Hiker Trash Radio
By Doc
Hiker Trash RadioDec 26, 2022
Reframing the Dream - Kait Boyle
World champion endurance athlete and backcountry mountain biker Kait Boyle climbs off the bike and drops into the studio to talk adventure with Doc. A former college field instructor and self-described dirtbag, Kait shares some of her life-changing moments, and where she finds herself now. Tune in and hear about the 24-Hour World Championships, self-supported records, an elephant foot, the broken ankle, a car crash, towel racks, the importance of re-framing, and shaving Chopper's calves. Need inspiration and insight? Look no further.
The TEAR - Dylan "RightOn" Ivens
Thru hiker and creator of the Trans-European Alpine Route (TEAR), Dylan "RightOn" Ivens calls in from the Great White North to talk some trail with Doc. During this jam-packed episode, Doc and RightOn discuss gear, trail shaming, memorable hitches, trail math, PCT trail magic, injuries on Te Araroa, pain caves, spooking grizzlies, and the challenge of creating and hiking a 4,000-mile trail that crosses 16 countries and six mountain ranges. Epic guest, epic episode.
Training for Life - Caleb Young
Backpacker Caleb Young drops into the studio to share his unique perspective on life with Doc. Tune in and hear about how this small town boy went from growing up running loose in the woods to finding himself at a crossroads with his health. During the discussion, Doc and Caleb talk about growing up with very little supervision in Dillwin, Chinese buffets, running for life, intentionally making things difficult, inspiring others, bringing an attitude to a Jiu Jitsu fight, and being out there despite having every reason not to be out there.
Bidets, Trail Skirts, and Wind Shirts - Whitney "Allgood" LaRuffa
Thru hiker and Vice President of Six Moon Designs, Whitney "Allgood" LaRuffa joins Doc and co-host Jeff "Legend" Garmire in the studio to share some stories and laughs. Tune in and hear about cross country treks in the Six Moon Designs van (think Scooby Doo van), routes vs. trails, Allgood's version of must have gear, elephant trials, the Corvallis 2 Coast Trail, the Northern New Mexico Loop, and a rip-roaring hiking poll unlike any you've heard. Plenty of laughs to go around in this one.
Peeling Back the Layers - Britt "Puddin'" McDonald
Thru hiker and budding trail philosopher, Britt "Puddin'" McDonald, joins Doc in the studio to talk about insights from the trail. During the discussion, the former majorette and bartender takes Doc for a deep dive through a wide range of topics, including paradigm shifts, Hot Mess Express, fanny pack haters, how to care for 60-year-old knees, abandonment issues, midnight falls off the bluff, sleeping with gators, the awesomeness of armpit hair, and an FKT attempt of the Pinhoti Trail that you will not believe.
The Luxury is the Trail - Barefoot Ken
Minimalist Ken "Barefoot Ken" Posner sits down with Doc to share his story. From an uncoordinated teenager to an Army Airborne Ranger to an incredible endurance athlete, Barefoot Ken has quite the narrative. Cozy up and and listen in as the discussion uncovers Ken's approach to life and trail (hint: it often doesn't include shoes or a whole lot of food), the Badwater Double, full mind/body engagement, a 50-mile ultra with no food or water, fighting the forces of comfort, and why you should never stare directly at the hallucinations. You don't want to miss a minute of this one. Epic.
Yoko the BoBo - Sofya Yokoyama
Swiss climber and national team member Sofya Yokoyama comes down of the wall to chat with Doc about all things climbing. During their wide ranging and rollicking discussion, Yoko and Doc talk about heel hooks, Scarpa Dragos, hangboarding, finger strength, portaledging, Orianthi, the importance of doing difficult things, having to make do with the bronze card, and travel blankets. Tune in and you'll also hear about Sofya's journey from her first climbing wall to one of five adult females on the Swiss National Bouldering Team. You think you know climbing? You don't, but you will. Epic guest.
The ADK 46 FKT - Bethany "Roadrunner" Garretson
Bethany "Roadrunner" Garretson, the holder of the ADK 46 unsupported FKT, stops by the studio to talk trail with Doc. The thru hiker, trail runner, wilderness therapy instructor, and author waxes eloquent on a variety of topics. Listen in and hear about the nice sweet smell of manure, the magic of La Sportiva, heating up in bags, accidentally inventing trail running, Aconcagua, helicopter evacs, and powerful women on the trail. And, there's also a pretty good story about a mouse in the tent.
