Hikes and Mics Podcast

Send us a text 🌋 Geysers, Wolves & the Stories Beneath Our Boots with Micah 🐺🏔️ In this episode of Hikes & Mics, we’re joined by Micah — geologist, educator, and Museum Manager for the City of Farmington, New Mexico — for a powerful, story-rich conversation about geology, wildlife, public lands, and what it truly means to understand the landscapes we hike through. Micah shares how his love of the outdoors began in Washington State, bivy camping on summits in the Olympics and Cascades with his father, planting the seeds for a lifelong passion that eventually carried him to Yellowstone National Park. Over eight summers and two winters, Micah immersed himself in one of the most geologically dynamic places on Earth, becoming part of the legendary world of geyser gazing — and eventually serving as President of the Geyser Observation and Study Association (GOSA), helping preserve over a century of geothermal data. We dive into unforgettable Yellowstone moments, including chasing the rare, explosive Fan & Mortar geyser system at sunset with his tight-knit crew, the “Sput Brigade,” and guiding a young girl to her first real-life wolves, when the Wapiti Lake Pack erupted into a valley-wide howl that brought everyone to tears. From there, Micah reflects on his time at Tonto Natural Bridge State Park and how learning to tell stories — not just share facts — led him to his current role blending science, conservation, and community through museum and park education in New Mexico. We also talk about Micah’s viral wolf-pack Instagram reel, the magic of shared discovery through a spotting scope, and why geology, wildlife, and public-lands education are deeply intertwined. 🎧 This episode is a reminder that hiking isn’t just about reaching a destination — it’s about understanding the world beneath our boots, the life around us, and the stories written into every landscape. Episode Links: Micah on Instagram The Geyser Observation and Study Association Fan and Mortar Geysers 8/12/2014 Eruption  This episode was Produced by Jordyn Smith, follow her on Instagram @jordyn.journeys Follow us on Instagram, @Hikesandmics AllTrails+ I'm excited to share that I’m now a Trailheads Ambassador for AllTrails+! If you love exploring the outdoors, AllTrails+ is your ultimate adventure companion. Get offline maps, real-time wrong-turn alerts, and trail previews to help you hike smarter and safer. Plus, with 3D maps and deeper trail insights, planning your next trek has never been easier. Try AllTrails+ free for 7 days, and when you sign up using my referral link, you’ll get 30% off your AllTrails+ membership! Sign up here: AllTrails+ (promo is only redeemable via web and not the app) Ursa Minor Outfitters - Inspired by the outdoors, Created by local artists Go check them at www.ursaminoroutfitters.com and don’t forget to enter the promo code HikesMics10 at checkout to receive 10% off your order.

Send us a text 🎬 Season 13 Premiere — Tina Grimm: From Outlast to Thru-Hiking, Healing & Rediscovering Strength in the Mountains 🏔️✨ For the Season 13 premiere of Hikes & Mics, we’re joined by Tina Grimm — model, artist, thru-hiker, and contestant on Season 2 of Netflix’s survival series Outlast — for a deeply moving conversation about identity, resilience, and the transformative power of wilderness. Tina shares how growing up with a survival-minded father sparked her lifelong love of the outdoors, and why the trail allows her to show up as her truest, most grounded self beyond cameras, modeling, and expectation. She opens up about overcoming childhood hip dysplasia, how that experience shaped her grit on long miles and demanding terrain, and how time in the mountains became a sanctuary for healing after trauma. We also explore the emotional and psychological realities of competing on Outlast in the Alaskan wilderness — from team dynamics and inner battles to the unseen moments that never make it to screen — and how that experience changed the way she approaches challenge and trust. Tina reflects on thru-hiking the John Muir Trail with her husband, the lessons from her first solo backpacking trip, and the beautiful intersection of creativity and adventure in her upcoming debut novel, Meet Me in the Mountains — a love-and-nature story rooted in vulnerability, real trail experiences, and personal rediscovery. 🎧 Whether you’re a hiker, storyteller, survivor, or dreamer, this episode is a powerful tribute to courage, community, and the way the outdoors helps us rewrite what we believe is possible. Episode Links: Tina on Instagram Tina on Facebook Tina on YouTube GrimmCreationsArt on Instagram GrimmCreationsArt on Etsy This episode was Produced by Jordyn Smith, follow her on Instagram @jordyn.journeys Follow us on Instagram, @Hikesandmics AllTrails+ I'm excited to share that I’m now a Trailheads Ambassador for AllTrails+! If you love exploring the outdoors, AllTrails+ is your ultimate adventure companion. Get offline maps, real-time wrong-turn alerts, and trail previews to help you hike smarter and safer. Plus, with 3D maps and deeper trail insights, planning your next trek has never been easier. Try AllTrails+ free for 7 days, and when you sign up using my referral link, you’ll get 30% off your AllTrails+ membership! Sign up here: AllTrails+ (promo is only redeemable via web and not the app) Ursa Minor Outfitters - Inspired by the outdoors, Created by local artists Go check them at www.ursaminoroutfitters.com and don’t forget to enter the promo code HikesMics10 at checkout to receive 10% off your order.

