Mighty Blue On The Appalachian Trail: The Ultimate Mid-Life Crisis

Latest Episodes:

Episode #471 - Tina Tempest (Chunky) Feb 13, 2025

Show notes

We have Tina Tempest on the show today. Tina, or Chunky, completed a SOBO thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail in 2009. The trail had such an impact upon her life, that she and her husband, Brett, ultimately opened the Quarter Way Inn, a hostel near Marion, Virginia. Tina's breakfast at the hostel is the stuff of legend!

But it is one of her side businesses that we're talking about today, as Tina is the owner of Bead By Bead Adventures, producing necklaces for many of the long distance trails, including two that I wear.

There are plenty of ways to follow Tina, either online or in person. Check out these links: See Tina in person: AT Gateways at Amicalola Falls State Park in Georgia on February 28 - March 2, 2025. Appalachian Trail Days in Damascus, Virginia on May 16-18, 2025

Follow Tina online: Bead by Bead Adventures: Necklaces that are maps of long-distance hiking trails that hikers (or those at home) can use to track their progress. Her website is at www.gobeadbybead.com, on Instagram at Instagram (@gobeadbybead), and on Facebook at Bead by Bead Adventures.

Her hostel: Quarter Way Inn: Seasonal Appalachian Trail Hiker Hostel at mile 555-ish in Southwest Virginia. Her website, www.quarterwayinn.com, on Instagram at Instagram (@quarterwayinn), and on Facebook at Quarter Way Inn

Her Honey business is Gather Ye Honey: Pure honey and beeswax candles from Ceres, VA and Charlotte, NC. That website is at www.gatheryehoney.com, her Instagram is at Instagram (@gatheryehoney), while her Facebook is at Gather Ye Honey

We also caught up with one of our Mighty Blue Class of 2025 members, Dave Santi. Dave and I talked through his pack and the choices he has made for his upcoming thru-hike in March. Check out the gear details at https://lighterpack.com/r/xtkoon

If you have questions or topics you'd like covered by our class of 2025 members, Dave and Beth, please email them to me at steve@hikingradionetwork.com.

Our book reading, Happy Hiking, by my friend, Emily Leonard is–of course–written from a woman's POV and a woman's voice. I hope you enjoy listening to my reading of it. If you'd like to buy the book, you can find it on Amazon at Happy Hiking: Falling in love on the Appalachian Trail, or on Emily's website, at Happy Hiking.

Our new sponsor for the New Year is TSX Challenge, who turn one week into inspiration for a lifetime. And I should know. Chris at TSX told me he could get me to the top of Mt Whitney…and he did. Check out their incredible group hikes at TSX Challenge - Guided Backpacking Trips to Mt. Whitney, Grand Canyon & Beyond, and save 10% at checkout by using the code MIGHTYBLUE.

I used my hike last year on the South West Coast Path in the UK to help raise money for my absolute favorite charity, Parenting Matters, on whose board I've been privileged to serve for over a decade. You can learn more about the hike and the organization–and donate–by visiting Hike with Steve - Empowering Parents, One Step at a Time | Parenting Matters %. I hope you want to support this critical mission.

Don't forget. Our entire series of videos from our Woods Hole Weekend in 2022 is now FREE and available at my YouTube page at Woods Hole Weekend - Trailer There, you'll find all sorts of tips and tricks that our guests took away from the weekend that helped them with their own hikes this year. Check it out.

I often ask listeners for ideas on who to interview, and I'm sure several of you say, "I could do that. I've got an awesome story to tell." You're the person we need to hear from. If you'd like to be interviewed on the podcast, just register as a guest on the link below, and I'll be in touch. Come on the show!

If you like what we're doing on the Hiking Radio Network, and want to see our shows continue, please consider supporting us with either a one-off or monthly donation. You'll find the donate button on each Hiking Radio Network page at Hiking Radio Network .

If you prefer NOT to use PayPal, you can now support us via check by mailing it to Mighty Blue Publishing, PO Box 6161, Sun City Center, FL 35751. Any support is gratefully received.

Additionally, you can "Zelle" me a donation to steve@hikingradionetwork.com. Or "Venmo" me at @‌Steve-Adams-105. They both work!

