Hiker Trash Radio

In this episode of Hiker Trash Radio, Dena Carr, a mother of eight and accomplished trail runner, discusses her journey to achieving the fastest known time (FKT) on the Colorado Trail. Despite facing significant challenges during her previous attempts, including injury, altitude sickness, and running out of food, Dena persevered to set a record of 15 days, 11 hours, and 45 minutes. She opens up ab...

In this episode of Hiker Trash Radio, Doc welcomes ultra runner Dena Carr to the podcast. The discussion delves into Dena's love for the outdoors, her recent attempt at the Colorado Trail FKT (Fastest Known Time), and the equipment that she can't go without. Dina shares personal and harrowing experiences from her time on the trail, including a life-threatening moment during a night hike. She also...

In this episode, Doc talks with Sue "Firefly" Neuhauser, about her unexpected journey to becoming a Triple Crowner. Sue shares her harrowing experience of a severe spinal injury caused by hiking with her dog and reflects on her unplanned hikes on the PCT and CDT, and the forced furlough that led her to complete the AT. She discusses dealing with mental health issues like PTSD and anxiety...

In this episode of Hiker Trash Radio, host Doc introduces Sue "Firefly" Neuhauser, a Triple Crowner who landed in the thru-hiking world entirely by accident. Firefly shares stories from her extensive trail experiences, including how she started hiking the PCT during the pandemic, her gear evolution from novice to seasoned backpacker, and some of her most memorable trail moments. Listen i...

Rocket and Stump break down the crucial facts about bear encounters. Learn what triggers black and grizzly bear attacks, why your response must differ by species, and the smart protocols to stay safe. They share real-life examples and hard-earned trail wisdom so you can hike prepared—not scared. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and...

In this bonus episode of Hiker Trash Radio's 'The Last 10,' Doc engages in a rapid-fire Q&A with renowned thru hiker Liz Thomas. Liz shares highlights from her recent adventures, including a hike along the Pacific Crest Trail and connections made along the way. She humorously recounts trail experiences, her current read, and other personal tidbits. This bite-sized episode offers an intimate sn...

In this episode, Doc talks to Joe Duncan, also known as Canada Joe, about his background as a detective and how he sought healing in nature by hiking the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). Joe shares his experiences convincing his wife, navigating the challenging PCT terrain, encountering wildlife, and overcoming fears. We also dive into his time hiking with his son on the Appalachian Trail and his short-...

In this episode of Hiker Trash Radio, host Doc welcomes Joe Duncan, also known as Canada Joe, a seasoned thru hiker from Thunder Bay, Ontario. They discuss Joe's journey on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), his trail name origin, and his preferred hiking gear. Joe shares insights on thru hiker culture, the importance of trail angels, and his personal battle with PTSD from his time as a police detecti...

In this episode, Doc talks with Davey DeVito, aka GeoDude, about his various long-distance adventures, including cycling across the United States and his attempt at completing the Great Western Loop. Davey shares his experiences, challenges, and insights from these journeys. He discusses the preparation and execution of his cross-country cycling trip, including navigating diverse terrains and deal...

In this episode of Hiker Trash Radio, host Doc welcomes thru hiker David DeVito, also known as GeoDude, who shares his adventures and insights from an impressive 16,000+ human-powered miles on various trails. GeoDude recounts his introduction to thru hiking, his early hikes on the Appalachian Trail, and his recent epic journey on the Great Western Loop. The discussion features David's best and wor...

Rocket and Stump analyze major hiking and climbing accidents from 2025 around the world, highlighting common risk factors and sharing hard-learned safety tips. From the high Himalayas to local American trails and the bustling European Alps, they draw lessons everyone can use to hike smarter and safer. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collectio...

In this bonus episode of Hiker Trash Radio, host Doc delves into the 'Last 10' with guest Sue Neuhauser, a temporarily stranded Austrian in Los Angeles dealing with trail depression and a broken spine. Sue shares the last adventure she finished, her current struggles, and a series of 'lasts' including songs listened to, latest purchases, and surprising moments. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz com...

