Papa Bear Hikes

In this episode, Martin welcomes outfitter and river guide Jon Barker for his first appearance on the podcast. Jon is the founder of Barker River Expeditions and has spent over 40 years navigating Idaho’s remote rivers. For the past 25 years, he’s specialized in desert river trips on the Jarbidge, Bruneau, and Owyhee Rivers.Jon shares stories from his decades guiding clients through some of the most rugged and beautiful terrain in the American West, including supported hikes through slot canyons and hunts for record-setting Bighorn sheep. His knowledge, experience, and connection to the land run deep.Martin recently returned from a guided trip on the Bruneau River in Idaho with his son, giving him a fresh appreciation for the craft and commitment of professional guides like Jon. This conversation is a celebration of wild places, expert guidance, and the lasting memories made on the river.Barker River Expeditions is proud to be the only desert outfitter featured in 3100 Miles, a new YouTube series from the Idaho Department of Commerce and Fisher Creative. The series explores Idaho’s 3,100 miles of whitewater through stunning rapids, canyons, and stories.Watch the beautifully filmed Bruneau River segment here: visitidaho.org/3100-whitewater-adventures/series/bruneau-riverTo learn more about Jon and Barker River Expeditions, visit barkerriver.com/about-us. Avalon Publicity & Business Services Increasing the Digital Footprint of Content Creators via Modern Publicity and Social Media ServicesSupport the showGet outside, have fun and be safe!Martin Armitage, Host of the Papa Bear Hikes Podcasthttps://www.papabearhikes.com/https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/papa-bear-hikes/id1541491746https://www.instagram.com/papabearhikes01/

Host Martin Armitage welcomes Dr. Sean Pastuch, founder of Active Life, whose groundbreaking approach is transforming how we think about health, movement, and longevity. Rather than relying on quick fixes or unnecessary medical interventions, Dr. Pastuch empowers individuals to reclaim their active lives through smart, sustainable fitness solutions. With a background in coaching elite athletes and a passion for helping everyday people live pain free and purpose driven lives, Sean shares practical tools and powerful insights that align perfectly with the values of the Papa Bear Hikes community.Tune in for a conversation that could change the way you move through life.Follow and subscribe to learn more about Dr. Sean Pastuch’s mission to help you live life without limits. Discover resources, programs, and powerful insights at drseanpastuch.com 💪🌿#PapaBearHikes #ActiveLifeRx #WellnessWithoutLimits #LiveFully #MovementIsMedicine #SeanPastuch #HikingHealth #InjuryFreeLiving #FitnessForLife Avalon Publicity & Business Services Increasing the Digital Footprint of Content Creators via Modern Publicity and Social Media ServicesSupport the showGet outside, have fun and be safe!Martin Armitage, Host of the Papa Bear Hikes Podcasthttps://www.papabearhikes.com/https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/papa-bear-hikes/id1541491746https://www.instagram.com/papabearhikes01/

 This week on Papa Bear Hikes, host Martin welcomes back listener favorite Ben “Paladin” Cox. A husband, father, hiker, environmentalist, hunter, fisherman, and world traveler, Ben joins us once again to share stories, reflections, and a few new perspectives since his last visit.Together, Martin and Ben dive into the experiences that have shaped him over the past year from time spent outdoors to moments that brought him closer to home. Whether you’re an adventurer, a dreamer, or someone seeking a deeper connection with the world around you, this episode offers something to take with you on your own path. Avalon Publicity & Business Services Increasing the Digital Footprint of Content Creators via Modern Publicity and Social Media ServicesSupport the showGet outside, have fun and be safe!Martin Armitage, Host of the Papa Bear Hikes Podcasthttps://www.papabearhikes.com/https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/papa-bear-hikes/id1541491746https://www.instagram.com/papabearhikes01/

