Thru hiker, author, and storyteller Mary "Newfound" Leavines joins Doc for some studio time to talk about what got her on the AT and what she learned from the experience. Settle in and buckle up as Newfound discusses the McDonald's challenge, poop emergencies on the switchbacks, the advantages of hammocks, lobster broils on trail, Miata hitches, divorce, hostel ownership, Unfiltered, 12 thru hikers living in her basement, her upcoming book, irons in the fire, getting past the hard part, and just what can happen when you're left to your own devices. An instant classic. (This is Part II. Be sure to listen to Part I.)

Thru hiker, author, and storyteller Mary "Newfound" Leavines joins Doc for some studio time to talk about what got her on the AT and what she learned from the experience. Settle in and buckle up as Newfound discusses the McDonald's challenge, poop emergencies on the switchbacks, the advantages of hammocks, lobster broils on trail, Miata hitches, divorce, hostel ownership, Unfiltered, 12 thru hikers living in her basement, her upcoming book, irons in the fire, getting past the hard part, and just what can happen when you're left to your own devices. An instant classic. (This is Part I. Be sure to listen to Part II.)

Thru hiker and founder/owner of Symbiosis Gear Sarah "Mellow" Berkeley joins Doc for some studio time to talk trail and Type II Fun. Settle in and buckle up as Mellow discusses the Long Trail, breakups on the PCT, getting an 80-pound dog up a 12-foot ladder, wearing her tent on laundry day, the Aspen, ice bridge breakthroughs, self reliance, the hiking community, Butterfly in a Blizzard, and what any sensible thru hiking woman would do after changing out three packs because of a poor fit: start Symbiosis Gear, a backpack company building packs specifically for women! Epic. (This is Part II. Be sure to listen to Part I.)

Thru hiker and founder/owner of Symbiosis Gear Sarah "Mellow" Berkeley joins Doc for some studio time to talk trail and Type II Fun. Settle in and buckle up as Mellow discusses the Long Trail, breakups on the PCT, getting an 80-pound dog up a 12-foot ladder, wearing her tent on laundry day, the Aspen, ice bridge breakthroughs, self reliance, the hiking community, Butterfly in a Blizzard, and what any sensible thru hiking woman would do after changing out three packs because of a poor fit: start Symbiosis Gear, a backpack company building packs specifically for women! Epic. (This is Part I. Be sure to listen to Part II.)

Rocket and Stump dive into the psychology of quitting a thru-hike, exploring the emotional fallout, the science of unfinished business, and how hikers seek redemption after being forced off trail. With dramatic trail stories and actionable insights, this episode uncovers why some journeys haunt us—and how some hikers find the courage to return.

New Year, New HTR Trailer!

In this bonus episode of Hiker Trash Radio, host Doc delves into the life and groundbreaking races of Gary Cantrell, also known as Lazarus Lake or Laz. Known for creating some of the toughest endurance races in the world, Laz's events, such as the Barkley Marathons, Big's Backyard Ultra, and the Last Annual Vol State 500K, push participants to their physical and mental limits. This episode highlights Laz's unique philosophy, his precision in race design, and the cultural impact of his races on the ultra-running community.

Thru hiker and founder of LEVE Outdoor Co. sits down with Doc for some studio time to talk gear and Type II Fun. Settle in and buckle up as Chef discusses the secret of not counting worn weight ounces, hair-raising experiences, Evolution Valley, prototype testing, trail sushi, a luxury weight of 7 pounds, death chutes, 68-mile days, starting a company with his grandma, and how savor those short trips compressed with suck. Epic. (This is Part II. Be sure to listen to Part I.)

Thru hiker and founder of LEVE Outdoor Co. sits down with Doc for some studio time to talk gear and Type II Fun. Settle in and buckle up as Chef discusses the secret of not counting worn weight ounces, hair-raising experiences, Evolution Valley, prototype testing, trail sushi, a luxury weight of 7 pounds, death chutes, 68-mile days, starting a company with his grandma, and how savor those short trips compressed with suck. Epic. (This is Part I. Be sure to listen to Part II.)

Outdoor adventurer and peak bagger Lauren "Zoot" Zeutenhorst joins Doc for some studio time to talk Type II Fun. Settle in and buckle up as Zoot shares her long journey with Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome, and how she did not let that stop her from climbing the five active volcanoes in Washington last summer. Along the way, Zoot discusses Jet Boiling, sock filtering, freeze drying, badass friends, biscuits and gravy, crevasse jumping, alpine starts, the Lunch Counter, steel rods, and how she went from tidy to trashy. Epic. (This is Part II. Be sure to listen to Part I.)

