418 episodes

An overweight, 61-year-old retiree, with zero hiking experience, decided to hike the entire 2,185.3 mile length of the Appalachian Trail in 2014. What could possibly go wrong? As his brother, Mike, commented, "It's a bit like taking up boxing and fighting Mike Tyson in your first bout." Join Steve and his guests as they discuss all aspects of the trail, from gear to Lyme Disease, then back to trail magic and injury.

Mighty Blue On The Appalachian Trail: The Ultimate Mid-Life Crisis Steve Adams

    • Sports
    • 4.8 • 554 Ratings

An overweight, 61-year-old retiree, with zero hiking experience, decided to hike the entire 2,185.3 mile length of the Appalachian Trail in 2014. What could possibly go wrong? As his brother, Mike, commented, "It's a bit like taking up boxing and fighting Mike Tyson in your first bout." Join Steve and his guests as they discuss all aspects of the trail, from gear to Lyme Disease, then back to trail magic and injury.

    Episode #417 - Bern Leibensperger (Yardsale)

    Episode #417 - Bern Leibensperger (Yardsale)

    Bern Leibensperger discovered the Appalachian Trail when her daughter expressed an interest in section hiking the trail several years ago. Since then, the two of them have racked up over 1,000 miles and, in an attempt to integrate further into our community, Bern and her husband Glen opened a hostel for hikers in PA.

    We discuss what it is that hikers need and Bern shares her own insights from her hiking. She’s also a fierce proponent of the Hike for Mental Health organization, helping out whenever she can with that awesome mission. https://www.hikeformentalhealth.org/

    You can find Bern and the Lookout Hostel on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php/?id=100083102450360&name=xhp_nt__fb__action__open_user , and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/thelookouthostel?igsh=dGRoaHBhaWJvdWE2&utm_source=qr.

    My friend, Nate Stockton, introduces me to the Collegiate Loop, which is very remote and looks awesome. Check out the map–and Nate–below.

    Don’t forget. Our entire series of videos from our Woods Hole Weekend in 2022 is now FREE and available at my YouTube page at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wA8ImK4qpNc&list=PLu8u88nsJtgWZxT8DLwEW2yXcz4gT6HXs There, you’ll find all sorts of tips and tricks that our guests took away from the weekend that helped them with their own hikes this year. Check it out.
    I often ask listeners for ideas on who to interview, and I’m sure several of you say, “I could do that. I’ve got an awesome story to tell.” You’re the person we need to hear from. If you’d like to be interviewed on the podcast, just register as a guest on the link below, and I’ll be in touch. https://www.hikingradionetwork.com/show/mighty-blue-on-the-appalachian-trail-the-ultimate-mid-life-c/guests/intake/
    If you like what we're doing on the Hiking Radio Network, and want to see our shows continue, please consider supporting us with either a one-off or monthly donation. You'll find the donate button on each Hiking Radio Network page at https://www.hikingradionetwork.com .
    If you prefer NOT to use PayPal, you can now support us via check by mailing it to Mighty Blue Publishing, PO Box 6161, Sun City Center, FL 35751. Any support is gratefully received.
    You can also support our shows by visiting our online "Merch" store. Check it out at https://hrntradingpost.com/ , or click on the store button on our network website at https://www.hikingradionetwork.com .
    If you'd like to take advantage of my book offer (all three of my printed hiking books–with a personal message and signed by me–for $31, including postage to the United States) send a check payable to Mighty Blue Publishing at the address just above.

    • 56 min
    Episode #416 - Audrey Payne (Glowstick)

    Episode #416 - Audrey Payne (Glowstick)

    We have another successful AT thru-hiker on the show today. Yet Audrey Payne seemed very unlikely to get the chance to hike the trail a few years earlier. How she recovered, and ultimately succeeded, is a story that she tells here in a conversation with Steve.

    Now, six years later, Audrey has continued to hike and has just released her book about her hike in 2018. You can find it on Amazon here. https://www.amazon.com/Where-Rhododendrons-Bloom-Thru-Hiking-Appalachian/dp/B0CT5XD95X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1JSIKUO1U4LE0&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.VGwbKyOpSbCGAC_0wTgWr6WXHIWx6IKdEtKT2rkmSPKPMDLHERF9SNzSnKPyz2MpvNtzp9SIB98HId0sVpQJ-1EDABJs_YZ34xdGpVQuXd3rjRJif-zS4iflhEc0AvJHKNsuDpQHyofG4JzS6jOuoDJn-QcP76fn6Fd-ctg0n1uIPlGqv2fX0KaLu1fGiGxNT-rm0XlDqxMGA6fdHK3jlLpv-zn3YMZ3NDUGprXp-sI.1zyW5d1eKZdpJ9VVRg2xMNiI8W8K6jNdUDKXRdItLG0&dib_tag=se&keywords=audrey+payne&qid=1709759111&sprefix=audrey+payne%2Caps%2C138&sr=8-1

    She also has an excellent website with great pictures of the AT and her other hikes. http://audrey-adventures.com/. Additionally, you can find her on social media at http://instagram.com/Audipayne, and on YouTube at https://youtube.com/@AudreyAdventures?si=aZkWlCGjPob5KWCQ.