Aaron returns to the show to share her expert insight as a licensed nutritionist and founder of Backcountry Foodie, focusing on how hikers can fuel their adventures with healthy, ultralight snacks—without overspending. Drawing from her extensive experience creating trail-tested meal plans, she offers smart, affordable picks from dollar stores and discount chains that deliver real nutritional value and stand up to the demands of the backcountry. This episode was inspired by a suggestion from one of our show followers—proof that the Papa Bear Hikes community keeps us hiking smarter!In this episode, Martin and Aaron discuss:Budget-friendly high-protein and energy-boosting snack ideasWhat to look for in packaged foods on a hiker’s budgetTips to balance weight, calories, and costUpdates on her own trail snack staplesAaron proves that good nutrition and ultralight packing can go hand-in-hand—even on a tight budget.🎧 Listen now and take the guesswork out of snack planning!👉 Follow Aaron on Instagram: @backcountry_foodie Avalon Publicity & Business Services Increasing the Digital Footprint of Content Creators via Modern Publicity and Social Media ServicesSupport the showGet outside, have fun and be safe!Martin Armitage, Host of the Papa Bear Hikes Podcasthttps://www.papabearhikes.com/https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/papa-bear-hikes/id1541491746https://www.instagram.com/papabearhikes01/

Host Martin welcomes back fan favorite Audrey “Glowstick” Payne, a seasoned thru hiker, blogger, and author, for an inspiring update on her latest long distance journey: trekking from Carson City to Canada along the Pacific Crest Trail. Audrey shares vivid stories of dusty switchbacks, high desert ridgelines, and the ever changing terrain that defines the northern stretch of the PCT. She also dishes on the quirky, welcoming small towns she stops in along the way, places full of character, kindness, and the occasional unexpected trail magic.We dive into her motivations, her trail tested gear, and how her Appalachian Trail memoir continues to inspire a growing community of hikers.Follow Audrey’s journey and explore more of her writing and adventures 🌐 Website: sunstrucksite.wordpress.com 📸 Instagram: @audipayne Avalon Publicity & Business Services Increasing the Digital Footprint of Content Creators via Modern Publicity and Social Media ServicesSupport the showGet outside, have fun and be safe!Martin Armitage, Host of the Papa Bear Hikes Podcasthttps://www.papabearhikes.com/https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/papa-bear-hikes/id1541491746https://www.instagram.com/papabearhikes01/

In this episode of Papa Bear Hikes, host Martin welcomes Doug Beaumont, the California-based adventurer behind the popular YouTube channel, Backcountry Pilgrim. With decades of experience exploring the backcountry, Doug shares insights from his hiking journeys and the stories that inspire his content.Doug discusses his passion for hiking, his experiences on various trails, and the lessons he's learned along the way. He also talks about the motivation behind starting his YouTube channel and how he uses it to connect with fellow outdoor enthusiasts.Whether you're a seasoned hiker or new to the trails, this conversation offers valuable perspectives on embracing the hiking lifestyle and the joys of outdoor exploration.Tune in to hear Doug's stories and gain inspiration for your next adventure.Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or visit the Papa Bear Hikes website for more information.Follow Doug's adventures:YouTube: Backcountry PilgrimInstagram: @backcountrypilgrim Avalon Publicity & Business Services Increasing the Digital Footprint of Content Creators via Modern Publicity and Social Media ServicesSupport the showGet outside, have fun and be safe!Martin Armitage, Host of the Papa Bear Hikes Podcasthttps://www.papabearhikes.com/https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/papa-bear-hikes/id1541491746https://www.instagram.com/papabearhikes01/

