Muse's AT Podcast

In this episode, we catch back up with Trash Panda and Loins of Arabia, as the crew receives their food drop!Join Muse reflecting for a look into this fun interlude with Wayfinder, Metronome, Michaela, Chaps, Sunshine, Caveman and Dunk.Connect with the JourneyRead the original written journal entry: https://trailjournals.com/journal/entry/680624See the photos from this day on the trail: @musehikes on InstagramSay hello, share feedback, or ask a question: [email protected] Our Sponsors!Summit Ready Apparel: https://summit-ready-apparel.printify.me/Walk Up Hill: https://www.amazon.com/Walk-Up-Hill-Bounce-Hiker/dp/B0F3G44MJJ

Monson, Maine is a place where many AT stories intersect. In this episode, we sit down with MargotPolo, the very first SloBo to cross paths with Wayfinder and Muse.We ground our conversation right there in Monson before tracking MargotPolo’s incredible journey up to that point and forward from there—eventually meeting Ratatouille and Utogg and  officially joining the SloBos, where we later will push all the way to the southern terminus at Springer Mountain together!Connect with the JourneyFollow Muse on Instagram: @musehikes on InstagramSay hello, share feedback, or ask a question: [email protected] Our Sponsors!Summit Ready Apparel: https://summit-ready-apparel.printify.me/Walk Up Hill: https://www.amazon.com/Walk-Up-Hill-Bounce-Hiker/dp/B0F3G44MJJ

Not every day on the trail is an epic battle against the elements. Today was just a genuinely good, light-hearted day in the woods. On the eve of a scheduled food drop, a handful of southbounders cross paths. This episode is all about the simple joy of trading stories and enjoying the beautiful, quiet spaces of the Hundred Mile Wilderness.In the commentary, hear Muse go into what trail food was like early in the journey.Connect with the JourneyRead the original written journal entry: https://trailjournals.com/journal/entry/68062See the photos from this day on the trail: @musehikes on InstagramSay hello, share feedback, or ask a question: [email protected] Our Sponsors!Summit Ready Apparel: https://summit-ready-apparel.printify.me/Walk Up Hill: https://www.amazon.com/Walk-Up-Hill-Bounce-Hiker/dp/B0F3G44MJJ

The Hundred Mile Wilderness throws its first real mood shift at us as we trek through chilly temperatures and a persistent light rain.But a soggy day on the trail gets a major bright spot: the podcast got mail! In this episode, Muse reads and responds to the very first listener messages to land in the inbox.Follow the written journal here:  https://trailjournals.com/journal/entry/680622See the photos from this entry on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/musehikesQuestions, feedback or just want to say Hi!  [email protected] visit our sponsors!Summit Ready Apparel  https://summit-ready-apparel.printify.me/Walk Up Hill  https://www.amazon.com/Walk-Up-Hill-Bounce-Hiker/dp/B0F3G44MJJ

We’re climbing mountains, taking in the incredible views, and sorting out our backcountry logistics!In this episode, we dive deeper into what daily life is really like inside the Hundred Mile Wilderness. Plus, we're talking about the physical reality of the trail—specifically, how my knees are holding up after a few days of pounding the dirt.Follow the written journal here:  https://trailjournals.com/journal/entry/680621See the photos from this entry on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/musehikesQuestions, feedback or just want to say Hi!  [email protected] visit our sponsors!Summit Ready Apparel  https://summit-ready-apparel.printify.me/Walk Up Hill  https://www.amazon.com/Walk-Up-Hill-Bounce-Hiker/dp/B0F3G44MJJ

Our first full day in the legendary Hundred Mile Wilderness!As we find our rhythm on the trail, we’re meeting new friends and adjusting to life off the grid. In this episode, we dive into the topic of technology in this isolated stretch: how were we using our phones and what were we using them for? Follow the written journal here:  https://trailjournals.com/journal/entry/680515See the photos from this entry on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/musehikesQuestions, feedback or just want to say Hi!  [email protected] visit our sponsors!Summit Ready Apparel  https://summit-ready-apparel.printify.me/Walk Up Hill  https://www.amazon.com/Walk-Up-Hill-Bounce-Hiker/dp/B0F3G44MJJ

