#106 | Nicole Antoinette

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by my good bud, Nicole Antoinette.  Nicole is a thru-hiker, entrepreneur, podcast host, and all around magnetic personality.  We talk about overcoming imposture syndrome in the world of backpacking, why the stereotypical thru-hiking style of big miles, ramen, and cramped motel rooms isn't a one-size-fits-all approach, accepting failure, sobriety, and much more.  This is a lively conversation; you will enjoy it. We wrap the show a triple crown of kitchen gadgets, we officially unveil the destination for our 2021 Backpacker Radio Road Trip, and someone gets poop in their hair. OnX discount code: Use code: "Backpackerradio20" for 20% off at onxmaps.com. Picky Bars discount code: Use code "BACKPACKER" for 20% off $25 Picky Bars. Goodr discount code: Use code "backpacker15" to save 15% on your first order at goodr.com/backpacker15. Reel toilet paper discount code: Use code "BACKPACKER" to save 25% at reelpaper.com Interview with Nicole Antoinette Instagram QOTD: You have one hour to spend $10,000 in one store, what store are you choosing? 00:07:58 - Nicole, if we meet you on a hike, what is your clif notes introduction to somebody? 00:10:10 - What is it that pays the bills these days? 00:12:36 - Will you please plug your podcast? 00:13:10 - Why did you archive all your instagram  posts? 00:15:44 - What  influenced your decision to scrap things (off instagram)? 00:19:21 - How do you pursue what the next thing is without using a passion as the igniter for that? 00:21:21 - Can you talk about your questioning monogamy phase?  00:23:49 - Have you always been so self-aware? 00:25:45 - Do you meditate at all? 00:26:30 - How did you transition from running to backpacking? 00:30:14 - How did you end up thru-hiking the PCT after being hurt after the Oregon section? 00:33:35 - How long before you are planning your next backpacking trip?  00:37:55 - What made you start to enjoy backpacking? 00:40:11 - Where are you from? 00:40:23 - Were there any concrete things you changed that helped you enjoy the experience?  00:46:14 - How did you find the balance between not being afraid and being comfortable on your own? 00:47:29 - How did you cope with loneliness? 00:49:28 - Is Chaunce an introvert or extrovert? 00:51:49 - Did you get more music? 00:55:29 - Between Ice Ice Baby and the Safety Dance which song would you put on your phone if you could only choose one? 00:56:00 - If an extrovert is considering going on a hike solo, do you have any advice for them? 01:00:16  - Can we talk about your SOBO PCT hike next? 01:02:20 - What does a social life look like on a southbound thru-hike?  01:03:26 - When was your start date?  01:04:56 - How did the SOBO PCT hike live up to expectations? 01:08:47 - Can you talk about the perception of not completing your thru-hike? 01:12:35 - What value do you get out of saying your PCT hike was a failure? 01:22:27 - Did you feel that having your own community established before you started backpacking helped? 01:24:10 - Do you think you could quit more gracefully because you've established your confidence in other areas of your life? 01:28:21 - How much did you encounter party culture on the PCT and how was it as a sober hiker?  01:30:35 - Do you have any advice for sober people hoping to hike?  01:36:31 - Do you mind talking about the evolution of your relationships? 01:37:23 - What role did the thru-hike play in the end of your marriage? 01:42:20 - How did you transition into your current relationship? 01:47:25 - When are you doing the Colorado Trail? 01:48:00 - Where can people find you? Instagram SEGMENTS Trek Propaganda  Desk-Bound Engineer to Professional Backpacking Guide in 1 Year by Dan Purdy Apply to be a writer for The Trek Backpacker Radio Road Trip Announcement! Triple Crown of Kitchen Tools Gross or Not Gross Leo's Blowouts Chaunce Picking People's Scabs Reddit Brain Buster You're a burglar…but you can only steal things that mildly inconvenience your victims. What are you taking?  ex: the plate that goes in the microwave  Mail Bag  5 Star Reviews [divider] Check out our sound guy @Paulybooyshallcross. Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)!  Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and  Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Jason Lawrence, Austen McDaniel, Andrew, Christopher Marshburn, S11N, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), and Cameron Brown. A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Cynthia Voth, Brandon Spilker, Emily Brown, Jeffrey Miller, Mitchell, Zoe Jenkins, Dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Mark Snook, Peter Ellenberg, Thomas Fullmer, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven, TraskVT and Lindsay Sparks.