Hiker Trash Radio

If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available 24/7. Call or text 988. Steven Wright’s wife Sandy told him on her deathbed to hike the Appalachian Trail. She had six days left to say it. He didn’t go right away. First came 18 months of grief that got worse instead of better, a breakdown, an escape from a hospital in a nightgown, and a moment in his truck on a highway where he shut his eyes and turned the wheel. A thunderstorm stopped him. A phone call brought him back. When a counselor finally asked what made him happy, he said hiking. She said go. He heard Sandy’s voice saying it. He hiked 2,200 miles with five broken bones, through three hurricanes, with the wanting-to-die still following him into the wilderness. And somewhere on a mountain in December, in 14 inches of snow, a dead ash tree fell on the stump where he had just been standing, and he realized he wanted to live. In this episode: Sandy’s diagnosis, her death, and the deathbed conversation that sent him to Georgia The breakdown, the escape from the hospital, and the moment on the highway Starting the AT with a torn rotator cuff and no intention of stopping The nightmare that followed him from home into the wilderness The mud puddle, the chainsaw, and the man who pulled him out The phone call from his daughter that broke the darkest stretch The night at the lake in Maine where he felt Sandy’s presence The falling tree and what it told him about whether he wanted to live The wooden hut, the snow, and a 30-year-old guilt he finally put down What he does now when people call him from the dark Dark Miles is a narrative documentary series from Hiker Trash Radio — produced stories about the internal terrain of the outdoor experience. These are the miles that don’t show up on Strava. Connect with Steven Wright: Book — The Weight I Carried:  theweighticarried.com Email:  [email protected] Instagram:  instagram.com/stevencwright   Connect with Hiker Trash Radio: Website:  hikertrashradio.com Instagram:  instagram.com/hikertrashradio Apply to be a Dark Miles guest:  hikertrashradio.com/dark-miles   If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988. Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Thru hiker Brad "Sheep Dog" Barber joins Doc in the studio for some trail talk on the eve of his CDT thru hike. Settle in and buckle up as Sheep Dog seeks his limits while discussing Vertigo, old water charts, the Great Basin Loop, not cheating on the Hayduke, unique shakedown hikes, Coldfoot, water seep strategies, Wildflower, the AZT, the AT, the PCT, and the thrill of living up to the hype. Epic. (This is Part II. Be sure to listen to Part I.) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Thru hiker Brad "Sheep Dog" Barber joins Doc in the studio for some trail talk on the eve of his CDT thru hike. Settle in and buckle up as Sheep Dog seeks his limits while discussing Vertigo, old water charts, the Great Basin Loop, not cheating on the Hayduke, unique shakedown hikes, Coldfoot, water seep strategies, Wildflower, the AZT, the AT, the PCT, and the thrill of living up to the hype. Epic. (This is Part I. Be sure to listen to Part II.) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

David "Remy" and Sally Ann "Beacon" Mertens sit down with Doc in the studio to talk about their 2025 thru hike of the Appalachian Trail with their four kids aged 9, 11, 14, and 15. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

David "Remy" and Sally Ann "Beacon" Mertens sit down with Doc in the studio to talk about their 2025 thru hike of the Appalachian Trail with their four kids aged 9, 11, 14, and 15. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The trailer is here. In 40 years, the Barkley Marathons has been finished 26 times. This is the story of why everyone keeps coming back. The Barkley: A Love Story, a three-part audio documentary from Hiker Trash Radio, drops one week from today. Press play. Then send this to someone who needs to hear it. Episode One: "I Discovered It" - May 15, 2026 Episode Two: "The Edge of Possible" - May 22, 2026 Episode Three: "They Figured It Out" - May 29, 2026 Link in bio. #TheBarkley #BarkleyMarathons #HikerTrashRadio #ALoveStory #BM100 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this week's chapter of The Logbook, Doc takes on the original thru hiking story, The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Thru hiker, historian, and author Kirk Ward "Solo" Robinson joins Doc for some studio time to talk trail, Type II Fun, and Hiking Through History. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Thru hiker, historian, and author Kirk Ward "Solo" Robinson joins Doc for some studio time to talk trail, Type II Fun, and Hiking Through History. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Thru hiker and current LASHer Greg "Chudy" Lester sits down with Doc to discuss his 1992 thru hike of the AT, his 2022 Flip Flop of the PCT, and his current LASH of the CDT. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Thru hiker and current LASHer Greg "Chudy" Lester sits down with Doc to discuss his 1992 thru hike of the AT, his 2022 Flip Flop of the PCT, and his current LASH of the CDT. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Three years ago I started asking people about a race in the woods of eastern Tennessee that almost nobody finishes. I couldn't stop. In forty years, the Barkley Marathons has been finished twenty-six times. No GPS. No aid stations. No published start time. An entry fee of a dollar sixty. And every year, forty people go in anyway. I went to find out why. The Barkley: A Love Story — a three-part audio documentary from Hiker Trash Radio — drops in two weeks. Episode One: "I Discovered It" Episode Two: "The Edge of Possible" Episode Three: "They Figured It Out" Link in bio. #TheBarkley #BarkleyMarathons #HikerTrashRadio #HikerTrash #bm100 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this week's issue of The Logbook, Doc takes on a classic, The Long Walk by Richard Bachman/Stephen King. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Author, adventurer, and sustainable dirtbag Blake Boles joins Doc for some studio time to talk about being the captain of your own ship and doing what you love. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Author, adventurer, and sustainable dirtbag Blake Boles joins Doc for some studio time to talk about being the captain of your own ship and doing what you love. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Thru hiker and creator of the xTx Trail that traverses the width of Texas, Charlie "Freestyle" Gandy sits down with Doc in the studio to talk trail creation. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Thru hiker and creator of the xTx Trail that traverses the width of Texas, Charlie "Freestyle" Gandy sits down with Doc in the studio to talk trail creation. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

DARK MILES — Episode 1: Hike the Good Hike Featuring Jesse “Boston Mule” Cody If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available 24/7. Call or text 988. Before Jesse Cody was a Triple Crowner, a Hoka athlete, and the founder of a mental health nonprofit, he was sitting alone in his Cambridge apartment staring at a tie he’d tied in a noose around his doorknob, trying to talk himself into using it. He was 39 years old. He was, by all outward appearances, fine. This is the story of what it took to walk 2,200 miles out of that apartment — and what came back from Maine. In this episode: The double life Jesse was living in Boston’s restaurant industry, and what he was hiding underneath it The 40th birthday party that changed the weight of everything Why he got on a train to Georgia without telling anyone the real reason The rattlesnake on a hot mountain in the Southern Appalachians that became a turning point His father meeting him in the middle of the Harper’s Ferry bridge What he built when he came home: Hike the Good Hike Dark Miles is a narrative documentary series from Hiker Trash Radio — produced stories about the internal terrain of the outdoor experience. These are the miles that don’t show up on Strava. Connect with Jesse and Hike the Good Hike: Website:  hikethegoodhike.org Instagram:  instagram.com/hikethegoodhike Connect with Hiker Trash Radio: Website:  hikertrashradio.com Instagram:  instagram.com/hikertrashradio Apply to be a Dark Miles guest:  hikertrashradio.com/dark-miles If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988. Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this issue of The Logbook, Doc takes on The Road by Cormac McCarthy. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Thru hiker and author Becky "Serendipity" Jensen sits down with Doc for some studio time to discuss the Colorado Trail and her memoir, No Man's Land. Warning: this episode contains topics that some may consider triggering. If you or a loved one are struggling with mental health, please consult a professional. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Thru hiker and author Becky "Serendipity" Jensen sits down with Doc for some studio time to discuss the Colorado Trail and her memoir, No Man's Land. Warning: this episode contains topics that some may consider triggering. If you or a loved one are struggling with mental health, please consult a professional. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A Triple Crowner at the age of 20, Scrapbook sits down with Doc to talk about planning for the PCT during high school, convincing his mom to drop him off alone at the Mexican border with just a pack on his back at the age of 18, and his official ranking of America's long trails.  