014 - Bears. Blake. Best National Parks.

🎙️ In this episode of the Midnight Cheesecake Podcast, we hang out with Blake Odom, a travel-loving adventurer and recent bear encounter survivor who’s checked off 61 out of 63 national parks in the U.S. ("America's Best Idea"). Ruha and Bekah, long distance besties with a shared love for yapping and eating popcorn, dive into Blake’s journey and avoid ever taking anything too seriously. Blake’s love for parks started way back in Alabama, with the Great Smoky Mountains stealing his heart when he was just four. After a long break from park-hopping, a post-college road trip out west reignited that spark, and he’s been chasing park signs ever since. What started as casual visits turned into a "well, I've come this far" mission to see them all.  Then we get into the deets of how he pulls it off - juggling work as a globe-trotting environmental engineer while sneaking in park visits whenever he can (even when they're 4 hours out of his way!). His job takes him to remote places, so he makes the most of it by tacking on mini adventures. For Blake, these trips aren’t just about sightseeing - they’re about connecting with nature, learning about conservation, and soaking in the beauty of the country. Some people don't need to fly to the edge of space to appreciate the planet they're on. Does Blake have advice? Only the best kind. Blake’s all about smart planning: avoiding crowds by going during shoulder seasons, wandering off the beaten path, and staying safe around weather and wildlife. He even shouts out some underrated parks that deserve more love. Beyond that, he recommends keeping it simple - tennis shoes and plenty of water are the basics of what you need to enjoy a good trail. We talk a little about how the National Park Service is dealing with staffing issues and tight budgets. Blake’s got a lot of respect for park rangers and hopes more support comes their way. He’s the kind of guy who’d rally behind any effort to protect these places. As we wrap up, Blake shares what’s next: maybe some international travel, definitely more national monuments, and always chasing those iconic views. He’s also a big reader, so he drops a few book recs that celebrate nature and help us see the world through a more thoughtful lens. Come hang out with us and get inspired by Blake’s epic journey—you might just find yourself planning your own national park adventure. Good luck at Yellowstone, Blake!   Chapters 0:05  Welcome to Midnight Cheesecake Podcast 1:02  Introducing Our Special Guest 2:52  National Parks Journey 6:07  Traveling with Friends 9:38  Global National Park Adventures 12:29  Family and Nature 13:21  Tips for New Visitors 17:30  Hiking Adventures 22:30  Underrated Parks 26:36  National Park Passes 30:57  America's Best Idea 32:36  Wildlife Encounters 38:07  Tourist Mishaps 42:25  Challenges Facing National Parks 44:33  Future Adventures 47:46  Closing Thoughts     Links: Free National Park passes for Fourth Graders and their families: https://www.everykidoutdoors.gov/pass.htm Find Blake: https://www.instagram.com/instaodom/ National Parks Service, hilarious social media: https://www.instagram.com/nationalparkservice Find Ruha & Bekah: https://www.instagram.com/midnightcheesecake/ and https://www.facebook.com/people/Midnight-Cheesecake-Podcast/61577976430527/ also at https://www.tiktok.com/@midnightcheesecak