Backpacker Radio

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Robbie Balenger. Robbie is a plant-based ultra-endurance athlete, with achievements including a run across the United States and a feat he dubbed the Colorado Crush which involves hiking the 485-mile Colorado Trail, summiting all 58 of Colorado's 14,000-ft peaks, and running the Leadville Trail Series- the marathon, the-50 mile race, and the 100-mile race...all of this in the span of 63 days! We of course go in-depth about these endurance undertakings, including how he manages his diet, his recovery, the highlights and lowlights from these adventures, the role his crew plays, and much more. You will walk away from this one feeling either very inspired or very lazy- and quite likely both. We wrap the show with a triple crown of trees, some promising news on the Lyme disease vaccine front, we get another update from MG, and we share some of our favorite shorter thru-hikes for a listener. RTIC Outdoors: Shop at rticoutdoors.com. Gossamer Gear: Use code “backpackerradio” for 15% off at gossamergear.com.  Enlightened Equipment: Use code “ultralight10” for 10% off Enlightened Equipment’s Stock Revelation Quilt or Torrid Jacket at enlightenedequipment.com. Interview with Robbie Balenger Robbie's Website Robbie's Instagram Colorado Crush Documentary Outlast a Tesla The Audacious Report Time stamps & Questions 00:05:19 - QOTD: What’s something that you like less as you get older? 00:15:26 - Introducing Robbie 00:16:17 - When did you get into athletics and endurance sports? 00:19:23 - What is it about running that draws you in? 00:20:44 - Discussion about marathon strategies and breaking through the wall 00:22:48 - Discussion about food during running 00:24:02 - How did you prevent injury on your transcontinental run? 00:25:20 - Discussion about shoes 00:26:12 - Tell us about your plant-based diet. 00:30:42 - Discussion about alcohol 00:31:52 - What do you eat to get enough calories? 00:34:44 - How did you occupy your mind on your transcontinental run? 00:37:29 - Tell us about the Central Park Loop 00:39:55 - Discussion about backyard ultras 00:41:07 - What would you say your mental drive is? 00:43:29 - Discussion about training intensity and strategies 00:46:18 - Do you have any recurring injuries? 00:47:26 - Tell us about NuCalm 00:56:41 - What was the inspiration for the Colorado Crush? 00:58:05 - What lessons did you learn about setting up a good sponsorship model? 01:00:19 - What was the structure and order of the Colorado Crush? 01:01:34 - What made the Leadville 100 the most difficult event? 01:03:42 - How did you decide the timing? 01:04:41 - Has anyone told you they’re interested in replicating the Colorado Crush? 01:05:02 - Fuck Marry Kill: the Leadville Trail Series, all the 14ers, and the Colorado Trail 01:05:40 - How did the Colorado Trail compare to your expectations? 01:07:13 - How do you compare/contrast road running and trail running? 01:09:48 - Any fun hallucination stories? 01:12:21 - What’s your mentality while running at night? 01:14:30 - What lazy things do you love doing? 01:15:42 - What did you learn about yourself as a man? 01:18:22 - Is it unusual to have the height of your career start late? 01:19:14 - How was your mindspace as you started the 14ers? 01:21:06 - What were the logistics for getting to and up all the 14ers? 01:23:10 - Did you have any close weather calls? 01:24:33 - Tell us about your crew 01:26:23 - Is there anything you can’t eat anymore? 01:27:37 - Anything else to share from the Leadville 100? 01:28:41 - What does the future hold for you? 01:32:00 - Where can people keep up with you? SEGMENTS MG Check-In New Sound Bites Trek Propaganda In Defense of Wild: Cheryl Strayed’s Memoir Is Nothing Like Your Trail Journal, and That’s OK by Penina Satlow Lyme Disease Vaccine Enters Phase 3 Trials by Penina Satlow Triple Crown of trees Quadzilla’s Quads Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @Paulybooyshallcross. Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)!  Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.  A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Patrick Cianciolo, Paul Packman Sealy, Matt Soukup, Jason Snailer, Greg Mac,  Tracy “Trigger” Fawns, Mike Poisel, and Kristina Diaz. A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Liz Seger, Cynthia Voth, Emily Brown, Dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Peter Ellenberg, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Wyn Wiley, better known online as Pattie Gonia. Pattie is a "professional homosexual", environmentalist, and a drag queen. This conversation is fun and informative. We go deep learning all the fun nuances of the drag world, including what goes into a good tuck (who owns the title for the GOAT of tucking), the best drag songs, and the core components of a good drag performance. Pattie shares all the good work she's is doing with various outdoor organizations to improve representation in the outdoors. And of course we get a run down of what goes into being ultra-athletic in high heel boots. We close the show with a triple crown of awkward places to run into an ex, a Q&A segment, and we cover if thru-hiking the PCT can give you a dumptruck ass. Gossamer Gear: Use code “backpackerradio” for 15% off at gossamergear.com.  