Send us a text 🏔️ Season 13 Bonus Episode — Stephen’s Road to Denali: Blue-Collar Mountaineering, West Coast Peaks & The Power of the Journey ❄️🥾 In this special Season 13 bonus episode, returning guest Stephen takes us inside his relentless, months-long push to prepare for Denali — the highest peak in North America — by launching a full-scale mountaineering campaign across the U.S. West Coast. From expedition-style living on Mount Shasta, steep technical routes on Mount Hood, and a humbling, windswept retreat on Mount Whitney, to a confidence-building summit of Mount Rainier and a powerful solo push on Mount Adams, Stephen shares how each mountain became a training ground for systems, pacing, cold-weather efficiency, and mental resilience. He reflects on the harsh realities of what climbers call “blue-collar mountaineering” on Denali — heavy sled pulls, back-to-back cache carries, fixed-line ascents, brutal weather windows, and the quiet psychological battles that unfold high on the mountain. Through it all, Stephen opens up about how the experience reshaped his understanding of grit, humility, success, and why the journey often matters more than the summit itself. We also dive into his training philosophy, non-negotiable gear planning, and the discipline of the 1,000-feet-per-hour rule, along with the lessons he continues to carry from iconic climbs like Rainier, Hood, Adams, Shasta, Whitney, and Kilimanjaro as he moves forward on his pursuit of the Seven Summits. 🎧 Whether you’re a day hiker, backpacker, or aspiring mountaineer, this episode is a powerful look at endurance, vulnerability, and what it truly takes to chase big mountains. Episode Links: Stephen on Instagram Stephen on Facebook This episode was Produced by Jordyn Smith, follow her on Instagram @jordyn.journeys Follow us on Instagram, @Hikesandmics AllTrails+ I'm excited to share that I’m now a Trailheads Ambassador for AllTrails+! If you love exploring the outdoors, AllTrails+ is your ultimate adventure companion. Get offline maps, real-time wrong-turn alerts, and trail previews to help you hike smarter and safer. Plus, with 3D maps and deeper trail insights, planning your next trek has never been easier. Try AllTrails+ free for 7 days, and when you sign up using my referral link, you’ll get 30% off your AllTrails+ membership! Sign up here: AllTrails+ (promo is only redeemable via web and not the app) Ursa Minor Outfitters - Inspired by the outdoors, Created by local artists Go check them at www.ursaminoroutfitters.com and don’t forget to enter the promo code HikesMics10 at checkout to receive 10% off your order.

Send us a text Winter trails, fresh stories, and a brand-new season of Hikes & Mics. We’re kicking things off with a special bonus conversation — a returning mountaineer whose journey from the Pacific Northwest to the summit of North America’s tallest peak reminds us what resilience really looks like. Then we launch into Season 13 with guests who push the edges of adventure and creativity — from a survivalist whose time in the wilderness tested grit and teamwork, and who now brings that same creative spirit into her life off-trail… to an outdoor educator whose path has carried him from the volcanic spine of the Northwest to the desert canyons of the Southwest. We’ll travel north to the snow-capped landscapes of the Canadian Rockies… hear powerful stories of community and belonging from a group opening the outdoors to BIPOC families… and step into the world of long-distance love stories built mile-by-mile on some of the world’s great trails. This season also brings reflections from authors, physicians, musicians, founders, and thru-hikers — voices who remind us that the trail is more than a place… it’s a teacher. Season 13 runs through the winter hiking season — and it all begins December 29th. Lace up… and let’s hit the trail together. This Season was Produced by Jordyn Smith, follow her on Instagram @jordyn.journeys Follow us on Instagram, @Hikesandmics AllTrails+ I'm excited to share that I’m now a Trailheads Ambassador for AllTrails+! If you love exploring the outdoors, AllTrails+ is your ultimate adventure companion. Get offline maps, real-time wrong-turn alerts, and trail previews to help you hike smarter and safer. Plus, with 3D maps and deeper trail insights, planning your next trek has never been easier. Try AllTrails+ free for 7 days, and when you sign up using my referral link, you’ll get 30% off your AllTrails+ membership! Sign up here: AllTrails+ (promo is only redeemable via web and not the app) Ursa Minor Outfitters - Inspired by the outdoors, Created by local artists Go check them at www.ursaminoroutfitters.com and don’t forget to enter the promo code HikesMics10 at checkout to receive 10% off your order.

