The John Freakin’ Muir Pod: Recent Episodes
Doc
Blisters, post-holing, spam and ramen, helicopter evacs, and hiker midnight. A not-so-expert romp through trails long and short by those who barely survived. Trail talk about prep, gear, food, legends, and misadventure with host Doc, with additional interviews with world travelers and adventure athletes. Amplifying the outdoor experience for those hooked on adventure! Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/johnfreakinmuir/support
Tune in for a brand new style of bonus episode! Doc gives you a fascinating glimpse into the personality of some of your favorite guests by asking . . . The Last 10! This week's guest is thru hiker, route creator, endurance athlete, and guide Andrew Skurka! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Legendary thru hiker Brandon "Horsepower" Weis calls in from a basement in Ohio to share some incredible stories with Doc. The Calendar Year Triple Crowner shares what he's been up to since his last visit to the podcast, including the Pacific Northwest Trail, the Colorado Trail, and the dubious Hayduke Trail. Settle in and make sure the doors are closed and bolted as Horsepower and Doc discuss the Cult of the Pocket Bidet, Felony Dan, becoming more like a cat and a car as you get older, Requiem for a Dream, Aronofsky, peanut butter and tuna, how to forget the misery, Fancy Feast, poking out the eyeballs, and, of course, some quicksand. Epic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Backpacker, adventure racer, and long distance endurance bike racer, Justin "Swift" Smith drops in from Santa Cruz, CA, to talk some serious adventure with Doc. Fresh off the Tour Divide, the former junior high school science teacher discusses how he's lived on the edge of discomfort in thru hiking, bike touring, endurance bike racing, adventure racing, and Iron Man triathlons, to name just a few. Settle in and hear about tiny home living, poop truck hitches, rabbit holes of all types, loss and hardship, thrifting in New Zealand, Jimmy Chin, Freebies and Foamies, varying widths of merino layers, dot watching, and hallucinations. Epic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tune in for a brand new style of bonus episode! Doc gives you a fascinating glimpse into the personality of some of your favorite guests by asking . . . The Last 10! This week's guest is thru hiker, route creator, endurance athlete, and guide Andrew Skurka! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Andrew "Coach" Livingston, owner of Marion Outdoors Gear & Resupply and the Merry Inn Hiker Hostel, stops by Doc's new studio to share his extremely unique path and talk all things bikepacking and backpacking. Settle in and get comfortable as Coach shares how a child who grew up tap dancing, Boy Scouting, and playing soccer became a professional actor who found himself the owner of an outfitting store and hiker hostel. There are plenty of trail and life tips throughout, as well as talk of bidets, alligators, goals for 2036, and how an introvert becomes a TikTok sensation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Adventure photographer and backpacker Andrew "Fr33water" Spontelli puts down the camera for a few moments to share some adventures with Doc. Fr33water waxes eloquent about a wide variety of topics, including landing the dream job, The Journal of Lost Time, cruiser trails, the inappropriate height of a llama butt, car alarms, refugios, planning next level adventures, and the importance of knowing the difference between buttwipes and bodywipes. Don't miss this one. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Current section hiker and aspiring AT thru hiker Josh "Inferno" Goebel joins Doc in the studio to talk about life's curve balls interfering with the big hike. Settle in and buckle up as Inferno discusses all the mistakes, all the surprises, and all the insights. Along the way, the two discuss ultras, advice from three-fingered hikers, comfort-lite, being unleashed, LASHer and DASHer, soccer, casino nights, and fire towers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Thru hiker and Community Manager for Sawyer Products Katie "Oats" Houston drops by the studio to talk some trail with Doc. Fresh off the Long Trail in Vermont, this former high school bando and now full-fledged member of the hiker trash community speaks her mind about the added pressure of a trail name, iodine drops, hyper fixation issues, flow rate, old school backpacking, hiking through bearitory, packing your fears, underdeveloped palate, the unusefulness of bluetooth keyboards on trail, being gaslit by her dog, and the incredible power of loving yourself. Don't miss a minute of this incredible guest! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Now six months removed from his epic 12-month-long, 8,451-mile Calendar Year Triple Crown, Carl "Prof" Stanfield sits down with Doc to reflect on the accomplishment and share what's he's been up to since. Listen in and hear the two discuss the power of efficiency and simplicity, Prof's favorite book series, trauma bonding, working in the outdoor industry, job interview skills, Prof's OKT, and the problem with down time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Former school teacher turned gear junkie and ultralight entrepreneur Lloyd Vogel steps out of his new warehouse and into the recording studio to chat with Doc about trails, gear, and Garage Grown Gear. During their wide-ranging discussion, Lloyd spills all the tea, including pigging and packing, the Minnesota Alps, his pillow obsession, barriers to entry, Jonathan Livingston Seagull, moving out of basements, maintaining relationships with 160+ brands, and how to guide a group of teenagers past a charging grizzly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tune in for a brand new style of bonus episode! Doc gives you a fascinating glimpse into the personality of some of your favorite guests by asking . . . The Last 10! This week's guest is Survivor OG and humanitarian Kelly Wiglesworth! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tyler Fox, aka Mac from Halfway Anywhere, rejoins Doc in the studio to share what he's been up to lately, including his most recent adventure on the Hayduke Trail. Tune in and hear the two of them discuss the importance of fanny packs, hobbit feet problems, nightly mac and cheese, chupacabras in the tree line, ultra running, suffering, thunder snow, birding, and, of course, the delightful trail that derives its name from an Edward Abbey character. Epic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
World champion endurance athlete and backcountry mountain biker Kait Boyle climbs off the bike and drops into the studio to talk adventure with Doc. A former college field instructor and self-described dirtbag, Kait shares some of her life-changing moments, and where she finds herself now. Tune in and hear about the 24-Hour World Championships, self-supported records, an elephant foot, the broken ankle, a car crash, towel racks, the importance of re-framing, and shaving Chopper's calves. Need inspiration and insight? Look no further. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tune in for a brand new style of bonus episode! Doc gives you a fascinating glimpse into the personality of some of your favorite hiker trash by asking . . . The Last 10! This week's guest is Calendar Year Triple Crowner and Renaissance Man, Brandon "Horsepower" Weis. Surprising and eye-opening! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Thru hiker and creator of the Trans-European Alpine Route (TEAR), Dylan "RightOn" Ivens calls in from the Great White North to talk some trail with Doc. During this jam-packed episode, Doc and RightOn discuss gear, trail shaming, memorable hitches, trail math, PCT trail magic, injuries on Te Araroa, pain caves, spooking grizzlies, and the challenge of creating and hiking a 4,000-mile trail that crosses 16 countries and six mountain ranges. Epic guest, epic episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Backpacker Caleb Young drops into the studio to share his unique perspective on life with Doc. Tune in and hear about how this small town boy went from growing up running loose in the woods to finding himself at a crossroads with his health. During the discussion, Doc and Caleb talk about growing up with very little supervision in Dillwin, Chinese buffets, running for life, intentionally making things difficult, inspiring others, bringing an attitude to a Jiu Jitsu fight, and being out there despite having every reason not to be out there. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Thru hiker, author, and endurance athlete Christine Reed sits down with Doc in the studio to talk trail, independence, loneliness and a lot, lot more. Settle in and make sure your pantry is secure and locked as the author of Alone in Wonderland shares her thoughts on shredding the seat of her pants, jabronis, oatmeal evangelism, saying yes to things, FKT attempts, crossing paths with Heather Anderson, social media diets, and some of the very real and unspoken trials on the trail. Christine also shares a couple of very exciting upcoming projects she is working on. Don't miss this one. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Thru hiker and Vice President of Six Moon Designs, Whitney "Allgood" LaRuffa joins Doc and co-host Jeff "Legend" Garmire in the studio to share some stories and laughs. Tune in and hear about cross country treks in the Six Moon Designs van (think Scooby Doo van), routes vs. trails, Allgood's version of must have gear, elephant trials, the Corvallis 2 Coast Trail, the Northern New Mexico Loop, and a rip-roaring hiking poll unlike any you've heard. Plenty of laughs to go around in this one. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Thru hiker and budding trail philosopher, Britt "Puddin'" McDonald, joins Doc in the studio to talk about insights from the trail. During the discussion, the former majorette and bartender takes Doc for a deep dive through a wide range of topics, including paradigm shifts, Hot Mess Express, fanny pack haters, how to care for 60-year-old knees, abandonment issues, midnight falls off the bluff, sleeping with gators, the awesomeness of armpit hair, and an FKT attempt of the Pinhoti Trail that you will not believe. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Minimalist Ken "Barefoot Ken" Posner sits down with Doc to share his story. From an uncoordinated teenager to an Army Airborne Ranger to an incredible endurance athlete, Barefoot Ken has quite the narrative. Cozy up and and listen in as the discussion uncovers Ken's approach to life and trail (hint: it often doesn't include shoes or a whole lot of food), the Badwater Double, full mind/body engagement, a 50-mile ultra with no food or water, fighting the forces of comfort, and why you should never stare directly at the hallucinations. You don't want to miss a minute of this one. Epic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Swiss climber and national team member Sofya Yokoyama comes down of the wall to chat with Doc about all things climbing. During their wide ranging and rollicking discussion, Yoko and Doc talk about heel hooks, Scarpa Dragos, hangboarding, finger strength, portaledging, Orianthi, the importance of doing difficult things, having to make do with the bronze card, and travel blankets. Tune in and you'll also hear about Sofya's journey from her first climbing wall to one of five adult females on the Swiss National Bouldering Team. You think you know climbing? You don't, but you will. Epic guest. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Bethany "Roadrunner" Garretson, the holder of the ADK 46 unsupported FKT, stops by the studio to talk trail with Doc. The thru hiker, trail runner, wilderness therapy instructor, and author waxes eloquent on a variety of topics. Listen in and hear about the nice sweet smell of manure, the magic of La Sportiva, heating up in bags, accidentally inventing trail running, Aconcagua, helicopter evacs, and powerful women on the trail. And, there's also a pretty good story about a mouse in the tent. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Chris "Stretch" Hurlbut strides out of the swamps and into the studio to talk trail with Doc. Former section hiker turned AT thru hiker Stretch tries to persuade Doc about the virtues of hiking in gator country. Listen in as the two discuss the many hidden gems of the Florida Trail, the curious phenomenon of accidentally hiking the AT, whether or not there's a Hiking with Cats YouTube Channel, situational armrest-ing, and the importance of not planning for your next big thru hike. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
It's a story we've all heard before: Oklahoma girl meets Michigan boy, they finish medical school, get married, work in Africa as missionary doctors, have kids, and decide to hike the Appalachian Trail as a family of six. Danae and Olen Netteburg take a breather to talk with Doc about completing the AT with four kids under the age of 11, and then hiking the CDT two years later and adding an infant to the mix. Tune in for a rollicking good time with some serious moments interspersed throughout. Queen Bee and Spreadsheet cover a lot of ground, including the crapshoot of the birth lottery, Chicken Tramper fanny packs, the definitive guide to two-person hammock positions, the after effects of lightning PTSD, and how to perfect the seven-person hitch into town. An instant classic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Outdoor writer, adventurer, and Renaissance man Luke Kelly drops into the studio to discuss some worldly adventures with Doc. Tune in and hear about how this New York college boy used his summer wages from working a commercial fishing boat in Alaska to finance his adventures across the globe. Luke shares his incredible experiences, from experiencing the 2011 earthquake in Christchurch, NZ, to being mugged in Patagonia to solo hiking the Annapurna Circuit in Nepal. And a lot more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Justin Hick of the Justin Outdoors YouTube channel comes in from the Great White North to talk trail with Doc. In the wide ranging discussion, the two venture forth from the Canadian Rockies to Vancouver Island to Tour du Mont Blanc to the Arizona desert. Along the way, you'll hear about Leave No Trace, the finer points of bidet use, how to survive a bear attack, moving the needle, pushing the limits, and trail names you want to avoid at all costs. Epic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Boy Scout, Marine, triathlete, hiker, swimmer, and Search and Rescue team member John "Chicken Legs" Woods sits down with Doc to talk about the path he's walked. From his childhood on shores of Lake Michigan to joining two branches of the Armed Services to training and adventuring in the outdoors, John shares a ton of stories with Doc. Listen in and hear about falling through the ice, Gucci gear, the importance of grit, the Gator Man, getting humbled, burpee strategies, and the power of no days off. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Barkley finisher, thru hiker, ultrarunner, college professor, and part-time Antarctic denizen John "Lakewood" Fegyveresi drops into the John Freakin' Muir studio to chew the fat about a wide range of adventure opportunities out there. Tune in and hear the two doctors talk about Fegy's quest to run 100 ultramarathons (he's notched 97 finishes so far!), merino wool, the passion of motion, treks to nowhere, possible corporate sponsors for the Barkley, the Iron Butt Challenge, the current state of our climate, and many, many tips, tricks, and tales from Frozen Head State Park in Tennessee. Incredible guest. You might just get college credit if you listen to the full episode.
