Backpacker Radio The Trek

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we'll do it live! That's right, we are once again joined by backpacking legend, Ryan Sylva aka Dirtmonger, to learn more about his ridiculously extensive backpacking experience from around the world, but this time we are joined by 60 of our best friends at the Skylark Lounge in Denver, Colorado. Although many beers were consumed during the making of this podcast, we feel confident this live episode stays in bounds, at least relative to the first go around, which we no longer speak of.
We wrap the show with a QA from attendees of this event, a triple crown of the best sports movies, Chaunce gives us the full rundown on her engagement, and we finally introduce our highly anticipated new segment, Trail Confessionals.
Banner photo credit: Rolf Asphaug
Backpacker’s Pantry: Use code “BPR20” for 20% off at backpackerspantry.com.
Gossamer Gear: Use code “SNUGGLEBUG” for 20% off shelters at gossamergear.com. 
Appalachian Gear Company: Use code “BPRADIO20” for 20% off at appalachiangearcompany.com.
Shady Rays: Use code “TREK20” for $20 off polarized sunglasses at shadyrays.com.
Outdoor Vitals: Get 17% off the Ventus plus a free backpacking pillow at outdoorvitals.com/thetrek.
[divider]
Live Podcast
Dirtmonger's Instagram Dirtmonger's Blog Time stamps & Questions
00:05:17 - Reminders: Submit feedback to podcast@thetrek.co, sign up for the Trek’s newsletter, and reach out to us if you know a venue that would like to host us!
00:06:27 - Introducing Dirtmonger
00:13:20 - Tell us about your Poop Loop Bikepacking route
00:15:36 - Was this the start of a new chapter in your life?
00:19:20 - Does bikepacking scratch the same backcountry itch as backpacking?
00:22:58 - How do you develop and feel confident in your philosophy about backpacking?
00:26:54 - Tell us about your backstory
00:31:12 - Have you ever done something you wouldn’t want to do again?
00:34:15 - Sell us on bikepacking
00:37:28 - Discussion about using other activities to heal while still adventuring
00:44:15 - What’s the longest day you’ve had on a bike?
00:46:30 - Tell us about the Salkantay Trek, Ausungate Circuit, and Cordillera Real Traverse
00:50:59 - Do you learn things when you hike with Swami?
00:54:02 - What do you mean by hiking at your level?
00:59:56 - Discussion about hiking alone versus with people
01:01:52 - How did that inform the hiking decisions you made afterwards?
01:02:35 - What appeals to you about the desert?
01:04:40 - Tell us about the Oregon Desert Trail
01:06:50 - Tell us about the Altiplano Traverse
01:11:35 - Are there outdoor conditions that you don’t enjoy?
01:14:23 - Has there been a scenario where you turned back because the conditions were bad?
01:17:20 - What’s your mentality about proving yourself to other people?
01:23:50 - Tell us about the Whatever Route
01:28:25 - Discussion about planning and developing the Great Basin Route
01:37:20 - What’s your most controversial take on thru-hiking culture?
01:40:05 - What’s your median base weight?
01:45:30 - Discussion about down jackets and rain jackets
01:48:00 - Kumo Question: Do you think visors will ever come back around?
01:49:06 - Audience Q&A: Is there anything you want to hike in Asia?
01:50:00 - Audience Q&A: Bidet?
01:51:00 - Gossamer Gear Giveaway 1
01:55:30 - Audience Q&A: If you had to do one trail for the rest of your life, what would it be?
01:56:40 - Audience Q&A: Do you ever mentally struggle without seeing people around?
02:00:10 - Audience Q&A: How do you mentally balance creating a new trail with LNT?
02:03:08 - Audience Q&A: What trail made you fall in love with thru-hiking?
Segments
Chaunce’s Engagement Story
QOTD: How much money would it take for you to live in a dumpster for a month?
Triple Crown of sports movies
Trail Confessions
Two Star Trail Review
Mail Bag
5 Star Review
[divider]
Check out our sound guy @my_boy_p

In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by thru-hiker and author, Audrey “Glowstick” Payne. In addition to a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail, which is the subject of her memoir, Where the Rhododendrons Bloom, Audrey has also tackled the Colorado Trail, Foothills Trail, Trans Catalina Trail, John Muir Trail, Wonderland Trail, and the Patagonia O Circuit. Audrey gives us an overview of each of these treks, and how she might be the first person on earth to not enjoy the JMT, she details a not-so-cordial breakup with her trail family on the AT, and offers some solid tips for those who want to trek Patagonia’s O Circuit. We also get an overview of Audrey’s life prior to thru-hiking, including how her treks were inspired by a back injury and her career in PR, including some fun stories of working with celebrities. 