    Also today, Bob Campbell, or Sloggy, shares his very recent trek to the summit of Mt Kilimanjaro, in Tanzania. He mentions–and highly recommends–the company he used to make the trip happen. So, if you fancy checking Kilimanjaro out, you should visit Peak Planet at https://peakplanet.com/.

    Don’t forget. Our entire series of videos from our Woods Hole Weekend in 2022 is now FREE and available at my YouTube page at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wA8ImK4qpNc&list=PLu8u88nsJtgWZxT8DLwEW2yXcz4gT6HXs There, you’ll find all sorts of tips and tricks that our guests took away from the weekend that helped them with their own hikes this year. Check it out.
    I often ask listeners for ideas on who to interview, and I’m sure several of you say, “I could do that. I’ve got an awesome story to tell.” You’re the person we need to hear from. If you’d like to be interviewed on the podcast, just register as a guest on the link below, and I’ll be in touch. https://www.hikingradionetwork.com/show/mighty-blue-on-the-appalachian-trail-the-ultimate-mid-life-c/guests/intake/
    If you like what we're doing on the Hiking Radio Network, and want to see our shows continue, please consider supporting us with either a one-off or monthly donation. You'll find the donate button on each Hiking Radio Network page at https://www.hikingradionetwork.com .
    If you prefer NOT to use PayPal, you can now support us via check by mailing it to Mighty Blue Publishing, PO Box 6161, Sun City Center, FL 35751. Any support is gratefully received.
    You can also support our shows by visiting our online "Merch" store. Check it out at https://hrntradingpost.com/ , or click on the store button on our network website at https://www.hikingradionetwork.com .
    If you'd like to take advantage of my book offer (all three of my printed hiking books–with a personal message and signed by me–for $31, including postage to the United States) send a check payable to Mighty Blue Publishing at the address just above.

    • 58 min
    Episode #415 - Al Marriott (Lookout)

    Episode #415 - Al Marriott (Lookout)

    We have two returning guests today. First up, Al Marriott, fresh from his AT thru-hike in 2022, followed up with the PCT last year. Al shares his varied life of adventure in a great conversation with Steve.

    He also tells us a story of how serendipitous the trail can be, with a chance meeting with people he shared an AT shelter with the previous year.

    Al’s YouTube channel–Adventure Together–continues to show his adventures. You can catch it here. https://www.youtube.com/c/AdventureTogether1?sub_confirmation=1 , while he has a bunch of great pictures on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/adventuretogether.ig/ and a wealth of stories on his blog at the Trek https://thetrek.co/author/al-marriott/ .

    Natisha Webb is our second returning guest, with her Christmas escape coming on the Foothills Trail. You can learn more about the trail at https://foothillstrail.org/

    Don’t forget. Our entire series of videos from our Woods Hole Weekend in 2022 is now FREE and available at my YouTube page at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wA8ImK4qpNc&list=PLu8u88nsJtgWZxT8DLwEW2yXcz4gT6HXs There, you’ll find all sorts of tips and tricks that our guests took away from the weekend that helped them with their own hikes this year. Check it out.
    I often ask listeners for ideas on who to interview, and I’m sure several of you say, “I could do that. I’ve got an awesome story to tell.” You’re the person we need to hear from. If you’d like to be interviewed on the podcast, just register as a guest on the link below, and I’ll be in touch. https://www.hikingradionetwork.com/show/mighty-blue-on-the-appalachian-trail-the-ultimate-mid-life-c/guests/intake/
    If you like what we're doing on the Hiking Radio Network, and want to see our shows continue, please consider supporting us with either a one-off or monthly donation. You'll find the donate button on each Hiking Radio Network page at https://www.hikingradionetwork.com .
    If you prefer NOT to use PayPal, you can now support us via check by mailing it to Mighty Blue Publishing, PO Box 6161, Sun City Center, FL 35751. Any support is gratefully received.
    You can also support our shows by visiting our online "Merch" store. Check it out at https://hrntradingpost.com/ , or click on the store button on our network website at https://www.hikingradionetwork.com .
    If you'd like to take advantage of my book offer (all three of my printed hiking books–with a personal message and signed by me–for $31, including postage to the United States) send a check payable to Mighty Blue Publishing at the address just above.