Triple Crowner and FKTer Miranda "Bopit" Pridgen sets her hiking poles down and joins Doc in the studio to talk some trail. Tune in and hear Bopit, the former elementary school teacher, talk about the seismic shift in her life that led her 15,000 miles down the trail in the last four years. During the interview, Bopit and Doc talk about the danger of cavities on the trail, huge feet, innovative children's books, a dream hitch on the back of a motorcycle, sleeping with a skunk in the shelter, Fresh Ground, the agony of flat trail walking, and her epic FKT of the Florida Trail. As Bopit says, she seems to be good at the thru hiking. Incredible episode with a rock star of the trails.
JMT thru hiker, tattoo artist, and unlikely TV celebrity Luke Pytlik stops by the studio for a hilarious and wide-ranging discussion with Doc. During their chat, Luke and Doc talk about appropriate hiking knives, pushing your limits, Man vs. Wild trips, the beauty of black and gray realism, Mayan Sacrifice, meat pills, and a really, really awkward encounter in Cozumel. Don't miss a minute of this one!
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In the premiere episode of Season 6, Doc welcomes back former Art Director and current adventurer, alpinist, and storyteller Chris Brinlee, Jr. In this wide-ranging discussion, Chris and Doc cover purple hiking skirts, failed trail names, the Yosemite Decimal System, the armpit of America, and the very important distinctions between Concept vs. Impact and Mission vs. Adventure. Tune in to get started on Getting Unleashed and Living Boldly.
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Svalbard resident and dog musher Davey "Captain America" Verwoerd checks in with Doc from Kennedy Meadows after the first 700 miles of his PCT thru hike. Tune in and hear about polar bear safety (on Svalbard, not the PCT), Blaze Physio, trail magic, BBQ, skillet-carrying thru hikers, sport mode Crocs, huge legs, speedy uphill hikers, crazy hitches, trail conditions, appropriate gear for the Sierras, and which is the more dangerous creature: the polar bear or Sasquatch?
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Season 5 comes to a rollicking close with Episode #250 of the JFM Pod as competitive sailor, exploratory geologist, and adventure boat captain Rob Phillips drops anchor for a few and shares some stories from the High Seas! Cozy up around the campfire and settle in as Rob shares some adventures of a different sort, including puffin attacks, open 60s, racing sailboats across the North Atlantic, short-handed racing, sling-shotting around storm systems, chronoception, competitive youth sailing, and smuggling a dog through Mecca. An epic close to an epic season!
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PCT thru hiker and @sendfemme founder Arielle "Mouse" Shipe joins Doc in studio for some good old fashioned trail talk. Tune in to hear about the charm of being annoyingly cheerful in the morning, cork orthotics, tuna exhaustion, Desolation Wilderness (a misnomer), Rainy Pass (not a misnomer), the magic of things just clicking, and how it's possible to pack 17 thru hikers and their gear into a single pickup truck when having to escape a raging 60,000-acre wildfire on trail. An instant classic.
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Brittany "TMI" Swanson and Andy "Panic" Butler from Bad Hikers make a return visit to the JFM Pod studio to spill some tea with Doc. In a wide ranging conversation, TMI and Panic share everything you want to know about their Kilimanjaro expedition, including prep, logistics, gear, scree slides, rocket fuel, and false summits. There's also a rousing discussion of Burning Man and the abnormally large proportion of stand up comedians and architects who attend.
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Environmental explorer, adventurer, climber, author and documentary filmmaker Tim Jarvis comes in from the cold to talk some Shackleton with Doc. With 13 Antarctic expeditions under his belt, Tim shares some incredible moments from his time on the ice, including his recreation of Ernest Shackleton's voyage from Elephant Island across the Southern Ocean to South Georgia and the subsequent overland trek to Stromness Whaling Station, all while using only the clothing and technology available during Shackleton's voyage. Along the way, the two discuss an unexpected visit from Father Christmas at the South Pole, the best way to serve congealed lard, breaking down the big problems into manageable chunks, pulling 500-pound sleds on the ice, and all the joy that comes with six sailors sharing the same tight quarters on a small boat on the open ocean for two weeks. Use your imagination; I promise it's not enough.
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Cal Dobbs, with a Triple Crown under his belt, now takes to the open road as he runs across America to raise awareness and support for Trans rights and gender affirming health care. Tune in as Cal shares with Doc the hardships of road life, the antics of Cooper and Truman, Twin Peaks references, creepy interactions in the middle of nowhere, Netflix recommendations, and his favorite of the Triple Crown trails.
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Struggling with addiction, with his life in a shambles, and living on the streets of Louisville, Dave "Music Man" Chandler shows up at Springer Mountain with his brother's hiking gear. He heads in the only direction available to him, literally and metaphorically: north. Listen in as Music Man and Doc provide live play by play of the finish of the 2023 Barkley Marathons, discuss the Three S's of hiking and life, breaking the cycle, strumsticks, dehydrating moms, yard saling, how to be a creature of the wilderness, and the literal hike of his life. This is a story of losing it all and then finding the path.
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Triple Crowner, musician, and documentarian Ben "Shredder" Phantom stops by the studio to do some chin wagging about the trail and life. Shredder and Doc cover some serious terrain, including interesting strategies to prevent frostbite, seeking a greater purpose, the intensity of a thru hike, how not to hike properly in grizzly country, living unhoused, and losing the joy (and finding it again!).
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Triple Crowner Dillon "Enigma" Dise drops in on Doc to talk some trail, both domestic and international. A well traveled thru hiker with 13,000 miles under his feet, Enigma expounds upon the adventure of hiking international trails. In this fun-filled episode, we take a trip on the Pyrenean Haute Route (HRP) a nearly 500-mile-long journey with an insane amount of elevation gain. Along the way, you'll hear about Andora, Tolkien-like vistas, PUDs, chalets, legit food and drink, two Czechs, and several good reasons why not to become a sommelier.
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Thru hiker, bikepacker, and route aficionado Kyle "Missing Spoons" Cleary comes in from the wilderness to talk trail, er, route with Doc. Eschewing the well-defined, well-marked traditional hiking trail for the more remote and rugged routes that require wayfinding and map reading, Spoons shares some thoughts and stories in the JFM Pod studio, including how an awkward inside kid got involved in the outdoors, Buddhism, spraying beta, cold soaking, sister pilgrimages, Roy's Motel, small town interactions, Public Lands, and the joy of cowboy camping in moose country.
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AT and PCT thru hiker Jacob "Crush" Pepper drops into the studio for a wide ranging and hilarious discussion of . . . everything. Settle in, buckle up, and fasten your headlamp securely as Crush and Doc talk about: schooners, wussing out, finger feet, mountain misery, too much quilt, pop tart theories, existential thoughts, Turd Graders, SKTs, moonshine and mason jars, Tree Amigos, leveling up, lawn chair packs, Endless Zeroes, 56K modems, D&D, Tolkien and the most famous thru hike, Trench Pullers, rogue mice, Yacht Rock, postholing, charity hiking, and hotdogging. And a lot more. A lot.--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/johnfreakinmuir/support
Thru hiker Kyle O'Grady of the Kyle Hates Hiking YouTube Channel drops into the studio to talk trail with Doc. Listen in as Kyle and Doc discuss Crotch Pots, trekking pole hammocks, the best long trail in the world, the virtues of patience, the best techniques for cutting your toothbrush in half, and Kyle's sweating problem. Kyle also sets a couple of podcast records during the interview!
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The first black female Triple Crowner Elsye "Chardonnay" Walker stops by the studio to talk trail with Doc. Listen in and hear about releasing and re-sorting your priorities, gear, Burners, broken ankles, the trouble with short cuts, BIPOC women in the outdoors, sketchy hitches, and trail angels. Chardonnay also shares her 2020 cancer diagnosis, treatment, and its impact on her pursuits. Epic guest, epic episode.
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Travel nurse Emily Latour stops by the studio to share some adventures from inside the emergency room and out on the trails. Tune in and hear how this former soccer and lacrosse player found her current trail, the hectic pace of the emergency room, camper life, hiking with dogs, and the dangerous ascents of Mt. Washington, Mt. Katahdin, Angel's Landing, and Half Dome.
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AT thru hiker, attorney, and outdoors author Jeff "Wordsmith" Mitchell joins Doc in the studio to share some stories about the trail. The two cover a lot of territory, including short-form storytelling, imposter syndrome, emotional density, the short arc of friendship on the trail, the transformative power of the trail, first days, last days, and the pure joy of riding in the bed of a pickup.
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Michael "Pops" Cole, former federal prosecutor and assistant attorney general and current badass, drops into the studio to talk peaks and valleys with Doc. During the conversation, Pops talks about the Risk Continuum; the importance of knowing how to use your gear; the distinct lack of appeal of Norwegian rations; Winter, Mountain, and Jungle Warfare Schools; the finer points of rugby; and the frustration of the guy in flip flops in front of you at the top of Mount Washington. An instant classic.
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In this bonus crossover event, Doc is interviewed on the Hard Times Strong Men Podcast. Tune in and learn some more about Doc and his adventures!
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Mark "Semi Colon" Scott drops into the studio from his home in Jasper National Park to talk trail (and more!) with Doc. The Canadian school teacher shares some stories from the backcountry, including some dicey situations out there with his better half, previous JFM Pod guest, Brigid "Scrambles" Scott. Tune in and hear about proper response technique for bear encounters, Zed Packs, C-Level water crossings, the Great Divide Trail, a LASH in the American Northwest, Shoulder Season, and the unusual naming technique for small Saskatchewan towns. For reference and explanation: "Shoulder season is the months between the peak season, usually during the summer months, and the offseason in the winter. In this case, the autumn months would be considered shoulder season."
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Annemarie 'Zipsss" Athey becomes the first guest on the podcast to be interviewed from the bottom of the planet. Zipsss calls in from McMurdo Station in Antarctica to chat with Doc about a wide variety of topics, including packing your fears, soul-sucking jobs, selling furniture to finance a hike, swiping right to conduct some research, imposter syndrome, knowing how to listen to the universe when it speaks to you, ice wives, and the best possible setting for a horror movie.
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Aurélien Sanchez and John Kelly, two of the finishers from this year's Barkley Marathons, drop into the JFM Pod studio to chat with Doc and co-host Jeff Garmire to share some insights and stories about the epic race that takes place in Frozen Head State Park. Tune in and experience this year's race vicariously through these two ultra endurance athletes. As Doc and Jeff light a virtual cigarette at the yellow gate, Aurélien and John sprint through all the stories you want to hear, including pre-race activities, early stages of the race, life on Loop 5, a missing book, and the idyllic locations of Meatgrinder, Garden Spot, Leonard's Butt Slide, and Chimney Top. Obsessed with the Barkley? Don't miss a minute of this bonus episode!
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In this wide ranging conversation, high school sweethearts Brian "Freight Train" Walsh and Kristina "Pickles" O'Connell drop in on Doc to talk all things on and off trail. Along the way, you'll hear about the dangers of the enthusiastic hiker, the shopping cart phenomena, a Dance Off on the AT, Fresh Meat, poison ivy, carrying a double wide on the trail, slack twinning, meditating bison, permit wizardry, and unintentional rock surfing down the mountain.
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In this special bonus episode, Jeff "Legend" Garmire sits down with Doc to make a huge announcement about some intriguing future plans. Listen in to this exclusive story only to found on The John Freakin' Muir Pod. You are not going to want to miss this one!
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Adventure preacher Brad "Shep" Sasser takes a brief break from the trail and his thru hiking flock to chat with Doc. Along the way, Shep shares stories and insights about trail angeling, NoMiles. dog year trail relationships, three rooms over a gas station, four pairs of socks, parking lot life, trail blessings, and the dangers of 47-pound packs. Doc and Shep also take on some of the big metaphysical questions out there. Tune in and level up.
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Thru hiker Heather "Egg" Daigle drops into the studio to talk trail with Doc. Tune in and hear about misshapen feet, serving brews in an egg costume, blisters, hiker ego, fear on the trail, color coding shelters, and the impact of judgment. You'll also find out the answer to the age-old question: which is more important, snacks or hiking poles?
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Peak-bagger Phil Perry drops into the studio to share some stories from the northeastern mountains of the U.S. Along the way, Phil shares his rocky past with addiction and how he's channeled his energy into the highs and lows of outdoor adventuring. Now sober two+ years, Phil gets into it with Doc about snakes, Tupperware, the Dollar General, and which coast has the more challenging peaks.