We wrap the show with the news of a nasty outbreak of Norovirus on the AT this year, whether you should store your food underwater in the backcountry, the triple crown of movies we've cried to, and some one-star trail reviews.
Backpacker’s Pantry: Use code “BPR20” for 20% off at backpackerspantry.com.
Gossamer Gear: Use code “SNUGGLEBUG” for 20% off shelters at gossamergear.com. 
Shady Rays: Use code “TREK20” for $20 off polarized sunglasses at shadyrays.com.
Appalachian Gear Company: Use code “BPRADIO20” for 20% off at appalachiangearcompany.com.
LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at drinklmnt.com/trek.
[divider]
Interview with Audrey “Glowstick” Payne
Audrey's Instagram Audrey's Website Audrey's Linktree Time stamps & Questions
00:05:14 - Reminders: Come say hi to us at both AT and PCT Trail Days, support us on Patreon to get bonus exclusive episodes, and check out our new hats!
00:06:47 - Introducing Audrey
00:09:20 - What were you doing in DC?
00:15:53 - How did you go from burnt out PR person to thru-hiking? 
00:18:34 - How has your back held up?
00:20:15 - How old were you when you started on the AT?
00:22:45 - Walk us through how you rationalized leaving your career to hike the AT
00:26:57 - Are you grateful for your back issues getting you onto the trail?
00:29:28 - Did you have any midlife crises turning 40?
00:30:40 - How do you feel about your future hikes?
00:31:45 - What advice would you give to others approaching or in their 30s?
00:36:22 - Tell us about getting woken up by some ponies and bears
00:44:00 - Is there a story that resonates with readers from the book?
00:47:00 - Tell us about camping at the drive in
00:53:43 - Tell us about foraging on the AT
00:58:40 - What was your best trail magic experience?
01:03:14 - What are your thoughts about tramilies?
01:07:10 - How did the trail family breakup go?
01:09:54 - Can you give tips to people from a PR perspective on how to break up with your trail family?
01:15:52 - What happens if you encounter your broken up trail family again?
01:16:48 - What was it like post-breakup?
01:18:35 - Discussion about deciding to leave a job to hike the AT
01:20:18 - How can someone weigh the pros and cons of making a change to their life?
01:25:00 - Did you put the AT on your resume or discuss it during your interviews?
01:27:45 - What accounted for the four year gap between the AT and your next hike?
01:29:39 - Do your coworkers know you for your hiking?
01:33:02 - How did you decide to do the Colorado Trail?
01:34:17 - Did you start in the same place each time you’ve done the Four Pass Loop?
01:36:00 - Discussion about the logistics of the Four Pass Loop
01:41:55 - Tell us about your mountain lion encounter on the CT
01:50:00 - Discussion about off-roading
01:51:40 - How was your Foothills Trail hike?
01:57:10 - What insects did you see?
02:00:00 - How was your Trans Catalina Trail experience?
02:04:29 - How was the John Muir Trail?
02:07:50 - Discussion about the PCT southbound
02:12:20 - Tell us about the Patagonia O Circuit
02:14:23

In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are once again joined by Bethany “Fidgit” Hughes. Fidget has hiked, paddled, and cycled more than 22,000 miles across 25 countries as one half of the Her Odyssey Expedition, a human-powered endeavor to connect the Americas following the longest chain of mountains in the world while telling the story of the land and its inhabitants, a journey she completed in August 2022. 
Bethany was last on the podcast more than 5 years ago, when she had completed the South American leg of this wild expedition, she catches us up with her and her partner’s journey through Central and North America. We go deep on how she navigates the more unsafe sections of this journey, especially through Central America and Mexico and navigating the cartel, dodging crocodiles, canoeing the 3,000+ mile Arctic Drainage to reach the Arctic Ocean, and much, much more. This one is full of engaging stories, you will not be disappointed.
We wrap the show with news of the first woman to complete the Barkley Marathons, a deadly mountain lion attack in California, and the triple crown of breakfasts.
Gossamer Gear: Use code “SNUGGLEBUG” for 20% off shelters at gossamergear.com. 
Jenna Davis: Email jenna@firstsummitrealty.com or call 303-946-9476 to get a free consultation.