You don't want to miss the discussion of prep, gear, the literal and figurative highs and lows of the trail, and a Pro Tip that you won't believe. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/hikertrashradio/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Multi-genre adventurer and editor-in-chief of Trails Magazine Ryan Wichelns sits down with Doc in the studio to talk about a different journey. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Multi-genre adventurer and editor-in-chief of Trails Magazine Ryan Wichelns sits down with Doc in the studio to talk about a different journey. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this issue of The Logbook, Doc breaks down The Dirtbag's Guide to Life by Tim Mathis. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Doc interviews former guide and current hiker trash adjacent adventurer Nina Banducci. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Doc interviews former guide and hiker trash adjacent Nina Banducci. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Doc sits down with ultra runner and two-time Barkley Marathon competitor Max King. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Doc sits down with ultra runner and two-time Barkley Marathon competitor Max King. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Big Wall Climber Amity Warme sits down with Doc to discuss the highs and lows of scaling 3,000-foot vertical wall faces.  Along the way, the two of them cover route topos, crux pitches, sweaty fingers, off widths, chicken wings, and all the things you've ever wanted to know about Porta-ledges.  All the things. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/hikertrashradio/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this issue of The Logbook, Doc goes to the Roof of the World with Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Doc sits down with fitness coach and FKTer Cody Taylor, founder of New Normal. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Doc sits down with fitness coach and FKTer Cody Taylor, founder of New Normal. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Triple Crowner and author Tami "Songbird" Asars joins Doc in the studio for trail talk. Settle in and buckle up as Songbird discusses how she became an unintentional Triple Crowner, her FOMO, generational trail name confusion, wrong size socks, southbound pursuits, unraveling on the trail, pearls in your shoes, the Wonderland Trail, guiding, listening to the universe, selling fun, her newly released book Long Lost, and how thru hiking is more than just boots and dirt. Epic. (This is Part II. Be sure to listen to Part I.) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Triple Crowner and author Tami "Songbird" Asars joins Doc in the studio for trail talk. Settle in and buckle up as Songbird discusses how she became an unintentional Triple Crowner, her FOMO, generational trail name confusion, wrong size socks, southbound pursuits, unraveling on the trail, pearls in your shoes, the Wonderland Trail, guiding, listening to the universe, selling fun, her newly released book Long Lost, and how thru hiking is more than just boots and dirt. Epic. (This is Part I. Be sure to listen to Part II.) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Outside Magazine called Michael Wardian "perhaps the world's most prolific distance runner" and named him one of their 2020 Outsiders of the Year. Michael sits down with Doc and talks about FKTs, running seven marathons on seven continents in seven days, winning the Quarantine Backyard Ultra (262.5 miles and 63 hours!), and his two stints in . . . THE BARKLEY MARATHONS! Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/hikertrashradio/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this edition of The Logbook, Doc takes on The Trail Provides by Miller Hollstein. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Doc interviews Claire “Honeybee” Damon, a Wisconsin thru-hiker of the AT and PCT with diverse 2026 plans. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Doc interviews Claire “Honeybee” Damon, a Wisconsin thru-hiker of the AT and PCT with diverse 2026 plans. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Doc talks with retired Marine SgtMaj Jean-Paul Courville (IBEX), author of Forward On: Warrior to Wanderer. They compare military structure to trail routines, discuss relearning dormant lessons, and the challenge of sharing AT stories with non-hikers. Courville contrasts the AT with the Haute Route and Camino de Santiago, recommends the film The Way, supports the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, suggests using an Ursack, and highlights poor sleep as an overlooked thru-hike difficulty. https://linktr.ee/jeanpaul.courville?