Hiker Trash Radio

Rocket and Stump dig into the legendary Miracle of the Andes, drawing out lessons on mental resilience, teamwork, and resourcefulness for the thru-hiking world. Through real examples and personal trail experiences, they explore what hikers can learn from survivors who triumphed in the harshest conditions. Ready to embrace the suck? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Hiker Trash Radio's bonus segment, 'The Last 10,' host Doc engages with long-distance backpacker and archeologist Wesley Tils, also known as Megaman. Wesley answers ten questions about recent experiences, sharing insights on his latest adventure on the Hayduke Trail, the last song he listened to, the most recent piece of advice he gave, and other personal anecdotes. Topics range from his work in archeology to his humorous escapades sneaking into a pool, showcasing a mix of adventurous spirit and daily life moments. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Doc sits down with documentary film maker Glenn Sweitzer, who shares the stories behind the scenes of his upcoming Appalachian Trail documentary, Trail Mix.  Tune in and hear about heartbreak, breakthroughs and the thru hikers whose lives were transformed by the trail. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/hikertrashradio/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, conservationist, author, and expert lepidopterist Dr. Robert Michael Pyle discusses his  journey into the world of butterfly and Bigfoot conservation, and the inspiration behind his book 'Where Bigfoot Walks: Crossing the Dark Divide'. The discussion touches on his explorations in the Dark Divide, the myth and reality of Bigfoot, and the broader impacts of his work. Pyle also delves into the transformation of his book into the film 'The Dark Divide' and shares insights on his current literary projects. The conversation ends with Pyle offering a unique 'hiking hack' and discussing the role of poetry in his life. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Hiker Trash Radio, host Doc welcomes Dr. Robert Michael Pyle, an author of 30 books on science, natural history, poetry, and fiction. Pyle shares his experiences from his extensive hiking and naturalist background, including a perilous hike in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest and his time as a ranger in Sequoia National Park. They discuss Pyle's favorite piece of hiking gear, his early life and influences, and his significant work in butterfly ecology. The episode highlights Pyle's adventurous spirit, conservation efforts, and his intriguing stories about the Dark Divide and Bigfoot. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Join Rocket and Stump on this episode of Trail Talk as they tackle a thrilling, and sometimes chilling, question: What is the most dangerous trail over 400 miles in America? Episode Highlights: Defining "Dangerous": Rocket and Stump kick off the discussion by dissecting what "dangerous" truly means on the trail. Is it about sheer cliffs and grizzly bears, or are more subtle threats like extreme remoteness, unpredictable weather, and even human error the real culprits? Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) Snow Concerns: Stump shares her personal experiences with treacherous snow traverses in the Sierra Nevada mountains on the PCT, highlighting the need for specialized skills like self-arresting with an ice axe. Appalachian Trail (AT) Weather Woes: Rocket recounts a harrowing late-season ice storm on the AT in Tennessee, emphasizing how rapidly weather can change and lead to hypothermia even on seemingly "easier" trails. Lightning Strikes: The hosts discuss the often-overlooked danger of lightning, particularly on high-elevation trails in the Rockies, citing CDC data on lightning-related incidents in Colorado. Contenders for "Most Dangerous": Pacific Northwest Trail (PNT): Stump champions the PNT, emphasizing its untamed wilderness, challenging navigation, dense bear habitat (94% of the trail corridor!), and unique coastal tidal considerations that can strand hikers. Continental Divide Trail (CDT): Rocket makes a strong case for the CDT, detailing its extreme remoteness, unpredictable high-alpine weather, vast stretches between resupply points, and significant grizzly and black bear presence across its 3,100+ miles. He shares a personal anecdote about a sudden blizzard in Wyoming and a reported broken leg due to blowdowns in the Bob Marshall Wilderness. Arizona Trail (AZT): The discussion touches on the specific dangers of the AZT, including extreme desert heat, venomous wildlife like rattlesnakes, and the sudden, destructive power of flash floods in narrow canyons. Mitigating Risks: Both hosts stress that preparedness is key. They discuss the importance of carrying the Ten Essentials, knowing how to use your gear, diligently checking weather forecasts, and honestly assessing your own skill level to make safe decisions on the trail. The Verdict (and Your Input!): Rocket and Stump ultimately conclude that the Continental Divide Trail likely holds the title for the most dangerous trail over 400 miles in America due to its comprehensive range of extreme challenges. They invite listeners to share their own opinions and dangerous trail stories by contacting Doc at Hiker Trash Radio via their website. Do you agree with Rocket and Stump's take on the most dangerous trail? Have you had a close call on a long-distance trail? We want to hear from you! Send your comments and stories to Doc at Hiker Trash Radio via the contact page on their website. Subscribe to Hiker Trash Radio for more outdoor adventure content! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this bonus episode of Hiker Trash Radio, host Doc engages with Dr. Robert Michael Pyle, a writer, naturalist, and Bigfoot enthusiast. Pyle shares insights on his most recent adventures, his eclectic music tastes, his favorite books, and the advice he offers to young naturalists. He also talks about his surprise discoveries and humorous anecdotes, providing a snapshot of his life and interests. Tune in to learn more about what keeps this nature-loving scholar ticking and to hear stories from his fascinating life. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Deon "Sid" Barrett joins Doc in the studio to talk about The True North Project, which, if successful, will result in him doing what just a handful of Black adventurers have done:  standing atop Mount Everest.  During the convo, the two cover the Green Stuff, the difficulties associated with growing up in the Machine, the efforts of Beyond Six and 5Twenty, and the inspiration behind supporting and inspiring others.  An epic episode with an epic guest. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/hikertrashradio/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Doc interviews David Parrish of Off the Trail Recreation (OTTR) about his inspiration for the company's name and logo, his experiences with the Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim challenge, and his preparations for future attempts. They discuss the challenges and memorable moments of his hikes, including the importance of preparation and the benefits of switching electrolytes. David also shares stories from his adventures, such as an entertaining tale from his childhood involving a tick and his father's misguided attempt to remove it. Additionally, they talk about David's line of sun shirts and the intricacies of producing them in the USA. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Hiker Trash Radio, Doc interviews David Parrish, outdoor adventurer and CEO of Off the Trail Recreation (OTTR). They discuss the genesis of OTTR, born from an incident on a crowded trail in Washington which sparked a middle-of-the-night inspiration for David. The conversation covers David's background, including his upbringing with frequent camping trips, and his journey through various roles leading up to creating his outdoor brand OTTR. They explore David's experiences and insights on gear, favorite hiking moments, and the challenges of hiking in extreme environments like Arizona and Alaska. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.