In this episode, Doc talks with Victoria Bruce about her harrowing childhood experiences, including being shipwrecked as a toddler and coping with PTSD and substance abuse through her formative years. Victoria shares insights from her book, 'Adventures with Emilie,' which details her healing journey on New Zealand's TA trail with her 7-year-old daughter. She discusses overcoming the trauma of her...

In this episode of Hiker Trash Radio, Doc interviews author and seasoned tramper Victoria Bruce about her experiences on New Zealand's Te Araroa trail. Victoria shares insights from her thru hike with her young daughter, the challenges and highlights of their journey, and the invaluable lessons learned along the way. The conversation covers Victoria's favorite gear, her thoughts on trail wisdom, a...

In this episode, we converse with Alex Maier, a filmmaker, and dedicated hiker. Alex shares his journey from his first thru hike and his profound experience on the PNT in 2015, which led him to a career in outdoor filmmaking. He recounts hair-raising encounters in the wilderness, the influential hikers he has met, and the essential life lessons he gathered from hiking. Alex also discusses his coll...

In this episode of Hiker Trash Radio, Doc welcomes Alex Maier, a thru hiker, filmmaker, and occasional podcaster, known for his documentary 'Figuring It Out on the Hayduke.' They dive into Alex's trail experiences, gear preferences, and memorable moments, including the importance of camera gear, a unique hitchhiking story, and his fascinating encounter with an unidentifiable creature on the CDT. T...

Rocket and Stump dive into the emotional challenges many long-distance hikers face after finishing a big trek. They discuss what post-trail depression looks like, why it happens, and actionable steps to move forward. This episode brings honest conversation and personal stories to help hikers feel less alone as they transition from the trail to everyday life. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz compan...

In this bonus episode of Hiker Trash Radio, Doc engages in The Last 10 with thru hiker, bike packer, and ultra runner Davy DeVito. Listen in as Davy shares his latest adventures, musical inspirations, gear tips, and daily life insights. From his recent trek on the Chinook Trail to a surprising curry recipe, and his dream of living the van life, get to know Davy in this fun-sized episode designed t...

In this Classic Doc episode from 2021, Doc hikes down a side trail this week, as guests and listeners share their trail names and the sometimes hilarious, sometimes scary, and always engaging stories behind them. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/hikertrashradio/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection an...

In this episode, Doc talks with John Kelly, eight-time Barkley Marathons competitor. They discuss his experiences with the peculiar and challenging ultra-marathon, the race’s unique and arbitrary rules, and his recent participation in the 2025 event. The conversation covers the race dynamics, the intriguing stories of other participants, and the race's increased difficulty level. John shares his t...

In this exciting episode of Hiker Trash Radio, Doc interviews the legendary ultra runner John Kelly, a three-time finisher of the grueling Barkley Marathons. They discuss John's background, his introduction to ultra running, and some of his most memorable moments on the trail. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal dat...

True tales of survival and rescue on the Pacific Crest Trail reveal the power of preparation and the lifesaving role of trail community and search-and-rescue teams. Rocket and Stump break down incredible stories of grit, luck, and the essential lessons for every hiker. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for ad...

Settle in and buckle up as Doc puts Kiwi tramper and author Victoria Bruce through The Last 10! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Quadruple Crowner (yes, you read that right!) Wesley "Megaman" Tils takes a brief respite from the trail to share some of the wildest thru hiking stories you have ever heard. Get comfortable and make sure you are either in a seated position or you have a good hold on your trekking poles as Megaman takes us through a rollicking tour of Type II Fun. During the chat, Megaman discusses how d...

In this episode, the host converses with Wesley 'Megaman' Tils, an avid hiker and archeologist known for his challenging desert hikes. Wesley shares his recent adventures, including hiking the Tahoe Rim Trail, the River to River Trail, the Pinhoti Trail, the Mojave Sonoran Trail, and the Hayduke Trail. He recounts various encounters, challenges, and the unique beauty of desert hiking. Additionally...