories?

01:01:25 - What motivates the aliens?

01:04:06 - Are the aliens visiting intentionally or passing by?

01:06:45 - How does one become owl-ready?

01:09:45 - Why don’t the aliens visit you all the time?

01:13:24 - Do you consider yourself a healer?

01:15:04 - Do you still cut the handles off the toothbrush?

01:16:05 - What got you into ultralight backpacking and inspired you to write the book?

01:23:35 - What types of trips did you go on?

01:24:50 - What are your strongest convictions about ultralight backpacking?

01:30:45 - How do you go ultralight despite having fears about the outdoors?

01:35:46 - How did you get into owls and UFOs?

01:47:00 - Chaunce’s story

01:55:55 - Where do you think that voice came from?

02:02:40 - Return to Mike’s story

02:07:03 - Are you still trying to process what happened and seeking the why?

02:08:20 - What happened on that day?

02:24:30 - Why isn’t there clearer evidence of all this?

02:26:50 - What’s the difference between paranormal activity and hallucination?

02:29:44 - What is your answer to why are you here?

02:31:37 - Do you think we’re living in a simulation and what happens after we die?

02:37:30 - Mike’s hypnosis session

02:52:30 - Do you think you’re an alien scribe?

02:56:00 - What percent of you thinks you’re an alien?

02:59:52 - What are your closing thoughts?

03:02:17 - Stay Salty Question: What’s your hottest take in the world of backpacking? Or, what’s something you’d add to ultralight backpacking? Or, what tip do you violate the most?

03:08:10 - Where can people keep up with you?

Segments

Trek Propaganda: 

• Fastest Known Human: This Woman Just Beat the Men’s Speed Record on the Florida Trail by Katie Jackson
• 7 Delicious Knorr Side Dinner Ideas You Need To Try, According to an AT Thru-Hiker by Sheraya Smith

QOTD:  If you could train any animal to be your hiking companion, what would it be and what special skills would it have?

The Shortest Roast of All Time

Triple Crown of internet memes

Mail Bag

5 Star Review

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