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Shout out to anyone who gets the reference in the Title ;)Originally aired on Diary of a Digital Nomad, this throwback episode is landing just in time for the 4th of July—because honestly, it feels more important than ever to talk about what “home” means.In this episode, I share 7 reflections I've had about the United States since living and traveling abroad. Some are light, some are a little heavy, and some might hit especially hard right now—like why it's okay to feel conflicted about patriotism, how work culture affects our lives, and what I've learned from seeing how other countries do things differently.I also talk about the distinction between a country and its government—and why I still believe there's a lot worth loving, celebrating, and fighting for.Whether you're celebrating, grieving, or just questioning what independence even means this year, you're not alone. Let this be a space to reflect, feel, and maybe even find a little hope.
QOTD: What do you celebrate like a bona fide “real” holiday?
Are the Astros actually better off without Kyle Tucker, Alex Bregman, and Ryan Pressly? John Lopez says yes — and ITL dives into the take. Also, a new stat breakdown ranks the NFL's best and worst play callers of the last 15 years. Where does Bobby Slowik land, and what does it say about the Texans' future? QOTD: What's something you celebrate like a legit holiday, even if it's not one?
Are the Astros better off without Kyle Tucker, Alex Bregman, and Ryan Pressly? John Lopez makes the case, and ITL dives into the bold take. Plus, a new 15-year stat breakdown ranks NFL play-callers — what does Bobby Slowik's spot say about his future in Houston? Around The NFL includes a surprising 10-game suspension for FA kicker Justin Tucker, wide receiver market moves that could affect Nico Collins, and B Scott's reaction to the Rockets pulling off the KD trade. Reggie reviews Texans vs. Vikings film from Week 3, and the crew discusses athletes who were the perfect fit for their city, including Johni Broome and Cam Matthews. Figgy might be moving out of the city, and he brings a wild Mixtape featuring a failed murder plot by 5th graders, a former Rocket's ex-drama, and more. Plus, what are your reflections so far in this Astros season midway through?, and the QOTD: What's something you celebrate like a legit holiday, even if it's not one?
#QuestionOfTheDay: How do you rank the top 5 in the B1G as of today?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Astros are surging and sending a message to the AL West — are they putting the entire league on notice? John Lopez shares his NBA Draft reactions with thoughts on the Rockets' moves and what stood out. QOTD: What's the weirdest way you've ever celebrated anything? Around The NFL covers Adrian Peterson's silence-breaking moment and former Steelers WRs stirring drama, while Rockets legend Calvin Murphy weighs in on the KD trade — is it championship or bust now? Reggie rewatches Week 2 vs. the Bears, Ed Oliver goes horseback riding (maybe), and ITL plays “Buy or Sell” with the latest sports buzz. Finally, which Houston team faces the biggest title hurdle, and what's the wildest story from Figgy's Mixtape? From NBA Draft fallout to courtroom surprises, ITL covers it all.
The Astros are hot — but is it for real? They're making statements in the AL West, and possibly sending a message to the rest of the league. Are they legit contenders again? Plus, passing thoughts on the NBA Draft: the Rockets were lurking, and John Lopez has plenty to say about what went down. What stood out most to you from draft night? QOTD: What's the weirdest way you've ever celebrated… anything? From random dances to oddball rituals, share your stories.
QOTD: What's the weirdest way you celebrated anything whatsoever?
#QuestionOfTheDay: Who is the best kicker in your time?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
QOTD: What's something you never finished? Regrets or nah.
The Astros win behind an unexpected hero, Cooper Hummel — ITL reacts to the surprise and what it could mean going forward. Draymond Green heaps praise on Alperen Sengun — is the league finally catching up? The Texans release their training camp dates, including a Greenbrier trip, and PFF drops its Top 10 NFL Coaches list. Plus, Fred VanVleet signs a new deal with the Rockets. Reggie gives his takeaways from Week 1 vs Indy, Judge John Lopez returns to rule on wild sports stories, and Xavier Hutchinson shares thoughts on his playoff moment and the Texans' new offense. In Figgy's Mixtape: B. Simone stirs controversy, a bizarre injury coincidence 33 years apart, and more. QOTD: What's something you never finished — and do you regret it?
