In this episode we welcome Appalachian Trail trail angel Mike "Pinnacle" DiCello who goes into life as a trail angel, his personal stories from hiker interactions, how he got into trail angeling, and more! Trail angels are an integral part of the thru-hiking community, and we were honored to have Mike on as a guest to spotlight the important and selfless work they do.In this episode, Mike goes into:1. His favorite & worst moments from trail angeling2. "Speed friendships" and the trifecta of how to have a great day on trail3. Tips for hikers and trail angels alike - & more!Follow along with Mike:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mick32/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mike.dicelloApplicable Links:Schar Snack CakesLaura's Trail Angel Q&A (Episode 99)Ghost's Trail Angel Q&A (Episode 109)Did you love this episode? If so, please help fellow hikers find the show by following, rating, and reviewing the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!Connect With Us:Join The Trail FamilyTHRU-r WebsiteTHRU-r InstagramTHRU-r TikTokTHRU-r FacebookTHRU-r YoutubeTHRU-r ThreadsCheer's YouTubeCheer's InstagramEpisode Music: "Communicator" by Reed Mathis
Jul 2
41 min
238. Adventures On The Hexatrek, Hadrian's Wall Path, & West Highland Way With Gaby "Baby Steps" Roy
Today we welcome thru-hiker Gaby or "Baby Steps" who talks about her treks along the Hadrian's Wall Path in England, the West Highland Way in Scotland, and the Hexatrek in France. Gaby was part of the THRU-r Trail Team in 2025 when she hiked these trails, and it was so fun to follow along with her!In this episode, Baby Steps goes into:1. Her favorite, worst, & scariest moments (including a deathly allergy!)2. Three days of the most epic trail magic3. How to use a pee funnel & more!Follow along with Baby Steps:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gaby_hike/Did you love this episode? If so, please help fellow hikers find the show by following, rating, and reviewing the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!Connect With Us:Join The Trail FamilyTHRU-r WebsiteTHRU-r InstagramTHRU-r TikTokTHRU-r FacebookTHRU-r YoutubeTHRU-r ThreadsCheer's YouTubeCheer's InstagramEpisode Music: "Communicator" by Reed Mathis
Jun 25
39 min
In this episode we talk all about the Kungsleden or "Kings Trail" in Sweden with Nikita or "Rowing Boy" as he's known on trail. Nikita is a thru-hiker and emerging film maker. He also won the THRU-r hikership (aka "hiker scholarship") in 2025 when he hiked the trail.In this episode, Nikita goes into:1. What it's like to hike the Kungsleden and the culture of the trail2. His best advice and tips for hiking long distances3. The specifics of film making while thru-hiking & more!Watch his films & follow along:YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@morkani1st Kungsleden Episode2nd Kungsleden EpisodeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/morkani.trail/Did you love this episode? If so, please help fellow hikers find the show by following, rating, and reviewing the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!Connect With Us:Join The Trail FamilyTHRU-r WebsiteTHRU-r InstagramTHRU-r TikTokTHRU-r FacebookTHRU-r YoutubeTHRU-r ThreadsCheer's YouTubeCheer's InstagramEpisode Music: "Communicator" by Reed Mathis
Jun 12
47 min
As thru-hikers, we hike through public lands frequently. In this episode, Nicole Brown of Outdoor Alliance comes on to talk about the Roadless Rule - and how the initiative to roll it back will inhibit our access to these parts of public land. She also goes into how we can come together during the comment period to save these precious places along the Pacific Crest Trail and other long trails across America.In this episode, Nicole goes into:1. Basics on the Roadless Rule & why it's so important for access to public lands2. What can happen if the Roadless Rule is rolled back3. How to take action & more!Take Action & Follow Along:About the Roadless RuleRoadless Area Maps PCTA ArticleTake Action! Did you love this episode? If so, please help fellow hikers find the show by following, rating, and reviewing the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!Connect With Us:Join The Trail FamilyTHRU-r WebsiteTHRU-r InstagramTHRU-r TikTokTHRU-r FacebookTHRU-r YoutubeTHRU-r ThreadsCheer's YouTubeCheer's InstagramEpisode Music: "Communicator" by Reed Mathis
Jun 4
29 min
Thru-hiker Sandra D. aka "MacGyver" gives us the rundown of her experience hiking internationally versus hiking in the USA. MacGyver has hiked the Pacific Crest Trail, Tahoe Rim Trail, Hexatrek, Camino, and most recently - up Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. In this episode, we focus on tips and things to keep in mind while traveling and hiking internationally. Listen in for great insight from someone who's done it!In this episode, MacGyver goes into:1. Tips on hiking Kilimanjaro and things to keep in mind as you prepare2. The best resources for researching the Camino3. Solo hiking versus guided hiking, knowing your limits & so much more!Connect & follow along with MacGyver:MacGyver's InstagramDid you love this episode? If so, please help fellow hikers find the show by following, rating, and reviewing the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!Connect With Us:Join The Trail FamilyTHRU-r WebsiteTHRU-r InstagramTHRU-r TikTokTHRU-r FacebookTHRU-r YoutubeTHRU-r ThreadsCheer's YouTubeCheer's InstagramEpisode Music: "Communicator" by Reed Mathis
May 23
48 min
