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

Our guest this week is the host of the popular YouTube channel, Kyle Hates Hiking. Kyle O’Grady did his AT thru-hike in 2018, then started his channel a year later. He’s funny, irreverent, and wryly observant. I even tried out something new in our interview. I hope you like it. You can follow Kyle on several platforms. Of course, there’s his YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@KyleHatesHiking, but you can also follow him on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/kylehateshiking/ and hear his podcast, Trail Tales - Thru Hiking and Backpacking on Apple at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/trail-tales-thru-hiking-backpacking-and-peak-bagging/id1441376382 and on Spotify at https://open.spotify.com/show/5LsMWoNa5qPw1jQvqhwE5B?si=ba6c5e7d3fc84611 While everything on his YouTube channel is hiking and backpacking related, Kyle has branched out into mysteries on the trail. These are well-researched and very entertaining. Joanne is nearing the end of her thru-hike. In fact, she plans to summit Springer t

Aron Goss did his thru-hike this year. It was about as perfect as a hike could be, with his family supporting him every step of the way, and climbing Katahdin with him at the end. On the way, he engaged with his fellow hikers, gaining an appreciation of the community and enjoying his interactions with younger hikers he met. You can follow his progress on his YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-Zm4PKcsysvdb2l-nWWIrA and on his Instagram page at https://www.instagram.com/agoss23and3/ At the end of his trip, much like his all or nothing approach to his hike, Aron got a tattoo. Check it out below. Now THAT’S what I call an AT tattoo. Joanne is now under 200 miles to go, while Jessica stayed with Betty and Bruce McEnaney this week. Betty was also in the MB Class of 23 this year. Here they are together. That always warms my heart. If you'd like to find out more about "Then The Hail Came," check out George's website at https://georgesteffanos.webador.com/. You can also find George's book on Ama

We have Ed Riggs on the show today. Ed hiked the AT in 2013 and had to face some severe health issues on the way. In fact, he had to leave the trail and come back the following year to get it completed. He also faced the dilemma many of us encounter while we’re out there; keeping the family comfortable with what we’re doing, without scaring the living daylights out of them! Ed is inspirational and worth checking out on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOicX70mHbdQbG5pGqqkepw Unfortunately, due to a complete shambles on my part, I lost this week’s recording with Joanne Flagg, but we do hear from Jessica Lang-Wright, who is heading south after her triumph on Katahdin last week. If you'd like to find out more about "Then The Hail Came," check out George's website at https://georgesteffanos.webador.com/. You can also find George's book on Amazon at this link. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09QFG4ZR6. I often ask listeners for ideas on who to interview, and I’m sure several of you say, “I could do that.

We have a returning guest this week. Chris Casado was the guy who was able to help me overcome the difficulties I was having with altitude out West, by getting me, in a guided hike, to the top of Mt Whitney. It remains one of my proudest moments. I wanted to catch up with Chris to get his perspective of our hike and the many others he’s involved with. He’s an interesting character who gives a lot of himself in the service of others. You can find out more about TSX and the other hikes at their website, at https://tsxchallenge.com/ Also, you can follow them on Facebook at https://m.facebook.com/tsxchallenge and on Instagram at https://instagram.com/tsx.challenge With just two members of our Mighty BLue Class of 2023 still out there, we hear from Jessica at the summit of Mt Katahdin and Joanne from Erwin, TN. Check out Jessica’s summit picture below. If you'd like to find out more about "Then The Hail Came," check out George's website at https://georgesteffanos.webador.com/. You can also find George's book o

Drexel Swanson, or Prepper, is our guest today. Drexel was a member of the Class of 23, and his story is an epic tale of resilience and a refusal to take no for an answer. What happened to him was, at times, truly stressful–even life endangering–yet he pushed on through with a grim determination. I’ve seen pictures of the damage to his foot that he talks about in the show and, trust me with this, it isn’t something you really want to see over your breakfast. But Drexel has a YouTube channel where–I must warn you here, his injury is on full display. Not for the squeamish! You can find the YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@drexelhikes52 , but don’t say I didn’t warn you!! Joanne and Jessica call in on their respective journeys this week, with Joanne into her last three states heading south, while Jessica pushes towards Katahdin. If you'd like to find out more about "Then The Hail Came," check out George's website at https://georgesteffanos.webador.com/. You can also find George's book on Amazon at

