Hiker Sessions

Hello everyone and welcome back to a special edition episode of Hiker Sessions. We're currently in between season two and three, but we've decided to follow our good friends Steve and Olivia, or Econoline and Dixon, as they are known on the trail, as they inch further north toward finishing their triple crown achievement of completing all three long trails in the United States: the Appalac...

Welcome back as we catch up with Steve and Olivia for asecond episode as they have now crossed over the 1,000-mile mark into Colorado. Most trail runners and hikers are blindsided by how challenging the ColoradoRockies really are—until Steve and Olivia share what they’ve learned after 1,000 miles traversing the CDT’s snow, elevation swings, and unpredictable weather. They reveal the underestimated...

Join us for a special episode of Hiker Sessions as we catch up with our friends Steve and Olivia on their northbound journey on the Continental Divide Trail, one step closer each day to completing their Triple Crown achievement. #triplecrown #CDT2026 #thruhiking #backpacking#sloggyhikes #hikersessions

Welcome back to Hiker Sessions . It’s hard to believe, but we’ve reached the season finale of Season 2. This season has taken us across rugged miles, into unforgettable stories, and deep into the heart of what it means to hike not just the trails, but the journeys that shape us. From early morning starts to hard-earned summits, from quiet moments in the woods to powerful conversations with those w...

Season Two of Hiker Sessions is wrapping up! Check out our favorite highlights and wisdom from the past six months of interviews. Don’t miss the season finale next week, where I'll share my thoughts on Season 2, the show moving forward, and reveal an exciting announcement. Tune in for the best moments! #appalachiantrail #hikersesssions #sloggyhikes #traillife #thruhikng

Kimberly and Jarrod Hester, known on the trail as Hippie Chick and Poet, are the current owners of Shaw's Hiker Hostel in Monson, Maine, located about 2 miles from the Appalachian Trail. Together they thru-hiked the AT from Georgia to Maine in 2008. After working as schoolteachers for a few years they decided to change their lifestyle for the betterment of their family and purchased Shaw’s in...

Uncover the transformative power of hiking—beyond just miles—and discover how a city-dweller turned trailblazer is redefining community after the trail. Cheer's story of hiking her way to the Triple Crown sparks inspiration as she reveals the surprising mental and emotional shifts that happen when you step into nature’s wild. From her rocky start feeling unfulfilled in finance to embracing the...

Join us on this episode of "Hiker Sessions" as we welcome back seasoned thru-hikers Steve and Olivia, affectionately known on the trail as Econoline and Dixon. Having conquered the Pacific Crest Trail in 2022 and the Appalachian Trail in 2024, they are now gearing up for the Continental Divide Trail to complete their Triple Crown. Tune in as they share insights on preparation, gear, and...

On this week’s episode of “Hiker Sessions” we chat with seasoned hikers Mike Hansen and Bryan Davis about their recent thru-hike of the Pinhoti Trail. I met Mike in the middle of the 100 Wilderness almost 4 years ago now, and since then, he’s introduced me to Bryan. In January of 2024 the three of us, along with other friends and family, summited Mount Kilimanjaro, and just last July we hiked the...

Tom and Ruth Van Orden’s journey began with a high school hike and grew into a lifelong commitment to raising their family outdoors. After their youngest daughter Sarah was diagnosed with a terminal genetic condition, the Van Orden’s became determined to make every moment count—finding creative ways to keep hiking and exploring together. From local trails to 19 national parks, their story is a pow...

Join Sloggy as he delves into the fascinating world of wildlife with Maine moose biologist Lee Kantar. Discover how Lee's Appalachian Trail thru-hike in 1988 shaped his life and path,leading to a long career studying, tracking, and working to conserve the state of Maine’s moose populations. This episode blends personal hiking tales with professional insights into moose management and Maine&#39...

This conversation explores Turbo's transformative journey through hiking, particularly his experience on the Appalachian Trail. He shares his background, struggles with self-destructive behavior, and how hiking became a source of healing and balance in his life. The discussion highlights the importance of community among hikers, the challenges faced on the trail, and the profound life lessons...