The Astros win... thanks to Cooper Hummel? ITL breaks down the surprise performance and what it means moving forward. Plus, Draymond Green gives Alperen Sengun big-time praise on The Pivot — is the league finally catching up to what Rockets fans already knew? QOTD: What's something you never finished — a project, a dream, a show, a meal — and do you regret it or not? The crew reflects on unfinished business.
#QuestionOfTheDay: Where are the 3 best restaurants you've eaten at?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
John Lopez is back with strong Kevin Durant takes — and some questions about how much credit Rafael Stone truly deserves. Are the Astros really as comfortably in first place as it looks? It might not be that simple. QOTD: What's the most unfortunate time you've ever accidentally dropped a cuss word?
John Lopez is back with bold takes on Kevin Durant and a fresh debate: does Rockets GM Rafael Stone deserve more credit than he gets? The Astros may be sitting in first, but is it as secure as it looks? ITL breaks it down. QOTD: What's the worst possible time you've dropped a cuss word? Around The NFL: Anthony Richardson says he's ready for camp, while Jets owner Woody Johnson is making moves in Premier League ownership. Plus, how should we really measure C.J. Stroud's growth in Year 2 — beyond stats? What's Popping has the latest from the sports and entertainment world. What still stands in the Rockets' way post-KD trade? ITL lays out the final hurdles. Plus, new collusion concerns in the NFL? The crew investigates. And in Lunch-Time Confessions, Kyle Tucker and Ryan Pressly get their flowers — Finally, a new list of top NFL offenses is out — where do the Texans rank, and is it fair? In Figgy's Mixtape: an ice rink fugitive update, smart ways to stay cool on a budget, and XXL's newest batch of rap rookies.
QOTD: What's the most unfortunate time you ever dropped a cuss word?
#QuestionOfTheDay: Which non-conference would you love to see Michigan basketball play?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by Topo Athletic, we are joined by Julia Sheehan, known on trail, as Rocket. Julia is a thru-hiker, former Trek Vlogger, social media sensation, nurse, and now a published author. Julia details how impulsive decision-making lead her to the wonderful world that is thru-hiking, inspired in part by everyone's favorite Hiking Viking. Rocket also shares how health issues ultimately forced her off-trail, the unsavory response she's gotten from some in the social media sphere in light of “quitting” and subsequently posting non-hiking content. Julia also shares the process in self-publishing her brand new book, Hiking is the Easy Part, a memoir of her thru-hike on the AT. We wrap the show with some news about Trail Correspondents 2026 edition, the story of a hiker that was found alive at a popular PCT pitstop after being lost in the backcountry for weeks, how much weight people lose during an AT thru-hike (and why it's generally not a good long term weight loss strategy), Chaunce and I have a borderline-impossible coincidence during today's QOTD, and the triple crown of albums. Topo Athletic: Use code “TREKSPRING15” at topoathletic.com. Gossamer Gear: Use code “BACKPACKER20” for 20% off packs at gossamergear.com. Ombraz: Use code “BACKPACKER30” for $30 off at ombraz.com/backpacker30. Betterment: Learn more at betterment.com/trek. [divider] Interview with Julia “Rocket” Sheehan Rocket's Instagram Rocket's Youtube Rocket's Blog Time stamps & Questions 00:05:30 - Reminders: Sign up for the Trek's newsletter, listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon and apply to blog for the Trek! 00:07:45 - Introducing Rocket 00:08:20 - Tell us about your social media journey 00:15:30 - Did you ever feel like you could make a living from social media? 00:17:10 - Tell us about your background in the military 00:19:30 - How did you transition from the military to nursing? 00:21:15 - Can you talk about running from things prior to thru-hiking? 00:23:00 - Discussion about Rocket's eating disorder 00:27:50 - What got you to the AT? 00:32:00 - What was the beginning of the AT like? 00:34:45 - At what point did thru-hiking click for you? 00:38:57 - What's the hard part of thru-hiking? 00:43:00 - Tell us about the half gallon challenge 00:45:15 - How did you get your trail name? 00:48:00 - What did you think of the AZT? 00:50:20 - How did covid impact your hike? 00:52:35 - Did you encounter rattlesnakes or other creatures? 00:53:40 - What was the water situation like early in the season? 00:54:14 - Tell us about starting the CDT SOBO? 00:57:45 - What was the commentary like when you got off trail? 