Social Adventures — Conversations from the Trail

Jeff Hester

Social Adventures — Conversations from the Trail is a bi-weekly video and audio podcast hosted by Jeff Hester, founder of Social Hikers and the Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge Series. Each episode features unscripted, authentic conversations with hikers, travelers, and everyday adventurers. We explore the stories behind the summits — why we climb, what we learn from the trail, and the ways the outdoors connects us as a community. Whether you're training for your next peak, planning a group adventure, or simply love a good trail story, this podcast brings the heart of our community straight to yo

Episodes

  1. Mar 25

    Way Out Wild -- Building Confidence One Peak at a Time

    What happens when a simple hiking challenge becomes the starting point for something bigger? In this episode, I’m joined by Carolina Montero and Nikki Taylor from Way Out Wild, a community focused on helping women build confidence, connect with others, and grow through outdoor adventure. We talk about how they’ve used the Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge as more than just a hiking goal—it’s become a powerful tool for building momentum, creating accountability, and helping people realize they’re capable of more than they thought. From first hikes to bigger adventures, this conversation is all about the role community plays in turning “maybe someday” into “I did it.” In this episode, we cover: The story behind Way Out WildWhy community matters in the outdoorsHow structured challenges create momentumThe mindset shift that comes with completing a goalAdvice for getting started (even if you’re unsure)Learn more: Way Out Wild: https://www.wayoutwild.orgSix-Pack of Peaks Challenge: https://socialhiker.netFollow the Social Adventures Podcast for more conversations from the trail. 🎵 Music Credit:Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!)https://uppbeat.io/track/roo-walker/flight-mode?rt=uc-referralLicense code: 3EVZHM9WW6NBQH9B

    45 min

  2. Mar 4

    Adventure as a Family with Rob & Kristin DeCou

    Rob and Kristin DeCou made a decision before their first child was born: adventure would be a family value, not just a vacation. They're now at 56 of 63 U.S. National Parks, with just the remote Alaska parks standing between them and completing the mission. Host Jeff Hester sits down with these longtime Six-Pack of Peaks community members to talk raising outdoor kids, managing screens on the road, the Junior Ranger program, and what it really means to design a life around adventure — including blowing two tires at 11,000 feet and turning it into one of the family's best stories. Whether you're a parent wanting to get outside more, a national park fan, or just someone who needs a reminder that adventure is possible at any stage of life — this one's for you. Wild Parks Family: wildparksfamily.com | @wildparksfamily Social Hikers: socialhiker.net | @socialhiker Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/track/roo-walker/flight-mode?rt=uc-referral License code: 3EVZHM9WW6NBQH9B

    42 min

  3. Feb 17

    Why I Climb – Brandi Rubin on Resilience, Recovery, and Returning to the Trail

    Since 2018, Brandi Rubin has been climbing peaks, facing fears, and discovering what the mountains reveal about strength, patience, and self-trust. In this episode of the Social Adventures Podcast, Brandi joins Jeff Hester to share her journey through the Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge, a standout 2025 season completing four regions, and how an unexpected injury changed—but didn’t end—her relationship with hiking. This is a conversation about resilience, recovery, and why climbing is about far more than summits. “I climb because I want to see this beautiful world for myself—not through pictures.” 🎧 Listen in if you’ve ever: Wanted to try your first big peak Been sidelined by injury Questioned your hiking motivation Needed a reminder of why you climb Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/track/roo-walker/flight-mode?rt=uc-referralLicense code: 3EVZHM9WW6NBQH9B

    41 min

  4. Feb 5

    Barefoot Peaks, Big Projects, and Finding Meaning in the Mountains with Kenneth Posner

    In this episode of the Social Adventures Podcast, Jeff Hester sits down with ultra-runner, author, and barefoot peak bagger to explore the powerful intersection of endurance, mindfulness, and the mountains. Kenneth is the author of , a deeply personal account of completing the legendary Catskills Grid—climbing all 35 Catskills high peaks in every month of the year. Along the way, he discovered something unexpected: stripping away comfort, gear, and even shoes led to a deeper connection with nature—and himself. We talk about:• What the Catskills Grid really is (and why it matters)• Barefoot hiking as “original human mindfulness”• Minimalism, aging, and movement in the mountains• Standout moments from the Six-Pack of Peaks Challenges• Why big, long-term outdoor projects can be life-changing If you’ve ever felt called to the mountains for something deeper than miles or metrics, this conversation will resonate. 🎧 Listen now and subscribe for more conversations from the trail. Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):  https://uppbeat.io/track/roo-walker/flight-mode?rt=uc-referral License code: 3EVZHM9WW6NBQH9B