    • 1 hr 6 min
    Episode #414 - Jessie Gehner (Twisted Sister)

    Episode #414 - Jessie Gehner (Twisted Sister)

    Jessie Gehner, MD, is a thru-hiker from 2008 who then went to medical school. She currently works as an ER physician at Roanoke hospital, and is a member of the faculty of the Wilderness Medical Society, spearheading the Wilderness Medicine Fellowship at her hospital.

    She has continued her hiking life and, in her work capacity, also hikes to Everest Base Camp each year with a group of medical professionals.

    Jessie has provided links for both the base camp group, https://www.blueridgeadventuremed.com/everest-trek.html and the Wilderness Medical Society. https://wms.org/WMS/WMS/Attend/Adventure-CME/Backpacking-Medicine/Master.aspx?EventKey=23BACK&hkey=784185ed-d042-416a-8eb6-b827030ebed2

    She can also be found on Facebook at https://m.facebook.com/profile.php/?id=1445550661
    We also finished our Mighty Blue Class of 2023 debriefs with Jessica Lang-Wright who, as you can see, has done a bit with her hair!

    Don’t forget. Our entire series of videos from our Woods Hole Weekend in 2022 is now FREE and available at my YouTube page at Woods Hole Weekend - Trailer. There, you’ll find all sorts of tips and tricks that our guests took away from the weekend that helped them with their own hikes this year. Check it out.
    I often ask listeners for ideas on who to interview, and I’m sure several of you say, “I could do that. I’ve got an awesome story to tell.” You’re the person we need to hear from. If you’d like to be interviewed on the podcast, just register as a guest on the link below, and I’ll be in touch. Come on the show!
    If you like what we're doing on the Hiking Radio Network, and want to see our shows continue, please consider supporting us with either a one-off or monthly donation. You'll find the donate button on each Hiking Radio Network page at Hiking Radio Network. If you prefer NOT to use PayPal, you can now support us via check by mailing it to Mighty Blue Publishing, PO Box 6161, Sun City Center, FL 35751. Any support is gratefully received.
    You can also support our shows by visiting our online "Merch" store. Check it out at HRN Trading Post, or click on the store button on our network website at Hiking Radio Network.
    If you'd like to take advantage of my book offer (all three of my printed hiking books–with a personal message and signed by me–for $31, including postage to the United States) send a check payable to Mighty Blue Publishing at the address just above.

    • 55 min
    Episode #413 - Daniel Clark (Lucky Colleague)

    Episode #413 - Daniel Clark (Lucky Colleague)

    We meet another Brit on the show today. Daniel Clark is a listener to the podcast, and he filled in the form to register as a guest on our website, adding rich detail about his 2023 thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail. We explore some of his stories.

    Daniel has a terrific website that chronicles some of his other hikes. You can find it at All Walks | Ourwalks

    He is also on social media at Instagram and YouTube at Instagram (@walking__north) and Englishman Just Walking

    In our casual series of other hikes, my friend Andrew Cohen shares his recent experience on the TGO Challenge in Scotland. You can catch his YouTube at The Wandering Drew, where there is a playlist with 23 videos related to his equipment, some planning, as well as each day of the journey, and his travel to and from the UK. Check them out, as well as the TGO Challenge site itself, at A unique Scottish backpacking adventure, where you’ll find a ton of info about the challenge.
    Don’t forget. Our entire series of videos from our Woods Hole Weekend in 2022 is now FREE and available at my YouTube page at Woods Hole Weekend - Trailer. There, you’ll find all sorts of tips and tricks that our guests took away from the weekend that helped them with their own hikes this year. Check it out.
    I often ask listeners for ideas on who to interview, and I’m sure several of you say, “I could do that. I’ve got an awesome story to tell.” You’re the person we need to hear from. If you’d like to be interviewed on the podcast, just register as a guest on the link below, and I’ll be in touch. Come on the show!
    If you like what we're doing on the Hiking Radio Network, and want to see our shows continue, please consider supporting us with either a one-off or monthly donation. You'll find the donate button on each Hiking Radio Network page at Hiking Radio Network.
    If you prefer NOT to use PayPal, you can now support us via check by mailing it to Mighty Blue Publishing, PO Box 6161, Sun City Center, FL 35751. Any support is gratefully received.
    You can also support our shows by visiting our online "Merch" store. Check it out at HRN Trading Post, or click on the store button on our network website at Hiking Radio Network
     .If you'd like to take advantage of my book offer (all three of my printed hiking books–with a personal message and signed by me–for $31, including postage to the United States) send a check payable to Mighty Blue Publishing at the address just above.

