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In this episode of Hikes & Mics, we’re joined by Betsy, a travel nurse and avid explorer whose journey has taken her from the beaches of Florida to the rugged peaks of California and beyond. Betsy shares how she found solace in the outdoors during the challenges of the pandemic and how hiking became her form of therapy.

We dive into some of her bucket-list adventures, including climbing Half Dome in Yosemite, hiking The Wave in Arizona, and spotting wildlife in Grand Teton National Park. She also gives us a glimpse into van life, her love for winter hiking, and her goal to explore more international trails in 2025 and also getting into backpacking.

If you love inspiring travel stories, national park adventures, and hearing about life on the road, this episode is for you!

Episode Links:
Betsy on Instagram

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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.

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In this episode of Hikes & Mics, we’re joined by Charles Graves, a dedicated high-pointer and global adventurer currently based in Japan. From climbing his first peak in Southern California as a kid to summiting Mount Fuji and tackling the Crown of Europe challenge, Charles shares his passion for exploring the world’s highest points—one summit at a time.

We dive into his experiences hiking across Montana’s rugged backcountry, surviving an intense failed attempt at Granite Peak, and completing the 52 Hike Challenge in some of the toughest conditions. He also shares insights into Japan’s hiking scene, from its well-marked trails to the breathtaking waterfalls of Okinawa. Plus, Charles breaks down his Asian Peak Trilogy goal and his next big adventure in Vietnam!

If you love international trekking, high-pointing, or just a good adventure story, this episode is for you!

Episode Links:
Charles' Personal Instagram
Charles' Hiking Instagram

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This special Valentine’s Week episode of Hikes & Mics features an incredible love story that unfolded step by step on the Pacific Crest Trail. We’re joined by returning guest Chickpea and her partner Artifact as they share their individual journeys to the PCT, their very different approaches to preparing for a thru-hike, and how a chance encounter at mile 300 led to something neither of them expected—falling in love on trail.

From hiking through the snow-covered Sierras together to surviving on the PCT diet, Chickpea and Artifact take us through the highs, lows, and unexpected twists of their PCT adventure. We also dive into life after trail, their experiences as full-time digital nomads, and their next big adventures—including a possible trek on the Camino de Santiago!

Tune in for a heartwarming, hilarious, and inspiring conversation about love, adventure, and the power of taking risks—both in the wilderness and in life.

Episode Links:
My Free 7-Day Mindset Challenge for Thru-Hiking
Chickpea's Instagram
Artifact's Instagram
Chickpea's YouTube
May Yoga Retreat in Spain!

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We Explore Earth
Hiking on Purpose

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In this episode we're joined by Laura Clark, also known as Wild Wanderer—a mountaineer, author, and solo adventurer who has summited over 600 peaks above 13,000 feet! Laura shares her journey from hiking in SoCal to conquering Colorado’s toughest 13ers and 14ers, the lessons she’s learned along the way, and her passion for inspiring more people—especially solo hikers—to embrace the mountains.

We also dive into her craziest trail encounters, from marmots stowing away in her truck to surviving unexpected snowstorms. Plus, she reveals insights from her book Wild Wanderer: Soloing Colorado’s 200 Highest Peaks and her mission to help hikers stay safe through her trip reports and wilderness first aid training.

If you’ve ever considered hiking solo, tackling a major peak, or just love a good adventure story, this episode is for you!

Episode Links:
Laura on Instagram
Laura's Website
Buy her book - Wild Wanderer: Soloing Colorado’s 200 Highest Peaks

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We Explore Earth
Hiking on Purpose

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In this episode we're joined by Jesús Mendoza, the passionate founder of Nosotros En Naturaleza, a hiking club based in South Puget Sound. We dive into the origins of the club, their mission to break down barriers for BIPOC youth in the outdoors, and the unforgettable adventures they embarked on in 2024—including a spooky night hike on the infamous Iron Goat Trail! From food and culture to overcoming logistical challenges, Jesús offers valuable insights into making hiking more accessible for everyone. Whether you're an experienced hiker or just getting started, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical tips.

Episode Links:
Nosotros En Naturaleza on Instagram
Nosotros En Naturaleza on TikTok
Donate to Nosotros En Naturaleza
Iron Goat Trail History

Follow us on Instagram, @Hikesandmics

This episode's music was created by Ketsa, follow him on Instagram @Ketsamusic

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We Explore Earth
Hiking on Purpose

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In this solo episode, I reflect on the two-year journey since my last solo recording, sharing personal hiking adventures, community milestones, and lessons learned. I recount my hiking beginnings, memorable trails, and transformative experiences in Washington, Arizona, Hawaii, and beyond.

I dive into the growth of the Hikes & Mics community, including the evolution of the podcast’s format, the addition of virtual guests, and finding guests outside of Instagram. I share stories of connection, personal challenges on the trail, and unexpected moments like berry-picking mishaps and encounters with PCT hikers.

Episode Links:
Bold Journey Article

Follow us on Instagram, @Hikesandmics

This episode's music was created by Ketsa, follow him on Instagram @Ketsamusic

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Support these amazing Los Angeles based hiking groups/non-profits and their efforts:
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In our Season 8 Finale we have an amazing guest who shares her incredible journey that led her to hike the Pacific Crest Trail in 2023. Her name is Chloe also known as Chickpea when on the trails and you can follow her on Instagram, @_itsmechickpea

We talk to Chickpea about growing up on the Eastern Coast of Canada, living in Europe, and her inspirational journey that led her to complete the PCT in 2023. She shares some memorable experiences in the desert sections, trekking through the snow covered Sierras, and ultimately making it all the way back home to Canada and reaching the Northern Terminus. If you ever dreamed of hiking the PCT or getting into thru-hiking, this episode is for you.

Episode Links:
Chickpea's Website
Chickpea's YouTube Channel
Book Recommendation - Pacific Crest Trials by Zach Davis & Carly Moree

Follow us on Instagram, @Hikesandmics

This episode's music was created by Ketsa, follow him on Instagram @Ketsamusic

Support those impacted by the Los Angeles Wildfires.

Support these amazing Los Angeles based hiking groups/non-profits and their efforts:
We Explore Earth
Hiking on Purpose

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In this week's episode we have the amazing host of the Virginia Outdoor Adventures Podcast, her name is Jessica Bowser and you can follow her on Instagram, @virginia_outdoor_adventures

We talk to Jessica about some of their favorite hiking destinations in and around Virginia, including some coastal hiking and camping destinations. We also learn about the other amazing outdoor opportunities Virginia has to offer and Jessica not only shares the origin story behind her podcast but listeners can expect from Season 5.

Episode Links:
Virginia Outdoor Adventures Podcast on Facebook
VAOA Linktree
Hurricane Helene in Southwest Virginia Special Edition Episode

Follow us on Instagram, @Hikesandmics

This episode's music was created by Ketsa, follow him on Instagram @Ketsamusic

Support those impacted by the Los Angeles Wildfires.

Support these amazing Los Angeles based hiking groups/non-profits and their efforts:
We Explore Earth
Hiking on Purpose