The journey continues! Out of Baxter State Park and into the 100 Mile Wilderness!This is a great day, fording streams, meeting new people, and there’s ice cream!Follow the written journal here: https://trailjournals.com/journal/entry/680461See the photos from this entry on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/musehikesQuestions, feedback or just want to say Hi! [email protected] visit our sponsors!Summit Ready Apparel  https://summit-ready-apparel.printify.me/Walk Up Hill  https://www.amazon.com/Walk-Up-Hill-Bounce-Hiker/dp/B0F3G44MJJ

In today's episode, I sit down with my very first hiking partner—my daughter Haley, trail name "Wayfinder."Haley was right by my side from day one, navigating everything from the climb up Mount Katahdin through the grueling logs and bogs of the Hundred Mile Wilderness. Tune in to hear a high-level recap of June 2025 entirely from her perspective, tracking the highs, the hurdles, and what the experience of stepping onto the Appalachian Trail was truly like for her.Check out Haley’s trailjournal!: https://trailjournals.com/journal/entry/680287See the photos from this entry on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/musehikesQuestions, feedback or just want to say Hi! [email protected] visit our sponsors!Summit Ready Apparel  https://summit-ready-apparel.printify.me/Walk Up Hill  https://www.amazon.com/Walk-Up-Hill-Bounce-Hiker/dp/B0F3G44MJJ

This day, our heroes take it easy after the epic climb yesterday.Hear a little more about what Baxter State Park is like, as we settle into our early trail routines.Follow the written journal here: https://trailjournals.com/journal/entry/680460See the photos from this entry on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/musehikesQuestions, feedback or just want to say Hi! [email protected] visit our sponsors!Summit Ready Apparel  https://summit-ready-apparel.printify.me/Walk Up Hill  https://www.amazon.com/Walk-Up-Hill-Bounce-Hiker/dp/B0F3G44MJJ

Days don’t get much better than this one! Mount Katahdin is a truly spectacular place, and the perfect spot to start an epic adventure.No journeys to different places or times in this episode - we are fully on Katahdin, on June 5th. At the beginning.Follow the written journal here: https://trailjournals.com/journal/entry/680459See the photos from this entry on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/musehikesQuestions, feedback or just want to say Hi! [email protected] visit our sponsors!Summit Ready Apparel  https://summit-ready-apparel.printify.me/Walk Up Hill  https://www.amazon.com/Walk-Up-Hill-Bounce-Hiker/dp/B0F3G44MJJ

Waking up in doubt and worry due to recent events, we end the day in Baxter State Park ready to go!  Recorded live by the river during an incredible weekend at Trail Days in Damascus, this episode loops all the way back not only on the beginning, but also on where my hike ended up, on Springer Mountain in December - another story from doubt to triumph.Follow the written journal here: https://trailjournals.com/journal/entry/680456See the photos from this entry on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/musehikesQuestions, feedback or just want to say Hi! [email protected] visit our sponsors!Summit Ready Apparel  https://summit-ready-apparel.printify.me/Walk Up Hill  https://www.amazon.com/Walk-Up-Hill-Bounce-Hiker/dp/B0F3G44MJJ

Listen in and follow me around the Trail Days festival this past weekend! It was truly amazing to reconnect with old friends, meet new ones and relive the trail life for a few days.In this episode, we take a break from the 2025 narrative to explore my first Trail Days after the thru-hike.See the photos from this entry on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/musehikesQuestions, feedback or just want to say Hi! [email protected] visit our sponsors!Summit Ready Apparel  https://summit-ready-apparel.printify.me/Walk Up Hill  https://www.amazon.com/Walk-Up-Hill-Bounce-Hiker/dp/B0F3G44MJJ

On this day, things get real.  In this episode you will hear about a tragedy on Mt. Katahdin and how that impacted the beginning of my adventure.  This was a difficult one to recall and a difficult one to record.  Out of respect for those affected, you will notice a shift in the production: the tone is more somber, and I have chosen to omit music and advertisements for this episode. It was a significant moment in the trek that demanded a moment of silence. Follow the written journal here:  https://trailjournals.com/journal/entry/680336See the photos from this entry on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/musehikesQuestions, feedback or just want to say Hi!  [email protected]