The Florida Trail - Josh "Stretch" Hurlbut
Chris "Stretch" Hurlbut strides out of the swamps and into the studio to talk trail with Doc. Former section hiker turned AT thru hiker Stretch tries to persuade Doc about the virtues of hiking in gator country. Listen in as the two discuss the many hidden gems of the Florida Trail, the curious phenomenon of accidentally hiking the AT, whether or not there's a Hiking with Cats YouTube Channel, situational armrest-ing, and the importance of not planning for your next big thru hike.
Getting Primal with Queen Bee, Spreadsheet, and the Kids
It's a story we've all heard before: Oklahoma girl meets Michigan boy, they finish medical school, get married, work in Africa as missionary doctors, have kids, and decide to hike the Appalachian Trail as a family of six. Danae and Olen Netteburg take a breather to talk with Doc about completing the AT with four kids under the age of 11, and then hiking the CDT two years later and adding an infant to the mix. Tune in for a rollicking good time with some serious moments interspersed throughout. Queen Bee and Spreadsheet cover a lot of ground, including the crapshoot of the birth lottery, Chicken Tramper fanny packs, the definitive guide to two-person hammock positions, the after effects of lightning PTSD, and how to perfect the seven-person hitch into town. An instant classic.
Six of Seven - Luke Kelly Travels
Outdoor writer, adventurer, and Renaissance man Luke Kelly drops into the studio to discuss some worldly adventures with Doc. Tune in and hear about how this New York college boy used his summer wages from working a commercial fishing boat in Alaska to finance his adventures across the globe. Luke shares his incredible experiences, from experiencing the 2011 earthquake in Christchurch, NZ, to being mugged in Patagonia to solo hiking the Annapurna Circuit in Nepal. And a lot more!
Heading South - Justin Outdoors
Justin Hick of the Justin Outdoors YouTube channel comes in from the Great White North to talk trail with Doc. In the wide ranging discussion, the two venture forth from the Canadian Rockies to Vancouver Island to Tour du Mont Blanc to the Arizona desert. Along the way, you'll hear about Leave No Trace, the finer points of bidet use, how to survive a bear attack, moving the needle, pushing the limits, and trail names you want to avoid at all costs. Epic.
No Days Off - John "Chicken Legs" Woods
Boy Scout, Marine, triathlete, hiker, swimmer, and Search and Rescue team member John "Chicken Legs" Woods sits down with Doc to talk about the path he's walked. From his childhood on shores of Lake Michigan to joining two branches of the Armed Services to training and adventuring in the outdoors, John shares a ton of stories with Doc. Listen in and hear about falling through the ice, Gucci gear, the importance of grit, the Gator Man, getting humbled, burpee strategies, and the power of no days off.
Treks to Nowhere - John "Lakewood" Fegyveresi
Barkley finisher, thru hiker, ultrarunner, college professor, and part-time Antarctica denizen John "Lakewood" Fegyveresi drops into the John Freakin' Muir studio to chew the fat about a wide range of adventure opportunities out there. Tune in and hear the two doctors talk about Fegy's quest to run 100 ultramarathons (he's notched 97 finishes so far!), merino wool, the passion of motion, treks to nowhere, possible corporate sponsors for the Barkley, the Iron Butt Challenge, the current state of our climate, and many, many tips, tricks, and tales from Frozen Head State Park in Tennessee. Incredible guest. You might just get college credit if you listen to the full episode.
Fun with Trekking Poles - Triple Crowner Miranda "Bopit" Pridgen
Triple Crowner and FKTer Miranda "Bopit" Pridgen sets her hiking poles down and joins Doc in the studio to talk some trail. Tune in and hear Bopit, the former elementary school teacher, talk about the seismic shift in her life that led her 15,000 miles down the trail in the last four years. During the interview, Bopit and Doc talk about the danger of cavities on the trail, huge feet, innovative children's books, a dream hitch on the back of a motorcycle, sleeping with a skunk in the shelter, Fresh Ground, the agony of flat trail walking, and her epic FKT of the Florida Trail. As Bopit says, she seems to be good at the thru hiking. Incredible episode with a rock star of the trails.
