Guest Neil Markey joins host Martin for a grounded conversation about mental wellbeing, resilience, and the realities of finding calm after high-pressure lives. A former Army Ranger who later entered the corporate world as a McKinsey executive, Neil speaks openly about post-combat PTSD, burnout, and the long path toward rebuilding a workable inner life. He describes how these experiences led him to Beckley Retreats, a legal psilocybin program that integrates modern research with meditation, mindful movement, and intentional time outdoors.

The episode explores the challenges of high-functioning burnout, the limits of performance culture, and the struggle veterans and leaders face when trying to reenter ordinary life with their nervous systems still wired for crisis. Martin guides a candid discussion about what actually supports post-traumatic growth and what often fails to help. Neil offers practical insights from his work with both veterans and civilians, emphasizing embodied practices, transparency, and the discipline required to heal without shortcuts.

Listeners looking for an honest, science-informed approach to resilience will find this conversation steady, thoughtful, and deeply human.

To learn more about Neil’s work:

beckleyretreats.com | @beckleyretreats
Book a call with me

Connect with me on LinkedIn 

Avalon Publicity & Business Services 
Increasing the Digital Footprint of Content Creators via Modern Publicity and Social Media Services

Support the show

Get outside, have fun and be safe!
Martin Armitage,
Host of the Papa Bear Hikes Podcast
https://www.papabearhikes.com/
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/papa-bear-hikes/id1541491746
https://www.instagram.com/papabearhikes01/

Host Martin welcomes Shawn Gossman, founder of Hiking with Shawn, a brand devoted to hiking, biking, and outdoor adventure across the Shawnee National Forest and Southern Illinois. What began as a fun personal project in 2016 has evolved into a thriving platform that inspires thousands to explore responsibly, appreciate nature, and support local outdoor spaces. Through YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and X, Shawn brings the beauty of Southern Illinois to life, one trail, one story, and one adventure at a time.

Be sure to follow Shawn’s adventures and discover the trails of Southern Illinois by subscribing to his YouTube channel at youtube.com/@hikingwithshawn, following him on Instagram at instagram.com/hikingwithshawn, and visiting his website at hikingwithshawn.com. Watch, explore, and get inspired to hit the trail.

#PapaBearHikes #HikingWithShawn #ShawneeNationalForest #SouthernIllinois #OutdoorAdventure #TrailLife #HikingCommunity

Avalon Publicity & Business Services 
Increasing the Digital Footprint of Content Creators via Modern Publicity and Social Media Services

Support the show

Get outside, have fun and be safe!
Martin Armitage,
Host of the Papa Bear Hikes Podcast
https://www.papabearhikes.com/
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/papa-bear-hikes/id1541491746
https://www.instagram.com/papabearhikes01/

In this episode of Papa Bear Hikes, host Martin Armitage introduces Ben Brown, founder of Body Systems and host of The Smart Nutrition Made Simple Show. Ben shares how men can rebuild lasting energy and strength in their 40s and beyond by understanding their body’s unique blueprint. With over 15 years of experience and dual Master’s degrees in Exercise Physiology and Clinical Nutrition, he explains the hidden costs of overtraining and burnout, why most diets fail, and how to create a sustainable system for lifelong health.

Featured on major networks and consultant to elite sports teams, Ben offers practical insights for anyone ready to thrive at any age. Connect with him and learn more through his Body Systems website, Spotify, Instagram, and YouTube.

Avalon Publicity & Business Services 
Increasing the Digital Footprint of Content Creators via Modern Publicity and Social Media Services

Support the show

Get outside, have fun and be safe!
Martin Armitage,
Host of the Papa Bear Hikes Podcast
https://www.papabearhikes.com/
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/papa-bear-hikes/id1541491746
https://www.instagram.com/papabearhikes01/

Martin welcomes back friend and returning guest Adam Salinger.

In this conversation, Adam shares stories from his recent adventure: the Sawtooth Loop, a demanding route that tested his endurance and rewarded him with unforgettable views. Adam reflects on the challenges, the solitude, and the awe that keep drawing him deeper into the wilderness.