Appalachian Gear Company: Use code “BPRADIO20” for 20% off at appalachiangearcompany.com.
Shady Rays: Use code “TREK20” for $20 off polarized sunglasses at shadyrays.com.
Outdoor Vitals: Get 17% off the Ventus plus a free backpacking pillow at outdoorvitals.com/thetrek.
[divider]
Interview with Bethany “Fidgit” Hughes
Her Odyssey Website Her Odyssey Instagram Her Odyssey Youtube Backpacker Radio Episode 25: Bethany “Fidgit” Hughes on Trekking the Length of the Americas Time stamps & Questions
00:04:08 - Reminders: We will be at Trail Days! And…subscribe to us on Youtube!
00:05:07 - (Re)introducing Bethany
00:06:23 - Tell us about your recent 10 day silent retreat
00:16:25 - Did you have moments where you wanted to speak?
00:18:30 - Give us the summary of what part of the odyssey you’d completed the last time you were on the podcast
00:23:00 - What was the timeline of going across Central America?
00:25:58 - How would you describe your appreciation for bikepacking?
00:28:24 - Do you find that elitism is more prevalent in bikepacking than thru-hiking?
00:33:10 - If someone wanted to do a similar route, what advice would you offer?
00:37:26 - How many scenarios felt unsafe during the Central American portion?
00:42:08 - Did you find the State Department’s advisories helpful?
00:43:28 - Are there extra safety precautions for solo female travelers?
00:47:38 - What other safety methods do you recommend?
00:50:45 - What were some of the highlights of the Central American portion of your route?
00:53:33 - Is there a crocodile protocol?
00:57:50 - Where did you go after kayaking in Panama?
01:00:25 - How safe did you feel in Mexico?
01:05:50 - How did you learn these trends and strategies?
01:08:23 - Is it easy to spot a gangster?
01:10:44 - Tell us about jumping over to the Baja California Peninsula
01:13:20 - Did you have any weird encounters along the US-Mexico border?
01:20:00 - Discussion about the evolution of trail magic and entitlement
01:22:36 - How do you recommend people participate in a gift-giving culture?
01:28:07 - Tell us any standout stories from hiking the CDT
01:33:20 - Do you think Her Odyssey has made you more adaptable as a thru-hiker?
01:40:22 - Tell us about the Great Divide Trail
01:46:25 - What are Treaty Days?
01:48:38 - Discussion about climate change along the route
01:51:05 - Discussion about the paddling trip to the Arctic Ocean
01:59:00 - How did you develop paddling skills?
02:01:16 - Did your caloric needs increase on the paddling portion of the odyssey?
02:02:18 - Bethany’s hot take on umbrellas
02:05:40 - Where can people le

In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, he’s back. That’s right, The Real Hiking Viking aka Jabba aka Tom aka Backpacker Radio’s honorary third co-host joins us once again to give us an update on his life. We get the full breakdown of where the heck he disappeared to last year, how his CDT hike went, another attempt at the Wind River High Route, a brief stint on a reality TV show in Central America, updates on his backpack, and much more. If ever a guest needed no introduction, it’s this one, so we’ll just say sit down, strap in, and get ready to get Jabba’d once again.
We wrap the show with a question of the day so graphic that I will not be saying it in the intro (this episode is not for kids), the triple crown of funniest farts, and this is your last chance to snag tickets for our live podcast in Denver!
Gossamer Gear: Use code “SNUGGLEBUG” for 20% off shelters at gossamergear.com. 
Outdoor Vitals: Get 17% off the Ventus plus a free backpacking pillow at outdoorvitals.com/thetrek.
Appalachian Gear Company: Use code “BPRADIO20” for 20% off at appalachiangearcompany.com.
Shady Rays: Use code “TREK20” for $20 off polarized sunglasses at shadyrays.com.
Danner: Use code “TREK15” for 15% off Mountain 600 boots at danner.com.
[divider]
Interview with Jabba
Jabba's Instagram Time stamps & Questions
00:07:17 - Reminders: This is your last chance for tickets to our live podcast in Denver TOMORROW!
00:15:00 - Re-introducing Jabba and his desire for a sober year
00:22:25 - Are you goal setting for your birthday?
00:24:00 - What would allow you to one-up your 30s in your 40s?
00:26:22 - Is there a correlation between trying sobriety and preventing injuries?
00:29:23 - Why did you disappear?
00:33:00 - Discussion about Jabba’s flip flop on the CDT and getting off the trail
00:37:07 - Did any part of you think about getting back onto the CDT?