    1 hr

  5. Jan 20

    From First Peak to Triple Crown — Carol “Cheer” Coyne on Thru-Hiking, Community, and Transformation

    What happens when a simple hiking challenge turns into a life-altering journey? In this episode of the Social Adventures Podcast, Jeff Hester talks with Carol “Cheer” Coyne, a thru-hiker who went from the Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge to completing hiking’s Triple Crown—the Pacific Crest Trail, Continental Divide Trail, and Appalachian Trail. Carol shares how long-distance hiking transformed her mindset, helped her navigate post-trail depression, and inspired her to create Thru-r, a nonprofit community supporting thru-hikers before, during, and after trail. This conversation is about resilience, community, and trusting yourself to take the first step—even when you’re scared. 🎧 Listen now and don’t forget to subscribe 💬 Share your story or apply to be a guest: ⁠https://socialhiker.net/podcast⁠ 👉 Learn more about the Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge: ⁠https://sixpackofpeaks.com/ Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/track/roo-walker/flight-mode?rt=uc-referral License code: 3EVZHM9WW6NBQH9B

    49 min

  6. Jan 6

    Urban Trails, Hidden Canyons, & the San Diego 100 Peaks Challenge

    San Diego’s hiking scene goes far beyond beaches and popular summit trails. In this episode of the Social Adventures Podcast, Jeff Hester talks with Chris Griffith and Susie Kara Slater, two hikers who have explored nearly every corner of San Diego County. Both are finishers of the demanding San Diego 100 Peaks Challenge and the Sierra Club 100 Peaks List, and they’re the co-authors of the upcoming guidebook Urban Trails: San Diego. We dive into what it takes to complete 100 peaks in a single year, how trail-less navigation builds confidence, and why urban hiking is one of the most powerful—and overlooked—ways to connect with the outdoors. Chris and Susie also share underrated trails, lessons learned from years of peak bagging, and how San Diego’s hiking culture has evolved over the past decade. If you’re curious about urban trails, hidden canyons, desert peaks, or finding adventure close to home, this episode is for you. 🎧 Listen now and don’t forget to subscribe 💬 Share your story or apply to be a guest: https://socialhiker.net/podcast 👉 Learn more about the Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge: https://sixpackofpeaks.com/ Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/track/roo-walker/flight-mode?rt=uc-referral License code: 3EVZHM9WW6NBQH9B

    1h 2m

  7. 12/23/2025

    Trail Magic, Tacos, and the Community Spirit of the Muir Taco Hut

    Trail magic is one of hiking’s most powerful traditions — unexpected kindness when you need it most. In this roundtable episode, Jeff Hester is joined by Derek Loranger, Curt Cragg, and Neenah Spellman to tell the story of the legendary Muir Taco Hut — a multi-year trail magic tradition serving fresh tacos and cold beer deep in the Sierra Nevada. They share origin stories, logistics, mishaps, emotional moments, and how trail magic turns tough days into unforgettable ones — plus how anyone can pay it forward on the trail. 🎧 Listen now and don’t forget to subscribe 💬 Share your story or apply to be a guest: https://socialhiker.net/podcast 👉 Learn more about the Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge: https://sixpackofpeaks.com/ Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/roo-walker/fligh... License code: 3EVZHM9WW6NBQH9B

    37 min

  8. 12/09/2025

    Patagonia: Adventure, Friendship and the Power of Saying Yes

    On this episode, we head deep into Patagonia with longtime friends and Social Hikers community members Carisa and Janice—two hikers whose chemistry, courage, and curiosity made this adventure unforgettable. Together we relive our week in El Chaltén, exploring world-class trails, tackling a Via Ferrata for the first time, braving late-summer snowfall, walking on the Perito Moreno Glacier, and sharing trail-magic moments with a group of 18 hikers who quickly bonded like family. This episode is about more than mountains—it’s about saying yes to adventure, embracing the unknown, and discovering what’s possible when you surround yourself with people who lift you up along the way. ⛰️ What We Talk About • Why Patagonia is a bucket-list destination• How a simple “yes” turned into a life-changing adventure• Condors, snowstorms, glacier hikes & unforgettable views• The challenge and thrill of a first-time Via Ferrata• How traveling with a group deepens connection and community• The beauty of stepping outside your comfort zone 🎒 Sponsored by the 2026 Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge Series One membership. Access to all 17 regional challenges—with more on the way.Commit to adventure. Join the community.Learn more at SocialHikers.com 🌏 Join Me on an International Adventure I’m leading two incredible group trips in 2026: 🇳🇿 New Zealand Adventure – Deadline to join: December 20🇵🇪 Peru: Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu – October 2026 Trip details:https://trovatrip.com/host/profiles/jeff-yreeePrefer personal follow-up? Reach out—I’d love to connect. 📌 Stay Connected Follow the podcast for more stories about hiking, travel, and finding meaning in the mountains. If this episode inspired you, share it with a friend who loves adventure. Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/roo-walker/fligh...License code: 3EVZHM9WW6NBQH9B

