Trailmark Podcast Ray Targosz

Matteo Pistono is an author, teacher, and explorer based in Encinitas, California. His journey began over 30 years ago in Nepal and Tibet, where he studied yoga, meditation, and the use of breath for concentration and relaxation. Matteo's approach to breathwork emphasizes the importance of nasal and diaphragmatic breathing, advocating for a practice that integrates seamlessly into daily life. His book, "Breathe How You Want to Feel," provides practical tools for managing stress and enhancing overall well-being. Matteo's teachings are informed by his personal experiences, including a profound near-death encounter in his youth that deepened his understanding of breath and impermanence. Beyond breathwork, Matteo is also an avid surfer and bikepacker, often drawing connections between these activities and the breath. Through his work, he aims to inspire others to cultivate awareness, live fully, and prepare for life's inevitable transitions with grace and clarity.





00:00 Introduction and Greetings

06:01 The Science Behind Breathwork and the Nervous System, Applying Breathwork in Stressful Situations

25:50 The Role of Awareness in Harnessing the Power of Breath, Flow States and Nasal/Belly Breathing

44:08 Identifying Dysfunctional Breathing Patterns, Integrating Breathwork into Daily Life & Finding the Right Breathing Technique

1:21:18 Contemplating Death and Impermanence & Using the Breath to Live Fully and Be Present

Sheelagh Daly is a passionate adventurer and storyteller based in Toronto. Growing up in North York, she has always been connected to her Scottish heritage, which inspired her first major bike tour around Scotland. Sheelagh transitioned from working as a nutritionist to becoming a dedicated bike tourer and YouTube content creator. With a background in theater, she skillfully combines her love for performance and travel in her engaging videos. She shares her adventures, from local trips around Ontario to epic journeys across Europe, offering practical tips and inspiration to fellow travelers. Sheelagh's mission is to help others explore the world through bike touring, capturing the joy and beauty of each journey.





00:00 Starting a YouTube Channel & Discovering a Love for Biking

09:19 Planning and Starting the First Bike Tour & Internal Fears and Addressing Them

25:11 Trusting Your Instincts, Addressing Internal Fears & Pushing Boundaries

37:10 The Journey of Finding the Perfect Bike Setup, Dreaming of the Silk Road and World Travel

59:03 The Evolution of Storytelling in Adventure & Balancing Filmmaking and Living in the Moment

1:15:37 Exploring the Beauty of Local Travel, Future Adventures & Creating Time Capsules

Mark Lewis is a YouTuber and fitness enthusiast known for his inspiring fitness journeys and compelling storytelling. He started gaining attention for his unique approach to fitness content, where he combines physical challenges with engaging narratives.



Mark had a transformative experience in his early 40s when he traveled to Africa, which rejuvenated his outlook on life. This journey made him realize that age is just a number and he could still achieve great things. He has a background in various physical activities and has recently explored long-distance cycling. Initially, he transitioned from an e-mountain bike to a gravel bike, and he enjoys the combination of rugged adventure and comfortable accommodations on his trips.



Mark believes in always moving forward and cherishing meaningful mementos from his experiences while leaving behind what isn't constructive. He embraces the lows and conflicts in life as essential parts of the story, similar to iconic scenes in movies like Rocky. He is passionate about storytelling in his content, often drawing inspiration from films and his own life experiences. He focuses on creating videos that are not just about fitness, but also about the journey and the personal growth that comes with it.



For 2024, Mark plans to move to the countryside, and possibly convert a barn into a gym studio space. He aims to document his journey of getting back into shape after his injury, offering inspiration and insight to his audience.



