A podcast for outdoor lovers and hikers. Each week we'll be asking hikers questions about hiking and their adventures in the outdoors. Guests are asked open ended questions about their experiences hiking and we finish with a speed round of This or That questions all related to hiking. New episodes every week.
Send us Fan MailWhat happens when a touring musician trades the stage for the trail — and starts breaking records?Meet Cody Taylor: former drummer, endurance coach, and unsupported FKT holder of both the Bruce Trail (900km) and the International Appalachian Trail.In this episode of Hikes and Mics, Cody takes us deep into what it really means to go fully unsupported — carrying a 55-pound pack, filtering water from the ground, and sleeping on course while burning more calories than he could eat. He breaks down the brutal lessons learned on the Bruce Trail — hallucinations from zero sleep, back chafing from a failing pack, running out of food with 100km left — and how those hard lessons transformed his IAT experience into something extraordinary.We talk nutrition, magnesium, mental toughness, pack weight strategy, and why dialing in your sleep system changes everything. Cody also opens up about his identity shift from musician to athlete, running a coaching business with his high school sweetheart, and why he's now eyeing an unsupported out-and-back record on Vermont's Long Trail.Whether you're planning your first overnight trip or your next big FKT attempt — Cody's story will make you want to put something on the calendar.Episode Links:Cody on InstagramCody's WebsiteCody on YouTubeCody on FacebookCody on TikTokThis episode was Produced by Jordyn Smith, follow her on Instagram @jordyn.journeysFollow us on Instagram, @HikesandmicsThis episode's music was created by Ketsa, follow him on Instagram @Ketsamusic 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 Fan Mail700+ miles. Alone. Dragging a sled across Antarctica with nothing but training, grit, and the kind of stubbornness that makes history — and she did. Meet the first American woman to ski solo and unsupported to the South Pole. On January 18, 2026, Monet Izabeth made history — skiing solo and unsupported across 700+ miles of Antarctic ice to the South Pole. The wild part? Three years before that, she had never once slept outside in winter.In this episode, Monet traces the full, unlikely arc: from being dragged on hikes as a kid who wanted nothing to do with the outdoors, to a jaw-dropping Facebook message about her great uncle's WWII plane found on Mt. Kenya, to a brutal polar shakedown in Svalbard that left her thinking, "Damn it. Now I have to do it."We go deep on what a goal this size actually demands — over $89,000 just for the expedition itself, two and a half years of all-consuming physical and mental training, and a decision to bet her own savings when sponsors wouldn't take the leap. We also get into the mental game of hauling a sled across a frozen continent alone, her philosophy on summits and why she'd rather you have fun than bag a peak, gear hot takes, tea house trekking in Nepal, and what's coming next (spoiler: a book).Monet's story will make you rethink every excuse you've ever made about not being ready.Episode Links:Monet on InstagramMonet's GoFundMeMonet's SubstackMonet's 2026 Group TripsThis episode was Produced by Jordyn Smith, follow her on Instagram @jordyn.journeysFollow us on Instagram, @HikesandmicsThis episode's music was created by Ketsa, follow him on Instagram @Ketsamusic 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 Fan MailSnacks, Stories, and the Trail That Changed Everything**The first half of the episode Jared's microphone came from his iPods, the second half is from his condenser microphone.**What happens when a college writing professor trades plagiarism cases for backcountry trails? You get Jared Champion, aka Snackbox, one of the most thoughtful voices in the outdoor storytelling space.In this episode, Jared shares how motorcycle road trips through National Parks first sparked his love of the outdoors, leading to a deep dive into backpacking on the Colorado Trail and a life-changing pivot away from academia. We unpack the origin of his legendary trail name (earned on the JMT, snack wrappers included), and explore how he channeled his passion for writing into founding Backcountry Champions Creative Studio, a nonprofit helping outdoor adventurers turn their trail experiences into published books.We talk about the anthology More Than Hope: Lessons from the Colorado Trail, a PCT book coming out this summer, and Jared's unique process for helping first-time authors find the specific, personal stories only they can tell.We also get into the deeper stuff: why storytelling builds community, why the outdoor space needs more diverse voices, and why hiking hasn't gotten old for him the way everything else has.Plus, his ambitious plans to link the High Sierra Trail and the John Muir Trail in one epic trip, and a hard take on earbuds vs. nature sounds that you won't want to miss.Episode Links:Jared on InstagramOutside Comfort Zone YouTubeBackcountry Champions Creative StudioThis episode was Produced by Jordyn Smith, follow her on Instagram @jordyn.journeysFollow 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 Fan MailSeason 14 is HERE — and we're kicking things off with a reunion three years in the making.Welcome back to Hikes & Mics! For our Season 14 premiere, I recorded in person on the banks of the Salt River in Arizona with two beloved returning guests: Tami and Elise — first featured back in Season 2.In this episode, we cover:
Send us Fan MailSeason 14 of Hikes & Mics launches March 23rd — and it's our biggest season yet. This season's guests include the first American woman to ski solo and unsupported across Antarctica, an ultra-endurance athlete setting FKTs on some of North America's most demanding routes, a conservation photographer documenting climate-threatened wildlife in the alpine and the Sonoran Desert, an outdoor storyteller and author behind a celebrated Colorado Trail anthology, a community organizer who built a hiking group around craft beer culture, and a cancer survivor turned landscape photographer inspiring others to get outside. Plus — a special video premiere episode recorded in Arizona featuring two returning guests from Season 2. Whether you're a day hiker, backpacker, or just someone who loves a great adventure story, Hikes & Mics Season 14 has something for you. Subscribe and follow along wherever you listen to podcasts. This Season was Produced by Jordyn Smith, follow her on Instagram @jordyn.journeysFollow us on Instagram, @HikesandmicsAllTrails+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 a textKelsey Kurtis: Antarctica, Adventure Photography, Branding Yourself as YOU & the Legend of the Crotch Pot
Send us a text❤️ Love on the Long Trail: Thru-Hiking, Partnership & Shared Miles with Melanie & Dave
Send us a textWinter 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.journeysFollow us on Instagram, @HikesandmicsAllTrails+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 textThis 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 InstagramJohn Mark on FacebookThis episode was Produced by Jordyn Smith, follow her on Instagram @jordyn.journeysFollow 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 textCourage, Comfort & Connection: Building Fridie Outdoors with Lestarya
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 InstagramDonWitt on FacebookHiking With The Bear on YouTubeThis episode was Produced by Jordyn Smith, follow her on Instagram @jordyn.journeysFollow us on Instagram, @Hikesandmics Hawaii Travel & Vacation GuideDiscover Hawaii's Best local spots and travel tips!Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyAllTrails+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 textThis 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.journeysFollow us on Instagram, @HikesandmicsAllTrails+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⛰️ Summit Stories & Trail Laughter: Climbing Humphreys Peak with Friends
Send us a textIn this episode of Hikes & Mics, we're joined by Trish, the inspiring founder of Women in the Wild—a global community empowering women to explore the outdoors with confidence and connection. What began as solo hikes with her pup has grown into an international sisterhood of adventure-seekers, trailblazers, and fearless first-timers.Trish opens up about her journey her first backpacking experience to seasoned leader, sharing how the outdoors helped her overcome fear, self-doubt, and life's curveballs. We explore the powerful friendships that form on the trail, the importance of creating safe and inclusive spaces, and the lessons she's learned through both challenging treks and unforgettable sunrises.Whether you're new to hiking or building your own community, Trish's story is packed with wisdom, warmth, and wild-hearted inspiration.
Send us a textIn this episode of Hikes & Mics, we sit down with Ralston Garrett—adventurer, storyteller, and the creative force behind Ralston Garrett Photography. From recovering after a serious injury to scaling Utah's iconic peaks, Ralston shares how hiking and photography became twin passions that now guide his life.We journey through his favorite wild places—from petroglyphs at Delicate Arch to the quiet beauty of Capitol Reef's backcountry—and hear how he captures fleeting moments for future generations. Ralston opens up about the challenges of outdoor photography, from harsh winter storms to the mental stillness found at high altitudes, and his upcoming black-and-white coffee table book featuring Utah's national parks like you've never seen them before.Whether you're a hiker, creative, or both, this episode is filled with inspiration, grit, and visual wonder.Episode Links:Ralston Garrett PhotographyRalston on InstagramRalston on FacebookRalston on YouTube Protect Our National Park Service Staff Support those impacted by the Los Angeles Wildfires. 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 textSeason 3 fan-favorite Anna, aka Magic, is back—and this time, she's gearing up for another adventure of a lifetime! The week this episode drops, Magic will be taking her first steps on the Pacific Crest Trail, a 2,650-mile journey from Mexico to Canada. We dive into her training, gear choices, and what she's most excited about as she embarks on this epic thru-hike.She shares how her past hikes have shaped her, the mental prep needed for months on the trail, and the unexpected challenges of planning a PCT trek. We also talk trail magic, resupply strategies, and the emotional rollercoaster of long-distance hiking.Tune in and send some good vibes her way as she sets out on this life-changing journey!Episode Links:Anna on InstagramMagic in the Mountains Blog Protect Our National Park Service Staff Support those impacted by the Los Angeles Wildfires. 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.
© 2020-2026 Ivy Podcast Discovery LLC