00:38:04 - How do you pull yourself out of a sedentary period?
00:40:55 - How do you spend six hours at the gym?
00:51:08 - What bikepacking trip are you going on?
00:54:14 - Tell us about starting on the CDT last year
00:58:35 - Do you have any mental spiraling about not being at the top of your historical physical fitness?
01:05:00 - Discussion about adding stakes to physical goals
01:12:08 - Discussion about the CDT
01:17:00 - Discussion about standards shifting over time
01:18:52 - How do you manage big adventures with maintaining a home life?
01:21:50 - Tell us about ending the CDT with the Wind River High Route
01:33:21 - What were some highlights of the northern stretch of the Wind River High Route?
01:36:45 - Should you have an ice axe and microspikes regardless of the time of year?
01:38:17 - What are the updates on the Zerk?
01:43:18 - Kumo Question: What is the smelliest thing you’ve ever encountered?
Segments
QOTD
Triple Crown of funniest farts
Trek Propaganda: Briana DeSanctis Becomes First Solo Woman To Complete 6,800-Mile American Discovery Trail by Ariella Nardizzi
Mail Bag
5 Star Review
[divider]
Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/.
Leave us a voicemail!
Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)!  Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.
Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio
Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.
Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.
Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.
Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years.
A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex & Misty with Navigators Crafting, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Austin Ford, Brad & Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Dayne, Derek Koch, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Greg Knight, Greg McDaniel may he bring honor to his name, Hailey Buckingham, Jason “Snail” Snailer barely

In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Henry “Moose Juice” Lewis. In addition to hikes of the AT, Teton Crest Trail, Colorado Trail, and the PCT, Moose Juice spent a few seasons shaking down starry eyed aspiring thru-hikers at Mountain Crossings. Henry gives us a rundown of these hikes, the funniest stories from these shakedowns, including happening onto vibratos and guns, tips on how to fix a leaking inflatable sleeping pad, doing champagne shoey, and his terrifying encounter with an angry bull moose, which helped him earn his trail. 
We wrap the show with an argument for starting your AT hike on the Benton Mackaye Trail, why or why not a ghost and zombie can come from the same person, and the triple crown of non-obvious smartphone apps.
Gossamer Gear: Use code “SNUGGLEBUG” for 20% off shelters at gossamergear.com. 
Outdoor Vitals: Get 17% off the Ventus plus a free backpacking pillow at outdoorvitals.com/thetrek.
LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at drinklmnt.com/trek.
Shady Rays: Use code “TREK20” for $20 off polarized sunglasses at shadyrays.com.
Danner: Use code “TREK15” for 15% off Mountain 600 boots at danner.com.
[divider]
Interview with Henry “Moose Juice” Lewis
Henry's Trek Author Page Henry's Instagram Time stamps & Questions
00:03:45 - Reminders: Attend our live podcast in Denver next week! Apply to be a blogger for the Trek!
00:06:47 - Introducing Moose Juice
00:07:20 - Tell us about your champagne shoey
00:09:33 - Tell us the origin of your trail name
00:13:02 - Did you try to gain weight prior to the AT?
00:15:46 - We Love Love: Tell us about meeting your girlfriend on trail
00:19:50 - Why were you so oblivious to all the signs?
00:23:24 - Where did the AT and thru-hiking come onto your radar?
00:26:42 - Why did you choose to go southbound?
00:31:05 - How did starting with the Whites impact your mindset?
00:33:34 - Tell us your worst moment on the trail
00:36:40 - Discussion about packs
00:40:00 - Tell us about your experience working at Mountain Crossings
00:46:20 - Do they prepare you for working with tons of thru-hikers during the bubble?
00:47:48 - Are Mountain Crossings employees incentivized to sell gear?
00:50:00 - What can people do better while preparing to minimize needing to buy new gear during the hike?
00:52:30 - Is having a big personality a trait Mountain Crossings recruit for?
00:54:55 - Are there standout stories of people carrying outlandish things?
01:00:25 - Tell us about the Teton Crest Trail
01:08:09 - Tell us about the Colorado Trail
01:08:45 - When did you decide to hike the PCT?
01:12:06 - Did you hike all the way through the Sierra?
01:18:40 - Was she okay after going to the hospital?
01:19:55 - What is High Altitude Pulmonary Edema?
01:22:32 - Would you rather do the Sierra in high snow or low snow conditions?
01:24:54 - What were the highlights of the rest of the PCT?
