Trailmark Podcast Ray Targosz

In this episode of the Trailmark Podcast, Simon Brown and I discuss the connections between our actions, our ethics, and our inner peace. We talk about the importance of nature in achieving balance and rebirth, the role of embodiment in enhancing our perception of reality, and the challenges of moving beyond ego-centric thinking.

We also explore the profound concepts of non-duality and free will, share our thoughts on the impact of psychedelics on personal growth, and contemplate the idea of rebirth in Buddhism. Our conversation includes practical exercises that highlight the interconnectedness of sensory experiences, and reflections on the themes of balance and interconnectedness found in Dune.

(02:34) Rebirth, Balance and Embodiment
(40:19) Psychedelics, Self-Reflection & Ethical Action
(01:03:17) Free Will & Understanding Non-Duality
(01:19:49) Dune, Nature's Role & Trusting Life

Join Glen Van Peski, founder of Gossamer Gear, as he shares his extensive experience and personal journey into the world of ultralight backpacking. In this weeks episode of the Trailmark Podcast, Glen discusses the delicate balance between comfort and durability in ultralight gear design, and delves into the mindset that drives adventurers to lighten their loads.





(04:11) The Beginnings of Ultralight Backpacking

(22:59) Preserving Quality and Comfort

(39:49) Gaining Perspective

(50:21) Using a Compass: Navigating Faith and Adversity

Dominick Menard shares his unique journey from the competitive mountain biking circuits of Canada to a life on the road, encapsulating his shift from fast-paced races to the exploratory freedom of van life. Through his initiative, Bon Velo, Dominick channels his passion for cycling into adventurous pursuits beyond traditional boundaries. Opting for van life, he not only embraced a simpler way of living but also learned to navigate challenges with resilience. His ambitious bike tour from Victoria to Patagonia was driven by a deep desire to explore, despite facing potential dangers like cartels in Mexico. This journey not only tested his limits but also revealed the unexpected kindness of strangers, enriching his experiences and perspective on life. Listen in as Dominick recounts the details of preparing for such an expedition, the highs and lows along the way, and the lasting impact of his adventures.




🔗 Connect with Dominick:
📷 https://www.instagram.com/dominickmenard/
📺 https://www.youtube.com/@DominickMenard/videos
🌐 https://campsite.bio/dominickmenard


(00:00) Introduction
(07:36) Getting Into Mountain Biking and Downhill Racing
(12:29) Transitioning to Van Life
(15:21) Impact of the Pandemic on Mountain Biking
(21:01) Changing Perception of Extreme Sports
(25:05) Promoting Mountain Biking and Bon Velo
(32:45) The Appeal of Van Life and Freedom
(44:28) Embracing Minimalism and Detaching from Possessions
(46:25) Taking Chances and Embracing Obstacles
(01:06:03) The Transformative Experience of an Epic Bike Tour
(01:16:08) Finding Inspiration and Making the Decision
(01:19:33) The Evolution of Bike Setup
(01:37:27) Encounters with Cartels in Mexico
(01:49:07) Taking Precautions for a Safe Trip
(01:53:50) Embracing Change and Taking Chances
(01:56:09) Pride and Accomplishment
(01:59:55) Documenting the Journey
(02:21:27) Continuing to Explore


👍 Don't forget to leave a like, drop a comment, and subscribe for more captivating conversations with trailblazers. Your engagement means the world to us!


🔗 Connect with the Trailmark Podcast:
📷 https://www.instagram.com/gotrailmark/
🐦 https://twitter.com/GoTrailmark
🌐 https://www.gotrailmark.com
🎙️ https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/trailmark

Krysta Norwick, a physical therapist who loves long-distance hiking, opens up about her adventures on trails like the Great Divide, Croatian Long Distance, and the Pacific Crest Trail. She intertwines her professional knowledge with her hiking experiences, offering advice on self-treatment and adapting to challenging hikes gradually. Krysta shares the unique experiences of hiking solo versus with a partner and the diverse landscapes she's encountered.


Krysta further discusses the return to everyday life post-adventure, highlighting the challenges of city life reintegration and the value of having a supportive community. She dives into the behind-the-scenes of documenting her hikes, from planning to overcoming the hesitation of filming oneself, and talks about her essential hiking gear. Krysta also teases future hiking plans and documentary projects. Find Krysta across social platforms like YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and her personal website for more on her hiking journeys.


