

Hiker Trash Radio
Doc, Bleav
Join Doc and his guests on Hiker Trash Radio, the outdoor adventure podcast that takes you on a myriad of trails. With interviews from thru hikers, skydivers, adventure athletes, big wall climbers, and more, each episode is packed with trail talk, gear tips, and hilarious misadventures. And if you thought the great outdoors was all sunshine and rainbows, think again! Tune in for tales of blistered feet, helicopter evacuations, and Type II Fun that will make you appreciate the comforts of home. Settle in and get ready to trade the city for the wilderness. It's time to embrace the suck!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 17, 2025 • 36min
Prolific Peak Bagger - Chris Griffith (Part I)
In this episode of Hiker Trash Radio, host Doc welcomes Chris Griffith, an avid peak bagger from San Diego. Chris shares his journey from growing up in Bakersfield to becoming a peak bagging enthusiast. The discussion includes Chris's experiences with kayaking, his evolution into peak bagging, and details of his ambitious 100 Peak Challenge. Chris also provides gear tips, favorite trail snacks, and talks about his background in UX design and his current pursuits in a graduate program focused on outdoor recreation economy. Tune in for a deep dive into the world of peak bagging and unique insights on hiking in California. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Nov 15, 2025 • 33min
Truth with a Capital T - Ezra "Extra" Johnson (Part II)
In this episode of Hiker Trash Radio, host Doc interviews Ezra 'Extra' Johnson, an experienced Triple Crown thru hiker and ultralight backpacker. Extra shares his journey from starting the Appalachian Trail at 18 to completing all three major U.S. long-distance trails. He discusses his gear evolution, philosophy on ultralight backpacking, and the mental challenges faced on the trail. Extra also talks about his experience with meditation and the concept of truth, and provides practical advice for aspiring hikers. Tune in to hear about his future plans and insights into the hiking community. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Nov 15, 2025 • 34min
Truth with a Capital T - Ezra "Extra" Johnson (Part I)
In this episode of Hiker Trash Radio, host Doc interviews Ezra "Extra" Johnson, a seasoned thru hiker and ultralight backpacking enthusiast. Extra discusses his journey on some of America's iconic trails, including the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, and Continental Divide Trail, sharing his evolution in gear and philosophy. He offers insights into the mental and physical challenges of long-distance hiking, the importance of simplicity over high-tech gear, and the profound personal transformations that come with extensive time in nature. Extra also shares his unique perspective on the intersection of meditation and hiking, his life experiences, and plans for future adventures. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Nov 14, 2025 • 9min
Tr(AI)l Talk with Rocket and Stump - John Fairfax
Rocket and Stump dive into the wild life and legendary adventures of John Fairfax, pioneer ocean rower and risk-taker. This episode unpacks his extreme feats and the mindset required for true self-reliance on the open ocean. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Nov 12, 2025 • 42min
Bonus Episode - Deep Thoughts with Casey "Vegas" Huffman!
In this bonus episode of Hiker Trash Radio, host Doc welcomes back thru hiker Casey 'Vegas' Huffman. The episode begins with the duo adjusting the usual format to cover significant ground on Vegas’s recent adventures. They discuss Vegas's transition from the Appalachian Trail (AT) to the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), covering differences in trail culture and terrain, memorable challenges in both the desert and the Sierras, and the emotional high points of his journey. Following his PCT triumph, Vegas didn't take a break and tackled Vermont's challenging Long Trail, providing fresh insights from switching coasts. The conversation also delves into long trail culture, how Vegas's hiking philosophy has evolved, and his future hiking plans, including work as a hiking guide and ambitions to earn a Triple Crown by completing the Continental Divide Trail (CDT). Vegas shares his thoughtful reflections, comparing the bonds and atmospheres of various trails, and highlights the sense of accomplishment and solemn joy experienced upon completion. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Nov 10, 2025 • 34min
Mother Appalachia - Bill "Big Willy Dawg" Zykowski (Part II)
In this episode of Hiker Trash Radio, host Doc interviews Bill Zyckowski, also known as Big Willy Dawg (BWD), about his life-changing experience hiking the Appalachian Trail. BWD shares his emotions, challenges, and unexpected joys from the trail, including forming deep connections with fellow hikers, overcoming personal struggles, and finding healing in nature. He reflects on his departure from a troubled past, discussing how the trail helped him recover mentally and physically. BWD also delves into the post-trail depression he experienced, the support from his 'trail family,' and his plans for future hikes. This heartfelt conversation captures the highs and lows of a transformative journey and highlights the therapeutic power of long-distance hiking. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Nov 10, 2025 • 35min
Mother Appalachia - Bill "Big Willy Dawg" Zyckowski (Part I)
In this episode of Hiker Trash Radio, host Doc welcomes thru hiker Bill "Big Willy Dawg" Zyckowski, to discuss his journey on the Appalachian Trail. BWD shares his experiences of hiking, from the humorous origins of his trail name to the challenges he faced, including dealing with injuries and the mental toll of the trail. They delve into BWD's background as a former street cop, his inspiration to start hiking from watching YouTube videos, and his structured approach to the trail. The episode covers topics like essential gear, best trail sections, hiker trash moments, hitchhiking stories, and favorite trail towns. Listeners get a detailed and engaging look into the world of thru hiking with insightful anecdotes and practical advice. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Nov 8, 2025 • 38min
Pretty Good at Walking - Vince Strawbridge (Part II)
In this episode of Hiker Trash Radio, host Doc welcomes Vince Strawbridge, an author and Triple Crown thru hiker. The conversation dives into Vince's unique experiences hiking with his family of six, tackling the challenges of education on the trail, and adapting to different environments and schedules. Vince shares insights on the logistics of resupplying for a large group, the evolution of his family's hiking proficiency, and memorable moments from their adventures, including the PCT, CDT, AT, Great Divide Trail, and the HexaTrek in France. The episode also touches on Vince's book, 'Pretty Good at Walking,' which chronicles their PCT journey, and offers practical hiking hacks and recommendations for other hikers. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Nov 8, 2025 • 39min
Pretty Good at Walking - Vince Strawbridge (Part I)
Vince Strawbridge, an author and Triple Crown thru-hiker, shares the thrilling adventures of hiking the PCT, CDT, and AT with his wife and four kids. He reveals the ups and downs of family hiking, including surprising public reactions. Vince discusses essential gear, like his newfound love for umbrellas, and recounts humorous hitchhiking encounters. He reflects on the parenting lessons learned from long-distance hiking and how those journeys have shaped his family's resilience and confidence.

Nov 7, 2025 • 11min
Tr(AI)l Talk with Rocket and Stump - The Arizona Trail
Rocket and Stump break down the wild reality of the Arizona Trail: its storied origins, the ecological gauntlet it throws at every hiker, and what it really takes to survive and thrive on this 817-mile epic route. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.


