Hiker Trash Radio

In this episode of Hiker Trash Radio, Doc interviews Steve 'Walmart' Yale, an experienced thru hiker with over 13,000 trail miles under his belt. They discuss Steve's unconventional start using Walmart gear, his colorful trail experiences, and his unique insights into the Appalachian Trail. Steve shares his background, including his time as a carnival worker, and his many adventures on the trail,...

Rocket and Stump dig deep into the real causes of extreme trail hunger, the hormonal chaos driving it, and the tricks thru hikers use to fight back. From metabolic ceilings to craving-driven pig-outs, this episode breaks down what really happens to your body and brain on the long trail. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of pe...

In this special bonus episode of Hiker Trash Radio, host Doc welcomes Dylan 'Mister Six' Thomas, who shares his extraordinary adventure of utilizing a Six Flags dining pass to its fullest. From saving on meals to riding rollercoasters almost daily, Dylan recounts how his unique lifestyle choice garnished international attention and how it eventually led to significant life changes, including payin...

In this episode of Hiker Trash Radio, host Doc talks with Luke 'Bus' Pearsall, founder of Trail Goods Company. Luke shares his journey from working in Hollywood to leading treks in South America at the age of 25, despite having never left the country before. He discusses the challenges and adventures that shaped him, leading to his eventual founding of Trail Goods Co., a company specializing in pr...

In this episode of Hiker Trash Radio, host Doc converses with Luke 'Bus' Pearsall, a thru hiker and the founder of Trail Goods Company. Luke shares his experiences on various trails, how he earned his trail name, and the story behind starting his trail food company. The discussion includes his adventures on the Colorado Trail, his worst gear mistake, and how his upbringing influenced his love for...

In this episode of Hiker Trash Radio, host Doc talks with Mike 'Snazzy' Stone, a Triple Crown thru hiker known for his high fashion sense on the trail. Snazzy shares his journey of completing the PCT in 2019, the AT in 2021, and the CDT in 2024. With captivating stories of solitude, blister battles, harsh weather conditions, and encounters with wildlife, Snazzy provides an in-depth look at what it...

In this episode of Hiker Trash Radio, host Doc converses with Triple Crown thru hiker Mike 'Snazzy' Stone. They discuss Snazzy's journey across the Pacific Crest Trail, Appalachian Trail, and Continental Divide Trail. Snazzy shares insights on gear preferences, trail experiences, and gives a humorous take on his hiker trash moments. He recounts the challenges, the joy of completing the Triple Crow...

Rocket and Stump break down the unwritten social rules every thru hiker needs to know, from Leave No Trace and yielding etiquette to quiet hours in camp. This episode dives into the everyday norms that keep the long-trail community safe, supportive, and fun for everyone. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for...

In this special bonus episode of Hiker Trash Radio, host Doc welcomes back Anna 'Magic' McKinney-Smith, the podcast's 2025 PCT Correspondent, who has successfully completed the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). Recorded two months after finishing the trek, Anna shares her insights and experiences, from the high challenges of Northern California's burnt areas to the relatively easier terrains of Oregon an...

In this episode of Hiker Trash Radio, host Doc interviews Jared 'Snackbox' Champion—a seasoned thru hiker and author—about his unique adventures on the Colorado Trail. Jared discusses his multiple treks, including a special hike using only gear from 1974 to celebrate the trail's 50th anniversary. He also shares the romantic story of meeting his wife on the trail, insights into vintage hiking gear,...

In this episode of Hiker Trash Radio, host Doc welcomes thru hiker and author Jared 'Snackbox' Champion. They discuss the essentials for aspiring 'hiker trash,' including favorite gear, hiking hacks, and unique trail experiences, such as Jared's amusing bear encounter. Jared shares his passion for the Colorado Trail, offers tips on ultralight backpacking, and recounts both challenging and joyous m...

In this episode of Hiker Trash Radio, host Doc interviews Chris 'Mouse' DiFranco, who shares his incredible journey of hiking 4,000 miles in a year. Starting with the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), Mouse details his adventures on various trails across the U.S. and Europe, including the Oregon Coast Trail, Grand Canyon, Madeira Crossing in Portugal, and the Camino de Santiago in Spain. He talks about t...