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Chezwick, the 16th person to complete the Eastern Continental Trail and the 5th person to complete the Great Western Loop, takes a load off and sits down with Doc to talk trail. During the discussion, the two range wide and far, covering topics like the state bird of Oregon, the Pyramid of Pain, unique uses for toothpaste in the Himalayas, trail romances ending badly, Doc Campbell's Outpost, Type III fun, and No One and Nothing. You won't believe your ears.
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Former television reporter and Rock 'n' Roll professor Jarred "Yeti" Aslett joins Doc in the studio to share his amazing journey. After finding himself weighing 500 pounds and facing some serious limitations in his life, Jared opted for a change. Eighteen months later and 235 pounds lighter, Jared loaded his bag and set out from the Mexican border on the Pacific Crest Trail. Tune in and listen up as the two discuss slipping clutches, sketchy mountains, duct tape fixes, the Misfits, lessons learned, and, of course, some good old fashioned Type II Fun!
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Calendar Year Triple Crowner Brandon "Horsepower" Weis returns to the John Freakin' Muir studio to talk about what he's been up to since his last chat with Doc. Tune in and hear about some of America's lesser known, but equally stunning, trails. During the episode, the two get into a healthy discussion of Better Call Saul, the proper work to reward ratio on trail, the ultimate bartending story starter, soupy liquids, trail hallucinations, and Horsepower's secret superpower - binge eating.
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Thru hiker, documentarian, and Croatian Long Trail creator Nikola "Tesla" Horvat takes a break from working on his current documentary, Why Do I Hike 2, to talk trail with Doc. During the conversation, the two of them cover a lot of ground as they discuss sturdy tendons, the dangers of trying to keep up, the rhythm of the trail, dead tree forests, the complementary nature of the lows and the highs, and whether or not you can truly embrace the suck. Epic episode with a a couple of armchair philosophers!
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Ret. Lt. Commander Ben "Ginger Ballz" Vaughan takes a break from mushing dogs in Alaska to join Doc in the studio to talk about his latest adventures. The Triple Crowner, Hayduke survivor, and former ski/snowboard instructor shares how he ended up moving from Colorado to Alaska, and all of the hijinks involved with mushing dogs across glaciers. Tune in for a healthy dose of hilarity as GBz takes Doc for a walk on the wild side, Alaskan Edition. An instant classic.
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In this bonus crossover event, Doc is interviewed on the Eric Rinehart Podcast. Tune in and hear Doc wax eloquent on some epic moments in the outdoors as well as the origin and evolution of the John Freakin' Muir Pod. Have your Doc Facts scorecard out while listening. And, of course, there's some discussion of the Barkley Marathons.
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Triple Crowner, endurance runner, fitness coach, and homesteader Sarah "Hawaii" Dramis joins Doc in the studio for some trail talk. Sit back and buckle up as Hawaii talks about how she overcame scoliosis and a fused spine to become a Triple Crowner and a long-distance runner. Along the way, you'll hear about adventures in nannying, pro-anoia, Type II Fun, hiker trash, and that one wild aunt that always seems to show up.
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What do you call a comedian whose gimmick is thru hiking 2,600+ miles to his first stand up routine? Funny as hell, that's what. PCT thru hiker and comedian Sean "Shame" Powers drops into the studio to talk trail, comedy, and existential dread with Doc. Tune in and hear about trauma bonding, death chutes, Little Brother Energy, level 10 diarrhea , the 12 beers of Christmas, and what to do when the laughter stops. Epic.
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Champion endurance runner, three-time world record holder, and 11-time All-American Renee Metivier takes a breather and drops into the studio to chat with Doc. During the conversation, Renee shares how she got her start in running, the story behind her first national championship, and how she notched three world records in a single day on a treadmill. Oh, and there's also a story involving bear spray, a stranded bus, and a weathered stranger missing a few teeth. Tune in and see how it all plays out.
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Army vet Randall Gillespie drops into the studio to talk with Doc about some different types of outdoor adventure. Creator of the Grunt Proof YouTube channel and veteran of active duty tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, Randall chats with Doc about bringing his military perspective to gear testing and outdoor challenges. Listen in and hear about Randall's definition of glamping, how to properly test gear, military modular sleep systems, MREs, the Army Molly Medium Ruck, and the difference between permissive and non-permissive environments.
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Triple Crowner and wildland firefighter Matt "Pretzel" Mason comes in from the smoke and ash to talk to Doc in the studio. During the wide-ranging conversation, self-described knuckle dragger Pretzel shares profound insights and outstanding trail wisdom throughout the episode. Tune in for trail talk on gear, (6.5 lb. base weight!), malicious compliance, the Jerusalem Cruiser, Minor Threat, Drive By Truckers, and a brand new segment on the podcast - the Hiker Trash Highlight!
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Retire form the military, turn 50, and . . . go hike the PCT? That's exactly what Jay "Meat Grinder" France did. Meat Grinder stops by the studio to talk with Doc about the dangers of over planning, evolving on the trail, 110-liter packs, grit, and the danger of wearing an abrasive shirt on the trail.
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Colorado hiking guide and coach Shelby Mann sits down with Doc to talk some Type II fun. In addition to sharing the lessons learned from her early mistakes, this aspiring Triple Crowner talks about adventuring with her lab Gatsby, fancy ramen, MMA, growing as a human, and some epic, if accidental, glissading.
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Fresh off the PCT, thru hiker Matt "Schmutz" Lyons sits down with Doc to talk trail. In addition to updating us on his documentary project, Schmutz covers a lot of ground, including the magic of oatmeal, Trash Crocs, creative recipes with Snickers bars, and what happens when your IT band isn't cooperating with your 2,650-mile hike from Canada to Mexico.
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In an instant classic, thru hiker and trail creator Thomas Bouïssaguet joins Doc in the studio to talk about the newly created long trail in France, the HexaTrek. During their conversation, the pair cover a lot of ground, including talk of berets, emergency alcohol, French pocket knives, aggressive mountains, holding grudges, the danger of being named Kevin or Dylan in France, the value of a charcuterie board on the trail, and the appropriate steps to take when confronted by a literal minefield between you and your next campsite. One hilarious moment after another in this episode.
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What does it take for an 18-year-old woman to convince her parents to drop her off alone in the woods 2,000 miles away to hike the Appalachian Trail by herself? Moxie. Kaylin "Moxie" Brown did exactly that. Less than six months later, she meets up with her parents at the base of Mt. Katahdin as she completes an epic adventure. Tune in and hear Moxie share her story with Doc, complete with Type II adventure, sketchy hitches, and the power within each of us.
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After seven months and 4,200 miles spent on the trail in 2022, Jason "Out and About" Tompkins comes in from the cold to share some adventures and lessons learned from the trail in the warm confines of the JFM Pod studio. Tune in and hear about waist deep walks through swamps in the dark, the dangers of deadfalls, hopping on freight trains, the beauty of the Outer Banks, 375-mile road walks, and the creation of The Carolinian. Lots of laugh out loud moments in this one!
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What does it take to hike all three of America's long trails in one calendar year? Settle in and listen up as Doc and special co-host Jeff "Legend" Garmire talk to the four thru hikers who took on this feat in 2022 and completed what has been called the most prestigious accomplishment in long-distance hiking. Charlie "Kansas Express" Janssen, Rene "Boomerang" Heinrich, Carl "Professor" Stanfield, and Jack "Quadzilla" Jones address the questions you want answered: Why? Gear? Sequence? Highs, lows, and the unexpected? Tune in for a mind-blowing episode with some true thru hiking royalty.
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Thru hiker, storyteller, and future documentarian Elina "TipTap" Osborne drops in from her new circus-themed flat in New Zealand to talk about what's she's been up to since her last visit to the studio. Listen in as TipTap and Doc discuss weka attacks, the luxury item that makes thru hiking bourgeois as hell, hiking with legends across Europe, learning to surf, how not to hike the Vertical Kilometer. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/johnfreakinmuir/support
The race director of Adventure Race Croatia, Igor "Werewolf" Dorotic, drops by the studio to talk adventure with Doc. During the convo, Igor shares his newest creation, the Relive Project, which allows endurance athletes of all experience levels to customize their next adventure on an actual professional Adventure Race course! This is the multisport holiday experience you've been looking for!
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Josh "Long Story" Murphy sits down with Doc to share an amazing tale. From his early beginnings roaming the hills in Pennsylvania and then onto his unhealthy teen years that led to serious weight gain, Long Story describes the life events that took him to a 200+ pound weight loss, enlisting in the military, and then thru hiking the PCT. Tune in and hear a story that will have you shaking your head. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/johnfreakinmuir/support
Bennett "Jolly" Fisher takes a quick break from the trail and from his hiking apparel company, Jolly Gear, to sit down with Doc in the studio to chat about some Type II fun. From his early start as an 18-year-old on his first overnight hike (um, the entire Appalachian Trail!) to his current ultralight status with a seven-pound pack on the PCT, Jolly shares his evolution as a thru hiker and a person. Listen in and hear about heartbreak on the AT, a new definition of Hiker Trash, the importance of putting the What Ifs out of your mind, and the creation of one of the hottest brands out on the trail, Jolly Gear!
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Season 5 of the podcast leaps out of the gates when Adriel "Bacon" Young takes a breather to drop into the studio and chat with Doc. The former Bondi Beach lifeguard, reality TV star, and winner of the inaugural One Water Race covers a lot of ground in his convo with Doc, including his unsuccessful sporting years in high school, lifeguard rescues on Bondi Beach, competing in the Kona Ironman, and his discovery of the Swedish sport of swimrunning. There's plenty of Type II fun along the way.
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In spectacular fashion, Doc wraps up Season 4 of the podcast by talking to Rob Pope, the bloke from Liverpool who recreated Forrest Gump's 15,600-mile run back and forth across America. Rob, who is an author and the host of Red Bull's How to Be Superhuman podcast, shares some incredible stories from the run, including his interactions with Americans from all walks of life, his brushes with the law, how he fended off attacks from packs of stray dogs, his close your eyes and pray method of dealing with a charging moose, and the fuel behind any successful transcontinental run, donuts and beer. The self-proclaimed King of Donuts also includes a good discussion on the power of unadulterated ands, his lucky number 12, and why he chose cross country over rugby. Rob provides an exclamation point to an epic season!
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Chad "Scratch" (or Hooch) Lubinski takes a break from the busy world of content creating to talk to Doc in the John Freakin' Muir studio. The two range far and wide in their discussion, including chats on Stateside slop, Homer, the next level of thru hiking, how to run 100 miles, the 4x4x48, and the Wind River High Route.
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Brian "B.S." Sheridan sits down and shoots the bull with Doc. Fresh off his second attempt at the 300-mile Everglades Challenge, B.S. recounts his recent exploits and much more, including life as an engineer on a container ship, two-way trail magic, deet cream, predator eyes, and the magical memories of Chokoloskee, Buttonwood Canal, and the Nightmare. You're not going to want to miss this one!
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Photographer, metalsmith, and thru hiker Katelin Reeser joins Doc in the studio for some serious trail talk. Tune in for discussions of gear and photography and some stories from the JMT, the Long Trail, the PCT, and the Collegiate Loop. Kate opines on Type II AND Type III fun, as well as the futility of long-range planning on the trail, eerie moments, and when things get too Bro-ey out there.
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Phil "Swamper" Tucker joins Doc from Mississippi for a very special episode. Underneath the fun-loving exterior, Swamper hides a tough past and a difficult journey. Tune in and hear the incredible story of a young boy raised in the swamps of Mississippi who loses his path, only to pull himself up and find it again by moving to Montana. But the story doesn't end there. After having his lower leg amputated, Swamper finds himself at a very dark fork in the road. As he contemplates which path to take, he discovers the YouTube channel of Kate "Feather" Cloud, and is inspired to claw his way back and hike the PCT. Also on his bucket list is to meet the woman who inspired him, Feather. Can Doc pull any strings? Listen and find out. Bring some tissues. Epic. Oh, and there's water moccasins, gators, grizzlies, a shower curtain, and skinny dipping in Bogue Homa Creek.
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When you leave everything behind to pursue your dreams on the PCT, do you expect to fall in love with a stranger on the trail? Tune in and listen in as Joey (Area 52) and Alyssa (Crunch) talk to Doc about building a relationship on the trail. Along the way, you'll hear about a Close Encounter (yes, that type of Close Encounter), the synthetic world, Ride Brides, good reasons to use a tent, and the importance of shooting your shot.