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=6fd0146b-2887-4b88-8df0-d8228f2baf75 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Doc welcomes guest Jean-Paul Courville (“Ibex”), a retired Marine who completed a 2,200-mile solo Appalachian Trail thru-hike in 2022 as a “personal audit” to confront combat memories, leadership failures, and life after the uniform. They discuss mental endurance, trail culture as an equalizer, leadership by example, and lessons from adversity. https://linktr.ee/jeanpaul.courville?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=6fd0146b-2887-4b88-8df0-d8228f2baf75 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In a special bonus episode of Classic Doc this week, Doc takes a hike through the legendary High Trips of the Sierra Club. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/hikertrashradio/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this week's episode of The Logbook, Doc takes on an all-time AT classic, As Far As the Eye Can See by David Brill. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Doc interviews Liz “Night Owl” Pfeifer about earning her trail name by visiting shelters at night, preparing from 2020 to her 2025 AT thru-hike, and managing anxiety before starting at Amicalola Falls. She discusses solo safety perceptions, delayed social media, and finishing after a July 23 ankle sprain in the Hundred Mile Wilderness (summit Aug 26). Liz shares marriage logistics, “new material,” Trail Dog & Company women-focused glam-packing trips (Hot Springs, Damascus, Yellowstone), hiking hacks, book pick “Hartwood,” volunteer causes, and a humorous “be a good girl” dog misunderstanding. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Doc hosts Liz “Night Owl” Pfeifer, an Appalachian Trail thru-hiker and owner/lead guide of Trail Dog and Company. Liz shares the shift from hiking for herself to motivating clients, her strengths (bad-weather resilience, animal connection) and a key weakness learned from pushing miles and spraining an ankle in the 100-Mile Wilderness. She highlights her go-to gear (a Hyperlite Versa fanny pack), guiding on the AT and in Yellowstone, safety tips like keeping three rocks by the tent, and how she left corporate sales to pursue guiding and community on trail. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Hiker Trash Radio, host Doc sits down with JoHanna 'Press Pass' Garton, an accomplished author and high school cross country coach. Johanna shares her compelling journey of completing her mother's research on high-altitude mountaineer Christine Boskoff, leading to her book 'Edge of the Map.' The discussion delves into the intricate relationships, grueling search and rescue missions, and personal challenges she faced. Johanna also speaks on her friendships with Heather Anderson and Christine Reed, the logistics of her research in China, and her adventure writing retreats in Costa Rica. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Hiker Trash Radio, host Doc interviews guest Johanna Garton, known as 'Press Pass,' a journalist, cross-country coach, and author of 'Edge of the Map.' Joanna shares her insights on high-altitude research, the importance of in-person experiences, and the lessons she's learned from female mountaineers. The discussion covers topics such as high school cross-country coaching, the value of the process over the destination, and how to push through mental and physical barriers. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Settle in a buckle up as Jared Campbell, the four-time finisher of the Barkley Marathons, drops into the studio to share some epic stories and insights from this year's running of the world's toughest ultra. Take notes and earn college credit from Hiker Trash Radio University as Jared shares how he knows when he's ready mentally and physically for the race, his toughest moments from his eight attempts, his favorite moment from Frozen Head, how he got lost on Loop 5 this year (twice!), and the high drama that took place after his finish. Unforgettable. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this edition of The Logbook, Doc takes on Take Less, Do More by Glen Van Peski. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Hiker Trash Radio, host Doc sits down with ultra-runner Ria to discuss her ambitious plan to run 20,000 kilometers from Vladivostok in Russia to Lisbon in Portugal. Ria delves into her extensive preparations, the challenges of planning such an immense journey, and the importance of community support, including her team of volunteers. She also shares insights from her previous ultra-running experiences, particularly her Fastest Known Time (FKT) achievement on the Camino Francis in Spain. Additionally, listeners learn about Ria's motivations, her struggles with learned helplessness, and how running has empowered her. Ria also talks about her plans to create a documentary and podcast during the run, highlighting the cultural and human experiences encountered along the way. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.