If you'd like to take advantage of my book offer (all three of my printed hiking books–with a personal message and signed by me–for $31, including postage to the United States) send a check payable to Mighty Blue Publishing at the address just above.

Episode #470 - Nick Thatcher (Hotfoot) Feb 06, 2025

Show notes

Our main guest today is Nick Thatcher, who I found when he posted an epic Katahdin summit picture on Facebook. I hoped there would be more to his story than a December summit, so I reached out to him. He shared a story of determination and drive, culminating in that epic picture on the top of Katahdin.

Nick made some intelligent choices for his hike that should inspire others in their own quest to fulfill an Appalachian Trail thru-hike. His calm demeanor will impress you.

You can follow him on social media at Instagram (@realnickthatch), as well as his blog for the Trek at Nick Thatcher, Author at The Trek .

I used my hike earlier this year on the South West Coast Path in the UK to help raise money for my absolute favorite charity, Parenting Matters, on whose board I've been privileged to serve for over a decade. You can learn more about the hike and the organization–and donate–by visiting Hike with Steve - Empowering Parents, One Step at a Time | Parenting Matters %. I hope you want to support this critical mission.

If you prefer NOT to use PayPal, you can now support us via check by mailing it to Mighty Blue Publishing, PO Box 6161, Sun City Center, FL 35751. Any support is gratefully received.

Additionally, you can "Zelle" me a donation to steve@hikingradionetwork.com. Or "Venmo" me at @‌Steve-Adams-105. They both work!

Episode #469 - Dr Lydia Kuhn (Tetris) Jan 30, 2025

Show notes

Dr Lydia Kuhn joins us this week to talk about both her Appalachian Trail thru-hike in 2020, and her CDT thru-hike last year, proving herself to be a "true badass."

She reminds us of the need to live your life on your terms, and not to be constrained by how others might want you to live your life.

Lydia also shares some information on wilderness medicine that we should all pay attention to. Check out the link below to learn more. Home

We hear again from Chris Casado of TSX Challenge, who gives us an update on some of the adventures that you could be having this summer. Check out their incredible group hikes at TSX Challenge - Guided Backpacking Trips to Mt. Whitney, Grand Canyon & Beyond, and save 10% at checkout by using the code MIGHTYBLUE.

If you prefer NOT to use PayPal, you can now support us via check by mailing it to Mighty Blue Publishing, PO Box 6161, Sun City Center, FL 35751. Any support is gratefully received.

Additionally, you can "Zelle" me a donation to steve@hikingradionetwork.com. Or "Venmo" me at @‌Steve-Adams-105. They both work!

Episode #468 - David Kibiloski (Texas) Jan 23, 2025

Show notes

David Kibiloski is our guest today. What starts as a story about his Appalachian Trail thru-hike, tracks his evolution into an AT hostel owner, then a 501(c)(3) with AT Kids, followed by Stumble Inn 2.0. It is a fascinating journey.

You can follow David on his website, at The Stumble Inn and AT KIDS - A Perfect Partnership.

We also started what I hope to be a bidding war for Smercomics, a political satire book that David owns (unopened), but he is willing to offer to the highest bidder from our audience. All funds will go directly to AT Kids. I'm starting the bidding at $100. I hope you'd like to join in. You can email me your bid to steve@hikingradionetwork.com, and we'll run it for a couple of weeks before announcing the winner. You will get an email back from me if your bid is exceeded, just in case you'd like to up it again!!

I also wanted to share a link to my friend, Rob Diamond's YouTube page, as he is channelling George Eschleman from a few weeks back by taking dog tags with him on his AT hike this year. You can find it at Rob Diamond (DogTag_on_the_AT)

If you prefer NOT to use PayPal, you can now support us via check by mailing it to Mighty Blue Publishing, PO Box 6161, Sun City Center, FL 35751. Any support is gratefully received.

Additionally, you can "Zelle" us a donation to steve@hikingradionetwork.com. It works! Trust me!

Episode #467 - Al Marriott (Lookout) Triple Crowner Jan 16, 2025

Show notes

Today, we welcome back a friend of the show, a fellow Brit, Al Marriott. Al has already been on for his AT and PCT adventures, but last year he went and completed the CDT to complete his Triple Crown.

