Inside The Line: The Catskill Mountains Podcast

Welcome to Episode 203 of Inside The Line: The Catskill Mountains Podcast! This week, Tad and I crack open the notes on 2025 and take a full look back at the year that was. We dive into the most-listened-to episodes, our personal favorites, and revisit the hot topics that kept popping up throughout the year. We also talk about the latest addition to the Fire Tower Challenge, unpack a tragic death...

Welcome to Episode 202 of Inside The Line: The Catskill Mountains Podcast! This week, it’s just Stash behind the mic with award-winning photographer Raymond Salani, chasing the Catskills one frame at a time. Tad jumps in at the top as we break down a homicide at the Croton Falls Reservoir, two rescues on Giant Ledge, and the annual tradition of New Year’s resolutions we may or may not keep. Make s...

Welcome to Episode 201 Part 2 of Inside The Line: The Catskill Mountains Podcast! This week Alex Marra from Hudson Valley Weather jumps back on and joins us to chat about microclimates in the Catskills and how they can affect us while on the trail. We also chat about stocking stuffers, an unfortunate incident on Panther Mountain and a trail director in the Whites that is guilty of embezzling money...

Welcome to Episode 201 Part 1 of Inside The Line: The Catskill Mountains Podcast! This week Alex Marra from Hudson Valley Weather jumps back on and joins us to chat about microclimates in the Catskills and how they can affect us while on the trail. We also chat about stocking stuffers, an unfortunate incident on Panther Mountain and a trail director in the Whites that is guilty of embezzling money...

Welcome to Episode 200 of Inside The Line: The Catskill Mountains Podcast! This week, we welcome author Lucy Sante for a powerful conversation about the drowned towns of the Catskill reservoirs—what was gained, what was lost, and the echoes that still linger beneath the water. We also catch up on a trail run at Belleayre Ski Center, another fresh blanket of Catskills snow, and the unsettling story...

Welcome to Episode 199 of Inside The Line: The Catskill Mountains Podcast! Lisa Morales aka Chaoticquixotic joins us to unpack her latest adventures roaming the Catskills and Adirondacks, sharing the kind of stories that remind you why we keep returning to the mountains. We also dive into a Utah dad who took a “family outing” to a… questionable level, an Adirondack rescue that proves Mother Nature...

Welcome to Episode 198 of Inside The Line: The Catskill Mountains Podcast! On this episode, natureaddictlady — a.k.a. Diana — jumps back on the mic and brings the heat to a wintery topic: hiking with dogs in the cold months. Diana shares her go-to winter gear recommendations for your four-legged trail buddy, how to keep your dog comfortable, safe, and happy on snowy adventures, and her favorite be...

Welcome to Episode 197 of Inside The Line: The Catskill Mountains Podcast! In this episode, Tad and I shine the spotlight on loyal listener Jeff Jotz. Jeff shows up with his four-legged hiking boss Orla, who may or may not be the real reason he gets outdoors. Jeff dishes out his go-to New Jersey hiking spots, shares some gear tips, and tries not to humble-brag too hard about his miles. We also cha...

Welcome to Episode 196 of Inside The Line: The Catskill Mountains Podcast! On this episode, Tad and I sit down with adventurer, writer, and author Erik Schlimmer for a wild and insightful chat. Erik dives into his mission to summit the seldom-visited Catskill 200 peaks, shares stories from his time as an Assistant Forest Ranger and his quests of paddling major rivers from their source to the sea!...

Welcome to Episode 195 of Inside The Line: The Catskill Mountains Podcast! On this episode, Tad and I kick off our shoes (literally) with author and barefoot badass Ken Posner to talk about his new book Chasing The Grid. We get into how this wild idea came about, what it’s like to hike without shoes, and some of Ken’s adventures beyond the Catskills. Plus, we check in on the saga of the immovable...

Welcome to Episode 194 of Inside The Line: The Catskill Mountains Podcast! On this episode, Tad and I chat with Julie McGuire and Jaime Kennard about their new documentary called Queen of the Catskills — a wild ride through skiing the High Peaks and surviving to tell the tale. We also talk about unprepared hikers turning New Hampshire, local breweries teaming up for good (and for beer), and how yo...

Welcome to Episode 193 of Inside The Line: The Catskill Mountains Podcast! On this episode, Tad and I join forces with licensed guide Sean Ianucci to talk about the preparations you need to make for winter hiking and suggested winter hiking gear. We also chat about recent rescues, the Cascade Center on sale and the Strava vs Garmin drama. Make sure to subscribe on your favorite platform, share the...

Welcome to Episode 192 of Inside The Line: The Catskill Mountains Podcast! On this episode, Tad and I dive headfirst into Halloween! We’re talking eerie trails, haunted hikes, and a Catskill mystery that’s been lurking for nearly a decade — the tale of the Catskill Crone. Plus, we break down some recent rescues and the latest on Whiteface Mountain facing charges for illegal tree cutting. Make sure...