Organifi: Use code “backpacker” for 20% off at organifi.com/backpacker. Enlightened Equipment: Use code “ultralight10” for 10% off Enlightened Equipment’s Stock Revelation Quilt or Torrid Jacket at enlightenedequipment.com. Interview with Wyn Wiley aka Pattie Gonia Pattie's Instagram The Outdoorist Oath Website The Outdoorist Oath Instagram Queer Outdoor and Environmental Job Board Austin Smith Instagram Time stamps & Questions 00:04:56 - QOTD: What’s the easiest meal of the day to eat healthfully? 00:10:39 - Reminder: Apply to be a 2023 Trek Blogger 00:11:34 - Introducing Wyn! 00:13:05 - Who is Wyn Wiley? 00:15:26 - How did you become Pattie Gonia? 00:17:40 - Were you always openly queer? 00:19:23 - Who put boundaries on you as a kid? 00:22:10 - How do you run in high heels? 00:24:20 - What were you thinking when you posted some of your first viral videos? 00:27:22 - Were some people okay with you being gay but not with your wearing heels? 00:29:26 - Can you explain Wyn and Pattie’s different pronouns? 00:31:40 - What’s a good protocol for knowing when to ask someone their preferred pronouns? 00:33:36 - Discussion about being Pattie versus Wyn 00:35:10 - What’s the most difficult physical endeavor you’ve done in heels? 00:36:14 - Discussion about tucking 00:41:45 - Tell us about your hiking clothes. 00:42:48 - Do you have any tips for hiking in heels? 00:44:42 - Do you have any good eating shit stories from hiking in heels? 00:45:41 - Tell us about your recent event with the North Face. 00:48:29 - How can businesses be better allies? 00:50:34 - How can businesses move into the advocacy space? 00:52:31 - Do you want to give any particular people a shoutout? 00:54:09 - Have you had experiences where brands have approached you the wrong way? 00:55:48 - What were some of the biggest lessons you learned? 00:57:18 - What do you recommend for people looking to join queer outdoor communities? 00:59:07 - What does into a 10/10 drag performance? 01:03:42 - If you’re stranded on drag island, what 3 songs do you bring for your performance? 01:05:25 - If you were to make a drag starter pack, what would be in it? 01:06:28 - What is your go-to hiking snack? 01:11:18 - Do you feel like the thru-hiking community better accepts the queer community? 01:15:35 - How do you think you can bring more straight, white men to allyship? 01:17:01 - Do you see any backlash for caring about hair and makeup in the outdoors? 01:20:10 - Tell us about your makeup process. 01:22:09 - If you could pick only 3 pieces of makeup, what would you choose? 01:22:50 - Tell us about the plastics crisis work you did in Hawaii. 01:27:50 - Tell us about your organization, the Outdoorist Oath. 01:28:56 - What are the first projects your organization is starting with? 01:30:32 - Can you tell us about calling out NOLS? 01:37:29 - What should companies prioritize to do better by communities? 01:40:03 - Where can people go to keep up with you? SEGMENTS Trek Propaganda Hiker Dies After Being Found Unresponsive on Mt. Washington by Penina Satlow Triple Crown of awkward places to bump into an ex Instagram Q&A Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @Paulybooyshallcross. Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)!  Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.  A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Patrick Cianciolo, Paul Packman Sealy, Matt Soukup, Jason Snailer, Greg Mac,  Tracy “Trigger” Fawns, Mike Poisel, and Kristina Diaz. A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Liz Seger, Cynthia Voth, Emily Brown, Dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Peter Ellenberg, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by The Netteburg family. Danae and Olen Netteburg, alongside their 5 children- ages ranging from 13 to 1, are currently thru-hiking the CDT. This is their second thru-hike in three years, after the family completed the Appalachian Trail in 2020. The Netteburg's story is one of a kind- both Danae and Olen are missionary doctors who run a 100-bed hospital in rural Chad. We go in-depth learning about how a family of seven manages on a trail as challenging as the CDT, their standout highs and lows from the AT, what life is like back in their home of Chad and the challenges of their work, and much more. The kiddos were also in and out of the studio for this one, so be prepared for the fun chaos that will ensue. We wrap the show with a triple crown of things you put on a cracker, a fan follow up to Kathryn Miles' episode which paints a different picture of one of the suspects, and we opine on the movies most deserving of a sequel. Gossamer Gear: Use code “backpackerradio” for 15% off at gossamergear.com.  RTIC Outdoors: Shop at rticoutdoors.com. Tanri: Use code “bpradio10” for 10% off at tanri.com. Enlightened Equipment: Use code “ultralight10” for 10% off Enlightened Equipment’s Stock Revelation Quilt or Torrid Jacket at enlightenedequipment.com. Interview with Danae and Olen Netteburg Danae's Instagram Olen's Instagram Time stamps & Questions 00:05:10 - QOTD: What movie do you most wish had a sequel? 00:07:15 - Introducing the Netteburgs 00:08:15 - How did you end up on trail as a family? 00:10:15 - Tell us about being doctors in Chad! 00:13:08 - Can you compare practicing medicine in the US versus abroad? 00:15:20 - Can anything stress you out while thru-hiking? 00:18:12 - Tell us some crazy doctor stories. 00:21:01 - What are the kid’s thoughts on the biggest differences between Chad and America? 