Send us a text 🌿 Season 12 Finale: One Year Later with Chickpea — Movement, Mindfulness & Coming Home 🥾✨ For the Season 12 finale of Hikes & Mics, we welcome back Chickpea for a powerful, full-circle conversation—one year after her first appearance on the podcast. In that time, Chickpea has taken bold leaps off trail and in life, becoming a full-time traveler, backpacking and mindset mentor, yoga instructor for hikers, and writer, helping others take their first brave steps into the outdoors. We dive into a year shaped by long trails and inner work, from Scotland’s West Highland Way to Portugal’s stunning Rota Vicentina Fisherman’s Trail, and her return to the Pacific Crest Trail in Washington—including a deeply meaningful honeymoon hike through the Cascades and Olympic Coast. Chickpea opens up about redefining the idea of home, navigating the tension between constant movement and stillness, and how mindfulness on trail has become the foundation of both her personal life and coaching work. Along the way, we talk trail curiosities and joys—vino verde and gooseneck barnacles, honesty boxes, birdwatching discoveries, elopement magic, and why Oregon might be one of the PCT’s most underrated sections. The conversation closes with heartfelt encouragement for anyone sitting at a desk dreaming of adventure but doubting themselves—and a reminder that you don’t need to have everything figured out to begin. 🎧 An inspiring send-off to Season 12, this episode is a love letter to curiosity, courage, and coming home to yourself—one step at a time. Episode Links: Chickpea on Instagram Chickpea’s Website This episode was Produced by Jordyn Smith, follow her on Instagram @jordyn.journeys Follow us on Instagram, @Hikesandmics AllTrails+ I'm excited to share that I’m now a Trailheads Ambassador for AllTrails+! If you love exploring the outdoors, AllTrails+ is your ultimate adventure companion. Get offline maps, real-time wrong-turn alerts, and trail previews to help you hike smarter and safer. Plus, with 3D maps and deeper trail insights, planning your next trek has never been easier. Try AllTrails+ free for 7 days, and when you sign up using my referral link, you’ll get 30% off your AllTrails+ membership! Sign up here: AllTrails+ (promo is only redeemable via web and not the app) Ursa Minor Outfitters - Inspired by the outdoors, Created by local artists Go check them at www.ursaminoroutfitters.com and don’t forget to enter the promo code HikesMics10 at checkout to receive 10% off your order.

Send us a text 🎙️ The Trail Angel With a 7-Course Welcome This week we sit down with Ben — better known on trail as Paladin — whose story threads together the Appalachian Trail, the PCT, Trans-Catalina sunrises, and a whole lot of good humanity along the way. From childhood summers tracking animals on his grandfather’s farm to section-hiking the Smokies in college, his path into long-distance hiking runs deep. The AT became home. The PCT became a dream. And somewhere between snowfields and desert rain, a trail name was born from a Western theme song and a code of honor he still stands by. We talk about postholing misery, trail-family dynamics, the power of kindness from strangers, and how he now pays it forward with legendary Trail Magic — full resupplies, campfires, and multi-course meals for weary hikers. At the heart of it — legacy, connection, and the belief that moments shared outside can change us forever. 🌄 Episode Links: Ben on Instagram THRU-r on Instagram Hartford County Woodshop This episode was Produced by Jordyn Smith, follow her on Instagram @jordyn.journeys Follow us on Instagram, @Hikesandmics AllTrails+ I'm excited to share that I’m now a Trailheads Ambassador for AllTrails+! If you love exploring the outdoors, AllTrails+ is your ultimate adventure companion. Get offline maps, real-time wrong-turn alerts, and trail previews to help you hike smarter and safer. Plus, with 3D maps and deeper trail insights, planning your next trek has never been easier. Try AllTrails+ free for 7 days, and when you sign up using my referral link, you’ll get 30% off your AllTrails+ membership! Sign up here: AllTrails+ (promo is only redeemable via web and not the app) Ursa Minor Outfitters - Inspired by the outdoors, Created by local artists Go check them at www.ursaminoroutfitters.com and don’t forget to enter the promo code HikesMics10 at checkout to receive 10% off your order.