We have a newly minted Appalachian Trail thru-hiker as our main guest on the show today. Laura Howe, or Moonpants, took on the trail with gusto. Near the end, she had a terrifying river crossing that eventually necessitated an SOS call. She made it, but had an up-close look at how things can go quickly wrong. Her can-do attitude shines through our conversation and, despite her untimely premature exit, she was able to get back on and finish the hike. You can follow Laura through Instagram at https://instagram.com/moonpants.hikes Both Jessica and Joanne continue heading in opposite directions, with Jessica approaching Monson and the 100 Mile Wilderness while Joanne is about to meet some ponies in the Grayson Highlands. We also introduce you to our latest podcast on the channel, The Platinum Blazing Podcast, with Bruce (RTK) Matson as the host. This show is scheduled to hit next Wednesday, October 4, though Apple may have something to say about that! Rest assured, I’ll be posting on our HikingRadioNetwork Fac

Lee Lovelace and I met at Trail Days this year in the author’s tent. My books are about my AT thru-hike, while Lee’s book, Sawyer’s Run, is a novel about the AT. We both share an abiding passion for the trail and I wanted Lee to come on the show to tell his story of resilience. Much of his novel is based upon real events, while plenty is made up; you decide what to believe!! Most importantly, when we spoke, he was healthy again. you can check out a few links form Lee, including his author website at http://www.leelovelace.com , his Amazon Author page at http://www.amazon.com/stores/Lee-Lovelace/author/B08W6Z1YVS , as well as a blog post of his first attempt at a two week hike on the AT at https://www.justasmallcog.com/2017/10/14/not-the-hiking-story-i-thought-i-would-be-telling/ , and another post (with video) of his successful hike on the Virginia Triple Crown at https://www.justasmallcog.com/2021/06/22/virginia-triple-crown/ Mary, having been kicking her heels in Bangor for about five days, had her Ka

Suzanne Roberts is our guest today. She shares a thoughtful, female perspective on long-distance hiking, using her 1993 JMT hike as a backdrop. The concept of a different experience from men to women had never occurred to me, but I was intrigued to hear her story. She is releasing an Anniversary edition of her book about her JMT hike, and you can find it in the links she sent me below. Almost Somewhere https://www.amazon.com/Almost-Somewhere-Twenty-Eight-Trail-Outdoor-ebook/dp/B0BYHDJQZB?ref_=ast_author_dp Animal Bodies https://www.amazon.com/Animal-Bodies-Death-Desire-Difficulties/dp/1496231023/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&&qid=&&sr= Bad Tourist https://www.amazon.com/Bad-Tourist-Misadventures-Love-Travel/dp/B09MR51ZCJ/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3BW358QN3V3IT&keywords=amazon+bad+tourist&qid=1694646839&s=books&sprefix=amazon+bad+tourist%2Cstripbooks%2C115&sr=1-1 My Writing Prompts substack newsletter I mentioned. 52 Writing Prompts | Suzanne Roberts | Substack My website: 

In our last episode before the 9/11 Anniversary, Earl “Chico” Porter shares his inspirational story, and mission, to help veterans contemplating suicide. Part of this was to take on a winter SOBO hike of the Appalachian Trail, starting on the 20th Anniversary in 2021. You’ll hear how Earl fared, as well as his deeper message, which will resonate with most of us. Earl has supplied me with several links, including his Blog: https://blogs.loc.gov/folklife/2023/06/one-way-to-mitigate-the-risk-of-post-traumatic-stress/ He was also on the Hazardground Podcast and others at: Hazardground Podcast Ep. 292 - Earl Porter (U.S. Army / Something Outta Nothing) - Youtube Veteran Trash Talk - Trash Talk Hour Episode 93 A Conversation With Greg C. Washington and Lou Koon Finally, a couple of articles about Earl and his mission: Law student parlays difficult beginnings into success in Army and academics (emory.edu) Alumnus shines light on veteran suicide (ung.edu) Our Class of 2023 is coming to a conclusion for two of o

Steve Cole joins us on the show today. He was a guest on the podcast about two years ago, telling us about his first big hike; Le Tour du Mont Blanc. Since then, he’s hardly stopped hiking. Today, we talk about his Appalachian Trail thru-hike in 2021, as well as some of his other adventures. Steve shared his Facebook details, where he posted most of his thru-hike pictures. You can find it at https://www.facebook.com/stephen.cole.3388 And for those of you who consistently fail to score the JMT Golden Ticket, Steve has a workaround that may help you with that. You should also check the shoe he set fire to (below)!! All four of our remaining Mighty Blue Class of 2023 join me on the show today. You can hear the excitement building in two of them–Mary and Mark–as they are now into Maine and just a few weeks out from Katahdin, while the other two–Jessica and Joanne–are just as determined and working on their flips. If you'd like to find out more about "Then The Hail Came," check out George's website at https://g