00:22:10 - Hippo facts! 00:25:56 - What other scary animals do you deal with in Chad? 00:27:15 - What precautions do you take for mosquitos? 00:30:16 - What drives you to continue being doctors in Chad? 00:32:24 - How did you decide to hike the AT in 2020? 00:36:15 - Kids: what was your initial impression of the AT? 00:39:20 - Tell us about the timeline for starting the AT? 00:43:15 - Did you ever consider stopping the hike? 00:47:50 - What does a 6 person resupply/meal strategy look like? 00:49:15 - Are all the kids hiking themselves? 00:51:30 - What are some parenting hacks to keep the kids happy while hiking? 00:54:42 - Is it a welcome distraction or additional burden to keep the kids happy? 00:55:35 - How do you handle it when they’re grumpy? 00:57:44 - What are each of their hiking personas? 01:00:15 - At what age do they stay reliably on trail? 01:00:50 - What’s the extent of the gear that the kids carry? 01:03:35 - What packs do you use? 01:05:12 - Roughly speaking, what’s your typical pace? 01:08:33 - Discussion about feeding the kids 01:11:10 - What are the other person’s most and least endearing hiking traits? 01:15:02 - Did you get a lot of criticism in 2020? 01:15:49 - How would you compare the challenge of the AT and the CDT? 01:17:29 - Discussion about potty training and hiking with a baby 01:20:31 - How do you manage sleep deprivation? 01:21:41 - How do you manage to stay happy partners? 01:23:19 - Tell us about managing the monsoons and lightning on the CDT. 01:27:40 - Discussion about using umbrellas 01:28:50 - Tell us about your spreadsheets! 01:34:51 - If you could go back to day 0 on the AT, what advice would you give yourself? 01:36:29 - How do the kids adjust when you return to your busy work schedules? 01:38:27 - How much would you say thru-hiking is for you two, the kids, or the family? 01:39:17 - Do you think the kids have the thru-hiking itch now? 01:40:45 - Where can people keep up with you? SEGMENTS Trek Propaganda Pooping on the Appalachian Trail: Important Statistics from My Thru-Hike by Brian “Slurpee” Garner Montbell Superior Down Parka Review by Elise Ott Triple Crown of things you put on a cracker Mail Bag 5 Star Review Check out our sound guy @Paulybooyshallcross. Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)!  Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.  A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Patrick Cianciolo, Paul Packman Sealy, Matt Soukup, Jason Snailer, Greg Mac,  Tracy “Trigger” Fawns, Mike Poisel, and Kristina Diaz. A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Liz Seger, Cynthia Voth, Emily Brown, Dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Peter Ellenberg, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Quinn Brett. Quinn was a world-class climber prior to her 2017 fall in Yosemite left her paralyzed from the waist down. Since then, Quinn being the badass athlete that she is, has found new modes to adventure, having most recently completed the 2,500-mile Tour Divide on an adaptive handbike, which she did in just 25 days. We learn all about Quinn's accident, how her adventures, friendships, and life have changed since that fall, and we go in-depth about her advocacy work- how Quinn is fighting to improve recreational accessibility for other persons with disabilities. We wrap the show with a Triple Crown of Countries You’d Live in if Deported from the US, a brief overview of some of the reasons we've fired Mara, and we opine on where Funyuns belong in the greater chip ranking. Gossamer Gear: Use code “backpackerradio” for 15% off at gossamergear.com.  Enlightened Equipment: Use code “ultralight10” for 10% off Enlightened Equipment’s Stock Revelation Quilt or Torrid Jacket at enlightenedequipment.com. Ned: Use code “backpacker” for 15% off at helloned.com/backpacker. [divider] Interview with Quinn Brett Quinn's Instagram Quinn's Website An Accidental Life Time stamps & Questions 00:03:08 - QOTD: Have you heard of Elon Musk’s dog mode? 00:07:38 - Reminders: submit your AT terminus pictures! 00:08:10 - Introducing Quinn 00:08:37 - How did you originally get interested in the outdoors and climbing? 00:10:47 - What does climbing look like in Minnesota? 00:11:51 - What does doing a season in Yosemite mean? 00:13:04 - How did you get started on the big walls? 00:14:51 - What is it like camping in a portaledge? 00:16:25 - Discussion about premier climbing locations in Colorado and the US. 00:17:28 - Tell us about your accident. 00:20:47 - How did you get off the wall? 00:22:49 - Was the fall itself painful? 00:23:33 - How did you brain process learning that you were paralyzed? 00:25:21 - How did your relationship with climbing change? 00:27:13 - Are there options for climbing while paralyzed? 00:29:30 - Would you go back and change anything if you could? 00:31:21 - What have you noticed about inaccessibility since your injury? 00:34:39 - What are the most common barriers to accessibility in the outdoors? 00:37:30 - Tell us about your documentary. 00:38:52 - What would you want to change about the documentary? 00:41:31 - Tell us more about the current and future therapies for spinal cord injuries. 00:44:01 - Is there any hope in something like Neuralink? 00:46:30 - Tell us about your ride on the Tour Divide. 00:47:53 - How did you train for the ride? 00:49:15 - Would your hand cycle have tipped less with two rear wheels? 00:51:35 - How did you solve the battery problem? 