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Cal "Starburst" Dobbs, the first transgender Triple Crowner, stops by the podcast studio to talk trail with Doc. During the conversation, Cal shares their journey on the trail as well as their journey to self discovery and awareness. Spreading a message of advocacy and inclusivity, Cal also talks with Doc about gear, ill-fitting pants, painful lessons, the importance of grit, the importance of windows and mirrors, emotional explosions on the trail, and the power of someone who believes in you. Be sure to tune in for this powerful episode.
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In an instant classic, thru hiker Jocelyn "Ballsack" Smith drops into the studio to cover a wide variety of trail topics with Doc. Tune in and hear the pastor's daughter gone rogue discuss the Fork Cartel, interesting uses for the tent vestibule, the Human World, Bernie Sanders' drink of choice, Irish goodbyes, night terrors on the trail, and selling your mom's phone number to randos while working in The Pickle Bar. Oh, and there's plenty of talk about her AT thru hike, injury on the PCT, post trail depression, and living intentionally. Truly an epic episode.
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Backpacking guide Kamrin "Pinecone" Peterson takes a brief break between treks to drop into the studio and chat with Doc. During the conversation, the two discuss the extra burden and reward to guiding, the dangers of being a back base, torn biceps, gathering water with a Deuce of Spades, summit fever, and her friends, Karen and Chad.
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Infinity Trail creator and long-distance walker extraordinaire, Jason "Eternal" O. Cook calls in from the trail to update Doc on his progress on the 16,000-mile trail. Along the way, the two discuss Biscuit, Smiles, Jolly Gear shirts, the difficulty of resynchronization, finding answers on the trail, the human condition, and finding a balance. Don't miss this episode with an incredible human.
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Jeff "Legend" Garmire sprints into the John Freakin' Muir Pod studio to chat with Doc about his newly established FKT of the JMT. The conversation, as you might imagine, ranges far and wide, with insights into Simulation Theory, discussion on the Roaring '20s, hitchhiking stories, and Star Wars. They do eventually get to the heart of the matter: what it's like covering 70+ miles a day for three days to set the Unsupported Fastest Known Time on the John Muir Trail. Epic.
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Carl "Prof" Stanfield calls in during a Zero in Glacier National Park during his quest to set the record for most miles traveled on foot in a calendar year. With his eyes set on 10,500 miles by Dec. 31, Prof talks to Doc on day 238 about the challenges involved while hiking on a time budget. During the discussion, appropriately, they cover a lot of ground, including spooky stories from Florida, the benefits of hiking with Greased Pig, how to grind through 12 pairs of trail runners, and that one time Prof worked as a nude model for Outside Magazine.
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The Great White Arrow and Chest Hair stop by the studio to relay a trauma-inducing story from the mountains that they are just now recovering from five years on.
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This week on the pod we have a very special guest: the creator and host of JFM Pod itself, Doc! Doc and new intern Lupin talk about the inner workings of the podcast including the how and why it was created. They discuss Doc’s experiences running marathons as well as some type 2 fun adventures hiking the JMT. You’ll even get to hear his opinion on the necessity of the Oxford comma, something he usually only brings up during his 9-5. This week, it's all about the man, the myth, the legend: Doc.
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High school, college, PA school, career, house, wife, kids. That was the trajectory for Dylan "Fruit Loops" Lopez of New York City, until the day he saw the hoodoo wallpaper on his friend's device. Intuitively, something clicked, and Dylan's life was changed forever. Tune in and hear tales of Walmart Outfitters, Uncle Eddie's tent, whether it's better to be the big or little spoon, Brenda in Tennessee, vanlife, wringing all you can out of life, and the Ferrari of van toilets. Drop out, tune in, and take a bath for your soul.
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Tommy "Twerk" Corey takes a brief break from his many exploits to drop into the studio and talk with Doc about a wide range of subjects. The long-distance backpacker, outdoor photographer, filmmaker, and creator of the book Hiker Trash Vogue ranges far and wide in his discussion of growing up in Redding, the dangers of drunken promises, defining characteristics of dive bars and Hiker Trash, and why quitting thru hikes when they don't serve you is okay. The two also talk about diversity (or lack thereof) on the trail, and what Twerk's parents told him when he came out at 15 (hint, it's in the title). Don't miss this feel good episode with this multidimensional Hiker Trash artist.
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Angela "Lupin" Hu joins the podcast in more ways than one. During her interview, Lupin shares the painful lessons learned from suffering on the Tahoe Rim Trail, Rosie the Outback, her time on Section J, her pit toilet rating system, and the value of picking up new hobbies later in life. Hilarity ensues.
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In this very special episode, Mike "Smooth" Riggs drops into the JFM Pod Studio before AND after his epic John Muir Trail hike. During this episode two months in the making, Smooth talks about prep and expectations and then comes back to share some crazy stories from the trail. Tune in and hear from this unforgettable guest on this epic episode. An instant classic.
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Fresh off a 23-day hike of the John Muir Trail, Luna "Easy Rider" Bailey sits down with Doc to talk about the impact of one of the world's best hiking trails. Besides revealing some very recent, very major life changes, Easy Rider also talks about the importance of feet on fresh sheets, the benefits of hippie parents, why solo hiking is the best hiking, wag bag etiquette, and double-digit plunges into alpine lakes. Plus, you'll get to hear about Lag, Tortoise, and Lightning Macbeth.
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Eschewing the expected and traditional life path, Zeeshan Parvez enlisted in the Marines after high school, became part of an elite special forces unit, excelled in extreme survival training, and became a wingsuit BASE jumper and instructor. This modern-day Renaissance man takes a break from grad school, his nonprofit (Veterans in STEM), and jumping off mountains to spend a little time in the studio with Doc to talk about one of the world's most extreme sports: wingsuit BASE jumping. Along the way, they delve into the finer points of grit, survival school, the evolutionary purpose of adrenaline, whether or not to fix the toilet paper direction at a friend's house, and the finer points of getting off the mountain in a hurry.
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Dr. Morgan "Blaze" Brosnihan takes a brief break from helping thru hikers with their injuries on the PCT to drop into the studio for a great chat with Doc. During their discussion, the two dive into some deep rabbit holes, including some talk about Bridge Troll, nuns, van life, listening when the universe speaks to you, sucking on pebbles, finding adventure soulmates, the Golden Throne, and the importance of Tweak and Twerk. Blaze also shares the worst trail injury she worked with this year during her season of trail therapy. Don't miss a minute of this one.
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In this week's episode, we leave the ground behind and take to the skies as Joe "Moab Joe" Lohmuller parachutes into the studio to share some pulse-pounding stories from the world of skydiving, BASE jumping, and wingsuit flying. Tune in to hear about some near misses, first jumps, homemade equipment, trigonometry, margins, and how Moab Joe left the cookie-cutter lifestyle in his rearview mirror.
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Jackson "Wow" Sims-Myers stops by the studio to chat with Doc about some soul-satisfying high routes. During the conversation, they venture off trail to discuss the finer points dumpster diving, inaccurate trail names, hiker trash criteria, favorite trail poops, the problems with loaf flaps and meat slivers, and the value of map and compass skills. And, um, there's considerable discussion of Uncle Nutsack.
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Britt and Andy from Bad Hikers stop by the studio to talk with Doc about their 20-day hike of the John Muir Trail. Along the way, the three discuss potential trail names (TMI and Panic), as well as the finer points of pizza philosophizing, the problem of being allergic to mosquitoes, Type II fun, marriage proposals, and the typical love story of a reformed indoor kid who meets an outdoor kid at Burning Man. Hilarity ensues. Fasten your seatbelt and settle in for this one.
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Jeremy Walker takes a break from chasing waterfalls in the Pacific Northwest to drop into the studio and chat with Doc about some off-trail adventures. Tune in for some great discussion on bear spray, cougars, log rolling, wilderness apps, spelunking, and a brand new set of hiking poll questions.
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In an episode for the ages, Julia "Jacks" Renn, creator of the How to Poop in the Woods website, stops by the studio to drop a dime on how to drop a deuce out there. Tune in and hear about poop soup, poop yoga, human poop grenades, an existential crisis in a bar, and how everything good stems from Ultimate Frisbee.
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Children's author Michelle "Two Ls" Adshead sits down with Doc to discuss the Appalachian Trail and its impact on her life. She covers a lot of ground in the episode, including imaginary plywood, chainsaws on the trail, our primal roots, the importance of the Oxford comma, and the adventures of a couple foxes on the AT.
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Alpinist, storyteller, and climate advocate Graham Zimmerman drops by the studio to chat with Doc. Tune in and hear some prime discussion of how GZ went from a mogul mite to a ski instructor to becoming a big wall climber, alpinist, and winner of the 2020 Golden Ice Axe, mountaineering's highest award. Along the way, the two discuss the attraction of going up, the importance of logistics, search and rescue in Yosemite, and sleeping on portaledges.
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Sierra "Lucky Charm" Peters-Buckland takes a brief break from her PCT hike to chat with Doc in the studio about how this Scottish lass ended up on a 2,650-mile trail from Mexico to Canada. During this rollicking interview, the two range far and wide, discussing the benefits of canceled weddings, dog-gility, sun suits, chasing the right kind of high, depression, the BBT, stealing jobs while at a house party, vanlife, and the pain of visiting 50 of 51 National Parks. And of course, there is the obligatory conversation about Outlander. Epic episode.
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Jason Kinosh and Mike Kucharski come in from the Northeast cold to chat with Doc about how to properly suffer out on the trail. In this laugh out loud episode, the three of them cover some serious distance, including the peak bagging culture in the Northeast, trail envy, legacy mountains, Old Man Phelps, tree pee, and mountain meltdowns. They also stumble across some pretty appropriate trail names and try them on. Hilarious episode.
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Sion Owen calls from Wales to talk to Doc about some of his UK adventures. In between the chat about Welsh weather, Snowdonia National Park, and Mount Snowdon, the two cover a lot of territory, including what qualifies as Hiker Trash, the difference between thru hiking and section hiking, dressing up for your 100th summit, and the prettiest gym he's ever been to.
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Thru hikers Renee "Tok" Miller and Tim "Tik" Beissinger, who are also the creators of the @thruhikers TikTok account, drop into the studio with Doc to take a cruise through the data of their 2021 CDT hike. During the discussion, the trio covers long distance triathlons, Strava, Cramps, dehydrating your own food, the challenge of running out of food on the trail, and they reveal their next big adventure. Oh, and Tim throws down the gauntlet on Jeff "Legend" Garmire. You don't want to miss this one.
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Thru hiker Kayla "Nugs" Bold drops into the studio for a conversation about her recent adventures. She and Doc discuss all manner of trails and environments, including the finer details of swamp hiking, water moccasins, love on the trail, the importance of siestas, and the glory of hiking with Wipes, Flush, and Stinky P.
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Long distance thru hiker and artist Kate "Feathers" Cloud and her pet goat Little Leaf call in from a motel room on the AT to share some stories and laughter from the trail. During the episode, we learn: the difference between bougie, flarey, and ratchet; the difficulty of hiking with just one clavicle; the importance of face-savers; what not to do when charged by a cougar; and why you should always check for snakes before sitting on that rock. And Feathers shares some IBTAT stories as well.
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Kalman "Ghost Mule" Tinka comes in from the Montana cold to talk to Doc about a wide variety of topics. During their chat, they cover some serious ground, including flying tents and hypothermia, Wright-Patterson AFB, adventures in stinging nettle patches, the magazine test, the characteristics of the Ultimate Go To Hiking Buddy, and moose and grizzly safety procedures. Type II Fun in abundance.
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Where to start? In this instant classic, Wesley "Megaman" Tils drops into the studio with Doc to share some incredible stories. Self-described as a sensitive, goofy soul, Megaman talks about his childhood with 10 siblings in Missouri, bare-knuckled fighting at the railroad tracks to solve school disputes, making a run for it at a crucial time in his life, jenky poor man's gear, multiple near death experiences, and living on Snickers bars and Slim Jims on the trail. And, there's that whole thing about surviving a grizzly attack while on the CDT, too. When you look up "Epic" in the dictionary, you will find the title to this episode.
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David "Swivel" Smith, forced off the trail for seven weeks with a foot injury, stops by the studio to talk with Doc about his current thru hike of the AT. With the resumption of his thru hike just a few days away, Swivel shares his preparation and his experiences on this adventure of a lifetime. Along the way, they cover crucial German phrases to know, marching pigs, the physical toll of Jiu Jitsu, and how to obtain a Master's Degree from YouTube University.
