Just Hyke: For Women Who Are Ready to Hike Their Way to Strength, Confidence, and Adventure

What does ultralight backpacking really mean, and why is reducing pack weight especially important for women? Solo backpacker Lee Warren shares practical ultralight backpacking tips for women over 40, including how to evaluate gear, reduce base weight and hike more comfortably. In this episode of the Just Hyke Podcast, Melanie talks with Lee Warren, a 57-year-old solo backpacker, outdoor writer an...

Meet the Women Behind Sweep: A Hiking App Built for Exploring What happens when two hikers see a better way to help people navigate and explore parks? In this episode of the Just Hyke Podcast , I sit down with Lauren and Katrina, co-founders of Sweep , a hiking app designed to put official park and trail information right at your fingertips. We talk about how the idea for Sweep began, what it take...

From First Backpacking Trips to Big Trail Adventures with Wanda What happens when you say yes to an adventure, even when you’re not completely sure what you’re getting yourself into? In this episode of the Just Hyke Podcast , I sit down with fellow hiker Wanda , whom I first met while backpacking on the Ouachita Trail. Wanda’s hiking journey has taken her from local trails and a Boy Scout backpack...

Kerry Turns the Tables: Snake Safety, Solo Hiking, Kilimanjaro & Women in the Outdoors In this special episode of the Just Hyke Podcast, the tables are turned as outdoor educator and backpacker Kerry from Jet Girl Hikes takes over the microphone and interviews host Melanie Michaelchuk. What starts as a casual conversation about snake safety quickly turns into a deep dive into solo hiking, wome...

Pennsylvania’s Hidden Outdoor Gems with Author Tory Mather | Just Hyke Podcast Looking for the best hiking trails, waterfalls, scenic overlooks, and outdoor adventures in Pennsylvania? In this episode of the Just Hyke Podcast, Melanie Michaelchuk sits down with outdoor creator, hiker, and author Tory Mather (Tory Talks Trails) to explore the natural beauty of Pennsylvania and the inspiration behin...

What happens when something you love, like walking or hiking is suddenly taken away? In this powerful episode of the Just Hyke Podcast , Melanie sits down with author Jo Giese to share a story of resilience, recovery, and redefining what strength really looks like. After a devastating Achilles injury and multiple surgeries, Jo was told she might never walk the same again. But instead of accepting...

Think you’re too out of shape to start hiking? Think again. In this final episode of the Just Hyke Essentials Series , Melanie Michaelchuk breaks down exactly how to build trail strength from zero no gym, no pressure, no perfection required. Whether you’re coming back after time off, navigating injury, or simply feeling unsure where to begin, this episode will show you how to start small, stay con...

Loving the outdoors means protecting it. In this episode of the Just Hyke Essentials Series , Melanie Michaelchuk breaks down Leave No Trace principles in a simple, beginner-friendly way so you can hike responsibly, confidently, and with intention. If you’ve ever wondered what it really means to “leave no trace” without feeling overwhelmed, this episode will show you how small choices on the trail...

Feeling unsure about what to bring, or how to stay safe, can stop many women from getting on the trail. In this episode of the Just Hyke Essentials Series , Melanie Michaelchuk breaks down simple, practical hiking safety essentials so you can feel prepared, confident, and in control every time you step outside. This isn’t about fear it’s about preparedness that creates peace of mind . Whether you’...

Have you ever stepped outside and instantly felt calmer, clearer, and more like yourself? In this episode of the Just Hyke Essentials Series , Melanie Michaelchuk explores the powerful connection between nature and your nervous system —and why being outdoors isn’t just relaxing… it’s biological. From the concept of biophilia to the science of fractal patterns and “soft fascination,” you’ll learn w...

Confidence isn’t something you’re born with—it’s something you build. In this episode of the Just Hyke Essentials Series , Melanie Michaelchuk breaks down one of the biggest barriers women face when getting on the trail: confidence . It’s not about having the perfect gear, being in peak shape, or having years of experience. Confidence comes from preparation, awareness, and learning to trust yourse...

When the world shut down during the pandemic, Robin Williams found herself searching for a way to get outside and move again. What started as a simple backpacking trip to Lost Maples in Texas quickly turned into something much bigger. In this episode of the Just Hyke Podcast , Melanie talks with Robin Williams from Trekker Joe’s , a small family-run business creating handcrafted backpacking gear d...

Today on the Just Hyke Podcast, Melanie is joined by Belinda Coker , the creator of Soul Treader . Belinda grew up hiking in New Zealand, stepped away for decades during corporate life and parenting, and later returned to the trail in midlife—discovering how powerfully hiking supports both mental and physical well-being. Her mission now is helping others reconnect with nature while hiking safely a...