Listeners will come away inspired by Adam’s resilience, his dedication to outdoor education, and his belief in the transformative power of wild places.

 🌐 Follow Adam’s adventures at adamstreks.com

        and on Instagram @dreamer2000at

. 

Avalon Publicity & Business Services 
Increasing the Digital Footprint of Content Creators via Modern Publicity and Social Media Services

Support the show

Get outside, have fun and be safe!
Martin Armitage,
Host of the Papa Bear Hikes Podcast
https://www.papabearhikes.com/
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/papa-bear-hikes/id1541491746
https://www.instagram.com/papabearhikes01/

Host Martin welcomes Hillary, a marketer from Brooklyn with roots in the Poconos of Pennsylvania. A passionate traveler, Hillary seizes every opportunity to explore, from the energy of bustling city streets to the stillness of the world’s most remote corners. What makes her journey unique is her mission to bring others along, inspiring friends and family to share in experiences that create lasting memories.

In this episode, Hillary shares how she channels her professional planning and organizational skills into crafting unforgettable trips. From coordinating group vacations with different personalities and schedules to sparking inspiration for those seeking solo adventures, she offers practical advice and a fresh perspective for anyone ready to step out of the routine.

Whether you are dreaming of your next big getaway or looking for a way to connect with others through travel, Hillary’s insights will help you reimagine what adventure can look like.

Avalon Publicity & Business Services 
Increasing the Digital Footprint of Content Creators via Modern Publicity and Social Media Services

Support the show

Get outside, have fun and be safe!
Martin Armitage,
Host of the Papa Bear Hikes Podcast
https://www.papabearhikes.com/
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/papa-bear-hikes/id1541491746
https://www.instagram.com/papabearhikes01/

Friend of the podcast Dr. Robert Scanlon joins host Martin to talk about preparation as the ultimate survival skill. A physician, backpacker, and author of the upcoming book Surviving the Trail (launching September 2025), Dr. Scanlon shares practical safety tips and insights for anyone looking to thrive on the trail. Pre-order Surviving the Trail and get ready to make every outdoor adventure safer and more rewarding.🌲🥾📚🏕️🗻🚶‍♂️🔥🧭🏞️🌄

Ready to master the trail? Pre-order Surviving the Trail: Five Essential Skills to Prepare Every Hiker for Adventure’s Most Common Perils by Dr. Rob Scanlon today and start your next outdoor journey with confidence. Get your copy here.

Avalon Publicity & Business Services 
Increasing the Digital Footprint of Content Creators via Modern Publicity and Social Media Services

Support the show

Get outside, have fun and be safe!
Martin Armitage,
Host of the Papa Bear Hikes Podcast
https://www.papabearhikes.com/
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/papa-bear-hikes/id1541491746
https://www.instagram.com/papabearhikes01/

On this episode of the Papa Bear Hikes podcast, host Martin welcomes James Oliver, lifelong hiker and founder of Atlas, a company dedicated to clean, convenient, high-protein nutrition. James shares how his journey on the trail shaped his approach to endurance, wellness, and the importance of fueling with intention. Today, through Atlas, he’s helping others push their limits and thrive with nutrition designed for adventure.

Explore Atlas flavors including Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip and other delicious varieties: atlasbars.com

Follow Atlas:
 TikTok: @atlasbars
Facebook: Atlas Bars
Instagram: @atlasbars

Avalon Publicity & Business Services 
Increasing the Digital Footprint of Content Creators via Modern Publicity and Social Media Services

Support the show

Get outside, have fun and be safe!
Martin Armitage,
Host of the Papa Bear Hikes Podcast
https://www.papabearhikes.com/
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/papa-bear-hikes/id1541491746
https://www.instagram.com/papabearhikes01/

On this episode of the Papa Bear Hikes podcast, host Martin welcomes Rebecca Campbell, an internationally bestselling writer, poet, mystic, artist, ritualist, and mother. Her work is devoted to weaving the soul back into everyday life and guiding people to live in alignment with their spirit.

