A true American adventure story about one young man's solo ride across the country on horseback.
The Ride of Passage podcast is a thrilling and captivating journey that keeps listeners on the edge of their seats. From the moment it begins, it engrosses you in the incredible story of Matt Parker and his adventure across the American west on horseback. The podcast is well-produced, with Laura Weber Davis as an excellent narrator and storyteller. The choice of music enhances the listener's experience, while effective use of pauses allows for self-reflection and consideration. The podcast truly captures the essence of long-form journalism and leaves you eagerly anticipating each new chapter.
One of the best aspects of The Ride of Passage is its storytelling. The podcast takes you along every step of Matt's journey, describing the landscapes, scenarios, and local inhabitants in vivid detail. You feel like you're right there with him, experiencing the challenges and triumphs firsthand. The passion and thoughtfulness put into the storytelling are evident, making this podcast a standout piece of journalism.
Another great aspect is Matt Parker himself. His humility, gratitude, and love for his horses shine through as he recounts his experiences on the trail. Unlike other adventurers who may prioritize self-promotion or monetary gain, Matt puts his horses first and ensures their well-being at all times. His dedication to learning about distance riding before embarking on this journey shows not only good character but also a desire to do things right. It's inspiring to listen to his story unfold.
As for drawbacks, it's challenging to find any significant negatives in this podcast. However, one minor criticism could be that some listeners may prefer more detailed explanations or background information on certain aspects of distance riding or specific locations along Matt's route. While there is enough information provided to follow along with the story, some additional context could further enhance the listener's understanding.
In conclusion, The Ride of Passage is a treasure among podcasts. It captivates you from start to finish with its superb storytelling and engaging narration. This podcast is a prime example of the excellent work produced by MI Radio, showcasing the landscapes and inhabitants of the American west in an authentic and captivating manner. If you enjoy adventure stories or simply appreciate well-crafted journalism, this podcast comes highly recommended. It leaves you wanting more and restores faith in NPR's ability to produce programming that transcends toxic politics and focuses on compelling storytelling.
An update on Matt, the horses, and the folks you met throughout the podcast.
In every adventure story, the hero must answer the call to complete the journey and return home.
Nearing the final stretch of the trail, Matt stays with an Amish family in Ohio. While there, he faces a day of such great consequence he wonders if his entire journey has failed.
Matt Parker prepared for his third and final riding season across the American Discovery Trail by strengthening his body and training with a new horse.
Ride of Passage, the true American adventure story about one young man's solo ride across the country on horseback, returns to your podcast feeds on Friday, December 8.
The second year of Matt's ride across America is marked by pain - emotional and physical. He considers quitting the journey altogether.
Matt returns for a second riding season on the American Discovery Trail. He knew it would be another challenging year, but he couldn't anticipate that the ride would begin with a major setback.
Matt and Smokey come to the end of the first riding season, with some tough decisions to make before tackling the rest of the trail. And they find new, crucial partners in their journey in central Utah.
For every peak there is a valley. Matt and Smokey lose the trail, and are held against their will at an outpost.
The land is everything in adventure stories. And everything in the American story. Matt learns in Central Nevada that how people feel about their land impacts how they feel about other people... especially strangers.
The desert of Nevada reveals to Matt what's essential for survival — for him and for his horse, Smokey. The blazing sun and isolation peel away at Matt and threaten his morale for the long journey ahead.
Matt makes his way into the Sierra Nevada mountain range, and encounters the first true test of his ability to withstand the wilderness alone. He learns about equipment he doesn't need - a tent - and which he does need - a staple gun.
In order to ride horseback across the country, Matt would need a horse and a trail. The problem is there were no modern trails that were tested all the way across on horseback. And there were few modern examples of what kind of horse would be good for a 5,000-mile ride.
Twenty years ago, Matt Parker was in that weird phase of life right out of college; rudderless and adrift, unsure of what adulthood would hold. And then an idea hit him like lightning — he'd ride across the country on horseback. Never mind that he'd never really spent time with horses. But he was ready for the challenge of a lifetime.
In 2003, Matt Parker set out on a journey that would take years to complete. He became the first to ride horseback across the country on the American Discovery Trail.
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