00:52:51 - Tell us about the camping. 00:54:55 - Do you feel like your upper body has gained perception after your injury? 00:56:04 - What were some of the highlights of the Tour Divide? 00:57:01 - Do you have any advice for someone who’s interested in doing a similar ride? 00:58:36 - Can you describe the community you’ve found among other people with disabilities? 00:59:56 - Do you have any good poop stories from the ride? 01:02:15 - Did you see any grizzly bears? 01:03:50 - Are there any states that are particularly accessible or particularly not? 01:04:44 - Tell us about the political advocacy work you do. 01:07:03 - Tell us about the advocacy work you’ve done for public lands. 01:09:00 - How have your personal relationships changed since your injury? 01:12:22 - Are there any other toys or gear items you’re excited to try? 01:13:28 - What safety measures do you take while rafting or kayaking? 01:15:15 - Were you ever interested in the Paralympics? 01:16:00 - What are some of your plans or goals for the next five to ten years? 01:17:37 - Where should people go to find you or support initiatives you’re working on? SEGMENTS MG Check-In Trek Propaganda 60 PCT Hikers Evacuated from Trail As McKinney Fire Burns Near CA-OR Border by Kelly Floro Triple Crown of countries you’d live in if you were deported from the US Reasons We’ve Fired Mara Mail Bag 5 Star Review Listener Voicemail [divider] Check out our sound guy @Paulybooyshallcross. Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)!  Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.  A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Patrick Cianciolo, Paul Packman Sealy, Matt Soukup, Jason Snailer, Greg Mac,  Tracy “Trigger” Fawns, Mike Poisel, and Kristina Diaz. A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Liz Seger, Cynthia Voth, Emily Brown, Dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Peter Ellenberg, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Arlette "Apple Pie" Laan. Apple Pie is the first woman to hike all eleven of the National Scenic Trails in the United States, which frankly only scratches the surface on her hiking and backpacking career. We chat about some of her favorite stories from her tens of thousands of miles on trail, her favorite and least favorite of the National Scenic Trails, how she managed to become the backpacking legend that she is today despite not starting until she was 30 years old, and much more. Arlette doesn't hold back in her answers, we think you'll get a kick out of this chat. We wrap the show with a triple crown of talents most people don’t know that we possess, a story of how I ended up at the ER after the Golden Hiker Meetup, and Chaunce has COVID!   Gossamer Gear: Use code “littledonkeygirl” for 15% off at gossamergear.com.  Organifi: Use code “backpacker” for 20% off at organifi.com/backpacker. Enlightened Equipment: Use code “ultralight10” for 10% off Enlightened Equipment’s Stock Revelation Quilt or Torrid Jacket at enlightenedequipment.com. Tanri: Use code “bpradio10” for 10% off at tanri.com. Interview with Arlette “Apple Pie” Laan Arlette's Instagram Arlette Laan Fiber Creations Instagram Arlette's Website Redline Guiding Website Time stamps & Questions 00:04:35 - QOTD: What’s the dumbest thing you’ve done this week? 00:12:18 - How was the Golden hiker meetup? 00:14:02 - Shoutout to the Blue Sky Fund! 00:15:03 - Introducing Arlette 00:15:48 - How did you get into long distance backpacking? 00:17:34 - How did you get your trail name? 00:19:04 - How many miles have you hiked? 00:20:14 - What trails have you done other than the National Scenic Trails? 00:20:51 - How did you experience backpacking in Europe after getting into it in the US? 00:24:22 - Is there any particular reason you left the Ice Age Trail for last? 00:27:47 - At what point did you realize you wanted to do all the National Scenic Trails? 00:31:38 - What were your 3 favorite and 3 least favorite trails? 00:34:14 - Give us your best sales pitch for the CDT. 00:38:00 - Discussion about changing navigation technology. 00:40:27 - How does homesickness play into your long trails? 00:46:53 - Discussion about the Florida Trail. 00:48:16 - Discussion about the Pacific Northwest Trail. 00:49:32 - Tell us why the AT isn’t at the top of your list. 00:51:21 - What are the best 3 states and worst 3 states in the US in your opinion? 00:57:58 - What do you do when there’s no good camping? 00:59:00 - Do you have any standout wildlife stories? 01:01:00 - Have you always been an adventure-seeker? 01:04:03 - Were you pushing your physical limits prior to thru-hiking? 01:08:56 - Now that you’ve done so many long trails, what do you wish you knew when you started? 01:10:24 - How do you think being a woman has impacted your backpacking? 01:12:49 - How have you been able to financially and logistically do all of these hikes? 01:15:18 - Tell us about doll making! 01:18:45 - Tell us more about the guiding you do. 01:21:56 - What words of inspiration do you have for someone reluctant to get into backpacking? 01:23:10 - What’s your most embarrassing hiking story? SEGMENTS Trek Propaganda Arlette “Apple Pie” Laan on Becoming the First Woman to Hike All 11 National Scenic Trails by Alison Young [Book Review] Adventure Ready by Katie Gerber and Heather Anderson by Penina Satlow Triple Crown of talents most people don’t know you possess Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @Paulybooyshallcross. Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)!  Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.  A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Patrick Cianciolo, Paul Packman Sealy, Matt Soukup, Jason Snailer, Greg Mac,  Tracy “Trigger” Fawns, Mike Poisel, and Kristina Diaz. A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Liz Seger, Cynthia Voth, Emily Brown, Dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Peter Ellenberg, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Diane "Sticks" Harsha. Diane is an AT section hiker, the author of "Sticks and Stones: How to Hike the Appalachian Trail in 13 Years", and a retired FBI agent. We of course spend a lot of time talking about Diane's career in the bureau- including questions about the rigorous training and testing required to be accepted into the FBI, negotiation tactics that could be applied to convincing a spouse to let you leave for an extended backpacking trip, carrying a weapon on trail, and the overlap between working in the FBI and backpacking the AT at large. And yes of course we sneak in a couple of X-Files questions. We wrap the show with a triple crown of celebrities we'd most want to party with, a story about Chaunce farting her way through a work Zoom meeting, and Badger announces his next backpacking trip. Gossamer Gear: Use code “littledonkeygirl” for 15% off at gossamergear.com.  Enlightened Equipment: Use code “ultralight10” for 10% off Enlightened Equipment’s Stock Revelation Quilt or Torrid Jacket at enlightenedequipment.com. Ned: Use code “backpacker” for 15% off at helloned.com/backpacker. Interview with Diane “Sticks” Harsha Diane's Facebook Diane's LinkedIn Sticks and Stones on Audible Sticks and Stones on Amazon Time stamps & Questions 00:02:55 - QOTD: What’s the most embarrassing moment you have from a virtual meeting? 00:15:42 - QOTD 2: What’s the thing you’re most excited about? 00:20:02 - Reminders: Shoutout to our new Chuck Norris members! 00:21:40 - Introducing Diane 00:22:27 - How did you get into the FBI? 00:25:12 - What was the fitness test you took? 00:26:47 - Is Chaunce fit enough to join the FBI? 00:31:00 - Discussion about age norms. 00:33:11 - Tell us more about FBI training. 00:37:55 - Discussion about the accuracy of polygraph tests. 00:39:42 - Were you on any wild cases you can tell us about? 00:44:40 - Do you feel like you were treated differently as a woman agent? 00:46:53 - Since it’s illegal to make false statements to federal agents, could we go to prison for lying to you? 00:48:34 - What negotiation skills would you recommend for convincing your partner to let you do a thru-hike? 00:51:03 - Tell us more about active listening. 00:53:40 - Did you ever use these communication strategies while hiking? 00:56:44 - What other skills crossed over between being an FBI agent and hiking? 00:59:07 - Did you experience fear before starting the trail? 01:00:30 - Did you hike with a gun? 01:03:10 - If you had to pick one state on the AT to carry your gun through, which would it be? 01:06:40 - Was your husband more worried about your career or about your hiking? 01:08:31 - What were your single most dangerous moments in the FBI and on the trail? 01:14:03 - What other things did you bring to trail from your career? 01:18:50 - Did the trail ever grant you any insights related to your work or a case? 01:21:24 - Is there an emotional lull after completing each case? 01:24:10 - Did you ever have a case that could have been an episode of X-Files? 01:25:30 - What are things that movies and shows always get wrong? 01:28:12 - What are the advantages to section hiking the AT over many years instead of all at once? 01:31:35 - Tell us about how you planned the sections. 01:38:14 - Give us your trail name origin story. 01:42:20 - When did you get the inspiration to write the book? 01:46:08 - What can a reader expect when they pick up the book? 01:48:50 - Where can people find the book? SEGMENTS MG Check-In Trek Propaganda Desolation Wilderness Now Requires Bear-Resistant Food Storage by Kelly Floro Triple Crown of non-A or B-list celebrities you’d love to party with Listener Voicemail 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @Paulybooyshallcross. Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)!  Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.  A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Patrick Cianciolo, Paul Packman Sealy, Matt Soukup, Jason Snailer, Greg Mac,  Tracy “Trigger” Fawns, Mike Poisel, and Kristina Diaz. A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Liz Seger, Cynthia Voth, Emily Brown, Dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Peter Ellenberg, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek we are bringing you another edition of Beginner Backpacking Mistakes. Today we're joined by our good pal and backpacking superstar, Steven “Twinkle” Shattuck, to give you a rundown of mistakes to avoid on your next backpacking trip.  