Send us a text 🎙️ The Artist Who Climbs Into Her Own Paintings 🏔️ This week we sit down with Erin — Central Washington hiker, contemporary landscape artist, and the creative force behind Nuwave Gallery — whose journey blends trail time, faith, and art in a way that feels both grounded and expansive. She shares how hiking pulled her away from the computer and into a decade-long art career, how plein-air painting taught her to embrace imperfection, and how moving from Seattle to Ellensburg opened up a softer, quieter kind of beauty in the hills around Manastash Ridge. 🎨🏔️ We dive into her evolving style (including her signature “breaking the borders” technique), painting snowboards back to life, teaching watercolor + alcohol ink classes, and her upcoming 2026 group trip through Yosemite, Big Sur, and Three Rivers. At the heart of it all — a deep love for nature, creative flow, and the belief that the outdoors has something to teach us every time we show up. ✨ Episode Links: 📸 Erin on Instagram 🌐 Erin’s Website 🖼 Nuwave Galley Website ✈️ Explore with Erin 📖 Mountain Proverbs: Art & Wisdom for the Adventurer’s Soul This episode was Produced by Jordyn Smith, follow her on Instagram @jordyn.journeys Follow us on Instagram, @Hikesandmics AllTrails+ I'm excited to share that I’m now a Trailheads Ambassador for AllTrails+! If you love exploring the outdoors, AllTrails+ is your ultimate adventure companion. Get offline maps, real-time wrong-turn alerts, and trail previews to help you hike smarter and safer. Plus, with 3D maps and deeper trail insights, planning your next trek has never been easier. Try AllTrails+ free for 7 days, and when you sign up using my referral link, you’ll get 30% off your AllTrails+ membership! Sign up here: AllTrails+ (promo is only redeemable via web and not the app) Ursa Minor Outfitters - Inspired by the outdoors, Created by local artists Go check them at www.ursaminoroutfitters.com and don’t forget to enter the promo code HikesMics10 at checkout to receive 10% off your order.

Send us a text This week on Hikes & Mics, we caught up with a familiar face: John Mark, last on the show back in 2023 — and a LOT has happened since then. Over the past two years, he’s shifted careers from college professor to full-time court interpreter, giving him the flexibility to chase waterfalls, wander ridgelines, and sneak in micro-adventures between jobs. He’s camped nearly every month for two years straight, endured freezing nights in Savage Gulf, refined his pack system down to a science, and discovered a deep love for the wild pockets of Bankhead National Forest. We talked about the 2024 solar eclipse, wildlife encounters from timber rattlers to raccoons with a sweet tooth. From cold-weather resilience to the magic of chasing new waterfalls, John Mark reminds us that the outdoors has endless lessons waiting for us — if we make the space for them. Episode Links: John Mark on Instagram John Mark on Facebook This episode was Produced by Jordyn Smith, follow her on Instagram @jordyn.journeys Follow us on Instagram, @Hikesandmics AllTrails+ I'm excited to share that I’m now a Trailheads Ambassador for AllTrails+! If you love exploring the outdoors, AllTrails+ is your ultimate adventure companion. Get offline maps, real-time wrong-turn alerts, and trail previews to help you hike smarter and safer. Plus, with 3D maps and deeper trail insights, planning your next trek has never been easier. Try AllTrails+ free for 7 days, and when you sign up using my referral link, you’ll get 30% off your AllTrails+ membership! Sign up here: AllTrails+ (promo is only redeemable via web and not the app) Ursa Minor Outfitters - Inspired by the outdoors, Created by local artists Go check them at www.ursaminoroutfitters.com and don’t forget to enter the promo code HikesMics10 at checkout to receive 10% off your order.

Send us a text 🎙️ A Life Built on Adventure, Partnership & Big Peaks This week we sit down with Amy — phys-ed teacher, adventurer, and newly crowned Adirondack 46er — whose journey through all 50 states, 52 national parks, and decades of road trips has become a lifelong mission to explore the outdoors.  She shares how a chance reconnection with her now-husband sparked 26 years of adventure, how Mount Marcy in winter lit the fire, and how every summit has taught her something about perseverance, presence, and letting go. 🌄  We dive into her favorite national parks, hiking abroad in the Lake District and Scotland, feeding Highland cows, tackling the Turkey Grand Slam, and her next big goal: the Northeast 115.  At the heart of it all — a deep love for growth, challenge, and the magic of time spent in nature. ✨ Episode Links: Amy on Instagram Explore With Amy - Wattpad This episode was Produced by Jordyn Smith, follow her on Instagram @jordyn.journeys Follow us on Instagram, @Hikesandmics AllTrails+ I'm excited to share that I’m now a Trailheads Ambassador for AllTrails+! If you love exploring the outdoors, AllTrails+ is your ultimate adventure companion. Get offline maps, real-time wrong-turn alerts, and trail previews to help you hike smarter and safer. Plus, with 3D maps and deeper trail insights, planning your next trek has never been easier. Try AllTrails+ free for 7 days, and when you sign up using my referral link, you’ll get 30% off your AllTrails+ membership! Sign up here: AllTrails+ (promo is only redeemable via web and not the app) Ursa Minor Outfitters - Inspired by the outdoors, Created by local artists Go check them at www.ursaminoroutfitters.com and don’t forget to enter the promo code HikesMics10 at checkout to receive 10% off your order.

