Send us a text This week on Hikes & Mics, we caught up with a familiar face: John Mark, last on the show back in 2023 — and a LOT has happened since then. Over the past two years, he’s shifted careers from college professor to full-time court interpreter, giving him the flexibility to chase waterfalls, wander ridgelines, and sneak in micro-adventures between jobs. He’s camped nearly every month for two years straight, endured freezing nights in Savage Gulf, refined his pack system down ...
Send us a text 🎙️ A Life Built on Adventure, Partnership & Big Peaks This week we sit down with Amy — phys-ed teacher, adventurer, and newly crowned Adirondack 46er — whose journey through all 50 states, 52 national parks, and decades of road trips has become a lifelong mission to explore the outdoors. She shares how a chance reconnection with her now-husband sparked 26 years of adventure, how Mount Marcy in winter lit the fire, and how every summit has taught her something about...
Send us a text 🎙️ A Conversation on Healing, Service & the Power of the Trail Just in time for Veterans Day, we sit down with Chappy, Program Director for the Veterans Engagement and Trail Stewardship Program with the Arizona Trail Association. He shares how the trail became a bridge between healing, service, and purpose after military life — and how “mission therapy” gives veterans a new way to connect, give back, and rediscover themselves through the outdoors. 🇺🇸 We talk about carrying ...
Send us a text 🎙️ Chasing National Parks: A Father–Son Quest 🥾🌄 In this special Hikes & Mics episode, we’re joined by Grant for his return to the podcast — and for the first time ever, his dad John steps up to the mic! Recorded in person at a lookout over a freshly snow-covered Washington Pass near North Cascades National Park, this heartfelt conversation explores what becomes possible when a shared love for the outdoors turns into a 13-year legacy of adventure. Grant and John t...
Send us a text 🌄 Van Life, Second Acts & Saying YES to Adventure 🚐✨ This week on Hikes & Mics, we’re joined by Kathleen — an adventurer and “Women’s Vitality Alchemist” who hit the road solo in her van Blondie to rediscover purpose, confidence, and joy. We explore the freedom of van life, the wisdom found on trails from Monument Valley to the North Cascades, and why it’s never too late to reinvent yourself and chase what lights you up. 💚 🎙️ Tune in for an empowering conversation...
Send us a text 🌎 Weather, Wildfires & the Human Impact with Paul Rivera ☀️🌧️ In this episode of Hikes & Mics, we’re joined by Paul Rivera—a Louisiana-based journalist, nature lover, and environmental storyteller who has spent over a decade reporting on hurricanes, wildfires, and the changing climate. From his early fascination with weather after Hurricane Katrina to his years covering environmental stories in Texas, South Carolina, Florida, and Washington State, Paul shares how his lo...
Send us a text Courage, Comfort & Connection: Building Fridie Outdoors with Lestarya 🌲📱 In this inspiring episode of Hikes & Mics, we’re joined by Lestarya, founder of Fridie Outdoors—a groundbreaking app designed to make camping and outdoor skills accessible anytime, anywhere—even offline. What began as a way to heal after loss during her first hike in the Bay Area has evolved into a movement redefining how people connect with nature. Lestarya opens up about leaving her tech career t...
Send us a text “The woods became my therapy. The mountains became my classroom.” From being 505 pounds to summiting Mount Kilimanjaro — this week’s guest, DonWitt, has lived one of the most powerful comeback stories we’ve ever shared. As the founder of Hiking with the Bear, DonWitt opens up about transforming his health through hiking, finding community on the trail, and proving that the outdoors truly is for everyone. From that first 75-pound backpack to leading groups up Shenandoah summits ...
Send us a text 🎙️ Season 12 continues with a journey shaped by deserts, road trips, and unexpected trail moments. 🥾✨ Meet Lyndsay—AllTrails ambassador, science teacher, and lifelong explorer—whose story stretches from childhood camping trips in Ohio to solo hikes across the Southwest. From a 28-day family road trip that sparked her love of travel, to being stalked by coyotes at dusk, to discovering just how alive Death Valley really is, Lyndsay shows us the beauty in both the big adventures a...
Send us a text 🎙️ Season 12 kicks off with a story that spans deserts, snowfields, and summits. 🥾✨ Meet Jackson—trail name Gospel—who just finished his PCT thru-hike this summer. From battling early Sierra snow to chasing Northern Washington sunsets, Jackson shares how the trail tested his mind more than his body, the faith that carried him through, and why sunrise on Mount Whitney is worth every frozen step. 🌄 This conversation is raw, inspiring, and the perfect way to launch a new season of...