Approximately a year before commencing my northboundAppalachian Trail (AT) thru-hike, I was introduced to the Mighty Blue on the Appalachian Trail." podcast. Instantly captivated, I was drawn to Steve Adams' genuine enthusiasm and passion for the Appalachian Trail and its community. Since then, I have been a dedicated listener and fan, with the honorof being featured on his podcast multip...

In this episode of Hiker Sessions, I sat down with Mallory Weston, also known as Bullseye, who shares her journey as the first artist in residence for the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. The conversation explores her background in art, the spark that ignited her passion for hiking, and the unique experience of combining her artistic endeavors with long-distance hiking. Bullseye reflects on her expe...

Welcome to S2 Episode 17 of Hiker Sessions, our guest on today’s show is Dr. Tim Riordan … a pastor, author, husband, and father whose life and ministry have been shaped by a deep faith that began at an early age— by nineteen, Tim was pastoring a church in the metro-Atlanta area, and over the years he has served churches across Georgia, Alabama, and Texas in roles ranging from pastorand student mi...

We welcome to todays episode a man who has walked a long, winding trail—far longer than just the Appalachian Trail. From the depths of addiction to the heights of redemption, his journey is one of grit, grace, and transformation. At his lowest, he lost nearly everything. But it was in those shadows that he found the light—discovering faith, purpose, and a calling to serve others. Now, you’ll find...

In this interview, Solo discusses her fear being in unfamiliar hiking territory in the south, the strong relationships she made on trail, particularly with “Zeke” and his family, starting the trail with a set of intentions, her summit day, her depression post thru-hike, and her future hiking plans.#appalachiantrail #at2024 #at2025 #backpacking #atnobo2024 #atnobo2025 #thruhiking #hyperlitemountain...

In this episode I was joined by a special guest who I met in port Clinton, Pennsylvania right out in front of the town Post Office. She was dropping off another hiker and I asked her if she could shuttle me to the next town over Hamburg, PA, which was about 2 miles away. I had been craving Chinese food, so she recommended the JA Buffet. It ended up being one of the best Chinese buffet restaurants...

In this conversation, MAV and I discuss the transformative power of hiking and backpacking, exploring personal experiences, the challenges of long-distancetrails, and the connections made along the way. Mav sharesinsights on his journey through various trails, the significance of trail names, and the impact of hiking on his perception of people. We also delve into the balance between work and hiki...

Today’s episode features Alyssa Cass—known on the trail as Bliss —whose journey began growing up near the Appalachian Trail and led to a life-changing thru-hike. Along the way, she faced intense physical and emotional challenges, learning the power of mental toughness, adaptability, and even how to lighten both her pack and her mindset. With the support of a strong trail community, nature became a...

In this episode of Hiker Sessions, Father Tom shares his incredible journey of hiking the Eastern Continental Trail, covering approximately 5,700 miles in just ten months. After retiring from the New York City Fire Department, he embarked on this adventure starting January 1st, inspired by the desire to complete what he couldn't in his youth. Throughout the conversation, he discusses the emoti...

In this conversation I sat down with Ben Cox, who is known as Paladin on the trail. He and I discuss various aspects of hiking, including the emergence of social media, the significance of trail names, and the influence of family on outdoor pursuits. We also talk about the transition from casual hiking to long-distance trails, exploring personal growth and finding coping mechanisms developed throu...

In this episode of Hiker Sessions, I sat down with good friend of the show Huckleberry, the owner of Huckleberry's Hostel, and he reflects on his first year of operation. We discuss the differences between being a hiker and a hostel owner, the mental and physical challenges he faced, and the importance of camaraderie among hikers. Huckleberry shares his insights on managing a hostel year-round...

Hello and welcome back to Hiker Sessions. In this episode, we sit down with Christian Rivera, also known as Captain on the Trail, during his 2024 Appalachian Trail thru-hike. From hisroots as an All-American fencer to his transformative experiences on the trail, Captain shares how his competitive spirit and drive have shaped his life and adventures. Join us as we delve into his inspiring story of...

In this engaging conversation, myself and Maxheap (Michael Goshey) explore the transformative power of long-distance hiking. We discuss the emotional and physical challenges of hiking, the importance of community and relationships formed on the trail, and the personal growth that comes from these experiences. Maxheap shares his journey through the Appalachian Trail, Continental Divide Trail, and P...