01:00:50 - How did you end up on the PCT? 01:02:10 - Tell us the story about getting off the PCT 01:06:50 - Did your nursing background help you diagnose anything? 01:07:50 - What was the backlash after getting off the PCT? 01:12:40 - What yoga poses would you recommend to thru-hikers? 01:14:14 - How is your health now? 01:16:40 - Tell us about writing your book 01:20:25 - What's the most revealing thing you put in the book? 01:22:42 - How's the early response been for the book? 01:25:10 - What's next for you? 01:27:01 - Peak Performance Question: What is your top performance-enhancing or backpacking hack? Segments Trek Propaganda: Missing Sierra Hiker Found Alive at Popular PCT Pitstop After Weeks Lost in the Backcountry by Katie Jackson AT Thru-Hikers Are Losing a Shocking Amount of Weight On-Trail: Here's How To Not Lose Too Much by Katie Jackson QOTD: What's something you learned embarrassingly late in life? Triple Crown of albums Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee. Sign up for the Trek's newsletter Leave us a voicemail! 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. Advertise on Backpacker Radio 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, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, Carl Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Greg McDaniel may he bring honor to his name, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Lauren F, Patrick Cianciolo, Rebecca Brave, Sawyer Products, SPAM, 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, David, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Greg Floravanti “Lumberjack”, Jack Greene, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, Ruth S, and Spencer Hinson.
Kevin Durant is officially a Houston Rocket. ITL reacts to the blockbuster trade — how does it feel, and what does it mean for the Rockets' future? Plus, the Oklahoma City Thunder are NBA champions after a Game 7 win — what lessons can be taken from their journey? QOTD: What injury — in sports or your own life — has affected you the most? From torn ACLs to heartbreaks, the crew and listeners share their stories.
QOTD: What injury affected you the most?
#QuestionOfTheDay: Is OKC in the midst of a dynasty?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
QOTD: Happy Summer Solstice. What's the indicator that you know it's going to be a long day?
John Lopez, Luke Mauro, and producer Collin Neill take part in the Question of the Day!
JOhn Lopez & Luke Mauro begin the show reacting to the Astros thromping the A's. Plus, they devise a weird connection between the Boston Red Sox trading Rafael Devers and the Houston Texans trading Laremy Tunsil. Then it is onto the Question of the Day: What Is A Sports Moment of Your OWN That Haunts You?
QOTD: Who is your all-time favorite sports bodyguard? And non-sports, too.
In Hour 2, 4's Company review responses to QOTD: What sports story needs a documentary? The guys go over Titans. The hour ends with celebrity birthdays.
4's Company fills in for Chase and Big Joe for today's episode. In the first hour, the guys recap the NBA Finals Game 5. Question of the Day: What sports story needs a documentary? They then go into SEC storylines of college football, specifically Vanderbilt versus Tennessee, with Diego Pavia's comments on what Vanderbilt Football can become. The hour ends with today's music in comparison to the music of the 80s and more.
QOTD: What's something big you slept through or nearly missed because you overslept?
The Astros suffered a walk-off loss and lost Lance McCullers Jr. to another injury setback, adding to their recent struggles. As the team reflects on the 30th anniversary of the Rockets' sweep of the Magic, ITL also looks back at what happened 31 years ago today. The QOTD asks: what major moment have you slept through or nearly missed because you overslept? B Scott joins to break down NFL headlines, including the Browns possibly keeping four QBs and a Cam Ward doc heading to Tubi. He also explains why the Rockets could be a real option for Kevin Durant if a trade materializes. Plus, MLB All-Star voting is already looking like a mess—especially for Astros players. Figgy's Mixtape rounds things out with country radio beef, TSA red flags, and more offbeat stories.
The Astros suffer a walk-off loss, and even worse, they lose Lance McCullers Jr. to another injury setback. ITL reacts to a rough night. Yesterday marked the 30th anniversary of the Rockets' sweep of the Magic, but do you remember what happened 31 years ago today? QOTD: What's something major you completely slept through — or almost missed — because you overslept? From sports to personal moments, the confessions roll in.
