Claim OwnershipPapa Bear Hikes
Subscribed: 23Played: 4,554
Subscribe
© 2025 Papa Bear Hikes
Description
Papa Bear Hikes is a Podcast for Nature Lovers & Outdoor Enthusiasts. Network/Artist: Martin Armitage is the author of Switching Gears: Rediscovering the Meaning of Life, Love, and Happiness While Backpacking Vermont’s Long Trail, and recipient of the WHITNEY YOUNG, JR. AWARD. *Presented By: Buzzsprout* Producer: Wendy A. Lawrence *Host: Martin Armitage *Edited By: Big Bear Studios *Show Notes: Wendy A. Lawrence *For Media Inquiries email: wendy@avalonbusiness.org *The Papa Bear Hikes podcast is a GLOBAL iTunes fan favorite in multiple categories and has a Global Ranking in the top 1%!
499 Episodes
Reverse
Papa Bear Hikes welcomes back guest Adam Salinger, whose long trail history and steady backcountry judgment always elevate the conversation. Martin guides the episode as Adam talks through the eastern Sierras with clear, grounded insight, reflecting on route choices, conditions, pacing, and the small decisions that shape a safe, satisfying day outdoors. Their easy rapport keeps the discussion warm and engaging while giving listeners usable perspective for their own hikes. Follow Adam on Insta...
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, m...
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 adve...
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 sustaina...
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...
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 organiz...
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: Fiv...
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 othe...
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 throu...
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 see...
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....
In this episode, Martin welcomes outfitter and river guide Jon Barker for his first appearance on the podcast. Jon is the founder of Barker River Expeditions and has spent over 40 years navigating Idaho’s remote rivers. For the past 25 years, he’s specialized in desert river trips on the Jarbidge, Bruneau, and Owyhee Rivers. Jon shares stories from his decades guiding clients through some of the most rugged and beautiful terrain in the American West, including supported hikes through slot can...
Host Martin Armitage welcomes Dr. Sean Pastuch, founder of Active Life, whose groundbreaking approach is transforming how we think about health, movement, and longevity. Rather than relying on quick fixes or unnecessary medical interventions, Dr. Pastuch empowers individuals to reclaim their active lives through smart, sustainable fitness solutions. With a background in coaching elite athletes and a passion for helping everyday people live pain free and purpose driven lives, Sean shares pract...
This week on Papa Bear Hikes, host Martin welcomes back listener favorite Ben “Paladin” Cox. A husband, father, hiker, environmentalist, hunter, fisherman, and world traveler, Ben joins us once again to share stories, reflections, and a few new perspectives since his last visit. Together, Martin and Ben dive into the experiences that have shaped him over the past year from time spent outdoors to moments that brought him closer to home. Whether you’re an adventurer, a dreamer, or someone...
Aaron returns to the show to share her expert insight as a licensed nutritionist and founder of Backcountry Foodie, focusing on how hikers can fuel their adventures with healthy, ultralight snacks—without overspending. Drawing from her extensive experience creating trail-tested meal plans, she offers smart, affordable picks from dollar stores and discount chains that deliver real nutritional value and stand up to the demands of the backcountry. This episode was inspired by a suggestion ...
Host Martin welcomes back fan favorite Audrey “Glowstick” Payne, a seasoned thru hiker, blogger, and author, for an inspiring update on her latest long distance journey: trekking from Carson City to Canada along the Pacific Crest Trail. Audrey shares vivid stories of dusty switchbacks, high desert ridgelines, and the ever changing terrain that defines the northern stretch of the PCT. She also dishes on the quirky, welcoming small towns she stops in along the way, places full of character, kin...
In this episode of Papa Bear Hikes, host Martin welcomes Doug Beaumont, the California-based adventurer behind the popular YouTube channel, Backcountry Pilgrim. With decades of experience exploring the backcountry, Doug shares insights from his hiking journeys and the stories that inspire his content. Doug discusses his passion for hiking, his experiences on various trails, and the lessons he's learned along the way. He also talks about the motivation behind starting his YouTube channel and h...
In this empowering episode of Papa Bear Hikes, host Martin chats with Giovanna Silvestre—📚 author, 🌎 solo traveler, 🧘🏻♀️ and the visionary behind Confused Girl, a trailblazing sportswear line inspired by healing crystals. Featured in Forbes, NBC, and LA Yoga, Giovanna opens up about her journey from uncertainty to bold entrepreneurship—and how spirituality and solo adventures led her to write her upcoming book. Giovanna also dives into her fearless approach to life, sharing how she has learn...
In today’s episode, Martin talks about his recent 5K race experience. He shares how it fit into his regular fitness routine, what the event was like, and why staying active off the trail matters. It was a fun, straightforward morning that reminded him how small challenges help build a stronger outdoor lifestyle. Join Martin for a quick recap and some thoughts on keeping movement a part of everyday life. Avalon Publicity & Business Services Increasing the Digital Footprint of Content ...
Host Martin welcomes back solo thru-hiker and outdoor advocate Katie “Oats” Houston, whose 3,000+ miles on trail and deep ties to the hiking community make her a familiar voice to Papa Bear Hikes listeners. This episode takes a personal turn as Katie opens up about the impact of Hurricane Helene, which struck her hometown of Asheville, North Carolina in 2024. Katie shares how the storm affected her family and neighbors, and how the community rallied in its aftermath. A key part of that recove...
Download from Google Play
Download from App Store
United States
great show