(00:00) Social Media, Focusing on What Matters & Living in the Present

(17:49) The Pursuit of Improvement, Pressure of Chasing Goals & Defining Yourself Beyond Athletic Achievements

(49:01) Sponsorships, Fitness Influencers, Maintaining Integrity & Creating a Brand

(1:18:29) Starting New Ventures, Motorcycle Touring in Africa & The Value of Contrast

(1:57:08) Maintaining Motivation During Workouts, Embracing Conflict in Life & Value of Adversity in Creating a Compelling Story

(2:26:25) Mark's Question for the Audience, Critical Thinking & The Power of Storytelling

Lauren Roerick, also known in the thru-hiking community as "Longway," is a seasoned thru-hiker and adventurer who has made a name for herself by tackling some of the most challenging trails around the globe. Originally from Alberta, Canada, and now semi-based out of Vancouver when not living out of her backpack, Lauren’s journey into long-distance hiking began somewhat later in life but has grown into a deep-seated passion.



Since 2019, Lauren has transformed from a newcomer to backpacking into an experienced hiker, traversing thousands of kilometers across various landscapes. Her most notable adventures include completing the Pacific Crest Trail, which she credits with significantly shaping her views on personal freedom and self-reliance. Beyond the trails, Lauren is known for her candid discussions about the realities of thru-hiking, including the mental and physical challenges that come with it.



Apart from her life on the trail, Lauren has an interesting background in marketing communications and has lived and worked in diverse cultural settings including Taiwan and Berlin, adding layers of depth to her understanding of global perspectives. Her experiences have not only enriched her personal life but also influenced her views on minimalism and living authentically.



Expect Lauren to dive into the transformative power of hiking, the intrinsic values learned on the trail, and how these experiences translate to everyday life. Lauren's insights are particularly enlightening for anyone interested in the intersections of adventure, personal growth, and living outside the conventional bounds.





00:00 Introduction

03:11 Thru-Hiking, Overcoming Fears & Generosity

16:19 Logistics, Adaptability & Personal Growth

27:26 France Hexatrek Trail, Social Media & Documenting Adventures

1:00:51 Stepping Outside of Your Comfort Zone, Nomadic Lifestyle & Slow Travel

Steven Smith is the founder of MyLifeOutdoors, a popular YouTube channel and blog dedicated to outdoor adventures. Growing up in Texas, Steven's love for the wilderness began with family camping trips and evolved into a passion for kayaking, backcountry camping, rock climbing, and backpacking. He focuses on ultralight backpacking and gear testing, sharing his knowledge through engaging videos and reviews. Now, as he prepares to move to Colorado, Steven continues to inspire others to explore and enjoy the great outdoors.





(00:00) Introduction and Moving

(05:21) Love for the Outdoors: Hiking, Kayaking, and Camping

(22:15) 'MyLifeOutdoors' Content Journey: Video and Filmmaking

(55:42) Choosing Gear, Balancing Solitude & The Social Aspect of Outdoor Activities

(1:21:43) Future of Backpacking Gear & Direction of Steven's YouTube Channel

(1:45:34) Why Do You Watch the Content You Watch?

Jack Cornish is an expert in the history and preservation of England and Wales' extensive network of paths. As the head of paths at the Ramblers, a prominent walking charity, and the author of "The Lost Paths: A History of How We Walk From Here To There," Jack has dedicated his career to exploring and safeguarding the intricate web of ancient routes that connect and define the British landscape. His work focuses on the importance of preserving these paths as a link to our past and a guide for future generations. With a deep passion for walking, Jack has also undertaken the remarkable feat of walking every street in London, uncovering the hidden stories and historical layers of the city. In this podcast episode, he shares his insights and experiences, highlighting the significance of these paths in understanding the country's history and the challenges involved in their preservation.

(00:00) Jack Cornish Introduction
(01:47) Exploring the Path Network in the UK
(07:27) Walking Every Street in London
(25:39) Land Ownership and Public Rights of Way
(46:26) The History of Ancient Paths
(55:50) Challenges in Preserving Ancient Paths
(01:15:46) The Role of Technology in Path Preservation
(1:28:15) Plans For The Rest of the Year