This week, we hear from one of the leaders of the Summit Project and the mother from a Gold Star Family about what the project means to them. This remarkable effort honors the fallen from Maine in an outdoor setting that is truly inspirational. If you’d like to learn more about the project, and maybe even sign up for one of their events, check out the links below. https://thesummitproject.org https://thesummitproject.org/heroes-hundred-welcome/ https://thesummitproject.org/tsp-at-anp/ https://thesummitproject.org/home/support/ In our discussion, Betsy Hutchins talks about her stepson, Corporal Andrew Hutchins and kindly sent me a picture of both Andrew and his stone. Once you’ve listened to the story, you’ll understand more the impact that this project can, and has, had. We also hear from three of our four remaining members of the Mighty Blue Class of 2023, with Mark and Mary within a day of each other and now into Maine, while Joanne is in the Shennies heading south. If you'd like to find out more about

Kathie Brennan is our guest today. She is President of the Ozark Trail Association, putting in hours of trail maintenance not only on her beloved trail, but also on the Appalachian Trail. She provides us with a sharp insight into trail work, with modern practices and even talks about leaf blowing for instant gratification! Find out more about the Ozark Trail at their website http://ozarktrail.com There’s also a useful trip planner at https://www.ozarktrail.com/planner/ Two of our Class of 23 ladies join us today, with Joanne Flagg, fresh from her group hike in Iceland, now heading back to Harpers Ferry and the Southern Appalachians. Also, Jessica Lang-Wright has flipped north and recently–like Mary Marks and Mark Carpenter just last week–has climbed Moosilauke. I added Mary’s picture last week. Here are Jessica’s and Mark’s.   If you'd like to find out more about "Then The Hail Came," check out George's website at https://georgesteffanos.webador.com/ . You can also find George's book on Amazon at this lin

Steve Vilsack joins us on the show today. He refuses to see limitations that would prevent many others from even attempting the Appalachian Trail. He is legally blind, he fell too many times to count, and he got to the end by sheer strength of character. His story is an affirmation of the human spirit that will inspire many of us to not look at what we can’t do, rather what we can do. You can follow Steve on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092445351138 and https://www.facebook.com/WyeKnotRetreat Check out the home he renovated and the little house he hopes to welcome hikers to. Mark Carpenter and Mary Marks are just a day or two apart, with Mary having hiked over Moosilauke and Mark about to do so. Here’s Mary at the top. Watch out for Mark next week at the same spot. Justin Mullins (and his parrot) joined us between Mark and Mary today to talk about his local trail, The Allegheny Trail. You can learn more by clicking on any of the links below.     Allegheny Trail website https://

One of our listeners introduced me to Adrienne Washney, who thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail in 2022. She incorporated her shakedown hikes into the thru-hike, by taking the first few weeks in weekend hikes and gradually adjusting or refining her set up. When she was ready to go it alone, she’d sorted out the kinks. Adrienne had quite the adventure, even leaving the trail with about 80 miles to go to Katahdin to attend her son’s wedding; she even had a momentary pause over that! Always thoughtful and often reflective in her answers, Adrienne was a joy to talk with. You can follow her adventures on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/adrienne.washney, and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/tryingthehardhike_at2022/ We check in with five of our Class of 2023 members today; Joanne Flagg, Mary Marks, Ron Ward, Jessica Lang-Wright, and Bryan Robbins. Joanne got to Katahdin and met a moose one morning. Check it out. https://www.facebook.com/joanne.flagg.79/videos/298348022714840/ If you'd like to find ou

Some of the most recognizable hikers from the Class of 2019, The Wander Women, join us today. At least, two of them do. Kristy Burns and Annette Dumbell are two women in search of adventure, using their retirement time to travel, hike, bike, and canoe. They share their stories with Steve as they reminisce their adventurous life. These are two women who are clear-eyed and intentional about choosing how to spend their time. You can join in their adventures by following them on social media. On Facebook, they’re at https://www.facebook.com/RVsters. They can be found on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/wanderwomen_kristy_annette/, while their YouTube channel is at https://www.youtube.com/@wanderwomenkristyannette5021. I highly recommend you check out their Katahdin Day video. Our Class of 2023 tell us about their varying fortunes, with Steve Nota having his Katahdin moment, as well as the accompanying emotions. Check it out. If you'd like to find out more about "Then The Hail Came," check out George's

