Two Chicks with Hiking Sticks

What do you do when a doctor tells you you'll be impaired for life — and you simply refuse to believe them? Award-winning journalist, Peabody Award winner, and bestselling author Jo Giese joins Two Chicks with Hiking Sticks to share her extraordinary story of survival, determination, and defying medical odds after a catastrophic fall ruptured her Achilles tendon — and a botched surgery left her wi...

What if one of America’s most “hostile” landscapes turned out to be one of its most breathtaking? In this episode of Two Chicks With Hiking Sticks, we explore Badlands National Park in South Dakota — a land shaped by 75 million years of erosion, ancient inland seas, prehistoric mammals, and powerful Lakota history. We’ll walk through: Why the name “Badlands” comes from the Lakota word makȟóšiča Ho...

Today we’re exploring one of the most beloved places in America — Great Smoky Mountains National Park . Straddling the border between Tennessee and North Carolina , this park is the most visited national park in the United States — and once you see the mist rolling across these ancient mountains, you’ll understand why. In this episode of Hike & History , we explore: Why the Smokies are some of...

Discover the powerful history and lasting legacy of Vicksburg National Military Park — one of the most pivotal battlefields of the American Civil War . In this episode we explore how the 47-day Siege of Vicksburg helped shift the course of the war, giving the Union control of the Mississippi River and dividing the Confederacy forever. We’ll walk through: ✔️ When and why the park was established ✔️...

Did you know you can walk through an actual Ice Age dig site in Texas? In this episode, we explore Waco Mammoth National Monument , one of the most fascinating paleontological sites in the country — right in the heart of Central Texas. Discovered in 1978 and designated a national monument in 2015, this site preserves the only known nursery herd of Columbian mammoths in the United States. We’ll cov...

Join us on a moving journey through Andersonville National Historic Site , one of the most powerful and important historical sites in the United States. In this episode, we explore: 🔹 The harrowing history of Camp Sumter , a Confederate Civil War prison 🔹 The tragic story of tens of thousands of Union prisoners and nearly 13,000 who died here 🔹 What life was like inside the stockade — disease,...

Independence National Historical Park reminds us that America was never meant to be finished. It was designed as a living experiment shaped by debate, fueled by hope, and challenged by contradiction. The same questions they wrestled with inside these buildings — freedom, equality, power, responsibility — are the same ones we wrestle with today. Walking these streets isn’t about idolizing the past;...

Lace up your boots and bring your appetite — it’s time for another adventure in our Hike & Feast series! In this episode of Two Chicks With Hiking Sticks , we explore the beautiful Cibolo Nature Center in Boerne, Texas . From peaceful creekside trails and towering cypress trees to wide-open Hill Country landscapes, Cibolo is one of the best hidden gems for hiking near San Antonio. After hittin...

Put your walking shoes on and step into history with Two Chicks With Hiking Sticks as we explore Gettysburg National Military Park — one of the most important and emotionally powerful landscapes in America. In this episode, we will talk about where the Battle of Gettysburg unfolded in July 1863. From Little Round Top and Devil’s Den to Pickett’s Charge and the Soldiers’ National Cemetery, we break...

Canyonlands National Park is one of the most rugged and awe-inspiring landscapes in the American Southwest and in this episode of Two Chicks With Hiking Sticks , we’re breaking down everything you need to know before you go. Located near Moab, Utah, Canyonlands is carved by the Colorado and Green Rivers into massive mesas, deep canyons, and towering sandstone formations. We explore the park’s fasc...

In this episode, we’re heading deep into Alaska’s wild beauty as we explore Kenai Fjords National Park — a land shaped by massive glaciers, rugged coastlines, and unforgettable hiking experiences. We kick things off with one of the park’s most iconic adventures: the Exit Glacier hike. This accessible yet awe-inspiring trail takes you right up to a living glacier, where you can literally see the ef...

Discover one of Texas Hill Country’s hidden gems — Guadalupe River State Park. In this episode, we explore the park’s fascinating history, the people who once lived along the river, how the land became protected as a Texas State Park, and why it’s now a favorite destination for hikers, paddlers, campers, and nature lovers. We give you a pre-hike perspective, a post hike review and then we share wi...