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In an episode for the ages, Gabe Peterson, Kevin Goldberg, and Jeff Garmire each make their third appearance in the JFM Pod studio to spend some quality time with Doc and talk about their most recent adventure. During the episode, we get to hear about essential gear, how to train for a 250-mile race, match making, the Barkley, hallucinations, sleep deprivation, being creative with your nose bleeds, the value of the calories provided by an IPA, and the importance of having a coherent crew member when the police show up on a dark country road on night 3.
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David "YoYo" Poston stops by the studio to talk to Doc about the benefits of being a minimalist on and off the trail. Along the way, they discuss the hazards of moose, bear, and bison, as well as spreadsheets, the Food Equation, esbit stoves, and how to get the right shot for the B roll. And there's some good discussion of luxury hiking and camping on the Trans Catalina Trail, as well as thru hiking the Colorado Trail. Epic episode with an epic guest.
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Dina "Dinabean" DeLeon drops by the studio to talk trail with Doc. During the discussion, they cover a lot of ground, including ecotherapy, kid camping, the problem with algorithms, hiking from the Latina perspective, and the awkwardness of show shoes. And, they reach a definitive answer for the age-old question of whether or not pineapple belongs on pizza.
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World traveler, veteran, college professor, author, and five-time Guinness World Record holder Joshua Biggers drops into the studio for rollicking episode. Tune in and hear about which MRE (Meal, Ready-to-Eat) is the one to avoid; the definitive boot height choice between ankle, mid-shin, and thigh-high; travels around the globe; and the perils of the Double Whammy in Guatamala. Oh, and don't miss out on the chats about cornhole, disc golf, and donut stacking. Epic.
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Derek Mathewson, aka Dreadhead Derek, drops in to talk to Doc about living a life of adventure. Along the way, he and Doc cover a lot of ground, including talk of Jack Sparrow and the Black Pearl, intervalometers, soy protein isolates, proud moments, tips for shooting landscapes with an iPhone, and how someone's life can change because of a chance meeting on a Dreadlock Page. Oh, and you're not going to want to miss the What Have I Not Asked You segment. Epic.
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Jon "Airborne" Schwarze is just one of five people to walk from Mexico to Canada on the PCT . . . and then turn around and walk back to Mexico. Airborne drops into the studio with Doc to discuss the epic feat, as well as share details on altitude brain, the sufferfest, riding the bobsled, raw pork hands, free skin, his Dating Hokas, and the importance of proving to yourself what you're capable of. This is an episode not to be missed.
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Bethany "Fidgit" Hughes and Lauren "Neon" Reed join Doc in the studio to discuss Her Odyssey, their trek from the tip of South America to the Arctic Ocean. During the episode, the three discuss a wide variety of topics, including the cat's butthole, the terrain of the moody gods, mediations on our mortality, living in the moment, those that have walked the trails before us, and garbage interview questions. This is an episode not to be missed.
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Buzz Burrell, ultra endurance athlete and popularizer of the Fastest Known Time, stops by the studio to cover a variety of topics with Doc. If you're looking for discussions on the Barkley Marathons, Forest Gump runs, Credit Card Adventures, R2R2R.Alt, and running the JMT in 4.5 days, this is the episode for you. Did I mention that we discuss the Barkleys?
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Kelby and Zoe, aka The Adventure Addicts, sit down with Doc for a deep dive into Type II Fun. The two share how their outdoor adventure interests helped them to match on a dating app, and they have never looked back. These aspiring backpacking guides talk about just a few of the pickles they have found themselves in, including creative uses of paracord, making car payments from the top of Mt. Whitney, trying to find the right weather window for Shasta, and the challenges you face while relying on 20-year-old memories.
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AT and CDT thru hiker (and VP of Sales and Marketing for Six Moon Designs) Whitney "Allgood" La Ruffa joins Doc in the studio to talk gear, tips, long trails, short trails, and first trails. Along the way, they hit the Gunks, a full shank, thru hikes for the working stiffs, and the gift of being able to talk a dog off a meat truck. Don't miss a minute.
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Triple Crowner Sam "Ramen King" Conley drops in to talk to Doc about his upcoming Coast to Coast hike, which he is undertaking for a very special cause. During the episode, Ramen talks about how he went from wanting leave the AT on day 1 to his subsequent successful thru hikes of each America's epic long trails. Along the way, Ramen and Doc explore the finer points of adding a bit of the unknown to your adventure, the dangers of following your hallucination off the trail, and a bit of mouse slapping.
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Jason "Eternal" Cook drops in from his 16,000-mile hike of the Infinity Loop Trail, which incorporates all three American long trails, to talk trail with Doc and Chopper. Eternal calls in after Hiker Midnight from under a tarp on the trail as he's expecting snow, and boy, are we glad he did! This epic episode is worthy of its position as the kickoff for Season 4 of the Pod. In addition to talking about his creation of the Infinity Loop, Eternal and the guys spend some time on some incredible trail stories, including waking up under four feet of snow on the trail, sharing coffee over a campfire with Nimblewill Nomad, and being followed and threatened on the trail by the KKK. Don't miss a minute of this one!
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Doc sits down with adventure racer, Eco Challenge warrior, and Team Curl member Brett Gravlin to talk about the 417-mile race over land, river, and ocean. After a 17-year layoff, the Eco Challenge race returned and was featured on Amazon Prime in a 10-episode series titled, "The World's Toughest Race." Brett, the brains behind Team Curl, recounts the prep before and the adventures from this grueling race.
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Triple Crowner and documentarian Chris "Rad" Carter joins Doc in the studio to share some stories from this year's CDT and AT hikes. Along the way, they cover a lot of ground, including what happens when you run out of things to think about, the Beta method of using your bear spray, his new friends Tim and Jim, and how to posthole when the snow reaches your chest. An epic episode with an epic guest.
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Tune in this week as Sentry and Isabel share their classic, er . . . unique, love story. It started with strong interest at first sight on the way to a glacier, progressed to the two of them on a moped in Greece with giardia, escalated to a proposal on top of Mt. Shasta, and continues with vanlife and world travels. Along the way, we hear about some rock climbing and mountaineering, motorcycle racing injuries, W.H.O.A., cucumber sours, and that time they climbed Half Dome with the cables down. Oh, and there's a Pro Tip you will not believe. Trust me. Epic episode.
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Kelsey and Jacob park the van and join Doc in studio for a romantic romp through waterfalls, trails, vanlife, and a Grand Canyon proposal. Along the way, the conversation follows all sorts of twists and turns, including some chat on band life, leveling up through ab exercises, slow courtships, friend zones, the Picnic, the inconvenience of being well hydrated at 19,000', and some exciting happenings in The Middle of Nowhere, Minnesota. Oh yeah, and there's a Puggle vs. Bison story as well.
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Roger "All Day" Gross stops by the studio to share his unique historical perspective as it relates to the trails we hike. Along the journey, All Day talks about his time behind bars (not what you think!), adventurous girlfriends, a stuffed platypus, a slap story (again, not what you're thinking), and some of the many historical events and places along America's hiking trails. There's also a Gordon Ramsay appearance and food recommendations galore.
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Triple Crowner and American Perimeter Trail designer Rue McKenrick drops by the JFM Pod studio to chat with Doc about his creation of a 12,000-mile trail that circumnavigates the contiguous United States. During this very unique interview, they discuss the art of backpacking, efficiency vs. effectiveness, unchecking a box, contributing to the greater good, and the sacrifice that goes into the creation of such a trail. Oh, and there's that time where Rue was out on the trail and had no idea a pandemic had swept the planet. You don't want to miss this one.
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Coyote and Snake Eyes call into the studio from a sauna in Estonia to discuss their preparation for an obscure 1,000-kilometer trail in Tajikistan later this year. During the episode, they talk to Doc about swimming with crocodiles, the problems with National Park permits issued by a chieftainess in Africa, running angry, posing as experts on the King's Trail in Sweden, and hammocking with bullet ants. Oh yeah, and there are attacking dogs on the trail in Armenia.
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James "Magnet" Parsons stops by the studio on the cusp of his NOBO PCT thru hike to chat with Doc. A landscape photographer who initially didn't understand the appeal of hiking, Magnet talks about his transformation from reluctant hiker to section hiker to aspiring thru hiker. Along the way, they discuss gear, the definition of LASH, dogs, trail angels, and the dark side of hiking your own hike.
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Sanna "First Row" Wandke drops in from Germany to talk trail with Doc. Along the journey, they cover adventures worth drawing, trail angels, more juicy forests, suffering from post trail depression on the first day of the PCT, the dangers of heat exhaustion with Mango, and the importance of experiencing the things in between the lines.
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Former section hiker and now PCT and AT thru hiker Mike "Snazzy" Stone spends some studio time with Doc to talk trail. Snazzy's van breaks down in the Sierras, and somehow ignites the hiking flame within him. Four short years later, he sets off from Campo heading to Canada on the PCT. Listen in as he shares his PCT experiences with past JFM Pod guests IB TAT and Beats. P.S., don't hang your shirt to dry on poison ivy.
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Krissy, Nicole, and Alysha, known collectively as their trail name "L.A. Moms," descend upon the John Freakin' Muir studio and unleash their special take on hiking. As they take Doc on a rollicking tour of Southern California hiking and adventure, Doc is occasionally able to get a word in edgewise. Listen in and hear about adventures on Whitney, Baldy, Iron Mountain, Kilimanjaro, and bungee jumping off the Bridge to Nowhere. Oh yeah, and the catching and naming of snakes on the trail.
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Fresh off the CDT, Chili Mac drops into the studio with Doc to share some stories from the long trails as well as some remote hikes that you will not believe, including the Great Yellowstone Traverse and a 500-mile loop that starts and ends in Gerlach, Nevada. Stories and situations abound throughout (imagine an Edward Abbey meets Hunter S. Thompson vibe).
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In this centennial episode of the John Freakin' Muir Pod, thru hiker Julia "Rocket" Sheehan sits down with Doc to talk trail and gear, as well as her 2019 AT hike, her 2021 AZT and CDT hikes, her upcoming book, and the importance of staying centered in the moment.
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World Guide Award winner in 2013, Deana Zabaldo chats with Doc about joining the Peace Corps, being assigned to Nepal as an English teacher, and embarking upon a career of guiding clients into the Himalayas. Listen in as they explore Nepali culture, adventure, snow leopards, and what to do when one of your clients collapses into your arms.
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New Zealander Elina "Tip Tap" Osborne hiked 2,600 miles on the PCT in 2019 and 1,800 miles on Te Araroa in 2020-21. Along the way, she gave her brother an 11-day head start, caught him 2,000 miles later, met Scout and Frodo, survived the Sierras, re-discovered her native country, dodged angry bulls, and listened to the John Freakin' Muir Pod in the land of Lord of the Rings. She sits down with Doc and spills the tea on all of it.
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Little Skittle sits down with Doc to discuss her 2019 thru hike of the PCT, rattlesnake angst, gear upgrades, the benefits of being a cold soaker, and that time she broke her fall with her face.
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Lael Wilcox competed in her first ultra endurance bike race in 2015. The next year, she won the 4,200-mile Trans Am Race, which stretched from Oregon to Virginia. Tune in as Lael shares how she got involved in this sport, her creation of new touring routes, getting more girls started in biking, and how she chased down and caught Steffen in the last 125 miles of a cross country bike race. Epic.
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Alfonso "Trout" López-Hernández drops in from Madrid to share some stories from the Appalachian Trail, the GR 11 in Spain, and the Long Trail. Along the way, he and Doc talk about pack shakedowns on the trail, peak bagging, hiker menus, getting lost, and an incredible bear story that does not actually involve a bear. Hilarity ensues.
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Christine Reed, author of Alone in Wonderland, stops by the studio to discuss her book and her journeys. Along the way, she and Doc chat about societal expectations for women, the Seekers, Vanlife, keeping things in your back pocket, zipping it up, and the MSR Reactor. Oh, and there's bears.
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Adam Ward from Wayzada joins Doc for a fantastic episode about adventure and one of the most unique and crazy-cool ways to commemorate your outdoor escapades. This is a feel-good episode you don't want to miss.
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Benny "Plug It In" Braden, Jr. drops into the studio to talk about the documentary Highline, secret cities, the John Muir Trail, lightning strikes, PTS, advocacy for public lands, and the delight of cold soaked chili mac.
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Equally comfortable on the trail or on a bike, Kevin Gong drops in for a discussion of the Lost Coast, the Mountaineers Route up to Mt. Whitney, bike touring, the ultimate bathroom view, the Holy Trinity of Snacks, BLM camping, and how far you can actually make it on a doughnut tire. Tune in to find out.