🔗 Connect with Krysta:
📷 ⁠https://www.instagram.com/krystanorwick/⁠
📺 ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@KrystaNorwick/videos⁠
🌐 ⁠https://www.krystanorwick.com⁠


(00:00) Introduction and Background
(03:27) Long Distance Hiking and Physical Therapy
(06:19) Balancing Work and Hiking
(10:16) Learning from Mistakes
(13:34) The Great Divide Trail
(18:23) Hiking Alone and with a Partner
(22:11) Duration and Difficulty of the Trails
(25:31) Technicality and Danger of the Great Divide Trail
(29:13) Landscape and Variety on the Trails
(33:00) Challenges of Heat and Water on the Croatian Trail
(37:24) Planning and Decision-Making on the Trail
(42:08) The Thrill of the Unknown
(49:45) Maintaining Mental Well-being
(01:13:00) The Importance of Supportive People
(01:20:21) Logistics of Planning and Filming
(01:32:13) Hiking Gear and Equipment
(01:39:28) Future Hiking Plans and Documentaries


👍 Don't forget to leave a like, drop a comment, and subscribe for more captivating conversations with trailblazers. Your engagement means the world to us!


🔗 Connect with the Trailmark Podcast:
📷 ⁠https://www.instagram.com/gotrailmark/⁠
🐦 ⁠https://twitter.com/GoTrailmark⁠
🌐 ⁠https://www.gotrailmark.com⁠

Eco Trail Builders' founders, Hap and Andrea, discuss their dedication to sustainable trail construction and eco-lodge management in the wilderness. They emphasize environmental stewardship, the integration of eco-friendly practices in their work and personal projects, and the balance of nature with professional life. As pioneers in eco-conscious development, they highlight their collaborative efforts with conservation groups, offer advice to aspiring trail builders, and share their future goals for sustainable adventure.





(00:00) Introduction and Background

(03:00) Importance of Environmental Considerations in Trail Building

(06:18) Different Roles within the Company

(12:29) Incorporating the Landscape into Building and Maintenance

(20:12) Pride in Accomplishments

(26:28) Impact of Weather on Maintenance

(31:40) Team and Volunteers

(33:05) Personal Work as an Artist and Author

(38:48) Spirituality in nature and hosting guests

(44:06) Contributing to the preservation of natural spaces

(51:12) Collaborations with conservation organizations and indigenous communities

(56:00) Entering the field of eco-conscious trail building

(57:29) Importance of experience and learning in the field

(01:03:16) Goals for 2024




🔗 Connect with Hap and Andrea:

📷 https://www.instagram.com/cabinfalls/

🐦 https://twitter.com/ecotrailbuilder

🌐 https://www.cabinfalls.ca

🌐 https://hapwilson.com

In this week's episode, we dive into Jeff McMurtrie's captivating journey into the world of mapmaking, with a focus on Ontario's Algonquin Park. Jeff recounts his early experiences in the park that ignited his passion for creating maps. He delves into the unique aspects of custom maps compared to standard Google Maps, emphasizing their tailored features for outdoor enthusiasts. Jeff shares insights into his map-making process, from data collection to adding intricate details that enrich explorers' experiences. He also touches on the various parks and regions his maps encompass.

The conversation shifts to the evolution of map design and the blend of personal adventures and meticulous data gathering that ensures each map's accuracy and usefulness. Jeff offers valuable safety tips for paddling and navigation, stressing the importance of safety over adhering strictly to plans. He shares his affection for Algonquin Park and its map, discusses the impact of geographic features on map creation, and highlights the tools and inspiration behind his work. Jeff's commitment to producing intuitive, user-friendly maps is underscored by positive feedback from the community.

Looking ahead, Jeff outlines his ambitions to chart new territories and enhance existing maps with innovative features, continuing to guide and inspire outdoor adventurers.

🔗 Connect with Jeff:
🌐 https://mapsbyjeff.com
🐦 https://twitter.com/mapsbyjeff
📷 https://www.instagram.com/maps.by.jeff


(00:00) Introduction and Discovery of Map Making

(10:46) The Difference Between Custom Maps and Google Maps

(25:47) Evolution of Map Design and Features

(30:12) Personal Adventures and Data Collection

(35:03) Safety Tips and Advice for Paddling and Navigation

(40:15) The Importance of Accuracy in Maps

(45:26) Density of Lakes and Trails in Different Parks

(50:14) Tools and Software Used in Map Creation

(56:00) Creating Intuitive and Readable Maps

(01:05:10) Future Plans for Maps by Jeff