Kokoda Track

Thinking about walking the Kokoda Track? After more than 100 crossings, Glenn Azar shares the 10 biggest mistakes he sees trekkers make before they arrive in Papua New Guinea—and, more importantly, how to avoid them. From training mistakes and gear choices to mindset, foot care and cultural respect, this episode is packed with practical advice that will help you prepare for one of the world&...

As the sun rises over the Kokoda Track, a sense of pride and respect fills the air. This week on the Kokoda Track Podcast, we're joined by Leah, an environmental scientist who's just completed the grueling 96-kilometer trek. With a group of diverse individuals, including doctors, farmers, and teenagers, Leah shares her inspiring story of perseverance and camaraderie. Leah's experience on the track...

Most people think Kokoda is just a trek through the jungles of Papua New Guinea. They’re wrong. After more than 100 crossings of the Kokoda Track, Glenn Azar has come to believe there are actually three different Kokodas that every trekker experiences. The first is the history. The incredible story of the 1942 campaign and the courage of the young Aust...

What Happens When Kokoda Doesn't Go To Plan? A Conversation with Angela In this episode of The Kokoda Track Podcast, I sit down with Angela to discuss a Kokoda experience that didn't quite go the way she expected. Like many trekkers, Angela arrived on the Track excited, prepared and ready for what she thought would be one of the most rewarding adventures of her life. Instead, she found herself nav...

Episode Show Notes This week's episode is a special one for me. I'm joined by my good mate Michael, who has just completed his second crossing of the Kokoda Track with me. What makes this achievement even more impressive is that Michael first crossed Kokoda 22 years ago at the age of 40, and has now returned at 62 years of age to tackle the challenge once again. This time he brought his son along,...

What Happens When Leadership Doesn't Meet the Environment? This is one of the most important episodes we've ever recorded on The Kokoda Track Podcast. After receiving numerous messages from listeners, trekkers and trek leaders regarding a recent review posted online, Glenn takes a deep dive into the lessons that can be learned when a Kokoda experience doesn't meet expectations. This episode is not...

In this episode of The Kokoda Track Podcast, I want to talk about something that can make or break your experience on the Track, but doesn't get discussed nearly enough: leadership. Most people spend a lot of time researching boots, backpacks, training programs and gear. Very few spend enough time thinking about who will actually be leading them through one of the most physically, emotionally and...

As the host of the Kokoda Track Podcast, Glenn shares a deeply personal and emotional episode, reflecting on his 100th crossing of the infamous Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea. This journey has been a transformative experience that has shaped his life in ways he never could have imagined. In this episode, Glenn takes a moment to express his gratitude to the people, country, and experiences that h...

In this episode of the Kokoda Track Podcast, host Glenn Azar chats with Dave Tennant, a fit and adventurous bloke who tackled the infamous Kokoda Track last year. From his initial motivation to join the trek to the lessons he learned along the way, Dave shares his inspiring story. He talks about the group dynamic, the challenges he faced, and the highlights of the trip, including the emotional mom...

In this episode of the Kokoda Track Podcast, host Glenn Azar shares his thoughts on the importance of respecting the history and culture of the Kokoda Track. He reflects on the debates and arguments that often arise online about the correct way to experience the track, and how this can be a distraction from the true spirit of the place. Glenn emphasizes the need to prioritize education, respect, a...

In this episode of the Kokoda Track Podcast, host Glenn Azar chats with Amanda, a solo traveler who embarked on the challenging Kokoda Track trek. Amanda shares her inspiring story of perseverance and self-discovery, from her initial nervousness to finding strength in the face of adversity. She talks about the importance of mental preparation, the value of a supportive community, and the life-chan...

In this special episode of the Kokoda Track Podcast, host Glenn Azar shares valuable insights and practical tips for trekkers preparing to tackle the Kokoda Track. As the ANZAC period approaches, Glenn emphasizes the importance of mindset and preparation, encouraging listeners to lean into the challenges ahead. He shares personal anecdotes and expert advice on how to make the most of the experienc...

In this episode of the Kokoda Track Podcast, Glenn chats with Mike, a remarkable individual who defied the odds to complete the Kokoda Track despite being diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. Mike shares his inspiring story of determination and resilience, from his initial doubts to his incredible achievement. Glenn and Mike discuss the challenges he faced on the track, including the physical and e...