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Brigid "Scrambles" Scott, who lives and teaches in Jasper National Park, takes a break from her instructional duties to chat with Doc about the Great Divide Trail and her upcoming SOBO PCT thru hike. During this action-packed, hilarious episode, we get to hear about the Great Day of Booking, the totally sane and normal Canadian National Park reservation system, willow carnage, camping on Winter Island, and the soul-sucking Jack Pine River Route. And Moose Jaw.
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Kevin and Kathy from Trekking Sketches drop by the podcast studio and share some adventures with Doc, including their experiences peak-bagging in the American Northeast; stories from the Camino, the Long Trail, and the Trans Catalina Trail; and their preparation and expectations for their upcoming Appalachian Trail thru hike. Doc tries his best to pin a trail name on each of them.
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Christopher "Canary" Blackwell stops by the studio on the cusp of his supported FKT attempt of the Calendar Year Triple Crown. Doc and Canary cover a lot of territory in this episode, including the dangers of falling through the ice, rhabdomyolysis, thunderstorms on the way up Grandfather Mountain, Apple Pie, Lebanese food, and how to complete 8,000 miles of trail in less than 250 days. Epic.
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Matt St. Arnaud from the Great White North stops in for a visit to discuss a whole wide variety of topics, including thru hiking at 30 below, narrow toe boxes, trekking pole hammocks, Wayne Gretzky, fatherhood, plumbing, and the Wildest Thru Hike. Also, you're not going to want to miss the definitive discussion on which is the deadlier animal: the grizzly or the moose.
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Deon "Sid" Barrett joins Doc in the studio to talk about The True North Project, which, if successful, will result in him doing what just a handful of Black adventurers have done: standing atop Mount Everest. During the convo, the two cover the Green Stuff, the difficulties associated with growing up in the Machine, the efforts of Beyond Six and 5Twenty, and the inspiration behind supporting and inspiring others. An epic episode with an epic guest.
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Neal, aka The Mayor, stops by the studio to talk about rock bottoms and mountain highs as he shares how nature and his pursuit of the White Mountain Grid has helped to turn his life around. Along the way, he and Doc cover Tom Brady, the Barkley Marathons, menu items from The Red Fox, the beauty of the undercast, and how to interrupt the pattern.
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AT thru hiker, author and motivational speaker Derick "Mr. Fabulous" Lugo drops by the studio to spin some life and trail stories with Doc. During the course of the evening, they ramble through episodes of beaver poo, give and take on the trail, expectations, reality, the Quad State Challenge, and what happens when a guy from Brooklyn with ZERO hiking experience grabs some gear, heads down to Georgia, and embarks upon a 2,200-mile journey of discovery and magic.
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James Gregory checks in with Doc from Virginia and talks about his efforts to diversify the outdoors and advocate for BIPOC on the trail. Along the way, we get to hear about epic first dates, plant-based eating, vanlife, and more.
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In this classic episode that first aired on 5/23/20, Chopper and Jukebox return to the Pod to talk about this epic section of the John Muir Trail with Doc. From standing on a 13,200' mountain pass in a lightning storm while holding metal trekking poles to surviving the area's worst thunderstorm in decades to camping just below Mt. Whitney at 13,400', the guys will never forget this part of the most beautiful trail in the world.
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Triple Crowner Arlette "Apple Pie" Laan takes a brief break from postholing on the 4,700-mile North Country Trail to join Doc for a chat on all things trail. The two of them cover a lot of ground, including how she completed the Triple Crown before the age of apps and cellphones, setting the female unsupported FKT of New Hampshire's 4,000-footers, creative problem solving on the Hayduke Trail, her current 11-month endeavor on the NCT, and her quest to become the first woman to complete all of the National Scenic Trails. This is one epic episode.
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In this classic episode that first aired on 4/11/20, Doc and Chopper take a deep dive through another section of the JMT, answering the big questions along the way. Who was Rae? Why did Pinchot and Muir not get along? Did the Golden Gate of the Sierras get washed away or not? And why isn't it a good idea to stand on top of a pass during a lightning storm while holding hiking poles?
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Long trail thru hiker and aspiring Calendar Year Triple Crowner, Jack "Quadzilla" Jones sits down for a serious chat with Doc. As Jack hovers on the cusp of his upcoming departure on the 7,500-mile CYTC, he and Doc delve into some serious conversation. During the episode, we learn about the tragedy and upheaval of his childhood, his bouts with depression and video game addiction, his Army experience, and his Hail Mary to hike the AT and pull himself out of the depths. You're not going to want to miss his discussions on ultraheavy hiking, how to properly hot shot, and the significance of post-trail depression.
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In this classic episode that first aired on 5/9/20, Doc and the guys cover three passes in this 31-mile stretch of the John Muir Trail Join the trek to hear about Starr Camp, the Forbidden Adirondack chairs, the Golden Staircase, Starsky and Hutch, and one of the most treacherous water crossings yet. Will they survive?
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Triple Crowner Ryan "Constantine" Bunting drops in to talk with Doc about some of the 20,000+ miles under his trail runners. Along the way, they cover a lot of ground, including the challenges of having no finesse, being a slow learner, hockey injuries, snotty balaclavas, how to eat four dozen donuts in 24 hours, and embarrassing poop stories.
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In this classic episode that first aired on 4/4/20, Doc and Chopper continue to dissect the John Muir Trail one section at a time, starting with the 21 miles from Muir Trail Ranch to Muir Pass, which is right in the middle of the trail. What better place to start?
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Prior to 2021, just 10 people had ever completed the Calendar Year Triple Crown, a feat in which a thru hiker must complete the Appalachian Trail, the Continental Divide Trail, and the Pacific Crest Trail in one calendar year. Brandon "Horsepower" Weis decided he would take on this challenge in 2021 despite just picking up hiking in 2018 and never actually doing a thru hike before. Tune in to hear his amazing story.
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In this classic episode that first aired on 5/16/20, Doc and the guys share stories, insights, and shenanigans from these 41 miles of bliss on the JMT. Included are tales of BA the Marmot Whisperer, outrunning the Ferguson Fire, the dangers of hiking in kilts, extreme trail running, and what really happened to Buddy when he disappeared from the trail for hours. Trail Correspondent Rob joins us as well with a special trail report from Yosemite in the dead of winter.
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Captain Caveman visits the studio to talk all things thru hiking and endurance, including past mistakes, thru hiker therapy, the appropriate climb per view ratio, and disaster style. Oh yeah, and he's only got one foot.
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In this classic episode that first aired on 4/25/20, Doc and the crew continue their march along the JMT, this time through a 30-mile stretch that saw hail, stink in the pizzeria, Chafe the Naked Hiker, and what happens when the weather doesn't go your way.
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Astro and Streep from Adventure On Us sit down with Doc to share their incredible journey of addiction and recovery, and the love story that blooms with the help from outdoor adventuring together. This is an episode you don't want to miss.
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In this classic episode that originally aired on 4/18/20, Doc and his lively cast of characters take listeners through an in-depth look at a 28-mile stretch of the trail from MTR to Tully Hole. Tune in and find out about Buddy's run-in with another hiker and what happened to Jukebox at Tully Hole.
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First-time JMT thru hikers Kayla and Stephanie join Doc for a romp through our favorite trail. Tune in to hear their discussion of trail prep, meals, gear, false summits, and the highs and lows they experienced in the Sierras.
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Trail legend Jupiter returns to the pod to talk trail, gear, and philosophy with Doc. Tune in to hear about the AZT, the TRT, the Long Trail, and what's in store next for Jupiter. Hint: It's 2,600 miles long.
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Phranque, from Speaking Quite Frankly, sits down with Doc to cover a variety of topics, including Forrest Fenn's Treasure, balancing at the equator, vanlife, mistakes on the trail, fear of commitment, embracing your weaknesses, and how to properly bask in the adulation of your media consumers.
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In this special Season 3 bonus episode, Doc reconnects with Triple Crowners Ben "Ginger Ballz" Vaughan and Garret "Scrapbook" Hernandez to talk about their recent adventure on Vermont's Long Trail. These two do not disappoint. Tune in or you'll miss one of the all-time best episodes.
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After becoming just the 11th and 12th people to ever complete the Calendar Year Triple Crown, and the youngest to ever do it, Stanford students Sammy "Buzz" Potter and Jackson "Woody" Parell sit down with Doc to share the highs and lows that come with a 7,900-mile hike. This is an episode not to be missed.
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In this special Season 3 bonus episode, newly minted Triple Crowner and thru hiking icon Jeff "IB TAT" Oliver returns to the John Freakin' Muir studio to talk trail and gear with Doc. An epic episode with an epic guest.
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In this special Season 3 bonus episode, newly minted Triple Crowner and thru hiking icon Jeff "IB TAT" Oliver returns to the John Freakin' Muir studio to talk trail and gear with Doc. An epic episode with an epic guest.
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Left wondering if she could do it on her own after her relationship soured, Kamrin "Pinecone" Peterson dug in, did her research, and continued to hike, mountaineer, and live a life of outdoor adventure. She is now spreading the word and empowering other females through her social media and guided hikes in the Pacific Northwest. Listen in as she sits down with Doc to talk about her experiences, including the secret wisdom of what to do when you encounter a moose.
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Mountaineer and thru hiker Melany "Sonic Boom" Boivin joins Doc from Quebec to discuss a variety of important topics, including thru hiking luxury items, poutine, stress fractures, flip flopping, the impact of the trail on anxiety and depression, and re-writing the book. Tune in for all the deets.
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Fresh off the CDT to complete his Triple Crown, Elliot "Beats" Pacheco sits down for some serious discussion with Doc. Topics include diversity on the trail, pet peeves, shaking hands with the Devil, family and societal expectations, post trail depression, and the dangers of setting up your tent under widow-makers.
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Lulu TARS Aguiniga, having just completed the PCT, sits down to talk about rugby, mountaineering, toe socks, the struggle to be comfortable being uncomfortable, letting it flow, and the importance of being in the moment.
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Grant "Detour" Breidenbach sits down with Doc to detail one of the most epic weather-filled JMT thru hikes you will ever hear about. Detour, the son of a meteorologist, shares some stormy tales, as well as the importance of food storage on the trail, some serious uh-oh moments, and how the Thru Hiking Syndicate roped him in.
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Fresh off his 3,100-mile thru hike of the CDT, Triple Crowner Justin "2taps" Helmkamp sits down with Doc to discuss gear, trail life, trail family, hiker support groups on Zoom, and the joys of post-holing.
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Tik and Tok, aka Tim and Renee Beissinger, join Doc to talk about their latest long trail as well as tracking wolves, their hiking app for trails in Germany, married life on the trail, the explosive growth of their TikTok subscribers, and how to carry 17 days of food through the Sierras without a bear can.
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Listen in as John Kelly and Jeremiah Stringer of the Backpacking Podcast put the tough questions to Doc!
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Hooch, a past guest and good friend to the pod, returns for a spirited conversation an a wide variety of topics, including: the dangers of setting up your tent in the dark in a patch of poison sumac, marathon training when weddings get in the way, using a Go Pro on a thru hike, monsoons at 11,000', cold soaking, salt pills, and how to earn a Purple Belt.
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Sisters and engineers Micro and Bicycle reconnect on an 18-day hike through the Sierras on the JMT. Along the way, they learn a little about themselves and each other. They sit down with Doc to discuss Micro's obsessive spreadsheeting, submerged resupply buckets at MTR, big wall climbing aspirations, and other stories from the trail.
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In this special crossover episode, the Solitude and John Freakin' Muir podcasts collide when fan favorite and epic contestant Colter Barnes from Season 8 of Alone sits down with Doc and Jukebox. Listen in as Colter shares his experience on Chilko Lake, including stories of worm-infested woodpecker carcasses, maggot farming, building boats and many other behind the scenes details. If you are a devoted follower of Alone, you only saw one hour of the 1,000 hours he recorded. Hear what got left on the cutting room floor.
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Jose "Pepe LePew" Zambrano drops in to share some harrowing experiences in the Sierras. During his chat with Doc, they talk bear strategy, creative approaches to avoiding hypothermia, highlights on the JMT, Randy Morgenson, and plenty about gear.
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B.S. and Doc take a swing on another branch of the outdoor adventure tree, the one reserved for unsupported marine craft racing in the Everglades. Yes, that branch. Along with the hijinks and misadventures that come along with a 15-foot kayak on a 300-mile, 7-day race through shipping lanes, inland waterways, open ocean, and swamp, B.S. shares a whole lot of Type II fun, including the dangers of manatee PTSD. Don't miss a minute.
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Branden and Jennifer Brough sit down with Doc to talk about their six-year-old hiking Superhero, who has more than a 100 thru hiking miles under her feet, including a trip to the top of Mt. Whitney last month. Along the way, they cover a lot ground, including mountaintop marriage proposals, water ski shore starts, twinkies, ding dongs, spreadsheets, and Sherpas.