Not Normal - Luke Pytlik
JMT thru hiker, tattoo artist, and unlikely TV celebrity Luke Pytlik stops by the studio for a hilarious and wide-ranging discussion with Doc. During their chat, Luke and Doc talk about appropriate hiking knives, pushing your limits, Man vs. Wild trips, the beauty of black and gray realism, Mayan Sacrifice, meat pills, and a really, really awkward encounter in Cozumel. Don't miss a minute of this one!
Living Boldly - Chris Brinlee, Jr.
In the premiere episode of Season 6, Doc welcomes back former Art Director and current adventurer, alpinist, and storyteller Chris Brinlee, Jr. In this wide-ranging discussion, Chris and Doc cover purple hiking skirts, failed trail names, the Yosemite Decimal System, the armpit of America, and the very important distinctions between Concept vs. Impact and Mission vs. Adventure. Tune in to get started on Getting Unleashed and Living Boldly.
North Pole to the PCT - Davey "Captain America" Verwoerd
Svalbard resident and dog musher Davey "Captain America" Verwoerd checks in with Doc from Kennedy Meadows after the first 700 miles of his PCT thru hike. Tune in and hear about polar bear safety (on Svalbard, not the PCT), Blaze Physio, trail magic, BBQ, skillet-carrying thru hikers, sport mode Crocs, huge legs, speedy uphill hikers, crazy hitches, trail conditions, appropriate gear for the Sierras, and which is the more dangerous creature: the polar bear or Sasquatch?
A Cold, Wet Hand - Rob Phillips
Season 5 comes to a rollicking close with Episode #250 of the JFM Pod as competitive sailor, exploratory geologist, and adventure boat captain Rob Phillips drops anchor for a few and shares some stories from the High Seas! Cozy up around the campfire and settle in as Rob shares some adventures of a different sort, including puffin attacks, open 60s, racing sailboats across the North Atlantic, short-handed racing, sling-shotting around storm systems, chronoception, competitive youth sailing, and smuggling a dog through Mecca. An epic close to an epic season!
Hard but Simple - Arielle "Mouse" Shipe
PCT thru hiker and @sendfemme founder Arielle "Mouse" Shipe joins Doc in studio for some good old fashioned trail talk. Tune in to hear about the charm of being annoyingly cheerful in the morning, cork orthotics, tuna exhaustion, Desolation Wilderness (a misnomer), Rainy Pass (not a misnomer), the magic of things just clicking, and how it's possible to pack 17 thru hikers and their gear into a single pickup truck when having to escape a raging 60,000-acre wildfire on trail. An instant classic.
Classic Doc: Jamil Coury - Slam of the Damned
In this classic episode from March 2021, ultrarunner, entrepreneur, and filmmaker Jamil Coury joins Doc for a discussion of the Slam of the Damned, a quartet of daunting and brutal ultrarunning races feared by everyone but a daring few. Listen in and hear about the HURT100, the Hardrock 100, the Ultra-Trail du Mont Blanc, and . . . the Barkley Marathons! Condolence letters, license plates, conch shells, book pages . . . they're all there, plus a lot more! An epic episode.
Spilling the Tea with TMI and Panic
Brittany "TMI" Swanson and Andy "Panic" Butler from Bad Hikers make a return visit to the JFM Pod studio to spill some tea with Doc. In a wide ranging conversation, TMI and Panic share everything you want to know about their Kilimanjaro expedition, including prep, logistics, gear, scree slides, rocket fuel, and false summits. There's also a rousing discussion of Burning Man and the abnormally large proportion of stand up comedians and architects who attend.
Chasing Shackleton - Tim Jarvis
Environmental explorer, adventurer, climber, author and documentary filmmaker Tim Jarvis comes in from the cold to talk some Shackleton with Doc. With 13 Antarctic expeditions under his belt, Tim shares some incredible moments from his time on the ice, including his recreation of Ernest Shackleton's voyage from Elephant Island across the Southern Ocean to South Georgia and the subsequent overland trek to Stromness Whaling Station, all while using only the clothing and technology available during Shackleton's voyage. Along the way, the two discuss an unexpected visit from Father Christmas at the South Pole, the best way to serve congealed lard, breaking down the big problems into manageable chunks, pulling 500-pound sleds on the ice, and all the joy that comes with six sailors sharing the same tight quarters on a small boat on the open ocean for two weeks. Use your imagination; I promise it's not enough.