He is always good value, with some wry observations about these trails and stories to share along the way. Here, you can check out his last day on the CDT. https://youtu.be/UbVsTHWtg5I

Al has a thriving YouTube community with his channel, Adventure Together TV at Adventure Together , as well as a beautiful website, Adventure Together , where all his travels, along with some spectacular photos, are featured. You can also see more pictures on his Instagram, at Instagram (@advtgt) .

If you prefer NOT to use PayPal, you can now support us via check by mailing it to Mighty Blue Publishing, PO Box 6161, Sun City Center, FL 35751. Any support is gratefully received.

Additionally, you can "Zelle" me a donation to steve@hikingradionetwork.com. Or "Venmo" me at @‌Steve-Adams-105. They both work!

Episode #466 - Collyn Nielsen (Doc) Hiker Trash Radio Jan 09, 2025

Show notes

We have a fellow hiking podcaster on the show today. Collyn Nielsen, known as Doc to his listeners, is the host of Hiker Trash Radio. The show was originally the John Freakin' Muir Podcast, but Doc extended its remit by re-branding to reach a wider audience, speaking to climbers, kayakers and others who spend their time in the outdoors.

You can find his podcast on all the platforms, as well as at his website, hikertrashradio.com.

Doc even turned the tables on me by interviewing me in a section taken directly from his own show. Check it out.

If you prefer NOT to use PayPal, you can now support us via check by mailing it to Mighty Blue Publishing, PO Box 6161, Sun City Center, FL 35751. Any support is gratefully received.

Additionally, you can "Zelle" me a donation to steve@hikingradionetwork.com. Or "Venmo" me at @‌Steve-Adams-105. They both work!

Episode #465 - Wyly O'Brien (Calamity Jane) Jan 02, 2025

Show notes

Wyly O'Brien, or Calamity Jane, is our guest today. Wyly attempted her thru-hike in 2007, researched the trail and her gear to give herself the best chance ot completing the hike, and began with a self-confidence that was ultimately shattered when she quit the trail after more than 1600 miles.

Wyly shares her story of what happened and what she learned along the way.

More than a decade later, Wyly found her journal and decided to write about her "failure," offering tips on what she could have done to imporve her chances. You can check out her new book on Amazon at Done, But Not Thru: Thru-Hiking the Appalachian Trail - A Cautionary Tale

Our new sponsor for the New Year is TSX Challenge, who turn one week into inspiration for a lifetime. And I should know. Chris at TSX told me he could get me to the top of Mt Whitney…and he did! Check out their incredible group hikes at TSX Challenge - Guided Backpacking Trips to Mt. Whitney, Grand Canyon & Beyond, and save 10% at checkout by using the code MIGHTYBLUE.

If you prefer NOT to use PayPal, you can now support us via check by mailing it to Mighty Blue Publishing, PO Box 6161, Sun City Center, FL 35751. Any support is gratefully received.

Additionally, you can "Zelle" me a donation to steve@hikingradionetwork.com. Or "Venmo" me at @‌Steve-Adams-105. They both work!

Episode #464 - Beth Bakke Stenehjem and Dave Santi (Mighty Blue Class of 2025) Dec 26, 2024

Show notes

Today, we meet the two members of the Mighty Blue Class of 2025, with Beth Bakke Stenehjem and Dave Santi under the spotlight.

Beth is my friend, having hiked twice with her, enjoying her sunny smile and encouraging manner. She's heading out there at the end of March, with her stepson, Andrew. The two of them will make a terrific couple as they plough their way north. I'm looking forward to hearing their journey.

Equally, Dave Santi is set up to succeed. Dave is from the West Coast, coming east to take on the AT and ready to pitch himself into the challenge. He has a dogged determination–which he'll need, of course. You can follow Dave on the Trek at https://thetrek.co/author/davesanti/, while he also has a separate Facebook page set up to share his hike. You can follow that at https://www.facebook.com/dave.hikes.the.appalachian.trail/ .

