Trailmark

Jason Marchant is a passionate outdoor enthusiast and YouTube creator from Yorkshire, England, who has spent his adult life exploring the wild spaces of the UK and beyond. Through his channel "Crag Rat Outdoors," Jason documents his solo adventures across Britain's national parks, from the Yorkshire Dales to the Scottish Highlands, inspiring others to find adventure in seemingly ordinary places. With over 160 Scottish hills under his belt and countless wild camping experiences, Jason balances his love for ultralight backpacking and multi-day challenges with family life and his work in the police force. His authentic approach to outdoor storytelling focuses on the real experiences of wild camping, from gear failures and challenging weather to those magical moments of solitude in nature's most remote corners.

Kathe Koja is a groundbreaking author of 22+ books who has spent decades pushing the boundaries between horror, literary fiction, and immersive art. Known for influential works like "The Cipher," "Skin," and the "Dark Factory" trilogy, Koja creates what she calls "anchovy fiction" - stories with such a distinctive voice that readers either love them or don't, with little middle ground. In this conversation, we explore her evolution from traditional horror novels to immersive theater experiences, her belief that transformation requires discomfort, and her respect for reader intelligence. Koja discusses why she writes complex, challenging characters, how she approaches the creative process, and her conviction that we're all standing on thresholds of change whether we recognize it or not.

Dan Andriacco is a mystery writer, journalist, and longtime Sherlockian whose passion for detective fiction traces back to his childhood trips to the Cincinnati Public Library. With a background in journalism spanning over two decades at the Cincinnati Post, Dan brings a crisp, engaging clarity to his fiction—most notably in the Sebastian McCabe – Jeff Cody mystery series. A scholar of Sherlock Holmes and the current editor of The Baker Street Journal, Dan blends Golden Age aesthetics with modern storytelling, creating mysteries that honor tradition while exploring evolving friendships, timelines, and moral landscapes. His deep ties to the Sherlockian community, penchant for clever titles, and commitment to character-driven stories have made him a respected voice in both literary and academic circles.

In this episode, Dan and I explore the roots of his love for Sherlock Holmes, the transition from newsroom deadlines to fictional sleuthing, and the creative philosophies that shape his storytelling. We talk about growing up in a world where a nine-year-old could ride the bus downtown to check out mystery novels, the enduring charm of Holmes and Watson’s friendship, and why characters need to age just like the world around them. From plot structure and humor in suspense to world-building in the fictional town of Erin, Ohio, Dan opens up about his inspirations, routines, and the subtle artistry behind the mystery genre. We also dive into the scholarly side of Sherlock Holmes, the fine line between fiction and academia, and how a lifetime of curiosity can shape both a career and a canon.

Kijuan “Key” Amey is a U.S. Air Force veteran, author, motivational speaker, and survivor of a life-altering motorcycle accident that left him blind at 25. Despite losing his eyesight, Key never lost his vision—his unwavering drive to uplift others through vulnerability, faith, and resilience. Before the accident, he was simultaneously serving in the military, earning a degree in computer information systems, and running multiple businesses. Today, he channels that same ambition into mentoring others, powerlifting, skiing, writing, and inspiring audiences around the world.

In this episode, Key shares the raw and powerful story of the day everything changed—May 5, 2017—and the spiritual and emotional rebuilding that followed. We talk about masculinity, vulnerability, finding meaning through suffering, the power of community, and what it means to rewrite your narrative when life doesn’t go according to plan. Through laughter, honesty, and human insight, this is one of the most powerful stories ever shared on the podcast.

David Amerland is a chemical engineer turned acclaimed author, speaker, and business analyst whose work explores the intersections of human behavior, decision-making, and personal growth. With a background in martial arts and neuroscience-informed fitness, David blends philosophy, psychology, and practical science to help individuals better understand themselves and navigate the challenges of modern life. He’s the author of 19 books—ranging from digital marketing to The Sniper Mind and Built to Last—which explore topics like intentionality, motivation, and cognitive performance.

In this wide-ranging conversation, David explores the emotional operating systems that shape our choices, the neuroscience of motivation, the role of journaling in self-awareness, and the impact of digital technology on our mental health. Whether discussing dopamine hijacking, empathy as a de-escalation tool, or structuring goals through the “Law of Threes,” David’s insights offer a grounded, actionable approach to living with clarity and purpose.