Outdoor adventurer and peak bagger Lauren "Zoot" Zeutenhorst joins Doc for some studio time to talk Type II Fun. Settle in and buckle up as Zoot shares her long journey with Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome, and how she did not let that stop her from climbing the five active volcanoes in Washington last summer. Along the way, Zoot discusses Jet Boiling, sock filtering, freeze drying, badass friends, biscuits and gravy, crevasse jumping, alpine starts, the Lunch Counter, steel rods, and how she went from tidy to trashy. Epic. (This is Part I. Be sure to listen to Part II.)

Rocket and Stump dive into how thru-hikers transform rural economies, reshape local culture, and present new opportunities and challenges for small towns across America’s major trails. With fresh stories, hard numbers, and first-hand experience, they get to the heart of what it means to be part of the blooming 'hiker trash' economy.

In this special bonus episode of Hiker Trash Radio, host Doc delves into the incredible life and adventures of Norman Clyde, a legendary High Sierra hiker known for his massive 90-pound pack and first ascents. Clyde's story is one of heartbreak, solitude, and unparalleled commitment to the mountains, highlighted by his impressive climbing feats and role in pioneering modern alpinism. Through this recounting, Doc offers a profound reflection on the true essence of mountain hiking and the indomitable spirit of those who walk these rugged paths.

Non-binary thru hiker Rocket Sauce joins Doc for some studio time. Settle in and buckle up as Rocket Sauce talks about their 2023 AT hike, including discussion of two-mile hitches, punk music playlists, the magic of pillows, bougee thru hiking, diversity on trail, vibin' out there, Pickles, Beefcake, Ethiopian food, pink blazing, and the happiness that comes from being authentic. Epic. (This is Part II. Be sure to listen to Part I.)

Non-binary thru hiker Rocket Sauce joins Doc for some studio time. Settle in and buckle up as Rocket Sauce talks about their 2023 AT hike, including discussion of two-mile hitches, punk music playlists, the magic of pillows, bougee thru hiking, diversity on trail, vibin' out there, Pickles, Beefcake, Ethiopian food, pink blazing, and the happiness that comes from being authentic. Epic. (This is Part I. Be sure to listen to Part II.)

Thru hiker and author Steve "Camel" Wright drops into the studio with Doc to talk some trail and Type II Fun. Settle in and buckle up as Camel takes listeners on a rollercoaster ride through Appalachia. Along the way, Camel talks about the loss of his wife and finding himself on the AT at age 64. From there, it's adventures with norovirus, broken bones, the Mushroom Men, hurricanes, paper towels, defeat at the summit of Mt. Washington, dreams that almost died, the weight he carried on the trail, and how he was able to return to the land of the living. An instant classic. (This is Part II. Be sure to listen Part I.)

Thru hiker and author Steve "Camel" Wright drops into the studio with Doc to talk some trail and Type II Fun. Settle in and buckle up as Camel takes listeners on a rollercoaster ride through Appalachia. Along the way, Camel talks about the loss of his wife and finding himself on the AT at age 64. From there, it's adventures with norovirus, broken bones, the Mushroom Men, hurricanes, paper towels, defeat at the summit of Mt. Washington, dreams that almost died, the weight he carried on the trail, and how he was able to return to the land of the living. An instant classic. (This is Part I. Be sure to listen Part II.)

Rocket and Stump break down the numbers, gear, and philosophies behind ultralight thru-hiking. From weight-saving tech to trail-tested wisdom, they unravel the path to efficient, injury-resistant miles.

Settle in and buckle up as Doc puts Triple Crowner Jamie Lambert through The Last 10!

Ultra runner and veterinarian Jake "Animal" Rastas joins Doc for some studio time to talk ultra running with Doc. Settle in and buckle up as Animal covers some serious territory, including discussions complications, the Fenix 6, bonking, Barkley aspirations, Backyard Ultras, embarrassing moments, the Georgia Death Race, mind games, the worst race, warm pickle juice, salty avocados, and the incredible benefits that surface when you have a willingness to suffer. Epic. (This is Part II. Be sure to listen to Part I.)