I used my hike earlier this year on the South West Coast Path in the UK to help raise money for my absolute favorite charity, Parenting Matters, on whose board I've been privileged to serve for over a decade. You can learn more about the hike and the organization–and donate–by visiting https://parentingmattersfl.org/eventer/hike-with-steve-empowering-parents-one-step-at-a-time/edate/2024-04-15/. I hope you want to support this critical mission.

Don't forget. Our entire series of videos from our Woods Hole Weekend in 2022 is now FREE and available at my YouTube page at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wA8ImK4qpNc&list=PLu8u88nsJtgWZxT8DLwEW2yXcz4gT6HXs There, you'll find all sorts of tips and tricks that our guests took away from the weekend that helped them with their own hikes this year. Check it out.

If you prefer NOT to use PayPal, you can now support us via check by mailing it to Mighty Blue Publishing, PO Box 6161, Sun City Center, FL 35751. Any support is gratefully received.

Additionally, you can "Zelle" us a donation to steve@hikingradionetwork.com. It works! Trust me!

Episode #463 - Daniel Shaw (Team Whimsy) Dec 19, 2024

Show notes

Daniel Shaw, of Team Whimsy, give us his view of some of the Hurricane Helene clean up and recovery, meeting people where they are, on their worst day ever, when they need someone to show up and help.

It is a fascinating model for a 501c3 that can have countrywide effect, with a sign up to help within your own community and beyond. I hope that listening to Daniel will inspire you to click on the volunteer page and add your name to his list. You can find his website here https://www.teamwhimsy.org/ with the sign up link, here. https://www.teamwhimsy.org/volunteer/

Daniel also offer his other great passion, a martial arts and fitness gym in Conway, Arkansas, where veterans, first responders, and supporters come to train and find community and support. Check that out here. https://graybeardforge.org/

I used my hike earlier this year on the South West Coast Path in the UK to help raise money for my absolute favorite charity, Parenting Matters, on whose board I've been privileged to serve for over a decade. You can learn more about the hike and the organization–and donate–by visiting https://parentingmattersfl.org/eventer/hike-with-steve-empowering-parents-one-step-at-a-time/edate/2024-04-15/. I hope you want to support this critical mission.

If you prefer NOT to use PayPal, you can now support us via check by mailing it to Mighty Blue Publishing, PO Box 6161, Sun City Center, FL 35751. Any support is gratefully received.

Additionally, you can "Zelle" us a donation to steve@hikingradionetwork.com. It works! Trust me!

Episode #462 - Jessica and Largo Sueiro (Sunshine and Captain) Dec 12, 2024

Show notes

We've got a couple of free spirits on the show today, who happen to be mother and son. Jessica and Largo Sueiro, went on a big adventure this year; taking on the Appalachian Trail.

As a family, they have lived unconventional lives, yet this half-year of mother and son bonding must have been precious to them both, combining their hiking, Largo's school work, and his Dungeons & Dragons business along the way. Both are great conversationalists, so sit back and enjoy their story.

If you'd like to see more of their journey, you can check out their YouTube channel at World Towning and see them on Instagram at Instagram (@worldtowning) . Or, if you like the idea of traveling with the family and being introduced by them to various international cultures, check out their travel website at Full-Time Travelers Leading You To Local Experiences. You can even see Largo's D&D biz site at Home

Our new book reading, Happy Hiking, by my friend, Emily Leonard is–of course–written from a woman's POV and a woman's voice. I hope you enjoy listening to my reading of it. If you'd like to buy the book, you can find it on Amazon at Happy Hiking: Falling in love on the Appalachian Trail, or on Emily's website, at Happy Hiking.

I used my recent hike in the UK on the South West Coast Path to help raise money for my absolute favorite charity, Parenting Matters, on whose board I've been privileged to serve for over a decade. You can learn more about the hike and the organization–and donate–by visiting Hike with Steve - Empowering Parents, One Step at a Time | Parenting Matters %. I hope you want to support this critical mission.

If you prefer NOT to use PayPal, you can now support us via check by mailing it to Mighty Blue Publishing, PO Box 6161, Sun City Center, FL 35751. Any support is gratefully received.

Additionally, you can "Zelle" me a donation to steve@hikingradionetwork.com. It works! Trust me!

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Mighty Blue On The Appalachian Trail: The Ultimate Mid-Life Crisis

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected