SIERRA REC NOW | Your Guide to Sierra Adventures

Charlie Pankey | Sierra Rec Magazine • Authentic Mountains
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  • PLACES & TRAVEL
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Sierra Rec Now, an Authentic Mountains Production, dives into the stories and adventures that define the Sierra Nevada. Hosted by Charlie Pankey, the show brings you trail discoveries, backcountry experiences, and conversations with the people who know these mountains best. Each episode blends inspiration with practical insight for exploring the range. If you love granite peaks, big landscapes, and real Sierra culture, this is your home. Let’s get into it.

  1. 1D AGO

    Why We Push Limits: Ultra Running, Community & Outdoor Mindset with Josh Sprague

    What makes someone run 100 miles—and then sign up for another one? In this episode of Sierra Rec Now, Charlie Pankey sits down with Josh Sprague, founder of Orange Mud and ultra endurance athlete, to explore the deeper “why” behind pushing physical and mental limits. From Kansas dirt roads to 700-mile gravel races, Josh shares how endurance sports shape mindset, build community, and even influence how we design outdoor gear. This is a conversation about more than miles—it’s about purpose, discomfort, and finding connection in the outdoors. What We Cover The psychology of ultra endurance (why we push further)Trail running and mountain biking communitiesHow outdoor culture creates connection and purposeBuilding a gear company from real-world trail experienceWhy discomfort might actually make life betterThe balance between passion and business in the outdoorsWhy This Episode MattersThis conversation isn’t just about ultra athletes—it’s about all of us. Whether your “ultra” is a 2-mile hike or a 50-mile trail run, there’s something in the outdoors that resets who we are. Guest InfoJosh SpragueFounder of Orange MudUltra endurance athlete (100+ mile races, 700+ mile gravel events) Call to ActionWhat’s the most challenging outdoor experience you’ve ever done?Drop it in the comments 👇 Chapters00:00 Intro – Who likes to get uncomfortable?02:00 From Kansas dirt roads to mountain life05:00 First ultra endurance experiences10:00 Why pushing limits resets your mindset15:00 The power of outdoor community20:00 Turning passion into a business (Orange Mud)25:00 Gear innovation through real use30:00 Sierra questions (Tahoe Rim Trail, tacos & gear)36:00 Final thoughts – Start small, go bigger

    37 min

  2. APR 9

    Why National Parks Matter More Than Ever | Yosemite, Travel Stories & The Landmark Project

    In this episode of the Sierra Rec Now Podcast, Charlie Pankey sits down with Matt Moreau, founder and CEO of The Landmark Project—an outdoor lifestyle brand built around art, storytelling, and a deep connection to America’s national parks and forests. With National Parks Week and Earth Day around the corner, this conversation explores why public lands matter more than ever—and why so many of us keep coming back to places like Yosemite, the Sierra Nevada, and beyond. From first backpacking mistakes to unforgettable moments in the high country, this episode blends real trail experience with a bigger conversation about conservation, travel, and building a life around the outdoors. Why national parks continue to draw us backYosemite experiences beyond the crowdsBackpacking lessons (and early mistakes)The role of National Forest landsThe story behind The Landmark ProjectGiving back to public lands through outdoor brands00:00 – Intro: National Parks Week & Spring Adventures00:27 – Meet Matt Moreau (The Landmark Project)01:55 – National Park T-Shirts & Brand Origins02:30 – How The Landmark Project Started04:25 – Giving Back to Public Lands05:13 – National Parks Bucket List (Yosemite, Cascades)06:33 – First Backpacking Trip Mistakes08:00 – Discovering Yosemite & Lasting Impressions09:22 – Planning Trips & Gateway Communities10:41 – Why Yosemite Keeps Pulling You Back12:28 – Tuolumne Meadows & Tenaya Lake Stories14:12 – Yosemite Backpacking Routes15:32 – Sequoia, Kings Canyon & Joshua Tree18:16 – National Forest vs National Parks20:39 – Sierra vs Cascades Perspective22:05 – Designing National Park Apparel23:15 – Smokey Bear & Outdoor Culture25:52 – How Landmark Project Gives Back33:00 – Rapid Fire Questions34:45 – Discount Code & Where to Find Landmark38:00 – Final Thoughts Explore their gear and support public lands:https://thelandmarkproject.com Use code SIERRAREC15 for 15% off your order What’s one place you keep going back to—no matter how many times you’ve been? 🎙️ In This Episode:⏱️ Timestamps🌲 Featured Brand: The Landmark Project💬 Join the Conversation

    37 min

  3. APR 1

    Do You Really Need New Outdoor Gear? A Different Conversation

    We just released our 25th edition of Sierra Rec Magazine—our Spring Gear Guide packed with new products, innovations, and gear we genuinely love. But this episode asks a different question: Do we actually need all of it? In this conversation with Ron Donchez of Thacker NYC, we step outside our normal Sierra-focused storytelling to explore something bigger—how the outdoor industry operates, how we consume gear, and what role we all play in that cycle. This isn’t about calling anyone out. It’s about taking a step back and thinking about: How much gear we really useWhy we feel the need to upgradeThe rise of secondhand and reuseAnd whether the system we’ve built is actually workingAs someone who reviews gear and publishes guides, this one hit close to home. Maybe it will for you too. If you’re heading into a new season of hiking, backpacking, or just getting outside… this is a conversation worth having. 🎙️ Sierra Rec Now PodcastNew episodes weekly What’s one piece of gear you bought… and didn’t really need?We’d love to hear your take.

    45 min

  4. MAR 20

    Denied at Rainier and North Cascades… But Yosemite Said Yes

    This year, I got denied at Mount Rainier. Then I got denied again at North Cascades. But somehow… I still landed a Yosemite permit. That didn’t make sense. In this episode of Sierra Rec Now, I break down what’s really happening with wilderness permits across the West—and why it’s not about how popular a park is, but how each park manages access. If you’ve ever struggled to get a backpacking permit, or felt like the system is getting harder to navigate, this episode will give you a clearer way to think about it—and a better way to plan your trips moving forward. Why Mount Rainier only issues around 4,000 backpacking permits each year Why North Cascades had over 13,000 applicants for roughly 2,000 lottery spots Why Yosemite still offers more opportunity despite high demand The real difference between fixed camp systems and trailhead quota systems How flexibility can completely change your chances After 10+ years of backpacking in the Sierra, I’m realizing something: It’s not the miles that are getting harder…It’s getting permission to take them. 🎙️ Sierra Rec Now Podcast🌄 SierraRecMagazine.com In this episode: Have you been denied a permit this year? Send me a message or comment—I’d love to hear your experience.

    29 min

  5. MAR 12

    Rae Lakes Loop Backpacking Tips | Discovering One of the Sierra Nevada’s Best Backpacking Routes with Rob Scott Author of Into the Range of Light

    The Rae Lakes Loop in Kings Canyon National Park is one of the most iconic backpacking routes in the Sierra Nevada—and a dream trip for many hikers exploring California’s high country. In this episode of the Sierra Rec Now Podcast, host Charlie Pankey sits down with author Rob Scott, whose new book Into the Range of Light: Rae Lakes Loop explores the beauty, challenge, and philosophy behind one of the most popular backpacking loops in the Sierra. Rob shares how he first discovered the Sierra Nevada, what makes the Rae Lakes Loop such a special experience, and how backpackers can prepare for the elevation, logistics, and gear needed to successfully hike this incredible 40+ mile loop through Kings Canyon National Park and the John Muir Wilderness. This conversation covers: • Rae Lakes Loop backpacking tips• How to train and prepare for Sierra backpacking trips• Permits and planning for Kings Canyon National Park• The philosophy of slowing down and enjoying the Sierra• Gear choices and packing decisions for multi-day hikes• Why the Rae Lakes Loop is a great introduction to Sierra backpacking If you're dreaming about backpacking in the Sierra Nevada, hiking through Kings Canyon, or exploring some of the best backpacking loops in California, this episode will help you start planning your next adventure. Rae Lakes LoopRae Lakes Loop backpackingKings Canyon backpackingBackpacking Kings Canyon National ParkJohn Muir Wilderness hikingSierra Nevada backpackingCalifornia backpacking trailsBest Sierra backpacking loopsBackpacking permits Kings CanyonSierra Nevada hiking tipsKearsarge Pass backpacking