    45 min

  9. 12/02/2025

    Packing for Kilimanjaro — Lessons from 6-Time Six-Pack Finisher Jason Parks

    In Episode 2 of Social Adventures — Conversations from the Trail, Jeff is joined by Jason Parks, a six-time Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge finisher (Bay Area + Lake Tahoe) who summited Mount Kilimanjaro in February 2025. With Jeff heading to Kilimanjaro in just two months, this episode goes deep into what to pack, how to train, what really matters on the mountain, and what first-timers should — and shouldn’t — bring. If you’re planning a Kilimanjaro climb, preparing for any high-altitude adventure, or simply love talking gear, this episode is FULL of insight from someone who has lived it. 👉 Jeff’s full packing list (LighterPack)👉 Links to Jason’s social media👉 Recommended gear, tips, and resources How Jason used the Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge to train for KilimanjaroChoosing the right route and number of daysWhat summit night really feels likeWhat gear made a difference — and what he’d leave behindHow to pack effectively for porters vs. your daypackThoughts on trail runners vs. bootsHydration and electrolyte strategySleeping system and luxury items that improved comfortFirst aid, hygiene, and staying healthy on the mountainLessons learned, surprises, and what first-time climbers should knowJason’s top advice for anyone preparing for Kilimanjaro Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/roo-walker/flight-mode License code: 3EVZHM9WW6NBQH9B

    1h 5m

  10. 12/02/2025

    Why I Climb — A Decade of Peaks with Legacy Challenger Philip Yoho

    Why do we climb?In this episode of Social Adventures: Conversations from the Trail, Jeff sits down with 10-year Six-Pack of Peaks Legacy Challenger Philip Yoho — a hiker who has completed at least one challenge every year for a decade, and seven challenges in 2025 alone.Philip shares how he went from a miserable first hike on San Jacinto to becoming one of the most consistent and inspiring members of the Social Hikers community. We talk about community, state high-point adventures, bouldery East Coast trails, rattlesnake encounters, stormy summits, leadership lessons, and what keeps him coming back to the mountains year after year.New episodes every other week.If you enjoy the show, subscribe and join us for more stories from the trail.👉 Share your story or apply to be a guest: https://socialhiker.net/podcast👉 Learn more about the Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge: https://sixpackofpeaks.com/Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/roo-walker/flight-modeLicense code: 3EVZHM9WW6NBQH9B

    53 min
  11. Welcome to Social Adventures — Conversations from the Trail

    12/02/2025

    Welcome to Social Adventures — Conversations from the Trail

    Welcome to the very first episode of Social Adventures — Conversations from the Trail, a podcast that celebrates the stories, motivations, and experiences that connect us through the outdoors. In this opening episode, host Jeff Hester—founder of Social Adventures, Social Hiker, and the Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge—shares the origins of the community, the inspiration behind the podcast, and what listeners can expect in future episodes. Whether you’re training for your next peak, planning a big adventure, or simply love hearing real stories from real hikers, this episode sets the stage for what’s to come. Learn more at https://socialhiker.net/podcast/ Check the full show notes at https://socialhiker.net/?p=376741 Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/roo-walker/flight-mode License code: 3EVZHM9WW6NBQH9B

    3 min
  • 11 Episodes

About

Social Adventures — Conversations from the Trail is a bi-weekly video and audio podcast hosted by Jeff Hester, founder of Social Hikers and the Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge Series. Each episode features unscripted, authentic conversations with hikers, travelers, and everyday adventurers. We explore the stories behind the summits — why we climb, what we learn from the trail, and the ways the outdoors connects us as a community. Whether you're training for your next peak, planning a group adventure, or simply love a good trail story, this podcast brings the heart of our community straight to yo

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