x

75% of people globally want unbiased news (Pew Research) but are concerned they're not getting that.

Get balanced coverage with Symby. See how stories are covered across diverse outlets and spot when one side covers a story the other skips.

PODCAST

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

An overweight, 61-year-old retiree, with zero hiking experience, decided to hike the entire 2,185.3 mile length of the Appalachian Trail in 2014. What could possibly go wrong? As his brother, Mike, commented, "It"s a bit like taking up boxing and fighting Mike Tyson in your first bout." Join Steve and his guests as they discuss all aspects of the trail, from gear to Lyme Disease, then back to trail magic and injury.

sports wilderness

All Episodes

01:26:47

Episode #284 - Josh, Cassie & Harvey Sutton (Hot...

Mighty Blue On The Appalachian Trail: The Ultimate... ·

2021/08/19

Another stellar story for you all this week. Josh and Cassie Sutton started a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail back in the middle of January 2021. Apart from the early start, that wouldn't have been especially noteworthy–other than that they hiked with their four-year-old son, Harvey, or Little Man! What happened over the next seven months is a story of determination, patience, games, and a little bit of arm-twisting to get permission for Harvey to climb Katahdin–which he did last Monday, August

en

39:02

Episode #283 - Jesse Cody (The Boston Mule)

Mighty Blue On The Appalachian Trail: The Ultimate... ·

2021/08/12

Jesse Cody had never hiked until he read Bill Bryson's book, "A Walk in the Woods." Something within the book spoke to him, and he saw a thru-hike as a way forward from some of his mental health issues. The result was a revelation, and Jesse devoted his days to helping others with some of the same issues. We spoke last week with Randi Silverman of the Youth Mental Health Project and Jesse is supporting that charity by raising money on the PCT. Jesse's website, https://hikethegoodhike.com/, brings

en

37:40

Episode #282 - Randi Silverman (Founder of the Youth...

Mighty Blue On The Appalachian Trail: The Ultimate... ·

2021/08/05

This week's guest is Randi Silverman, the founder of the youth Mental Health Project. I think I can do no better than to replicate the notes that Randi sent me when I asked her about the information and Jesse Cody's hike. The Youth Mental Health Project The Youth Mental Health Project is a nonprofit 501(C)(3) organization that seeks to educate, empower, and support families and communities to better understand and care for the mental health of our youth. We believe that: • Mental health lies on a

en

38:00

Episode #281 - Richie Holbrook (Walks With Donor)

Mighty Blue On The Appalachian Trail: The Ultimate... ·

2021/07/29

About ten years ago, you would never have guessed that Richie Holbrook would be taking on the Appalachian Trail. He was in a wheelchair, on oxygen, and with a hopeless pair of lungs. A transplant turned out to be his life-saver. This year, he was able to get on the trail and begin his journey to Katahdin. His remarkable story is a testimony to not only grit and determination, but also the unwitting gesture of an anonymous person who chose to be an organ donor. Richie's journey is a legacy for that

en

51:53

Episode #280 - Vince and Monica Strawbridge...

Mighty Blue On The Appalachian Trail: The Ultimate... ·

2021/07/22

Today is the first of four shorter shows, with just one main interview and a few words of commentary from me. With a bit of luck, I'll be out on the John Muir Trail as you're listening to me and my guests. Our guests today are Vince and Monica Strawbridge who, along with their four children and a friend, have recently completed the Appalachian Trail. For the Strawbridges, it was the culmination of their family Triple Crown. This remarkable feat was achieved over a few years as the family responded

en

01:03:51

Episode #279 - Gretchen Pardon (Braids)

Mighty Blue On The Appalachian Trail: The Ultimate... ·

2021/07/15

We return to the world of YouTube this week, with another interview of a woman who successfully thru-hiked the trail and recorded her experiences along the way. Gretchen Pardon shared her joys, and her sorrows. So, when we spoke, I always knew we'd get to talk about her depression and anxiety. Her sunny disposition masks an inner strength and occasional anxiety that she faces. It was important to Gretchen that she was able to share this part of herself. If you'd like to connect with Braids or see

en

01:01:15

Episode #278 - Jessica Mills (Dixie) and MarDe Brooks

Mighty Blue On The Appalachian Trail: The Ultimate... ·

2021/07/08

This week, let's welcome a newly minted thru-hiking couple to the show. Jessica Mills (Dixie) and her partner, MarDe Brooks, recently completed the Florida Trail, wading through swamps, bugs, gators and hot weather along the way. Jessica has been on the show before, but I was particularly interested in the dynamic between the two of them as they faced the test of a thru-hike. With the hike now in their rearview mirror, Jessica decided to repay MarDe's gesture of hiking with her by joining him

en

01:02:03

Episode #277 - Michael Sisemore (Sy)

