Hike, Explore, Repeat: Trailblazing Texas Podcast

A message from Nic: May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view. - Edward Abbey Episode Description: Just a short drive from San Antonio lies one of Texas’ most unique outdoor treasures—Government Canyon State Natural Area, where 12,000 acres of rugged canyons, rare habitats, and even 110-million-year-old dinosaur tracks await. In this episode of Trai...

A message from Kyra and Ryan: Stack the odds ... Episode Description: In the final part of our three-part series with Kyra and Ryan, we bring the conversation home with more honest stories, unexpected moments, and lessons learned from life on and off the trail. From sketchy weather to soulful sunrises—and everything in between—this episode is all about reflection, growth, and gratitude. Whether yo...

Hannah's Message: To my parents, who taught me the joy and serenity of state parks; and to Noah, who joins me on every adventure through one. Choke Canyon State Park – Ghost Town Roots, Sassy Birds, and Texas-sized Adventures Episode Description: In this episode of the Trailblazing Texas Podcast , we head to the shores of Choke Canyon State Park, a place where history, wildlife, and wide-open Texa...

A message from Kyra and Ryan: Mountains aren't fair or unfair, they are just dangerous. - Reinhold Messner Episode Description: Hard Calls & High Trails: Kyra & Ryan (Part 2) In Part 2 of our three-part series, Kyra and Ryan get real about the tougher side of life in the mountains. We talk about the hardest decisions they’ve had to make on trail, run-ins with wild dogs (yep—one of them got...

A message from Kyra and Ryan: Failure to plan is a plan to fail - Ben Franklin Episode Description: Peak Partners: Climbing Colorado with Kyra & Ryan (Part 1) In this first episode of a three-part series, I sit down with Kyra and Ryan, an adventurous couple who’ve spent countless weekends chasing Colorado’s 13ers and 14ers. We dive into what first pulled them to the high country, the mental si...

A Message from the Host Before we dive into this special episode, I want to take a moment to dedicate it to my good friend John. I know Davis Mountains State Park holds a special place in your heart—the memories you’ve shared of growing up out here and the time spent exploring these trails with your grandfather are exactly the kind of stories that make places like this so meaningful. This one’s fo...

Episode Description: East to West: The Appalachian Trail & Guadalupe Ridge – Milk Man’s Final Chapter We wrap up our 3-part journey with Kyle “Milk Man” by heading to the green tunnel of the East and the rugged ridgelines of the Southwest. In this final chapter, we unpack his experiences on the Appalachian Trail—what drew him to it, how it challenged him, and the unforgettable people and place...

A message to the listeners: The trail doesn’t care how far you go—it only asks that you show up, stay curious, and keep moving forward. - Aspen Episode Description: Blazing the Divide – Milk Man’s First Long Trail: The CDT What kind of person chooses one of the hardest long trails in the country… as their first ? In Part 2 of our 3-part series, Milk Man takes us deep into his journey on the Contin...

Kyle's Message: It's all about the journey, not the destination. - Kyle Sueltenfuss Episode Description: Trail Tales: The AT According to The Milk Man Some people take summit selfies. Kyle took a different kind of trail pic. In this episode, we sit down with Kyle—aka The Milk Man —to talk all things Appalachian Trail: blisters, bears, and bowel movements. That’s right, we’re flushing the filters a...

Quote of the Day: Nothing says friendship like arguing over whether this is actually the trail… while lost. - Aspen Episode Description: Blisters, Blunders & Big Texas Trails – Pt. 3 with Brad & Sarah In the thrilling conclusion of our 3-part series with Brad and Sarah, we dive headfirst into the chaos that is “getting ready for big adventures”—because nothing says seasoned hiker like forg...

Brad’s Favorite Reminder: “Never, never, never give up” - Winston Churchill Episode Description: Peaks & Panhandle: Adventures with Sarah and Brad (part 2) In Part 2 of our 3-part series with Sarah and Brad, we leave the flatlands behind and head for the high points—literally. After learning about the Amarillo Hiking Group in Part 1, we now dive into the duo’s experiences climbing state high p...

Sarah’s Favorite Trail Reminder: “Here is the world. Beautiful and terrible things will happen. Don’t be afraid.” - Frederick Buechner, Beyond Words Episode Description: High Points & Panhandle Trails: Pt. 1 with Sarah & Brad In Part 1 of our conversation with Sarah and Brad, we dive into the heart of the Texas Panhandle hiking scene — and the community that’s making it thrive. Brad shares...

The Host's Message to Brandon: I just wanted to say a big thank you for being such an awesome part of the podcast series. Each episode brought something unique, but your honesty, expertise, and stories really elevated the whole experience — pun intended. From technical breakdowns to lightning-round chaos, you brought the perfect mix of knowledge, humor, and humility. I know our listeners are walki...

Clarkia's Dedication: To my beloved partner who is drawn to challenges, high places, and solitude in the mountains. We found each other in the mountains, and Inshallah, we will continue to always find each other in the mountains of the physical world, and the mountains of life we climb together. Love you full send Brandon! - Clarkia Episode Description: On the Edge: Survival, Standards, and the St...

John's Message: For my Brandon: A mountain guide's job is many things. At its core, though, I think it is one who facilitates adventure. It has been a huge pleasure to have been on several with you and to have come to call you a friend. - John Anders Episode Description: Above the Clouds, Beneath the Weight – Part 2 with Mountain Guide Brandon In Part 2 of our conversation with Brandon, we venture...

Brandon's Dedication: "To my loved ones and clients who have been through it all along side me, and to the guides who continue to work so that others can achieve their dreams — this is for you." - Brandon Seymore Episode Description: No Days Off – Life Behind the Climb with Mountain Guide Brandon In this episode, we sit down with Brandon — a seasoned mountaineering guide whose life has been shaped...

Meal Planning: Or, How Not to Eat Trail Mix for 6 Days Straight In this episode, we tackle the only thing hikers obsess over more than elevation gain: food. Join me and my three backpacking buddies as we talk meal planning, unexpected hunger pangs, and the science of convincing your friends that dehydrated chili is “actually really good.” From overpacking snacks to underestimating the power of ins...

Always Bring a Plan B... and Maybe a Spare Sock When your perfectly planned hike turns into a thunderstorm, wrong turn, or spontaneous squirrel attack, you better have a Plan B—or at least friends willing to pretend they know where north is. In this episode, we dive into the art of backup plans with my trail crew: three hikers who’ve survived just about every “this wasn’t in the brochure” moment i...

Mountains will test your limits. Friends will test your generosity. But nothing tests both like sharing wet wipes at 13,000 feet. - Aspen

Mountains turn strangers into teammates, and teammates into family. - Aspen

This episode is dedicated to everyone who has supported me on this journey—whether through encouragement, listening, or sharing the trails with me. Every step, every mile, and every adventure is made better by the people who walk alongside us. To my hiking partners, friends, and those who’ve cheered me on from afar—your support means everything. The trails we’ve traveled, the challenges we’ve face...

Friendship is knowing someone will help you carry the weight—whether it’s your pack or your struggles. - Aspen

Every great hike has two essentials: a solid trail and a friend you can count on when the path gets rough.

She Walks the Wild She laces her boots with the break of dawn, A whisper of wind, and then she is gone. The mountains call, the rivers sing, She walks the wild, untamed, free-winged. The path is steep, the miles long, But in her heart, she hums a song. With every step, her spirit soars, Each trail unlocks forgotten doors. The trees bow low, the rocks stand tall, She finds herself within it all. No...

If you think adventure is dangerous, try routine; it is lethal. – Paulo Coelho Tiktok - @muon2020 / Instagram - @kselvage8