Backpacker Radio

We interrupt your normally scheduled Backpacker Radio content to bring you a sneak peak of a brand new podcast launched by The Trek in partnership with BadCat Media, called, The Attempt.     The Attempt follows Benjamin Drachman during his *attempted* SOBO thru-hike of the PCT in 2019.  The show is produced by Julia Drachman- and no that last name is not a coincidence, Julia is Ben's older sister.  What may shock you about this show is its production value.  And by that, I mean, it has production value.  We're all about trying new things here at The Trek.   In other words, if This American Life and Trail Correspondents had a baby, this podcast would be that baby.   Instead of further explaining what this show is, let's give you a Costco sample size for you to chew on.  As soon as I shut the hell up, you'll get the first episode of this show.  If you like what you hear, I encourage you to head to the thetrek.co/theattempt to find more episodes (the first three are already out) or simply search for "The Attempt" in your preferred podcast platform.   GET ALL OF THE EPISODES HERE   THE ATTEMPT on iTunes THE ATTEMPT on Google Play THE ATTEMPT on Stitcher

We are joined by legendary PCT trail angel, Donna, L-Rod Saufley of Hiker Heaven.  Donna comes by her trail name, L-Rod, short for lightning rod, very honestly. She's exceptionally outspoken, a ball of energy, and has a deep passion for the Pacific Crest Trail and its community.  We hear all about her time serving as a trail angel to PCT hikers for more than two decades.  This conversation is fun, engaging, educational, and we dip our toe into some controversial subjects.   Chaunce and I wrap-up the show with an update on the latest from Hiker Heaven, how you can get a free trip to the moon in a likely very prostitute-y way, a triple crown of stereotypes you meet on trail, and we are blessed with another listener poop story. Backpacker Radio SoCal Road Trip Presented by Sawyer! Use code "ATDrink15" at GossamerGear.com to save 15% Gossamer Gear The One Gossamer Gear Gorilla Gossamer Gear Liteflex Umbrella Sawyer Picaridin Packets Last chance to apply for The Trek's 2020 Ambassador Program Backpacker Radio Internship Application Interview with Donna "L-Rod" Saufley of Hiker Heaven Donna's favorite moments as a trail angel Donna's section hikes of the PCT Her advice to aspiring thru-hikers QOTD: If you could swap one trait with the opposite sex what would it be and why? Trek Propaganda / Interview Follow-Up Update on the Future of Hiker Heaven by Sam Olthof How to Get a Free Trip to the Moon! The Triple Crown of Stereotypes You Meet on Trail Listener Poop Stories 5-star iTunes Reviews Intro Song: Walking Slow by Animal Years Intro beats: Pauly Boy Shallcross Check out Trail Correspondents Have any praise, questions, praise, comments, praise or praise for Backpacker Radio?  Reach out to podcast@thetrek.co. Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Download this podcast.  Find us on Stitcher and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Cristopher Marshburn, S11N, Sawyer Products, Thomas Fullner, and Travis Smith. A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Gregory Gardner, Jacob Northrup, Jeff LaFranier, Mark Snook, Michelle Pugh, Peter Leven, Peter Ellenberg. Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio, and Chaunce on Facebook. Follow The Trek on Twitter and sign up for our newsletter.