Born in Australia and now living in Glastonbury, UK, Rebecca has been working with the rose and other plants since 2010 and has experienced several initiatory awakenings. Before sharing her visions through books and oracle decks, she was an award-winning creative director.

She is the author of Rise Sister Rise, Letters to a Starseed, Light Is The New Black, and the oracle decks The Work Your Light Oracle, The Rose Oracle, and The Starseed Oracle. Her work has been featured in Oprah.com, Vogue, Psychologies Magazine, Kindred Spirit, and more.

Connect with Rebecca:
 www.rebeccacampbell.me
Instagram
Facebook

Discover Rebecca Campbell’s powerful new book Your Soul Had a Dream, Your Life Is It: How to Be Held by Life When It Feels Like Everything Is Falling Apart. This soulful guide will help you find meaning, strength, and connection through life’s most challenging seasons.

Get your copy today: Your Soul Had a Dream, Your Life Is It 🌿✨

Avalon Publicity & Business Services 
Increasing the Digital Footprint of Content Creators via Modern Publicity and Social Media Services

Support the show

Get outside, have fun and be safe!
Martin Armitage,
Host of the Papa Bear Hikes Podcast
https://www.papabearhikes.com/
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/papa-bear-hikes/id1541491746
https://www.instagram.com/papabearhikes01/

On this episode of Papa Bear Hikes, host Martin welcomes Howard Falco, a spiritual teacher and mindset coach who left a successful career in finance after a life-changing awakening. Howard shares powerful insights from his new book, Invincible: The Mindset of Infinite Potential and the Secret to Inevitable Success, offering practical guidance on breaking through self-imposed limits and tapping into extraordinary inner strength. Drawing on years of coaching both elite athletes and everyday seekers, he reveals how shifting your mindset can unlock your highest potential.

Discover the tools to break through your limits and achieve extraordinary inner strength. Get your copy of Invincible: The Mindset of Infinite Potential and the Secret to Inevitable Success today: https://a.co/d/g8GUIUT

Follow https://www.instagram.com/howardfalco for powerful insights on mindset, personal growth, and unlocking your true potential. Visit https://howardfalco.com to start your journey today. 

Avalon Publicity & Business Services 
Increasing the Digital Footprint of Content Creators via Modern Publicity and Social Media Services

Support the show

Get outside, have fun and be safe!
Martin Armitage,
Host of the Papa Bear Hikes Podcast
https://www.papabearhikes.com/
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/papa-bear-hikes/id1541491746
https://www.instagram.com/papabearhikes01/

In this episode, Martin talks with Ken Posner about his shift from Wall Street life to mountain trails, where he took on the brutal and beautiful Catskill "Grid"—a challenge requiring over 400 ascents across every month of the year. What began as a pursuit of a record evolved into something far deeper.

Ken shares how stripping away gear, comfort, and convention helped him reconnect with nature on its terms. Barefoot, minimalist, and often alone, he found purpose in the mud, snow, and silence. This is more than a story about running—it's about transformation, obsession, and discovering what it means to move through the world with intention.

Ken Posner’s story continues in Chasing the Grid: An Ultrarunner's Physical and Spiritual Journey in Pursuit of the Ultimate Mountain Challenge.

Pre-order now and experience the mountains through the eyes of a man who left behind convention to find meaning in every ascent.

📘 Order on Amazon

Want to learn more about Ken Posner’s journey, philosophy, and barefoot adventures?

Visit barefootken.com and follow him on Instagram @long_brown_path for insights, stories, and updates from the trail.

#ChasingTheGrid #KenPosner #Ultrarunning #MountainChallenge #TrailRunner #NewBook #AdventureReads #PapaBearHikes

Avalon Publicity & Business Services 
Increasing the Digital Footprint of Content Creators via Modern Publicity and Social Media Services

Support the show

Get outside, have fun and be safe!
Martin Armitage,
Host of the Papa Bear Hikes Podcast
https://www.papabearhikes.com/
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/papa-bear-hikes/id1541491746
https://www.instagram.com/papabearhikes01/