Welcome to Episode 191 of Inside The Line: The Catskill Mountains Podcast! On this episode, we sit down with surveyor and historian Rick Brooks to unravel the story behind the Hardenbergh Patent — the massive 18th-century land grant that shaped the Catskills and stirred up plenty of controversy along the way. We also catch up on Killian Jornet’s latest feat and a recent rescue on the Devil’s Path....

Welcome to Episode 190 of Inside The Line: The Catskill Mountains Podcast! On this episode, we hang out with filmmaker Shai Ben-Dor to chat about The Long Path: A Journey of Becoming —the behind-the-scenes chaos, the tough moments, and the big message they wanted to share. Plus, we dive into the latest on Killian Jornet, a few rescues, and everyone’s favorite nightmare fuel… ticks. Make sure to su...

Welcome to Episode 189 of Inside The Line: The Catskill Mountains Podcast! On this episode, we sit down with Alex Gross from the Voyageurs Wolf Project to chat about what it’s like studying wolves and whether New York could see them return someday. We also catch up on the latest trail buzz from the women’s AT FKT and men’s unsupported FKT to the growing impact of the Jackson Petition. Make sure to...

Welcome to Episode 188 of Inside The Line: The Catskill Mountains Podcast! Tonight on the show, Tad hijacks the mic to interrogate Stash about his epic backpacking trip in New Hampshire. We’re also gossiping about the Adirondacks manhunt, the state drought that just won’t quit, and trying to decide if the Hudson River’s new green-slime counts as a health drink or a horror movie. Make sure to subsc...

Welcome to Episode 187 of Inside The Line: The Catskill Mountains Podcast! Tonight on the show, trail runner Andrew Hutchinson joins us fresh off his victory at the 48th Escarpment Trail Run! We dig into what it took to conquer this iconic race, then switch gears to talk about a not so normal rescue on Giant Ledge, a small forest fire on Rocky Mountain and Kilian Jornet’s latest record-setting att...

Special episode release! Ever wondered what it really takes to earn that ranger badge? This week I’m hanging out with Ranger Nathan Jeffery, swapping stories about the wild ride from rookie training to day-to-day adventures on the job — and all the unexpected joys that come with protecting our forests. Need a sticker? Shoot me an email or stop by Camp Catskill and grab one! Make sure to subscribe...

Welcome to Episode 186 of Inside The Line: The Catskill Mountains Podcast! Tonight, we’re rolling into the world of bike packing with Tyler Burton of Lichen Bike Tours. From essential gear to backcountry adventures, Tyler breaks down everything you need to hit the roads and trails on two wheels. We also chat about the lighting of the fire towers, previous hikes and a rattlesnake relocation. Make s...

Welcome to Episode 185 of Inside The Line: The Catskill Mountains Podcast! Tonight, we’re joined by Scott van Laer to dive into the story of the Forest Ranger Foundation—a volunteer-driven effort making sure New York’s forest rangers have the gear and support they need when it matters most. We’ll also talk about Tara Dower’s impressive FKT, a tragic drowning in Harriman, and the latest rescues fro...

Welcome to Episode 184 of Inside The Line: The Catskill Mountains Podcast! Tonight, we hear a first-hand account of a Catskills rescue. Kate Henderson shares her story of fracturing her ankle on Dry Brook Ridge and what it was like to be carried out of the wilderness. Joining us is past guest Joanne, who witnessed the rescue and offers her own perspective. We’ll also dive into the recent hiking ba...

Welcome to Episode 183 of Inside The Line: The Catskill Mountains Podcast! Tonight, I go solo for the first half, rambling about recent stories, recent hikes and more. Then in the second half, Tad and I chat about the recent DEC webinar on the informal trails VUMP. Make sure to subscribe on your favorite platform, share the show, donate if you feel like it… or just keep tuning in. I'm just gratefu...

Welcome to Episode 182 of Inside The Line: The Catskill Mountains Podcast! Tonight, Tad and I are diving into UMPs—yeah, those mysterious Unit Management Plans. We’ll chat about what they actually are, why they matter for the places we hike, and how you can get involved without falling asleep. Make sure to subscribe on your favorite platform, share the show, donate if you feel like it… or just kee...

Welcome to Episode 181 of Inside The Line: The Catskill Mountains Podcast! Tonight, Tad and I sit down with “The Bald Eagle Guy” himself—Scott Van Arsdale. From climbing trees to rescue eaglets to helping bring America’s national symbol back from the brink, Scott’s done it all. We dive into his remarkable career, his new book, and the untold stories behind decades of eagle conservation in the Nort...