Papa Bear Hikes

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/

In this thoughtful episode of Papa Bear Hikes, host Martin welcomes back fan-favorite Matt Landry. Together, they explore deeper topics tied to life on and off the trail. The conversation also turns toward the importance of adapting hikes as we age, recognizing personal limits, and practicing reasonable caution on the trail. Matt and Martin discuss how hiking can be a powerful tool for emotional resilience, including its role in suicide prevention and mental wellness.About the guest:Born and raised in Westminster, Massachusetts, Matt Landry is both a teacher and a student of life, having experienced it from its exhilarating highs to its devastating lows. A lover of nature and the outdoors, he travels extensively, learning as much as he can about human nature and the world around him. His thoughtful, grounded approach to wilderness living and cooking makes every conversation with him unforgettable.Follow author Matt Landry on Instagram for fresh inspiration, compelling stories, and a behind-the-scenes look at his writing journey. Don’t miss out—tap Follow now: @matt.landry.author 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/

Welcome back to the Papa Bear Hikes Podcast! In this episode, host Martin reunites with returning guest, Brian Livingston, a seasoned hiker, author, and former trial attorney. Born and raised in Marietta, Georgia, Brian shares his journey from earning a B.A. in History at Clemson University to embarking on a life-changing thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail as "Mister Frodo." After his adventure on the trail, Brian pursued a law degree at Washington & Lee University School of Law, eventually stepping away from a successful legal career to focus on his passion for writing and the great outdoors.Today, Brian lives in Charleston, SC, with his family, drawing inspiration from his diverse experiences for his novels. His debut, "The Habits of Squirrels," reflects the quirky and profound moments of his time on the Appalachian Trail, while his follow-up novel, "Folkston," delves into his intriguing courtroom encounters. Join us as Brian discusses the transition from law to literature, his creative process, and how his outdoor adventures continue to shape his storytelling. Don't miss this engaging episode filled with insights on balancing life, nature, and art.Explore the captivating world of Brian Livingston's writing by visiting his author page on Amazon. Discover his debut novel inspired by his Appalachian Trail adventures, "The Habits of Squirrels," and don't miss his courtroom-inspired narrative, "Folkston." Keep an eye out for his upcoming releases and delve into stories where nature meets the gavel. Check out his books here. Happy reading!Stay connected with Brian Livingston for more insights into his hiking adventures and writing journey. Follow him on Instagram to catch behind-the-scenes content, updates on his latest projects, and daily inspirations from both the trail and the writing desk. Click here to follow Brian and be part of his creative world. Don’t miss out on any of his literary adventures! 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/

Join host Martin on Papa Bear Hikes as he delves into the innovative world of permethrin with Katie "Oats" Houston from Sawyer, renowned for their effective water filters and outdoor protection technologies. This episode illuminates the science behind permethrin, a powerful insect repellent, offering crucial insights and safety tips for its use in the wild. Learn how this treatment works alongside Sawyer’s trusted water filters to provide a safer and more enjoyable outdoor experience. Tune in to discover how to stay bug-free and healthy on your next adventure. Don't miss out on more incredible outdoor insights and adventures! Follow Katie "Oats" Houston on Instagram at oatshikes and explore her wealth of knowledge on hiking and the great outdoors by visiting her website at OatsHikes.com. Stay connected for the latest tips, tricks, and breathtaking journey updates from an expert hiker! Looking for effective solutions to keep bugs away on your next outdoor adventure? Check out Sawyer’s range of insect repellents at Sawyer Insect Repellent. Explore their trusted products and find the perfect repellent to enjoy your time outdoors without the hassle of insects! 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/

Join Martin, the host of the Papa Bear Hikes podcast, and his guest Dan Kriesberg, co-creator of DEIN, as they delve into the fascinating approach of Diversity Education In Nature. This innovative method merges outdoor education with reflective practices and discussions, using the Earth's own systems as a blueprint for fostering diverse and inclusive communities.In this episode:Understanding DEIN: Dan explains the concept of Diversity Education In Nature, illustrating how it uses ecological principles like biodiversity, interrelationships, and mutualism as metaphors for human societies.DEIN in Action: Discover how DEIN operates through activities that promote reflection and discussion, helping individuals and groups understand and appreciate diversity within human communities by paralleling them with natural ecosystems.Engaging Activities: Learn about specific DEIN activities designed to engage participants in meaningful learning about diversity and belonging through direct interaction with nature.Taking Steps Forward: Dan provides guidance on how to integrate the principles of DEIN into your community or organization, offering practical steps for those ready to embark on this transformative journey.Tune in for an enlightening discussion that not only highlights the importance of diversity in nature but also provides a roadmap for applying these lessons to create more inclusive environments everywhere.Explore more about Diversity Education In Nature and how you can get involved by visiting their website. Click here: Diversity Education In Nature 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/