Mighty Blue On The Appalachian Trail: The Ultimate... ·

2021/07/01

This week, our guest is Michael Sisemore, better known as Sy. As many people do, Michael hiked the Appalachian Trail when he was at a real crossroads in his life. He had no idea what he'd be doing after the trail but allowed himself the luxury of being open to all possibilities. The transformation that came his way was seismic, with the effects reverberating down the years nearly a quarter of a century later. Michael found a life that worked for him, and has now written a book that talks of those

en

51:28

Episode #276 - Steve Nota (Dingo)

Mighty Blue On The Appalachian Trail: The Ultimate... ·

2021/06/24

This week on the show, we go back to the 'normal" format, with me, Mighty Blue, at the microphone. Ryan is passing back the show having successfully steered it for the past three months. I am eternally grateful for the effort Ryan put into the show and hope to have him back behind the mic from time to time. Today's guest is Steve Nota, a Bostonian relocated to Australia. Steve shares his story about hiking as a youngster, then moving to Australia and hiking "tracks" out there. He will attempt to

en

59:47

Episode #275 - Lisa Speas (Conundrum)

Mighty Blue On The Appalachian Trail: The Ultimate... ·

2021/06/17

Lisa Speas or "Conundrum" has been long-distance backpacking for many years traversing a variety of trails, the longest of which being the Appalachian Trail. Her AT journey was anything but typical and even included flatlining in the emergency room. Lisa and Ryan discuss her journey on the Mountains-to-Sea Trail, the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal Towpath, and the Great Allegheny Passage. She also shares her experience and advice for women hikers over 50 and how her backpacking style has evolved over the

en

01:25:01

Episode #274 - Kera Passante and Bill Welch (Sunny...

Mighty Blue On The Appalachian Trail: The Ultimate... ·

2021/06/10

We've got a couple of overachievers on the show today. Kera and Bill decided that an Appalachian Trail thru-hike wasn't sufficient to scratch their adventure itch, so they went straight from their 2200-mile walk to a 5000-mile bike trip, crossing the country from Bar Harbor to San Diego–taking a fairly circuitous route, it must be said! The two of them had such a blast on the trail–and this was in 2020, Covid Year–that they regarded their journey as not a case of stepping away from their previous

en

44:44

Episode #273 - M.J. Eberhart (Nimblewill Nomad)

Mighty Blue On The Appalachian Trail: The Ultimate... ·

2021/06/03

On a beautiful day in the Grayson Highlands, Ryan hikes and sits down with Nimblewill Nomad for a follow-up interview from the last time they spoke on the trail. Nimblewill is over 900 total miles in since leaving Flagg Mountain, Alabama, earlier this year. He is attempting to set a record by thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail at 83 years old. His hike this season has drawn the attention of many in the trail community and all are rooting for his success. Hike on Nimblewill!

en

01:09:59

Episode #272 - Jamey Mossengren (Big Red)

Mighty Blue On The Appalachian Trail: The Ultimate... ·

2021/05/27

While you listen to this, our guest today, Jamey Mossengren, is out on the Pacific Crest Trail with his buddies, The Minnesota Hikings. Jamey and I talk about his 2019 thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail and his remarkable mode of transport on the Colorado Trail, amongst others. Despite our laughs, I was struck how Jamey and his mates were enjoying the trail and taking their time. This is probably why a bunch of younger guys didn't catch and pass this older guy in 2019! He has some wonderful

en

56:25

Episode #271 - Steve Adams (Mighty Blue) at Trail Days

Mighty Blue On The Appalachian Trail: The Ultimate... ·

2021/05/20

It was Trail Days in Damascus this past weekend, and Ryan took to opportunity to chat with Steve about the event itself, his books, and his upcoming plans for the JMT. With Steve on his mini-sabbatical, Ryan is choosing the topics he wants to cover on the show and decided that putting a bit of a spotlight on Steve's books would open them to a new audience. If you'd like to see more about the books and to buy them, you can check them out at https://steveadamsauthor.com/ Remember, you can get a free

