Trailblazing Women: Art, Adventure & Inspiration with Bridgette Mongeon

Guest: Bridgette Mongeon — Artist, Author & Founder of the Houston Women’s Hiking Group Host: Melanie Michaelchuk, CPT-NASM | Just HykeEpisode OverviewIn this inspiring episode, Melanie sits down with Bridgette Mongeon, an accomplished sculptor, author, and community leader who brings together art, nature, and empowerment in truly trailblazing ways.Bridgette shares the story behind her commissioned bronze sculptures of Grandma Gatewood, the first woman to solo thru-hike the Appalachian Trail - one statue destined for the AT, and the other for Ohio, Grandma Gatewood’s home state.We also talk about how Bridgette founded the Houston Women’s Hiking Group, now more than 18,000 strong, and what it means to create spaces where women can find connection, confidence, and courage on the trail.Topics We ExploreThe creative process behind the Grandma Gatewood bronze sculpturesWhat inspired the founding of the Houston Women’s Hiking GroupHow art and nature intersect as healing and empowering forcesThe legacy of Grandma Gatewood and what she continues to teach us todayWhy showing up - in art, in hiking, and in life - mattersConnect with BridgetteOn Amazon: One Foot in Front of the Other: Art, Hiking, and Healing https://amzn.to/48PyZtiJoin the Houston Women’s Hiking Group: home - Houston Women's HikingGrandma Gatewood Tribute Project — every share and donation helps bring this incredible tribute to life.Learn more: grandmagatewood.com/statue-project Donate: GoFundMe – Grandma Gatewood Tribute StatueConnect with Just HykeWebsite: www.justhyke.comListen on: Just Hyke: For Women Who Are Ready to Hike Their Way to Strength, Confidence, and Adventure | Podcast on RSS.comNewsletter: Subscribe – Just HykeFacebook @ Just Hyke“Grandma Gatewood proved that it’s never too late to take the first step — and Bridgette is showing us how to keep walking with purpose.”If this episode inspired you, share it with a friend who loves hiking, art, or stories of strong women making a difference. Don’t forget to leave a review — it helps other trailblazers find our community!