Send us a text 🎙️ A Conversation on Healing, Service & the Power of the Trail Just in time for Veterans Day, we sit down with Chappy, Program Director for the Veterans Engagement and Trail Stewardship Program with the Arizona Trail Association. He shares how the trail became a bridge between healing, service, and purpose after military life — and how “mission therapy” gives veterans a new way to connect, give back, and rediscover themselves through the outdoors. 🇺🇸 We talk about carrying the flag for fallen brothers and sisters, the power of community on the Arizona Trail, and what it means to leave the world better than we found it. 🌄 It’s a powerful conversation about healing, stewardship, and hope — one that reminds us how much the trail truly gives back. Learn more about the AZT Vets Program and support Operation Freedom March, a statewide effort running through July 2026 to honor America’s 250th birthday and empower veterans through the outdoors. Check out the episode links below to get involved, hike a segment, or donate. Episode Links: Chappy on Instagram Arizona Trail Association - Vets Program on Instagram Arizona Trail Association VETS Program Website Operation Freedom March - Learn More This episode was Produced by Jordyn Smith, follow her on Instagram @jordyn.journeys Follow us on Instagram, @Hikesandmics AllTrails+ I'm excited to share that I’m now a Trailheads Ambassador for AllTrails+! If you love exploring the outdoors, AllTrails+ is your ultimate adventure companion. Get offline maps, real-time wrong-turn alerts, and trail previews to help you hike smarter and safer. Plus, with 3D maps and deeper trail insights, planning your next trek has never been easier. Try AllTrails+ free for 7 days, and when you sign up using my referral link, you’ll get 30% off your AllTrails+ membership! Sign up here: AllTrails+ (promo is only redeemable via web and not the app) Ursa Minor Outfitters - Inspired by the outdoors, Created by local artists Go check them at www.ursaminoroutfitters.com and don’t forget to enter the promo code HikesMics10 at checkout to receive 10% off your order.

Send us a text 🎙️ Chasing National Parks: A Father–Son Quest 🥾🌄 In this special Hikes & Mics episode, we’re joined by Grant for his return to the podcast — and for the first time ever, his dad John steps up to the mic! Recorded in person at a lookout over a freshly snow-covered Washington Pass near North Cascades National Park, this heartfelt conversation explores what becomes possible when a shared love for the outdoors turns into a 13-year legacy of adventure. Grant and John take us back to where it started in the Sierra Nevada, sharing the funny moments, near-mishaps, and breathtaking peaks that have shaped their annual father–son road trips across the country. We talk about everything from changing roles on trail to learning from wild weather, celebrating small wins, cowboy hat stories, and how hiking together has strengthened their relationship through every season of life. 🎧 Tune in for a beautiful reminder that the best views are the ones you share — and that it’s never too late to start a family hiking tradition. Episode Links: Grant on Instagram Grant's Linktree John on Instagram This episode was Produced by Jordyn Smith, follow her on Instagram @jordyn.journeys Follow us on Instagram, @Hikesandmics AllTrails+ I'm excited to share that I’m now a Trailheads Ambassador for AllTrails+! If you love exploring the outdoors, AllTrails+ is your ultimate adventure companion. Get offline maps, real-time wrong-turn alerts, and trail previews to help you hike smarter and safer. Plus, with 3D maps and deeper trail insights, planning your next trek has never been easier. Try AllTrails+ free for 7 days, and when you sign up using my referral link, you’ll get 30% off your AllTrails+ membership! Sign up here: AllTrails+ (promo is only redeemable via web and not the app) Ursa Minor Outfitters - Inspired by the outdoors, Created by local artists Go check them at www.ursaminoroutfitters.com and don’t forget to enter the promo code HikesMics10 at checkout to receive 10% off your order.

Send us a text 🌄 Van Life, Second Acts & Saying YES to Adventure 🚐✨ This week on Hikes & Mics, we’re joined by Kathleen — an adventurer and “Women’s Vitality Alchemist” who hit the road solo in her van Blondie to rediscover purpose, confidence, and joy.  We explore the freedom of van life, the wisdom found on trails from Monument Valley to the North Cascades, and why it’s never too late to reinvent yourself and chase what lights you up. 💚 🎙️ Tune in for an empowering conversation about second acts, soulful travel, and how every trail can lead you back to yourself. Episode Links: Kathleen on Instagram Kathleen on Facebook Kathleen on AllTrails This episode was Produced by Jordyn Smith, follow her on Instagram @jordyn.journeys Follow us on Instagram, @Hikesandmics AllTrails+ I'm excited to share that I’m now a Trailheads Ambassador for AllTrails+! If you love exploring the outdoors, AllTrails+ is your ultimate adventure companion. Get offline maps, real-time wrong-turn alerts, and trail previews to help you hike smarter and safer. Plus, with 3D maps and deeper trail insights, planning your next trek has never been easier. Try AllTrails+ free for 7 days, and when you sign up using my referral link, you’ll get 30% off your AllTrails+ membership! Sign up here: AllTrails+ (promo is only redeemable via web and not the app) Ursa Minor Outfitters - Inspired by the outdoors, Created by local artists Go check them at www.ursaminoroutfitters.com and don’t forget to enter the promo code HikesMics10 at checkout to receive 10% off your order.