#QuestionOfTheDay: Who are you 5 superstars in all of sports?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
QOTD: Are there names that tell you all you need to know about a person? Names that trigger you?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
QOTD: Who deserves a statue in Houston? Not just sports.
#QuestionOfTheDay: Who are your top 3 Michigan Running Backs since 1960?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Breaking news out of Houston — Texans Safety Jimmie Ward was arrested early this morning. ITL reacts and discusses what it could mean moving forward. Plus, GM Nick Caserio joined Payne & Pendergast — what he said about C.J. Stroud and more gets the full ITL treatment. And for today's QOTD: What's your most memorable rejection — from work, family, or life? The stories get real.
A wild Monday on ITL — breaking news hits as Texans safety Jimmie Ward is arrested, and the guys react to what it could mean. GM Nick Caserio joined Payne & Pendergast, and his comments on C.J. Stroud didn't go unnoticed. Plus, today's QOTD digs deep: what's your most unforgettable rejection story? Later, Super Bowl champ and lifelong Aggie Ainias Smith joins the show in-studio to talk football, NIL, and life beyond the field. Caserio's comments get a second look, Lopez confesses his love for bad golf, and the OGs play Buy or Sell. To wrap it up, JJ Watt praises Will Anderson Jr., Figgy drops a new Mixtape featuring OKC jazz and a superstar debate, and the crew breaks down the biggest names and weirdest headlines in sports and culture.
QOTD: What's your most memorable rejection … work, family, personal life, etc.?
#QuestionOfTheDay: What are the most vile and toxic fanbases?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
QOTD: What is the most WPS, BPS or HPS you do?
Could DeMeco Ryans have his eye on an offensive rookie the way he did with Will Anderson Jr.? Lopez thinks so. Plus, the Astros just got T.Y.'d — was it just one of those games, or something deeper? And for the QOTD: What's the most WPS, BPS, or HPS thing you do on the regular? Let's get real.
#QuestionOfTheDay: Where do you rank Michigan in the Power Conference Power Rankings?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
QOTD: What's your favorite Sports Radio 610 moment?
Texans Mini Camp is underway and C.J. Stroud is back throwing — what else should fans keep their eyes on? ITL dives into early camp buzz. Plus, should the Astros make a move at the trade deadline, and what exactly needs fixing? And for the QOTD: What's your all-time favorite Sports Radio 610 moment? From on-air chaos to unforgettable interviews, we're throwing it back.
C.J. Stroud is back throwing at Texans Mini Camp and ITL is all over it. From DeMeco Ryans' updates to AFC South storylines and Sean Pendergast's on-the-ground insight, we've got your training camp fix. Plus, what fixes do the Astros need before the trade deadline? Is the Rockets GM cooking up a big trade? And could Giannis be off the table? Figgy's Mixtape rounds it all out with a 610 Day throwback, a salute to Sly Stone, and confessions tied to one of the most iconic catches in baseball history. QOTD: What's your all-time favorite Sports Radio 610 moment?
#QuestionOfTheDay: Are you on board with challenges in College Basketball?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
QOTD: What is a, “what might have been” that haunts you? Teams or individuals.
Nick Chubb is expected to sign with the Houston Texans — how are you feeling about the move? ITL reacts to the news and breaks down the pros, cons, and concerns around Chubb joining the backfield. Do the potential rewards outweigh the risks? Plus, today's QOTD: What's a “what might have been” — team or player — that still haunts you as a fan? From near-misses to dream pairings that never happened, ITL opens up the vault.
Nick Chubb is Houston-bound — but does the move bring more hype or concern? ITL breaks down what Chubb means for the Texans' offense and what to expect next. Plus, QOTD: what's the biggest “what might have been” in sports that still haunts you? Also: Dana Brown's quiet redemption, CJ Gardner-Johnson speaks, and a fresh Figgy's Mixtape featuring line-dancing debates and a new round of BPS vs WPS vs HPS.
QOTD: Have you ever become a fan of a player or players based on nothing to do with what they do on the field or court?