The Trans Continental Run - Cal Dobbs
Cal Dobbs, with a Triple Crown under his belt, now takes to the open road as he runs across America to raise awareness and support for Trans rights and gender affirming health care. Tune in as Cal shares with Doc the hardships of road life, the antics of Cooper and Truman, Twin Peaks references, creepy interactions in the middle of nowhere, Netflix recommendations, and his favorite of the Triple Crown trails.
Heading North - Dave "Music Man" Chandler
Struggling with addiction, with his life in a shambles, and living on the streets of Louisville, Dave "Music Man" Chandler shows up at Springer Mountain with his brother's hiking gear. He heads in the only direction available to him, literally and metaphorically: north. Listen in as Music Man and Doc provide live play by play of the finish of the 2023 Barkley Marathons, discuss the Three S's of hiking and life, breaking the cycle, strumsticks, dehydrating moms, yard saling, how to be a creature of the wilderness, and the literal hike of his life. This is a story of losing it all and then finding the path.
Chin Wagging with Triple Crowner Ben "Shredder" Phantom
Triple Crowner, musician, and documentarian Ben "Shredder" Phantom stops by the studio to do some chin wagging about the trail and life. Shredder and Doc cover some serious terrain, including interesting strategies to prevent frostbite, seeking a greater purpose, the intensity of a thru hike, how not to hike properly in grizzly country, living unhoused, and losing the joy (and finding it again!).
Legit - Dillon "Enigma" Dise
Triple Crowner Dillon "Enigma" Dise drops in on Doc to talk some trail, both domestic and international. A well traveled thru hiker with 13,000 miles under his feet, Enigma expounds upon the adventure of hiking international trails. In this fun-filled episode, we take a trip on the Pyrenean Haute Route (HRP) a nearly 500-mile-long journey with an insane amount of elevation gain. Along the way, you'll hear about Andora, Tolkien-like vistas, PUDs, chalets, legit food and drink, two Czechs, and several good reasons why not to become a sommelier.
A Little Dance-y - Kyle "Missing Spoons" Cleary
Thru hiker, bikepacker, and route aficionado Kyle "Missing Spoons" Cleary comes in from the wilderness to talk trail, er, route with Doc. Eschewing the well-defined, well-marked traditional hiking trail for the more remote and rugged routes that require wayfinding and map reading, Spoons shares some thoughts and stories in the JFM Pod studio, including how an awkward inside kid got involved in the outdoors, Buddhism, spraying beta, cold soaking, sister pilgrimages, Roy's Motel, small town interactions, Public Lands, and the joy of cowboy camping in moose country.
Going in Blind - Jacob "Crush" Pepper
Brutal in the Best Way Possible - Kyle Hates Hiking
Thru hiker Kyle O'Grady of the Kyle Hates Hiking YouTube Channel drops into the studio to talk trail with Doc. Listen in as Kyle and Doc discuss Crotch Pots, trekking pole hammocks, the best long trail in the world, the virtues of patience, the best techniques for cutting your toothbrush in half, and Kyle's sweating problem. Kyle also sets a couple of podcast records during the interview!
Natural Me - Triple Crowner Elsye "Chardonnay" Walker
The first black female Triple Crowner Elsye "Chardonnay" Walker stops by the studio to talk trail with Doc. Listen in and hear about releasing and re-sorting your priorities, gear, Burners, broken ankles, the trouble with short cuts, BIPOC women in the outdoors, sketchy hitches, and trail angels. Chardonnay also shares her 2020 cancer diagnosis, treatment, and its impact on her pursuits. Epic guest, epic episode.
Travel Nurse Emily Latour
Travel nurse Emily Latour stops by the studio to share some adventures from inside the emergency room and out on the trails. Tune in and hear how this former soccer and lacrosse player found her current trail, the hectic pace of the emergency room, camper life, hiking with dogs, and the dangerous ascents of Mt. Washington, Mt. Katahdin, Angel's Landing, and Half Dome.