en

40:00

Episode #270 - Jim Harrison

Mighty Blue On The Appalachian Trail: The Ultimate... ·

2021/05/13

Jim Harrison serves as the Director of Outdoor Programs at Emory and Henry College, where he created and oversees the Semester-A-Trail program. The only one of its kind in the country, this program allows students to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail while enrolled in courses tailored to their experience. Jim was shaped by his 1997 southbound AT thru-hike and now mentors students as they pursue their own long-distance backpacking dreams. He resides in Damascus, Virginia with his family and is also an

en

01:03:31

Episode #269 - Will Campbell (Guano Man) on Trail...

Mighty Blue On The Appalachian Trail: The Ultimate... ·

2021/05/06

Will Campbell "Guano Man" joins the show this week as the first "subject matter expert" to discuss electronics and technology on the trail. With his electrical engineering background, we discuss batteries, cell phone systems, and chargers, all while considering the unique needs and challenges of the trail. Guthook Articles: https://atlasguides.com/blog/tech-on-trail-archive/ Questions for Ryan or Will? Email ryanh620@gmail.com Ryan referred to a coverage app. You can check that out here

en

51:16

Episode #268 - Lisa and Gordon Simmons (The Hostel...

Mighty Blue On The Appalachian Trail: The Ultimate... ·

2021/04/29

Lisa and Gordon Simmons are the proud owners of Hostel Around the Bend in Hiawassee, Georgia. The hostel is just half a mile from Dick's Creek Gap (AT Mile 69.2) and this is their first season fully open. We discuss the experience of running a hostel, how the year has gone for them, and even share some advice for hikers. If you'd like to stay at Hostel Around the Bend or get in touch with them, their information is below: https://www.hostelaroundthebend.com/ 7675 Hwy 76 E Hiawassee, GA 30546

en

01:18:10

Episode #267 - Sarah Jane Hatfield (Pringles)

Mighty Blue On The Appalachian Trail: The Ultimate... ·

2021/04/22

For my show this month, I've returned to the Class of 2019 and a woman I met quite early on. Sarah Jane Hatfield was an outwardly confident hiker, with a YouTube channel and blog for a local newspaper, chronicling her way north. However, that wasn't at all how she felt in those early days. Her fascinating story is punctuated with a birth (her daughter's, not hers), a traumatic injury, a romance, and ultimate satisfaction on top of Katahdin. Sarah emerges from her experience even stronger than the

en

01:00:23

Episode #266 - NC Trail Interviews (Nimblewill Nomad...

Mighty Blue On The Appalachian Trail: The Ultimate... ·

2021/04/15

The show this week features interviews from four hikers who Ryan was able to meet with at Rock Gap in North Carolina, mile 105.8 on the Appalachian Trail. All four interviews offer different perspectives, and each has a unique story to share about their hike. This is Gandalf. By complete luck, he crossed paths with Nimblewill Nomad, and got to chat with a real legend in the long-distance hiking world. Nimblewill started his AT hike in Flagg Moutain, Alabama and has already completed the Pinhoti

en

01:05:38

Episode #265 - Zach Hoopes (Relish)

Mighty Blue On The Appalachian Trail: The Ultimate... ·

2021/04/08

Originally from Virginia, Zach Hoops has gone all-in with long-distance and ultralight backpacking. After discovering his love for hiking and honing his craft on sections of the AT, he went on to complete the Pacific Crest Trail Southbound in just over one hundred days. In addition to this major accomplishment, he has traversed several other lesser-known trails spanning from Arkansas to the Sierra High Route. He has compiled all of his own research into some very useful trail guides that can be

en

505 results

Similar Podcasts

Keeping Karlsson Fantasy Hockey Podcast

Elan Dubrofsky and Brian Kom

Daily Fantasy Sports by Ship It Nation

Ship It Nation

Fantasy Football Today

CBS Sports, Fantasy Football, FFT, NFL,...

Bring The Pain

Heat00veride

ESPN SportsCenter Update

ESPN