Hike, Explore, Repeat: Trailblazing Texas Podcast

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...

Message From Emily and Nate: We'd like to dedicate the episode to our family and friends who have supported us from day one and continuously encouraged us to do what makes us happy! We encourage everyone to get out and enjoy the US National Parks we have access to, we are truly so lucky to have such natural beauty available to us here! Episode Description: This episode of the Trailblazing Texas Po...

Episode Description: This episode was something special. Today I sit down with Kathy and honestly, this conversation meant more to me than I expected. As a dad to a daughter, I think a lot about the voices and examples that shape how she sees herself… her confidence, her independence, and what she believes she’s capable of. And Kathy is exactly the kind of person I want her and all of you to hear....

One of Natalia's favorite quotes: Because it's there - George Leigh Mallory Episode Description: In Part 2 of my conversation with Natalia, we go all in, from the moment the dream became real to standing at the foot of the highest mountain on Earth. We start with the preparation. Not the highlight reel, but the real stuff. Training for altitude, building endurance, dialing in gear, and figuring ou...

A message from the Host: Natalia, It’s hard to put into words how much it’s meant to not only work alongside you, but to call you a true friend. From the days in Texas to the trails in the Tatras, you’ve always brought this steady strength, positivity, and quiet determination that people just naturally respect. Watching you go from those early hikes… to setting your sights on something as big as E...

Episode Description: In this closing episode, we go beyond the trails and into the deeper story of Guadalupe Mountains National Park. We explore the history that shaped this rugged landscape, from the Butterfield Overland Mail route to the Salt Flats, to places like Williams Ranch that still echo with the lives of those who came before us. These aren’t just landmarks… they’re stories waiting to be...

Episode Description: Part 3 of our series with Ranger Leah takes us deeper into the heart of Guadalupe Mountains National Park, beyond the well-known trails and into what truly makes this place unforgettable. We talk about the seasons that shape the hiking experience, the elevation and weather challenges that catch people off guard, and what it really takes to experience this park the right way. F...

Episode Description: This is where the story changes. What started as a bold line on the map… turned into a real-time lesson in judgment, trust, and knowing when to say enough . In Part 2, we pick up on the ridge, where the terrain got steeper, the exposure got real, and the hike stopped matching what we thought it would be. I’m back with Sam and Henning as we break down the moments that mattered...

Message From the Host: I think this is my favorite picture from the trip. At this point… we were wrecked. Physically drained. Mentally spent. Thorns in our legs… even pushing through our shoes into our feet. We were running on fumes… knowing we still had a 5-mile road walk to the empty ranger station. But we also knew… we still had each other. This is why we love the Guadalupe Mountains. And this...

Travis's Message for the Listeners: Don't follow my descent line. Episode Description: In this episode of the Trailblazing Texas Podcast, I sit down with Dan and Travis to unpack one of the more ambitious routes in the Guadalupe Mountains, the Bush, Bartlett, and Shumard traverse. On paper, the idea sounds simple enough: link together three rugged peaks across some of the most remote terrain in th...

Craig's Dedication and Favorite Quote: I’d like to dedicate the episode to all of the Texas voters who voted in favor of Prop 5 in 2019 and the Centennial Parks Conservation Fund in 2023. These wins for Texas State Parks help us build, maintain, and staff our incredible parks. The park experience would be a lot different without this funding. My favorite quote was popularized by Gene Wilder in Wil...

In this episode of the Trailblazing Texas Podcast, I sit down with Ranger Megan from Big Thicket National Preserve to explore one of the most misunderstood and wildly diverse landscapes in the National Park System. When most people hear “National Park,” they picture towering mountains or deep desert canyons. Big Thicket flips that script. Ranger Megan shares her journey with the National Park Serv...

A Quote from Shaun: You can't fail if you don't quit. You can't succeed if you don't start. - Michael Hyatt Episode Description: In this episode of Trailblazing Texas Podcast , we sit down with Shaun, the co-founder of Angry Pika Food Co., to talk about what really goes into building a small, trail-driven food company from the ground up. Shaun shares the origin story behind Angry Pika, how the nam...

Tyler's Quote: There are no words that can tell the hidden spirit of the wilderness that can reveal its mystery, its melancholy and its charm. The nation behaves well if it treats the natural resources as assets which it must turn over to the next generation increased and not impaired in value. - Theodore Roosevelt Episode Description: In this episode of Trailblazing Texas Podcast , we head to the...

Natalie's Dedication: To The Kratt Brothers: Thank you for teaching me to love all animals and enjoy their company from a young age. Episode Description: In Part 2 of our conversation about Caprock Canyons State Park, Natalie takes us deeper into the spirit of the park, what visitors feel when they first see the canyon walls, how she would define Caprock in just three words, and why this landscape...

Natalie's Dedication: To my kids: Thank you for showing me that being a creepy crawly loving, strange, awkward, opinionated, and weird person makes a good mom, and it makes creature loving conscious kids. Episode Description: Caprock Canyons State Park (Part 1 of 2) I’ve said it quietly before… but in this episode, I finally say it out loud . Caprock Canyons State Park is my absolute favorite Texa...

Message From the Host: Hey friends, With this winter storm rolling through and a lot of us stuck inside, I wanted to drop a little something special for you. This is a bonus preview from my conversation with Ranger Leah at Guadalupe Mountains National Park, about 30 minutes of stories, heart, and why this place means so much to both of us. Think of it as a small trail treat while we wait out the c...

Leah's Dedication and Favorite Quote: I would like to dedicate this episode to my parents - Craig and Lili - who gave me life and love. To my mentors - Brian and Miguel - who taught me how to be the best ranger I can be. And finally to anyone who has ever fallen in love with the most beautiful mountains in the world - Guadalupe <3 "The idea of wilderness needs no defense, it only needs defender...