The Kokoda Track doesn’t care about gender — but preparation does. In this episode of the Kokoda Track Podcast, Glenn Azar speaks directly to the women who are preparing to walk Kokoda, or who feel the quiet pull of the Track but want to make sure they’re approaching it the right way. Drawing on decades of on-ground experience leading women across Kokoda, Glenn shares ten things...

In this episode of the Kokoda Track Podcast, host Glenn Azar chats with Graham Murphy, a 59-year-old truck driver who's just completed the grueling Kokoda Track. Graham shares his inspiring story of perseverance, from being told by his doctor he wouldn't make it to his 40th birthday due to his health, to training on the road and overcoming numerous setbacks, including COVID-19 and track closures....

Tok Pisin on Kokoda: Language as Respect Language is one of the simplest — and most powerful — ways to show respect on the Kokoda Track. In this first episode of the Cultural Series on The Kokoda Track Podcast , Glenn Azar explores  Tok Pisin , one of Papua New Guinea’s main languages, and explains why learning just a few basic phrases can completely change how trekkers are...

In this episode of the Kokoda Track Podcast, host Glenn Azar chats with Kevin, a dad who trekked the Kokoda Track with his adult kids and their partners. Kevin shares his unique perspective on the experience, highlighting the importance of family bonding and the challenges of tackling the grueling 96-kilometer trek. He opens up about his own personal growth, the impact of the journey on his kids,...

Porters, Ethics, and Responsibility on Kokoda Porters are the backbone of every Kokoda trek — yet their role is often misunderstood or overlooked. In this episode of  The Kokoda Track Podcast , Glenn Azar explores the ethical responsibilities that come with trekking Kokoda and explains why porter welfare, respect, and partnership matter far more than convenience. Drawing on decades of o...

Fitness for Kokoda: What Actually Matters Fitness is one of the biggest concerns people have before trekking Kokoda — and one of the most misunderstood. In this episode of The Kokoda Track Podcast , Glenn Azar breaks down what kind of fitness Kokoda actually demands, drawing on more than 90 crossings of the Track and years of preparing people for the journey. Rather than focusing on speed or...

In this episode of the Kokoda Track Podcast, host Glenn Azar chats with Cameron, a young man who trekked the Kokoda Track with his mum. They dive into Cameron's experiences, sharing stories of his mum's determination and his own growth. From the physical challenges of the trek to the emotional connections made along the way, this conversation explores what it means to push through adversity and fi...

Village Life Along the Track: What Trekkers Often Misread The Kokoda Track is not an empty wilderness — it is a living corridor of villages, families, and communities. In this episode of The Kokoda Track Podcast , Glenn Azar explores village life along the Kokoda Track and unpacks the common misunderstandings trekkers bring with them when passing through these communities. Drawing on decades...

Why Kokoda Changes Some People (and Not Others) Two people can walk the same Kokoda Track — and come away with very different experiences. In this episode of The Kokoda Track Podcast , Glenn Azar explores why Kokoda has a profound, lasting impact on some people, while leaving others largely unchanged. Drawing on decades of experience and more than 90 crossings, this episode examines the role...

In this episode of the Kokoda Track Podcast, host Glenn Azar chats with Peta, a solo traveler who recently completed the challenging Kokoda Track. Peta shares her inspiring story of perseverance and determination, having trained for 12 months to prepare for the grueling 8-day trek. From overcoming physical challenges to mental toughness, Peta opens up about her experiences and the lessons she lear...

What Your Trekking Company Should Be Doing (But Many Don’t) Choosing a Kokoda trekking company is one of the most important decisions you’ll make — and one of the least understood. In this episode of The Kokoda Track Podcast , Glenn Azar explains what professional, responsible Kokoda operators should actually be doing behind the scenes, and why those standards often only become v...

Wantok in Action: How Community Sustains Life on Kokoda Wantok is more than a word — it’s how life works along the Kokoda Track. In this episode of  The Kokoda Track Podcast , Glenn Azar explores what Wantok looks like in action and how community, responsibility, and shared effort have sustained life in the Owen Stanley Range for generations. Drawing on on-Track experience and cul...