    • 1 hr 8 min
    Episode #412 - Roxanne Lashley (Foxy)

    Episode #412 - Roxanne Lashley (Foxy)

    Roxanne Lashley took on the AT last year and took her time. She had planned to go straight north to south, yet reaching Harpers Ferry past the Independence Day holiday, she knew she needed to flip north, then head back south.

    Roxanne finished back at Harpers Ferry and shares her story with us.

    In our conversation, Roxanne mentioned a couple of MeetUps, so, if you’re a lone who’d like to hike with others, check out these MeetUps
    Blue Hills Hiking & Biking Club | Meetup
     
    Outdoor Afro Boston | Meetup
    https://www.meetup.com/hike-blue-hills/
    Remember, there are MeetUps all over the country, so check out others in your area.

    Also today, Amanda Aguillard shares her story of hiking the Hadrian’s Wall Path in Scotland last year.

    You can read more about the Path at Hadrian's Wall Path: British Walking Guide: Two-way: Bowness-Newcastle-Bowness - 64 Large-Scale Walking Maps (1:20,000) & Guides to 30 Towns & ... Stay, Places to Eat (British Walking Guides)

    Also, she has shared links for the places she stayed at.
    inicio
    The Hollies Bed & Breakfast, Gilsland, Cumbria, Northumberland
    Home - Walwick Hall
     
    Keelman's Lodge - Accommodation Newburn-upon-tyne
    Don’t forget. Our entire series of videos from our Woods Hole Weekend in 2022 is now FREE and available at my YouTube page at Woods Hole Weekend - Trailer. There, you’ll find all sorts of tips and tricks that our guests took away from the weekend that helped them with their own hikes this year. Check it out.
    I often ask listeners for ideas on who to interview, and I’m sure several of you say, “I could do that. I’ve got an awesome story to tell.” You’re the person we need to hear from. If you’d like to be interviewed on the podcast, just register as a guest on the link below, and I’ll be in touch. Come on the show!
    If you like what we're doing on the Hiking Radio Network, and want to see our shows continue, please consider supporting us with either a one-off or monthly donation. You'll find the donate button on each Hiking Radio Network page at Hiking Radio Network.
    If you prefer NOT to use PayPal, you can now support us via check by mailing it to Mighty Blue Publishing, PO Box 6161, Sun City Center, FL 35751. Any support is gratefully received.
    You can also support our shows by visiting our online "Merch" store. Check it out at HRN Trading Post, or click on the store button on our network website at Hiking Radio Network.
    If you'd like to take advantage of my book offer (all three of my printed hiking books–with a personal message and signed by me–for $31, including postage to the United States) send a check payable to Mighty Blue Publishing at the address just above.

    • 1 hr 7 min

Customer Reviews

4.8 out of 5
554 Ratings

554 Ratings

Dana6300 ,

Best podcast out there

I don’t hike and I’m not an outdoors person, but this podcast has inspired me. The interviews cover hikers of all experience level and age, so it’s appealing to a broad audience. Mighty Blue delivers great trail stories, interviews, personal experiences, and insights. It’s a “must-listen” for hikers and adventurers.

Suzannah Troy ,

mixed bag, but ultimately I enjoy

for me, a very moving moment is when this woman starts to cry because the gentleman has a podcast spoke to her via phone when she was in Maine, and she didn't believe herself, but she can finish gets here is so beautiful and thanks to his encouragement believe in her she did. I didn't care for the diabeticwho is eating very dangerous food but I'm glad that people with diabetes one or two can't pick the trail but to be eating sugary toxic waste is just not a pleasant thought although I know the trail that's the go to

JRK_73model ,

Absolutely Love It

I recently stumbled onto this show - although I’ve never met Steve, I feel like I’ve known him forever. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to pull together what it takes for a through-hike, but my wife and I are planning our first section hike soon. Steve I love your style of narrating and your way of conversing with people on the show - you are very accomplished! Also love how you weave in your personal life and your books, chapter by chapter. The fact that you are still plugging away and very active after all these years shows your level of passion for the AT and hiking in general. Keep up the great work!!

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