01:26:24 - Tell us about your mountain lion encounter
01:31:12 - What are the steps for fixing an inflatable air pad hole?
01:34:00 - What’s the ideal start date for the AT?
01:37:25 - Kumo Question: Do you have any strange superstitions?
Segments
Impromptu Chaunce Poop Story
Trek Propaganda: The AT Is Crowded. Why Not Start Your Thru-Hike on the Benton Mackaye Trail Instead? by Kelly Floro
QOTD: Can a ghost and a zombie come from the same person?
Triple Crown of non-obvious apps on your phone
Patent Pending
Mail Bag
5 Star Review
[divider]
Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/.
Leave us a voicemail!
Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)!  Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.
Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio
Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.
Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.
Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.
Our theme song is Walking

In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Eeland Stribling. Eeland, who’s known as the "Black Steve Iriwn" and “The Fliest Fisherman” is a wildlife biologist, educator, standup comedian, and the host of “Comedians on the Fly.” We dive deep into the world of standup comedy, including the various hazing routines, what it’s like to eat shit during an open mic, how things change as you climb the ranks, the process of crafting a joke, and more. Eeland also educates us with some fun facts about black bears and mountain lions and gives us a thorough primer on how to get started with fly fishing. This chat was both fun and informative, you will not be disappointed. 
We wrap the show with five word sentences that are guaranteed to start a fight, the triple crown of shows to fall asleep to, and we have more details of our live podcast in Denver. The link to get tickets is in the show notes. Taking a pause here to give you time to snag yours. 
Gossamer Gear: Use code “SNUGGLEBUG” for 20% off shelters at gossamergear.com. 
Jenna Davis: Email jenna@firstsummitrealty.com or call 303-946-9476 to get a free consultation.
Shady Rays: Use code “TREKREACT” for 2 lenses free when you buy React frames at shadyrays.com.
Danner: Use code “TREK15” for 15% off Mountain 600 boots at danner.com.
[divider]
Interview with Eeland Stribling
Eeland's Instagram Eeland's Website Comedians on the Fly Brown Folks Fishing Time stamps & Questions
00:03:42 - Reminders: Get tickets to our live show in Denver on April 23!
00:04:44 - Introducing Eeland
00:05:37 - What got you into comedy?
00:09:15 - How would you describe your style of comedy?
00:14:18 - What is the easiest animal to make fun of?
00:15:45 - Tell us about your experience as a nuisance animal technician
00:18:58 - Tell us about tranquilizing and relocating bears
00:22:08 - What was the smartest bear encounter you had?
00:25:40 - How did your mountain lion work compare to that with bears?
00:28:00 - Is there an area that’s notorious for problematic bears?
00:33:31 - Are there notable comedians you’ve opened for?
00:38:05 - What is it like to hang out with comics in the green room?
00:43:20 - What’s the best advice other comedians have given you?
00:46:55 - Tell us about how you write jokes
00:48:55 - What’s it like when jokes bomb?
00:53:00 - How does a set hit with some crowds and not with others?
00:58:04 - Can you read us the most recent lines in your notebook?
01:02:17 - How frequently are you improvising on stage with new bits?
01:04:45 - When are your upcoming shows in April?
01:06:04 - Tell us about your show, Comedians on the Fly
01:09:20 -  How did you get into fly fishing?
01:12:37 - Tell us about your phone incident while saltwater fishing
01:15:55 - How do you know what flies are needed for certain areas?
01:18:00 - Are you reluctant to share your favorite tips or places?
01:23:56 - How much of fly fishing is skill vs. knowledge vs. luck?
01:27:30 - Discussion about paralells between comedy and fishing
01:31:40 - Can you talk to us about Brown Folks Fishing and why their work matters?
01:34:30 - Kumo Question: If you could live in any era of history, what would you pick?
01:37:18 - What do you recommend for someone who wants to get started in fly fishing?
01:46:06 - Do you exclusively do catch and release?
01:52:00 - Discussion about protecting released fish
01:54:00 - Where can people find you?
Segments
Trek Propaganda: 2024 Badger Sponsorship Winners by Kendra Slagter
QOTD: In 5 words or less, start a fight without politics
Listener Voicemail (leave us your own!)
Triple Crown of shows to fall asleep to
Plug Me: Glen Van Peski’s  Take Less. Do More: Surprising Life Lessons in Generosity, Gratitude and Curiosity from an Ultralight Backpacker
Mail Bag
5 Star Review
[divider]
Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/.
Leave us a voicemail!
Subscribe to this pod