Chiricahua National Monument is one of Arizona’s most surreal and underrated destinations. Often called the “Wonderland of Rocks,” this national monument features towering stone spires, gravity-defying balanced rocks, and winding trails that feel like walking through a natural sculpture garden. In this episode of Two Chicks With Hiking Sticks , we take you deep into southeastern Arizona to explore...

The long rest has ended and we are back on the trail kicking off Season 2 with your favorite trail leaders: Two Chicks with Hiking Sticks! We have so much in store for this second season that we hope you enjoy. First, we will have some new formats visually to share with all of you. Then we will continue on some of late Season 1 escapades to include Hike & Feasts and virtual hiking videos. We w...

We are taking you with us as we hike Pedernales Falls State Park and Feast at a local diner in Johnson City, TX! #hiking #pedernales #pedernalesfalls #hikeandfeast #hikeyourownhike Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Explore Crownridge Canyon Natural Area—one of San Antonio’s most stunning Hill Country preserves. In this episode, we take you along a peaceful trail and share insider insights on wildlife, trail difficulty, and the what you'll see here.   Whether you're a local looking for your next hike or a traveler seeking natural beauty near San Antonio, Crownridge Canyon offers serenity, scenic vis...

Step back in time to May 10, 1869, when two mighty railroads met at Promontory Summit, Utah, and changed America forever. In this episode of Two Chicks with Hiking Sticks , we explore the remarkable story of Golden Spike National Historical Park — where vision, grit, and immigrant labor forged the First Transcontinental Railroad. Discover how Irish and Chinese immigrants endured brutal working con...

Step back in time at Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona where 200-million-year-old fossilized trees, vibrant badlands, and ancient petroglyphs tell the story of Earth’s past. Discover the Painted Desert’s breathtaking colors , walk among glittering petrified logs in the Crystal Forest , and explore ancestral Puebloan ruins . Plus, uncover the park’s unique tie to historic Route 66 ! In this...

When Fort Union National Monument was closed during the government shutdown, we discovered that sometimes the best stories are found just beyond the gates. Join us on the 1,500-foot Fort Union Overlook Trail—a short but powerful walk that reveals sweeping views of the New Mexico plains, the distant Sangre de Cristo Mountains, and the silent remains of a once-bustling military fort. Along the way,...

Join us as we explore the Cibolo Nature Center in Boerne, Texas —a breathtaking 100-acre preserve where nature, history, and conservation come together. From peaceful creekside trails and towering cypress trees to a lively farmer’s market at Herff Farm , this episode dives into what makes this spot a must-visit destination. Whether you’re a hiker, photographer, or simply a lover of the great outdo...

Step into the land of giants as we explore Redwood National and State Parks , home to the tallest trees on Earth and some of California’s most breathtaking landscapes. In this episode, we’ll cover everything you need to know for an unforgettable visit—from must-see spots to top hiking trails , park history, and insider tips for planning your trip. We’ll also dive into the park’s Indigenous heritag...

In this episode, we explore Acadia National Park , one of America’s most breathtaking and diverse landscapes. From the sunrise at Cadillac Mountain , the first to greet the morning in the continental U.S., to the glacial-carved cliffs and quiet carriage roads built by John D. Rockefeller Jr., Acadia tells a story millions of years in the making. We’ll journey through its natural wonders , uncover...

In this episode, we’re answering your questions! First up: Precautions you should take when hiking alone. Good question and one that takes some serious discussion to make sure we are all safe out on the trails. Then we discuss taking hiking sticks on airplanes in carry-ons, can dogs get heat exhaustion, how to know when you should turn around on a hike, # of state parks, and park passes. Come give...

Discover the breathtaking beauty of Yosemite National Park , one of America’s most iconic national treasures. 🌄 In this video, we cover everything you need to know for your visit — from must-see landmarks like El Capitan, Half Dome, and Yosemite Falls, to the best hiking trails , park history, and essential travel tips. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Meet Your Hosts! — Every great podcast starts with great hosts, and today, we’re pulling back the curtain so you can get to know the voices behind the mic! In this episode, we introduce ourselves—sharing who we are, what sparked our love for the outdoors, and why we decided to launch this podcast in the first place. You’ll hear a mix of fun facts, a few personal trail stories, and maybe even some...