If you listened to the first edition of this panel, rest assured that all of the tips in this episode are brand new- backed by many thousands of miles of trail experience- we made all the mistakes so you don't have to. We also have a triple crown of our favorite day hikes in Colorado, we learn about Twinkle and Grace's recent epic backpacking trip in Peru, and we wrap the show with a solid hazing of Chaunce. RTIC Outdoors: Use code “backpacker” for 10% off orders over $50 at rticoutdoors.com. Organifi: Use code “backpacker” for 20% off at organifi.com/backpacker. Ned: Use code “backpacker” for 15% off at helloned.com/backpacker. Tanri: Use code “bpradio10” for 10% off at tanri.com. Panel with Badger, Chaunce, and Twinkle Backpacker Radio 61 | Grace and Steven “Twinkle” Shattuck on Their 15 Month Dirtbagging Adventure Backpacker Radio Episode #6: Steven “Twinkle” Shattuck on Dirt-Bagging for a Year, The Best Headlamps for Thru-Hiking, and Curing Anxiety on Trail Twinkle's Instagram Time stamps & Questions 00:06:18 - QOTD: What have you been up to since we last talked? 00:11:27 - Discussion about Twinkle’s Huayllapa Circuit hike 00:21:14 - Twinkle’s Mistake #1: Relying on your phone too heavily for navigation 00:28:20 - Chaunce’s Mistake #1: Not including gear replacements or fixes into your trail budget 00:36:00 - Zach’s Mistake #1: Not eating enough food 00:43:50 - Twinkle’s Mistake #2: Splitting up with your group without making a detailed plan 00:57:08 - Chaunce’s Mistake #2: Just because your body feels like it can push on, doesn’t mean it should 01:02:32 - Zach’s Mistake #2: Be more selective with your campsites 01:15:02 - Twinkle’s Mistake #3: Do not buy excess footwear prior to your hike 01:25:00 - Nancy East fan club 01:28:13 - Chaunce’s Mistake #3: Not preparing for what happens after your hike 01:34:58 - Zach’s Mistake #3: Not budgeting enough extra time for your hike SEGMENTS Trek Propaganda 5 Backpacking Hacks I Learned from HikeTok by Katie Houston Triple Crown of our favorite Colorado day hikes [divider] Check out our sound guy @Paulybooyshallcross. Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)!  Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.  A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Patrick Cianciolo, Paul Packman Sealy, Matt Soukup, Jason Snailer, Greg Mac,  Tracy “Trigger” Fawns, Mike Poisel, and Kristina Diaz. A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Liz Seger, Cynthia Voth, Emily Brown, Dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Peter Ellenberg, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Shayla "Kiddo" Paradeis. Shayla is a very accomplished backpacker, with the triple crown just scratching the surface of her hiking resume, but it's her approach to backpacking that makes this conversation stand out. We chat about what it's like to backpack in today's age without a smartphone, including the differences of keeping in touch with hikers, navigating on trail, tracking the forecast, and more. Shayla also shares her experience of healing on trail, and how her experiences as a sexual assault survivor have played a major role in her desire to be in the backcountry. Another warning to listeners, if the subject of sexual assault is especially triggering to you, we encourage you to skip ahead about half way into today's interview. We wrap the show with the triple crown of reasons to go to a baseball game, we check in with MG as she's just hiked through the 100-Mile Wilderness, we discuss things that feel like a scam but aren't (but also sort of are), and give a shoutout to a couple who got engaged on the PCT this year! Gossamer Gear: Use code “littledonkeygirl” for 15% off at gossamergear.com.  Enlightened Equipment: Use code “ultralight10” for 10% off Enlightened Equipment’s Stock Revelation Quilt or Torrid Jacket at enlightenedequipment.com. Ned: Use code “backpacker” for 15% off at helloned.com/backpacker. Interview with Shayla “Kiddo” Paradeis Shayla's Website Shayla's Youtube Channel Time stamps & Questions 00:02:52 - QOTD: What isn’t a scam but feels like one? 00:05:50 - Reminders: Leftover trail days shirts *were* in the Trek store! 00:06:38 - Introducing Shayla 00:07:23 - How does one decide to hike without a smartphone? 00:10:23 - What’s the rationale? 00:13:12 - Are you off of social media entirely? 00:15:10 - Do you ever listen to music? 00:17:24 - How have you noticed hikers change as you’ve hiked so many trails? 00:21:59 - Have you noticed a change in how you get through your day? 00:24:37 - How are you checking the weather forecast? 00:25:54 - Do you get frustrated being around other hikers who are always on their phones? 00:28:10 - Has any part of you lost faith in humanity? 00:29:57 - Discussion about navigation and getting lost without a phone. 00:33:52 - Tell us about your hiking group patterns for your long trails. 00:36:25 - What was your hitchhiking method? 00:37:07 - Did you ever get bothered by your hiking partners using their phones? 00:38:36 - If you could do it over again, would you hike alone? 00:40:17 - Do you have any tips for people wanting to set boundaries? 00:46:44 - Tell us about the Haute Route. 00:49:06 - Can you compare the Haute Route and the Tour du Mont Blanc? 00:51:02 - Are you also a runner? 00:52:30 - Why don’t you like racing as much anymore? 00:53:44 - Did you have a light pack in 2011? 00:54:41 - Tell us about eating better. 00:56:51 - How many calories did you consume on trail? 00:57:49 - Are you a competitive person? 01:01:11 - Tell us more about why you’re hiking. 01:04:57 - What happened that led you to run away to Glacier? 01:06:30 - Were your parents disappointed when you left New York? 01:08:02 - Did the trauma you experience relate to getting into backpacking? 