We are joined by "Crazy Jack" Northam.  Crazy Jack has earned his name by summiting Mt. Whitney (the highest peak in the United States' lower 48) nearly 200 times, an endeavor he didn't begin until the ripe age of 50 years.  Today, jack now 72 years old and still going strong. He regales us with tales of his many ascents up his favorite mountain, why he chooses to summit the same peak, his yo-yo hikes on Whitney, his climbs beginning at the nearby town of Lone Pine, and how he stumbled into some seriously historic butter.  Chaunce and I close out the show by highlighting the top shelters on the Appalachian Trail, give an official ruling on the best Dorito flavor, do the Triple Crown of food items remaining in your bag when get to town, and get into a new recurring segment, Listener Poop Stories. Backpacker Radio SoCal Road Trip Presented by Sawyer! Use code "ATDrink15" at GossamerGear.com to save 15% Gossamer Gear The One Gossamer Gear Gorilla Gossamer Gear Liteflex Umbrella Sawyer Picaridin Packets We've surpassed 1,000,000 downloads!  We <3 our listeners very much. 2020 Trail Correspondents Application 2020 Trek Ambassador Program The 2020 Badger Sponsorship QOTD: How do you tie your trail runners for backpacking? How to tie your shoes with a heel lock Interview with Crazy Jack Northam How he got his trail name Why he continues to hike the same peak over and again His yo-yo hikes of Mt. Whitney Search and rescue missions on Mt. Whitney Jack's time in the Marine Corps Advice for older hikers Trek Propaganda The Top Tents on the Appalachian Trail: 2019 AT Thru-Hiker Survey by Mariposa Triple Crown of food left in your bag when you get to town. Cinnamon Court (Jury Edition): Cool Ranch vs. Nacho Cheese Doritos Mailbag: How to convince your boss to give you five weeks off. Listener Poop Stories 5-star iTunes Reviews Intro Song: Walking Slow by Animal Years Intro beats: Pauly Boy Shallcross Check out Trail Correspondents Have any praise, questions, praise, comments, praise or praise for Backpacker Radio?  Reach out to podcast@thetrek.co. Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Download this podcast.  Find us on Stitcher and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Cristopher Marshburn, Lance Whitley, S11N, Sawyer Products, Thomas Fullner, and Travis Smith. A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Gregory Gardner, Jacob Northrup, Jeff LaFranier, Mark Snook, Michelle Pugh, Peter Leven, and Peter Ellenberg Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio, and Chaunce on Facebook. Follow The Trek on Twitter and sign up for our newsletter.

Today the Cinnamon Connection is joined by Scott Turner.  Scott is *the* go-to resource for all things hiking in Southern California.  He's the co-author of the latest version of "Afoot and Afield: San Diego County", known as San Diego's hiking bible.  Scott shares his favorite hikes in San Diego county, including the best short trails, long trails, the best ecological diversity, the best history, and much more.  We also cover the top footwear on the Appalachian Trail in 2019, our predictions for 2020, more horse facts, and Chaunce has a mini-meltdown. [divider] Backpacker Radio SoCal Road Trip Presented by Sawyer! Use code "ATDrink15" at GossamerGear.com to save 15% Gossamer Gear The One Gossamer Gear Gorilla Gossamer Gear Liteflex Umbrella Sawyer Picaridin Packets The 2020 Badger Sponsorship QOTD: Most Type II Fun Moment of 2019? Interview with Scott Turner Afoot and Afield: San Diego County: 282 Spectacular Outings Along the Coast, Foothills, Mountains, and Desert The best hikes in San Diego county Favorite short hikes in San Diego County Favorite long day hike in SD County If Scott could only hike one trail in San Diego for the rest of your life The hike with the most ecological diversity Which hike or region in SD is the most interesting from a historical perspective What are some SoCal-specific considerations someone visiting from out of town should make? The interplay between therapy, mental health, and hiking Hike the Parks: Joshua Tree National Park: Best Day Hikes, Walks, and Sights Trek Propaganda The Top Footwear on the Appalachian Trail: 2019 AT Thru-Hiker Survey by Mariposa Nostradavis and The Chaunce's Almanac: 2020 Predictions HORSE FACTS 5-star iTunes Reviews Intro Song: Walking Slow by Animal Years Intro beats: Pauly Boy Shallcross Check out Trail Correspondents Have any praise, questions, praise, comments, praise or praise for Backpacker Radio?  Reach out to podcast@thetrek.co. Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Download this podcast.  Find us on Stitcher and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Cristopher Marshburn S11N, Sawyer Products, Thomas Fullner, and Travis Smith A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Gregory Gardner, Jacob Northrup, Mark Snook, Peter Leven, Peter Ellenberg Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio, and Chaunce on Facebook. Follow The Trek on Twitter and sign up for our newsletter.