In this empowering episode of Papa Bear Hikes, host Martin chats with Giovanna Silvestre—📚 author, 🌎 solo traveler, 🧘🏻‍♀️ and the visionary behind Confused Girl, a trailblazing sportswear line inspired by healing crystals. Featured in Forbes, NBC, and LA Yoga, Giovanna opens up about her journey from uncertainty to bold entrepreneurship—and how spirituality and solo adventures led her to write her upcoming book.Giovanna also dives into her fearless approach to life, sharing how she has learned to welcome the unknown and say yes to new challenges. From spontaneous travel to launching a wellness brand with a global following, her story is a testament to taking risks, trusting your intuition, and discovering what you’re truly capable of.🚨 LIMITED-TIME GIVEAWAY: To celebrate her book launch, Giovanna is giving away amazing prizes—including wellness goodies and crystal-infused products. This exclusive offer won't last, so enter now: https://confusedgirlinthecity.com/confused-girl-book-launch-giveaway/📕 Pre-order her book here: https://tr.ee/jT4ag0HEr3 📸 Follow Giovanna on Instagram: @confusedgirlla for daily inspiration on travel, healing, and fearless living#PapaBearHikes #SoloTravel #HealingCrystals #WomenEntrepreneurs #ConfusedGirlBook #SpiritualJourney #CrystalEnergy #GiveawayAlert #AdventureAwaits #ForbesFeature #NBC #LAYoga Avalon Publicity & Business Services Increasing the Digital Footprint of Content Creators via Modern Publicity and Social Media ServicesSupport the showGet outside, have fun and be safe!Martin Armitage, Host of the Papa Bear Hikes Podcasthttps://www.papabearhikes.com/https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/papa-bear-hikes/id1541491746https://www.instagram.com/papabearhikes01/

In today’s episode, Martin talks about his recent 5K race experience. He shares how it fit into his regular fitness routine, what the event was like, and why staying active off the trail matters. It was a fun, straightforward morning that reminded him how small challenges help build a stronger outdoor lifestyle. Join Martin for a quick recap and some thoughts on keeping movement a part of everyday life.Avalon Publicity & Business Services Increasing the Digital Footprint of Content Creators via Modern Publicity and Social Media ServicesSupport the showGet outside, have fun and be safe!Martin Armitage, Host of the Papa Bear Hikes Podcasthttps://www.papabearhikes.com/https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/papa-bear-hikes/id1541491746https://www.instagram.com/papabearhikes01/

Host Martin welcomes back solo thru-hiker and outdoor advocate Katie “Oats” Houston, whose 3,000+ miles on trail and deep ties to the hiking community make her a familiar voice to Papa Bear Hikes listeners. This episode takes a personal turn as Katie opens up about the impact of Hurricane Helene, which struck her hometown of Asheville, North Carolina in 2024.Katie shares how the storm affected her family and neighbors, and how the community rallied in its aftermath. A key part of that recovery was the donation of Sawyer water filters—critical in restoring access to safe drinking water amid widespread flood damage and water advisories. As Community Manager for Sawyer, Katie helped lead distribution efforts, connecting backcountry tech with urgent, real-world needs.Through it all, she reflects on the role outdoor brands can play in disaster response and how trail values like self-reliance, stewardship, and community carry over in moments of crisis.Learn more or get involved: Sawyer Disaster Relief: https://www.sawyer.com/blog/stories-from-the-storm Sawyer Products Homepage: https://www.sawyer.comFollow Katie “Oats” Houston and explore more of her work at oatshikes.com/findmeonline.Let me know if you'd like a call-to-action added for listeners. Avalon Publicity & Business Services Increasing the Digital Footprint of Content Creators via Modern Publicity and Social Media ServicesSupport the showGet outside, have fun and be safe!Martin Armitage, Host of the Papa Bear Hikes Podcasthttps://www.papabearhikes.com/https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/papa-bear-hikes/id1541491746https://www.instagram.com/papabearhikes01/

In this captivating episode of Papa Bear Hikes, join host Martin as he recounts his recent 10k run, sharing not just the physical exertion but also the mental resilience required to complete it. Alongside his adventure, Martin intriguingly touches upon Naomi Watts' lesser-known engagement with the outdoors. This episode is perfect for those who love a good mystery mixed with the thrill of endurance sports.Avalon Publicity & Business Services Increasing the Digital Footprint of Content Creators via Modern Publicity and Social Media ServicesSupport the showGet outside, have fun and be safe!Martin Armitage, Host of the Papa Bear Hikes Podcasthttps://www.papabearhikes.com/https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/papa-bear-hikes/id1541491746https://www.instagram.com/papabearhikes01/