At 77 years old, Patti Shales Lefkos trekked 800 kilometers across Nepal’s Great Himalaya Trail in 75 days. In this episode, we explore hiking at altitude after 60, why older hikers may actually perform better at elevation, and how endurance — not speed — builds lifelong resilience. If you’ve ever wondered whether adventure has an expiration date, this conversation proves it doesn’t. Patti shares...

In this episode of the Just Hyke Podcast , Melanie is joined by world traveler and endurance athlete Kim Selvage (@Muon2020) for an inspiring conversation about global adventures, goal setting, and finding meaning in both movement and stillness. From international travel to trail achievements, Kim reflects on the highs, challenges, and lessons that come with pushing personal boundaries — including...

Guest: Deborah Peddle-Hann — Founder, Journey2Wellness.ca Host: Melanie Michaelchuk, CPT-NASM | Just Hyke Holistic wellness, nature-based movement, mindset, and hiking in Nova Scotia and the Canadian Maritime provinces In this episode of the Just Hyke Podcast , Melanie sits down with Deborah Peddle-Hann, founder of Journey2Wellness.ca , to explore how hiking for wellness in Nova Scotia supports ph...

In this episode of the Just Hyke Podcast , Melanie talks with women’s self-defense and martial arts instructor Tisha Butler about building confidence through awareness, preparation, and trusting your instincts. They discuss why situational awareness matters more than physical strength, how intuition helps you recognize potential danger early, and common myths around self-defense for women—especial...

Podcast: Just Hyke Host: Melanie Michaelchuk Guest: Tami Brooks, Author of 52 Hikes, 52 Weeks Recorded in Houston, Texas | Guest based in East Texas Episode Description How do you choose a goal that actually keeps you moving without overwhelm or pressure? In this episode of the Just Hyke Podcast, recorded in Houston, Texas, host Melanie Michaelchuk sits down with East Texas hiker and author Tami B...

Thinking about taking on a 20-mile hike ? In this episode of the Just Hyke Podcast , I’m joined by Tonya Moore from Mammoth March to talk about how to prepare for the Mammoth March Texas event in February . We break down what a 20-mile supported hike really looks like, how to train safely, what gear matters most, and the mindset it takes to go from “Can I do this?” to “I did it.” Whether Mammoth M...

ESSENTIALS SERIES – EPISODE 2 The 5 Essentials Every Hiker Needs for Safety, Confidence, and Trail Readiness In this episode of the Just Hyke Essentials Series, Melanie breaks down the five most important hiking essentials every beginner — and even experienced hikers — should carry on the trail . These items are simple, lightweight, and easy to pack, yet they make a powerful difference in your saf...

ESSENTIALS SERIES – EPISODE 1 What You Really Need to Begin In this kickoff episode of the Just Hyke Essentials Series, we explore the true meaning of “essentials” and what hikers actually need to begin confidently. Before gear, strength, or experience, there is one foundation that matters most: showing up with intention. Melanie breaks down why mindset is the first essential of every hiker’s jour...

In this powerful conservation-focused episode, Melanie speaks with Bridgette San Marcos , the Head of Education & Outreach for the Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network (TMMSN) . Together they explore how dolphins live, communicate, and thrive along the Texas coastline— and what you should do if you ever come across a stranded dolphin or marine mammal on the beach. This episode blends science,...

In this episode of the Just Hyke Podcast , host Melanie Michaelchuk sits down with Donna Work , a seasoned wildlife biologist with the Texas A&M Forest Service . Donna has spent over three decades working in the native forests of East Texas, focusing much of her career on the preservation and recovery of the endangered Red-cockaded Woodpecker (RCW). Donna shares her expertise on what makes the...

Guest: Bridgette Mongeon — Artist, Author & Founder of the Houston Women’s Hiking Group Host: Melanie Michaelchuk, CPT-NASM | Just Hyke Episode Overview In this inspiring episode, Melanie sits down with Bridgette Mongeon , an accomplished sculptor, author, and community leader who brings together art, nature, and empowerment in truly trailblazing ways. Bridgette shares the story behind her com...

In this episode of the Just Hyke Podcast , I reconnect with world traveler and adventurer Kim Selvage (also known as Muon2020). Kim shares her journey across the breathtaking Tour du Mont Blanc , one of Europe’s most iconic long-distance treks. From alpine passes to cultural encounters along the way, Kim opens up about the challenges, highlights, and unforgettable moments of hiking through France,...