Appalachian Trail & international trail thru-hiker Daniel "Lucky Colleague" Clark checks in from England and joins us to talk about his experiences all over the world, with a focus on the Appalachian Trail. We go into lessons learned, favorite and least favorite gear, the power of taking a break, best and worst moments, and so much more.In this episode, you'll learn about:1. His favorite and convenient food to pack out2. The best ways to communicate with friends and family at home3. Surprising realizations, his tips for aspiring thru-hikers - & more!Connect & follow along with Lucky Colleague:Instagram: www.instagram.com/walking__north/YouTube: www.youtube.com/@EnglishmanJustWalkingSign up for the THRU-r mailing list so you don't miss a thing! (No spam, no selling, just thru-hiker things.) Did you love this episode? If so, please help fellow hikers find the show by following, rating, and reviewing the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!Connect With Us:Join The Trail FamilyTHRU-r WebsiteTHRU-r InstagramTHRU-r FacebookTHRU-r YoutubeTHRU-r ThreadsCheer's YouTubeCheer's InstagramEpisode Music: "Communicator" by Reed Mathis
Apr 17
42 min
New author and triple crowner (aka Pacific Crest Trail, Appalachian Trail, & Continental Divide Trail thru-hiker & backpacker) J.C. "Catmando" Van Etten joins us to talk all about the Continental Divide Trail (CDT) and his new book for aspiring CDT thru-hikers and weekend backpackers alike!In this episode, you'll learn about:1. His book and how it can help you prepare for your CDT journey2. The rare and harrowing animal encounter he had just outside of Yellowstone3. Favorite and worst experiences from trail, the type II fun - & more!Connect & follow along with Catmando:Buy his book: "Backpacking The Continental Divide Trail"Catmando's InstagramCatmando's FacebookCatmando's YouTubeGrizzly Bear Charge Footage!!Past Episodes With Catmando:Episode #2: Appalachian Trail Q&AEpisode #90: Pacific Crest Trail Q&AEpisode #150: Pinhoti TrailEpisode #159: Foothills TrailEpisode #165: Hurricane Heline ReliefEpisode #175: Continental Divide Trail & The Triple CrownSign up for the THRU-r mailing list so you don't miss a thing! (No spam, no selling, just thru-hiker things.) Did you love this episode? If so, please help fellow hikers find the show by following, rating, and reviewing the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!Connect With Us:Join The Trail FamilyTHRU-r WebsiteTHRU-r InstagramTHRU-r FacebookTHRU-r YoutubeTHRU-r ThreadsCheer's YouTubeCheer's InstagramEpisode Music: "Communicator" by Reed Mathis
Mar 27
36 min
Today we're joined by author, speaker, record setter, and highly decorated thru-hiker Heather "Anish" Anderson. Heather just released a new memoir about her attempt to be the first woman to complete the Calendar Year Triple Crown: "Farther." Here she goes into her new book, her journey as a hiker and a writer, and the complicated but beautiful places in between.In this episode, Heather tells us about:Her writing journeyDealing with grief and post trail depression, and ways to overcome themThe best advice for going for your goals (whether you're going for your first thru-hike, or an FKT) & more!Connect with Heather & buy "Farther" or her other books:Website: https://wordsfromthewild.net/Instagram: @_wordsfromthewild_Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnishHikesStay tuned and follow the THRU-r Instagram account for an upcoming book giveaway!Sign up for the THRU-r mailing list so you don't miss a thing! (No spam, no selling, just thru-hiker things.) Help fellow hikers find the show by following, rating, and reviewing the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!Connect With THRU-r & Cheer:THRU-r Mailing ListJoin The Trail FamilyTHRU-r WebsiteTHRU-r InstagramTHRU-r FacebookTHRU-r YoutubeTHRU-r ThreadsCheer's YouTubeCheer's InstagramEpisode Music: "Communicator" by Reed Mathis
Mar 5
34 min
In this episode, we're joined by Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) thru-hiker Nicholas "Sgt Pepper" Kindred. Sgt Pepper was part of the THRU-r Trail Team of trail correspondents in 2025, and here he goes into his PCT experience - including his favorite gear, best, scariest, and worst moments, best food stops, and more!In this episode, you'll learn about:His top rain gear pick - which is especially versatile and durable High and low points of the Pacific Crest TrailThe best advice for taking on a thru-hike & more!Connect With Sgt Pepper:Sgt Pepper's InstagramSgt Pepper's FacebookSgt Pepper's Articles For The TrekSign up for the THRU-r mailing list so you don't miss a thing! (No spam, no selling, just thru-hiker things.) Help fellow hikers find the show by following, rating, and reviewing the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!Connect With THRU-r & Cheer:THRU-r Mailing ListJoin The Trail FamilyTHRU-r WebsiteTHRU-r InstagramTHRU-r FacebookTHRU-r YoutubeTHRU-r ThreadsCheer's YouTubeCheer's InstagramEpisode Music: "Communicator" by Reed Mathis
Feb 20
27 min
Today we welcome Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) thru-hiker Anna "Magic" McKinney Smith! Magic was part of our Trail Team of trail correspondents in 2025, and here she dives into her PCT experience - including scary heights, smoke woes, her best tips, favorite backpacking gear, and more!In this episode, Magic shares about:Knowing where to draw the line and make decisions when the going gets tough (or scary)Her best town meal and proper ramen bomb ratiosFinancial tips on how to afford a thru-hike & more!Connect With Magic:Magic's InstagramMagic's Articles For The TrekMagic's BlogSign up for the THRU-r mailing list so you don't miss a thing! (No spam, no selling, just thru-hiker things.) Help fellow hikers find the show by following, rating, and reviewing the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!Connect With THRU-r & Cheer:THRU-r Mailing ListJoin The Trail FamilyTHRU-r WebsiteTHRU-r InstagramTHRU-r FacebookTHRU-r YoutubeTHRU-r ThreadsCheer's YouTubeCheer's InstagramEpisode Music: "Communicator" by Reed Mathis
Feb 5
36 min
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