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Some moments have such an impact that they bifurcate our lives. There is a before that moment, and there is an after that moment. Doc talks with Jack Ryan Greener, who shares his moment as well as a gut-wrenching and triumphant comeback story from the darkest depths that you have to hear to believe. Don't miss a minute of this special story.
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Calendar Triple Crowner and Barkley Marathon competitor Jeff "Legend" Garmire returns to the JFM Pod to share what he's been up to since March, including the Barkley Marathon and the running of the inaugural Cocodona 250. Don't miss a minute as Legend shares his Top 5 moments from the Barkley, his Moonbeam escapades, a rundown of his hallucinations while sleep deprived, how to cope with 21 miles between aid stations, and the importance of a good pair of socks.
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Where to begin? Self-described outdoor comedy writer Monda, trail name Nutcrusher, is a Wildland Firefighter in Washington state and Rescue Lead of Olympic Mountain Rescue. In this action-packed episode, she chats with Doc about her upcoming book. Along the way, they cover a wide variety of topics, including homeless chic, snowstorms, whiteouts, cyclones, menopausal zombies, and the dangers taking a deuce with a broken collarbone while looking out for a mountain lion. Get the F outside.
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Hiker, blogger, and podcaster Greg from Fat Man Little Trail joins Doc to talk all things related to obsessive day hiking. With just 15 months of experience so far, Fat Man has racked up 923 miles and 166,848' of elevation change. Listen in as Doc tries to cajole him into taking the next step and becoming a multi-day hiker. Along the way, they cover a lot of critical points, like the importance of stretchy pants, to pee or not to pee, the sketchiness of trail runners, and the sweet spot of 12,743-footers.
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Past guests and ultra runners Gabe Peterson and Kevin Goldberg return to kick off Season 3 of the podcast. They share what they've been up to with Doc, including the Black Canyon 100K, the inaugural Cocodona, the Big Seki Loop, and the Badwater 135.
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Single mother to three-year-old Cora, relative newcomer to hiking Kelly "Star" Alvarez sits down with Doc to discuss how hiking helps sort out the big issues. Along the way, they talk gear, Half Dome, the JMT, solo vs. hiking with friends, bidets, and Leave No Trace. And there's a Top 5 List you are not going to want to miss!
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Doc hits the trail with Bindi and Yahtzee as they take on the challenging Mineral King Loop in Sequoia National Park. It's a wannabe Hiker Trash love story with plenty of stories and misadventures sprinkled in amongst all the trauma that a 28.2-mile loop with two passes over 11,500' and a total elevation gain of 9,560'.
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Author, photographer, and High Sierra junkie Josh Endres joins Doc to discuss how his passion for both photography and the mountains changed his life forever. Along the way, you'll hear about his misadventures, triumphs, and near misses. And remember, he's not a puker, he's a pooper.
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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.
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Vermont Long Trail veteran, YouTuber, and host of The Backpacking Podcast, Jeremiah Stringer joins Doc to talk trails, gear, Vermud, the Brunch Club, and the Clean Girls.
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Second Chance sits down with Doc to talk about the challenges of hiking the PCT at 400 pounds, the transformative nature of the trail, solo hiking in gator-infested swamps, the dangers of hiking after a breakup, and the power of hugs (lots of hugs). Along the way, Second Chance overshares a bit (a lot!), and Doc discovers they have a friend in common in Croatia. mind blown
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Previous JFM Pod guest and Triple Crowner, Ginger Ballz, sits down for an in-person interview with Doc about his latest adventures on the Hayduke Trail. Along the way, they cover a variety of important topics, like quicksand instructions, job interviews gone bad, the newly invented category of Type Four Fun, and a leap of faith you're not going to want to miss.
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Doc and Mrs. Doc head out to Agua Dulce to provide some trail magic and have some PCT hikers spin the Wheel of Wilderness. Twelve hikers heading from Mexico to Canada participate enthusiastically and share how it's going on the PCT.
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Several former guests and fan favorites check in with the JFM Pod from the trail to provide updates on their current and future adventures. As always, Doc and Chopper provide their in-depth analysis and expert insight, and giddiness ensues. This is the romp down trails long and short referred to in the podcast description.
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Doc and Jukebox are back to breakdown each episode of Alone, the History Channel's epic solo adventure survival show! In this premiere episode, you'll get the lowdown on the new location for Season 8, and analysis, fresh takes, power rankings and predictions for this season's contestants!
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Carl "Prof" Stanfield stops by the Pod to discuss ALL (and I mean ALL the stats) the stats from his AT and PCT hikes, as well as the ambitious plans he has to become a Triple Crowner (and much, much more!) in 2022. Don't miss the discussions on ultralight saxophones, how to obtain a college degree in thru hiking, the dangers of chafing, being an on-call fire starter, and literally being given the keys to a stranger's car by the most magnificent trail angel you'll ever meet. Oh, and Scout makes an appearance as well.
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Eric Blehm, author of The Last Season, joins Doc to discuss the story of Randy Morgenson, the seasoned ranger who disappeared in the Sierra backcountry in 1996. During the episode, they cover a lot of ground, including split boarding, Double Espresso Free Association, coyote pacers, and, of course, the mysterious disappearance of Randy and Eric's incredible book about what happened. Epic.
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Successful tech industry employee Chris Smead hiked the John Muir Trail in 2016, and as a result, ended up changing his path in life. Five years later, he now heads up Outmersive Films and has produced highly acclaimed documentaries The High Sierra Trail (2018) and Highline (2020). As he prepares to embark on his next film, The Alaska Project (working title), Chris sits down with Doc to discuss the turns of the trail, hidden gems on the JMT, gear, volcanic eruptions, and how to poop from a portaledge.
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Mountain Cat visits with Doc to share her multiple thru hikes of the Appalachian Trail, including her latest SOBO during winter. With her boyfriend Cobra and wonder dog Poodle Bear, the three intrepid explorers got to experience trail life like few others have. During the episode, Mountain Cat discusses unsociable hikers, the Florida Boys, crossing alligator-infested ponds, dirt bikes, the importance of being aggressively lazy during 40 zero days, and the difficulty of using a Deuce of Spades when the ground is frozen.
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Tayson Whittaker, the founder and CEO of ultralight backpacking gear company Outdoor Vitals, joins Doc to talk about gear, passion, frostbite, thunderstorms in the backcountry, and the Three Types of Fun. Hilarity ensues.
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Matt "Schmutz" Lyons joins Doc to talk gear and prep, his 2019 AT hike, his upcoming southbound PCT hike, and the accompanying documentary, SOBO. Schmutz also becomes the first guest on the Pod to take on the Wheel of Wilderness.
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Ape Man, a Sierra hiker with 45 years of experience and two re-built knees, sits down with Doc to discuss bears in the backcountry, how to dodge Volkswagen-sized boulders, adventures on the John Muir Trail, and hilarious stories from more than four decades on the trail.
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Spencer Morrissey, an incurable peak bagger and world class wise ass, sits a spell with Doc and spins some yarns from his outdoor adventures. Tune in and hear about steaming heads, river nudists, spruce traps, and the answer to the age-old question, just how far can you drive on a 50-mile spare?
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Doc hikes down a side trail this week, as guests and listeners share their trail names and the sometimes hilarious, sometimes scary, and always engaging stories behind them.
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In this first of two episodes, Prospective PCT thru hiker, Panda, comes on the Pod to discuss her prep, gear, strategy, and expectations for her first long trail thru hike. And, she'll make a return appearance after the PCT to share stories from the trail and how reality differed from expectations. You're not going to want to miss these episodes!
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Author, bikepacker, and thru hiker Paul "Snake Eyes" Barach sits down with Doc to relive the highest of highs and lowest of lows from the last five years. Tune in for a comprehensive discussion on tragedy, healing, magic moments, and the dangers of mountaintop karate matches against monks. And Pueblo, Colorado.
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Tune in to hear Doc talk to Josh "Goat" McDonnell about his journey from a pained day hiker in Colorado to JMT thru hiker. Along the way, they cover a lot of territory, including the power of Google, relationships on the trail, camping sites at 13,400', and old timers who know where to find beer and pictographs on the trail. And, oh yeah, there's a scary story you won't want to miss.
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After battling his inner demons and recovering from being hit by a van and almost losing his leg, what did Nasty Noodle do? He took on his childhood dream of hiking the Appalachian Trail . . . and more! Listen in to hear how Nasty Noodle beat the odds and hiked over 3,000 miles in 2020, including a trail I bet the vast majority of you have never even heard of.
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Leave No Trace trainer Heather Kovach joins Doc for an important discussion of the seven principles of Leave No Trace. Doc and Heather share the principles, the reasons behind them, and use lots of stories from personal experience to illustrate them. Hilarity ensues.
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Nikola Horvat, trail name Tesla, hiked the PCT in 2016, and then went back home to create the 1,400-mile-long Croatian Long Distance Trail. He joins in from Croatia to talk about his viral hiking documentary, dangerous encounters on the trail, the art of listening to your feet, and navigating both the external and internal wilderness while hiking.
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AT and PCT thru hiker, Jeff "IBTAT" Oliver, sits down with Doc on the cusp of his departure to attempt the CDT to talk personal challenges, trail stories, gear, how to earn Hiker Trash trail cred, and chafing where you don't want to chafe. Buckle up and hunker down for this one!
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Former college soccer star and current military wife and mother of three, Cassie Johannes, sits down with Doc to talk about all things Faroe Islands. She shares logistics, cost, and descriptions of waterfalls, impossible lakes, and lighthouses. And there's talk of a rock festival in a high school gym and jumping out of a perfectly good plane over Hawaii.
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Got a long trail hike coming up quick that you're not physically ready for? This is the episode for you. Rowan "Coach" Smith sits down with Doc to talk backpacker-specific training and fitness prep. Knee pain? Pack strain? Elevation gain? Coach covers it all and more, including the abundance of hiking guides in Brazil, knowing when to keep your mouth shut on the trail, and stories from the iconic Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea.
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Thru hiking is hard enough, but when you add six kids and your spouse, you're taking it to a whole new level. Ben Crawford, author of 2000 Miles Together, sits down with Doc to discuss the logistics, prep, and the highs and lows of hiking with kids aged 2 to 17, and he and Doc also take detours to talk about marathoning as a family as well as the year of living with no rules. Sound interesting? You have no idea. Tune in and find out.
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Three adventure podcasts collide in this crossover episode. Check out the voices, stories and content behind The John Freakin' Muir Pod, the Lost on Purpose Pod, and the Tales of the Trails podcast. Trying to find new adventures to listen to? Look no further.
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Shaun of Shaun_Explores sits down with Doc to share some mishaps and misadventures while wild camping in the UK. The accidental YouTube star and self-proclaimed serial hobbyist talks about getting his start in the outdoors, the right to roam, how to eat well on the trail, and what happens when your drone descends into a 70-foot-deep reservoir overflow tube and refuses to come out.
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Jeff "Legend" Garmire comes on the Pod to talk about the Calendar Triple Crown, the Great Western Loop, FKTs, and his upcoming attempt at the Barkley Marathons. Along the way, he shares the hilarity and heart-stopping moments from 30,000 trail miles.
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Jupiter sits down with Doc to talk ultralight, how to hike the 5,000-mile Eastern Continental Trail, how not to hike the Pacific Crest Trail, setting the FKT on the Florida Trail, unique and less traveled American trails, and the beautiful simplicity of tarps. And you're not going to want to miss the Ultralight Edition of the JFM Pod Hiking Poll.
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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.
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Ultrarunner, entrepreneur, and filmmaker Jamil Coury joins Doc for a discussion of the Slam of the Damned, a quartet of daunting and brutal ultrarunning races feared by everyone but a daring few. Listen in and hear about the HURT100, the Hardrock 100, the Ultra-Trail du Mont Blanc, and . . . the Barkley Marathons! Condolence letters, license plates, conch shells, book pages . . . they're all there, plus a lot more! An epic episode.
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Obsessive outdoor adventurer Chadahooche sits down with Doc to discuss his 2020 thru hike of the JMT, how to become a guide, the nine things he wished he had known before hiking the JMT, adventure media must-sees, and the importance of obsession.
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Aaron Owens Mayhew, the creator of Backcountry Foodie, sits down with Doc for an excellent Bonus Episode. They cover a lot of ground, from portions of both the PCT and AT in 2017, injuries on the trail, and, most importantly, how Doc has been doing this backpacking food thing all wrong! Aaron has combined her profession (dietician) and her passion (ultralight backpacking) to create an incredible meal planning and prep resource for hikers that is not to be missed. Tune in and find out how to do backcountry meals right! Game changer.
