Hike, Explore, Repeat: Trailblazing Texas Podcast

Episode Description UGQ Outdoors – Part 2: Family, Passion, and the Pursuit of Perfect Gear What does it really take to run a family-owned cottage gear company? And what happens when your passion for the outdoors becomes your family's livelihood? In Part 2 of our conversation with Chad and Britani of UGQ Outdoors, we pull back the curtain on what goes into running one of the backpacking community'...

A Message from the Host One of my favorite things about the Trailblazing Texas Podcast is sharing the stories behind small, family-owned outdoor businesses. This episode is not sponsored. I invited Chad and Britani because I believe their story deserves to be heard. For me, it's never been about gear. It's about the people, their passion, and the stories that make our outdoor community special. Tr...

Laura's Dedication To my family, husband and friends, for helping me stoke my inner campfire A Quote from Laura Whales and redwoods both make us feel small and I think that's an important experience for humans to have at the hands of nature. We need to recognize that we are not the stars of the show. We're just another pretty face, just one species among millions more." — Roger Payne Episode Descr...

Site Superintendent Jason’s Guiding Words Managing the resources of Texas and providing recreational opportunities is one of the most rewarding balancing acts I can think of. Keeping healthy ecosystems is only part of it. Our jobs would not be as important without the people that visit. Episode Description Alligators, incredible wildlife, miles of hiking trails, and even a window into the stars! W...

Dedication from Alyssa To my family and friends: thank you for believing in my big dreams, always encouraging me, and supporting me along the way. To my former coworkers from Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site and Cape Disappointment State Park: I am so grateful for all the learning and laughing we shared. During those times, I was shown that my self-doubt could fade away and that my passion...

Episode Description In Part 2 of my conversation with Tim Buckley of Backpacking with Buckley, we head straight into the trails, places, people, and experiences that have shaped his life as a backpacker. We spend plenty of time talking Texas, Tim’s first impressions of backpacking here, the misconceptions people have about our landscape, and what makes places like Big Bend and the Guadalupe Mounta...

A message from the Host One of the things I love most about hosting Trailblazing Texas Podcast is getting to sit down with people who share a genuine passion for the outdoors. My time with Tim Buckley was no exception. What I appreciate about Tim is that he doesn't just share backpacking adventures. He shares the lessons, the mistakes, the laughter, and the people who make those experiences meanin...

A quote from Alysha Home is behind, the world is ahead. - JRR Tolkien Episode Description This week on the Trailblazing Texas Podcast, we’re heading to Fort Parker State Park with Site Superintendent Alysha! We talk about Alysha’s journey with Texas Parks and Wildlife, what brought her to Fort Parker, and what makes this park such a special place to both work and visit. We dive into the park’s CCC...

A quote from Nate The world is a mountain, what we do is shout, the echo comes back to us. - Rumi Episode Description PART 3 OF 3 — NATE | ONE MAN’S ODYSSEY We’ve talked about the peaks. We’ve talked about navigation, weather, risk, and what it takes to safely travel through the mountains of New Mexico. For the final chapter, we go beyond the summits. Nate takes us into some of Northern New Mexico...

A Quote from Nate: With the eye of my mind I gazed upon Paradise; the summit of every mountain is lower than its summit. - St. Ephrem the Syrian Episode Description: In Part 1, we talked about where Nate’s journey began and what eventually led him toward the challenge of climbing New Mexico’s 12,000-foot peaks. In Part 2, we head deeper into the mountains, and into the skills, decisions, and risks...

Nate's Dedication: To Lindsey, Austin, Elena, and Aurora. Thank you for sacrificing your time and time with me so I can pursue this passion. I love you! Episode Description — Nate | Part 1 of 3 What starts as a love for hiking can sometimes turn into something much bigger. In Part 1 of this three-part Trailblazing Texas Podcast series, I sit down with Nate to hear the story behind his passion for...

Henry’s Motto: "De omnibus dubitandum" Doubt everything. Episode Description Long before ultralight backpacking became mainstream, Henry Shires was simply trying to solve a problem. In 1999, while preparing to hike the Pacific Crest Trail, Henry designed a lightweight shelter for himself. That idea would eventually become Tarptent, one of the original cottage gear companies and a brand that has he...