Today we are joined by comedy legend, Kevin Nealon.  In case you've been living under a rock for for the last 30 years, Kevin Nealon is famous for his years on Saturday Night Live, his character on Weeds, he's a popular standup comedian, he's been in a slew of movies, and he's now the host of his own YouTube show, Hiking with Kevin.  Kevin insisted that we do the interview in the back of our camper van, and he regales us with tales from his time at SNL, how one of his popular sketches almost turned into a musical produced by Arnold Schwarzenegger, his favorite Chris Farley story, that time he helped deliver his son, along with his favorite hiking spots around Los Angeles.   Chaunce and I also get into the dumbest items we've carried on a thru-hike, which way to wipe, we have a triple crown of music to get you through a miserable climb, and get some much needed horse facts.   [divider] Backpacker Radio SoCal Road Trip Presented by Sawyer! Use code "backpacker10" at publiclandscoffee.com Use code "ATDrink15" at GossamerGear.com to save 15% Gossamer Gear The One Gossamer Gear Gorilla Gossamer Gear Liteflex Umbrella Gossamer Gear Giveaway on Instagram Sawyer Picaridin Packets The 2020 Badger Sponsorship QOTD: The stupidest thing we've carried on a thru-hike. KEVIN NEALON! Hiking with Kevin on YouTube Who was in the best hiking shape? Who had the least appropriate hiking attire? Who was the person who drew the most celebrity fanfare from other people on the trail? Who would you most like to interview that you haven’t already? If you could interview any of your former characters- whether TV or movies, who would you choose and why? Hans and Franz almost turned into a movie. Favorite Chris Farley story How Kevin embraces the evolution of media When he helped to deliver his son His favorite memories as a collegiate quarterback Being on Johnny Carson's Tonight Show Trek Propaganda Appalachian Trail Thru-Hiker Survey: General Results by Mariposa Triple Crown of Music to Get You Up a Miserable Climb Mailbag: HORSE FACTS 5-star iTunes Reviews Intro Song: Walking Slow by Animal Years Intro beats: Pauly Boy Shallcross Check out Trail Correspondents Have any praise, questions, praise, comments, praise or praise for Backpacker Radio?  Reach out to podcast@thetrek.co. Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)!  Find us on Stitcher and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Cristopher Mashburn, Lance Whitley, S11N, Sawyer Products, Thomas Fullner A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Gregory Gardner, Jacob Northrup, Mark Snook, Peter Leven, Peter Ellenberg Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio, and Chaunce on Facebook. Follow The Trek on Twitter and sign up for our newsletter.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio, presented by The Trek, the Cinnamon Connection talk all things Trans Catalina Trail (TCT), which Chaunce and Badger thru-hiked a month(ish) ago.  We give a day-by-day rundown of the hike, including that time Chaunce hid in a bear locker when a bison stampeded through our camp, how we pirated our way onto a sailboat, and give some non-obvious tips on hiking the TCT. We also talk about the dumbest things we've forgotten to pack on a backpacking trip, debate the joy of Christmas music, how flashing your bunghole to the sun is good for your health, and answer some common gear questions. Backpacker Radio SoCal Road Trip Presented by Sawyer! Use code "backpacker10" at publiclandscoffee.com Use code "enlightened10" Enlightened Equipment for 10% at enlightenedequipment.com. Use code "ATDrink15" at GossamerGear.com to save 15% Gossamer Gear The One Gossamer Gear Gorilla Gossamer Gear Liteflex Umbrella Gossamer Gear Giveaway on Instagram Sawyer Picaridin Packets QOTD: What's the dumbest gear / item you forgot to pack for a backpacking trip? Perineum sunning The Trans-Catalina Trail An overview Terrain, terminuses, wildlife, how to get there, campsites, resupply, gear advice, water, navigation, wine. Our daily itinerary and highlights A bison stampedes through our camp and Chaunce hides in a bear locker. Lots of beach camping. The video recap Trek Propaganda 10 Thru-Hiking Tips to Reduce Environmental Impact by Katie Kommer The Backpacker’s Sustainable Gear Guide Unpopular Opinion Christmas music sucks. Mailbag 5-star iTunes Reviews Intro Song: Walking Slow by Animal Years Intro beats: Pauly Boy Shallcross Check out Trail Correspondents Have any praise, questions, praise, comments, praise or praise for Backpacker Radio?  Reach out to podcast@thetrek.co. Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Stitcher and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Cristopher Mashburn, Lance Whitley, S11N, Sawyer Products, Thomas Fullner A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Gregory Gardner, Jacob Northrup, Mark Snook, Peter Leven, Peter Ellenberg Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio, and Chaunce on Facebook. Follow The Trek on Twitter and sign up for our newsletter.

With Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Giveback Tuesday, Where's Waldo Wednesday, Thumbwar Thursday, and all the rest on the horizon, there is no better time to score your 2020 gear purchases than the present.  But with a never ending fire-hose of gear roundups coming your way during this holiday season, how do you decide on which items are best suited for you long distance goals? We got you. We reached out to many of Backpacker Radio's previous guests, some of the most esteemed long distance backpackers in the world, to share their favorite gear items - and why - just for you.  Below, you'll find all of the gear items mentioned in this show. [divider] Use code "backpacker10" at publiclandscoffee.com Enlightened Equipment 10-15% off sale at enlightenedequipment.com Use code "ATDrink15" at GossamerGear.com to save 15% Gossamer Gear The One Gossamer Gear Gorilla Gossamer Gear Liteflex Umbrella Zach "Badger" Davis Montbell Plasma 1000 Down Parka Lonolife dehydrated bone broth Juliana Chauncey aka Chaunce Montbell Down Booties Montbell Ex Light Down Anorak Clay "Pony" Bonnyman Evans Kindle Paperwhite Therm-a-rest Z Lite Nadia "Furball" Westenburg Patagonia Tropic Cover Sun Hoodie Cocoon Inflatable Pillow Michael "Grizzly" Ivey Pa'lante V2 Katabatic Gear Sawatch Quilt Ryan "Guthook" Linn Montbell Thermawrap Jacket Gossamer Gear Kumo John "Airborne" Schwarze Nitecore NU25 Headlamp Hoka One One Challenger ATR Trail Runners Jennifer "Odyssa" Pharr Davis Sawyer Micro Water Filter Farm to Feet Hiking Socks Astral Junction Hiking Shoes Michael "Kickstand" Papadatos Buff Craghopper Shirt Vargo Outdoors Bot Bottle Pot Matthew "Pretzel" Mason Deuce of Spades Trowel De Feet Duraglove Gloves Western Mountaineering AstraLite Quilt Membership to a local land trust or local land agency! Renee "She-Ra" Patrick GORE-TEX Socks Purple Rain Adventure Skirts Andrew "Reptar" Forestell Enlightened Equipment Convert Custom Darn Tough Socks Stephen "Twinkle" Shattuck Garmin InReach Mini Deuce of Spades Trowel Stephanie "Weezer" Lorenze Icebreaker Socks Heather "Anish" Anderson Gossamer Gear G4-20 Sawyer Squeeze Justin "2 Taps" Helmkamp Montbell Sun Block Umbrella Waterproof Cycling Socks Intro Song: Walking Slow by Animal Years Intro beats: Pauly Boy Shallcross Check out Trail Correspondents Have any praise, questions, praise, comments, praise or praise for Backpacker Radio?  Reach out to podcast@thetrek.co. Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Download this podcast.  Find us on Stitcher and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen Mcdaniel, Christopher Marshburn, Lance Whitley, S11N, Sawyer Products, Thomas Fullmer A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Douglas Koeneman, Gregory Gardner, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven, Peter Ellenberg Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio, and Chaunce on Facebook. Follow The Trek on Twitter and sign up for our newsletter.

Today we are joined by Anitra Kass, aka Nitro, who's a triple crowner and the PCTA’s Southern California Regional Representative.  Anitra is a wealth of information on all things PCT and conservation.  We talk about the new permitting changes for the Sierra and for southbounders, some of the biggest threats to the trail, how to best get involved as a volunteer for the PCT, CrossFit, and more.  Chaunce and Badger give a peek into their first aid kits, we have a new triple crown of segment, and get some advice from a listener on how to ease kids into the backcountry without annoying others.   [divider] Backpacker Radio SoCal Road Trip Presented by Sawyer! Use code "backpacker10" at publiclandscoffee.com Enlightened Equipment 10-15% off sale at enlightenedequipment.com Use code "ATDrink15" at GossamerGear.com to save 15% Gossamer Gear The One Gossamer Gear Gorilla Gossamer Gear Liteflex Umbrella Gossamer Gear Giveaway on Instagram Sawyer Picaridin Packets Question of the Day: What's in Badger and Chaunce's Thru-Hiking First Aid Kit? Interview with Anitra Kass, the Southern California Regional Representative at the Pacific Crest Trail Association Volunteer with the PCTA Donate to the PCTA Why the change in the Sierra and SOBO permit system Some more info on the need for the change. TREK PROPAGANDA Post-Trail Depression: It’s Not What You Think by Anne Baker The Triple Crown of Chips Mailbag 5-star iTunes Reviews Intro Song: Walking Slow by Animal Years Intro beats: Pauly Boy Shallcross Check out Trail Correspondents Have any praise, questions, praise, comments, praise or praise for Backpacker Radio?  Reach out to podcast@thetrek.co. Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Download this podcast.  