Send us a text Courage, Comfort & Connection: Building Fridie Outdoors with Lestarya 🌲📱 In this inspiring episode of Hikes & Mics, we’re joined by Lestarya, founder of Fridie Outdoors—a groundbreaking app designed to make camping and outdoor skills accessible anytime, anywhere—even offline. What began as a way to heal after loss during her first hike in the Bay Area has evolved into a movement redefining how people connect with nature. Lestarya opens up about leaving her tech career to build a platform that empowers others to explore confidently, the lessons learned from her first camping trip (spoiler: yoga mats aren’t sleeping pads!), and her mission to make the outdoors more inclusive, comfortable, and community-driven. We also talk about the meaning behind the name “Fridie,” her favorite Oregon camping spots, and the joy of helping others find freedom and belonging under the open sky. 🎙️ Tune in for a powerful conversation about courage, innovation, and creating space for everyone in the great outdoors. Episode Links: Fridie Outdoors Website Fridie Outdoors on Instagram Download Fridie Outdooors on iOS Download Fridie Outdoors on Google Play Store This episode was Produced by Jordyn Smith, follow her on Instagram @jordyn.journeys Follow us on Instagram, @Hikesandmics Hawaii Travel & Vacation Guide Discover Hawaii's Best local spots and travel tips! Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify AllTrails+ I'm excited to share that I’m now a Trailheads Ambassador for AllTrails+! If you love exploring the outdoors, AllTrails+ is your ultimate adventure companion. Get offline maps, real-time wrong-turn alerts, and trail previews to help you hike smarter and safer. Plus, with 3D maps and deeper trail insights, planning your next trek has never been easier. Try AllTrails+ free for 7 days, and when you sign up using my referral link, you’ll get 30% off your AllTrails+ membership! Sign up here: AllTrails+ (promo is only redeemable via web and not the app) Ursa Minor Outfitters - Inspired by the outdoors, Created by local artists Go check them at www.ursaminoroutfitters.com and don’t forget to enter the promo code HikesMics10 at checkout to receive 10% off your order.

Send us a text “The woods became my therapy. The mountains became my classroom.” From being 505 pounds to summiting Mount Kilimanjaro — this week’s guest, DonWitt, has lived one of the most powerful comeback stories we’ve ever shared. As the founder of Hiking with the Bear, DonWitt opens up about transforming his health through hiking, finding community on the trail, and proving that the outdoors truly is for everyone. From that first 75-pound backpack to leading groups up Shenandoah summits — and even standing above the clouds in Tanzania — his journey is a reminder that every step counts. Episode Links: DonWitt on Instagram DonWitt on Facebook Hiking With The Bear on YouTube This episode was Produced by Jordyn Smith, follow her on Instagram @jordyn.journeys Follow us on Instagram, @Hikesandmics AllTrails+ I'm excited to share that I’m now a Trailheads Ambassador for AllTrails+! If you love exploring the outdoors, AllTrails+ is your ultimate adventure companion. Get offline maps, real-time wrong-turn alerts, and trail previews to help you hike smarter and safer. Plus, with 3D maps and deeper trail insights, planning your next trek has never been easier. Try AllTrails+ free for 7 days, and when you sign up using my referral link, you’ll get 30% off your AllTrails+ membership! Sign up here: AllTrails+ (promo is only redeemable via web and not the app) Ursa Minor Outfitters - Inspired by the outdoors, Created by local artists Go check them at www.ursaminoroutfitters.com and don’t forget to enter the promo code HikesMics10 at checkout to receive 10% off your order.

Send us a text 🎙️ Season 12 continues with a journey shaped by deserts, road trips, and unexpected trail moments. 🥾✨ Meet Lyndsay—AllTrails ambassador, science teacher, and lifelong explorer—whose story stretches from childhood camping trips in Ohio to solo hikes across the Southwest. From a 28-day family road trip that sparked her love of travel, to being stalked by coyotes at dusk, to discovering just how alive Death Valley really is, Lyndsay shows us the beauty in both the big adventures and the small details. 🌄🐢🌸 Her reflections on safety, solo hiking, and doing hard things will inspire you to embrace challenges and see the outdoors with new eyes. Episode Links: Lyndsay on Instagram This episode was Produced by Jordyn Smith, follow her on Instagram @jordyn.journeys Follow us on Instagram, @Hikesandmics AllTrails+ I'm excited to share that I’m now a Trailheads Ambassador for AllTrails+! If you love exploring the outdoors, AllTrails+ is your ultimate adventure companion. Get offline maps, real-time wrong-turn alerts, and trail previews to help you hike smarter and safer. Plus, with 3D maps and deeper trail insights, planning your next trek has never been easier. Try AllTrails+ free for 7 days, and when you sign up using my referral link, you’ll get 30% off your AllTrails+ membership! Sign up here: AllTrails+ (promo is only redeemable via web and not the app) Ursa Minor Outfitters - Inspired by the outdoors, Created by local artists Go check them at www.ursaminoroutfitters.com and don’t forget to enter the promo code HikesMics10 at checkout to receive 10% off your order.

Send us a text 🎙️ Season 12 kicks off with a story that spans deserts, snowfields, and summits. 🥾✨ Meet Jackson—trail name Gospel—who just finished his PCT thru-hike this summer. From battling early Sierra snow to chasing Northern Washington sunsets, Jackson shares how the trail tested his mind more than his body, the faith that carried him through, and why sunrise on Mount Whitney is worth every frozen step. 🌄 This conversation is raw, inspiring, and the perfect way to launch a new season of Hikes & Mics. Don’t miss it! Episode Links: Jackson on Instagram Summiting Whitney Post Jackson on The Trek.Co This episode was Produced by Jordyn Smith, follow her on Instagram @jordyn.journeys Follow us on Instagram, @Hikesandmics AllTrails+ I'm excited to share that I’m now a Trailheads Ambassador for AllTrails+! If you love exploring the outdoors, AllTrails+ is your ultimate adventure companion. Get offline maps, real-time wrong-turn alerts, and trail previews to help you hike smarter and safer. Plus, with 3D maps and deeper trail insights, planning your next trek has never been easier. Try AllTrails+ free for 7 days, and when you sign up using my referral link, you’ll get 30% off your AllTrails+ membership! Sign up here: AllTrails+ (promo is only redeemable via web and not the app) Ursa Minor Outfitters - Inspired by the outdoors, Created by local artists Go check them at www.ursaminoroutfitters.com and don’t forget to enter the promo code HikesMics10 at checkout to receive 10% off your order.

Send us a text This fall, Hikes & Mics is back with Season 12—your trail companion for crisp mornings, golden leaves, and stories that push us further. From long-distance hikers chasing switchbacks and international adventurers exploring new cultures… to veterans finding healing on the trail, storytellers bringing news from the mountains, and guides helping us connect mind, body, and nature—this season is packed with voices that inspire. We’ll hear from outdoor educators, stewards protecting wild places, and familiar friends returning to share new adventures. Whether it’s thru-hiking deserts, chasing alpine sunrises, or rediscovering joy in the everyday hike—you’ll find it here. Season 12 kicks off September 22nd. Lace up, plug in, and let’s hit the trail together. This episode was Produced by Jordyn Smith, follow her on Instagram @jordyn.journeys Follow us on Instagram, @Hikesandmics AllTrails+ I'm excited to share that I’m now a Trailheads Ambassador for AllTrails+! If you love exploring the outdoors, AllTrails+ is your ultimate adventure companion. Get offline maps, real-time wrong-turn alerts, and trail previews to help you hike smarter and safer. Plus, with 3D maps and deeper trail insights, planning your next trek has never been easier. Try AllTrails+ free for 7 days, and when you sign up using my referral link, you’ll get 30% off your AllTrails+ membership! Sign up here: AllTrails+ (promo is only redeemable via web and not the app) Ursa Minor Outfitters - Inspired by the outdoors, Created by local artists Go check them at www.ursaminoroutfitters.com and don’t forget to enter the promo code HikesMics10 at checkout to receive 10% off your order.

Send us a text 🌿 Speaking Up for Our Parks with Dominique 🐾✨ We’re closing out Season 11 of Hikes & Mics with an inspiring conversation featuring Dominique—Georgia-based hiker, national park enthusiast, and advocate for the land we all share. From peaceful strolls through Georgia’s hidden gems to trail work with Trees Atlanta, Dominique reminds us that being outdoorsy isn’t about chasing miles—it’s about care, connection, and community. She opens up about hiking with her two senior pups, her emotional ties to Death Valley, and the vision behind her Pure Trail POV project. We also dive into the importance of accessible green spaces, acknowledging Indigenous histories, and why she believes that speaking up for our parks is the bare minimum we owe these landscapes. 🎙️ Tune in for a thoughtful season finale that celebrates love for the land, respect for its stories, and the communities built along the way. Episode Links: Dominique on Instagram Dominique’s Linktree This episode was Produced by Jordyn Smith, follow her on Instagram @jordyn.journeys Follow us on Instagram, @Hikesandmics AllTrails+ I'm excited to share that I’m now a Trailheads Ambassador for AllTrails+! If you love exploring the outdoors, AllTrails+ is your ultimate adventure companion. Get offline maps, real-time wrong-turn alerts, and trail previews to help you hike smarter and safer. Plus, with 3D maps and deeper trail insights, planning your next trek has never been easier. Try AllTrails+ free for 7 days, and when you sign up using my referral link, you’ll get 30% off your AllTrails+ membership! Sign up here: AllTrails+ (promo is only redeemable via web and not the app) Ursa Minor Outfitters - Inspired by the outdoors, Created by local artists Go check them at www.ursaminoroutfitters.com and don’t forget to enter the promo code HikesMics10 at checkout to receive 10% off your order.

Send us a text 🫎 Moose Encounters & Mountain Stillness with Mark🌲📸 In this episode of Hikes & Mics, we’re joined by Mark—wildlife photographer, storyteller, and moose whisperer. Through solo hikes in Utah’s Wasatch Front, Mark has crossed paths with more than 100 moose, a bobcat at just 40 yards, and countless moments of spiritual clarity in wild spaces. He shares how hiking became a healing outlet after heartbreak, evolving into a soulful pursuit of presence, photography, and purpose. We dive into the magic of Willow Lake and Lake Blanche, the surreal beauty of The Wave in Northern Arizona, and what it means to attempt to log over 250,000 ft of elevation gain in a single year. Along the way, Mark opens up about finding stillness in a hammock at Lake Mary, the artistry of seeing nature beyond the lens, and his dreams of bringing his photography to local farmers markets.  🎙️ Tune in for unforgettable wildlife encounters, trail reflections, and the belief that hiking is more than a hobby—it’s a sacred act of becoming. Episode Links: Mark on Instagram This episode was Produced by Jordyn Smith, follow her on Instagram @jordyn.journeys Follow us on Instagram, @Hikesandmics AllTrails+ I'm excited to share that I’m now a Trailheads Ambassador for AllTrails+! If you love exploring the outdoors, AllTrails+ is your ultimate adventure companion. Get offline maps, real-time wrong-turn alerts, and trail previews to help you hike smarter and safer. Plus, with 3D maps and deeper trail insights, planning your next trek has never been easier. Try AllTrails+ free for 7 days, and when you sign up using my referral link, you’ll get 30% off your AllTrails+ membership! Sign up here: AllTrails+ (promo is only redeemable via web and not the app) Ursa Minor Outfitters - Inspired by the outdoors, Created by local artists Go check them at www.ursaminoroutfitters.com and don’t forget to enter the promo code HikesMics10 at checkout to receive 10% off your order.

Send us a text 🎙️ From First Steps to Thousands of Miles with Melanie aka Poppi 🌲🥾 In this episode of Hikes & Mics, we sit down with Melanie, whose journey from two simple overnight trips to conquering the Pacific Crest Trail, Colorado Trail, and Arizona Trail is nothing short of inspiring. With a background in nutrition, she shares how fueling your body with intention can transform the trail experience—from protein coffee rituals to the importance of macronutrients on thru-hikes. We dive into the highs and lows of her PCT flip-flop year, summit stories on the Colorado Trail, and the surprises of snow and storms on the AZT. Melanie also opens up about her trail name “Poppi,” her adventures with her Aussie pup Butters, and the mindset that keeps her steady through both breathtaking sunrises and brutal storms. 🌄🐾 ✨ If you’ve ever dreamed of a thru-hike but felt intimidated, Melanie’s story proves that courage, community, and curiosity can carry you farther than you think. Episode Links: Melanie on Instagram PNWoofs Dog Barkery This episode was Produced by Jordyn Smith, follow her on Instagram @jordyn.journeys Follow us on Instagram, @Hikesandmics AllTrails+ I'm excited to share that I’m now a Trailheads Ambassador for AllTrails+! If you love exploring the outdoors, AllTrails+ is your ultimate adventure companion. Get offline maps, real-time wrong-turn alerts, and trail previews to help you hike smarter and safer. Plus, with 3D maps and deeper trail insights, planning your next trek has never been easier. Try AllTrails+ free for 7 days, and when you sign up using my referral link, you’ll get 30% off your AllTrails+ membership! Sign up here: AllTrails+ (promo is only redeemable via web and not the app) Ursa Minor Outfitters - Inspired by the outdoors, Created by local artists Go check them at www.ursaminoroutfitters.com and don’t forget to enter the promo code HikesMics10 at checkout to receive 10% off your order.