Episode Artwork Photo by Chase A. Fountain. Shared courtesy of Lydia Pagel. A quote from Lydia Standing above us, above the build of our town, Mount Franklin is the landmark and the trademark of where we live. "A mountain," Carl Sandburg said, "is something that's fastened down, something you can count on.'' By that token, a mountain is a talisman in our hearts. In looking at Mount Franklin, up th...

A quote from Lydia Old Mount Franklin is not a part of any fabled range of Delectable Mountains graced with green trees and softened by the fertile rain. Mount Franklin is a gaunt hardrock mountain, standing against the sky like a piece of the world's uncovered carcass. - by Tom Lea. Episode Description What happens when one of the largest urban parks in the country meets the rugged beauty of the...

A quote shared by Kate: Nothing is so strong as gentleness, and nothing is so gentle as real strength. - St. Francis de Sales Episode Description: After years of anticipation, Palo Pinto Mountains State Park is finally welcoming visitors, and in this episode, we're taking you behind the scenes with Interpretive Ranger Kate. We start by getting to know the person behind the uniform, from what inspi...

Message From the Host: One of my favorite parts of doing this podcast is getting to introduce you to the people behind the brands many of us trust on the trail. It's easy to see a product on a shelf or in a backpack and never think about the person who took the risk to create it. Luke's story is a reminder that every cottage brand starts with someone willing to chase an idea, solve a problem, and...

Message From the Host: One of my favorite parts of hosting the Trailblazing Texas Podcast is getting the opportunity to introduce you to the people behind the gear and products that make our adventures possible. Cottage brands aren't backed by massive corporations, they're built by passionate people who saw a need, took a chance, and poured countless hours into creating something they truly believ...

Message From Wanda: If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that sometimes what we’re searching for is peace. I found mine in the quiet miles, under the open skies, surrounded by God’s creation, and putting one foot in front of the other. And if my story encourages someone to get outside, believe in themselves, and find their own peace along the way, then every mile has been worth it. Episode Desc...

Message From Wanda: Don’t let age, fear, or physical limitations decide what you’re capable of. Start where you are, use what you have, and take the next step. You may be surprised by how much stronger you are than you think. The trail is waiting. Episode Description: In Part 1 of this inspiring conversation, I sit down with Wanda to talk about where her love for hiking and backpacking began and h...

Message from the Host: The trail doesn't always have to be rugged or remote to change your life. Sometimes it starts with a simple walk through a friendly campground and a conversation around a campfire. I'll see you on the next adventure. - Jason Episode Description: In Part 2 of our conversation with Interpretive Ranger Eric from Lake Livingston State Park, we dive deeper into the experiences th...

Eric's Dedication: I dedicate this episode to my parents for being so supportive of my journey to becoming a Park Ranger. - Eric Episode Description: In Part 1 of our conversation with Interpretive Ranger Eric from Lake Livingston State Park, we take a deep dive into one of East Texas' most accessible outdoor destinations. Eric shares his journey into Texas Parks and Wildlife, what it means to be...

A message from Nace: This episode is dedicated to all of the amazing volunteers and staff at Dallas Animal Services. Lillie's rescue story was only made possible by a volunteer that shared photos and videos that another volunteer and a foster used to make the decision to foster her. None of that would have been possible had a animal control officer not rescued her from the street. Once in the shel...

A message from Nace: This episode is dedicated to all of the amazing volunteers and staff at Dallas Animal Services. Lillie's rescue story was only made possible by a volunteer that shared photos and videos that another volunteer and a foster used to make the decision to foster her. None of that would have been possible had a animal control officer not rescued her from the street. Once in the shel...

Message From the Host: This episode means a lot to me because the Lone Star Hiking Trail challenged me mentally and physically more than I expected. Somewhere between the pine corridors, the long miles, and the exhaustion, this trail became less about hiking and more about simply refusing to quit. I’m grateful to Cameron for taking on this adventure with me and for being willing to share both the...

A Message from Cameron: When I asked Cameron if there was a message he wanted to share with listeners, he chose to leave us with scripture, a reflection of his faith, his heart, and the perspective he carries into the outdoors. Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow. Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you...