    34 min

  6. MAR 5

    Yosemite Backpacking Permits, Outdoor Gear Trends & OMA Highlights

    In this solo episode of the Sierra Rec Now Podcast, Charlie Pankey shares updates from the trail, insights from the outdoor industry, and practical advice for planning your next Sierra adventure. Charlie recently returned from the Outdoor Media Alliance (OMA) event in Denver, where outdoor brands gather with media to showcase upcoming gear and innovations shaping the 2026 season. In this episode he shares early impressions from the event, including new backpacking gear, sustainability trends in outdoor apparel, and the kinds of product innovations that may soon show up in your pack. The episode also dives into a topic that comes up every year among hikers and backpackers: how to actually secure wilderness permits for Yosemite National Park. Many people believe Yosemite permits are nearly impossible to get, but Charlie explains the planning strategies he uses each season when applying through Recreation.gov. From choosing flexible entry dates to selecting alternative trailheads, these simple adjustments can dramatically improve your chances of landing a permit and getting into the Yosemite backcountry. Along the way, Charlie also reflects on outdoor culture, the evolving gear industry, and what it means to continue sharing Sierra stories while exploring new trails in the Pacific Northwest. Topics covered in this episode include: • Highlights from the Outdoor Media Alliance gear event • New outdoor gear trends and innovations for 2026 • Sustainability shifts in outdoor clothing and materials • Bear canister and backpacking stove developments • How the Yosemite wilderness permit system works • Tips for improving your odds on Recreation.gov • Planning backpacking trips in the Sierra Nevada Whether you're planning your first Yosemite backpacking trip or simply looking for inspiration for your next adventure, this episode offers insights from years of experience exploring the Sierra. Watch the full episode on YouTube and follow Sierra Rec Magazine for more outdoor stories, gear reviews, and trail inspiration.

    31 min

  7. FEB 25

    Are You Really Trail Ready? Hiking Safety, Whitney Lessons & The Trail Ready Program

    What does it really mean to be “trail ready”? In this episode of the Sierra Rec Now Podcast, Charlie sits down with Liz and Paul, the founders of the Trail Ready Program, to talk about hiking preparedness, real-world mistakes, and the small decisions that can make a big difference in the backcountry. The conversation begins with a powerful story from Cathedral Lakes in Yosemite — a reminder that even a short hike can turn serious when preparation is overlooked. From there, we explore altitude lessons from Mount Whitney, communication strategies, trail awareness, and how training can help prevent avoidable search and rescue situations. Whether you’re new to hiking, returning after time away, or training for bigger Sierra objectives, this episode offers practical insights to help you head into the mountains with more confidence and responsibility. https://youtu.be/-wqcitj2Fms ▶️ Watch the Full Episode on YouTube In This Episode • Why many hiking emergencies are preventable• The origin of the Trail Ready Program• Lessons from Mount Whitney and high-altitude hiking• Situational awareness and navigation basics• Communication tools every hiker should consider• How training can shift trail culture Trail Ready Programhttps://trailreadyprogram.com 🔗 Learn More About Sierra Rec Now Sierra Rec Now explores the people, places, and stories that connect us to the mountains — from trail wisdom and gear insights to conversations with the outdoor community shaping the future of recreation. Follow the podcast and share this episode with a hiking partner who should hear it before their next adventure. ⭐ Enjoying the show?

    46 min

  8. FEB 18

    Trails, Towns & The Future of the Lost Sierra | Greg Williams

    The Lost Sierra is one of California’s most breathtaking — and least understood — mountain regions. In this episode of Sierra Rec Now, Charlie sits down with Greg Williams, founder of the Connected Communities initiative, to explore how a bold vision for trails and recreation is helping rural mountain towns build a sustainable future. From the economic power of outdoor recreation to the realities of rebuilding after the Dixie Fire, Greg shares how connecting communities through trails is creating new opportunities for residents, visitors, and future generations alike. This conversation is about more than trails — it’s about stewardship, resilience, and why the future of the Sierra may be unfolding north of Truckee. • What the Connected Communities initiative is• Why trails are key to rural mountain economies• How the Dixie Fire reshaped the region• The role of recreation in conservation• How visitors can support small Sierra towns Sierra Rec Now explores the stories, people, and places shaping outdoor recreation across the Sierra Nevada and beyond — from trail insights to conservation conversations and travel inspiration. In This EpisodeAbout Sierra Rec Now

    36 min
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About

Sierra Rec Now, an Authentic Mountains Production, dives into the stories and adventures that define the Sierra Nevada. Hosted by Charlie Pankey, the show brings you trail discoveries, backcountry experiences, and conversations with the people who know these mountains best. Each episode blends inspiration with practical insight for exploring the range. If you love granite peaks, big landscapes, and real Sierra culture, this is your home. Let’s get into it.

Information

  • Creator
    Charlie Pankey | Sierra Rec Magazine • Authentic Mountains
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    140
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Charlie Pankey | Sierra Rec Magazine • Authentic Mountains
  • Show Website
    SIERRA REC NOW | Your Guide to Sierra Adventures

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