Our first interview episode! Recorded in February 2026 during Ratatouille’s post-trail cross-country road trip, we sit down at my kitchen table to reflect on the grueling early days of our respective 2025 adventures. Join us as we dive into the highlights (and hurdles) of hiking through Maine and the beginning of New Hampshire. Follow the written journal here: https://trailjournals.com/journal/entry/680304See the photos from this entry on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/musehikesQuestions, feedback or just want to say Hi! [email protected] visit our sponsors!Summit Ready Apparel  https://summit-ready-apparel.printify.me/Walk Up Hill  https://www.amazon.com/Walk-Up-Hill-Bounce-Hiker/dp/B0F3G44MJJ

First full day in Maine! Using the wait time in the bus station in Bangor, this episode slows down a bit to go deeper into the “why” behind the adventure. We’re just a couple of days from Katahdin now, let’s take a minute to reflect on the reason.Follow the written journal here: https://trailjournals.com/journal/entry/680304See the photos from this entry on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/musehikesQuestions, feedback or just want to say Hi! [email protected] visit our sponsors!Summit Ready Apparel  https://summit-ready-apparel.printify.me/Walk Up Hill  https://www.amazon.com/Walk-Up-Hill-Bounce-Hiker/dp/B0F3G44MJJ

It’s time for liftoff! Our narrative takes us to the last couple days at home and then traveling up to Maine to begin the SOBO trek from Katahdin. Tune in to this episode as I break down my final pack list, including the specific wins and a look back at what didn’t quite make it all the way to Springer with me.Follow the written journal here: https://trailjournals.com/journal/entry/680288See the photos from this entry on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/musehikesQuestions, feedback or just want to say Hi! [email protected] visit our sponsors!Summit Ready Apparel  https://summit-ready-apparel.printify.me/Walk Up Hill  https://www.amazon.com/Walk-Up-Hill-Bounce-Hiker/dp/B0F3G44MJJ

What does life look like after a 2,000-mile journey? In today’s episode, we look past the finish line while navigating the final weeks of preparation. We dive into April and May journal entries, marking the last major milestones before the mountains: Joe’s final day of work and Haley’s college graduation. The approach to the trail is officially here!Follow the written journal here: https://trailjournals.com/journal/entry/678992See the photos from this entry on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/musehikesQuestions, feedback or just want to say Hi! [email protected] visit our sponsors!Summit Ready Apparel  https://summit-ready-apparel.printify.me/Walk Up Hill  https://www.amazon.com/Walk-Up-Hill-Bounce-Hiker/dp/B0F3G44MJJ

As we continue to prepare for our southbound thru-hike on the Appalachian Trail, we look back on three journal entries taking us to the end of March, roughly two months before flying up to Maine to get the adventure started. This gives us a great opportunity to reflect on Muse’s hiking origin story. The commentary takes us back to 2018, the start of the dream that would eventually become reality in 2025, and describes the “trail to the trail”.Follow the written journal here: https://trailjournals.com/journal/entry/677917See the photos from this entry on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/musehikesQuestions, feedback or just want to say Hi! [email protected] visit our sponsors!Summit Ready Apparel  https://summit-ready-apparel.printify.me/Walk Up Hill  https://www.amazon.com/Walk-Up-Hill-Bounce-Hiker/dp/B0F3G44MJJ

Hello! My name is Muse, and I’m honored to have you along as I recount the details of my Appalachian Trail story! In this episode, we make some introductions - I introduce myself, what I’m trying to do with this podcast and what my journey was like. You get a very high level view of the journey I took in 2025, and that we will be unfolding together over the next year and a half as recorded real time through my online trail journal.Last year, 2025, I set off on an epic thru-hike of the AT southbound, starting at Mount Katahdin on June 5th and ending on Springer Mountain on December 17th. I met some awesome people along the way, enjoyed the beautiful Appalachian backcountry, and experienced our country in a way that most people don’t get to, or don’t choose to.Follow the written journal here: https://trailjournals.com/journal/entry/677895See the photos from this entry on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/musehikesQuestions, feedback or just want to say Hi! [email protected] visit our sponsors!Summit Ready Apparel  https://summit-ready-apparel.printify.me/Walk Up Hill  https://www.amazon.com/Walk-Up-Hill-Bounce-Hiker/dp/B0F3G44MJJ

Muse’s AT Podcast: Coming May 4th!In 2025, Muse stepped onto the Appalachian Trail at Mt. Katahdin and didn't stop until reaching Springer Mountain, Georgia—nearly 2,200 miles across 14 states.Starting next week, join Muse every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday to experience the journey through daily journal entries written directly from the trail.