It's Not Vermont's Fault - Jeff "Wordsmith" Mitchell
AT thru hiker, attorney, and outdoors author Jeff "Wordsmith" Mitchell joins Doc in the studio to share some stories about the trail. The two cover a lot of territory, including short-form storytelling, imposter syndrome, emotional density, the short arc of friendship on the trail, the transformative power of the trail, first days, last days, and the pure joy of riding in the bed of a pickup.
Know How to Use It - Michael "Pops" Cole
Michael "Pops" Cole, former federal prosecutor and assistant attorney general and current badass, drops into the studio to talk peaks and valleys with Doc. During the conversation, Pops talks about the Risk Continuum; the importance of knowing how to use your gear; the distinct lack of appeal of Norwegian rations; Winter, Mountain, and Jungle Warfare Schools; the finer points of rugby; and the frustration of the guy in flip flops in front of you at the top of Mount Washington. An instant classic.
Crossover Episode: Hard Times Strong Men Podcast
In this bonus crossover event, Doc is interviewed on the Hard Times Strong Men Podcast. Tune in and learn some more about Doc and his adventures!
Shoulder Season with Semi Colon
Mark "Semi Colon" Scott drops into the studio from his home in Jasper National Park to talk trail (and more!) with Doc. The Canadian school teacher shares some stories from the backcountry, including some dicey situations out there with his better half, previous JFM Pod guest, Brigid "Scrambles" Scott. Tune in and hear about proper response technique for bear encounters, Zed Packs, C-Level water crossings, the Great Divide Trail, a LASH in the American Northwest, Shoulder Season, and the unusual naming technique for small Saskatchewan towns. For reference and explanation: "Shoulder season is the months between the peak season, usually during the summer months, and the offseason in the winter. In this case, the autumn months would be considered shoulder season."
Zipsss at the Bottom of the Planet
Annemarie 'Zipsss" Athey becomes the first guest on the podcast to be interviewed from the bottom of the planet. Zipsss calls in from McMurdo Station in Antarctica to chat with Doc about a wide variety of topics, including packing your fears, soul-sucking jobs, selling furniture to finance a hike, swiping right to conduct some research, imposter syndrome, knowing how to listen to the universe when it speaks to you, ice wives, and the best possible setting for a horror movie.
Finishing the Barkley - Aurélien Sanchez and John Kelly
Aurélien Sanchez and John Kelly, two of the finishers from this year's Barkley Marathons, drop into the JFM Pod studio to chat with Doc and co-host Jeff Garmire to share some insights and stories about the epic race that takes place in Frozen Head State Park. Tune in and experience this year's race vicariously through these two ultra endurance athletes. As Doc and Jeff light a virtual cigarette at the yellow gate, Aurélien and John sprint through all the stories you want to hear, including pre-race activities, early stages of the race, life on Loop 5, a missing book, and the idyllic locations of Meatgrinder, Garden Spot, Leonard's Butt Slide, and Chimney Top. Obsessed with the Barkley? Don't miss a minute of this bonus episode!
Freight Train and Pickles
In this wide ranging conversation, high school sweethearts Brian "Freight Train" Walsh and Kristina "Pickles" O'Connell drop in on Doc to talk all things on and off trail. Along the way, you'll hear about the dangers of the enthusiastic hiker, the shopping cart phenomena, a Dance Off on the AT, Fresh Meat, poison ivy, carrying a double wide on the trail, slack twinning, meditating bison, permit wizardry, and unintentional rock surfing down the mountain.
The Big Announcement - Jeff "Legend" Garmire
In this special bonus episode, Jeff "Legend" Garmire sits down with Doc to make a huge announcement about some intriguing future plans. Listen in to this exclusive story only to found on The John Freakin' Muir Pod. You are not going to want to miss this one!
Adventure Preacher - Brad "Shep" Sasser
Adventure preacher Brad "Shep" Sasser takes a brief break from the trail and his thru hiking flock to chat with Doc. Along the way, Shep shares stories and insights about trail angeling, NoMiles. dog year trail relationships, three rooms over a gas station, four pairs of socks, parking lot life, trail blessings, and the dangers of 47-pound packs. Doc and Shep also take on some of the big metaphysical questions out there. Tune in and level up.