Find us on Stitcher and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen Mcdaniel, Christopher Marshburn, Lance Whitley, S11N, Sawyer Products, Thomas Fullmer A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Douglas Koeneman, Gregory Gardner, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven, Peter Ellenberg Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio, and Chaunce on Facebook. Follow The Trek on Twitter and sign up for our newsletter.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by legendary PCT trail angels, Joe and Terrie Anderson of Casa De Luna.  Much like the PCT itself, this conversation is fun, winding, long, and you'll still be left wanting more when it's all over.  We talk about how they got into trail angeling, some of their favorite stories over the many decades of their running Casa de Luna, why they're closing up shop, and much more.  We've also got some suggestions for staying in shape over the winter, some Trek propaganda, and a mailbag in which we give a conclusive answer to "when is a nero a nero?". [divider] Backpacker Radio SoCal Road Trip Presented by Sawyer! Use code "backpacker10" at publiclandscoffee.com Use code "ATDrink15" at GossamerGear.com to save 15% Gossamer Gear The One Gossamer Gear Gorilla Gossamer Gear Liteflex Umbrella Gossamer Gear Giveaway on Instagram Sawyer Picaridin Packets Run down on the SoCal Road Trip How we stay in shape (or don't) over the winter  Chaunce will drink Zach will also drink, but use TrainingPeaks.com to beat his friends in a TSS challenge Interview with Terrie and Joe Anderson of Casa de Luna Buy Casa de Luna rocks! Trek Propaganda Here’s How 5 Thru-Hikers Figured Out Their Lives After The Trail Mailbag / Unpopular Opinion "When does a nero become a nero?" aka "How long must one hike for it to be considered a nero?" 5-star iTunes Reviews Intro Song: Walking Slow by Animal Years Intro beats: Pauly Boy Shallcross Check out Trail Correspondents Have any praise, questions, praise, comments, praise or praise for Backpacker Radio?  Reach out to podcast@thetrek.co. Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Download this podcast.  Find us on Stitcher and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen Mcdaniel, Christopher Marshburn, Lance Whitley, S11N, Sawyer Products, Thomas Fullmer A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Douglas Koeneman, Gregory Gardner, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven, Peter Ellenberg Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio, and Chaunce on Facebook. Follow The Trek on Twitter and sign up for our newsletter.

Today, we dissect Badger's recent thru-hike on the Long Trail. We run the gamut on this little bruiser of a trail, including its terrain, the towns, how it changes after splitting with the AT, resupply strategies, Badger's gear (and what he'd change if he were to do it again), favorite shelters, and more. We also go into the results of a survey we ran on amongst Long Trail finisher which highlights their favorite towns, restaurants, shelters, and gear used. Last but not least, Chaunce and Badger chat with Chef Corso of MONTyBOCA. Chef Corso is a classically trained chef who gives the Cinnamon Connection some pointers on improving their piss pour backcountry meal game- without using a dehydrator. [divider] Use code "ATDrink15" at GossamerGear.com to save 15% Gossamer Gear The One Gossamer Gear Gorilla Gossamer Gear Liteflex Umbrella Gossamer Gear Giveaway on Instagram Sawyer Picaridin Packets Take the 2019 AT Thru-Hiker Survey! San Diego Backpacker Radio Meetup Chaunce uses the Altra Timps Badger's Big 3 Nemo Hornet 1p Elite Feathered Friends Swallow 20 UL Mountainsmith Zerk 40 Zach's Long Trail Gear List The Long Trail Survey Chef Corso of MONTyBOCA Video 1: Cheesy Beefy Vegetarian Nachos Video 2: Beef Stroganoff (available for Patreon Supporters) 5-star iTunes Reviews Intro Song: Walking Slow by Animal Years Intro beats: Pauly Boy Shallcross Check out Trail Correspondents Have any praise, questions, praise, comments, praise or praise for Backpacker Radio?  Reach out to podcast@thetrek.co. Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Download this podcast.  Find us on Stitcher and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen Mcdaniel, Christopher Marshburn, Lance Whitley, S11N, Sawyer Products, Thomas Fullmer A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Douglas Koeneman, Gregory Gardner, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven, Peter Ellenberg Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio, and Chaunce on Facebook. Follow The Trek on Twitter and sign up for our newsletter.