01:09:42 - Have you found thru-hiking to be healing? 01:10:41 - (Begin trigger warning) How did your relationship on trail pan out? 01:12:33 - Did any part of you want to quit hiking after that? 01:15:10 - How did you feel safety-wise after that? 01:16:36 - Tell us more about your book. 01:18:47 - Can you give us a synopsis of what the book is about? 01:21:22 - (End trigger warning) Tell us about the volunteering you do in Glacier National Park. 01:25:50 - Tell us about grizzlies and wolves! 01:27:10 - Discussion about how wolves impact the ecosystem. 01:29:08 - Is there anything else you want to share? 01:29:48 - Thank you! SEGMENTS MG Check-In Trek Propaganda Meet the Thru-Hiking Couple Who Got Engaged on the PCT by Penina Satlow After 9,000 Miles of Thru-Hiking, These Are the 10 Items I Never Leave Home Without by Jenn Wall Triple Crown of reasons to go to a baseball game Pupdate Mara-Edition Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @Paulybooyshallcross. Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)!  Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.  A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Patrick Cianciolo, Paul Packman Sealy, Matt Soukup, Jason Snailer, Greg Mac, Tracy “Trigger” Fawns, and Mike Poisel. A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Liz Seger, Cynthia Voth, Emily Brown, Dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Peter Ellenberg, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by RTIC, we are joined by Kathryn Miles. Kathryn is an award-winning journalist, science writer, and the author of five books, most recently "Trailed: One Woman's Quest to Solve the Shenandoah Murders", which is the focus of today's chat.  We go deep on everything to do with this case, including the gruesome details of the murders, why this was not a random act of violence, why this case has yet to be solved, who Kathryn believes to be the perpetrator, and much more. A warning to listeners, this one goes into some pretty horrific details on the subjects of sexual assault and murder. If either of these subjects are especially triggering to you, we encourage you to skip ahead to the segments for this one.  We then pivot from rape and murder to the triple crown of ice cream toppings.  Typical backpacker radio stuff. RTIC Outdoors: Use code “backpacker” for 10% off your order of $50 or more at rticoutdoors.com Gossamer Gear: Use code “littledonkeygirl” for 15% off at gossamergear.com.  Enlightened Equipment: Use code “ultralight10” for 10% off Enlightened Equipment’s Stock Revelation Quilt or Torrid Jacket at enlightenedequipment.com. [divider] Interview with Kathryn Miles Kathryn Miles Website Kathryn’s Instagram Buy Trailed: One Woman's Quest to Solve the Shenandoah Murders or at your local bookstore Time stamps & Questions 00:05:23 - QOTD: How was your day today?  00:11:37 - Introducing Kathryn Miles  00:12:12 - What’s your hiking background?  00:12:53 - Anything else you want to add about the hiker designations?  00:13:52 - Can you tell us about your journalism career?  00:15:23 - Did you always know ‘Trailed: One Woman's Quest to Solve the Shenandoah Murders’ was going to become a book?  00:17:01 - Can you give an overview of the case? 00:19:11 - What were the challenges with writing this?  00:21:36 - Do you eventually develop thicker skin towards these stories?  00:22:45 - Going into this project, were you afraid of the side effects others experienced after digging into similar stories?  00:24:08 - Did you have a background or past interest in true crime?  00:25:44 - When you’re researching something like this, where do you start?  00:27:40 - How do you focus on the killer when you don’t know the killer?  00:29:44 - Amateur sleuthing  00:30:32 - Do you worry about bringing a new potential killer into the story?  00:32:45 - Did you lose your love for the outdoors and hiking after writing the book?  00:35:12 - Did you end up viewing the photos? 00:36:40 - Could you share some more details around this being a premeditated murder?  00:39:58 - What will readers learn through the book that they wouldn’t through the police reports? 00:42:01 - What were some of the most interesting things you found in the reports?  00:47:37 - Can you speak to the general safety of the trails?  00:50:37 - Do you think there’s anything nefarious with that?  00:53:15 - Are park rangers part of a union?  00:54:01 - Tell us more about the culture clash in the involved parties  00:55:59 - Were there any thru-hiking suspects?  00:56:48 - Did you ever find out why he had a bloody knife?  00:58:18 - Can you tell us more about the second character?  01:00:24 - What were the similarities between the two murders?  01:01:01 - Was there a purpose to wrapping a body in a sleeping bag?  01:02:53 - How do they determine who’s vibrator it was?  01:03:52 - What did he do to modify it?  01:05:54 - Is there any scenario in which the murderer wants to be caught?  01:08:59 - What’s your personal opinion on who the killer is?  01:10:10 - What is Darrell Rice doing these days?  01:11:11 - Did you try to reach out to Darrell Rice?  01:12:12 - Is he still missing?  01:13:30 - What convinced them it was Darrell Rice?  01:16:28 - What do you think it will take for the FBI to pick up this case again?  01:16:53 - Where should phone calls and letters be sent?  01:17:39 - What are the odds that the person who did it, isn’t either of the two focused on in the book?  01:18:45 - How do you see the Shenandoah murders fitting into a culture of misogyny?  