The Whole Shebang - Heather "Egg" Daigle
Thru hiker Heather "Egg" Daigle drops into the studio to talk trail with Doc. Tune in and hear about misshapen feet, serving brews in an egg costume, blisters, hiker ego, fear on the trail, color coding shelters, and the impact of judgment. You'll also find out the answer to the age-old question: which is more important, snacks or hiking poles?
Addictive Pursuits - Phil Perry
Peak-bagger Phil Perry drops into the studio to share some stories from the northeastern mountains of the U.S. Along the way, Phil shares his rocky past with addiction and how he's channeled his energy into the highs and lows of outdoor adventuring. Now sober two+ years, Phil gets into it with Doc about snakes, Tupperware, the Dollar General, and which coast has the more challenging peaks.
A Right Hook in Mammoth - Chezwick
Chezwick, the 16th person to complete the Eastern Continental Trail and the 5th person to complete the Great Western Loop, takes a load off and sits down with Doc to talk trail. During the discussion, the two range wide and far, covering topics like the state bird of Oregon, the Pyramid of Pain, unique uses for toothpaste in the Himalayas, trail romances ending badly, Doc Campbell's Outpost, Type III fun, and No One and Nothing. You won't believe your ears.
Rising - Jarred "Yeti" Aslett
Former television reporter and Rock 'n' Roll professor Jarred "Yeti" Aslett joins Doc in the studio to share his amazing journey. After finding himself weighing 500 pounds and facing some serious limitations in his life, Jared opted for a change. Eighteen months later and 235 pounds lighter, Jared loaded his bag and set out from the Mexican border on the Pacific Crest Trail. Tune in and listen up as the two discuss slipping clutches, sketchy mountains, duct tape fixes, the Misfits, lessons learned, and, of course, some good old fashioned Type II Fun!
Fear is Contagious - Brandon "Horsepower" Weis
Calendar Year Triple Crowner Brandon "Horsepower" Weis returns to the John Freakin' Muir studio to talk about what he's been up to since his last chat with Doc. Tune in and hear about some of America's lesser known, but equally stunning, trails. During the episode, the two get into a healthy discussion of Better Call Saul, the proper work to reward ratio on trail, the ultimate bartending story starter, soupy liquids, trail hallucinations, and Horsepower's secret superpower - binge eating.
The Hardships of a Thru Hike - Nikola "Tesla" Horvat
Thru hiker, documentarian, and Croatian Long Trail creator Nikola "Tesla" Horvat takes a break from working on his current documentary, Why Do I Hike 2, to talk trail with Doc. During the conversation, the two of them cover a lot of ground as they discuss sturdy tendons, the dangers of trying to keep up, the rhythm of the trail, dead tree forests, the complementary nature of the lows and the highs, and whether or not you can truly embrace the suck. Epic episode with a a couple of armchair philosophers!
Classic Doc: 127
127 sits down to share his unconventional AT hike, where he was a SOBO with a start date of Aug. 1. Listen in as the drama unfolds with 127 earning his nickname, finding his trail family, all while trying to outrun the snow and avoid trench foot.
Up on an Alaskan Glacier with Ben "Ginger Ballz" Vaughan
Ret. Lt. Commander Ben "Ginger Ballz" Vaughan takes a break from mushing dogs in Alaska to join Doc in the studio to talk about his latest adventures. The Triple Crowner, Hayduke survivor, and former ski/snowboard instructor shares how he ended up moving from Colorado to Alaska, and all of the hijinks involved with mushing dogs across glaciers. Tune in for a healthy dose of hilarity as GBz takes Doc for a walk on the wild side, Alaskan Edition. An instant classic.
Crossover Episode: Eric Rinehart Podcast
In this bonus crossover event, Doc is interviewed on the Eric Rinehart Podcast. Tune in and hear Doc wax eloquent on some epic moments in the outdoors as well as the origin and evolution of the John Freakin' Muir Pod. Have your Doc Facts scorecard out while listening. And, of course, there's some discussion of the Barkley Marathons.