Our guest today, Dan Nobles, was a Colonel in the Army, working out of the Pentagon, when he quit and went to Seminary School. I think I’ve rarely heard of such a drastic change of scenery. Vowing never to hike again after he left the military, his brother coaxed him back into it and he found the solace on the trail that he needed. Dan has some fascinating takes on many topics in this interview and, as the Wandering Monk, he has an informative YouTube channel that visits lesser-known trails. You can find his channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCD5jYEV7mSM2AV5VdQ1gLSQ We catch up with two of our Mighty BLue Class of 2023 today. Mark Carpenter and Mary Miles are two of our surviving members. This week, Mark shares his stories about the sapping heat and dreadful weather in New England, while Mary reflects upon the loss of her hiking companion. Our last two interviews today are with John Dupras and Kim Mondonedo. John is a friend and fellow member from the AT Class of 2019, and he is taking part in an

On today’s show, we have Nancy East, a retired veterinarian who is also an avid and accomplished hiker. Nancy is the perfect person to talk about dogs on the trail from a vet’s perspective. As somebody who know’s literally zero on the subject, I turned to my good buddy, ChaptGPT, to help me out with my questions that seemed to cover the subject pretty well. You can find more about Nancy’s rich hiking life and hiking achievements by visiting her website at https://www.hopeandfeathertravels.com/ We also catch up with two of our still-running Mighty Blue class of 2023 team. Steve Nota and Joanne Flagg have been bang in the middle of the horrendous weather the New England states have been experiencing this week. I also added a short piece about my son, Rob, pictured below. If you'd like to find out more about "Then The Hail Came," check out George's website at https://georgesteffanos.webador.com/ . You can also find George's book on Amazon at this link. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09QFG4ZR6 I often ask listene

Today, we hear from a man who really loves the AT. Kevin Kinne and I have been communicating since 2017, and he maintains part of the AT near Great Barrington. He also provides trail magic for hikers, forming firm friendships along the way. One such meeting resulted in a thru-hike of the JMT with the Suttons and their son, Harvey. You can follow along with their journey at Kevin’s YouTube channel, https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTX1tw8B4M1VYKsfJnEH8GA If you’re inspired to volunteer for the trail, you can reach out to Kevin’s club, The Western Massachusetts Chapter of the Appalachian Mountain Club at https://www.amc-wma.org/at If you’d like to find a club in your region, try this link to all the ATc clubs providing volunteer opportunities. https://appalachiantrail.org/get-involved/volunteer/clubs-partners/ We also hear from just two of our Class of 23 members, Jessica Lang-Wright and Dale Shotkoski. For one of them, it’s the end of their adventure for this year. If you'd like to find out more about "Then

We’re back to our usual format this week, with our main guest, three catch up interviews with our Mighty Blue Class of 2023 and the next chapter of George Steffanos’s “Then the Hail Came.” I met Samantha Sharkey at Trail Days this year and invited her to come on the show. She shares a deeply personal story and truly had a life-altering hike. That is an often hyperbolic statement, though not in Samantha’s case. You can see more of Samantha’s hike on her Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/sa_sharkey/ Joanne Flagg has reached New Hampshire and tells Steve about her first 4000 footer, Moosilauke, while Ron Ward’s injury woes have continued. Ron is itching to get back out there, though the current outlook is uncertain at this point. ON the other hand, Mark Carpenter is heading home for a wedding, happy to be going so well, but with a hilarious encounter with a raccoon under his belt. If you'd like to find out more about "Then The Hail Came," check out George's website at https://georgesteffanos.webador.com/

This is an unusual show for us. Our guest, Jillian Hitt, who attempted a thru-hike in 2018, isn’t on the show, though three important people in her life are on to share her story. Centrally, we hear from Jillian’s mother throughout the show, with contributions from her best friend Jessica Berringer and one of her hiking partners, Thomas Steiner, or Scatter. This is all intended to celebrate Jillian’s life and the legacy and imprint on the lives of people she knew. As you can see from the picture below, Thomas eventually carried Jillian’s “bucket” to Katahdin and proudly showed it off. Jillian's mother, Dana, is the thread that runs through her daughter's story, and both Dana and her ex-husband were instrumental in instilling the love of the trail to their daughter.   If you'd like to find out more about "Then The Hail Came," check out George's website at https://georgesteffanos.webador.com/. You can also find George's book on Amazon at this link. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09QFG4ZR6. If you like what we'r