In this episode of Hiker Trash Radio, host Doc interviews thru hiker Chris 'Mouse' DiFranco, who shares his experiences on the trail, his trail name origin story, worst gear mistakes, and more. Chris recounts his high school athletic achievements, adventures on the PCT, including treacherous conditions and memorable trail towns. The discussion also highlights Chris's background, how he got into th...

Rocket and Stump unpack the challenge, history, and logistics behind the elusive Calendar Year Triple Crown. Discover what it takes to attempt all three major US long-distance trails within a single year, and hear about the hikers who've made history. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this special ad-free bonus episode of Hiker Trash Radio, host Doc reconnects with thru hiker Jacob Pepper, also known as 'Pepper.' Jacob discusses his expansive hiking career, highlighting his monumental achievement of completing the Eastern Continental Trail (ECT) extended edition. Throughout the episode, Jacob shares the highs and lows of his journey, including covering over 5,800 miles in ni...

In this episode of Hiker Trash Radio, host Doc interviews Jocelyn 'PBS' Smith, a thru hiker and CPTSD survivor. Jocelyn shares her ambitious plans to undertake the border-to-border calendar year triple crown hike, teaming up with another hiker, Lolo "Sparkle" Veloz. She discusses the personal motivations behind this endeavor and her efforts to raise awareness and support for Complex Post...

In this episode of Hiker Trash Radio, host Doc welcomes back thru hiker and repeat guest Jocelyn 'PBS' Smith. They discuss everything from cold soaking on the AT to life-saving moments on the Arizona Trail, share stories of favorite trail segments, and reveal Jocelyn’s quirky trail name evolution. This engaging conversation covers gear preferences, best and worst hiking decisions, and memorable hi...

In this episode of Hiker Trash Radio, host Doc interviews Stuart Hislop, better known as Walkabout, who completed his first major American long trail by hiking the Appalachian Trail in 2025. Stuart shares his inspiring story of overcoming alcoholism, discovering the therapeutic benefits of hiking, and his goal of achieving the Triple Crown by also hiking the PCT and CDT. He reflects on his prepara...

In this episode of Hiker Trash Radio, host Doc chats with Australian thru hiker Stuart 'Walkabout' Hislop. Walkabout discusses his adventures on the Appalachian Trail, including his trail name origin, differences between American and Australian hiking culture, and memorable experiences. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of pe...

Rocket and Stump dive into the wildest race no one finishes: the Barkley Marathons. They unravel how this punishing Tennessee trail event became the ultimate test of human resilience and legend, Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this bonus episode of Hiker Trash Radio, host Doc interviews Steve 'Walmart' Yale, a seasoned thru hiker with over 13,000 miles under his belt. Through a series of ten rapid-fire questions, Steve shares stories about his recent adventures, favorite songs, and the last piece of advice he gave. Get to know Walmart as he reveals what makes him tick and offers a glimpse into the life of a dedicated...

In this episode of Hiker Trash Radio, host Doc interviews Chris Griffith, an avid peak bagger based in San Diego. They delve into the logistics and planning involved in completing the 100 Peak Challenge within a year and the unique challenges of the San Diego Sierra Club's 100 Peak Challenge. Chris discusses his extensive hiking experiences, strategies for tackling multiple peaks, essential gear,...

In this episode of Hiker Trash Radio, host Doc welcomes Chris Griffith, an avid peak bagger from San Diego. Chris shares his journey from growing up in Bakersfield to becoming a peak bagging enthusiast. The discussion includes Chris's experiences with kayaking, his evolution into peak bagging, and details of his ambitious 100 Peak Challenge. Chris also provides gear tips, favorite trail snacks, an...

In this episode of Hiker Trash Radio, host Doc interviews Ezra 'Extra' Johnson, an experienced Triple Crown thru hiker and ultralight backpacker. Extra shares his journey from starting the Appalachian Trail at 18 to completing all three major U.S. long-distance trails. He discusses his gear evolution, philosophy on ultralight backpacking, and the mental challenges faced on the trail. Extra also ta...

In this episode of Hiker Trash Radio, host Doc interviews Ezra "Extra" Johnson, a seasoned thru hiker and ultralight backpacking enthusiast. Extra discusses his journey on some of America's iconic trails, including the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, and Continental Divide Trail, sharing his evolution in gear and philosophy. He offers insights into the mental and physical challen...