Send us a text This fall, Hikes & Mics is back with Season 12—your trail companion for crisp mornings, golden leaves, and stories that push us further. From long-distance hikers chasing switchbacks and international adventurers exploring new cultures… to veterans finding healing on the trail, storytellers bringing news from the mountains, and guides helping us connect mind, body, and nature—this season is packed with voices that inspire. We’ll hear from outdoor educators, stewards protect...
Send us a text 🌿 Speaking Up for Our Parks with Dominique 🐾✨ We’re closing out Season 11 of Hikes & Mics with an inspiring conversation featuring Dominique—Georgia-based hiker, national park enthusiast, and advocate for the land we all share. From peaceful strolls through Georgia’s hidden gems to trail work with Trees Atlanta, Dominique reminds us that being outdoorsy isn’t about chasing miles—it’s about care, connection, and community. She opens up about hiking with her two senior pups, ...
Send us a text 🫎 Moose Encounters & Mountain Stillness with Mark🌲📸 In this episode of Hikes & Mics, we’re joined by Mark—wildlife photographer, storyteller, and moose whisperer. Through solo hikes in Utah’s Wasatch Front, Mark has crossed paths with more than 100 moose, a bobcat at just 40 yards, and countless moments of spiritual clarity in wild spaces. He shares how hiking became a healing outlet after heartbreak, evolving into a soulful pursuit of presence, photography, and purpose...
Send us a text 🎙️ From First Steps to Thousands of Miles with Melanie aka Poppi 🌲🥾 In this episode of Hikes & Mics, we sit down with Melanie, whose journey from two simple overnight trips to conquering the Pacific Crest Trail, Colorado Trail, and Arizona Trail is nothing short of inspiring. With a background in nutrition, she shares how fueling your body with intention can transform the trail experience—from protein coffee rituals to the importance of macronutrients on thru-hikes. We dive...
Send us a text 🎙️ Peak Lists, Family Trips & 1,000+ Summits with Brett of @thehuntindaddy ⛰️ In this episode of Hikes & Mics, we’re joined by Brett Marciasini—peak bagger, hunter-turned-hiker, and dad passing his love for the outdoors on to the next generation. From tackling Nevada’s most remote ranges to standing nearly 19,000 feet high in Ecuador, Brett shares what it’s like chasing lists, solitude, and adventure across the West. We talk about completing the 63 Oguls, 91 Great Basin...
Send us a text 🎙 No One Walks the Trail Alone This week, we sit down with George Eshelman — U.S. Army veteran, three-time Appalachian Trail finisher, and the real-life subject of The Keeper film. George shares his raw and powerful story of how hiking the AT — while carrying over 300 name tapes of fallen brothers and sisters — became both a memorial and a turning point in his own battle with PTSD. From moments of connection with strangers on the trail to the life-saving realization that “you’r...
Send us a text 🎙️Bears, Breakups & Big Views with Maddie of @nomaddiie🐻⛰️ In this episode of Hikes & Mics, we’re joined by Maddie—solo traveler, outdoor content creator, and aspiring wildlife biologist. From road-tripping in her Toyota Corolla to finally summiting Angel’s Landing, Maddie shares how a breakup led her to rediscover freedom, purpose, and presence in the outdoors. We talk about her journey to visit all 63 U.S. National Parks, what it’s like hiking solo as a woman, and how...
Send us a text 📚 Books, Button-Downs & Backcountry Beauty with Igor Bravemore 🥾🌍 In this episode of Hikes & Mics, we’re joined by Igor Bravemore—hiker, author, and visual storyteller behind the newly released book Out in Nature. Based in the DMV (DC, Maryland & Virginia) region, Igor brings a fresh perspective on the underrated trails of the East Coast, the solitude of off-the-beaten-path adventures, and what it means to see the world with curiosity and care. We explore his journe...
Send us a text 🌍 Wonders, Whitney & the Wild with Trisha 🏞️✨ In this episode of Hikes & Mics, we’re joined by Trisha—adventure traveler, national park enthusiast, and the storyteller behind @wanderwoman619. From desert trails in Sedona to standing atop Mount Whitney, hiking rim-to-rim across the Grand Canyon, and checking off world wonders like Machu Picchu, Trisha’s journey is a masterclass in fearless exploration and joyful grit. We dive into her experiences hiking The Wave in the s...
Send us a text 🌎 Mountains, Miles & Meaning with Luis of Vamos Hiking Crew 🥾✨ In this episode of Hikes & Mics, we’re joined by Luis—global adventurer, group hike leader, and founder of the Vamos Hiking Crew. Known on Instagram as @mrtraveler.me, Luis has explored 34 countries, summited over 65 peaks, and built a thriving hiking community that blends culture, connection, and courage on every trail. From childhood hikes in Guatemala to drone-filming eruptions at Volcán de Fuego, Luis sh...