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Filmmaker and podcaster Billy "Bourdain" Yang, along with his hiking companions, SOGO and Tunez, sit down with Doc and Chopper to talk about his JMT documentary, the challenges of preparing for a thru hike during a pandemic, how to problem solve when things (lots of things!) go wrong, the importance of condiments, and how to pull off the perfect marriage proposal on the trail.
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Jason Fitzpatrick, co-producer, co-director, and writer of the quintessential John Muir Trail documentary, Mile. Mile & a Half, sits down with Doc and Chopper to talk about the film, the overwhelming response of fans, feather allergies, the importance of snacks, and what the cast is doing now.
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Polar explorer Eric Larsen did what no other person had done before or since: reached the South Pole, the North Pole, and the summit of Everest in a single year. Eric sits down with Doc and shares how he got his start in polar expeditions, his creation of Stateathons, his book On Thin Ice, and his incredible year of reaching the "Three Poles" of the planet. As he reminds us, Adventure is Everywhere.
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Three best friends embark upon an epic trek on the PCT; only one crosses the Canadian border 2,600 miles later. Chris, Bo, and Eich sit down with Doc to share the glory and the misery along the country's preeminent long trail. Along the way, they discuss the incredible trail magic they found, the epic new friends they met, and we settle once and for all if pineapple belongs on a pizza. Oh yeah, and they lived under a bridge for a while.
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Triple Crowner Ginger Ballz sits down to talk with Doc about joining the thru hiking cult, his lack of preparation when he set out on the AT, discovering the best version of himself on the trail, the distinctive soul of each of the long trails, and story after story of hijinks and adventure in the backcountry. Buckle up and enjoy the ride, Hiker Trash!
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Down the Trail website creator Jamie Compos joins Doc for a discussion of his excellent trail prep website, how he came by the trail name of Duct Tape, and his treks on the AT, the Long Trail, the JMT, Denali, the Grand Canyon, and the Hayduke Trail.
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Author Jay Wilson and his wife Michelle sit down with Doc to discuss Jay's JMT trail memoir, Elevation Gain, Life Lessons Above the Tree Line. They cover a lot of ground in this episode: there are Pro Tips aplenty, a discussion of the Drinking Pants Hall of Fame, conquering stomach troubles atop Mt. Whitney, and lamenting over the injustice of thousand-word pictures and million-word places.
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Named New Trail Star by Outside Magazine, featured in Gear Junkie, and given control of HOKA's Instagram account for a day, mountaineer Andrew King is on a mission to become the first African-American to summit the highest peak AND highest volcanic summit on each continent. Andrew sits down with Doc to discuss his epic journey, the remaining summits ahead, and his Between Worlds Project. Oh, and there's big wave surfing stories, too.
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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!
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To commemorate the Pod's 50th episode, Doc welcomes back fan favorites Chopper, Jukebox and Big E to catch up on their latest adventures, a new backpacking quiz, adventure media, and hiking goals for the new year. Hilarity ensues.
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Season 2 starts on Jan. 16!
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127 sits down to share his unconventional AT hike, where he was a SOBO with a start date of Aug. 1. Listen in as the drama unfolds with 127 earning his nickname, finding his trail family, all while trying to outrun the snow and avoid trench foot.
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By popular demand, the legendary JFM Pod contributor Dr. Bob gets his own episode, and he does not disappoint. Tune in as Dr. Bob sits down with Doc and Chopper and discusses how he got his start, the story behind his trail name, why VVR is a favorite trail destination, and some of the epic moments and sites from his 14 previous thru hikes of the JMT.
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Former golf professional and occasional day hiker PJ made a New Year's Resolution to do a thru hike, and just eight days later found himself with a permit to hike the John Muir Trail. What had he gotten himself into? PJ sits down with Doc to talk about that fateful decision, his descent into an obsession with all things hiking, and his planning and his prep to get ready for the thru hike of a lifetime.
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Mike Toffey hiked more than 2,000 miles in 2020, bagging more than 240 peaks during that time period, 140 of which were in the Sierras. Tune in as Mike sits down with Doc and talks about some amazing trail-adjacent adventures that are just off the beaten path. Plus, there's bonus audio from Matt D on a scary tale from the AT!
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Barney "Scout" Mann spends some time with Doc to talk about his PCT memoir, Journeys North, in which he gives readers a vivid account of the highs and lows of a PCT thru hike. Scout is a Triple Crowner, the Board president of the Partnership for the National Trail System, the former Board chair of the Pacific Crest Trail Association, the former president of the Continental Divide Trail Coalition, and just a damn cool human.
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If you've ever planned for a thru hike of the PCT or CDT, you've probably visited the Halfway Anywhere website. Its creator, Mac, sits down with Doc and talks about some of the 10,000 trail miles he's logged, some uh-oh moments, his favorite gear, and why the Appalachian Trail is just not his cup of tea.
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From a first hike into the Grand Canyon that nearly ended in disaster, Jen bounced back, regrouped and hiked the John Muir Trail, the High Sierra Trail, and got her family hooked on a new family tradition.
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John Freakin' Muir Pod superfan and solo hiker Henry Chen chats with Doc about his adventures in the Sierras and how he got his hiking legs by taking on Everest Base Camp, the Inca Trail, and Patagonia. Doc helps Henry find a Trail Name.
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When faced with a worldwide pandemic wreaking havoc on fragile populations around the world, Bert didn't sit back and order extra supplies for herself. She found a way to match her two loves, helping others and adventuring, in order to raise $85,000 in COVID-19 relief money for those less fortunate and most impacted. Tune in to hear her epic quest to help others, as well as some of her long-distance hiking tales from the AT and the Camino de Santiago.
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The youngest competitor in Eco Challenge Fiji, known as the world's toughest race, Hunter Leininger talks with Doc about adventure racing, his goal of setting an FKT on the AT, and the mysteries and magic surrounding the Barkley Marathons.
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Doc talks with the Reynolds Family about their 21-day, 211-mile trek on the John Muir Trail with three sons. The Rock, Mamasaurus, Happy Feet, Fish Bait, and Cat Tail share their epic adventures, near disasters, and the challenges and rewards of hiking as a family for three weeks on the world's best trail.
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Doc sits down with documentary film maker Glenn Sweitzer, who shares the stories behind the scenes of his upcoming Appalachian Trail documentary, Trail Mix. Tune in and hear about heartbreak, breakthroughs and the thru hikers whose lives were transformed by the trail.
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Rob, now known as Bear Bait, reprises his role as JFM Trail Correspondent and shares his adventures from the High Sierra Trail this past summer.
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Doc sits down with Instagram sensation Nate Woodruff of Whisky with a View, whose fateful decision to post a photo of a whiskey bottle in a river has led to an unexpected lifestyle.
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Doc sits down with Gabe Peterson and Kevin Goldberg, who share their background in endurance sports and talk about how they completed the John Muir Trail in less than six days. In addition to the JMT, the two discuss their experiences in the Moab 240 (yes, a 240-mile trail race), Ironman races, 100 miles on a treadmill, and a glorious loop on the Barkley Marathons course.
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Adventurer, author, filmmaker, Outside columnist, and the creator of the Semi-Rad Blog, Brendan Leonard, visits the JFM Pod, and talks backpacking, endurance sports, how to run 100 miles, and why you should always pack a headlamp.
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Doc sits down with bushcrafter Pedro Hernandez, who goes over the 5 C's of bushcraft and shares stories of his trips to Iceland and across Mongolia.
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Doc sits down with professional mountain athlete and the host/star of Outside TV's Beat Monday, Mike Chambers. Listen in as Mike shares some epic (and that word is not worthy of the actual epic-ness) stories about what you can pack into a weekend adventure.
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Doc talks to super travel blogger, author, producer, and Counting Countries podcast host, Gaz. Tune in and hear tales about Dark Tourism, micro-nations, and the reason Gaz is a vegetarian when he travels (there's a very good, very gross reason for this choice)!
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Doc returns to the Sierras with an interview with the creator of SoCalHiker.Net and The Six Pack of Peaks Challenge, Jeff Hester. Listen in as Jeff shares stories from the JMT, the Six Pack of Peaks, and the lesser known, but just as epic, Theodore Solomons Trail. Doc also tries to pin down Jeff on his top five favorite trails.
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Doc talks to entrepreneur, designer, travel photographer, pilot, and citizen of the world, Cole Rise. Tune in to hear about an attempt on Half Dome, kayaking in Norway, wandering through trails and towns of Jordan, the island country of Mauritius, an epic Harley ride, and recreating the Apollo 11 Lunar Hasselblad camera from scratch (literally)!
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Doc talks to stratovolcano circumambulator Steele Carter about his epic hikes of the Torres del Paine (2016), PCT (2017), and Wonderland Trail (2018). Tune in and hear about life on the trail and its particular joys and challenges when you bring along a 22-pound, four-legged hiking buddy by the name of Korra.
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Doc talks to Chris Brinlee, Jr., a multi-disciplined adventure athlete, photographer, and writer who up and left his promising advertising career to embark on a life of adventure all across the globe. Chris tells Doc about the power of the pivot, his first hike in the backcountry of Yosemite, his travels to Antarctica with "perhaps the greatest adventurer of all time" Mike Horn, and his bout with sun poisoning at altitude in Nepal.
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Doc interviews author and adventure blogger Jonny Blair about his upcoming book, Backpacking Centurion, his blog, Don'tStopLiving.Net, and his travels and adventures in over 180 countries. Tune in and hear about the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone, Tasmania, Antarctica, Jonny's fascination with unrecognized countries, and the uncanny connection with Lock In Lee!
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While The John Freakin' Muir Pod is on hiatus between seasons, Doc and Jukebox take a deep dive into The History Channel's hit show, Alone. Join them by tuning into their companion podcast and try to predict who will last 100 days on their own above the Arctic Circle and take home $1 million.
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Doc and the crew reach deep into the mailbag to answer your questions about gear, food, life on the trail, and helicopter evacuations.
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Best-selling author and dromomaniac Keith Foskett (Fozzie) joins Doc to share his travels and stories from his long-trail thru hikes. Tune in and hear about erupting volcanoes, ghostly accusations in the middle of the night on the trail, rattlesnakes, synchronicity, and the definitive answer for why thru-hikers do what they do.
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Doc talks to JFM Pod Trail Correspondent Rob about hiking trips both domestic and international. Rob recounts his trips to Desolation Wilderness, Havasupai, Trinity Alps Wilderness, the Santa Cruz Trail (Peru), and that fateful trip to the summit of Mt. Shasta.
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Doc drops a bonus episode this week, and it's a bit . . . strange. Take a Zero with Doc and hear about the strange events over the course of 150 years at the Wiley House in the foothills of the Sierras. And if that's not strange enough, Dr. Bob returns with a couple of weird stories of his own from the trail.
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In a special bonus episode this week, Doc takes a hike through the legendary High Trips of the Sierra Club.
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It's storytelling time with Doc as he talks about one of the legendary mountain men of the Sierras.
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Doc talks about the Six Pack of Peaks Challenge, and walks listeners through the original six peaks of the Southern California challenge.
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Doc talks to a legitimate thru hiker with impressive bona fides. Xena the Thru Hiker shares trail prep, trail families, how Whiplash lived up to his name, spirit animals, and readjusting to city life after hiking the Appalachian Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail.
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Doc and Chopper try to satisfy your off-season adrenaline cravings by sharing their Top 10 list of adventure documentaries and books.
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Doc and Slo Mo share their hijinks from the Trans Catalina Trail, complete with face plants, shark attack victims, Heimlich maneuvers, and a buffalo.
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Doc and B.A. open up their packs to weigh and discuss their essential gear for long-distance hikes. Who will win in the battle of the pack weight?
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Just because the mileage is not triple digits doesn't mean the hike can't be epic. Doc and Jukebox share three different short trips that were memorable masterpieces. Listen in as they share their exploits and near-disasters on the Half Dome Trail, the trip from Crescent Meadow to Precipice Lake on the High Sierra Trail, and the Mineral King Loop. The territory covered in this episode includes glissading gone wrong, cramping up on the cables, deer attacks, polar plunges, and a pit toilet with a view.
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Join Doc and Chopper as they break down some of their most memorable trail moments in a variety of categories. Chopper also tells us the harrowing story behind his name, and guest correspondent Dr. Bob shares a scary tale from the middle of the night on top of Mt. Whitney.
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The JFM Pod welcomes Buddy to share his thoughts on the attraction of long-distance hiking, and the key things to consider, acquire, and do leading up to that big hike!
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This inaugural episode details future topics as well as describes JFM’s origin and some background on John Muir and the trail named after him.
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