Just Trek Podcast

On this episode I have LA based runner, explorer, peak bagger, DJ & musician, and culture + brand marketer, Mark Faicol,  join me on the show.  We talk about running and training with boxing legend Manny Pacquiao,  our beginning peak bagging journey together, summiting LA's toughest mountains (Iron Mt, Mt Baldy, Strawberry Peak), running & hiking tips, and his experience com...

On this episode I have Toronto based international explorer, digital entrepreneur,  global trekker, and solo female traveler, Sarah Angela Nacario,  join me on the show. We talk about the challenges of being a female solo traveler,  trusting the kindness of strangers, tips and advice for solo travel,  and the kindness of the backpacking community. Sarah has traveled to over 35+...

On this episode I have LA based peak bagger, explorer, community leader,  and the founder of Complete Summit hiking, Jesse Vallejo,  join me on the show. We talk about the backstory behind Complete Summit, tips & advice for long day hikes, his favorite Southern California mountains, and the awesome work he has done in the community. Jesse aims to spread the positivity we share in the...

On this episode I have California based peak bagger, nature lover, rock climber, and national park explorer, Francis Ngo (@sicnarfone),  join me on the show.  We talk about his love for national parks (Yosemite, Zion, Crater Lake, etc) , tips for long day hikes, his Eastern Sierras getaway trip, and our journey tackling the Six Pack of Peaks challenge last year together. We reminisce abo...

On this episode I have LA based peak bagger, travel nurse, and adventurer, Katie Beczak (@katiefrances42),  join me on the show. We talk about her wild Mount Whitney experience and how it was a tale of two  journeys. One being a triumphant story of conquering the tallest mountain in the continental US and the other being a rescue story of her being saved by a helicopter. It was a day for the memor...

On this episode, I jump into part 2 of Jesse Fernandez's story.  He is a LA based peak bagger, trail boss, and is the founder of the group MidWeekHikers.  We talk about his dangerous experiences in the mountains, his greatest fears while on a hike, how I met him at his Sunset Peak B-Day celebration,  and who inspires him in the outdoor community.  Follow MidWeekHikers on Instag...

On this episode I have LA based peak bagger, dog lover, mechanic, trail boss, and the founder of MidWeekHikers, Jess Fernandez,  join me on the show. We talk about the backstory behind creating MidWeekHikers, tips for long day hikes, Iron Mountain to Mount Baldy (aka San Antonio Ridge Traverse), and must do outdoor experiences in the Southern California mountains. Jesse is a beloved person in...

On this episode I have California based peak bagger, explorer, nurse, and international trekker, Kaye Treso (@the_petite_trekker),  join me on the show. We talk about our epic journey conquering Mt. Whitney - the tallest mountain in the continental United States @ 14,508 feet. We did this as a 22 mile day hike in July 2019 and it was an adventure for the books that we will never forget - one of ou...

On this episode I have LA based peak bagger, poet, designer, youth advocate,  and the founder of RYP Hiking, Jose Zelada,  join me on the show. We talk about building community + positive relationships, his favorite hikes in SoCal, persevering Iron Mountain, the story behind RYP Hiking, and how he uses his platform to serve youth at risk and families. Add another hiking challenge to your...

On this episode I have fellow mountaineer, ultra runner, and the founder of TRVRS Outdoors & the Fool's Traverse,  Ricardo Soria,  join me on the show. We talk about how he turned an unfortunate incident into an outdoor + lifestyle brand loved by the SoCal community,  his design and entrepreneurial background, stories from his wild outdoor adventures, essential  tips for backcountry hikes (ie. Cac...

On this episode I have LA based peak bagger, runner, explorer, and the founder of #JaguarHikes, Salvador Alvarez (@jaguarhikes, @jaguarruns) join me on the show. We talk about his epic Mt. Whitney journey, how the 52 Hike Challenge provided a spark, essential hiking tips for long day hikes, the story behind his group Jaguar Hikes, and how his Jaguar team are supporting good causes through the #Jag...

On this episode I have LA based peak bagger, educator, and explorer Dora Santana (@hiking_lotusflower) join me on the show. We talk about her journey completing the SoCal Six Pack of Peaks challenge, tips for long day hikes, slaying the beast Iron Mountain, and how hiking has been a transformational journey to becoming the best version of herself and achieving sobriety. To conclude the episode, we...

On this episode I have International model, actress,  and California peak bagger Paloma Esmeria (@palomagram) join me on the show. We talk about her big move from the Philippines to Los Angeles, how the Wisdom tree hike sparked her peak bagging mentality, her journey completing the Six Pack of Peaks challenge, and surviving hypothermia at San Gorgonio and a heat stroke at The Punch Bowl. Paloma wa...

On this episode, I have creative director and global content creator Luis Guanzon (@luis_guanzon, @bemoremedia) of BeMoreMedia  join us on the show.  We talk about the release of his new travel film which debuted at the Mobile World Congress Awards in Barcelona, how he won an international film contest from a family vacation, national park adventures with the fam, and international road tripping w...

On this episode, I have LA based art director, designer, rock climber, and fellow trekker Linda Danh (@hellolindadanh, linda-danh.com)  join us on the show. We talk about her cancelled Peru trip, conquering Half Dome, Cave of Munits, and dig deeper with what the outdoors means to her. To conclude the episode, I specify resources for those who are daring enough to attempt Half Dome - it is Yos...

On this episode, Marc and I continue sharing stories from our beginning hikes. We reminisce about Portuguese Bend,  Joshua Tree, Paramount Ranch, and Malibu Creek State Park. We conclude the episode with a fun Q&A segment in a rapid fire format.  ___  View photos from these hikes on justtrek.net Want to send me a message?  Email me at justin@justtrek.net or DM  me on Instagram on @just.trek or my...

On this episode, I have LA based producer Marc Nieto (@marcnifcenttv) as the  first featured guest of the podcast. We reminisce about the journey and share stories and moments from our beginning hikes (from April 2017 and on) such as Corral Canyon, Point Dume, Sandstone Peak, Murphy’s Ranch,  and Echo Mountain in the San Gabriel mountains. To conclude the episode, I discuss what items to...

On this episode,  I give a brief introduction of myself and explain what you can expect on the Just Trek podcast. Let the journey begin.  ___ Want to send me a message? Email me at justin@justtrek.net or DM  me on Instagram on @just.trek or my personal @justroc. Like the show? Consider supporting the podcast: https://anchor.fm/justtrek/support