01:20:34 - Could you tell us more about your research into women being excluded from the outdoors?  01:22:18 - How do you instill confidence into those still out hiking near the Shenandoah?  01:24:26 - How was it hiking the AT during that time?  01:25:14 - How did it change the vibe of the trail?  01:26:49 - Do you think it would have impacted the outcome if the women were in a more public camping area?  01:28:21 - Are there other documented crimes specifically against non-binary hikers on trail?  01:30:22 - Is there any research on non-binary hiker crimes?  01:32:01 - Where should people get your book?  01:32:30 - Any projects in the pipeline we should know about?  01:33:37 - Wrap Up  SEGMENTS Surprise Mail  Audience Mail Bag  Trek Propaganda  [Book Review] Trailed: One Woman’s Quest to Solve the Shenandoah Murders by Penina Satlow  Triple Crown Q&A Segment  [divider] Check out our sound guy @Paulybooyshallcross. Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)!  Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.  A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Patrick Cianciolo, Paul Packman Sealy, Matt Soukup, Jason Snailer, Greg Mac, Tracy “Trigger” Fawns, and Mike Poisel. A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Liz Seger, Cynthia Voth, Emily Brown, Dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Peter Ellenberg, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek we are joined by no one! Today's episode is all about the Tahoe Rim Trail and Badger's recent experience thru-hiking this trail. This one covers everything you'd want to know about hiking the TRT, including the trail's basics, my experience and advice for resupply, gear, pacing, permits, bear storage, the best time to hike this trail, bugs, dealing with snow, navigation, funny stories, cell service, worst chafes, best poops, and much more. We wrap the show with a very weird and impromptu segment- healing your holes with Badger and Chaunce, we touch on the sad news of a hiker who recently passed in the White Mountain National Forest, we get a ridiculous poop story from our pal Paul Packman Sealy, and Backpacker Radio sponsorship winner MG gives us her first update from the AT! Gossamer Gear: Use code “littledonkeygirl” for 15% off at gossamergear.com.  Organifi: Use code “backpacker” for 20% off at organifi.com/backpacker. Enlightened Equipment: Use code “ultralight10” for 10% off Enlightened Equipment’s Stock Revelation Quilt or Torrid Jacket at enlightenedequipment.com. Point6: Use code “point6trek” for 30% off at point6.com. [divider] Interview with Zach “Badger” Davis Badger's Tahoe Rim Trail Gear List Time stamps & Questions 00:04:42 - QOTD: Would you rather have an elephant’s nose or a giraffe’s neck? 00:08:20 - Introducing Zach! 00:09:05 - What is the TRT? 00:10:52 - Which direction did you hike? 00:11:57 - Tell us about the elevation and miles per day. 00:14:40 - Did you need a bear canister? 00:18:25 - Tell us about the permits required. 00:21:21 - How many people did you see each day? 00:22:30 - Did anyone ask if you hiked the AT? 00:24:25 - How was the water situation? 00:26:13 - Was it exposed or under treeline? 00:27:15 - How was the snow situation? 00:33:40 - What is the best time of year to hike the TRT? 00:35:49 - Tell us about day 1. 00:39:28 - Did you make any friends? 00:39:47 - Discussion about Zach’s Ursack. 00:43:30 - Tell us about day 2 (chafing). 00:47:40 - Discussion about Zach wearing a kilt on the AT (disclaimer: disturbing visuals). 00:51:29 - Tell us about day 3 (weather, gear). 00:58:25 - Tell us about day 4 (burn area, ubering, town day). 01:05:47 - Tell us about day 5 (Desolation Wilderness, hiking with friends vs. alone). 01:12:30 - Tell us about day 6 (Tahoe City). 01:15:57 - Any other notable food things? 01:19:27 - Did you have vitamins and supplements? 01:23:04 - Discussion about weight and muscle. 01:26:55 - Tell us about day 7 (snow, cold). 01:30:22 - How did you get to the trail? 01:32:55 - Where does it rank among other shorter thru-hikes you’ve done? 01:34:04 - Would you recommend the TRT to first-time long distance hikers? 01:35:24 - How was this experience different now that you’re a father?  01:36:54 - Is it worth traveling across the country as someone from the East Coast? 01:37:47 - Anything you would have done differently? 01:38:41 - How long was your longest food carry? 01:39:35 - Did you have any knee pain and if so, how did you alleviate it? 01:39:52 - Did you have any trouble navigating? 01:41:00 - Any poop stories? 01:44:28 - What’s the next hike for a now-dad? SEGMENTS MG Check-In Trek Propaganda Badger's Tahoe Rim Trail Gear List Hiker Rescued from Presidential Traverse on Saturday Has Died by Kelly Floro Paul’s Poop Story 5 Star Review Healing Your Hole with Zach and Chaunce [divider] Check out our sound guy @Paulybooyshallcross. Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)!  Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.  A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Patrick Cianciolo, Paul Packman Sealy, Matt Soukup, Jason Snailer, and Greg Mac. A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Liz Seger, Cynthia Voth, Emily Brown, Dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Peter Ellenberg, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven.