Stay ConnectedFrom the Appalachian Trail to the Pacific Crest and everything in between. Backpacker Radio is a show all about the wonderful world that is thru-hiking and long distance backpacking.
Co-hosts, Zach “Badger” Davis and Juliana “Chaunce” Chauncey muse on the backpacking life and the latest from the trail every other week. Topics include but are not limited to news, trail culture, interviews, gear, advice, and all you can eat buffets.
Copyright: © The Trek
In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by Topo Athletic, we are bringing you the rare Chaunce and Zach solo pod.
In this one, we tell the full origin story of Backpacker Radio, from the unofficial co-host audition at a hiker meetup, to Chaunce showing up at the wrong restaurant on day one, to almost not making it past the early episodes. We get into how our interviewing dynamic has evolved over eight years, the technical disasters of the early days, the team that quietly makes this whole thing work, our all-time favorite guests, the ones we never aired, the dream guests we still haven't landed, and answer a slew of listener questions.
We wrap the show with a triple crown of worst ways to die, share the news that apparently Roundup is being sprayed in our national forests, opine on whether we'd rather give up sauces or kissing (and debate whether butter is a sauce), and give an overview on how to negotiate a thru-hiking sabbatical from your employer.
Topo Athletic: Use code "TREK15TOPO" at topoathletic.com.
Gossamer Gear: Use code "BACKPACKERRADIO" for $20 off LT5 Trekking Poles at gossamergear.com.
OnX Backcountry: Use code "TREK70" for 70% off at onxmaps.com
[divider]
Interview with Chaunce
Time stamps & Questions
00:06:15 - Reminders: Support Akuna during his recovery, join us for Chaunce's live podcast sendoff, submit your favorite Chaunce moments or a voicemail for Chaunce, apply to be a co-host, check out our new merch, listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon!
00:15:05 - Introducing Chaunce
00:17:10 - What was Zach's initial idea for the podcast and how you decided you wanted a co-host?
00:25:42 - What were your first impressions of each other
00:27:48 - What were your expectations for the podcast's longevity and success?
00:34:20 - Did you discuss the style of the podcast and interview format you wanted?
00:39:43 - How has your co-interviewing strategy changed over the years?
00:59:25 - How are guests chosen for the show?
01:09:58 - What are some surprising things you've learned about making the podcast?
01:19:13 - How many interviews or segments have had to be cut?
01:24:18 - How long did it take to get over saying something dumb on air?
01:32:46 - How has the other person changed since episode one?
01:35:49 - What phrases or habits have you picked up from each other?
01:36:31 - How is the Mile by Mile project going?
01:45:45 - How have you balanced full-time work with hiking and the podcast?
01:53:18 - Were there any episodes where you were sick or physically unwell?
01:59:44 - Discussion about listener & Instagram questions
02:00:28 - How do you manage a friendship while working together?
02:02:43 - If you could go back to the beginning, what advice would you give yourselves?
02:13:27 - Discussion about highest highs and lowest lows from the podcast
02:20:23 - What are a few all-time favorite guests?
02:26:32 - Which guest were you most nervous to interview?
02:28:53 - What were your "I love my job" moments from the show?
02:31:51 - What will you miss most about interviewing together?
02:35:51 - Discussion about podcast segments that lived and died
02:39:23 - What are the remaining dream guests you haven't landed yet?
02:48:00 - Peak Performance Question: What is your top performance enhancing or backpacking hack?
Segments
Trek Propaganda: Roundup Is Being Sprayed in National Forests. Here's What PCT Hikers Should Know by Kelly Floro
QOTD: Would you rather give up sauces or kissing?
Triple Crown of Ways NOT to die
Mail Bag
5 Star Review
[divider]
Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.
Sign up for the Trek's newsletter
Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.
Support us on Patreon to get bonus content.Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.
Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.
Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.
Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years.
A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Bill Jensen, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Bret Mullins aka Cruizy, Bryan Alsop, Carl Lobstah Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Clint Sitler, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Jackson Storm, JaredNotFromSubway, Jason Kiser, Jason "The Snail" Snailer, Luke Netjes, Matty in AZ, Patrick Cianciolo, Randy Sutherland, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, The Saint Louis Shaman, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns
A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ackerman, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, Dakota J, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Denise Krekeler, Jack Greene, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Lloyd Harris, Merle Watkins, Peter, Quenten Jones, Ruth S, Salt Stain, Sloan Alberhasky, and Tyler Powers.
Segments
Long Trail Trivia
Trek Propaganda: Check out the Trek's Youtube
Processing
QOTD: Everyone on earth takes a private vote by pressing a red or blue button. If more than 50% of people press the blue button, everyone survives. If less than 50% of people press the blue button, only people who pressed the red button survive. Which button would you press?
Sun Hoodie Review - REI Flash Shade
Triple Crown of town food to hike out with
Mail Bag
5 Star Review
[divider]
Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.
Sign up for the Trek's newsletter
Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.
Support us on Patreon to get bonus content.Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.
Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.
Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.
Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years.
A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Bill Jensen, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Bret Mullins aka Cruizy, Bryan Alsop, Carl Lobstah Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Clint Sitler, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Jackson Storm, JaredNotFromSubway, Jason Kiser, Jason "The Snail" Snailer, Luke Netjes, Matty in AZ, Patrick Cianciolo, Randy Sutherland, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, The Saint Louis Shaman, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns
A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ackerman, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, Dakota J, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Denise Krekeler, Jack Greene, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Lloyd Harris, Merle Watkins, Peter, Quenten Jones, Ruth S, Salt Stain, Sloan Alberhasky, and Tyler Powers.
In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by LMNT, we are bringing you the final on-air fight between Jabba and Chaunce. It is mostly awkward and uncomfortable, with- I think- a dash of closure at the end. Will you enjoy it? I don't know. Maybe not.
We wrap the show with a question of the day involving button pushing and death, a new sun hoodie review- the REI Flash Shade, the triple crown of food to hike out of town with, we breakdown whether all food can be categorized as a soup, salad, or sandwich, we put out a call for your favorite Chaunce clips, and for your self-nominations as guest co-host of this here podcast.
LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at drinklmnt.com/trek.
Gossamer Gear: Use code "BACKPACKERRADIO" for $20 off LT5 Trekking Poles at gossamergear.com.
Shady Rays: Use code "TREK" for 40% off two or more pairs of sunglasses at shadyrays.com.
OnX Backcountry: Through Memorial Day, use code "TREK70" for 70% off at onxmaps.com
[divider]
Interview with Jabba
Time stamps & Questions
00:07:50 - Reminders: Join us for Chaunce's live podcast sendoff, submit your favorite Chaunce moments or a voicemail for Chaunce, apply to be a co-host, check out our new merch, listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon!
00:18:15 - Jabba, recap your hiking on the Arizona Trail
00:30:20 - How many trails have you quit?
00:36:30 - Rehashing when Chaunce's face was broken
00:44:05 - Describe your first meeting with one another
00:51:55 - Per pound, who's the stronger backpacker?
00:58:45 - How has your friendship changed over time?
01:03:35 - Would Jabba only use a gas station bathroom for a year to get $1 million dollars?
01:07:00 - Jabba vs. Chaunce arm wrestle
01:09:14 - What did Jabba think about people coming to Chaunce's defense after the guy stuff episode?
01:16:30 - Spin the Wheel
01:20:00 - How long of a hike could you do together?
01:34:50 - What is the thing you like the most about the other person?
01:43:40 - What is the thing you dislike most about the other person?
01:50:45 - Chaunce tries to compliment Jabba
02:03:00 - When was the last time Jabba's feelings were hurt?
02:12:10 - Stay Salty Question: What's your hottest take in the world of backpacking?
Segments
Trek Propaganda: Check out the Trek's Youtube
Processing
QOTD: Everyone on earth takes a private vote by pressing a red or blue button. If more than 50% of people press the blue button, everyone survives. If less than 50% of people press the blue button, only people who pressed the red button survive. Which button would you press?
Sun Hoodie Review - REI Flash Shade
Triple Crown of town food to hike out with
Mail Bag
5 Star Review
[divider]
Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.
Sign up for the Trek's newsletter
Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.
Support us on Patreon to get bonus content.Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.
Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.
Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.
Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years.
A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Bill Jensen, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Bret Mullins aka Cruizy, Bryan Alsop, Carl Lobstah Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Clint Sitler, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Jackson Storm, JaredNotFromSubway, Jason Kiser, Jason "The Snail" Snailer, Luke Netjes, Matty in AZ, Patrick Cianciolo, Randy Sutherland, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, The Saint Louis Shaman, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns
A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ackerman, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, Dakota J, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Denise Krekeler, Jack Greene, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Lloyd Harris, Merle Watkins, Peter, Quenten Jones, Ruth S, Salt Stain, Sloan Alberhasky, and Tyler Powers.
Segments
Ways to Die
Trek Propaganda: Hikers Discover Human Remains Near Vermont Appalachian Trail by Kelly Floro
QOTD: What celebrity names can you never remember?
Triple Crown of the worst gifts to give young kids
Parenting Thing of the Week
Sun Hoodie Review
Mail Bag
5 Star Review
[divider]
Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.
Sign up for the Trek's newsletter
Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.
Support us on Patreon to get bonus content.Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.
Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.
Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.
Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years.
A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Bill Jensen, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Bret Mullins aka Cruizy, Bryan Alsop, Carl Lobstah Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Clint Sitler, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Jackson Storm, JaredNotFromSubway, Jason Kiser, Jason "The Snail" Snailer, Luke Netjes, Matty in AZ, Patrick Cianciolo, Randy Sutherland, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, The Saint Louis Shaman, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns
A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ackerman, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, Dakota J, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Denise Krekeler, Jack Greene, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Lloyd Harris, Merle Watkins, Peter, Quenten Jones, Ruth S, Salt Stain, Sloan Alberhasky, and Tyler Powers.
In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by Topo Athletic, we are joined by Liz Crandall, a former US Forest Service field ranger who was fired by DOGE last February and has since transitioned into advocacy, activism, and podcasting, serving as the host of Rangers of the Lost Park.
In this one, Liz walks us through nine years of climbing the federal government's career ladder, from GS3 volunteer to permanent employee, and what it actually felt like to receive the phone call telling her it was over. She breaks down the DOGE firing process, the spam-looking emails that nobody believed were real, the Fork in the Road offer that most people didn't take, and what it looked like inside a Forest Service office where even the people who voted for the administration were crying. She also shares what it took to go from a person who was trained never to talk to the press to someone doing live CNN, the roadless rule and why she thinks rescinding it is a bad idea, her crown jewel podcast guest Ken Burns, and two pants-shitting stories from her hitchhiking days that she's been dreading telling us since she booked this.
We wrap the show with hikers who discovered human remains in Vermont, the celebrity names we can never remember, how I butchered the boy who cried wolf, the triple crown of the worst gifts to give your kids, and an ALL TIME listener email and poop story.
Topo Athletic: Use code "TREK15TOPO" at topoathletic.com.
Gossamer Gear: Use code "BACKPACKERRADIO" for $20 off LT5 Trekking Poles at gossamergear.com.
OnX Backcountry: Through Memorial Day, use code "TREK70" for 70% off at onxmaps.com
[divider]
Interview with Liz Crandall
Time stamps & Questions
00:05:34 - Processing
00:10:30 - Reminders: Join us for Chaunce's live podcast sendoff, subscribe to The Trek's Youtube, check out our new merch, and listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon!
00:17:25 - Introducing Liz
00:18:10 - What's the story behind your ranger raccoon tattoo?
00:24:47 - Tell us about working in wildlife rehab between Forest Service seasons
00:30:23 - How did you go from wildlife rehab to becoming a field ranger?
00:33:00 - What do the GS pay grades mean and how does the Forest Service career ladder work?
00:36:39 - What were your biggest accomplishments climbing from GS-3 to GS-6?
00:41:13 - When did things start going wrong under the new administration?
00:43:01 - What were the Fork in the Road emails from DOGE actually saying?
00:47:15 - What happened when the February 14th firing emails went out?
00:52:06 - Is there any optimism that fired feds could get their jobs back?
00:53:32 - How fast did you go from being fired to becoming an advocate?
00:57:41 - What was it like representing all fired feds in the press?
01:00:15 - Discussion about the State of the Union and lobbying in DC
01:02:18 - What do you disagree with about the Forest Service and BLM?
01:09:25 - How did Rangers of the Lost Park get started?
01:10:31 - How did you land Ken Burns as a guest?
01:15:26 - What were the biggest takeaways from your Ken Burns interview?
01:17:46 - What are some of the top remaining battles for public lands?
01:20:48 - How do you respond to people who aren't affected by these issues?
01:26:45 - Where do you get your validation when the wins are invisible?
01:28:45 - Triple Crown of Liz's best podcast guests
01:31:20 - How do you find joy in a world of bad news?
01:34:07 - Pants-shitting stories from Liz's hitchhiking days
01:43:17 - What's your most underrated piece of backpacking gear?
01:45:45 - Tell us about your mountain lion and grizzly bear encounters
01:56:40 - Peak Performance Question: What is your top performance-enhancing or backpacking hack?
Segments
Trek Propaganda: Hikers Discover Human Remains Near Vermont Appalachian Trail by Kelly Floro
QOTD: What celebrity names can you never remember?
Parenting Thing of the Week
Triple Crown of the worst gifts to give young kids
Mail Bag
5 Star Review
[divider]
Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.
Sign up for the Trek's newsletter
Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.
Support us on Patreon to get bonus content.Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.
Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.
Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.
Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years.
A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Bill Jensen, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Bret Mullins aka Cruizy, Bryan Alsop, Carl Lobstah Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Clint Sitler, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Jackson Storm, JaredNotFromSubway, Jason Kiser, Jason "The Snail" Snailer, Luke Netjes, Matty in AZ, Patrick Cianciolo, Randy Sutherland, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, The Saint Louis Shaman, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns
A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ackerman, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, Dakota J, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Denise Krekeler, Jack Greene, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Lloyd Harris, Merle Watkins, Peter, Quenten Jones, Ruth S, Salt Stain, Sloan Alberhasky, and Tyler Powers.
Segments
Geography Quiz
Smells Associated with Health Issues
Trek Propaganda: 7 All-Too Common Signs of Entitlement I've Noticed in the Thru-Hiking Community by Peg Leg
QOTD: Why does a sawyer filter last a lifetime but you're supposed to swap a brita every few months?
Triple Crown of mountain peaks
Mail Bag
5 Star Review
[divider]
Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.
Sign up for the Trek's newsletter
Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.
Support us on Patreon to get bonus content.Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.
Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.
Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.
Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years.
A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Bill Jensen, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Bret Mullins aka Cruizy, Bryan Alsop, Carl Lobstah Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Clint Sitler, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Jackson Storm, JaredNotFromSubway, Jason Kiser, Jason "The Snail" Snailer, Luke Netjes, Matty in AZ, Patrick Cianciolo, Randy Sutherland, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, The Saint Louis Shaman, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns
A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ackerman, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, Dakota J, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Denise Krekeler, Jack Greene, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Lloyd Harris, Merle Watkins, Peter, Quenten Jones, Ruth S, Salt Stain, Sloan Alberhasky, and Tyler Powers.
In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by LMNT, we are joined by Stephen Palazzo, aka Near Miss, an Army veteran, thru-hiker, and peak bagger who has completed the AT, CDT, AZT, and Colorado Trail, summited all 58 of Colorado's 14ers, and knocked out three of the seven summits.
This one runs the gambit. Stephen walks us through 24 years of military service, from crossing into Iraq on the first wave of the ground war in 2003 to negotiating with the number two guy in Al-Qaeda over a solitary confinement dispute, to a very geopolitically tangled deployment in Syria. He also shares how thru-hiking became the thing that finally got him to put down the bottle, why post-trail depression hit harder than anything he experienced in war, and a magical moment in the Wind River Range where he locked eyes with a bull moose. And- as Chaunce comes to grips with her impending move, she has made it her mission to make each podcast an ultra-marathon. This one is sure to give you enough content to get through the week (or year). Also, warning: this episode contains discussions of war, combat, death, PTSD, and alcohol abuse.
We wrap the show with an article about thru-hiker entitlement, discussing why a Sawyer filter lasts a lifetime but you're supposed to swap a Brita every few months, the triple crown of mountain peaks, a new sun hoody review series, a detailed mailbag about a listener's experience on the San Diego Trans County Trail, and Chaunce schedules an impromptu summit of Mount Rainier.
NEW Backpacker Radio Merch: https://www.bonfire.com/can-you-dig-it-15/
Apply to Guest Co-Host Backpacker Radio.
LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at drinklmnt.com/trek.
Gossamer Gear: Use code "BACKPACKERRADIO" for $20 off LT5 Trekking Poles at gossamergear.com.
OnX Backcountry: Through Memorial Day, use code "TREK70" for 70% off at onxmaps.com
Hyperlite Mountain Gear: Use code "BPRADIO15" for 15% of hyperlitemountaingear.com
Shady Rays: Use code "TREK" for 40% off two or more pairs of sunglasses at shadyrays.com.
[divider]
Interview with Stephen "Near Miss" Palazzo
Time stamps & Questions
00:05:25 - Reminders: Check out our new merch, get tickets for our LIVE Chaunce send-off podcast, apply to be a guest co-host, listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon
00:13:40 - Introducing Near Miss
00:15:50 - What got you started in the military?
00:22:00 - Were you still on your five year plan when 9/11 happened?
00:26:45 - Talk to us in your drill sergeant voice
00:28:30 - Discussion about Stephen's time in the military after 9/11
00:40:50 - Did you prefer your more managerial or front-line roles?
00:45:40 - What are your go-to stories that you tell about your deployments?
00:49:18 - What was one of your near-death experiences?
00:53:00 - Discussion about post-trail depression
00:55:30 - Discussion about PTSD
00:56:00 - How did you deal with your drinking problems?
01:01:15 - Do you have any advice for hikers that want to process something on trail?
01:06:17 - Chaunce's voice memo story
01:09:50 - As a drill sergeant, what ticks you off the most?
01:14:00 - How many people left in the first few weeks?
01:21:00 - Tell us about your Ursack freezing to a tree
01:26:50 - Have you talked any of your veteran friends into hiking?
01:28:30 - Was there a moment you realized that hiking was healing you?
01:35:00 - Tell us about your trip to Ecuador
01;37:30 - Discussion about rhabdomyolysis
01:40:45 - How did you get interested in mountaineering?
01:44:16 - Do you have advice for someone who wants to save money for an adventure?
01:51:45 - How did you decide to hike the CDT next?
01:56:10 - Is there a difference between the fear you experienced while deployed versus hiking?
01:58:50 - What are your favorite stories from the CDT?
02:02:10 - What's the most real between ghosts, aliens, and mountain lions in New England?
02:14:35 - What time span did you complete all the Colorado 14ers in?
02:18:30 - Discussion about paratroopers
02:25:15 - Which was your first of the 7 summits?
02:31:17 - Discussion about summiting Denali
02:38:15 - Fuck Marry Kill: Denali, Kiliminjaro, Aconcagua
02:39:50 - If you had to cut a summit from the list, which would you cut?
02:43:00 - Discussion about deciding to quit a thru-hike and town food
02:49:50 - Tell us about the 13ers you've done recently
02:52:00 - Are you afraid of dying?
02:53:55 - What do you wear in extremely cold conditions?
02:55:45 - What advice would you give to someone interested in getting into mountaineering?
03:03:30 - Do you feel like a different person now?
03:06:00 - Zach and Chaunce have a fight
03:12:50 - What's next on the docket for you?
03:13:45 - In what way did you burnout on thru-hiking?
03:16:40 - Tell us about your Buffalo Wild Wings points
03:23:00 - Stay Salty Question: What's your hottest take in the world of backpacking?
03:25:50 - If you were 18 again, would you join the Army again?
Segments
Trek Propaganda: 7 All-Too Common Signs of Entitlement I've Noticed in the Thru-Hiking Community by Peg Leg
QOTD: Why does a sawyer filter last a lifetime but you're supposed to swap a brita every few months?
Triple Crown of mountain peaks
Mail Bag
5 Star Review
[divider]
Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.
Sign up for the Trek's newsletter
Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.
Support us on Patreon to get bonus content.Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.
Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.
Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.
Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years.
A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Bill Jensen, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Bret Mullins aka Cruizy, Bryan Alsop, Carl Lobstah Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Clint Sitler, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Jackson Storm, JaredNotFromSubway, Jason Kiser, Jason "The Snail" Snailer, Luke Netjes, Matty in AZ, Patrick Cianciolo, Randy Sutherland, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, The Saint Louis Shaman, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns
A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ackerman, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, Dakota J, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Denise Krekeler, Jack Greene, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Lloyd Harris, Merle Watkins, Peter, Quenten Jones, Ruth S, Salt Stain, Sloan Alberhasky, and Tyler Powers.
Segments
Dramatic Survival Stories
Trek Propaganda:
Thru-Hiker Who Died on PCT Was Trek Blogger by Kelly Floro
The Dark Side of Trail Magic: The Negative Experiences Hikers Rarely Talk About by Peg Leg
QOTD: What's the best/funniest word for boobs?
Triple Crown of (team) sports
Mail Bag
5 Star Review
[divider]
Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.
Sign up for the Trek's newsletter
Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.
Support us on Patreon to get bonus content.Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.
Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.
Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.
Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years.
A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Bill Jensen, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Bret Mullins aka Cruizy, Bryan Alsop, Carl Lobstah Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Clint Sitler, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Jackson Storm, JaredNotFromSubway, Jason Kiser, Jason "The Snail" Snailer, Luke Netjes, Matty in AZ, Patrick Cianciolo, Randy Sutherland, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, The Saint Louis Shaman, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns
A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ackerman, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, Dakota J, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Denise Krekeler, Jack Greene, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Lloyd Harris, Merle Watkins, Peter, Quenten Jones, Ruth S, Salt Stain, Sloan Alberhasky, and Tyler Powers.
In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by Topo Athletic, we sit down with Becca Beckham, trail name Little Bag, a Peace Corps veteran, thru-hiker and all around world traveler.
Becca has hiked the Long Trail and PCT, and last year tackled the Colorado Trail, the Tour du Mont Blanc, and the GR20 in Corsica. In this one, Becca shares what it's like growing up in a military family bouncing across the country, to two years in Cameroon with the Peace Corps, to teaching English in France, to landing in the wonderful world of thru-hiking. She shares stories about floating a hippo-filled river in Central Africa, accidentally eating monkey, attending a rat festival, and what it's like to build community from scratch in a new place, over and over again. If you've ever wondered what it looks like to just keep saying yes, this is your episode.
We wrap the show with some very big and ungood news for the future of this podcast- hint it involves Chaunce- hint it's probably what you think it is, hint we are all processing it together- hint it's not related to health or anything serious on that level- but yes it's sad and bad. We also share the tragic news about Ian MacLurg, a thru-hiker, Trek Blogger, and Trail Correspondent who recently passed away while hiking the PCT.
On a lighter note- we reveal details of a live podcast happening in Denver in late June, the triple crown of team sports, the funniest terms for boobs, and why Chaunce is looking at her phone all the time during the podcast.
Topo Athletic: Use code "TREK15TOPO" at topoathletic.com.
Gossamer Gear: Use code "BACKPACKERRADIO" for $20 off LT5 Trekking Poles at gossamergear.com.
OnX Backcountry: Through Memorial Day, use code "TREK70" for 70% off at onxmaps.com
Hyperlite Mountain Gear: Use code "BPRADIO15" for 15% of hyperlitemountaingear.com
[divider]
Interview with Becca "Little Bag" Beckham
Time stamps & Questions
00:05:40 - Reminders: Live podcast in Denver on June 26! Listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon and subscribe to The Trek's Youtube!
00:08:17 - Chaunce's Big News
00:23:11 - Introducing Becca "Little Bag" Beckham
00:24:41 - How did you get into backpacking?
00:25:59 - What was it like growing up in a military family?
00:29:57 - What was it like making friends when moving to a new school every few years?
00:32:35 - Alabama snakes tangent
00:35:16 - How did you get from Peace Corps to the Long Trail?
00:39:08 - What brought you to the Peace Corps?
00:44:15 - What was your day-to-day life like integrating into the community in Cameroon?
00:51:30 - What kind of work were you doing in Cameroon?
00:53:27 - What is bush meat, and what was the wildlife like in Cameroon?
00:57:49 - Did you float a hippo-filled river in Cameroon?
01:03:30 - Do you feel like the Peace Corps prepared you for thru-hiking?
01:06:48 - Have you always been this adventurous?
01:08:23 - Has living a non-traditional lifestyle made it harder to find love?
01:17:15 - How did you come to the decision not to have kids?
01:20:14 - What were your biggest gear fails on the Long Trail?
01:21:25 - What did you learn from the PCT shakedown?
01:28:28 - What was the mud situation like on the Long Trail in a wet year?
01:33:02 - What happened in the gap between the Long Trail and the PCT?
01:39:54 - Did you get norovirus at Crater Lake on the PCT?
01:42:47 - What happened when you discovered you were allergic to Leukotape on the PCT?
01:51:41 - What was your best campsite on the PCT?
01:52:55 - How did you transition back to AmeriCorps after the PCT?
01:54:31 - What is the difference between AmeriCorps and Peace Corps?
02:00:56 - What was it like living in a 15-passenger van with your AmeriCorps team?
02:05:14 - What was it like doing a site visit inside an Idaho prison?
02:13:17 - What was it like installing wildlife-friendly fencing on a Montana ranch?
02:14:58 - How did the government cuts to AmeriCorps affect you personally?
02:20:27 - How did losing your job lead to an epic year of hiking?
02:21:54 - What was it like hiking the Colorado Trail?
02:27:43 - What was hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc like?
02:37:15 - Is the GR20 the hardest hike in Europe?
02:44:25 - Tell us about the pigs tearing a hole in your tent
02:51:18 - Peak Performance Question: What's your top performance enhancing or backpacking hack?
Segments
Trek Propaganda:
QOTD: What's the best/funniest word for boobs?
Triple Crown of (team) sports
Mail Bag
5 Star Review
[divider]
Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.
Sign up for the Trek's newsletter
Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.
Support us on Patreon to get bonus content.Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.
Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.
Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.
Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years.
A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Bill Jensen, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Bret Mullins aka Cruizy, Bryan Alsop, Carl Lobstah Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Clint Sitler, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Jackson Storm, JaredNotFromSubway, Jason Kiser, Jason "The Snail" Snailer, Luke Netjes, Matty in AZ, Patrick Cianciolo, Randy Sutherland, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, The Saint Louis Shaman, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns
A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ackerman, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, Dakota J, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Denise Krekeler, Jack Greene, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Lloyd Harris, Merle Watkins, Peter, Quenten Jones, Ruth S, Salt Stain, Sloan Alberhasky, and Tyler Powers.
Segments
Lyme Disease Update
Trek Propaganda
The First Week of Your Thru-Hike Will Probably Be the Hardest — Here's How To Prepare by Kelly Floro
QOTD: Does pizza lose its luster as you get older?
Triple Crown of Star Wars characters
Mail Bag
5 Star Review
[divider]
Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.
Sign up for the Trek's newsletter
Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.
Support us on Patreon to get bonus content.Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.
Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.
Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.
Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years.
A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Bill Jensen, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Bret Mullins aka Cruizy, Bryan Alsop, Carl Lobstah Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Clint Sitler, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Jackson Storm, JaredNotFromSubway, Jason Kiser, Jason "The Snail" Snailer, Luke Netjes, Matty in AZ, Patrick Cianciolo, Randy Sutherland, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, The Saint Louis Shaman, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns
A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ackerman, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, Dakota J, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Denise Krekeler, Jack Greene, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Lloyd Harris, Merle Watkins, Peter, Quenten Jones, Ruth S, Salt Stain, Sloan Alberhasky, and Tyler Powers.
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